I want to be a maître d'

Question

I would like some advice about becoming a maître d'. Is there a specific career/training path that I should take and what would be the best way of going about this?

What the expert says

!](#)Michael Moor, managing director, Chef Centre It depends on your experience to begin with. First, look at the qualities a good maître d' has and see how they relate to your own qualities: - - experience of good food and wine, and how both are made and best served - - a thorough knowledge of a station waiter's skills and the ability to pass these on - - impeccable presentation and an eye for detail - a pleasant manner and a bright personality - a calm attitude, discretion and the memory of an elephant can be helpful Realistically you would need to start working on the floor as a waiter or trainee in F&B. There aren't really any college courses specifically for maître d's in this country, but there are hospitality-related courses that can improve your knowledge and technique. Courses in hotel and restaurant management or business administration will help. Larger hotel and restaurant groups would have such training schemes in place and would probably offer more opportunities for advancement. If you haven't already seen it, read the article on [Elena Salvoni ](../archive/articledetail.asp?lSiteSectionID=77&lSectionID=31&articleID=46958)in *Caterer & Hotelkeeper* from 30 January 2003 to see the influence a devoted maître d' can have on a restaurant business. You could also seek advice from [Springboard UK, an organisation which promotes hospitality industry careers.