Job Title: Lead Cook/Chef
Location: McLean, VA
Company Overview:
Cafe Levantine is a vibrant café committed to delivering delicious food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our back-of-house team plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and consistency of our menu offerings, working together to create culinary delights that delight our customers' taste buds.
Job Description:
The Lead Cook/Chef at Cafe Levantine will be responsible for overseeing the preparation and presentation of our authentic Lebanese/Levant dishes. This role involves menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management to ensure high-quality meals and efficient kitchen operations. The Lead Cook/Chef will work closely with Fatima (Co-owner) in recreating her family recipes. This role will also envelope working with the staff to provide a delightful and authentic dining experience for customers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and update the menu to feature traditional Lebanese dishes, incorporating seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Develop new recipes along with existing ones, ensuring authenticity and quality.
- Ensure all menu items are prepared in a timely manner and meet established quality standards
- Food Preparation and Cooking:
- Supervise and participate in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of Lebanese cuisine.
- Ensure consistency in taste, portion size, and presentation of all dishes
- Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth and efficient service.
- Implement and maintain kitchen policies and procedures, including safety and sanitation standards.
- Inventory and Cost Control:
- Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed to avoid shortages or excess.
- Manage food costs by minimizing waste and optimizing ingredient usage.
- Conduct regular inventory checks and maintain accurate records of kitchen supplies.
- Ensure all food products meet quality and safety standards.
- Conduct regular taste tests and kitchen inspections to maintain high standards.
- Enforce health and safety regulations in the kitchen.
- Ensure that all kitchen equipment is maintained and in good working order.
- Implement and monitor hygiene practices to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience in running a kitchen is a must.
- Moderate knowledge of Lebanese culinary techniques, recipes and food preparation methods.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing priorities as needed.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards in the kitchen.
- ServSafe certificate is necessary.
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly wage/Salary and opportunities for advancement within the company.
- Employee discounts on food and beverages.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on teamwork and professional growth.
How to Apply:
- If you are a team player with a passion for food and a desire to contribute to a dynamic kitchen environment, we want to hear from you! Please submit your resume outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining our back-of-house team.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 50 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Restaurant type:
- Café
- Casual dining restaurant
- Fast casual restaurant
Shift:
Weekly day range:
- Every weekend
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person