The Banquet Cook works under the command and supervision of a senior member of the kitchen staff while learning the skills essential to becoming a cook or chef through on the job training. He or she helps prepare meals by chopping vegetables, making salads, dressings, sauces, and assembling entrees. The Banquet Cook position is responsible for the cost effective preparation of hot and cold food items using proper food handling procedures and maintaining high standards of food safety. Must be able to follow recipes and spec sheets to ensure freshness and high quality food. The Banquet Cook is in charge of preparing proper plate and platter presentations for banquets. Set up and operate action stations for a banquet or buffet. Carve buffet meats as requested by guests. Support banquet and buffet by ensuring adequate stock of all items. Operate ovens, stoves, grills, and fryers to prepare foods. Prepare ingredients for cooking, including portioning, chopping, and storing food. Wash and peel fresh fruits and vegetables. Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients. Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist. Prepare cold foods. Ensures food has been cooked sufficiently. Monitor food quality while preparing food. Set-up and break down work stations. Serve food in proper portions onto proper receptacles. Wash and disinfect kitchen area, tables, tools, knives, and equipment .In addition, the Banquet Cook helps with other tasks, including storage of leftover food, cleaning work areas, and emptying trash.

Responsibilities

Follow recipes and portion control guidelines to ensure consistent quality of food, ensure adherence to quality expectations and standards.

Preps food for cooking, including washing and chopping vegetables, etc.

Operate kitchen equipment, including knives and other tools, safely and efficiently

Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations and kitchen areas, ensure that work areas are clean and that equipment, tools, and supplies are properly stored.

Adhere to food safety guidelines and regulations to prevent cross-contamination and ensure safe handling of food, follows safety and sanitation rules and practices

Report maintenance needs, accidents, injuries, and unsafe work conditions to manager to protect company assets

Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth operation of meal preparation

Assist in receiving and storing deliveries of food supplies

Ensure uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional

Speak with others using clear and professional language.

Support team to reach common goals.

Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time. Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.

Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance.

Perform other reasonable job duties as requested by Supervisors.

Qualifications

Proven experience as a chef in a high-volume kitchen , or preferred banquet setting.

Strong knowledge of food safety standards and best practices in food handling.

Experience with catering or large-scale event cooking is highly desirable.

Excellent teamwork skills with the ability to communicate effectively within the kitchen staff.

Familiarity with inventory control processes is a plus.

Passion for culinary arts and a willingness to learn new techniques.

Knowledge of food safety practices and procedures

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail

Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures

Familiar with industry’s best practices

Culinary school diploma a plus but not required

MUST HAVE YOUR OWN RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION

MUST BE ABLE TO RELIABLY COMMUTE TO ALTAMONT, NY 12009