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Culinary Knowlege Center

Welcome to the Culinary Knowledge Center – your practical guide to mastering the fundamentals that every hospitality professional needs to know.

This is where we break down the essential skills, techniques, and know-how that can make the difference between surviving your shift and actually thriving in it. Whether you're learning to perfect your knife cuts, understanding the mystery of position numbers, or mastering the art of greeting guests without breaking a sweat, you'll find clear, step-by-step guidance here.

No fluff, no pretension – just straightforward instruction from someone who's been in the weeds and knows what actually works on a busy Saturday night. These aren't just recipes and procedures; they're the building blocks of professional competence that will serve you whether you're working garde manger, expo, or front of house.

From fundamental sauce techniques to the soft skills that keep service running smoothly, the Culinary Knowledge Center is designed to give you the confidence and competence to excel in whatever role you're stepping into.

Consider this your field manual for restaurant success.

There's No Recipe for Mayonnaise

Making an aïoli is something every cook should be able to do without a recipe. I’d even go so far as to argue that aïoli is a mother sauce of the modern restaurant kitchen.

By Thomas Hunke


Mastering Salad Dressings

Some tips for garde manger cooks out there tasked with making family meal salad every day. Learn to think outside of recipes for vinaigrettes and creamy salad dressings.

By Thomas Hunke


How To Use A Cake Tester

Ever wonder how professional line cooks make use of cake testers to hit the pass with perfectly cooked proteins every time? Here's everything you need to know to become a ringer on grill.

By Thomas Hunke