Chef Italian Cuisine

Roles and responsibilities

You will be responsible to provide an excellent and consistent level of service to your customers. The Commis Chef is responsible to prepare a consistent, high quality food product and ensure courteous, professional, efficient and flexible service that supports the outlet’s operating concept and Hyatt International standards.

1 year work experience as Commis Chef in Italian restaurant or 2 years as Apprentice in a hotel or restaurant with good standards / Basic Culinary skills / good hygiene knowledge.
Schedule flexibility is necessary and ability to multi-task.
Preparation and Cooking of Italian Dishes
Pasta Preparation: As pasta is a staple of Italian cuisine, the chef will be responsible for making fresh pasta, whether it's handmade or machine-made, and preparing various sauces like marinara, Alfredo, pesto, or ragù.
Pizza Making: Preparing different types of pizzas using authentic dough, sauces, and toppings. The chef may also oversee the baking process in a wood-fired oven for a traditional touch.
Regional Dishes: Italian cuisine is highly regional, so the chef will need to master dishes from different parts of Italy, such as Risotto (Northern Italy), Osso Buco (Milan), Frittata (Central Italy), or Caponata (Sicily).
Sauces and Stocks: Preparation of Italian sauces and stocks, such as Pomodoro, Béchamel, and Pesto, which form the foundation of many dishes.
Seafood and Meat Dishes: Italian cuisine includes a wide variety of meats and seafood. The chef will be responsible for preparing classic dishes like Saltimbocca, Porchetta, and Branzino, as well as traditional Italian meatballs and other specialties.
Menu Planning and Innovation
Menu Creation: Plan and create seasonal or special menus based on Italian dishes, ingredients, and flavors. This includes offering a variety of options such as appetizers, mains, and desserts, including the renowned Tiramisu, Cannoli, and Panna Cotta.
Seasonal Ingredients: Select and use high-quality seasonal ingredients, such as fresh herbs, tomatoes, olive oil, and cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala, and Ricotta, which are central to authentic Italian dishes.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation: While Italian cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, the chef might also incorporate innovative twists to create contemporary Italian dishes, keeping the menu fresh and exciting.
Team Leadership and Kitchen Management
Supervising Kitchen Staff: Oversee and manage kitchen staff, including sous chefs, line cooks, and prep cooks, ensuring that they follow recipes, maintain the quality of food, and work efficiently.
Training Staff: Train kitchen staff on the preparation of Italian dishes, proper cooking techniques, and food presentation. They also ensure team members are aware of food safety practices and kitchen cleanliness standards.
Maintaining High Standards: Ensure that the food is of the highest quality, ensuring dishes are consistently prepared, plated, and served to a high standard.
Inventory and Ordering: Manage inventory and order the necessary ingredients for dishes, ensuring the availability of authentic Italian ingredients, including specialty items such as truffles, balsamic vinegar, or specialty cheeses.

Desired candidate profile

Quality Control and Food Presentation
Plating and Presentation: Oversee the artistic presentation of dishes, ensuring that food is visually appealing and reflects the elegance of Italian cuisine. Attention to detail in garnishing, plating, and portion sizes is important.
Quality Control: Constantly monitor the taste, texture, and presentation of dishes to ensure they align with the restaurant’s standards.
Health, Safety, and Hygiene
Maintaining Cleanliness: Ensure that the kitchen is cleaned and organized to meet health and safety regulations. This includes proper storage of ingredients, cleanliness of cooking equipment, and maintaining sanitation protocols.
Food Safety: Ensure that the kitchen operates under food safety standards, including proper food handling, storage, and cooking temperatures to avoid contamination and ensure guest health.
Customer Interaction (Optional)
Guest Engagement: Depending on the establishment, a chef specializing in Italian cuisine may have direct interactions with guests, explaining the dishes, providing recommendations, or receiving feedback.
Key Skills and Competencies
Culinary Expertise in Italian Cuisine
A deep understanding of Italian culinary techniques, dishes, and regional specialties is essential. Mastery in pasta-making, pizza-making, sauce preparation, and other staples of Italian cooking is critical.
Creativity and Innovation
Creativity in crafting innovative Italian dishes, combining traditional techniques with modern twists, is a key skill. The chef should also be able to design seasonal menus based on available ingredients.
Leadership and Team Management
Strong leadership skills to manage kitchen staff, maintain productivity, and ensure team collaboration. The chef must be able to delegate tasks and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.