AM LINE COOK

MIKA Coral Gables by Michael White is seeking a skilled, dependable, and motivated AM Line Cook to join our culinary team.

The AM Line Cook is responsible for preparing and executing dishes according to MIKA's recipes, presentation standards, and quality expectations while maintaining an organized, sanitary, and efficient workstation. This position plays an important role in preparing the restaurant for daily service and ensuring consistency from the first plate of the day to the last.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their craft, works with urgency and precision, respects ingredients, and understands the importance of teamwork in a high-standard kitchen.

Essential Responsibilities

• Arrive on time, in complete uniform, and ready to work at the scheduled start time.
• Set up and fully stock assigned station before service.
• Review daily prep lists, reservations, specials, events, and anticipated business levels.
• Prepare ingredients according to established recipes, specifications, and Chef direction.
• Execute menu items accurately and consistently during lunch service.
• Maintain MIKA standards for taste, temperature, portioning, presentation, and timing.
• Follow proper cooking techniques and respect the quality and integrity of all ingredients.
• Communicate clearly with Sous Chefs, Expo, and other stations throughout service.
• Work with urgency while maintaining composure, organization, and attention to detail.
• Properly label, date, rotate, store, and handle all food products following FIFO procedures.
• Monitor product levels and communicate shortages or prep needs before they affect service.
• Minimize waste and properly utilize ingredients and products.
• Maintain a clean and organized station throughout the shift—not only at opening and closing.
• Follow all food-safety, sanitation, temperature-control, and cross-contamination procedures.
• Follow MIKA's allergy procedures and Chef instructions regarding dietary restrictions and special requests.
• Properly clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, refrigeration, work surfaces, and assigned areas.
• Assist other stations and team members when needed.
• Complete all closing, breakdown, storage, and handoff responsibilities before leaving the kitchen.
• Perform additional culinary duties as assigned by Chef or management.

Qualifications

• Previous line cook experience in a full-service, upscale, or high-volume restaurant preferred.
• Experience with lunch and/or high-volume service strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of professional kitchen equipment and cooking techniques.
• Basic knife skills and food preparation knowledge.
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to read and follow recipes and plating specifications.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and consistency.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to receive feedback and continuously improve.
• Availability for morning shifts, lunch service, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to:

• Stand and work for extended periods.
• Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, cold, and wet surfaces.
• Frequently bend, reach, lift, carry, and move kitchen products and equipment.
• Safely lift and carry up to approximately 50 lbs.
• Safely operate standard commercial kitchen equipment.

MIKA Culinary Standards

At MIKA, technical ability is only part of the job. Every member of the culinary team is expected to demonstrate:

CONSISTENCY — Every plate represents MIKA, regardless of how busy we are.

URGENCY — Move with purpose without sacrificing quality or safety.

ORGANIZATION — A clean and organized station creates a successful service.

COMMUNICATION — Communicate problems early. Never allow another station or the guest to discover a problem first.

TEAMWORK — We succeed as one kitchen, not as individual stations.

RESPECT — Respect the product, your teammates, the restaurant, and ultimately the guest.

ACCOUNTABILITY — Take ownership of your station, your preparation, and your execution.

Our Culture

MIKA Coral Gables combines the Tastes of the Riviera with the Hospitality of Home. Our approach to hospitality is refined but never pretentious—warm, authentic, professional, and detail-oriented.

The AM Line Cook is expected to represent these values through discipline, craftsmanship, teamwork, and pride in every dish that leaves the kitchen.

MIKA Coral Gables is an Equal Opportunity Employer.