Chef Helper
Doppio Zero Bassonia
Johannesburg, South Africa
2019.04 - 2023.05
- Assisted chef with cooking and plating up for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Followed recipes to achieve food quality and consistency.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation of kitchen stations and storage areas.
- Completed daily cleaning and restocking checklists to support kitchen operations.
- Prepared all fresh vegetables for daily meal service.
- Washed and put away cookware, utensils and dishes.
- Followed all rules and regulations related to safe food handling, preparation and storage.
- Helped prepare and plate dishes, adding condiments and garnishes to enhance presentation and meet quality standards.
- Checked stock was stored at correct temperatures to limit spoilage.
- Prepared vegetables before service times, washing, peeling and chopping varieties used in dishes.
- Assisted chefs by preparing simple salads, sandwiches and sides.
- Conducted regular checks on kitchen equipment, reporting any malfunctions for timely repairs or replacements.
- Sustained a positive and professional demeanour under pressure, contributing to a harmonious kitchen environment.
- Monitored food temperatures during storage, cooking, and serving to comply with health and safety regulations.
- Weighed ingredients for accurate portion control.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline cooking processes, reducing meal preparation times by 20%.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely delivery of meals, enhancing guest dining experience.
- Removed waste and inadequate food items regularly to keep work spaces neat and clean.
- Managed kitchen cleaning duties to keep all areas and workstations organised, well-stocked and free from hazards.
- Cleaned all crockery and utensils before, during and after service.
- Supported chefs in managing food preparation to achieve high-quality, precise plating and presentation standards.
- Collaborated with other kitchen staff to streamline food preparation processes for high-volume service periods.
- Used kitchen equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and company safety protocols.
- Prepped ingredients in advance to speed up cooking times during peak hours.
- Managed inventory of kitchen supplies and food items, placing orders as necessary to maintain stock levels.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, including ovens, grills, and mixers, following health and safety guidelines.
- Disposed of all waste diligently, separating food scraps, general waste and recycling.
- Helped kitchen team prioritise and complete high-volume orders in busy restaurant environment.
- Reported kitchen equipment faults for quick repair.
- Optimised waste management strategies, significantly reducing food wastage and contributing to cost savings.
- Maintained high levels of kitchen hygiene, including cleaning surfaces and equipment regularly.
- Disposed of kitchen waste and recycling appropriately.
- Assisted head chef in the preparation of diverse cuisines, maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety.