Job Summary Love working in a kitchen but looking for something beyond a traditional restaurant environment? Meritage Restaurant & Catering at Callaway Vineyard & Winery is looking for a dependable, motivated Line Cook to join our culinary team in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. Our culinary team supports more than restaurant service. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside our Head Chef preparing food for Meritage Restaurant, weddings, private events, wine club experiences, winery events, concerts, catering, and occasional off-site and promotional events. We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, understands the importance of consistency and cleanliness, and wants to be part of a collaborative culinary team.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Prepare and execute Meritage menu items according to established recipes, portions, and plating standards.
• Set up, maintain, and break down assigned stations.
• Complete daily prep and maintain proper mise en place for restaurant and event service.
• Support culinary preparation and execution for weddings, catering, private events, wine club events, winery programming, and special events.
• Assist with plated dinners, buffets, stations, receptions, and other event service.
• Follow event menus, BEOs, prep lists, quantities, and timelines provided by the Head Chef.
• Maintain consistent standards for food quality, temperature, freshness, and presentation.
• Properly receive, label, date, rotate, store, and handle food products.
• Follow all food-safety and sanitation requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation.
• Minimize food waste through proper preparation, portioning, and product handling.
• Work collaboratively with the Head Chef and culinary team and assist other stations when needed.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Previous restaurant or professional kitchen experience preferred.
• Catering, banquet, wedding, winery, hotel, or event experience is a plus.
• Basic knife skills and knowledge of professional food preparation.
• Ability to follow recipes and plating standards consistently.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, punctual, and team-oriented.
• California Food Handler Card or ability to obtain one as required.

SCHEDULE & ENVIRONMENT

This is an hourly position with a schedule based on restaurant and event business needs. Candidates must have flexibility to work weekends, evenings, holidays, weddings, winery events, and occasional off-site events. This is a great opportunity for a cook who wants exposure to more than one style of culinary service. One shift may be focused on Meritage Restaurant service, while another may involve preparing for a winery wedding, private dinner, concert, or special event. If you take pride in your food, show up ready to work, enjoy being part of a team, and want to continue developing your culinary skills in a unique wine-country environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay:

From $22.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 - 35.0 per week

Work Location:

In person