Garrett Kihara
Bonner,MT
Summary
Looking at moving back to the Big Island to use what i have learned from the great chefs i have had the privilege to work with. Accomplished Production Chef at The Resort at Paws Up, adept in ingredient sourcing and menu development, showcasing exceptional teamwork and leadership. Elevated kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction by innovating with up to 70% local ingredients, mentoring staff, and spearheading quality control, ensuring high standards in food safety and culinary excellence. High-performing individual with solid background in culinary arts. Skilled in creating innovative and delicious dishes while managing kitchen staff and inventory. Efficient and committed to keeping high standards of food safety and sanitation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Chef
The Resort at Paws Up
05.2018 - Current
- Ordered new ingredients and supplies to meet expected needs.
- Signed for deliveries, checked items into inventory and stocked goods into proper locations.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Observed different kitchen chefs' preparation of sauces, breads, and other items to gain knowledge in diverse cooking and baking techniques.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Oversaw catering events from preparation through execution, ensuring guest satisfaction with the provided cuisine.
- Established strong relationships with local suppliers, securing high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Managed inventory systems effectively, preventing overstocking or shortages of crucial ingredients.
- Collaborated with fellow chefs to design special event menus tailored to clients'' specific needs and preferences.
- Consistently met high standards of quality control for all prepared dishes, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Created Menus for multiple locations.
- Ordered for all locations using up to 70% of local ingredients depending on season.
Banquet Sous Chef
The Allison in and Spa
06.2014 - 04.2018
- Implemented strict food safety standards, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring the well-being of guests.
- Maintained excellent communication with front-of-house staff, ensuring seamless coordination between culinary and service teams during events.
- Streamlined banquet food preparation processes, leading to increased efficiency and reduced waste in the kitchen.
- Supervised kitchen staff both in restaurant and for catering work.
- Worked in all areas of the kitchen from working brunch, lunch, dinner, and banquet functions on site and off.
- Worked with fresh produce from our garden and created specials with them.
Banquet Cook/ Club Lounge Cook
The Nines Hotel
04.2012 - 06.2014
- Grilled, roasted, baked and performed other cooking techniques to produce high volume meals.
- Practiced safe work habits to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
- Learned menu items produced by assigned station to achieve proper quantities.
- Chopped vegetables, butchered meat and prepared sauces in advance to serve guests promptly and efficiently.
- Produced appatizers for the club lounge using high quality left over ingredients or extra product on daily bases.
- Help with doing plate up meals for over 300 guest.
Dietary Cook
Life Care Center of Kona
03.2008 - 01.2012
- Ensured consistent flavor profiles across dishes by carefully measuring ingredients according to established recipes.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department regulations and safety protocols.
- Prepared, apportioned and served menu and specialized food items developed to meet facility residents' unique dietary needs.
- Ensured timely meal service by coordinating cooking schedules and prioritizing tasks based on patient needs.
- Assisted in menu planning, incorporating seasonal ingredients for optimal taste and nutritional value.
- Trained new staff members in kitchen procedures, equipment usage, and recipe preparation to maintain quality standards.
- Provided nourishing and health-conscious food to customers under sanitary conditions.
- Sanitized and organized kitchen preparation areas and equipment according to food and health safety standards.
- Streamlined food production processes by organizing workstations and utilizing time-saving techniques.
- Received orders, verified contents against invoices and assessed quality of products to verify conformance to organizational standards.
- Developed strong working relationships with suppliers, negotiating competitive pricing without compromising on quality ingredients.
- Communicated with supervisor to discuss menu items, ingredients and nutritional values.
- Monitored food temperatures throughout preparation and serving process.
- Cooked meals according to administrative policies, health code regulations and food service standards.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
West Hawaii Community Collage
Kealakekua, HI09.2012
Skills
- Food safety knowledge
- Cooking techniques
- Menu development
- Menu Planning
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Food Prep Planning
- Team Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Creative Thinking
- Food Stock and Supply Management,
- Ingredient Sourcing
- Knife Skills
- Inventory Management
- Bulk Food Preparation
- Recipe Development
- Portion and cost control
- Kitchen Staff Management
- Decision-Making
Timeline
Production Chef
The Resort at Paws Up
05.2018 - Current
Banquet Sous Chef
The Allison in and Spa
06.2014 - 04.2018
Banquet Cook/ Club Lounge Cook
The Nines Hotel
04.2012 - 06.2014
Dietary Cook
Life Care Center of Kona
03.2008 - 01.2012
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
West Hawaii Community Collage
Similar Profiles
Charlie SwanbornCharlie Swanborn
Activities Guide at The Resort at Paws UpActivities Guide at The Resort at Paws Up
Marissa McLellandMarissa McLelland
MARKETING AUTOMATION MANAGER at The Resort at Paws UpMARKETING AUTOMATION MANAGER at The Resort at Paws Up
Wyatt DryWyatt Dry
Kitchen Steward at The Resort At Paws UpKitchen Steward at The Resort At Paws Up