Cook II, Viamara, Full-Time

As a Cook II at Pendry, you will collaborate with fellow associates to prepare a range of dishes that meet our esteemed hotel standards. Your responsibilities include mentoring junior kitchen staff, ensuring cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, and fulfilling guest orders accurately and promptly. You'll also have the chance to express your creativity through your dishes while maintaining high sanitation standards.

To qualify for the Cook II position at Pendry, you should have at least one year of cooking experience in a standalone restaurant or hotel, preferably with luxury hotel experience. Strong attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and excellent communication skills are essential. A passion for creating food that delights guests will be highly valued.

The work environment for a Cook II at Pendry is dynamic and energetic, centered around teamwork and creativity. You'll work in a state-of-the-art kitchen where you're encouraged to express your culinary passion while working with talented chefs. It's a place where career growth is supported, and every culinary creation is celebrated.

At Pendry, we are committed to your professional development. By joining us as a Cook II, you will have access to extensive training, mentorship, and opportunities to advance your culinary skills. We believe in nurturing talent and providing pathways to growth within our organization, ensuring that you can enhance your career.

Pendry offers a range of attractive benefits to our Cook II team members, including free meals, complimentary uniforms, hotel discounts, and participation in exclusive associates' events. We also provide healthcare benefits, a 401k retirement plan with company matching, and ongoing community outreach events, making your well-being and growth a priority.

It’s important to remain calm and focused during busy shifts. One effective strategy is to prioritize tasks and communicate clearly with team members. Sharing the workload ensures efficient service without sacrificing food quality.

Food safety and sanitation are paramount in the kitchen. I ensure that all surfaces are cleaned frequently and that proper food storage techniques are followed. I also stay updated on local health codes to maintain compliance.

I approach flavor pairing by considering the ingredients' individual profiles and aiming for balance. I often experiment with contrasting textures and complementary flavors to create dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing.

Staying organized involves effective mise en place techniques—having all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking. I also keep my workstation clutter-free to ensure efficiency and a streamlined cooking process.

I carefully listen to each guest’s requests and pay attention to detail in my preparation. Effective communication with the front-of-house staff is also crucial to ensure any special dietary needs are accommodated promptly.

I once mentored a new team member in knife skills and cooking techniques. By providing hands-on guidance and encouragement, I helped them gain confidence and improve their efficiency in the kitchen, which also boosted team morale.

My favorite dish to prepare is risotto because of its versatility and the skill involved in achieving the perfect creamy texture. It allows for creativity in terms of flavors and seasonal ingredients, making it a fun challenge each time.

I enjoy reading culinary magazines, attending workshops, and participating in online forums. I also follow influential chefs and food bloggers, which helps me stay inspired and knowledgeable about current trends and techniques.

I believe that teamwork is essential in a busy kitchen. I approach each shift with a collaborative mindset, often stepping in to help others when needed, and always maintaining open lines of communication to enhance our overall efficiency.

I maintain consistency by closely following recipes and techniques while also assessing every dish for taste, presentation, and portion size. Regularly seeking feedback from colleagues also helps in maintaining high standards.