Barry Block
Newark,NJ
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in luxury restaurant and hospitality environments. Proven ability to deliver exceptional service and maintain high standards in both front-of-house and back-of-house roles. Adaptable and skilled in sales and culinary operations, capable of handling diverse responsibilities effectively. Results-driven culinary leader specializing in menu development, high-end service, and beverage pairing expertise. Experienced in elevating dining experiences through effective kitchen management and high standards of food preperation.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef
The Oakley Kitchen
Nutley, New Jersey
08.2025 - Current
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure high-quality food preparation and presentation.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
- Created new menu items, managed food expenses, and supervised quality to ensure adherence to standards.
Sous Chef
Le Mar Beach Front Resort/Pier House
Cape May, NJ
05.2025 - 09.2025
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient food preparation and service.
- Developed seasonal menus featuring fresh, local ingredients for diverse clientele.
- Collaborated with front-of-house team to enhance guest dining experiences.
Server
White Dog Cafe
03.2024 - 04.2025
- Enhanced Guest Experience following standards of service
- Increased Wine Sales and Beverage Sales
Sales Specialist/Regional Manager
Capitol Wine and Spirits
06.2008 - 08.2014
- Represented thousands of wine and spirits brands, selling to restaurants, hotels and Country Clubs
- Hit bi-montly sales goals, hosted wine dinners and educational seminars
Dining Room Manager-Bev Manager
Barclay Prime(Steven Starr)
Philadelphia, New Jersey
07.2004 - 10.2008
- Provided exceptional customer service in a high-end dining environment.
- Facilitated smooth communication between kitchen and dining staff.
- I was promoted from Server to Dining room Manager and later to Sommelier
- Trained new servers on restaurant protocols and service standards.
Executive Chef
Bistro St. Tropez
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
03.2001 - 03.2004
- Managed inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure ingredient availability.
- Coordinated food preparation schedules to maintain high service efficiency during peak hours.
- Developed innovative menu items using seasonal ingredients and culinary trends.
Executive Sous Chef
William Penn Inn
Ambler, Pa
07.1998 - 01.2001
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient food preparation and service.
- Trained new chefs in proper cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Managed kitchen operations during high-volume service periods effectively.
Education
Culinary Arts -
Atlantic County Community College
06-1998
Skills
- High-end service
- Sales strategy development
- Beverage pairing expertise
- Customer relationship management
- Food safety
- Menu development
- Kitchen management
- Inventory control
- Culinary techniques
- Supply chain coordination
- Cost management
- Problem solving
Certification
- Culinary Arts
- Certified Wine Specialist
- NJ Realtor License
Timeline
Executive Chef
The Oakley Kitchen
08.2025 - Current
Sous Chef
Le Mar Beach Front Resort/Pier House
05.2025 - 09.2025
Server
White Dog Cafe
03.2024 - 04.2025
Sales Specialist/Regional Manager
Capitol Wine and Spirits
06.2008 - 08.2014
Dining Room Manager-Bev Manager
Barclay Prime(Steven Starr)
07.2004 - 10.2008
Executive Chef
Bistro St. Tropez
03.2001 - 03.2004
Executive Sous Chef
William Penn Inn
07.1998 - 01.2001
Culinary Arts -
Atlantic County Community College