Erik Diaz
McHenry,IL
Summary
Dynamic Cook with enhancing kitchen operations and elevating food presentation. Skilled in menu planning and ServSafe protocols, I excel in team collaboration and cooking techniques, significantly boosting kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction. Hardworking professional bringing detail-oriented approach to food preparation and handling. Reliable individual possessing excellent communication and problem-solving strengths.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Cook
Los Magueyes Restaurant
Fox Lake, IL
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Directed and supervised seafood staff, providing guidance and feedback to ensure optimal performance.
- Ordered seafood products from vendors in accordance with the store's purchasing policies.
- Inspected incoming shipments for quality assurance purposes and ensured proper storage of all seafood products.
- Developed strategies to increase sales volume and profitability of seafood department.
- Conducted regular audits of freshness dates on perishable items such as fish, shellfish.
- Supervised staff in daily kitchen duties, including prepping ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up after service.
- Trained new cooks on proper techniques for preparing dishes according to recipes.
- Monitored quality of all cooked items throughout the day to guarantee high standards were maintained.
- Created weekly schedules for kitchen staff based on anticipated volume of business.
- Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
- Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Ordered supplies as needed for the kitchen.
Lead Cook
Rancho Nuevo Restaurant
Round Lake, IL
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed inventory and ordering of food supplies to ensure efficient operations.
- Supervised staff in daily kitchen duties, including prepping ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up after service.
- Ensured compliance with health safety regulations while preparing meals and maintaining a sanitary work environment.
- Developed menus for special events and catering services according to customer specifications.
- Trained new cooks on proper techniques for preparing dishes according to recipes.
- Monitored quality of all cooked items throughout the day to guarantee high standards were maintained.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies of customers.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies by reducing waste and optimizing portion sizes in menu items.
- Created weekly schedules for kitchen staff based on anticipated volume of business.
- Oversaw food preparation processes to ensure that orders were completed accurately and efficiently.
- Collaborated with management team to develop new recipes and update existing ones in order to improve the overall dining experience.
- Evaluated customer feedback regarding taste, presentation, temperature accuracy, speed of service.
- Inspected kitchen areas regularly for cleanliness; instructed staff members on sanitation protocols when necessary.
- Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
- Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Checked quality of ingredients before use in order to ensure freshness.
- Monitored stock levels of food items and ordered more when necessary.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
Line Cook
Brinker Internationl, Chili's Grill & Bar
McHenry, IL
02.2019 - 09.2022
- Prepared food items consistently and in compliance with recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
- Cleaned food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils.
- Stocked and restocked kitchen supplies as needed.
- Operated various kitchen appliance such as a blender, oven, grill, or stand mixer.
- Ensured freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
- Organized the storage area to ensure that all necessary items were readily accessible.
- Performed basic knife skills such as dicing onions or slicing meats.
- Followed health and safety standards to ensure safe working environment for employees and customers alike.
- Monitored product freshness and rotation dates to maintain quality assurance standards.
- Assisted in prep work such as washing vegetables or butchering meat when needed.
- Maintained accurate records of daily production sheets including waste logs.
- Communicated effectively with other staff members regarding orders and menu changes.
- Ensured that all dishes were prepared according to recipe specifications.
- Plated dishes according to restaurant presentation standards before delivering them to customers.
- Adhered to sanitation policies at all times when handling food products.
- Inspected equipment for cleanliness prior to use every shift.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Conducted regular maintenance checks on equipment ensuring proper functioning order.
- Responded quickly to any customer complaints or concerns about their dining experience.
- Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Restocked food items throughout shift to prepare necessary ingredients for cooking and timely service.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
- Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
- Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct food temperature for high scores on health inspections.
- Cleaned cooking and refrigeration equipment to sanitize and prevent food-borne illness.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces and salads.
- Mentored and trained staff by teaching cooking skills and kitchen maintenance, improving overall quality and performance.
- Prepped garnishes to reduce wait times during lunch and dinner rush.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Received and stored food and supplies.
Line Cook
Texas Roadhouse Restaurant
Crystal Lake, IL
02.2020 - 05.2021
- Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
- Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Checked quality of ingredients before use in order to ensure freshness.
- Ensured that all food was cooked at the correct temperature and stored correctly.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Inspected kitchens for sanitary conditions before the start of each shift.
- Adjusted seasonings of dishes during cooking process in order to enhance flavors.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces and salads.
- Interacted with waitstaff regarding special orders for customers with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
Cook's Assistant
Los Comales
Elgin, IL
03.2018 - 01.2019
- Assisted in prepping ingredients for meals by washing, peeling, and cutting vegetables.
- Stocked kitchen with necessary supplies such as food items, utensils, and equipment.
- Cleaned work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, and silverware between tasks.
- Heated prepared foods in ovens or on grills according to recipes or instructions.
- Carried out basic cooking duties such as reducing sauces and parboiling food.
- Measured ingredients required for specific food items being prepared.
- Maintained inventory of stock and placed orders when there is a shortage of supplies.
- Followed health and safety regulations while handling food and beverages.
- Ensured that kitchen was kept clean at all times by sweeping floors, washing surfaces.
- Sliced meats and other ingredients according to recipe specifications using knives or machines.
- Took temperature of cooked foods to verify they were cooked thoroughly before serving them.
- Checked the quality of raw materials prior to use in order to ensure freshness of products used.
- Prepared food for service based on daily specials and chef's needs.
- Kept detailed records of food and supply inventory, ordering more or alerting chefs of deficiencies.
- Regulated oven, broiler, and roaster operations for cooking at correct temperatures.
- Safely operated kitchen equipment, including industrial-size mixers and knife sharpening tools.
Cook's Assistant
El Rey Del Pollo Asado
Elgin, IL
07.2016 - 03.2018
- Assisted in prepping ingredients for meals by washing, peeling, and cutting vegetables.
- Stocked kitchen with necessary supplies such as food items, utensils, and equipment.
- Cleaned work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, and silverware between tasks.
- Heated prepared foods in ovens or on grills according to recipes or instructions.
- Measured ingredients required for specific food items being prepared.
- Followed health and safety regulations while handling food and beverages.
- Attended to customers' needs promptly in a courteous manner during service hours.
- Sliced meats and other ingredients according to recipe specifications using knives or machines.
Education
High School Diploma -
Grant Community High School
Fox Lake, IL05-2019
Skills
- Positive and professional
- Cutting and slicing techniques
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Menu planning
- Food spoilage prevention
- Cooking techniques
- Beautiful presentation of food
- ServSafe certified
- Team collaboration
- Cleaning and organization
- Food presentation
- Dish preparation
- Grilling
- Cooking
- Food handling
- Food safety oversight
- Contamination prevention
- Food plating and presentation
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
- Conference for Food Protection (CFP)
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Lead Cook
Los Magueyes Restaurant
05.2023 - 10.2023
Lead Cook
Rancho Nuevo Restaurant
05.2022 - 05.2023
Line Cook
Texas Roadhouse Restaurant
02.2020 - 05.2021
Line Cook
Brinker Internationl, Chili's Grill & Bar
02.2019 - 09.2022
Cook's Assistant
Los Comales
03.2018 - 01.2019
Cook's Assistant
El Rey Del Pollo Asado
07.2016 - 03.2018
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
- Conference for Food Protection (CFP)
High School Diploma -
Grant Community High School
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