Job Description: Cook at Highgate Hotels
Compensation Type: Hourly
Company Overview: Highgate is a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company recognized as an industry innovator. With a portfolio exceeding $20 billion in assets and over $5 billion in revenue, Highgate operates in major U.S. markets and globally, providing expert guidance throughout the hospitality property cycle.
Position Overview: The Cook is responsible for preparing food items based on standardized recipes for various outlets including Restaurants, Room Service, Employee Cafeteria, and Banquets. The role emphasizes maintaining high standards of food quality, cleanliness, sanitation, and safety while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas.
- Complete necessary food and station preparations prior to restaurant opening to ensure prompt and efficient service.
- Prepare and display buffet food items according to hotel standards.
- Recognize quality standards for fresh vegetables, fish, dairy, and meat products.
- Maintain a sanitary environment with proper handling, storage, and sanitation procedures.
- Prepare food for Banquets following specific event orders.
- Prepare and serve food for the Employee Cafeteria as directed.
- Follow hotel standard recipes; prepare specials under supervision.
- Break down buffets and kitchen lines, properly storing food and equipment after meals.
- Support banquet food stations as scheduled.
- Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment.
- Practice safe work habits to prevent injuries.
- Use Production Charts as per hotel standards.
- Support other kitchen positions as needed.
- Follow all health and safety regulations regarding food and storage.
- Operate and maintain cleanliness of all kitchen equipment.
- Maintain a 'Clean As You Go' policy.
- Assist in storage and rotation of food items.
- Manage keys responsibly under supervision.
Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent; hotel or related experience preferred.
- Culinary experience required.
- Flexibility to work long hours as needed.
- Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 20 pounds frequently.
- Ability to stand throughout the shift.
- Ability to withstand temperature variations.
- Thorough knowledge of menus and preparation standards.
- Proficiency in cooking techniques such as charbroiling, poaching, deep-frying, sautéing, braising, roasting, and par-cooking.
- Knowledge of herbs and spices and their proper use.