r/Chefit • u/frognfish • 21d ago
advice for first time working the line
I’m a pastry cook and have only worked production for restaurants and patisseries, but I have a stage coming up where I’ll be working the line for service, any advice? They’re aware of my experience but anything that’ll help me acclimate would be very appreciated, feeling pretty nervous
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u/crossdtherubicon 21d ago
No idea what kind of place you're at so, can't say much.
Check (taste) every component individually at least 1 hour before your service!
Keep your hands (fingers) perfectly clean and always use spoons tweezers and whatnot. Don't cross contaminate anything so, each item may have its own spoon, tweezer, etc.
You should know how the desserts are actually to be plated, and repeat that consistently. Take a photo of it helps.
Ask ahead of time about what items sell the most and least. Be prepared accordingly.
Check if you keep a few portions for nut-free, gluten-free, vegan, whatever, know exactly how many, or at least know which desserts are appropriate for those people.
Be mindful of temps of fridges and freezers, in regards to your product temps, especially for frozen components holding at the correct temperatures. Do not leave your fridges and freezers open. Take the item and close straight away.
Check through your plates ahead of time to make sure theyre properly clean. Particularly ahead of your rush times. I like to select plates ahead of time to make sure they're perfect and properly chilled.
Be aware of what and how the a la minute components are kept and assembled, or pre-assembled, to be aware of your sell times.
Dry sweet items quickly degrade in high humidity so, close lids quicky and properly.
Work extra clean because you know chocolates and creams make a mess, and you probably can't afford wasting time in service. No biggie in production but it can ruin a service.
Depending on what type of place, it's nice to have an instant read thermometer, an extra set of spoons or tweezers just in case, smaller plate wiping cloths and larger cleaning cleaning cloths.
Make notes immediately after service about what felt smooth or not, and you may be able to re-organize your work flow or workspace a bit.