World Cup for waiters kicks off
Contestants race with trays containing bottles and glasses during the Wowprime tray carrying competition in Taipei November 6, 2012. Over 1,200 waiters and waitresses from around Taiwan competed on Tuesday in the race based on speed, grace, and accuracy for prizes worth about $8,200 and working opportunities at restaurant chain operator Wowprime Corp, according to its spokesman. REUTERS/Pichi Chuang (TAIWAN - Tags: SOCIETY BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT)
Image by: PICHI CHUANG / REUTERS
Image by: PICHI CHUANG / REUTERS
An international competition to find the best maitre d' in the world attracted contestants from 14 different countries to Tokyo yesterday.
They were tested on everything from serviette etiquette to wine pairing.
The Georges Baptiste Cup professional jury awarded points in nine categories of service to the 24 entrants.
They will pick two winners, one student and one professional, who will show a combination of waiting and butlering skills.
Swiss hopeful Amritpal Warraich, 20, said there was so much more to being a maitre d' than met the eye.
"A good butler is one who knows what the guests want before they do. He is there not only to help but also to make them comfortable."
The Georges Baptiste Cup was established in France in 1961 in honour of the chef and butler of the same name.
The winners were expected to be announced today.
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