IT’S ALL ABOUT WAITER FLAIR

What loaded statement rests in an outfit?

It’s a little glimpse into the person that you really are. Via individuality, of course.

Uniforms, on the other hand, are specifically enforced to establish a sense of conformity, of adherence to a certain rule. Many institutions—like schools, the army, the navy—advocate them to create a certain sense of equality within their respective environments, and variations symbolize difference in batch, ranking, or distinction.

Restaurants tend to keep their waiter outfits as simple and unobtrusive as possible, giving guests the luxury of enjoying their meals in peace. Heartless as it may sound, that is usually the norm for a great majority of dining establishments.

How neo-nazi!

There are a number of highly flamboyant and animated restaurants around the metro, however, that are more than willing to have their waiters sport get-ups so loud and proud, you can’t help but notice them!

T.G.I.FRIDAYS

ATTIRE:

Apart from an already brightly-striped, red and white T-shirt (the only standard necessary), nothing is conventional about T.G.I.Friday’s serving staff. Clad in the most outlandish pins and colorful buttons from anywhere and everywhere, the brightness of the outfit clearly enhances the cheerful disposition upheld by all.

Here’s the clincher: Each waiter sports an outrageous headpiece of choice—ranging from jester hats to baseball caps, Rastafarian wigs to home-made beanies—to "cap" the over-all look.

WAITER STATEMENT:

"I look stupid enough as it is…so I’m over anything that can ruin my day. Expect me to be as bright and chirpy as my outfit. And I’ll be bugging you every 10 minutes to check if all is well. Oh, and don’t forget to call me by my first name…I’d like to be your friend."

HUTU’S HUT

ATTIRE:

The basic get-up starts smart and simple with a plain black tee, khaki cargo pants (hmmm, quite hip), and an essential black apron with pockets…for sheer function.

To get that tribal feel, all waiters were given a free hand at creating some sort of ethnic-looking headpiece with anything they could get their hands on at home—pieces of wood, fallen leaves, small bamboo shoots.

WAITER STATEMENT:

"It would have been much more authentic to have me all stripped close to naked with a tribal skirt to cover my manhood up, but that would have turned many customers off…a bit too barbaric. I’ve tried our best to come up with this kick-ass headpiece, so please appreciate it. And unlike the caveman of the past, I am well-mannered and accommodating to anything it is you may need. And yes, you may eat with your hands…"

RAJ

ATTIRE:

The main outfit is an influence of the Indian National costume. It consists of the simple "Corta" (polo shirt) and the pajamas (trousers). What makes each waiter different from each other is the fact that they each sport a distinctively colored top representative of all shades that prevail in the Indian culture. Rich purples, pinks, reds and oranges are favored by the Corta…with a touch of classic Indian relic trimming.

On special occasions, the male servers have their interesting turbans (a sign of respect to God and the public) and the waitresses sport saris.

WAITER STATEMENT:

"For anyone who cares to know, my outfit’s been featured on CNBC. Apparently we offer a refreshing change with the array of hues that all mesh well together. If you really like my get-up, I’m sure I can sneak an order in for you next time I need a new one."

OLD SWISS INN

ATTIRE:

The servers wear the usual black pants (skirts for the ladies) and shoes—dressed up by an originally authentic, intricately embroidered, imported (costing the resto an arm, leg, and left eye ball) Swiss blazer…inherent to one of the provinces in Switzerland.

Added accessories include a red ribbon (that serves as a tie) and unique hats with similar patterns to the blazer…to accentuate and compliment the whole outfit.

WAITER STATEMENT:

"Don’t expect to find me milking a cow out back…they wouldn’t hire me if I didn’t agree to the outfit. I’m comfortable enough to serve you effectively, but I’d appreciate it if you’d stop wondering if I can yodel. Maybe if you slapped in a really good tip…"

BATAVIA

ATTIRE:

Based on Indonesia’s national costume, this khaki top and pant combo matched with an Indo headgear completes the safari-ish look of servers in this interesting resto that specializes in funky dessert.

WAITER STATEMENT:

"Not for anything, but we’re completely satisfied with the uniforms we have at present. We don’t plan to be part of the dessert menu…it’s enticing enough as it is. We do thank you for having faith in our pecks."