The pantry is the next step in developing your knowledge of food, as well as the technical skills you need to be successful. This station requires that you handle and prepare menu items from scratch. Salad, appetizer and dessert preparation forces you to use knife skills, read and follow recipes, develop time management skills, multi-task, and utilize proper sanitation procedures.

The responsibilities of the salad station may consist of chopping and slicing vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood. You may also be introduced to using mechanical kitchen equipment. It is very important that you are properly trained on how to operate this equipment. Once you begin using convection ovens, grills, and oven ranges, it is very important that you stay aware of your surroundings at all times. It is also important to understand the proper safety procedures needed to safely use this equipment.

Classes are available to get certified in sanitation and basic food handling. This really should be a priority for any person who works in a kitchen. When you begin your day, you should already have a course of action set in place for getting your station prep done, working the station throughout your shift, and keeping your area clean and sanitary.

Creating good work habits is very important to the success or failure of your life as a chef. An important note is to be aware of staying on task and finishing in a timely manner. In the restaurant time is money and if you can save the establishment a couple of dollars, that will make you more valuable.