Summary
Work History
Skills
English as a Second Language Classes
Languages
Timeline
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Cruz Ponciano

Villa Park,IL

Summary

Culinary professional with 20+ years of deep commitment to delivering high-quality dining experiences. Experienced in leading kitchen teams to obtain consistent excellence. Known for being able to adapt and taking collaborative approaches to guarantee smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Work History

Chef

Modern Plate
2023 - 2025
  • Prepared different menu items using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Maintained kitchen sanitation standards to ensure food safety compliance.
  • Worked closely with team members to optimize kitchen workflow and efficiency.
  • Made sure the consistency in food presentation and taste across all dishes were always met.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.

Chef

Ivy Restaurant
2019 - 2023
  • Adapted recipes based on seasonal availability and customer preferences.
  • Made sure the consistency in food presentation and taste across all dishes were always met.
  • Developed daily specials that enhanced menu offerings and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.

Line Cook

100 South Chop House and Grill
2016 - 2019
  • Prepared high-quality dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
  • Worked with team members to optimize kitchen workflow and organization.
  • Monitored cooking times to make sure there was timely service during peak hours, improving guest satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.

Line Cook

Francesca's on Chestnut
2010 - 2016
  • Implemented menu changes based on seasonal ingredients and customer feedback.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstation, following health regulations.
  • Monitored cooking times to ensure timely service during peak hours, improving guest satisfaction.

Line Cook

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
1996 - 2010
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Worked with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating my eagerness to learn from colleagues.

Chef

Emilio's Tapas
1985 - 1996
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Worked with team members to optimize kitchen workflow and efficiency.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Maintained kitchen sanitation standards to ensure food safety compliance.
  • Adapted recipes based on seasonal availability and customer preferences.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.

Skills

  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Customer service
  • Knife skills
  • Cooking techniques
  • Kitchen management
  • Allergen awareness
  • Meal preparation
  • Attention to detail
  • Team collaboration
  • Grilling techniques
  • Kitchen equipment operation
  • Food plating and presentation

English as a Second Language Classes

In order to be able to communicate clearly with the teams I worked with, I made sure to take ESL (English as a Second Language) courses that would help me speak and understand English better.

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Chef

Modern Plate
2023 - 2025

Chef

Ivy Restaurant
2019 - 2023

Line Cook

100 South Chop House and Grill
2016 - 2019

Line Cook

Francesca's on Chestnut
2010 - 2016

Line Cook

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
1996 - 2010

Chef

Emilio's Tapas
1985 - 1996

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Cruz Ponciano