- Hiking
- Snowboarding
- Mountain Biking
- Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
- Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
- Animal Welfare Advocacy
- Adventure Travel
- Road Trips
- Yoga
- Mindfulness Practices
Andrea Tarantino
Portola ,CA
Summary
Culinary entrepreneur with a diverse background in therapeutic cooking, restaurant ownership, and boutique catering. Expertise in menu development, ingredient sourcing, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner, Operations Manager, Chef
Sierra Smokeshow
05.2022 - Current
- Manage day-to-day business operations.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Manage financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Hire, train, and manage a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Train kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Catering director
Therapeutic Chef
Forklore Foods
06.2016 - Current
- Owner + operator of a therapeutic meal prep and boutique catering business
- Developed and created nutritious meals tailored for diverse dietary needs to optimize health and wellness. This included postpartum, weight loss, allergen friendly, and oncology.
- In home meal prep as well as delivery.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted nutrition plans as needed, ensuring optimal results and satisfaction.
- Planned and executed high end events such as: weddings, corporate, wellness retreats, and holiday parties.
Kitchen Manager
Philosophy
04.2017 - 09.2018
- Scheduled and received food and beverage delivery
- Menu planning and recipe writing
- Prepared and served high quality foods
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures and safety
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent checks of the line
- Managed kitchen staff
- Coordinated and organized restaurant inventory
Assistant Catering Manager
Philosophy
04.2017 - 09.2018
- Handled complex logistical challenges such as venue coordination, equipment rentals, and transportation arrangements for successful off-site catered events.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to develop innovative menu options, resulting in a broader clientele base.
- Assisted in menu planning, ordering, and executing events ranging from 20-100 guests
- Oversaw kitchen staff and directed flow of events
Oncology Caregiver
Private Family
02.2015 - 03.2018
- Prepared and planned all meals to ensure client was getting nutritional needs met during chemotherapy.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Assisted with grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Assisted patients with self-administered medications.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Holistic Chef
Bauman College
Berkeley, CA06-2012
Skills
- Medicinal food use
- Nutrition therapy
- Attention to detail
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Food presentation
- Safe food handling
- Menu development
- Recipe creation
- Allergy awareness
- Special diets
- Culinary techniques
- Entrepreneurial personality
- Relationship building
- Business planning
Certification
Therapeutic Holistic Chef
Interests
Timeline
Owner, Operations Manager, Chef
Sierra Smokeshow
05.2022 - Current
Kitchen Manager
Philosophy
04.2017 - 09.2018
Assistant Catering Manager
Philosophy
04.2017 - 09.2018
Therapeutic Chef
Forklore Foods
06.2016 - Current
Oncology Caregiver
Private Family
02.2015 - 03.2018
Graduate Certificate - Holistic Chef
Bauman College