Kitchen Cook

JOB SUMMARY Plan, prep, set up and provide quality service in all areas of food production for menu items and specials in the designated outlets in accordance with standards and plating guide specifications. Maintain organization, cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment. This role is critical to maintaining the luxury standard and reputation of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa while upholding the highest levels of discretion and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Prepares all foods in accordance to standard recipes. Visually inspects, selects and uses only food items of the highest quality in the preparation of all menu items.

Checks and controls the proper storage of product and portion control including food rotation.

Keeps all refrigeration, storage and working areas in clean working condition to comply with health department and hotel regulations.

Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned work areas.

Reads and employs basic math skills to appropriately prepare items according to recipes.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Must be 18 years or Older.

Evening, weekends and all Holidays availability is required.

Ability to work and make decisions in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professional demeanor.

Strong working knowledge on all cooking techniques, butchering, sauces, vinaigrettes and garde manager.

Strong working knowledge of elevated standards of sanitation.

Knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment, i.e., stoves, ovens, broilers, slicers, steamers, kettles, etc.

Ability to remain calm and composed under stressful situations.

Ability to read, write and understand the English language in order to read tickets, recipes and communicate with other employees.

Ability to perform duties within extreme temperature ranges.

Strong guest service and relationship skills.

Minimum 3 years restaurant experience and at least 2 years supervisory/management experience.

Working knowledge of Micros, Microsoft applications and Ultipro.

Must have good knowledge of Wine and spirits.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS Must be able to meet the following minimum physical requirements for at least an eight-hour shift:

Physical Stamina:
Frequent standing, walking, climbing of ladders and stairs, kneeling, reaching overhead, lifting and carrying various objects weighing up to 30 lbs. Employees in this position will be required to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, where there is typically a moderate to loud noise level, work is performed in extreme temperatures, and floors surfaces may be slick.

Hearing / Speech:
Must be able to effectively engage in one-on-one communication with guests, members, and customers and use a 2-way radio to communicate clearly and accurately with co-workers.

Vision:
Must be able to accurately read instructions, reports, and log sheets. Must be able to work with computers and PDAs in varying light conditions.

Literacy:
Must be able to produce, read and understand reports, including security, incident and police reports. Must be able to analyze and process written information from a variety of sources and effectively communicate content of reports.

Chemicals/Agents:
Must be able to work safely with chemicals according to SDS sheets and all applicable laws, codes and regulatory requirements.