Darzell Walker
Syracuse,NY
Summary
Resourceful culinary professional known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Specialized skills include advanced food preparation techniques, innovative menu development, and effective kitchen management. Excel at teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving to excel in fast-paced kitchen environments.
Skilled cook with diverse experience in various culinary settings, including high-volume restaurants and boutique catering services. Possess strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, menu development, and kitchen safety protocols. Team-oriented professional with ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining creativity and quality standards. Contributed to significant improvements in kitchen operations and customer satisfaction ratings through innovative recipe development and effective inventory management.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Prep Cook
Delmonicos Italian Steakhouse
Syracuse
05.2020 - Current
- Maintained records of daily food usage in accordance with health regulations.
- Measured ingredients accurately using measuring cups and spoons.
- Inspected finished dishes for quality assurance purposes.
- Assisted in serving meals to customers as needed.
- Discarded spoiled food items immediately following established procedures.
- Organized walk-in coolers and freezers according to established guidelines.
- Stocked kitchen with necessary supplies, including food items and utensils.
- Adhered strictly to safety regulations while handling sharp knives or operating machinery.
- Heated sauces, soups and gravies according to specified methods.
- Checked freshness of food and ingredients prior to use.
- Seasoned cooked dishes properly before serving them.
- Followed recipes to prepare meals according to customer specifications.
- Trained new employees on proper techniques of preparing meals safely.
- Monitored inventory levels of all kitchen items and placed orders when needed.
- Kept the kitchen area clean at all times during shifts.
- Prepared ingredients for use in cooking, such as washing, peeling, cutting and slicing vegetables.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas and equipment to ensure food safety standards.
- Maintained an accurate inventory of supplies needed for daily operations.
- Prepped vegetables and ingredients by washing, chopping and dicing.
- Sliced meats to prepare for cooking and assembly of menu items.
- Measured and weighed food items to comply with portion requirements.
- Helped train and develop new talent.
Landscape Worker
Onondaga Earth Corps
Syracuse, NY
- Laid sod pieces over prepared areas of soil in order to establish new lawns.
- Weeded flowerbeds and spread fertilizer throughout gardens as needed.
- Removed debris from work sites after completion of each project.
- Trimmed hedges and bushes into desired shapes using pruning shears or hedge trimmers.
- Resolved customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Cultivated soil prior to planting trees or flowers in order to create ideal growing conditions.
- Loaded and unloaded materials onto trucks for transport to job sites.
- Performed routine maintenance on all types of landscaping equipment.
- Inspected sites regularly to identify potential problems with soil erosion or drainage issues.
- Installed rocks, mulch beds and other decorative elements to enhance the look of landscapes.
- Assisted in planting trees and shrubs according to landscape design plans.
- Maintained irrigation systems by adjusting valves, repairing broken sprinkler heads, and replacing worn parts.
- Inspected completed projects for quality assurance purposes.
- Communicated effectively with clients regarding project timelines and expectations.
- Adhered to safety protocols when operating heavy machinery on the job site.
- Organized supplies before beginning each project to ensure availability of necessary items.
- Used hand and power tools or equipment to complete wide range of landscape and irrigation tasks.
- Performed seasonal activities, snow removal, landscaping and lawn mowing and applied fertilizer to plants and foliage.
- Directed crew members completing landscaping tasks.
- Moved soil, dug holes and planted trees, shrubs and flowers.
Retail Sales Associate
Famous Labels
Syracuse , NY
- Assisted in training new employees on proper use of equipment and safety protocols.
- Performed cashier duties such as ringing up sales, processing payments, and issuing receipts.
- Maintained a clean work environment by sweeping, dusting, vacuuming and mopping floors.
- Promoted special offers and discounts to encourage additional purchases.
- Stocked shelves with merchandise according to company standards.
- Handled customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions.
- Kept informed about new products arriving at the store on a regular basis.
- Greeted customers upon entering the store and provided assistance.
- Organized displays to attract customers and promote sales.
- Tracked inventory levels throughout the day and restocked items as needed.
- Offered suggestions for additional items that may be of interest to customers.
- Inspected purchased items for defects before handing them over to customers.
- Assisted with unloading delivery trucks and stocking shelves with new merchandise.
- Completed transactions in an efficient manner while providing excellent customer service.
- Assisted customers with finding the right product for their needs.
