What Are Typical Job Duties of a Restaurant Cook?
Restaurant Cooks are responsible for more than just preparing your meal. Although the job varies slightly depending on the restaurant and the restaurant style, Restaurant Cooks prepare and make the meal, along with cleaning- and service-related duties. Schools offering Art of Cooking degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Restaurant Cook Cleaning-Related Duties
Restaurant Cooks are responsible for many of the daily tasks in a restaurant. Maintaining the cleanliness of the restaurant, particularly the cooking area, is a major responsibility of Restaurant Cooks everywhere. They must ensure the work area is safe and that no one is working with a burn or cut as these can lead to a food borne illness. Clean up, possibly including washing the dishes, during and at the end of a shift is also the responsibility of the Restaurant Cook.
Restaurant Cook Service-Related Duties
Restaurant Cooks make the meal the customer requested and verify the order to make sure all of the items the customer wanted are present. Restaurant Cooks are adept at presenting food so that it looks appetizing. They get meals to customers in a timely manner so they are hot or cold as needed, instead of an unappealing lukewarm. Some Restaurant Cooks train new employees and order food or other supplies when the restaurant runs low. They have to be familiar with the restaurant's menu so they know what makes up the different meals and how each is prepared.
Restaurant Cook Preparation-Related Duties
Depending on the size of the restaurant, Restaurant Cooks may do all the food preparation themselves or, in larger restaurants, they may have help. Small restaurants generally have only a few items on the menu, whereas larger concerns have a more varied menu and a Restaurant Cook may only work in one specific area. Therefore, a Restaurant Cook may be responsible for some or all of the following duties.
- Cutting or peeling fruits and vegetables
- Boiling water for rice or pasta
- Making sure food on the menu is available and preparing it or finding it when it isn't
- Baking desserts or breads as needed
- Seasoning food according to the restaurant's regulations
- Making special dishes for customers with food allergies
- Developing new recipes
- Cooking the food as ordered
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