Industry of the Oak Room Restaurant - Term Paper Example

The Oak Room Restaurant Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square of the of the The Oak Room Restaurant Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square Part One Introduction Since its inauguration in the year 1904, The Westin St. Francis on Union Square has been a renowned landmark and destination that has not been known merely as a hotel. Its lobby flaunts the historic Magneta Grandfather Clock, white marble columnar splendor, elaborate balconies and artistic woodwork. These have been the cynosure of all who have graced this veritable monument. The lighting is pleasant and attractive, without being glaring; and the music is a feast for the ears (westinstfrancis, 2014). (westinstfrancis, 2014). Westin St. Francis is one among the largest properties with meeting space in the Union Square area. At present the number of rooms in Westin St. Francis are 1,195 (Lowe, 2012). This hotel crystallized from the endeavor of the guardians of the Charles Crocker family to transform San Francisco into another Paris. The flagship of their dream was The Westin St. Francis. Their dream fructified and this hotel emerged as the artistic, literary and social center of San Francisco. The design of this hotel was attempted after meticulous study of the grand hotels of Europe, such as those to be found in Berlin, Monaco, Vienna, and the Claridge’s of London and The Ritz of Paris (westinstfrancis, 2014). After two years of dedicated construction activity, this hotel was opened to the public, on 21 March 1904. The expenditure incurred was $2.5 million. Such was the attraction of this novel enterprise that by the evening of that day, there was queue of automobiles and carriages that was three blocks long. These vehicles were patiently waiting to draw proximate to this hotel. In the year 1907, this hotel renovated its interiors and expanded its rooms to 450. The very next year, a third wing was developed. With the advent of further additions, this hotel emerged as the largest on the Pacific Coast. In the year 1969, a 32-story Pacific Tower was commenced. This added a vast complex of rooms, suites, banquet facilities and venues (westinstfrancis, 2014). Subsequent to a renovation that involved an expenditure of $20 million, the Deluxe Rooms in the Tower Building provide accommodation that is contemporary, as well as spacious. These rooms have been decorated with the creations of the local artists and they provide an environment that is reminiscent of the Bay Area and California. The amenities offered are some of the best in the industry, and the ambience is patently contemporary (westinstfrancis, 2014). The Landmark Building, which is steeped in history, displays high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and romantic molding. In addition, the Tower Building consists of contemporary design rooms that include the Grand View, which provides a panoramic view of the city. Moreover, the Golden Gate View of Bay View provides breathtaking views of the monumental Golden Gate Bridge (TravelImpressions, 2014). The management of this hotel has not neglected the health and wellbeing of its patrons. Thus, there is a Renewal Spa & Workout facility that provides a gymnasium, massage treatments, pedicures, and manicures. The Grand Ballroom, with a capacity of 1,500 provides an optimal locale for conducting conferences, conventions, and meetings, and for hosting banquets (TravelImpressions, 2014) Some of the services offered by this hotel are; the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-off Tour; Cable Car; and broadband Internet access in all the rooms (westinstfrancis, 2014). Several walking tours for exploring San Francisco are available. One of these is through Chinatown, the largest Chinese community outside China. Chinatown (strayboots, 2014). Another feast for the tourist is setting sail to Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf (strayboots, 2014). Moreover, the Westin St. Francis provides several dining options. Some of these are a coffee shop or café. In addition, there is a bar cum lounge for partaking of alcoholic beverages. This hotel provides room service, round the clock. Moreover, there are a number of recreational facilities, such as, a fitness facility, health club, sauna and a steam room. The full-service health spa includes several massage and treatment rooms. Furthermore, this hotel provides a business center that has meeting rooms, audio-visual equipment and business services. The public areas of this hotel have wireless Internet access (FlightNetwork, 2014). Internet access in the public areas of the hotel makes it more connective, and competitively advantageous. In addition, the Westin St. Francis attaches considerable importance to environmental issues. Thus, it undertakes the following, in order to support environmental