Why are the plates [the plates not the food] so hot in Mexican resturants?
Why are the plates [the plates not the food ] so hot in Mexican restaurants?
6 Answers
They probably have to turn the dishwasher water temperature excessively high to kill whatever is in the water itself. (just kidding).
There is a reason the plates are hot, and it might not be what you think. There is typically a "shelf" between where the cooks cook and plate the food and from which the servers take the plated food. (This "shelf" is usually called a "window.") Sometimes, servers don't immediately take the plated food, so there is a really hot "heater" on the top of the "shelf" to keep the food hot. Also, the cooks will line up empty plates under the heater before they plate the food, just as a way to prepare the order and keep everything straight. So, the plates become EXTREMELY hot. This is technically not the correct way to do that, but as you might imagine, not all cooks completely know or care about OSHA. Also, it's a bit lazy.
I know this from many years experience working in a restaurant and trying to not burn myself and customers.
I don't know about you, my friend, but for me, I'm neither happy with my food, nor my plate unless they are threatening my life!
No conozco de ti, mi amigo, pero a mi, no estoy contento con mi comida, ni mi plato a menos que estan ¡amenazando mi vida!
Cuidate, amigo!
Hot plates and hot waitresses keep the customer count up. Seriously your food stays warmer that way.
I have experienced hot plates in many restaurants and they usually get this way because they are waiting to be picked up under lights...
Better hot than cold.
Having the plate be the correct temperature to complement the food is common in many types of restaurants. Typically hot for food that is hot (like most entrees) and cold for food that is cold (like most salads). They use plate warmers and plate chillers to accomplish this.
