Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Awards
Timeline
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George Nickas

George Nickas

Summary

Motivated Chef with 7 years of fine dining experience, dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth. Seeking opportunities to further develop culinary expertise while contributing creativity, discipline, and excellence to a dynamic kitchen team.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Winery Chef

Sterling Vineyards
02.2025 - Current
  • Worked alongside culinary team in preparation and presentation of diverse menu items.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
  • Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.

Chef

Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill
05.2016 - 12.2023

Line Cook (Before August 2021)

  • Gained comprehensive experience working every station on the line, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality in a fast-paced kitchen.
  • Developed versatility and strong technical skills across a wide range of cooking methods and menu items.

Catering Manager (August 2021 – December 2023)

  • Oversee all aspects of catering operations, from planning to execution, ensuring seamless and successful events.
  • Manage, train, and guide staff to maintain high performance and teamwork.
  • Uphold elevated standards of food quality, presentation, and service for diverse clientele.
  • Coordinate logistics, and scheduling, to deliver efficient, guest focused experiences.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to deliver seamless dining experiences through effective communication.

Education

Associate of Culinary Arts - Culinary

Culinary Institute of America
Saint Helena, CA

High School Diploma -

TL Hanna High School

Skills

  • Leading by example
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Adaptability
  • Kitchen management
  • Customer service
  • Banquets and catering
  • Forecasting and planning
  • Inventory management
  • Food and wine pairing
  • Menu development

Accomplishments

  • Achieved 4th place out of 30 teams in a wine pairing competition at the BASH event in St. Helena.
  • Graduated in the top 3 of a 50-student class at The Culinary Institute of America, recognized for excellence in culinary skills, discipline, and academic performance.
  • Assisted in catering high-end dinners for prestigious events, including the Russian River Pinot Forum and the PGA Procore Tournament, and providing exceptional service to distinguished clientele.

Certification

Manager Serv Safe certified

Languages

English

Awards

  • Best Caterer/Catering Business Award won the award as manager in 2022 and 2023.
  • National Honor Society, Achieved this award by maintaining all A's in High school.

Timeline

Winery Chef

Sterling Vineyards
02.2025 - Current

Chef

Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill
05.2016 - 12.2023

Associate of Culinary Arts - Culinary

Culinary Institute of America

High School Diploma -

TL Hanna High School