How to Become a Fine Dining Bartender

So you've always wanted to become a bartender, or maybe you are a bartender who wants to find a different atmosphere to mix your drinks and tell your jokes. A fine dining atmosphere is an excellent place to be behind a bar. When compared to most other bartending jobs, a fine dining setting can offer you a lot more when it comes to personal satisfaction. There are a few tricks of the trade, however, that should be learned.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knowledge of wine
• Knowledge of general mixology
• A pen
• A wine corkscrew

Becoming a Fine Dining Bartender

1. Learn and memorize your recipes. There are 30 to 40 general recipes that a bartender should know before even stepping foot behind the bar. Still, many less-skilled bartenders will refer to a recipe book. While this is not considered unacceptable, people notice what type of knowledge you have, whether it is a manager or a guest at the bar.

2. Perfect your pours. Make sure that an ounce is really an ounce. Practice with a jigger that has several measurements on it. Once you can pour an ounce with your eyes closed, try with the other hand. This technique should be practiced by seasoned bartenders to speed up service and add less steps to making cocktails. You should be able to perfectly pour from a half ounce to 3 ounces with any type of pour spout.

3. Know your wines. You don't need to master this area, but in the fine dining arena, guests will ask you the difference between a cabernet and a zinfandel. You will be expected to know this. Just know three to four white wine varietals and four to five red wine varietals. It should take a few days.

4. Be a friend. Many people who enjoy the fine dining atmosphere actually prefer sitting at the bar. They will sometimes look to you for conversation. Don't be cold. If you have a couple of minutes to talk to your guests, not only could this warrant a repeat visit, but also could mean an extra couple of dollars in your pocket. If you can, know the score of the game, where the nearest hotel is and (if your kitchen is closed) where to get a quick bite to eat late at night.

5. Always be cleaning. Known in the restaurant business as "ABC" (always be cleaning, always be closing), you always want to be cleaning up after yourself and preparing for the end of service. No one likes to work with a messy bartender. Always polish your wine glasses before placing them back on the rack, wash out shaker tins and jiggers promptly, and if you spill something be sure to wipe it up.

Tips & Warnings

• Though many states do not allow smoking in restaurants, always carry a lighter with you. Someone will ask, and they will appreciate the fact that you carry one.
• Always cut garnishes daily. More than likely a guest is going to pay a little extra for a cocktail in a fine dining restaurant; at least make sure they have a picture-perfect garnish.
• If there is any chance that a piece of broken glass has ended up in the ice bin, immediately stop serving and clean out the bin.

References

• Drinks every bartender should know

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