CDC

Mountain Standard Restaurant is currently looking for a dynamic and exceptional Chef de Cuisine .  

Located in the heart of Vail Village, Sweet Basil Inc is the owner and operator of both Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard Restaurants.  Sweet Basil has a storied history and has been counted amongst Colorado’s best restaurants since 1977.  We have been honored with inclusion as a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant since the guide’s inception in Colorado. This landmark restaurant is driven to provide a world class dining experience rooted in exceptional hospitality.  Sweet Basil’s cuisine is progressive, contemporary American, ingredient driven, refined yet playful.  Mountain Standard is based on that same drive for excellence, but presented in a more casual, communal atmosphere.  The food is focused on carefully sourced ingredients and ancient wood-fired cooking methods.  Our wood-fired grill and rotisserie are the backbone of the restaurant and we love playin’ with fire!! The open kitchen, live fires, energetic vibe, and carefully curated taps and cocktails all contribute to the perfect modern mountain dining experience.    

The duties of the Chef de Cuisine are varied and encompass complete kitchen management.  This position does report to our Executive Chef but is in complete command of the kitchen operations at Mountain Standard. For a proven chef, there is an opportunity for freedom and autonomy in running this restaurant’s kitchen. This is a department head leadership role, with expectations of significant contributions to menu development, kitchen culture and overall direction of the restaurant.  The Chef de Cuisine will be expected to perform the following (but not limited to) essential duties:  

-Lead a team of passionate cooks, inspiring them to reach their maximum potential, focusing on professional development and staff retention.  

-Be a Steward of our culture, providing a work environment where our employees are safe, valued, challenged, and where they can succeed. The chef should lead the charge with our kitchen being the “employer of choice” in the Vail Valley.  

-Conduct daily staff “line-ups” and relay pertinent information in a clear and effective manner. Provide motivating content to help staff maximize their abilities  

-Create specials, contribute regularly towards menu development and drive the positive evolution of Mountain Standard’s cuisine. It’s your menu and we want it to reflect your style and expertise.  

-Ensure the quality of our food through routine line checks, tastings, corrections and adjustments.  Focusing on positive corrections and mentorship to make our team of cooks the best they can be.  

-Educate and train our staff, both FOH and BOH on a regular basis, showing passion and a desire for excellence  

-Execute daily services, ensuring all menu items are prepared within our established standards and expectations  

-Assist with necessary paperwork, including menu/special costings, mise en place lists, manager log reports, scheduling, and general management team communications.   

-Communicate effectively with members of their team, FOH staff and management, fellow chefs and ownership on all relevant and necessary items.  

-Monitor and enforce all employment standards outlined by Sweet Basil Inc.  

-Be flexible with work schedule, including weekends, nights, mornings, holidays and special events  

-Be able to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods of time, up to 12 hrs  

These duties are just a few examples of the scope of the chef position.  This is BIG position and ultimately is the tip of the spear for all kitchen operations. However, there is a chef team for support and achievement of the restaurant’s goals. You will manage and develop this chef team to accomplish the company and restaurant goals. The ideal candidate will be extremely passionate about food, modern cuisine, ingredients, and genuine hospitality. Previous experience with wood-fired cooking would be a plus.  We want a leader that can inspire others through his or her passion, maturity, and abilities.  This person should also have a strong desire to improve their own personal skills, ideally helping the restaurant get better in those same areas.  Dynamic is a word that comes to mind when describing the perfect Chef de Cuisine.   

We offer an outstanding salary with potential for continued growth.  We also offer a comprehensive benefit package, including a quarterly bonus plan, 4 weeks paid vacation, Manager comp account, R&D account, Free ski pass, and health insurance contribution.  Typical work weeks are between 55-60 hours and almost always (holidays exempt) include two days off.  We believe and practice work & life balance and feel strongly that you should too.  Vail is an outdoor sports and activities paradise; one that we hope you can enjoy often!! 

If you feel that you fit this mold currently or you are a superstar ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you!! Please send your resume and a brief cover letter for review.  We look forward to exploring this opportunity with you!