Garde Manger/Pantry Cook- Chicago
About The Position
The Garde Manger / Pantry Cook prepares and presents cold-station menu items, including salads, composed appetizers, chilled seafood, and plated desserts, in accordance with Smith & Wollensky’s fine-dining standards. The role calls for attention to detail, speed, cleanliness, and strong plate presentation. The position works in a fast-paced, high-volume fine-dining kitchen and typically includes evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. The cook prepares mise en place, maintains the pantry station and cold-storage areas, and coordinates with the culinary team to support smooth service.
Requirements
- Minimum 1–2 years of kitchen experience; upscale or fine-dining restaurant experience preferred.
- Strong knife skills and knowledge of cold-preparation techniques, including emulsions, dressings, charcuterie, and plating aesthetics.
- Ability to follow detailed recipes and plating guides under pressure.
- Excellent timing, organization, and cleanliness.
- City of Chicago Food Handler’s Certification required.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Team-oriented, with strong communication skills and reliability.
Nice To Haves
- Kitchen experience in upscale or fine-dining restaurants.
Responsibilities
- Prepare cold and pantry items according to Smith & Wollensky recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.
- Prepare mise en place for service and maintain freshness, quality, and consistency throughout the shift.
- Label, rotate, and store ingredients properly in compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Assemble composed salads, seafood towers, tartares, and cold hors d’oeuvres during service.
- Assist with banquet, private dining, and special-event plating as required.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the garde manger station, walk-ins, and coolers.
- Collaborate with line cooks and chefs to support service flow and course timing.
- Follow sanitation and safety standards required by the City of Chicago and Smith & Wollensky policies.
- Promptly communicate product needs, low inventory, or quality issues to the Chef or Sous Chef.
- Support culinary team members as needed and contribute to a positive, professional kitchen culture.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off.
- Career growth opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