- Greeted each customer and offered assistance in finding requested items, helping boost customer satisfaction and retention.
- Monitored sales floor to identify customers in need of assistance and merchandise requiring replenishment.
Banquet Server
Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts
Syracuse , NY
- Ensured that all dishes were served at the correct temperature.
- Checked guest satisfaction levels throughout the event ensuring their needs were met promptly and courteously.
- Communicated with chefs regarding any special requests from guests.
- Answered questions regarding menu items and assisted guests in making selections.
- Changed table settings between courses as necessary.
- Assisted with closing duties such as restocking supplies, wiping down surfaces.
- Carried trays of food items from kitchen to dining areas.
- Cleared away used plates and utensils following end of meal service.
- Demonstrated knowledge of menu items, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Provided prompt, friendly service to all guests during banquets or catered events.
- Responded promptly and courteously to guest inquiries and complaints.
- Provided refills on drinks as requested by customers.
- Replenished buffet lines with fresh foods as needed.
- Greeted guests upon arrival and provided assistance throughout the event.
- Followed proper sanitation guidelines when handling food items.
- Assisted in the setup and breakdown of banquet tables, chairs, linens, and other equipment.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area throughout shift including tables, chairs and floors.
- Transported dirty dishes from dining areas to kitchen for cleaning after each course was finished.
- Removed and replaced dirty dishes and utensils to maintain table settings.
Electrical Apprentice
Triad Electric & Controls
Hackberry, Louisiana
- Ran cable trays for power distribution from main panels to branch circuits.
- Cut openings in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes or electrical conduit using power saws or cutting torches.
- Performed preventive maintenance procedures on electrical systems.
- Identified problems with circuits or equipment using testing devices such as multimeters or oscilloscopes.
- Connected cables from service entrance to meters and main distribution panel boards.
- Read and interpreted blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and technical documents for installation of new systems.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all work performed.
- Pulled wires through conduit runs using fish tapes or pull strings when necessary.
- Tested electrical systems to ensure proper functioning and safety.
Prep Line Cook
Timber banks country club
Baldwinsville, New York
- Operated kitchen equipment such as ovens, grills, stoves and slicers according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Prepared ingredients for use in cooking, such as washing, peeling, cutting and seeding vegetables.
- Performed regular maintenance tasks on kitchen appliances such as cleaning filters and replacing parts.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work area by adhering to all safety standards.
- Communicated effectively with other members of the kitchen staff regarding meal preparation procedures.
- Stocked kitchen with necessary supplies, including food items, utensils, equipment and cleaning products.
- Adhered to all company policies related to food safety and sanitation practices.
- Monitored product freshness and rotation of ingredients to ensure quality standards were met.
- Cleaned dishes, pots, pans and other kitchen equipment used during the day's operations.
- Assisted with menu item preparation including chopping vegetables, marinating meats and preparing sauces.
- Assembled food orders according to recipes and instructions provided by chefs or supervisors.
- Provided assistance to other cooks when needed during peak hours or special events.
- Measured ingredients accurately using scales or measuring cups and spoons prior to cooking meals.
- Organized food storage areas ensuring that all items were properly labeled and dated.
- Ensured that all foods were cooked at the appropriate temperatures for safe consumption.
- Adhered to health department regulations regarding food storage and sanitation standards.
- Followed proper food handling methods as outlined by health department guidelines.
- Sliced meats and cheeses for sandwiches using a variety of specialized knives.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Prepped vegetables and ingredients by washing, chopping and dicing.
- Dressed, seasoned and garnished appetizers and salads to prepare for food service.
- Measured and weighed food items to comply with portion requirements.
- Organized and labeled stock of ingredients to maintain needed inventory levels.
- Helped train and develop new talent.
Education
High School Diploma -
Henninger High School
Syracuse, NY06-2008
Skills
- Sauce preparations
- Kitchen operations
- Flexible schedule
- Workstation maintenance
- Effective prioritization
- Adherence to recipes
- Food inspection
- Foodservice sanitation
- Safe food handling
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Recipe reading
- Food storage
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Efficient multitasking
Timeline
Prep Cook
Delmonicos Italian Steakhouse
05.2020 - Current
Landscape Worker
Onondaga Earth Corps
Retail Sales Associate
Famous Labels
Banquet Server
Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts
Electrical Apprentice
Triad Electric & Controls
Prep Line Cook
Timber banks country club
High School Diploma -
Henninger High School