What are some good restaurants to work for?

[backdrifter]

Wow, I actually thought jambo101's accidental post was funny and not trollish even if it had been purposely posted. This thread was fine until post #15... I think some of the OTHER posters need to see if maybe they're the ones being snarky and not jambo101. And not just in this particular thread even.

With that said, I also think the OP should try at VQ. As has been said, an 'in' in Portland is what you need to succeed in employment. VQ also is very established and well-respected in the area. And tasty food!

[gypsydoc]

Add to that (although if you're coming from Corvallis, you already know) that Oregon pays servers minimum wage PLUS tips. I think Oregon and CA are the only states that do. I've waited fine dining for years in several states and used to just walk in a restaurant, show them a resume and then start work immediately... that is until I moved here.

The competition was fierce and I ended up working for a catering company at minimum wage with NO tips just to be able to eat. I applied at 50 or so restaurants and there was nothing at the time. I finally did get work at a diner, then an Italian Restaurant, and finally at the Riverplace Hotel in their banquet department. THAT work I loved. Had gratuity included with pay and I did quite well with little stress. I don't know how their business is now, but it might be a fit. They also have a great fine dining restaurant on the property with spectacular river views.

[gypsydoc]

Oh... almost forgot... yes, the VQ would be a great place if there is room. I don't know anything about the management and that can make or break one's experience... Old school management techniques that crush their staff can still be common in restaurants, I'm afraid.

There's nothing like coming to work all ready to go and then have the management yell at the staff night after night and then expect them to go and be pleasant to the guests!!

Part of the skill of service is to make it seem effortless... but behind the scenes it can be like juggling cats.

Who gets what? When is it time to bring that second drink? Who's been drinking too much? Is it time to either slow the drink timing down or even weaken the drink for safety reasons!! (servers and bar tenders are responsible, you know, for making sure patrons aren't toasted when they leave.. )

Computer problems? Most restaurants don't use a pad and pen any more to give orders to the kitchen. It is all rung in on computer and has to have all the modifiers properly coded.

Who is having a birthday? An anniversary? A first date? A divorce? Cranky kids? Problems with the chef? Slow food? Under or overcooked food? How to handle so many details.. and yet make it seem as though there is not stress...

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by backdrifter

Wow, I actually thought jambo101's accidental post was funny and not trollish even if it had been purposely posted. This thread was fine until post #15... I think some of the OTHER posters need to see if maybe they're the ones being snarky and not jambo101. And not just in this particular thread even.

Hey, I'll admit to occasionally being snarky. Nothing wrong with that. But ... when someone posts with the snark they've got to expect it back. Not start calling others out on it.

I don't sniff troll, either. Just someone really defensive who can't just say sorry.

[Nell Plotts]

Another popular place is Jake's, a McCormick & Schmick's restaurant.

[charleshastouch]

I got hired at Daniel Mondok's new place in Dundee, Paulee. It will be a bit of a drive, but ultimately I want to get back into the wine industry so the contacts made will be worth their weight in gold. Also the place is paying for my first level sommelier, cicerone (beer equivalent), and mixology school. That alone will float the gas expense for about 8 months. Also, they are taking us to France in January. I guess I lucked the F out. Thanks everybody for the advice. Even Jambo###'s, I'm going to get a sundae at Friendly's to celebrate. Hell, I might even go pick up some cheddar biscuits at Red Lobster and have a full out white trash celebration.

[Nell Plotts]

Congratulations!!