EDGAR YZQUIERDO
Orlando
Summary
Sous Chef with extensive experience in fine dining and high-volume kitchen operations. Expertise in executing exclusive multi-course tasting menus, mentoring culinary talent, and ensuring consistency and quality. Committed to maintaining high standards of food safety and guest satisfaction.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
NAMI LAKE NONA
01.2025 - Current
- Directed daily kitchen operations at one of Central Florida's premier fine dining restaurants.
- Lead and mentor line cooks and junior culinary staff.
- Maintain exceptional presentation and consistency standards.
- Coordinate daily production and service.
- Coordinated daily production and service to deliver a seamless dining experience.
- Managed inventory and ordering processes to ensure optimal ingredient availability.
- Ensure strict compliance with sanitation and food safety procedures.
- Work with premium luxury ingredients including A5 Wagyu, Uni, Caviar, Bluefin Tuna, Hamachi, King Crab, Live Scallops and seasonal Truffles.
- Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
- Responsibilities include:
Junior Sous Chef
COSME by Casamata
New York
06.2023 - 01.2025
- Managed assigned station during service to ensure timely and efficient meal preparation.
- Maintained consistency under high-volume service, delivering quality dishes during peak hours.
- Assisted with menu execution, contributing to cohesive dining experience for guests.
- Assisted with menu execution.
- Provided hands-on training for junior cooks to enhance their skills.
- Maintained sanitation and organization.
Kitchen Manager | Head Chef
BONITA BY THE RIVER
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Directed all kitchen operations.
- Oversaw inventory management and purchasing processes to ensure consistent stock levels.
- Monitored food expenses to maintain budget standards.
- Trained culinary staff.
- Conducted training sessions for kitchen staff to improve skills.
- Developed recipes.
- Monitored dining experience to guarantee customer happiness.
Kitchen Manager | Head Chef
VILLALOBOS TAPAS BAR
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed kitchen operations to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality food service.
- Led daily production to meet menu demands and maintain consistency in food quality.
- Coordinated staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for kitchen operations.
- Purchasing.
- Executed purchasing of kitchen supplies to ensure availability of ingredients.
- Oversaw inventory management to maintain stock levels and reduce waste.
- Food safety compliance.
Kitchen Manager
DYCKMAN DOGS
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Coordinated daily production to ensure timely meal service.
- Supervised kitchen staff to maintain operational standards and team efficiency.
- Conducted inventory audits to track stock levels.
- Executed purchasing processes for kitchen supplies.
- Food preparation.
- Conducted quality control checks to uphold food safety and presentation standards.
Education
Industrial Engineering
UTESA University
Dominican RepublicCulinary Education -
Technological Center North
Puerto Plata, Dominican RepublicSkills
- Casual Dining Management
- Fine Dining Operations
- Contemporary Japanese Cuisine
- Fast Casual Service
- Seasonal Menu Planning
- Recipe Standardization
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Quality Assurance
- Food Cost Control
- Inventory Management
- Kitchen Organization
- Food safety
- Knife Skills
- Staff training
- Guest relations
- Staff Training & Development
- Ingredient Sourcing
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS
- Sous Chef at Nami Lake Nona
- Leadership in Fine Dining kitchen operations
- Execution of an exclusive 21-course Chef's Counter tasting menu
- Experience working with premium ingredients including:
- A5 Japanese Wagyu
- Uni
- Caviar
- Bluefin Tuna
- Hamachi
- King Crab
- Live Scallops
- Fresh Truffle
- Kitchen leadership and team development
- Food Cost & Inventory Management
- Exceptional attention to detail and quality control
- Contemporary Japanese cuisine
- Fine Dining service standards
Timeline
Sous Chef
NAMI LAKE NONA
01.2025 - Current
Junior Sous Chef
COSME by Casamata
06.2023 - 01.2025
Kitchen Manager | Head Chef
BONITA BY THE RIVER
01.2023 - 01.2024
Kitchen Manager | Head Chef
VILLALOBOS TAPAS BAR
01.2021 - 01.2023
Kitchen Manager
DYCKMAN DOGS
01.2017 - 01.2021
Industrial Engineering
UTESA University
Culinary Education -
Technological Center North