Roles and responsibilities
The Demi Chef de Partie supports the Chef de Partie and kitchen team in preparing and delivering high-quality Italian cuisine. This role involves assisting with daily food preparation, ensuring consistency in dishes, and maintaining the kitchen's hygiene standards. The ideal candidate will have a passion for Italian food and experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation and cooking of Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, risotto, and other classic dishes.
- Help manage a specific section of the kitchen (e.g., pasta, grill, or pizza station), ensuring timely preparation and delivery of food.
- Follow recipes and kitchen standards to ensure consistency in taste, portion size, and presentation of dishes.
- Monitor stock levels for your section, ensuring ingredients are available and fresh, and assist with inventory checks.
- Ensure all dishes are prepared to the highest standards, maintaining the authentic flavors and presentation of Italian cuisine.
- Maintain a clean and organized work station, ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
- Work closely with the Chef de Partie and other kitchen staff to ensure efficient service during busy periods.
- Assist in storing food supplies appropriately, ensuring ingredients are properly labeled and rotated (FIFO system).
- Support the training of junior kitchen staff and kitchen porters as needed.
- Adhere to all health and safety regulations in the kitchen, ensuring food preparation areas are safe and hazard-free.
Qualifications
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- Minimum 1-2 years of experience in a kitchen, preferably specializing in Italian cuisine.
- Previous experience as a Commis Chef or in a similar position is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of Italian cooking techniques, ingredients, and dishes.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality dishes.
- Excellent organizational skills and time management.
- Team player with strong communication skills.
Desired candidate profile
1. Culinary Skills
- Food Preparation: Preparing and cooking a variety of dishes according to the menu, ensuring the quality and consistency of food.
- Cooking Techniques: Mastering various cooking methods such as grilling, frying, boiling, and baking to prepare dishes efficiently.
- Knife Skills: Proficiently using knives for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
- Sauces and Soups: Preparing sauces, stocks, and soups to accompany main dishes.
- Plating: Ensuring dishes are plated attractively and in accordance with the restaurant’s standards and presentation guidelines.
2. Station Management
- Section Responsibility: Managing a specific section of the kitchen (e.g., grill, pastry, vegetable prep) under the guidance of the Chef de Partie.
- Food Consistency: Ensuring that the food prepared in the section is consistent in taste, texture, and presentation.
- Stock Control: Monitoring stock levels, including ingredients and supplies, ensuring that they are used efficiently, and alerting the Chef de Partie when stock needs replenishing.
3. Food Safety and Hygiene
- Health and Safety Standards: Strictly following food safety standards, including handling, storing, and disposing of food safely.
- Hygiene Practices: Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment, ensuring all surfaces, tools, and equipment are regularly cleaned and sanitized.
- Regulations Compliance: Adhering to all relevant food hygiene regulations, such as those outlined by local authorities or food safety guidelines (e.g., HACCP).
4. Teamwork and Communication
- Collaboration: Working closely with other kitchen staff, including the Chef de Partie, Sous Chefs, and kitchen assistants, to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
- Clear Communication: Effectively communicating with other kitchen team members regarding order status, food preparation, and any issues that may arise.
- Supporting Colleagues: Assisting other chefs with tasks or covering for them in other sections when required.
5. Time Management and Efficiency
- Multitasking: Managing multiple tasks at once, including cooking and prepping ingredients, while ensuring all dishes are ready in a timely manner.
- Prioritization: Knowing which tasks to prioritize based on the orders in the kitchen and ensuring that orders are completed on time.
- Meeting Deadlines: Ensuring that dishes are completed and ready for service according to the restaurant’s schedule and peak service times.