Bab 56: Hosting 2
Like a diligent kid, I sat listening to Diana as she explained the general rules that I needed to know about hosting. She went ahead in a jovial manner,
"You must always remember some basic things,
Smile and be polite.
Be polite but confident and positive.
Never show your emotions on your face.
Compliment the guest but never overdo it.
Never offend the guest.
The guest is the king. If the guest is rude and is being a jerk, apologize!
Always be focused on guest needs.
Answer guest queries promptly in precise words."
Diana finished as she counted the eight rules with her fingers.
"I understand. What if the customer is deliberately trying to give you a hard time?" I asked, rubbing my chin. I can't help but get the feeling that the Chairman is doing this to give me a hard time.
"Oh, it's nothing uncommon. All these white collars and elites are born with arrogance and temper. Say, for example, they ordered a sidecar, but, when it is brought, they would simply deny ordering it or may even say they ordered bloody mary or planter's punch. In such cases, you can't lose your temper and try to justify yourself. Instead, all you have to do is accept that you were wrong. Simply say, 'I apologize. I heard wrong. Please don't be angry, sir/ma'am. I'll immediately replace your order." Diana said in a light but firm tone.
"That's unfair!" I said, making a face, "Seems quite the job you guys have got."
"Hosting is essentially nothing but guest handling. It is welcoming the guest, taking their orders, serving their order, answering their queries, managing their complaints, etc. Most of these guests are extremely unreasonable and too proud, but we are trained to keep our calm and handle the situation as best as we can," she said, flashing a helpless smile.
"It's not an easy job," I said.
"Well, no job is easy," she said lightly, "Since you are a chef and not an expert in serving, you can always ask a server to help the guest. There will be two servers at the event. If you are facing any problem, you can call me."
"Thank you," I said
Diana tutored me on the basics of hosting for a few more minutes. She has a calm and confident aura that makes you feel at ease and comfortable. I can see why she would be an excellent host. After telling me the general rules of hosting, she asked me for the cocktail menu and started explaining all the items on the menu. I don't need the details for the food, but as for cocktails, it was beyond my field. Since there are three base spirits and four cocktails of each spirit, I had to learn their origin, preparation method, garnishing, and the base spirit and brands of alcohol used in all the twelve cocktails on the menu. I was already starting to have a headache when,
RING
With a sharp ringing noise, my phone erupted. Both of us jumped at the sudden ring. I took my cell phone to see it was Robbie. I looked at Diana apologetically, but she immediately said with an encouraging smile,
"No worries. Just take your time."
Smiling sheepishly, I picked up the call,
"Hey, what's up?"
Robbie replied in a soothing tone, "What're you doing?"
I was not sure how to answer his question. As it might as well give rise to several others so, I simply answered, "Just some work."
"Did I disturb you?" he asked quietly.
"No! It's fine. Was there anything you wanted to tell me?"
"Yeah, well, I am sorry about that day. I flew in rage. It was not my inte-"
"It's ok," I interrupted him. I was at fault too, so I didn't want to drag the topic.
"If you say so! I was wondering if we could meet tonight for dinner along with Twen," Robbie asked in a smooth convincing tone.
I was a little surprised by this question. Does he not know about the event tonight? In fact, I am not even sure when I'll reach home. I was planning on asking Sam and Jenny to take care of Twen tonight, and here, Robbie is asking me out for dinner?
"Robbie, I won't be free. Don't you know that we have an event tonight?" I asked him cautiously.
"Event? Which event? The event for Brodus is next week," Robbie sounded clueless.
I felt blank. Aren't the higher authorities supposed to be more aware of this matter, especially since Robbie is the one handling the resort? Could it be that the Chairman did not bother informing Robbie due to the issue they had? I hesitated,
"The Chairman ordered us to arrange for a cocktail party for hosting one of his special guests."
"DAD!? When did he give out the orders? Why am I not aware of it?" Robbie's voice went a pitch higher.
"Today afternoon, most probably! I am not sure myself. The order was given so suddenly, the entire kitchen, event management team, and the food and beverage department were in upheaval," I replied with the information at hand.
"Why am I not informed? What is dad planning?" Robbie whispered more to himself than to me.
"Robbie, don't be so hyper. It would be better if you talked to your dad. I have to get back to work," I said, seeing Diana waiting patiently.
"Shit! I have not met him in the last three days, and he just decided to pay a visit!!" He spoke with gritted teeth, "I have to attend an important meeting now, but I will try to get on a call with dad. Be careful, Tony. I am worried that dad might be trying to pull some trick. If possible, do not leave the kitchen at all. Thankfully you're not at the fore." Robbie said, sounding anxious.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry. Just focus on your work. Bye," I said, hanging up the call.
I can't tell Robbie about his dad's request. With his temper, he might end up throwing away his meeting and barging in on the party. I can't allow him to have any more disagreements with his dad because of me. I turned to see Diana looking at me pleasantly. I smiled back and walked to her to continue our lesson.
RESORT ELEGANCE POOLSIDE
The evening came faster than I thought. The Resort poolside was decorated beautifully. The sober twinkling lights, the flawless high table arrangements, the cocktail bar set up, the stage, the lighting, and even the music were on point. Normally, when an event is organized, the order is given out two weeks before the event and the event order circular is distributed two days ahead. Giving the entire team to get things prepared. But this order literally gave the entire team only a few hours to get everything done, and yet, the decoration and arrangements were on point.
I reached there with Diana two hours before the event. I was full of praise for the Event Management team to have handled such a difficult and hurried job with such precision and perfection. The team was still very busy checking if everything was running smoothly.
"Tony, I informed the event team to prepare a male host's uniform. You should hurry and change. Then, I will show you around to prepare you for welcoming the guests," Diana said.
I was starting to feel extremely nervous. This is totally not my forte. I was worried about messing up. I quietly went with Diana, trying to calm my increasingly anxious heart. She made me meet a lanky guy with a boyish face who gave me my uniform.
"He is one of the servers today. His name is Andrew. He will be helping you out with the serving today," Diana introduced, pointing at the guy who smiled at me, "And Andrew, this is Tony, our special guest's personal host tonight."
"Nice to meet you, Tony," the boy said, forwarding his hand to shake.
"Same here," I said, taking his hand.
"You can depend on me. Let's make this event a success," he said, smiling.
"I'll do my best," I said more confidently than I felt before going for changing my uniform.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone