Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Andrew Lazar

Point Pleasant Beach,NJ

Summary

Well versed in crafting bespoke meal plans and distinguished for culinary expertise. Currently elevating the dining experiences for a private family and their high-profile guests. I have prepared locally sourced full course meals for major celebrities and politicians at the Governor of New Jersey's dinners and fundraiser events with meals sometimes costing $25k per plate. My passion for culinary arts and ingredient sourcing, coupled with a talent for training staff, significantly enhanced kitchen operations and meal quality. I am now ready to take on a new opportunity and elevate my next client's culinary experience.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Private Chef / Traveling Chef

Confidential - Private Family
01.2021 - Current
  • Source, prepare, and serve daily breakfast, lunch and dinner for 3-8 people (15 meals per week), while traveling extensively across Europe, Asia, and South America for nine months each calendar year.
  • Deliver excellent food quality and maximize client satisfaction by preparing meals according to client requests.
  • Create customized meal plans based on client dietary restrictions and preferences, including strict keto and allergy accomodations.
  • Coordinate food preparation for large-scale events such as 4th of July Barbecues, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve dinners.
  • Accurately recreate well known dishes from renowned restaurants around the world based on client requests.

Senior Chef De Partie

Governor of New Jersey
01.2018 - 01.2021
  • Oversaw food preparation, menu input, and execution, ensuring high-quality dining experiences at the Governor of New Jersey's Drumthwacket Mansion residence for both private and public guests.
  • Catered to dietary needs and accommodated allergy restrictions for high profile celebrities and politicians at private dinners and events planned by the Governor and First Lady of New Jersey.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure while.

Kitchen Manager

Denino's Restaurant
06.2016 - 01.2018
  • Managed a team of three line cooks, coordinating food preparation and the execution of dishes to maintain high culinary standards.
  • Responsible for bi-weekly inventory and ordering of produce and dry goods, optimizing stock management while reducing waste and adhering to strict budgets.
  • Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation roles to promote strong team performance.
  • Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.

Sous Chef

B2 Bistro + Bar
01.2014 - 06.2016
  • Rapidly promoted to Sous Chef within 1 years of hiring, demonstrating leadership and culinary expertise.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Prepared homemade cheeses, charcuterie and pastas based off seasonal menus.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.

Line Cook

B2 Bistro + Bar
02.2014 - 06.2015
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.

Skills

  • Culinary expertise
  • Menu planning
  • Recipe development
  • Meal preparation
  • Passion for culinary arts
  • Cooking techniques
  • Kitchen knife proficiency
  • Wine pairing
  • Ingredient sourcing
  • Nutritional advice

Certification

Servsafe Certification

Interests

Amateur personal trainer and yoga instructor, distance running, hiking, weight training, and exploring new restaurants for inspiration with family and friends

Timeline

Private Chef / Traveling Chef

Confidential - Private Family
01.2021 - Current

Senior Chef De Partie

Governor of New Jersey
01.2018 - 01.2021

Kitchen Manager

Denino's Restaurant
06.2016 - 01.2018

Line Cook

B2 Bistro + Bar
02.2014 - 06.2015

Sous Chef

B2 Bistro + Bar
01.2014 - 06.2016
Andrew Lazar