Cook at Elizabeth Maddeux

Job Summary

• We are looking for a skilled and passionate Cook to join our kitchen team. 
• The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing high-quality meals, maintaining kitchen hygiene, and ensuring food safety standards are met. 
• This role requires attention to detail, strong multitasking skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes according to established recipes and menu specifications, ensuring consistency in flavor, presentation, and portioning.
• Ensure all ingredients are fresh, properly stored, and meet quality standards before use.
• Assist in the preparation of sauces, marinades, dressings, and other essential components for dishes.
• Properly season and cook proteins, vegetables, and other food items using appropriate cooking techniques such as grilling, frying, roasting, steaming, and sautéing.
• Monitor cooking times and temperatures to prevent overcooking or undercooking, ensuring food is cooked to safe consumption standards.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff to manage meal timing, ensuring all components of a dish are ready for plating at the same time.
• Adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines, ensuring all food is handled, stored, and prepared in a hygienic manner.
• Maintain proper stock rotation (FIFO – First In, First Out) to reduce food waste and ensure ingredients remain fresh.
• Assist in inventory control by tracking ingredient usage, reporting shortages, and helping place food orders as needed.
• Handle and maintain kitchen equipment such as grills, ovens, fryers, stoves, and slicers, ensuring they are cleaned and in proper working condition.
• Assist in preparing mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before service, including chopping vegetables, portioning proteins, and setting up cooking stations.
• Follow standard operating procedures for food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistency across all dishes.
• Prepare and plate dishes attractively, ensuring each meal meets the restaurant’s quality standards before serving.
• Collaborate with the head chef and kitchen team to develop new menu items, improve existing recipes, and introduce seasonal dishes.
• Assist in cooking for special events, catering functions, and private dining experiences, ensuring smooth execution of meal service.
• Handle guest special requests, dietary restrictions, and food allergies with care, ensuring meals are prepared safely and accurately.
• Maintain accurate labeling and dating of prepped foods to ensure proper usage and prevent spoilage.
• Monitor and report any maintenance or repair needs for kitchen equipment to prevent disruptions in service.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper handling of hot equipment, sharp utensils, and hazardous kitchen materials.
• Participate in ongoing training and skill development programs to enhance cooking techniques and kitchen efficiency.
• Maintain professionalism and a positive attitude in the kitchen, fostering teamwork and a collaborative work environment.
• Assist in training new kitchen staff, teaching them proper cooking methods, food safety practices, and efficiency techniques.
• Work closely with servers and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth coordination of food orders and timely service.
• Be adaptable to menu changes, special promotions, and new kitchen processes as needed.
• Follow all health regulations and local food safety laws, ensuring the kitchen operates in compliance with industry standards.

Requirements

• Culinary School Training or Certifications (preferred)
• 3 years prior experience as a Cook, Line Cook, or in a similar kitchen role .
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain consistency in food quality.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift heavy kitchen supplies when needed.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.