Carla Hall Espinosa
Houston,TX
Summary
High-performing Chef offering 8 years of restaurant experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive teams.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Cook -Seasonal/Part Time
Minute Maid Park
2017.05 - 2019.05
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Developed innovative seasonal menus that catered to diverse dietary needs and preferences, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
Cook
The Conservatory At Cypress
2016.08 - 2019.05
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Improved menu offerings, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking methods.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge about ingredient trends, nutritional demands/preferences resulting in well-informed adjustments to recipes.
- Ensured adherence to dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan options without compromising taste or presentation.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Seasoned and cooked food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
- Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
Executive Chef 2
Greatwood At Sugarland
2019.05 - 2024.01
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective inventory management and cost controls.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
- Implemented staff training programs to improve culinary skills, teamwork, and overall productivity.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless dining experiences for guests.
- Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
- Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
- Designed seasonal menus showcasing fresh local ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture practices within the community.
- Spearheaded kitchen renovations to optimize workflow efficiency without compromising quality or safety standards.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering exceptional service in a high-pressure environment.
- Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
- Requisitioned food, selected and developed recipes and standardized production recipes for consistent quality.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
- Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
Caregiver
Goodcare Sitting Service
Houston , Texas
1998.Oct - 2015.Nov
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care, addressing individual needs and preferences.
- Assisted clients with activities of daily living, promoting independence and quality of life.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for patients, reducing risks and ensuring optimal health outcomes.
- Administered medications as prescribed, ensuring accurate dosage and timely administration for maximum efficacy.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during challenging times, fostering trust and strong relationships.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between home care settings by coordinating services and communicating effectively with all parties involved.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in caregiving techniques, enhancing the quality of care provided.
- Managed patient appointments and transportation needs, ensuring punctual arrival at medical visits and other engagements.
- Prepared nutritious meals according to dietary restrictions, supporting clients'' overall health through balanced nutrition.
- Performed light housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness standards while respecting the patient''s personal space.
- Documented detailed daily reports on each client''s progress, informing adjustments in care plans when necessary.
- Developed engaging recreational activities tailored to individual interests and abilities, boosting mental stimulation for patients throughout their day-to-day lives.
- Implemented fall prevention strategies within the home environment by identifying hazards or obstacles that posed risk to patient safety.
- Coordinated closely with family members regarding updates on patient conditions or concerns that arose during the course of caregiving duties.
- Efficiently organized schedules for multiple clients simultaneously while maintaining high-quality care standards.
- Contributed to a positive atmosphere for patients by using effective communication and active listening skills.
- Assisted in rehabilitation exercises as prescribed by medical professionals, guiding patients towards improved mobility and function.
- Prioritized patient dignity, privacy, and autonomy during all aspects of care provision.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
- Recorded status and duties completed in logbooks for management.
- Recorded patients' pulse, blood pressure and respirations (TPRs) to assess and document important health information.
- Handled incoming mail, bills and invoices and completed appropriate actions.
- Maintained entire family's schedule and organized events.
- Scheduled daily and weekly care hours for client caseload.
- Identified needs and coordinated plans for travel and out-of-town functions.
Education
Medical Assisting
Texas School of Business
Houston, TX09.1997
Jack Yates
Houston, TX06.1988
Skills
- Quality Assurance
- Food Prep Planning
- Recipes and Menu Planning
- Forecasting and Planning
- Safe Food Handling
- Food Spoilage Prevention
- Team Leadership
- Hiring, Training, and Development
- Food Plating and Presentation
- Inventory Management
- Customer Service
- Food Stock and Supply Management
- Order Management
- ServSafe Certification
- Nutrition Knowledge
- Meal Preparation
- Purchasing Management
- Purchasing
- Sanitation Guidelines
- Performance Assessments
- Ingredients Selection
- Staff Scheduling
- Kitchen Staff Management
- BOH Operations
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Restaurant Operations
- Banquets and Catering
- Productivity Optimization
- Hygiene Policy Implementation
- Food Presentation
- Menu Development
- Food Service Safety Training
- Staff Training
Timeline
Executive Chef 2
Greatwood At Sugarland
2019.05 - 2024.01
Lead Cook -Seasonal/Part Time
Minute Maid Park
2017.05 - 2019.05
Cook
The Conservatory At Cypress
2016.08 - 2019.05
Caregiver
Goodcare Sitting Service
1998.Oct - 2015.Nov
Medical Assisting
Texas School of Business
Jack Yates
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