Which task should a server perform from the guest's right side?

In a restaurant setting, there are specific service protocols that enhance the dining experience and demonstrate professionalism. Pouring wine, serving salad and bread, clearing dishes, and offering dessert are all tasks that servers typically complete during service, but the manner in which these tasks are performed can vary based on etiquette.

Serving food items such as salad or bread is best done from the guest's right side for a couple of reasons. First, this is aligned with traditional service etiquette, which dictates that food and beverages should be served from the right side to facilitate ease of access for guests. It allows guests to respond quickly and comfortably as they have a clear view of what is being offered. Additionally, when serving from the right side, it reduces disruptions to the guest’s personal space and minimizes the risk of accidentally leaning over them during the service.

For example, pouring wine typically involves a slightly different approach where the server may prefer to lean towards the left to avoid potential spills and to allow an unobstructed view of the wine bottle. Clearing dishes is also often done from the right, but it involves a different protocol. Offering dessert, though, follows a similar main course service and could be conducted from either side, depending largely on the dining setting’s conventions.

Understanding these service