The Tournant is a highly versatile and essential member of the culinary team. This role is not confined to a single station; instead, the Tournant rotates between various kitchen sections, to provide expert support and ensure operational continuity. This position is critical for maintaining efficiency and a high standard of service during peak hours, staff shortages, or when specific stations require additional assistance.
The Tournant plays a key role in delivering Sonesta's mission of providing exceptional service to both guests and colleagues. This position is primarily responsible for preparing and producing food orders that meet our high-quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a passion for hospitality and a commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and sanitary work environment.
Work Environment
This position requires working indoors in a fast-paced service environment, where you'll need to tolerate extreme temperatures and be able to work at any station in the Main kitchen, Outlet kitchen and Banquet kitchen. This position reports to Executive Chef and Sous Chefs.
Physical Demands
- The individual in this role may occasionally exert up to 50 pounds of force, and / or frequently or constantly exert 20 pounds of force.
- Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 250 lbs. occasionally.
- The person in this role may be asked to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Must be able to tolerate extreme temperatures, such as those in freezers and on loading docks.
- This position requires the ability to stand for the entire shift, with frequent bending, kneeling, and reaching.
Expected Hours of Work
Flexibility to work variable days, including weekends and holidays, is required.Flexibility to work variable shifts (days, nights, overnights) is essential.Overtime will be required on occasions.Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED preferred, culinary degree a plus.ServSafe or NYC Food Protection Certification required.Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.Previous experience in a 4- or 5-star hotel culinary operation strongly preferred.Qualifications
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.Skilled in recipe interpretation and execution.Experience in banquet operations, high-volume service, and FIFO inventory management.Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards.Problem-solving skills and composure under pressure.Professional communication skills, both verbal and written.Commitment to teamwork, inclusivity, and guest satisfaction.Flexibility to adapt to business demands, including varied shifts and extended hours.Essential Duties & Responsibilities .
Food Preparation & Service
Prepare food orders consistently and in a timely manner to meet quality standards.Set up workstation with necessary prep items from various areas to ensure readiness.Conduct prep for upcoming meal periods after current service is completed.Review tickets from the POS system to ensure accuracy and efficiency.Maintain portion control and consistency across all dishes.Quality & Safety
Perform regular quality control checks for taste, appearance, and consistency.Operate kitchen equipment responsibly and safely.Always follow strict food handling and sanitation guidelines.Minimize waste and maintain food cost controls.Sanitize cutting boards, worktables, and prep areas per Food Safety Guidelines.Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; use equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safelyMeet with Chef / Sous Chef to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other pertinent informationMaintain complete knowledge of, comply with, and perform according to all service / departmental / hotel / company policies, procedures, requirements, specifications and standardsMaintain and strictly abide by state sanitation / health regulations and hotel requirementsMaintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; use equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safelyMeet with Chef / Sous Chef to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other pertinent informationStation Management / Opening Duties
Proficient in all kitchen workstations, including both cold and hot stations, and can work with flexibility as needed.Complete all opening dutiesTurn on specified equipment (i.e., ovens, deep fryers), fill steam table and unlock secured areas (i.e., reach-ins, walk-ins) secure keys.Set up workstation with required items in place, tools, equipment and supplies.Inspect the cleanliness and working condition of all tools, equipment and supplies.Check production schedule and pars.Establish priority items for the day.Inform the Chef / Sous Chef of any supplies that need to be requisitioned for the day’s tasks.Transport supplies from the storeroom and stock in designated areas.Inspect the cleanliness and organization of the line and workstations; rectify any deficiencies; maintain throughout the shift.Start prep work on items needed for the menu of the day.Organize all the various prep items needed from different areas to ensure that all items are in place and ready for service.Continue prep work after the meal period for the next meal service.Check P.O.S. printer at the workstation; ensure that it is in working order and there is enough paper available for the shift.Prepare all menu items following recipes and yield guides.Inform the Sous Chef of any shortages before the item runs out.Inform F & B service staff of 86’d items and amount of available specials throughout the meal period.Communicate any assistance needed during busy periods to the Sous Chef to ensure optimum service to guests.Inform Chef / Sous Chef of any excess items that can be used in daily specials or elsewhere.Maintain proper storage procedures as specified by Health Department and hotel requirements.Minimize waste and maintain controls to attain forecasted food cost.Disinfect and sanitize cutting boards and worktables.Transport empty, dirty pots and pans to the pot wash station.Direct and assist in Stewarding area to make clean-up a more efficient process.Closing Duties
Complete all closing duties.Turn off all equipment that is not needed while restaurants is closed.Cool down all hot items for next day.Wrap, cover, label and date all items being put away.Clean up and wipe down food prep areas, reach-ins / walk-ins, and shelves.Review status of work and follow-up actions required with the Executive chef / Sous Chef before leaving.Return all food items to the proper storage areas.Rotate all returned products.Wrap, cover, label and date all items being put away.Straighten up and organize all storage areas.Clean up and wipe down food prep areas, reach-ins / walk-ins, shelves.Return all unused and clean utensils / equipment to the specified locations.Ice down hot items from the steam table, so they cool quickly.Turn off all equipment not needed for the next shift.Restock items that were depleted during the shift.Review status of work and follow-up actions required with the Chef / Sous Chef before leaving.Proficient in all kitchen workstations, including both cold and hot stations, and can work with flexibility as needed.Communicate shortages or operational issues to the Sous Chef promptly.Transport empty pots, pans, and utensils safely to the pot wash area.Deliver food and supplies to Banquet Events as directed by the Chef or Supervisor.Collaboration & Communication
Meet with Executive Chef / Sous Chef to review assignments, service expectations, and updates.Request assistance during high-volume periods to ensure smooth guest service.Attend required HR and departmental meetings.Maintain clear, respectful, and professional communication with guests, vendors, and colleagues.________________________________________
Notes
This description outlines the primary duties but is not an exhaustive list. Additional job-related duties may be assigned by supervisors per event.________________________________________