David Blaz
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Culinary professional specializing in food safety, menu development, and team collaboration. Demonstrated success in training staff and designing customized menu options that improve kitchen productivity. Currently pursuing a licensed practical nurse (LPN) certification at Carrington College, with aspirations to advance to registered nurse (RN) status.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
3rd Cook
Albuquerque Convention Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.2025 - Current
- Prepared ingredients for daily menu items in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations and adhered to safety standards in food handling.
- Operated kitchen equipment including ovens, fryers, and grills effectively.
- Followed recipes and portion guidelines to prepare consistent quality meals.
- Followed recipes and portion guidelines to prepare consistent quality meals.
- Supported special dietary requests by preparing customized menu options promptly.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service during conventions.
- Communicated effectively with team members regarding timing of orders being sent out from the kitchen.
- Managed inventory levels of kitchen items, ensuring availability of essential supplies for daily operations.
- Received and stored food supplies following proper inventory procedures.
- Kept abreast of new culinary trends and techniques used in the industry.
- Advised on staffing needs to optimize kitchen operations and maintain service efficiency.
Lead Cook
Damacios
Albuquerque, New Mexico
01.2020 - Current
- Prepared and presented high-quality dishes according to restaurant standards.
- Supervised kitchen staff to maintain efficient workflow during peak hours.
- Trained new cooks in food safety and preparation techniques effectively.
- Developed menus that aligned with seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to ensure kitchen stocked adequately.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to enhance overall dining experience.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Completed workstation set up and break down, properly disposing of leftover food.
Assistant General Manager
Overtime Sports Bar & Grill
Albuquerque, New Mexico
07.2024 - 08.2025
- Supervised daily operations to ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.
- Trained new staff on bar and grill procedures and customer service standards.
- Managed inventory levels to maintain stock of food and beverage supplies.
- Assisted in developing marketing strategies to boost patron engagement and attendance.
- Collaborated with the kitchen staff to create seasonal menu specials.
- Monitored financial transactions for accuracy and compliance with policies.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to enhance the dining experience.
- Scheduled shifts for staff to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Provided training, guidance, and support to staff members on proper procedures and policies.
Security Officer
Schimmel Security
Albuquerque, New Mexico
04.2022 - 08.2024
- Secured personnel and premises by inspecting buildings and patrolling property.
- Conducted regular patrols to detect suspicious activities and prevent incidents.
- Monitored premises to ensure safety and security for all personnel.
- Responded promptly to alarms and emergency situations, coordinating with local authorities.
- Enforced facility rules and regulations, maintaining order among visitors and staff.
- Documented daily activities and incidents in security logs for reporting purposes.
- Collaborated with management to improve security measures and protocols regularly.
Kitchen Manager
Poki Poki Ceviceria
Albuquerque, New Mexico
05.2020 - 08.2022
- Helped coordinate vendor deliveries for daily kitchen production needs.
- Followed food safety procedures across prep stations and storage areas.
- Supported kitchen scheduling for lunch and dinner service coverage.
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
Pastry Chef
morning star senior living and memory care
Albuquerque, New Mexico
04.2018 - 09.2020
- Developed new dessert recipes tailored for dietary restrictions.
- Trained kitchen staff on pastry techniques and presentation skills.
- Collaborated with nutritionists to ensure balanced dessert options.
- Enhanced menu offerings based on resident feedback and seasonal ingredients.
- Assisted in menu planning for all pastry items.
- Created a variety of baked goods for residents' daily meals.
- Supervised baking schedules to meet meal service timings effectively.
- Maintained a clean working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
Banquet Chef
Hotel Andaluz
Albuquerque, New Mexico
07.2016 - 10.2017
- Directed banquet kitchen prep for Hotel Andaluz event service
- Coordinated plated meal production with catering and banquet teams
- Supervised buffet setup, carving stations, and banquet presentation standards
- Trained kitchen staff on sanitation, knife safety, and station procedures
- Managed banquet mise en place for weddings, conferences, and private events
Sous Chef
Hotel parq Central
Albuquerque, New Mexico
02.2016 - 08.2017
- Supervised daily hotel parq Central kitchen operations and line cooks
- Prepared banquet menus and delegated station assignments for service periods
- Coordinated inventory checks and ordered ingredients for hotel kitchen needs
- Enforced sanitation standards and food safety procedures across prep areas
- Trained kitchen staff on plating, recipe consistency, and service timing
Lead Cook
Hyatt Regency Downtown ABQ
Albuquerque, New Mexico
09.2015 - 07.2016
- Supervised grill, sauté, and prep stations for smooth workflow.
- Monitored food safety, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness standards.
- Coordinated food preparation with servers and kitchen team members.
line cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
Albuquerque, New Mexico
03.2012 - 10.2015
- Prepared Buffalo Wild Wings menu items on grill, fryer, and sauté stations.
- Monitored ticket flow and coordinated plate timing with kitchen team.
- Seasoned wings with house sauces and dry rubs to order.
- Maintained clean, sanitary work areas and food safety standards.
Education
GED -
CNM
Albuquerque, NM08-2023
Skills
- Food safety
- Cooking techniques
- Menu development
- Menu planning
- Recipe documentation
- Inventory management
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Staff training
- Team collaboration
- Customer service
- Customer interaction
- Conflict resolution
- Communication skills
- Leadership abilities
- Organizational skills
- Basic math
- Written communication
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Hygiene practices
Certification
- food handlers
- severs license
Timeline
3rd Cook
Albuquerque Convention Center
08.2025 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Overtime Sports Bar & Grill
07.2024 - 08.2025
Security Officer
Schimmel Security
04.2022 - 08.2024
Kitchen Manager
Poki Poki Ceviceria
05.2020 - 08.2022
Lead Cook
Damacios
01.2020 - Current
Pastry Chef
morning star senior living and memory care
04.2018 - 09.2020
Banquet Chef
Hotel Andaluz
07.2016 - 10.2017
Sous Chef
Hotel parq Central
02.2016 - 08.2017
Lead Cook
Hyatt Regency Downtown ABQ
09.2015 - 07.2016
line cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
03.2012 - 10.2015
GED -
CNM