chef de cuisine
Head kitchen commander
Chef de cuisine is the head chef of a kitchen, the person with ultimate authority over menu, staff, and food preparation.
The French term appears in formal culinary contexts and fine dining establishments: The chef de cuisine personally inspected each plate before service.
In most kitchens, simply "chef" or "executive chef" serves the same purpose.
Large military unit
- line cookKitchen staff at stations
- stationFixed stopping point
- expeditingMaking progress faster
- serviceAid or maintenance
delegation · mentorship · coordination · discipline · command · training · scheduling · standards
Creating something original
- platingSurface metal application
- presentationFormal display to viewers
- artistryExceptional creative skill
- creativityCapacity for original thought
visionary · molecular gastronomy · fusion · avant-garde · experimentation · signature style · garnish · aesthetics
Cook quickly in fat
- broilCook with direct heat
- marinateSoak food in flavoring
- julienneCut into thin strips
- braiseSear, then slow-simmer
simmer · roux · mise en place · fillet · poach · chiffonade · sous-vide · caramelize
Curated sequence of small courses
- seasonalRecurring at fixed intervals
- prix fixeSet menu, set cost
- specialsLimited-time offerings
- coursesAcademic subjects or meal stages
pairings · flavor profiles · ingredients · sourcing · presentation · balance · composition · signature dish
Oral cavity ceiling
- umamiFifth taste sensation
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
- gastronomeCulinary connoisseur
- connoisseurExpert in matters of taste
refinement · taste · mouthfeel · aromatics · seasoning · wine pairing · epicurean
brigade
Large military unit
- line cookKitchen staff at stations
- stationFixed stopping point
- expeditingMaking progress faster
service · delegation · mentorship · coordination · discipline · command · training · scheduling · standards · quality control
innovation
Creating something original
- platingSurface metal application
- presentationFormal display to viewers
- artistryExceptional creative skill
creativity · visionary · molecular gastronomy · fusion · avant-garde · experimentation · signature style · garnish · aesthetics · deconstructed
sauté
Cook quickly in fat
braise · simmer · roux · mise en place · fillet · poach · chiffonade · sous-vide · caramelize · flambé
tasting menu
Curated sequence of small courses
courses · pairings · flavor profiles · ingredients · sourcing · presentation · balance · composition · signature dish · amuse-bouche
palate
Oral cavity ceiling
- umamiFifth taste sensation
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
- gastronomeCulinary connoisseur
connoisseur · refinement · taste · mouthfeel · aromatics · seasoning · wine pairing · epicurean
- fine dininggourmet meal, tasting menu, gourmet, prix fixe menu, Michelin star
- kitchen jobscook, line cook, prep cook, head cook, saucier
- kitchen staffcook, line cook, prep cook, fry cook, grill cook
- restaurant workerswaiter, waitress, server, cook, hostess
- Chefsline cook, prep cook, commis, apprentice, saucier
- household staffmaid, butler, housekeeper, cook, nanny
chef de cuisineline cook
Kitchen staff at stations
kitchen porter · dishwasher · prep cook · busboy · kitchen assistant
chef de cuisinehome cook
fast food worker · beginner · novice · short-order cook · cafeteria worker