ALICE MARCOTULLIO

I found the job posting on a website and immediately thought: okay, let’s give it a try!

After several interviews, I got the job and arrived in August. I immediately felt at home, it was an Italian pizzeria with a much larger capacity than I was used to, and with a more professional approach focused on authentic Italian cuisine, including not only pizza but also a variety of antipasti and desserts.

As time went on, I gained full confidence in the kitchen and eventually operated the kitchen line independently during service. I was fully responsible for my station, managing the daily mise en place, preparing both hot and cold starters, executing traditional Italian desserts, and handling orders (tickets) from the dining room in a timely and organised manner.

My responsibilities included: receiving and organising deliveries, peeling and cutting vegetables and bread, and preparing and cooking starters such as bruschetta, fried pumpkin meatballs, mixed antipasto plates, bresaola with tuna sauce and more. I also prepared classic Italian desserts like tiramisù, panna cotta, chocolate fondue, ice cream, and Sicilian cannoli.

I regularly used a meat slicer to portion cured meats such as prosciutto, spicy salami, pancetta, guanciale, bresaola, porchetta, and speck.

Each day began shaping pizza dough into balls and completing the daily prep, including blending the tomato sauce and slicing the mozzarella.

I maintained strict hygiene standards and thoroughly cleaned and sanitised my station at the end of each shift.

Progressed from Kitchen Assistant to Demi Chef de Partie in a fast-paced, family-run pizzeria with a 40-year history. Initially focused on basic prep and cleaning tasks, I quickly gained autonomy and began managing my own station.

Responsibilities included daily mise en place, preparing antipasti, desserts, and assisting with pizza prep. I also trained new kitchen staff, ensuring high standards of food quality and hygiene.

My duties also involved receiving and storing food deliveries, cutting, washing and peeling vegetables, cleaning ovens, dishes, pans, and other kitchen equipment, preparing desserts, and keeping kitchen walls and work surfaces clean.