Fine-Dining Garde Manger Cook - Cold Prep & Plating

Swrg Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Employee Dining Discounts

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Smith & Wollensky in Chicago is seeking a Garde Manger / Pantry Cook to prepare cold station items, salads, seafood towers, and plated desserts, following our fine-dining standards.

You will mise en place, label and store ingredients, and collaborate with line cooks to ensure timely service. Must have knife skills, cold prep techniques, and a City of Chicago Food Handler’s Certification.

This full-time role offers a fast-paced environment, evenings and weekends, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of kitchen experience, preferably in upscale or fine-dining restaurants.
• Strong knife skills and understanding of cold prep techniques, including emulsions, dressings, charcuterie, and plating aesthetics.
• Ability to follow detailed recipes and plating guides under pressure.
• Food Handler’s Certification (City of Chicago) required.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Execute all cold and pantry items according to Smith & Wollensky recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.
• Prepare mise en place for service, ensuring freshness, quality, and consistency throughout the shift.
• Maintain proper labeling, rotation, and storage of ingredients in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Assemble composed salads, seafood towers, tartares, and cold hors d’oeuvres during service.
• Assist with banquets, private dining, and special event plating as required.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the garde manger station, walk-ins, and coolers.
• Collaborate with the line cooks and chefs to ensure smooth service flow and timing of courses.
• Uphold all sanitation and safety standards as mandated by the City of Chicago and Smith & Wollensky policies.
• Communicate product needs, low inventory, or quality issues to the Chef or Sous Chef promptly.
• Support culinary team members as needed and contribute to a positive, professional kitchen culture.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Knife skills

Cold prep techniques

Food Handler’s Certification

Team collaboration

Job description

Smith & Wollensky in Chicago is seeking a Garde Manger / Pantry Cook to prepare cold station items, salads, seafood towers, and plated desserts, following our fine-dining standards.

You will mise en place, label and store ingredients, and collaborate with line cooks to ensure timely service. Must have knife skills, cold prep techniques, and a City of Chicago Food Handler’s Certification.

This full-time role offers a fast-paced environment, evenings and weekends, with comprehensive benefits.