Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Featured on Wicked Bites out of Boston on NESN for my creative Menus
Timeline

David Illsley

Derry,NH

Summary

  • Creative Chef with specialty in French and Italian cuisine. Experience includes Fifteen years in high-volume, successful restaurants. Proven ability to manage fast-paced kitchens while remaining poised and calm.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Chef

Cask & Vine
Derry, NH
07.2022 - Current
  • Managed ordering, inventory levels, receiving, invoice settling and equipment maintenance.
  • Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
  • Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted.
  • Created new menu items, managed food expenses and supervised quality to ensure adherence to standards.
  • Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
  • Due To The nature of my Creative Dishes we were contacted by Wicked Bites on Nesn out of Boston and we were featured on the program.

Executive Chef

White Mountain Tavern
Lincoln, NH
09.2020 - 07.2022
  • Managed ordering, inventory levels, receiving, invoice settling and equipment maintenance.
  • Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
  • Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted.
  • Created new menu items, managed food expenses and supervised quality to ensure adherence to standards.
  • Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.

Sous Chef

Lucie Back Bay
Boston , MA
02.2020 - 08.2020
  • Managed kitchen staff team and assigned tasks for various stages of food production.
  • Managed ordering, inventory levels, receiving, invoice settling and equipment maintenance.
  • Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
  • Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
  • Created recipes, incorporating various techniques, to build flavor and unique visual appeal.
  • Lucie Back Bay was an overhaul project at The Colonadde Hotel in Boston. I was hired in as a butcher and rapidly moved up to the opening team that consisted of a Gentlemen that was Jose Garcias sous chef of 20 yrs. Also on The Executive Chef Michael Chandler previously Exec. Chef for Top of the Hub.

Chef De Cuisine

Steeple Hall
Newburyport, MA
10.2018 - 09.2019

Maintained labor at under 25% to promote long-term business profitability.

  • Worked closely with other chefs and cooks and provided hands-on training and teaching.
  • Tracked kitchen's inventory and ordered new food and supplies when needed.
  • Tasted and modified recipes for Catering menu at Wedding establishment.
  • Interacted professionally and effectively with wait staff regarding special orders for customers, including those with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
  • Stocked and managed inventory items using First-In First Out (FIFO) method to use products prior to expiration and reduce food waste.
  • Prepared mise en place every day to promote efficient preparation of signature dishes.
  • Created exciting dishes to draw in clientele and increase revenues.
  • Worked closely with Function Manager to create dynamic entrees for large banquets, including plated and buffet events for up to 200 people.
  • Avoided cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces and pans when preparing meals for individuals with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
  • Reduced food costs by 2% by expertly estimating purchasing needs and buying through approved suppliers.

Chef De Cuisine

Ck Pearl
Essex, MA
03.2017 - 10.2018

Maintained labor at under 25% to promote long-term business profitability.

  • Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
  • Developed new market items and spearheaded implementation of butchers cut
  • Assessed inventory levels every night and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted.
  • Managed all kitchen employees, including bussers, dishwashers, and waitstaff.
  • Prepared mise en place every day to promote efficient preparation of signature dishes.
  • Supervised kitchen staff of 15 individuals, delivering on-the-fly training and mentoring to improve skills.
  • Maintained orderly kitchen environment to reduce wasted time searching for ingredients, utensils and prep items.
  • Monitored and improved work of 15 team members producing over 300 meals per night.
  • Managed kitchen staff team of 15 and assigned various stages of food production.
  • Adjusted seasonal plans to source local ingredients and aligned special dishes with area events.
  • Partnered with restaurant owners to create new menu items using locally sourced ingredients.
  • Built and managed relationships with local vendors to obtain fresh, quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
  • Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.

Education

Culinary Arts -

Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, Harwich Port, MA

Skills

  • Banquets and catering
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Food preparation techniques
  • Customer service oriented
  • Staff Training
  • BOH Operations
  • Team Leadership
  • Quality Assurance
  • Hiring, Training and Development
  • Budgeting and Cost Control
  • Culinary Trends
  • Food Preparing, Plating and Presentation
  • Recipe Development

Accomplishments

  • Developed creative signature menu selections, which ended up with myself being featured on Wicked Bites on NESN out of Boston

Featured on Wicked Bites out of Boston on NESN for my creative Menus

  • General Gao's Arincini
  • Bubba Phat's Bloomin Mozzerella
  • Dungeon Burger
  • The Chachie Poutine
  • TRuffle short rib pappardelle with fresh engish peas and sous

Timeline

Executive Chef - Cask & Vine
07.2022 - Current
Executive Chef - White Mountain Tavern
09.2020 - 07.2022
Sous Chef - Lucie Back Bay
02.2020 - 08.2020
Chef De Cuisine - Steeple Hall
10.2018 - 09.2019
Chef De Cuisine - Ck Pearl
03.2017 - 10.2018
Cape Cod Regional Technical High School - Culinary Arts ,
David Illsley