Pasta Maker & Line Cook

We're looking for an experienced outgoing culinary professional who enjoys working across different positions. A pasta maker who enjoys teaching others in our classes as well as someone who can also work the line with ease. This role will be critical to our private event business - helping teach private classes or cook for the events, as well as doing our small-group pasta classes in our iconic front window. We highly value a sense of team working within a positive collaborative environment. Tortello is committed to exceptional yet simple food; to Italian tradition in a modern environment; to creating a neighborhood experience of warmth and comfort. We arm the kitchen with only the very best – from the flour we import, to the eggs we collaborated on with a local farm to improve quality, to the handmaking of everything in house. Tortello is equally committed to creating a positive, problem-solving and kind culture. Tortello was recognized by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand for three years in a row, nominated for a Jean Banchet Award in its first 6 months after opening and named one of the best new restaurants of the year by Chicago Magazine in 2020. The "Michelin" equivalent of Italy awarded Tortello with a Gambero Rosso Award for the past 3 years for our commitment to authentic Italian cooking tradition. We show our appreciation for the back of house by equally pooling tips, which means our cooks and pasta makers can make $26-$32 per hour. We can't wait to grow the team and continue on our journey together.

If you’re hungry and passionate about cooking, a good communicator, and a positive force of energy, we would love to hear from you. Grazie!

Michelin Bib Gourmand 2022, 2023, 2024
Gambero Rosso 2022, 2023, 2024
Jean Banchet 2019 nominee for Best Counter Service
Chicago Magazine, Best New Restaurants, April 2020

Essential Job Functions:

• As a line cook:
• Preparation and execution of dishes and recipes to a high standard is required in conjunction with maintaining cleanliness and safety protocols.
• The Line Cook is required to set up, maintain, and execute menu items as directed by the Executive Chef
• Communicate clearly with the Chef of any product needs related
• Prep food products. Use proper rotation, first in first out, checking for quality, preventing food waste
• Assist the chef in managing the standards for food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures according to the Chef’s specifications
• Daily duties may also include but are not limited to unpacking and stocking kitchen deliveries, as well as assigned cleaning duties.
• As a pasta maker & teacher
• Prepare pasta dough from scratch
• Follow proper techniques for different pasta shapes
• Engage with guests through the window and seated at our pasta bar
• Teach our classes with enthusiasm, accuracy, passion and respect, as a representative of Tortello
• Produce daily pars efficiently
• Perform basic math and measuring skills
• Across all roles:
• Maintain a clean and sanitary food production area according to Department of Health standards
• Cultivate and maintain professional relationships with all other employees through a positive and team-driven work effort
• Arrive as scheduled for shifts and all meetings
• Maintain uniform cleanliness and proper attire at all times without exception

Experience / Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of cooking terms, techniques, and recipes
• 2-6 years kitchen experience preferred
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Serve Safe Food Handlers Certificate
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and recipes. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or fellow employees.
• A flexible schedule with the ability to work day, evening and weekend hours as business needs require
• Fresh pasta experience is a plus
• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer