brigade system

Intermediate 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

The militaristic kitchen hierarchy invented by Escoffier that turns cooking into a chain of command where the Chef de Cuisine reigns supreme. Think corporate org chart, but with more knives and yelling.

Example Usage

Our brigade system breaks down during brunch service when everyone abandons their station to make mimosas.

Origin

Developed by Auguste Escoffier in the late 19th century, modeled after military structure

Fun Fact

The full classical brigade could include over 20 specialized positions, from saucier to poissonnier to the humble plongeur (dishwasher).

Source: Professional kitchen management terminology

Related Terms

Translate This Term

See “brigade system” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator