Hellobee Boards

I've not had to memorize a menu, but I've always found making flashcards helpful. You can put the dish on the front and the description and price on back, then run through the cards both ways. Good luck!

I just watched a TED talk about memorization. The speaker said the key is connecting what you have to remember to something so outlandish you will remember it.

You should check it out: https://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_foer_feats_of_memory_anyone_can_do

So for example, say there are six entrees. Choose a TV show with the same number of characters (like Friends). One of the entree is spaghetti with meatballs. Think of Joey swimming in spaghetti and washing his armpits with meatballs.

I know this sounds really crazy, but it will work!

Do you have to do prices too? I had some friends who worked at iHop and they had to do a menu test but it was just the items and descriptions/ingredients.

Good luck!!

I agree with the TED talk method. I always make up stories and hang different details in different places... So the helicopter turned around because the weather was bad= helicobacter pylori is a curved gram negative rod... Etc.

@littleblessings: Pretend you are ordering items on the menu. Think about what you would tell the server (i.e. if you ordered a burger, you would tell the server that you wanted it medium rare, with swiss cheese, and fruit salad instead of fries). This always helped me remember what questions to ask as the server (how would you like that cooked? any toppings? which side would you like?).

Also, pick one thing from each section that you would recommend. If you haven't eaten there, just decide what sounds good. Don't pick the cheapest thing! The manager doesn't want to hear that you'd recommend that (though after I got the job, I totally would if I actually thought it was good).

Are you interviewing at a chain restaurant or a local place?

I had a menu test waaaay back in college when I worked at both Outback and Olive Garden---you really had to know the whole menu and be able to describe each dish. I made 100%, because I'm a nerd. I just studied it at home for the couple of days before the test until I could recite everything. I just use the ole' "cover it with your hand" method, haha.

Good luck! I think you just needed 70% to pass, but obviously it looks better if you score much higher.

having someone test you while you learn helps so so much :). the added pressure makes it more realistic, and it really gets your brain moving :). you can do it!!

also, when reading it over, read each section both normally (top to bottom) and the opposite (bottom to top). I find it helps me memorize for real and not rely on rote memory.

@littleblessings: Congratulations!

@littleblessings: Congratulations!!!

@littleblessings: congrats and good luck on your first day!