Erik B Cannella
Chelan,WA
Summary
Creative and passionate chef with experience in leading kitchen operations, menu development, and team management. Skilled in crafting innovative dishes that cater to diverse palates while ensuring high standards of food safety and quality. Demonstrated ability to improve kitchen efficiency and enhance dining experiences through effective leadership and culinary skills. Successfully elevated guest satisfaction by consistently delivering exceptional meals and fostering a positive working environment for the culinary team.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef/ Head Instructor
Fare Start
Seattle, WA
03.1995 - Current
- Designed skill based culinary curriculum to lift individuals out of poverty by offering job training skills and experience while crafting meals for non profits, shelters, on site training restaurant and other facilities
Chef / Menu Consultant
Siren Song Winery
Chelan, WA
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Kept up to date with current culinary trends, as well as health and safety regulations.
- Organized special events such as banquets or buffets requiring complex menus or decorations.
- Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes and garnishing of dishes to ensure that food was prepared in accordance with the restaurant's recipes and presentation standards.
- Selected and developed recipes and planned menus, driving consistent food quality and production.
- Established controls to alleviate supply and food waste.
Chef Assistant
Canyon River Grill
Ellensburg, WA
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Followed recipes to prepare sauces, soups, entrees, desserts, and other food items.
- Assisted Chef in preparing ingredients for various dishes.
- Ensured all safety protocols were followed during meal prep.
- On site garden management
Chef / Menu Consultant
Ba Bar
Seattle, WA
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Developed and prepared high-quality French/Vietnamese dishes.
- Supervised team members during meal service to ensure accuracy of orders.
- Kept up to date with current culinary trends, as well as health and safety regulations.
Chef/ Product Consultant
Pasta Casalinga
Seattle, WA
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed Wholesale Pasta Program including packaging , production, customer service and delivery for "Mom and Pop" retail store in Pike Place Market.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety and hygiene regulations within the kitchen area.
Chef Trainer/Consultant
Seattle Fish Company
West Seattle, WA
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Assessed kitchen staff performance to identify areas of improvement in culinary skills.
- Assessed Food Costing Program
- Developed Menus
Chef/ Consultant
De' Laurentis
Seattle, WA
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Provided ongoing support services including recipe development, menu engineering; cost containment; vendor relations; purchasing and receiving; labor scheduling, budgeting; forecasting and analysis.
- Redesigned kitchen to accommodate efficiency of menu production
- Provided training and guidance to chefs on proper cooking techniques, sanitation, safety protocols, and plate presentation.
Executive Chef
Snowy Owl Theater
Leavenworth, WA
06.2017 - 12.2019
- Developed and implemented menus for catering events, and private parties for seasonal artistic theater company. Prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner menus for artistic camp like setting for 20-150 guests.
- Developed menus for multiple allergy requirements
- Designed menus and prepared food for numerous private events held at venue.
Owner/ Executive Chef/Organic Farmer
Cannella Kitchen and Farms
Chelan, WA
11.2008 - 08.2017
- Developed and Managed Farm to Table Restaurant in renowned Resort Community
- Organic style farming including, sowing seeds, tending, and harvesting heirloom style fruits and vegetables and botanicals.
- Distributed and sold farmed goods to local restaurants
Ecutive Chef / Co Founder
Matts In The Market
Seattle, WA
03.1996 - 11.2006
- Developed design and line functionality of New Orleans style start up restaurant
- Developed and implemented menu
- Maintained a clean work environment by adhering to sanitation policies and procedures.
- Trained new chefs on proper cooking techniques and menu items.
- Featured In Bon Appetite, Sunset, NY Times, Zagats Best, and local publications for excellence. Acclaimed as one of Seattle's Best Farm to Table Restaurants, shopping for fresh local ingredients at Pike Place Market.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY01-1994
Skills
- Food and beverage pairing
- Signature dish creation
- Menu development
- Ingredient selection
- Staff supervision and coordination
- Recipe creation
- Culinary expertise
- Inventory management
- Flavor pairings
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chef / Menu Consultant
Siren Song Winery
09.2024 - 11.2024
Chef Assistant
Canyon River Grill
06.2023 - 11.2023
Chef / Menu Consultant
Ba Bar
01.2023 - 08.2023
Chef Trainer/Consultant
Seattle Fish Company
01.2023 - 04.2023
Chef/ Product Consultant
Pasta Casalinga
11.2022 - 05.2023
Chef/ Consultant
De' Laurentis
01.2022 - 08.2022
Executive Chef
Snowy Owl Theater
06.2017 - 12.2019
Owner/ Executive Chef/Organic Farmer
Cannella Kitchen and Farms
11.2008 - 08.2017
Ecutive Chef / Co Founder
Matts In The Market
03.1996 - 11.2006
Chef/ Head Instructor
Fare Start
03.1995 - Current
Associate of Arts - Culinary
Culinary Institute of America