The second cook is a key position in the kitchen team, as they are counted upon to produce the bulk of the production necessary for day to day operations of the kitchen. This is a stage where an apprentice starts their profession. Total enthusiasm and passion for cooking food with total teamwork is the key
Shift Duties Include :
- To work directly under the sous chef and 1st Cook
- Prioritize prep list and ordering list
- Process incoming bills – prioritize them, distribute tasks associated with it, ensure and co-ordinate timing of pick-up.
- Maintaining prep levels – to know how much prep through busy days and slow days
- Ensure the restaurant line is properly stocked for service with appropriate amounts of backups ready
- Be able to use raw by-products, leftovers and extras for specials, soups, etc. to save on costs
- Have full knowledge of the menu and follow and read recipes
- Help the dishwasher when needed
- Ensure the cleanliness and safety of the kitchen
- Ability to put food deliveries away after checking for quality, in proper places and proper rotation
- Ensures products are covered, labeled and stored correctly as needed
- Monitors condition of food in storage to prevent spoilage and contamination
- Estimates the quantity of food to prepare and cook, within specified guidelines
- Selects, identifies and applies spices, herbs and condiments
- Prepare basic stocks and sauces
- Produces food with correct taste, temperature and correct visual appeal with direction of supervisors
- Identify, clean and uses all kitchen equipment in the department correctly
- Reporting equipment malfunction to the sous chef
- Is able to give instructions clearly and accurately to 3rd cooks and dishwashers.
- Demonstrates a good understanding of all menus, recipes and standards for the area.
- Is able to anticipate potential kitchen needs such as defrosting and ordering before running out
- Understands the concept of food costing and contribution
Job Qualifications :
Speed with processing of all different type of foods is a pre-requisite, combined with good basic cooking skills learned as a 3rd cookNeeds to have a minimum three years of cooking experienceBe able to cook steaks to desired donenessUnderstands most methods of cookingHave good knowledge of soups and sauces