Bajken Menga
Staten Island
Summary
Culinary professional with over 10 years of experience in high-pressure kitchen environments and formal culinary training. Expertise in food preparation, kitchen operations, and inventory management, ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality dishes efficiently while providing exceptional customer service. Strong leadership and multitasking skills contribute to effective teamwork and outstanding dining experiences.
Overview
3
3
Languages
2
2
Certifications
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef Assistant
Resturant La Voglia
New York
08.2025 - Current
- Assisted chefs in preparing ingredients for daily menu items.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and tools.
- Supported food plating and presentation for dining service.
- Coordinated with team members for efficient meal service execution.
- Monitored inventory levels and reported shortages to head chef.
- Followed safety and sanitation protocols during food preparation tasks.
- Contributed to menu planning by suggesting seasonal ingredient options.
Chef
Restaurant "Bar-Shpresa Al"
Kamez
01.2019 - 12.2025
- Led kitchen operations including food preparation, menu execution, and coordination with staff.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and food quality.
- Managed daily workflow and ensured timely service during peak hours.
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Belavista"
Bremen
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Provided support in a fast-paced kitchen, focusing on preparation and plating.
- Ensured smooth workflow by organizing workstations and supplies
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Salt and Pepper"
Tirana
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Assisted in preparing ingredients and supporting cooks during meal service.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen stations and adhered to food safety standards.
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Mali Raj"
Split
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Performed prep work, basic cooking tasks, and assisted chefs during service.
- Maintained hygiene and supported team efficiency in daily operations.
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Ammos"
Himare
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Helped with dish prep, salad making, and keeping kitchen areas clean and organized.
- Worked under supervision to ensure smooth kitchen performance.
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Piu39FoodandClub"
Tirana
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Prepared ingredients, organized the kitchen area, and cleaned work surfaces.
- Supported the cooking team during high-volume shifts.
Assistant Chef
Bar Restaurant "Quiet nature"
Spille
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Supported head chef in food preparation and plating.
- Ensured consistency in dishes and coordinated closely with kitchen team
Assistant Chef
Restaurant "El-Sol"
Borsh
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Assisted with preparing daily meals and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.
- Worked in a team to deliver traditional and Mediterranean cuisine
Education
CULINARY INSTITUTE ‘NERANXI’ - CULINARY ARTS
CULINARY INSTITUTE ‘NERANXI’
Tirana , AL05-2017
KAMZA VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL - HOTEL – TOURISM
KAMZA VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
KAMEZ06-2015
Skills
- Strong knife skills and ingredient handling
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure and during busy service hours
- Excellent teamwork and communication in multicultural kitchen environments
- Basic inventory management and stock rotation
- Familiarity with food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP knowledge)
- Fast learner with adaptability to new kitchen systems and workflows
- Experience working in international kitchen
- Menu planning
- Food preparation
- Food presentation
- Inventory management
- Kitchen operations
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Italian
Elementary
Albanian
Full Professional
Certification
State Matura Certificate (High School Diploma) – Hospitality and Tourism-TIRANA ,ALBANIA
Accomplishments
Gold Medal – Chicken Cooking Competition, North Macedonia
Affiliations
Participated in various culinary events, cooking competitions, and food exhibitions.
Timeline
Chef Assistant
Resturant La Voglia
08.2025 - Current
Chef
Restaurant "Bar-Shpresa Al"
01.2019 - 12.2025
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Belavista"
01.2019 - 12.2019
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Salt and Pepper"
01.2019 - 12.2019
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Mali Raj"
01.2018 - 12.2018
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Ammos"
01.2017 - 12.2017
Kitchen helper
Restaurant "Piu39FoodandClub"
01.2017 - 12.2017
Assistant Chef
Bar Restaurant "Quiet nature"
01.2016 - 12.2016
Assistant Chef
Restaurant "El-Sol"
01.2015 - 12.2015
CULINARY INSTITUTE ‘NERANXI’ - CULINARY ARTS
CULINARY INSTITUTE ‘NERANXI’
KAMZA VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL - HOTEL – TOURISM
KAMZA VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL