Graciela Balderas
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Dedicated cook with strong skills in food preparation, kitchen safety, and quality control. Committed to delivering exceptional meals and training staff to enhance culinary techniques.
Overview
2
2
Languages
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
cook
Thomson Hospitality
Los Angeles, CA
03.2025 - Current
- Prepared and cooked diverse menu items following established recipes.
- Executed proper cooking techniques to ensure quality meals. when preparing menu item ingredients.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
- Prepped ingredients for daily specials and custom orders.
- Chopped, diced, and sliced vegetables and fruits for meal preparation. vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
- Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
- Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
- Set up work stations prior to opening to minimize prep time.
- Trained new kitchen staff on cooking techniques, enhancing team skill set and service quality.
- Supported training of new kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques and procedures.
- Monitored food inventory levels and placed orders regularly.
- Ensured all food items were stored properly and labeled correctly.
- Performed daily maintenance checks on refrigeration units and freezers.
- Provided input into weekly menu selections based on seasonal produce availability.
- Plated meals according to presentation standards set by the restaurant.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area and equipment according to health regulations.
- Assisted in developing new menu items based on customer feedback, contributing to improved customer satisfaction and menu diversity.
2nd Cook
Culinary Staffing Service
Los Angeles, California
05.2023 - 07.2026
- Assisted in cooking meals while following safety and sanitation guidelines.
- Conducted quality control inspections on prepared food items prior to serving.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area and equipment according to health regulations.
- Prepared ingredients for daily menu items and special requests.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
line cook
The Mission Inn Hotel
Riverside, California
03.2019 - 07.2022
- Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during meal service.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal preparation and delivery.
- Grilled meats and deep-fried potatoes to prepare menu items.
- Plated dishes according to restaurant presentation standards before delivering them to customers.
- Prepared ingredients and dishes according to hotel menu specifications.
- Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Followed health and safety standards to ensure safe working environment for employees and customers alike.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
The Art Institutes
San Bernardino, CA12-2018
Skills
- Cooking techniques
- Food preparation
- Quality control
- Sautéing
- Knife skills
- Kitchen safety
- Inventory management
- Menu development
- Training staff
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal communication
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
cook
Thomson Hospitality
03.2025 - Current
2nd Cook
Culinary Staffing Service
05.2023 - 07.2026
line cook
The Mission Inn Hotel
03.2019 - 07.2022
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
The Art Institutes