Danzel Pena
Albuquerque,United States
Summary
Resourceful Line Cook offers 5 plus years of experience working stations at fine dining restaurants. Skilled in following recipes and food presentation specifications and assisting at serving lines. Equipped with in-depth kitchen equipment operations expertise. Motivated Line/Prep cook with 5 plus years of experience preparing delicious meals for customers. Polished in following proper food handling methods and maintaining correct temperature of food products. Creative and artistic professional committed to strengthening kitchen team with better collaboration, recipes and cooking techniques. Dedicated Restaurant Cook with fine-tuned skills in grilling, sautéing and plating. Valued employee known for staying calm in high-pressure environments. Highly experienced in working in busy bistros and high-end restaurants. Organized and motivated employee eager to apply time management and organizational skills in various environments. Seeking entry-level opportunities to expand skills while facilitating company growth. Hardworking and reliable Line Cook with strong ability in task completion. Highly organized, proactive and punctual with team-oriented mentality.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sous Chef
Xanterra Parks & Resorts
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
- Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
- Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.
- Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
- Introduced new culinary techniques to the team, elevating the overall skill level and leading to more diverse menu offerings for guests.
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
- Developed strong relationships with local vendors, securing fresh ingredients at competitive prices while supporting community businesses.
Lead Line Cook
Big Sky Resort
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Cultivated a positive working atmosphere among kitchen staff, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of teamwork.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Reduced customer waiting by batch cooking popular items during rush times.
- Followed company recipes and production standards to satisfy customers.
- Scrubbed grill on customer request due to food allergies to clean food residue and avoid issues with allergens.
- Used kitchen equipment safely and reduced risk of injuries and burns.
- Maintained spotless and tidy dining area by throwing away food wrappers on tables, emptying trash receptacles and cleaning floors during slow periods.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas, utensils and equipment.
- Operated grills, fryers and ovens to cook food items.
- Developed strong teamwork skills by collaborating with other line cooks to maintain a smooth workflow during busy shifts.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.
Lead Line Cook
Xanterra Parks & Resorts
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.
- Developed strong teamwork skills by collaborating with other line cooks to maintain a smooth workflow during busy shifts.
- Assisted with catering events, showcasing the restaurant''s culinary expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Handled portion control activities according to specified instructions provided by chef.
- Implemented effective time-management strategies while prioritizing multiple tasks simultaneously without sacrificing quality or consistency of food items prepared.
- Upheld strict adherence to food safety regulations by regularly sanitizing workstations and monitoring cooking temperatures for optimal results.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Ensured timely delivery of meals by managing line cook schedules and delegating tasks effectively during peak service hours.
- Assisted executive chef in menu planning by researching current culinary trends and suggesting unique flavor combinations.
- Mentored new hires on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure seamless integration into the team.
- Participated in weekly meetings with kitchen staff to discuss operational improvements, menu changes, and employee performance evaluations.
- Streamlined communication between front-of-house staff and kitchen team members to minimize errors during order processing.
Lead Line Cook
Big Sky Resort
11.2022 - 04.2023
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.
- Trained junior cooks on proper cooking techniques, safety protocols, and kitchen etiquette, promoting a positive work environment.
- 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.
- Developed strong teamwork skills by collaborating with other line cooks to maintain a smooth workflow during busy shifts.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
Line Cook
Xanterra Parks & Resorts
08.2022 - 09.2022
- Operated fryer and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality
- Kept station stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity
- Followed proper food handlers method and maintain correct food temperature for high scores and health inspections
- Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces and salads
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day
- Assisted in preparation of menu items ranging from burgers to sandwiches
- Washed and peeled ingredients to prepare for different meals and recipes
- Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment
- Cleaned cooking and refrigeration equipment to sanitize and prevent food-borne illness
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate
- Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods.
Line Cook/ Prep Cook
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
10.2019 - 08.2022
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day
- Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes
- Organized and labeled stock of ingredients to maintain needed inventory levels
- Prepped vegetables and ingredients by washing, chopping and dicing
- Helped train and develop new talent
- Dressed, seasoned and garnished appetizers and salads to prepare for food service
- Operated grills and steamers to prepare vegetables, potatoes, rice and meats
- Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns
- Measured and weighed food items to comply with portion requirements
- Sliced meats to prepare for cooking and assembly of menu items
- Completed special orders according to customer dietary needs
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to prevent foodborne illnesses
- Collaborated with team to deliver timely service of items
- Set up work stations prior to opening to minimize prep time.
Demolition Worker
Blue Team Restoration
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Used correct equipment and techniques to demolish buildings smoothly and avoid damaging nearby structures
- Hauled out damaged materials and followed correct disposal processes to minimize environmental problems from chemicals or unsafe materials
- Wore protective equipment such as respirators and special suits for optimal protection from site hazards
- Stripped structures of valuable and reusable materials
- Gathered, loaded and transported site debris
- Assisted distribution of tools, materials and equipment to skilled workers
- Utilized two-way radios and hand signals to coordinate communication between equipment operators
- Set up equipment to maintain worksite productivity.
Landscaping Crew Member
Santo Domingo Pueblo
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Maintained garden areas and landscaping greenery to enhance property appearance and plant health
- Cleared pathways of overgrowth, debris and snow to reduce hazards
- Pruned trees and bushes to improve visibility and shape
- Troubleshot mechanical issues and completed basic repairs to keep equipment working at peak levels
- Mixed and applied fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides to promote growth and mitigate pests
- Shoveled snow and spread salt on walkways and parking lots
- Maintained sidewalks, fountains and planters
- Planned gardens and beds with seasonal displays.
Education
High School -
Santa Fe Indian School
Santa Fe, NM06.2016
Skills
- Communication skills
- Server communication
- Food Allergen safety
- Portion management
- Cooking method accuracy
- Kitchen Organization
- Problem Solving
- Attentive
- Food storage
- Time Management
- Public speaking
- Listener
- Clean
- Knife Skills
- Kitchen leadership
- Food Safety
- Team Leadership
- Safe Food Handling
- Food Preparation
Certification
ServSafe Certified
Timeline
Sous Chef
Xanterra Parks & Resorts
05.2024 - 09.2024
Lead Line Cook
Big Sky Resort
11.2023 - 04.2024
Lead Line Cook
Xanterra Parks & Resorts
05.2023 - 09.2023
Lead Line Cook
Big Sky Resort
11.2022 - 04.2023
Line Cook
Xanterra Parks & Resorts
08.2022 - 09.2022
Line Cook/ Prep Cook
Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
10.2019 - 08.2022
Demolition Worker
Blue Team Restoration
06.2017 - 08.2017
Landscaping Crew Member
Santo Domingo Pueblo
05.2015 - 08.2015
High School -
Santa Fe Indian School
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