Before customers arrive, waiting staff prepare tables to ensure that everything is in place and in clean condition. They clean and arrange cutlery, set out napkins and check that condiments are full. They ensure that certain tables are reserved for customers who have made an advance booking. They discuss the menu with the manager and kitchen staff to check that all dishes are available and to find out about any specials of the day. Waiting staff give customers menus and tell them about any specials available that day. If customers ask for information about menu items, waiting staff offer advice. They also offer customers drinks while they choose their food and provide advice on wines suitable for their menu choices. They take customers' orders and hand them to kitchen staff. If any freshly cooked items require a long cooking time, waiting staff advise customers of the likely time frame. When the food and drinks are ready, waiting staff take them to the tables and set them out for customers. They check that customers have received the right items and return in a timely manner to check that customers are satisfied with their food. After each course, waiting staff clear the plates and dishes before serving the next course. They also offer to replenish drinks during the meal. At the end of the meal, waiting staff ask customers if they are satisfied with their meal and provide an itemized check. They explain any service charges and then take payment or explain where customers should pay. When customers have left, waiting staff clear the table and prepare it for the next customers.