How to choose your kitchen CAP to be a clerk?

The kitchen clerk assists the chef in food preparation, in the dressing of dishes, and is responsible for cleaning the work surface. To become an assistant cook, you must complete specific training and obtain a CAP de cuisine.

The CAP is a professional aptitude certificate issued by the Ministry of National Education. It usually takes two years to prepare. People, especially students in CAP training, will carry out several professional courses to be able to acquire the following skills: mastery of cooking and basic culinary techniques, cutting vegetables, etc. They also learn about the risks associated with this activity and the various prevention methods.

Those who hold the CAP cuisine can create their own dishes using the various culinary preparation methods that they have learned. These future kitchen clerk will know the food products they will need and manage their own supply. This concerns the development of purchase orders, the storage and receipt of goods, the calculation of costs, the payment of suppliers, etc.

How to dress for the CAP cuisine?

Are you going to take a cooking exam and looking for a way to dress properly? A good outfit is necessary to maintain safety and especially hygiene in the kitchen. Discover here the clothes and accessories that you can wear on the day of the CAP de cuisine exam:

The professional kitchen jacket

The kitchen jacket is a very efficient work top and very essential for cooks. With its light, often white color, the jacket keeps you clean and protects you from the heat coming from the oven and the thigh plate. Plus, you won't risk wearing it down with chemicals like bleach.

The chef's hat: guarantor of food hygiene

The toque or the headdress is a reliable accessory thatcovers the chef's head. It covers all your hair to prevent it from falling into cooked foods.

This accessory also absorbs the sweat on your forehead. Symbols of skill and authority, chef's hats generally differ from clerks and other cooks.

The kitchen apron

Like the jacket, a kitchen apron is an essential piece of clothing for a to cook. It guarantees your protection and is made of waterproof materials to protect the clothing underneath. No matter the length, it protects the upper body well.

Thanks to the pockets, you can always keep your kitchen utensils close at hand. In addition to the classic white kitchen apron, different color models are also available. Just choose according to your tastes and preferences.

Safety shoes and kitchen pants

The work shoes ensure your safety and protect your feet from all possible hazards in your kitchen. Knowing that the floor of a kitchen is often slippery, safety shoes help prevent falls and injuries.

As for the kitchen pants, they go perfectly with the jacket and the rest of the outfit. This clothing must be equipped with great comfort and a high level of safety to prevent the risk of burns and conflagration. This is why most kitchen pants are made with resistant, solid, comfortable and light fabrics.

Why should professional uniforms be worn in a restaurant?

The restaurant or hotel sector is highly regulated for the handling of food which can easily be contaminated if hygiene rules are not respected. There are certain kitchen items that catering professionals must wear.

In the kitchen, staff must wear adequate work clothes in order to comply with hygiene rules. This is due to the dangers of certain specialized tools that are used daily. The kitchen outfit can also be used to distinguish a chef from other chefs and servers.

Who should pay for work clothes in catering?

Almost all restaurant workers wear workwear. But one question remains: who will pay for the purchase and maintenance? Will employees have to provide their own work equipment, or is it up to the employer to manage it? Do you need it? Collective catering, fast food, starred chefs, hotels, bars, cafes, the wearing of work uniforms has become compulsory regardless of the sector.

Employers are solely responsible for the purchase and supply of work clothing. Employers and employees decide for themselves who will do the regular maintenance of the clothes, but the cost of the work is borne by the company. Professional cleaning company, on-site washing machines or employee home laundry: all means are allowed, but employers must reimburse any additional costs.

It is also their responsibility to ensure that the outfits are still in good condition. Clothing that is worn or damaged due to improper care can be dangerous.