sustainability. First, energy and water conservation. This hotel has implemented a recycling and waste diversion program. This conserves energy and resources by mitigating the necessity for virgin materials. It has a comprehensive compost diversion policy that reduces adverse effects upon the outdoor air-quality. This is achieved by reducing methane generation in the food buried in landfills (westinstfrancis, 2014). Second, waste minimization. The recycling and waste-diversion program serves to divert 70% of its waste material from the landfill. Third, performance tracking and reporting. In this endeavor, the hotel has collaborated with an independent waste reduction consultant. The latter assists the hotel in its waste-diversion program. Fourth, improving awareness via engagement. Its waste-diversion program ensures the inclusion of all its employees. This makes recycling and sustainability integral to their daily responsibilities (westinstfrancis, 2014). Such awareness has been seen to extend beyond the workplace to their community and homes. Part Two Services and Products The St. Francis is a hotel that is more than a century old. This hotel is located in an area that boasts of some of the best shopping in the world. Furthermore, the Theater District can be reached by merely crossing the street, and the cable car halts in front of the hotel. The food offered in the Landmark Lobby is ideal for pre-theater dining. The rooms in this hotel provide comfortable and restful sleep, in the renowned Westin Heavenly Bed (TravelImpressions, 2014). The location of the hotel provides access to many returning clients, providing competitive advantage to the Westin St. Francis hotel. A meal at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco provides an olfactory and gustatory experience that refuses to be erased from memory. The ambience provided is superlative, with the provision of candlelight dinners. Moreover, this hotel makes excellent arrangements for private gatherings of any size (Westin Hotels & Resorts, 2014). The superlative ambience of the hotel and candlelight dinners and excellent arrangements for a gathering of any size render this hotel unique in the market. As such, the Oak Room has been projected as an ideal location to partake of a hearty breakfast and a complete buffet. This place has been recommended for enjoying lunch, dinner and alcoholic beverages. The atmosphere draws heavily upon traditional motifs and the menu is seasonal with several San Francisco favorites. This cozy restaurant has undergone a recent and comprehensive renovation (OpenTable, 2014). Oak Room Restaurant The Oak Room Restaurant in The Westin St. Francis on Union Square is renowned for its full menu of the famous and favorite dishes of the US. In addition, it provides international flavors in the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This restaurant does not neglect its minor patrons and provides additional choices for children, such as the Westin Kid’s Club items. Another important feature of this establishment is the Westin Super Foods. This provides breakfast items that are replete with phytonutrients and antioxidants (westinfrancis, 2014). The Oak Room-The Westin St. Francis (westinfrancis, 2014). In addition, the Oak Room Restaurant has been the proud recipient of the Open Table Diners’ Choice Award. It is to be found within the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco. This restaurant is famous for the casual dining experience that it provides to its customers. The atmosphere of this place blends without blemish into the rich grandeur of the Westin St. Francis (San Francisco Travel Association, 2013). One of the significant features of the menu in the Oak Room Restaurant is the Golden Gate breakfast buffet. This presents a sumptuous and impressive spread of exquisitely prepared dishes, such as smoked salmon with onions and capers, cheese blintzes, and Portuguese sausage accompanied with roasted peppers. The cost of the Chef’s Special 3-Course Dinner has been pegged at $45 per person. This special dinner is comprised of an appetizer, entrée and dessert, and a glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink (GreatHotelRestaurants, 2014). (GreatHotelRestaurants, 2014). Another benefit of eating at the Oak Room is that it provides dishes that have high protein content, and low sodium and fat. An extremely popular dish is the Dungeness Crab Chowder. Moreover, customers have found favor with the filet mignon and the desserts (GreatHotelRestaurants, 2014). (GreatHotelRestaurants, 2014). In the year 1913, the Oak Room Restaurant opened as the Men’s Bar, signifying the completion of the final wing of the Landmark Building. It has been regarded as an endorsement of the Westin St. Francis Hotel and San Francisco. This restaurant provides service in the following manner. Breakfast, Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Lunch 