Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Elizabeth Handy

Elizabeth Handy

Chef/Catering
Ypsilanti,MI

Summary

Adept at elevating food experiences, I leveraged my expertise in food safety and exceptional interpersonal skills to enhance client satisfaction at Bazaar Catering Services. By tailoring catering services to individual needs and implementing innovative menu options, I consistently received positive feedback, leading to repeat business and a significant reduction in waste.

As a full-time student and personal chef, I am always striving towards the latest trends in the foodservice industry, and always excited to learn and teach others the importance of food in all aspects of life.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Caterer

Self Employed Services
08.2022 - Current
  • Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized catering services tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
  • Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
  • Communicated with event coordinators and facility management to obtain appropriate catering accommodations.
  • Cleaned and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency.
  • Managed food inventory and supplies, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for diverse events.
  • Delivered outstanding customer service throughout the entire event planning process, resulting in repeat business from satisfied clients.
  • Implemented strict food safety standards, maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment at all times.
  • Offered vegetarian versions of frequently ordered entrees to appeal to health conscious customers.
  • Leveraged strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with diverse clientele regarding their unique needs and expectations.
  • Developed innovative menu offerings that consistently received positive feedback from clients and guests.
  • Researched menu options for customers with food allergies or special dietary preferences to accommodate varied dietary needs.
  • Sourced food ingredients from local markets and food suppliers to acquire items needed for food preparation.
  • Designed catering menus containing ethnic food options to meet needs of diverse customer base.
  • Tested recipes before inclusion in catering menu to verify accuracy of ingredients and preparation methods.
  • Managed inventory efficiently, reducing waste and lowering costs.

Chef Assistant

Brian Polcyn
11.2022 - 01.2023
  • Prepared and cooked quality meals in high-volume, fast-paced service environments.
  • Followed recipes and instructions to achieve quality and presentation standards.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict sanitation guidelines for a safe kitchen environment.
  • Assisted head chef in menu planning for optimal ingredient utilization and minimized food waste.
  • Managed food preparation activities, such as cutting ingredients to size and preparing sauces and garnishes.
  • Received delivered, sorted produce and stored supplies quickly to maintain quality and condition.
  • Maintained cleanliness and order of kitchen prep areas and appliances as well as convenient organization of ingredients.
  • Used variety of kitchen tools and appliances to prepare ingredients and meals.
  • Prepped ingredients ahead of time to increase cooking and service speed.
  • Wrapped, dated, and stored food in refrigerators under standardized temperature for future uses.
  • Supported senior chefs with creative meal planning and recipe development.

Server

Harvest Restaurant
09.2022 - 12.2022
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
  • Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
  • Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
  • Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
  • Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
  • Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.

Catering Assistant

The Greyline Kitchen
08.2021 - 12.2022
  • Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
  • Cleaned and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency.
  • Collaborated with team members to execute seamless catering events for clients.
  • Coordinated closely with other staff members during events for smooth service delivery.
  • Maintained strict adherence to food safety guidelines, preventing any potential health risks or violations.
  • Maintained professional demeanor under pressure during high-stress situations, contributing to overall success of catered events.

Education

Associate Degree In Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts

Schoolcraft College
Livonia, MI

Associate Degree - Culinary Arts

Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MI

Skills

  • Food Safety
  • Food presentation
  • Sanitation Practices
  • Quality Control
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Food Preparation
  • Personable and friendly
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Kitchen Management
  • Event Management
  • Ordering and invoicing
  • Nutrition knowledge
  • Menu development
  • Menu Planning
  • Presentation Skills
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • European cuisine knowledge
  • Attention to Detail
  • Catering and Events
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Food Preparing, Plating, and Presentation
  • Special Events
  • Prioritization and Organization
  • Relationship Building
  • Creative Thinking
  • Inventory Management
  • Customer Service
  • Supply Ordering
  • Purchasing
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Team Collaboration
  • Food Stock and Supply Management

Certification

Sanitation and food handling

Safe food preparation

Alcohol Servsafe Certification

Timeline

Chef Assistant

Brian Polcyn
11.2022 - 01.2023

Server

Harvest Restaurant
09.2022 - 12.2022

Caterer

Self Employed Services
08.2022 - Current

Catering Assistant

The Greyline Kitchen
08.2021 - 12.2022

Associate Degree In Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts

Schoolcraft College

Associate Degree - Culinary Arts

Washtenaw Community College
Elizabeth HandyChef/Catering