April Martinez
Westminster,CA
Summary
Talented kitchen worker executing kitchen operations to deliver high quality food and service within high-end establishments. Maintained cleaned, stocked and well-organized kitchen. Successful working closely with culinary workers to uphold standards of service.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Culinary Worker
CDCR
02.2020 - 08.2023
- Adapted quickly to changing menu items while maintaining attention to detail in recipe execution during high-pressure situations.
- Demonstrated excellent knife skills when preparing meats, fruits, vegetables to ensure precise cuts for optimal presentation and taste.
- Maintained accurate records of food temperatures throughout storage, preparation, cooking stages to comply with regulatory requirements for food safety standards.
- Successfully managed large catering orders for events such as weddings or corporate functions while staying within budget constraints set forth by clients.
- Organized foods in sanitary storage areas and monitored proper temperature to prevent spoilage.
- Collaborated with the head chef to create innovative seasonal menus, resulting in increased repeat business and positive customer feedback.
- Completed workstation set up and break down and disposed of leftover food adhering to policy and standards.
- Developed creative daily specials that utilized fresh ingredients while minimizing food costs and increasing overall profitability.
- Operated kitchen utensils and equipment to prepare soups, salads and desserts.
- Managed food waste reduction efforts by implementing portion control measures and tracking ingredient usage accurately.
- Increased kitchen efficiency by streamlining meal preparation processes and effectively managing food inventory.
- Cooked specific quantity of food items based on projection and menu items.
- Compiled records of food use and expenditures to track supply inventory and costs.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict health department guidelines and ensuring a safe working environment for staff.
- Consistently met time-sensitive deadlines during busy shifts, ensuring timely delivery of meals to customers without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Assisted in training new hires on proper cooking techniques, kitchen safety protocols, and restaurant standards for quality control.
- Received recognition from management for exceptional performance, dedication to quality standards, and overall contributions to the success of the restaurant.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless coordination between kitchen and dining room operations, resulting in a positive dining experience for guests.
- Assisted in cost control measures by analyzing food inventory levels regularly and placing orders for necessary supplies based on demand.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently providing high-quality culinary dishes and maintaining efficient service.
- Operated various kitchen equipment safely and efficiently for smooth daily operations within the restaurant environment.
- Assisted in arrangement of dining area and food service equipment to increase workflow efficiency.
- Evaluated food for quality, quantity and temperature to determine proper preparation and portioning.
- Discussed requisition of supplies and equipment needed for timely delivery of services with management.
- Prepared recipes with sizing for meats, starches and sauces.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Strictly followed sanitation and food safety guidelines as required by regulatory agencies and company.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Prepared and served various food and drink items to customer specifications in fast-paced environments.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers to enhance service.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Made food according to standard recipes with requested changes for customer satisfaction.
- Replenished condiments, beverages, and supplies while maintaining cleanliness of service areas.
HFM/PIA
CDCR
03.2019 - 08.2022
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
GED -
El Prado Adult School, Frontera Calif. Institution For Women
Corona, CA11.2022
Skills
- Cooking methods
- Food Preparation
- Knife Skills
- Ingredient Knowledge
- Sanitation Practices
- Food presentation
- Food Storage
- Grilling Techniques
- Portion Control
- Sauce making
- Recipe Development
- Pastry creation
- Menu Planning
- Special diets
- Positive Attitude
- Strong Work Ethic
- Team Oriented
- Quick Learner
- Customer Service
- Fast-Paced Environment
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking
- Working Quickly
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Working with Diverse People
- Productivity and Efficiency
- Food safety knowledge
- Food and Safety Standards
- Safe Food Handling
- Flexible Schedule
- Staff Training and Development
- Basic Mathematics
- Food assembly
- Quality Control
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Menu Memorization
- Inventory Control
- Heavy Lifting Capacity
- Equipment Maintenance
- Grilling
- Covid-19 Safety Protocols
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Plating and presentation
- Supply Inventory Management
- Plates presentation
- Food Production Scheduling
- Buffet Management
- Plating and Portion Control
- Hot table management
- Hospital operations
- Sweeping and Mopping
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Workplace Safety
- Team Collaboration
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Team contribution
- Creative Thinking
- Team Leadership
- Dishwasher Operation
- Kitchen Staff Support
- Customer Engagement
- Chopping vegetables
- Safe handling
- Vegetable and Fruit Preparation
- Safety Management
- Food preservation and storage methods
- Meat Cutting
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Kitchen Equipment Operation
- Kitchen Station Restocking
- Work Coordination
- Meat Preparation
- Supply Restocking
- Food Production
- Preparation techniques
- Standards Compliance
- Weighing and Measuring
- Temperature Monitoring
- Conflict Negotiation
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Culinary Worker
CDCR
02.2020 - 08.2023
HFM/PIA
CDCR
03.2019 - 08.2022
GED -
El Prado Adult School, Frontera Calif. Institution For Women
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