Curtis Sewell
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Accomplished Chef with a track record of culinary innovation at Suehiro Japanese Restaurant & Sushi, elevating dining experiences through expert sauce preparation and exceptional customer service. Leveraged ingredient knowledge and team collaboration to boost sales, mastering both the art and science of Teppanyaki. Renowned for maintaining high food safety standards and fostering loyalty among patrons.
Forward-thinking professional offering more than 20 years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled at staying focused and productive in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness in busy times. Excellent and proven teppan and wok skills.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Chabad Jewish Community Ctr
Colorado Springs, CO
02.2023 - Current
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
Teppan Yaki Chef
Suehiro Japanese Restaurant & Sushi
Colorado Springs, CO
03.1998 - 01.2008
- Kept up-to-date on industry trends through ongoing professional development opportunities such as conferences or culinary workshops.
- Maintained high food quality standards by carefully selecting fresh ingredients and following proper preparation methods.
- Developed innovative Teppanyaki menu items that attracted new customers and increased overall sales for the restaurant.
- Collaborated with management to plan special events or promotions featuring unique Teppanyaki dishes or experiences.
- Established rapport with regular patrons, cultivating loyalty through personalized service and attention to individual preferences.
- Used various types of knives, hand tools and utensils appropriately to fillet fish, cut meat and prepare seafood.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by actively participating in team meetings and offering constructive feedback.
Construction Assistant
New Solutions and Handy L.L.C
Colorado Springs, CO
11.2024 - Current
- Worked independently in fast-paced environment while meeting productivity and quality expectations.
- Gathered and disposed of worksite debris to remove safety hazards.
- Utilized construction tools and machinery to effectively complete job site projects.
- Identified and fixed issues during phases of production.
Broiler Cook
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
Colorado Springs, CO
04.2007 - 02.2009
- Developed mastery over multiple broiler station tasks, allowing for seamless coverage during absences or high-demand situations.
- Helped maintain streamlined kitchen workflow through effective communication with fellow cooks and front-of-house staff.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by preparing and cooking dishes according to standardized recipes and specifications.
- Demonstrated exceptional time-management skills by juggling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Supported kitchen staff during busy periods, assisting with various tasks as needed for efficient service delivery.
Education
Culinary - Culinary Arts
Pikes Peak Comm. College
Colorado Springs, CO09.2008
Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Customer service
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen management
- Food presentation
- Meal preparation
- Effective communications
- Kitchen operations
- Team collaboration
- Grilling techniques
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Ingredient knowledge
- Verbal and written communication
- Frying techniques
- Recipes and menu planning
- Hospitality service expertise
- Food plating and presentation
- Sauce preparation
- Sanitation guidelines
- Plating techniques
Recipe creation
Timeline
Construction Assistant
New Solutions and Handy L.L.C
11.2024 - Current
Chef
Chabad Jewish Community Ctr
02.2023 - Current
Broiler Cook
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
04.2007 - 02.2009
Teppan Yaki Chef
Suehiro Japanese Restaurant & Sushi
03.1998 - 01.2008
Culinary - Culinary Arts
Pikes Peak Comm. College