ASHLEY GIDDENS
Mount Vernon,NY
Summary
Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and creativity.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Culinary Director
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Directed the planning and strategy of weekly menu offerings across product lines.
- Worked collaboratively with various teams using KPIs to make data-informed decisions.
- Developed a strong culinary team through consistent coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations resulting in excellent employee retention rates.
Senior Culinary Manager
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
03.2020 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with executive team to develop seasonal menus that showcased fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for optimal taste and quality.
Culinary Manager
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
06.2019 - 03.2020
- Led & managed R&D workflow.
- Curated and developed ingredients for our pantry, such as custom spice blends and sauces.
- Managed several spreadsheets for holding and tracking recipe information.
Senior Culinary Associate
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
02.2018 - 06.2019
- Developed and tested hundreds of recipes, including specialized recipe campaigns.
Recipe Writer
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
10.2016 - 02.2018
- Pitched, tested, developed, wrote, and edited recipes on a weekly cycle.
Private Chef, Caterer, Recipe Tester, Food Stylist Assistant
Freelance
01.2016 - 10.2016
- Private Chef in the Hamptons and NYC
- Tested and developed recipes for various cookbooks.
- Catering Chef for MacGuffin Films, serving 20-40 people breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by creating customized menus tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences.
Research Editor
Shake Shack Cookbook
02.2016 - 05.2016
- Worked under Dorothy Kalins, conducted interviews and wrote reports for the cookbook.
Test Kitchen Intern
America's Test Kitchen
10.2015 - 01.2016
- Assisted test cooks on recipe testing, recipe prep, and research.
Server/Expeditor
Blue Hill Restaurant
04.2014 - 03.2015
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and wine.
Expeditor/Head Runner
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
04.2013 - 04.2014
- Trained and managed running team on mechanics and knowledge of food items
- Created reference book on ingredients, vegetables, and cooking processes.
F.A.R.M.S. Apprentice
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
10.2012 - 04.2013
- Completed six month front of house apprenticeship for restaurant management and service.
Education
Grand Diploma in Culinary Arts -
The French Culinary Institute
New York City, NY02.2011
BS: College of Journalism and Communications -
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL12.2009
Skills
- Recipe Creation
- Menu Development
- Culinary Techniques
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Guest Interaction
- Food Trend Awareness
- Team Leadership
Hobbies and Interests
- Crafts
- Art
- Pets
- Home Aesthetic
- Entertaining
- New Restaurants
Timeline
Culinary Director
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
05.2022 - 08.2023
Senior Culinary Manager
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
03.2020 - 05.2022
Culinary Manager
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
06.2019 - 03.2020
Senior Culinary Associate
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
02.2018 - 06.2019
Recipe Writer
Blue Apron Test Kitchen
10.2016 - 02.2018
Research Editor
Shake Shack Cookbook
02.2016 - 05.2016
Private Chef, Caterer, Recipe Tester, Food Stylist Assistant
Freelance
01.2016 - 10.2016
Test Kitchen Intern
America's Test Kitchen
10.2015 - 01.2016
Server/Expeditor
Blue Hill Restaurant
04.2014 - 03.2015
Expeditor/Head Runner
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
04.2013 - 04.2014
F.A.R.M.S. Apprentice
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
10.2012 - 04.2013
Grand Diploma in Culinary Arts -
The French Culinary Institute
BS: College of Journalism and Communications -
University of Florida