Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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Gerardo Santamaria

Gerardo Santamaria

Richmond,CA

Summary

Accomplished culinary professional with a proven track record at The Plant Cafe, enhancing kitchen productivity by streamlining food preparation processes and mentoring junior staff. Expert in food safety and sanitation, with a flair for creative menu development and a collaborative team leadership approach. Achieved significant reduction in food waste, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and a commitment to excellence.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Line Cook

Saul’s Restaurant and Deli
08.2020 - Current

Assistant Manager

Green Heart Foods
08.2015 - 09.2019

Line Cook

Gaspar Braserie
06.2014 - 04.2016

Cook

The Plant Cafe
04.2010 - 09.2014
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
  • Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
  • Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
  • Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
  • Mentored junior cooks in refining culinary skills through hands-on guidance.
  • Collaborated with management team to develop new menu items.
  • Streamlined food preparation process, increasing kitchen productivity.
  • Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations, maintaining record of excellence in health inspections.
  • Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
  • Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep work processes.
  • Trained new kitchen staff, ensuring they met restaurant's high standards.
  • Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
  • Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
  • Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced Type environment.
  • Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
  • Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
  • Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Timeline

Lead Line Cook

Saul’s Restaurant and Deli
08.2020 - Current

Assistant Manager

Green Heart Foods
08.2015 - 09.2019

Line Cook

Gaspar Braserie
06.2014 - 04.2016

Cook

The Plant Cafe
04.2010 - 09.2014
Gerardo Santamaria