Banquet & Buffet Cook — Hotel Kitchen Pro

Highgate; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Highgate Hotels in Monterey, CA is seeking an experienced Cook to prepare all food items for Restaurants, Room Service, Banquets, and Employee Cafeteria, while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.

You will follow standardized recipes, support multiple stations, and ensure timely service. The role requires culinary experience, ability to stand long hours, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Culinary experience required.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Medium work - lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds frequently.
• Ability to stand during entire shift.
• Able to withstand temperature variations hot/cold.
• Knowledge of menus and hotel kitchen standards.
• Proficiency in cooking techniques: charbroiling, poaching, deep-frying, sauté, braising, roasting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas.
• Prepare and stage food for service according to standard recipes.
• Prepare buffet items and displays according to hotel standards.
• Recognize quality standards in vegetables, fish, dairy and meats.
• Maintain sanitary kitchen environment and proper handling and storage.
• Assist in food preparation for banquets and employee cafeteria.
• Operate kitchen equipment and follow safety procedures.
• Sign keys out and back in under supervision as needed.

Skills

Culinary experience

Food safety

Stand for long shifts

Knife skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Highgate Hotels in Monterey, CA is seeking an experienced Cook to prepare all food items for Restaurants, Room Service, Banquets, and Employee Cafeteria, while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.

You will follow standardized recipes, support multiple stations, and ensure timely service. The role requires culinary experience, ability to stand long hours, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.