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and Dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., every day. This restaurant provides appetizers, cocktails and Wi-Fi access (westinstfrancis, 2014). Conclusion The Westin St. Francis provides an atmosphere that belongs to the turn of the century. There are curved high ceilings, chandeliers of crystal and elaborate moldings. Every room in the main building is characterized by ornate woodwork and high ceiling chandeliers. These rooms have furniture that is suggestive of the empire. At the same time, there are modern amenities, such as the Heavenly Bath and Heavenly Bed. Since Westin is located in Union Square, one of the major tourist attractions of the world, Westin St. Francis has far better opportunities for attracting guests. It has 1,950 rooms, a wide meeting area and dining services by providers, such as the superlative Oak Room Restaurant. It also has a large meeting area for catering to the needs of clients worldwide. Some of the attractions provided by this hotel are; music and nightlife, romantic getaways, family entertainment, relaxation, outdoor sports and activities, exploration and adventure, meeting and event facilities, restaurants, local cuisine, wedding arrangements, facilities for business travelers, local attractions, historical landmarks and culture. As such, Westin St. Francis can be considered the best among the large hotels of the Union Square. Blueprint for Oak Room Restaurant Physical Evidence Restaurant parking Hostess Desk Lobby Uniform Eating Area Menu Food Appearance Delivery tray Food Clean Table Bill/Receipt Customer Actions Arrive at restaurant Reservation confirmed by hostess Seated at table Order items in the menu Receive food and drinks Eat Receive and pay bill Onstage/ Visible Contact Employee Actions Greeted by hostess, reservation confirmed Seated by hostess, provided menu Order taken Deliver the ordered items Clear dishes and leftovers Collect payment, return receipt to customer Backstage/ Invisible Contact Employee Actions Server informed of new table Order received in the Kitchen Server notified that the order is ready to be served Wash the dishes Process the bill Support Processes Reservation System Food preparation system Clean-up system Cash register system List of References FlightNetwork. (2014). The Westin St Francis on Union Square. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from http://www.flightnetwork.com/hotels/The-Westin-St-Francis-on-Union-Square-San-Francisco/ GreatHotelRestaurants. (2014, June 17). The Oak Room is golden! (San Francisco, California). Retrieved September 14, 2014, from Monthly Archives: June 2014: http://greathotelrestaurants.com/2014/06/ Lowe, M. C. (2012). California. Meetings & Conventions, 47(10). OpenTable. (2014). The Oak Room - The Westin St. Francis. Retrieved September 14, 2014, from http://www.opentable.com/restaurant/profile/7742?page=3 San Francisco Travel Association. (2013). The Oak Room Restaurant. Retrieved September 14, 2014, from http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/dine/the-oak-room-restaurant-211370081.html?cid strayboots. (2014). Chinatown. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from https://www.strayboots.com/locations/san-francisco/tours strayboots. (2014). Fishermans Wharf. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from https://www.strayboots.com/locations/san-francisco/tours TravelImpressions. (2014). The Westin St. Francis. Retrieved September 14, 2014, from http://www.travimp.com/hotel.php?msg=sfowsf Westin Hotels & Resorts. (2014). The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square. Retrieved September 14, 2014, from http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/dining/index.html?propertyID=1010&language=en_US westinfrancis. (2014). Photo Tour. Retrieved September 14, 2014, from http://www.westinstfrancis.com/photo-tour#prettyPhoto westinfrancis. (2014). The Oak Room Restaurant. Retrieved September 14, 2014, from The Westin: http://www.westinstfrancis.com/dining/the-oak-room-restaurant westinstfrancis. (2014, May). Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from http://www.westinstfrancisgroups.com/planner/assets/documents/WSF_Fact_Sheet.pdf westinstfrancis. (2014). Green Choice. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from http://www.westinstfrancis.com/green-choice westinstfrancis. (2014). Our History. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from http://www.westinstfrancis.com/our-history westinstfrancis. (2014). Specials& Packages. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from http://www.westinstfrancis.com/specials-packages#San_Francisco westinstfrancis. (2014). Tower Building. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from http://www.westinstfrancis.com/accommodations/tower-building Read More