July 30, 2010

In French the word for line cook is Chef de Partie. You may be wondering exactly what does a line cook do?

It sounds like a cook who works in conjunction with the kitchen gathering orders and getting them ready for the customer. A line cook reports to the head chef of the kitchen. The responsibilities of a line cook include but are not limited to the following

1. They will follow and execute recipes
2. Complete meal prep
3. They may present meals
4. They will keep the kitchen clean and sanitary according the state law.
5. They will be responsible to clean the kitchen equipment

These are just some of the duties to be performed by the chef de partie. Others requirements of the job include:

1. Should have other line cook experience
2. Be flexible with scheduling and must be able to assume other work stations functions
   
3. Very important: You must be able to read and follow recipes.
4. You must be able to work under pressure
   
5. Have the physical stamina to lift and bend while standing on your feet for long shifts ranging from 8 to 10 hours
6. You must be able to read and communicate oral as well as written instructions

There is more to being a chef de partie as you may have thought. But that is what makes great restaurants, the food is great but it is the line cooks, prep cooks and other kitchen staff that works together to get this great food to you. Being a line cook or a chef de partie you will be responsible for preparing meals per dietians orders or special orders given by the chef.

You may be called upon to supervise other kitchen staff and you may be called upon to over look others food prep from time to time. You can help in the preparation of the menu and have a say in portions and presentation. In addition to cooking you can also be required to help plan the menus and put together estimates of food requirements and food costs.

There is so much to do as a chef de partie that it is one of the most important jobs in the kitchen. It is a great honor to work in a kitchen and if you have the experience and the skills then you will make it far in the industry.