Armando Saldana
Bakersfield,CA
Summary
With a proven track record, I bring exceptional culinary skills and a knack for menu development, alongside strong team leadership and problem-solving abilities. My expertise in dietary restriction compliance and dedication to sanitation procedures have significantly enhanced dining satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Dietary Cook
Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
01.2024 - Current
- Ensured consistent flavor profiles across dishes by carefully measuring ingredients according to established recipes.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department regulations and safety protocols.
- Prepared, apportioned and served menu and specialized food items developed to meet facility residents' unique dietary needs.
- Ensured timely meal service by coordinating cooking schedules and prioritizing tasks based on patient needs.
- Kept accurate records of patient dietary information for reference during meal planning and preparation stages.
- Followed standard recipes, menus and apportions according to established standards.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Maintained awareness of individual dietary needs of residents and verified proper delivery of meals to correct residents.
- Improved patient satisfaction by tailoring meal plans according to dietary needs and preferences.
Chef De Cuisine
Perfetto Italian
03.2019 - 01.2024
- Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
- Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
- Scheduled and supervised all kitchen employees such as dishwashers and waiters.
- Managed budgetary constraints by negotiating favorable vendor contracts without sacrificing ingredient quality or availability during seasonal fluctuations.
- Increased overall food quality by sourcing premium ingredients from trusted suppliers while managing cost controls effectively.
- Created menus and designed corresponding recipes for Business Name.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
Sous Chef
Marriott Hotel
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
- Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
Sous Chef
Great Maple
09.2017 - 10.2018
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
Sous Chef
Los Angeles Country Club
01.2013 - 08.2017
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.
- Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
- Introduced new culinary techniques to the team, elevating the overall skill level and leading to more diverse menu offerings for guests.
- Improved efficiency in kitchen, organizing workflow to ensure timely preparation and delivery of dishes.
- Collaborated closely with head chef to develop recipes that significantly increased customer satisfaction.
Main Grill Cook
BLT Prime
02.2010 - 09.2014
- Reduced workplace accidents by implementing strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
- Demonstrated versatility by adeptly preparing various types of cuisine according to changing menu requirements.
- Earned praise from management for strong work ethic, consistently arriving early and staying late to ensure all tasks were completed efficiently.
- Interacted with Number customers daily to place food orders and provide satisfactory dining experience.
- Maintained consistent cooking temperatures, producing perfectly cooked dishes with minimal wait times for guests.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality, flavorful meals in a timely manner.
- Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
- Cooked regular menu items and seasonal offerings according to corporate standards and guidelines.
Prep Cook
Rocket Pizza
05.2008 - 04.2012
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple food stations simultaneously without compromising quality or speed.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Reduced food waste by properly storing ingredients and monitoring expiration dates.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Maintained optimal food quality by adhering to strict guidelines for food safety and sanitation.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Operated dishwasher and manually washed dishes to clean all chinaware, silverware, and cooking utensils.
- Stocked inventory efficiently, enabling seamless transition between meal services.
- Sharpened knife skills, resulting in precise cuts and reduced preparation time.
- Reduced ingredient shortages, carefully managing inventory and signaling low stock items.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes, demonstrating flexibility and keen ability to learn new recipes.
Education
High School Diploma -
John Hope High
Los Angeles, CA06.2009
Skills
- Food presentation
- Plates presentation
- Supply restocking
- Sanitation procedures
- Kitchen organization
- Safe food handling
- Cooking techniques
- Meal preparation
- Food assembly
- Meal planning
- Dietary restriction compliance
- Allergen awareness
- Menu development
- Food safety practices
- Portion control
- Temperature control
- Nutrition
- Schedule maintenance
- Menu planning
- Ingredient substitution
- Food prep techniques
- Sanitary practices
- Kitchen equipment mastery
- Recipe modification
- Catering experience
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Team leadership
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Food safety
- Safe handling procedures
- Cleaning procedures
- Knife skills
- Safety procedures
- Grilling techniques
- Food handler certification
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Dietary Cook
Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
01.2024 - Current
Chef De Cuisine
Perfetto Italian
03.2019 - 01.2024
Sous Chef
Marriott Hotel
10.2017 - 03.2019
Sous Chef
Great Maple
09.2017 - 10.2018
Sous Chef
Los Angeles Country Club
01.2013 - 08.2017
Main Grill Cook
BLT Prime
02.2010 - 09.2014
Prep Cook
Rocket Pizza
05.2008 - 04.2012
High School Diploma -
John Hope High
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