Required Years of Experience
2 years
Job Details
Affiliated with STARR Restaurants, colorful and contemporary Makoto offers bright and spacious indoor and outdoor dining on the third floor of the luxury boutiques Bal Harbour Shops. Designed by international designer India Mahdavi, Makoto is the perfect fusion of a French Brasseire, Japanese restaurant, and an American diner, all under one roof. Chef Makoto Okuwa, a master of Edomae-style sushi, continues to reshape tradition for a savvy audience eager for something new.
Makoto is seeking a skilled Butcher to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of meat and seafood fabrication, knife skills, and a passion for Japanese cuisine. You will be responsible for breaking down whole animals, filleting fish, preparing specialty cuts, and ensuring all proteins meet the highest quality standards for our sushi, robata, and kitchen stations.
Key Responsibilities:-
Butcher and portion various meats, poultry, and seafood to restaurant specifications
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Breakdown and fillet whole fish for sushi and sashimi preparation
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Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitized work area in compliance with food safety standards
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Monitor inventory and communicate supply needs to chefs and procurement team
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Label and store all products properly to maintain freshness and reduce waste
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Work closely with the culinary team to ensure consistency and excellence in product quality
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Adhere to Makoto’s standards for precision, cleanliness, and presentation
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2+ years of professional butchery experience, preferably in a high-volume or fine dining kitchen
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Experience with Japanese seafood preparation and/or robata grilling is a strong plus
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Exceptional knife skills and attention to detail
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Ability to work early mornings and stand for extended periods
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Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset
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Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and handle cold environments
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Competitive pay and benefits
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Opportunity to work with premium ingredients and a world-class culinary team
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Employee dining discounts at Makoto and other STARR Restaurants
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Career growth opportunities within a respected restaurant group
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Dynamic, professional, and respectful work environment
Makoto is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Compensation Details
Compensation: Hourly (Based on Experience)
Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, Potential Bonuses, Dining Discounts
Required Skills
Attention to Detail in Food Preparation
Ability to work in a fast paced environment
Knowledge of Food Safety Regulations
Collaboration With Culinary Team Members
Time Management Skills
Adaptability to Different Cooking Techniques
Physical stamina for long shifts
Problem Solving Skills in Inventory Management
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With over twenty years of experience, Chef Makoto Okuwa has developed his own take on Japanese cuisine, where traditional Edomae-Sushi meets innovative flair. Chef Makoto’s introduction to the intricacies of Japanese cooking, especially sushi, began in his hometown of Nagoya, Japan. At the age of 15, Makoto began an apprenticeship with Sushi Master Makoto Kumazaki; his study continued under the tutelage of legendary Sushi Master Chef Shinichi Takegasa. After ten years of training in Japan, Makoto moved to Washington, D.C. where he began to work closely with Iron Chef Morimoto and was soon asked to assume the Head Sushi Chef role at Morimoto New York and Morimoto Philadelphia. In 2005, he was recognized by the James Beard Foundation for outstanding contribution.
In 2007, Makoto received a New York Rising Star Chef award by StarChef.com. Following these accolades, he also made several appearances on the Food Network’s original “Iron Chef America” alongside his mentor Iron Chef Morimoto. In 2007, Makoto fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening up his own restaurant, Sashi Sushi + Sake Lounge in Manhattan Beach, California, where he remains a partner. Sashi quickly received top praise from Los Angeles Magazine and the L.A. Times. In 2009, Makoto was asked to appear on Iron Chef America as a competitor, allowing him to showcase his extraordinary culinary expertise.
At his new namesake restaurant in Bal Harbor, Makoto continues to evolve his style of crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes which pay tribute to Japanese tradition. “I have a true respect for keeping with Japanese tradition, but also feel it’s important to add my own variation in order to appeal to a wide array of palates,” says Makoto. In his menu creations, he continues to draw inspiration from his colleagues, mentors, and Bal Harbor’s well-traveled, sophisticated clientele, in addition to the restaurant’s beautiful ambiance.
