Lead daily food preparation: Measure, mix, chop, and portion high-quality ingredients according to standardized recipes.
Execute complex dishes: Cook and present appetizers, entrees, and desserts using various techniques (grilling, baking, sautéing, broiling).
Manage the cooking line: Coordinate the timing of dishes during peak hours to ensure all orders at a table are served together.
Maintain quality control: Taste, inspect, and approve all plates before they leave the kitchen to ensure presentation, temperature, and flavor meet restaurant standards.
Supervise junior culinary staff: Guide and oversee Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Stewards during service.
Train and mentor team members: Onboard new kitchen staff, teaching them kitchen protocols, recipe execution, and knife skills.
Delegate daily kitchen tasks: Assign prep work and cleaning stations to team members to ensure smooth operations.
Enforce kitchen policies: Ensure all staff members adhere to company standards, dress codes, and operational procedures.
Maintain high hygiene standards: Ensure the kitchen line, workstations, and cooking equipment are kept clean, sanitized, and organized.
Enforce food safety regulations: Implement local health department standards and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) guidelines.
Monitor food storage: Oversee proper labeling, dating, and rotation of ingredients using the FIFO (First In, First Out) method.
Track temperature logs: Regularly check and record temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and cooked foods to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Manage kitchen inventory: Check stock levels daily and report shortages to the Sous Chef or Head Chef.
Minimize food waste: Monitor portion control and find creative ways to utilize leftover ingredients safely.
Assist with ordering and receiving: Inspect incoming food deliveries for freshness, quality, and correct quantity.
Assist in menu development: Collaborated with the Head Chef to create seasonal specials, test new recipes, and calculate food costs.