Bartender

Shalel is a Mediterranean restaurant located on the Upper West Side. We have been serving New Yorkers since 2000. Located in a highly unique and intimate underground space, Shalel offers more than just a top-quality dining experience - it offers unparalleled ambience, and a reprieve from typical New York City life. For more information, please visit:

We are looking for someone with experience and a passion for making cocktails at a high standard, in a busy (but small) restaurant environment. Prior knowledge of Mediterranean culinary ingredients and offerings pertaining to spirits (ie. amaro/port/arak) and cooking methods is considered a plus. Innovation within our beverage program is highly encouraged, especially the usage of seasonal ingredients and highlighting regional spirits. Attention to personalized service and a desire to build returning clientele is a must. Candidates must have previous experience with wine service, and familiarity with regional wines of the Mediterranean.

This position is for 2-4 shifts/week with priority placed on candidates with full-time availability.
Shifts last approximately 9 hours. It is important that applicants exhibit independence, such as the ability to make decisions under pressure, self-sufficiency, the ability to take initiative, excellent knowledge of food and wine (especially coastal Mediterranean cuisine), unparalleled attention to detail in regard to cleanliness and restocking/reordering, and closing responsibilities (lock-up at end of shift, etc.)

Wages start at $11.35/hour (tip credit applied), plus tips (average $ /night). Candidates possessing the NYC Food Protection certificate qualify for a starting rate of $13.00/hr (after tip credit is applied).

About our bar program:

We operate a competitive and ambitious cocktail program at Shalel. This requires preparation of materials before/after shifts, experimentation, and a love of serving good drinks. Experience in foundational and new components of modern “craft” bartending is considered a plus:

• Appropriate shaking and stirring technique(s);
• Knowledge of infusion/washing techniques;
• Garnishing/presentation techniques;
• Clarification techniques, as well as centrifuge clarification;
• Knowledge of old and new classic cocktail recipes and variations;
• Coffee and tea preparation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bar with special attention to sanitation and order. Cleanliness and tidiness are central to our bar program.
• Conduct miscellaneous background bar tasks: conduct inventory, maintain stock, maintain supply of ingredients, etc.
• Present restaurant menus at the bar and help customers select food/beverages.
• Take and serve orders from both bar and occasionally table-seated patrons.
• Answer questions or make recommendations for complementary products.
• Direct/collaborate with other restaurant servers, kitchen/bar staff, and management.
• Deal with complaints/problems with a positive attitude, employing conflict resolution strategies.
• Issue bills and accept payment.
• Ensure restaurant cleanliness during shift, as well as during closing.
• Sign off on end-of-shift checklists (cleaning protocols, tip adjust, locking up).

Skills

• Previous experience with OpenTable reservation system, though not required, is a plus.
• Proven restaurant serving experience.
• Hands-on experience in cashier duties.
• Attention to cleanliness, safety, and hygiene. NYC Food Protection certificate/intention to acquire certification is required.
• Patient and customer-oriented approach.
• Excellent people skills with a friendly attitude.
• Responsible and trustworthy.
• Exhibit an excellent knowledge of food and wine.
• Exhibit decision-making under pressure.
• Exhibit self-sufficiency.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $11.35/h plus tips (average $300-400/night). Candidates with the NYC Food Protection certificate will be considered for $13/h.

Expected hours: 24-28 (est.)

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Shift:

• 8-9 hour shift
• Evening shift

Work Location: In person