HOTPLATE POINT

The hotplate is the contact point between the kitchen and the service staff. It is the point at which both areas must cooperate and communicate effectively so that the customer gets the quick and efficient service that he expects. Hot cupboards can be used for either food or plates. Units as a whole are usually made up of a hot cupboard with sliding doors, topped by a heated serving surface. The top may also house containers acting as dry or heated brain-maries. Dry heat keeps the food hot by electric elements or gas flame. The wet heat method provides heat via an open tank of water, which itself is heated by Gas-fired burners or by an electric immersion heater. Hot Cupboard the hot plate or hot cupboard needs to be stocked with all the china and crockery needed for service, e.g. soup plates, fishplates, consommé cups, platters, soup cups, tea cups and de mitasse.The Aboyeur is in charge, and controls the hotplate over the service period. As an aid to the food service staff the Aboyeur would control the ‘off board’ which tells the waiter immediately any dish is ‘off’. The Aboyeur who controls the hotplate over the service period will initially receive the food check from the waiter. He checks that its legible and that none of the dishes ordered are ‘off’ the menu.