Cook

Job Summary: As a Cook in a hotel restaurant, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking high-quality food while adhering to hotel standards and maintaining a clean, efficient, and safe kitchen environment. You will work closely with other kitchen staff to ensure meals are prepared timely, meet quality standards, and are served to guests in an efficient and professional manner.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Food Preparation:
   • Prepare food according to hotel restaurant’s recipes and menu specifications.
   • Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation meet the standards of the hotel.
   • Assist with meal prep for daily operations and special events.
   • Measure and mix ingredients to prepare recipes and dishes.
   • Properly store, label, and date all food items to ensure freshness and safety.
   • Prepare and execute special dietary meals as required (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies).
2. Cooking & Plating:
   • Cook food items according to the menu’s established methods (grilling, frying, baking, sautéing, etc.).
   • Ensure all dishes are cooked to the proper temperature and are ready to be served at the right time.
   • Plate food with attention to detail and aesthetic presentation.
   • Monitor cooking times to ensure food is prepared in an efficient, timely manner.
   • Use specialized kitchen equipment (e.g., grills, fryers, ovens, etc.) to prepare food.
3. Sanitation & Food Safety:
   • Follow proper food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure cleanliness of the kitchen and food quality.
   • Ensure that all food products are stored in compliance with safety standards, including temperature control.
   • Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, countertops, and cooking areas during and after use.
   • Adhere to health and safety regulations, including regular cleaning and sanitizing of workstations and tools.
   • Dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly manner and in accordance with the hotel's procedures.
4. Inventory & Stocking:
   • Assist in receiving and inspecting food deliveries to ensure quality and freshness.
   • Help maintain an organized and stocked kitchen by rotating ingredients and supplies as needed.
   • Communicate with the kitchen manager or supervisor regarding inventory needs, shortages, and reordering.
   • Assist in managing food costs by minimizing waste and portioning food according to recipes.
5. Teamwork & Communication:
   • Work collaboratively with other cooks, kitchen staff, and servers to ensure smooth operations.
   • Communicate effectively with waitstaff to ensure food is delivered to customers promptly.
   • Follow kitchen instructions and collaborate with the head chef or kitchen supervisor for smooth meal service.
   • Participate in team meetings to discuss menu changes, ingredient availability, and cooking techniques.
6. Quality Control & Continuous Improvement:
   • Inspect food to ensure quality standards are met before serving.
   • Adjust recipes as necessary to meet guests' needs and expectations.
   • Constantly improve cooking techniques and knowledge of new food trends, presentation styles, and cooking methods.
7. Handling Special Requests:
   • Handle special meal requests and dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, allergies) in a safe and respectful manner.
   • Communicate any special dietary needs with the kitchen team to ensure proper handling and preparation.
8. General Responsibilities:
   • Maintain a professional and positive attitude at all times, working efficiently and with a sense of urgency.
   • Ensure a high level of cleanliness is maintained in the kitchen and storage areas.
   • Participate in training and development programs to stay updated on cooking techniques, safety procedures, and other essential skills.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience: Previous experience in a kitchen setting, preferably in a hotel or restaurant environment. Culinary school training is a plus.
• Knowledge of Cooking Techniques: Familiarity with various cooking methods (grilling, sautéing, roasting, etc.).
• Attention to Detail: Ability to consistently create quality dishes while following recipes and presentation standards.
• Time Management: Ability to prepare food quickly while maintaining quality under pressure.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work long hours standing, lift heavy pots/pans, and perform other physically demanding tasks.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a kitchen team, assisting others as needed.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Understanding of food safety regulations, kitchen hygiene, and sanitation practices.
• Problem Solving: Ability to think on your feet and resolve issues, such as ingredient shortages or kitchen equipment failure.
• Creativity: Ability to create visually appealing dishes and suggest menu ideas based on seasonal ingredients or customer preferences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of International Cuisines: Familiarity with global or regional cuisines can be beneficial.
• Leadership Skills: For senior roles, experience managing or supervising kitchen staff is beneficial.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Work Schedule: Flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary based on hotel restaurant hours of operation.
• Environment: A fast-paced, high-energy kitchen environment. Must be able to work efficiently and remain calm under pressure.
• Physical Demands: Requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items (up to 50 lbs), and the ability to work in a hot, sometimes noisy environment.
• Safety Gear: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as non-slip shoes, gloves, and aprons, is required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: Hourly wage, with potential for overtime based on shifts worked.
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, and opportunities for advancement within the hotel.
• Tips: Some positions may include tips depending on the hotel's policies.

This position is ideal for someone with a passion for cooking, a keen eye for detail, and a desire to be part of a dynamic kitchen team. If you are ready to work in a fast-paced, high-volume setting and bring your culinary skills to the table, this is the role for you!