Job Description

About L’Ardente

L’Ardente is a timeless Italian culinary experience in the heart of Washington, DC, combining the elegance and glamour of Italian dining with rustic warmth and exceptional ingredients. From its gold-plated pizza oven and sumptuous dining room to its thoughtfully executed food and beverage program, L’Ardente delivers an elevated yet approachable experience inspired by the contrasts of Italy—haute yet simple, glamorous yet rustic, indulgent yet restrained.

As part of the award-winning team behind Unconventional Diner, L’Ardente is committed to creating memorable hospitality through thoughtful food, genuine service, and attention to detail.

Position Summary

L’Ardente is seeking a Pastry Sous Chef to support the leadership and daily operation of our pastry program. This position works closely with the pastry leadership team to execute a high-quality dessert and pastry program that reflects L’Ardente’s elevated Italian identity.

The Pastry Sous Chef will be responsible for overseeing daily pastry production, maintaining consistency and quality, supporting menu development, training and developing pastry team members, and ensuring the pastry department operates efficiently and safely.

The ideal candidate is a skilled pastry professional with strong technical knowledge, an eye for detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to lead a team in a high-volume, high-expectation restaurant environment.

Essential Responsibilities Pastry Production & Quality

• Execute and oversee daily pastry production, including desserts, components, sauces, creams, baked goods, and other pastry preparations.
• Maintain the highest standards of quality, consistency, presentation, flavor, and execution.
• Ensure all pastry items are prepared according to established recipes, specifications, and plating standards.
• Work hands-on alongside the pastry team during service and production.
• Ensure desserts and pastry components are properly prepared, stored, labeled, dated, and rotated.
• Monitor product quality throughout the day and make adjustments as necessary.
• Support the execution of brunch, lunch, dinner, special events, private dining, and catering needs.
• Maintain consistency across all shifts and ensure proper execution during high-volume service.

Leadership & Team Development

• Serve as a key leader within the pastry department and support the Pastry Chef/Executive Pastry Chef in managing daily operations.
• Lead and coach pastry cooks, bakers, and other team members through hands-on training and clear communication.
• Assist with scheduling, station assignments, daily production planning, and delegation of responsibilities.
• Train team members on recipes, techniques, sanitation, organization, and plating standards.
• Provide ongoing feedback and help develop team members' technical skills.
• Foster a professional, respectful, collaborative, and positive kitchen culture.
• Lead by example through strong work ethic, professionalism, organization, and attention to detail.

Job Tags

Full time, All shifts

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