Catering by Michaels Garde Manger Cook

Job Description

Job Description

At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. Every salad, fruit display, composed platter, and cold preparation contributes to an experience that guests remember long after the event is over.Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from weddings and galas to corporate events, festivals, mitzvahs, and private celebrations.We are looking for a Garde Manger Cook who takes pride in presentation, consistency, and craftsmanship. This position plays a key role in preparing the fresh, high-quality items that help define the Catering by Michaels experience.About Catering by MichaelsFor more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through quality, creativity, and execution.Scratch kitchen focused on quality, craftsmanship, and fresh ingredientsSustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green SealExperience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, LIV Golf, the Black Creativity Gala, and countless weddings, galas, and corporate events throughout ChicagoFull-service catering and event production serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbsEvery role contributes to the client experience.Why This Role MattersThe Garde Manger department is responsible for many of the first items guests see and enjoy at an event. From fresh fruit displays and pasta salads to composed vegetable salads and cold appetizers, presentation and consistency are essential.This role requires attention to detail, efficiency, and a commitment to quality in a fast-paced production environment.Key ResponsibilitiesPrepare fresh fruit displays, fruit cups, and fruit-based menu items according to company standardsProduce pasta salads, vegetable salads, grain salads, and other cold preparationsFollow recipes accurately while maintaining consistency and qualityPortion, package, and label products according to production schedulesAssist with ingredient preparation including washing, cutting, peeling, and processing fruits and vegetablesMaintain clean, organized, and sanitary workstations throughout each shiftEnsure all products meet company standards for freshness, flavor, and presentationWork closely with chefs and fellow kitchen team members to meet production deadlinesFollow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety proceduresQualificationsPrevious prep cook, garde manger, commissary, or kitchen experience preferredStrong knife skills and ability to work efficiently with fresh produceAbility to follow recipes and production schedules accuratelyStrong attention to detail and commitment to presentationAbility to multitask in a fast-paced kitchen environmentPositive attitude and willingness to work as part of a teamReliable attendance and punctualityFlexible availability including weekends and holidays as neededSpanish language skills are a plus. If you speak Spanish, you will be working alongside team members who do as wellPhysical RequirementsAbility to stand for extended periods throughout the workdayAbility to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularlyAbility to bend, reach, kneel, and move throughout production areasComfortable working in refrigerated environments and commercial kitchen settingsWhy Work With Catering by MichaelsWe have been doing this since 1980 because we care about doing things the right way. Our culinary team takes pride in creating food that looks great, tastes great, and helps create memorable events throughout Chicago.If you enjoy working with fresh ingredients, have an eye for presentation, and want to be part of a team that values craftsmanship and execution, we encourage you to apply.Join a catering and events company that values quality, teamwork, and creating exceptional experiences through food.

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