Ian Strain
Memphis,TN
Summary
Seasoned Chef with a proven track record at Coastal Fish Company, adept in leading teams to produce over 500 plates daily with finesse and efficiency. Expert in food inventories and spoilage prevention, coupled with exceptional leadership communications, ensuring top-notch dining experiences. Maintains labor costs below 20%, exemplifying fine-dining expertise and a commitment to culinary excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Coastal Fish Company
Memphis, TN
09.2019 - 04.2024
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes that met customer needs and palates
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures
- Properly handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination
- Oversaw grill, stove and oven and cleaned all equipment after every shift
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity and presentation
- Inventoried food, ingredient and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders
- Supervised and enhanced work of 10-person team producing more than 500 plates per day
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work efficient and consistent
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business
Chef
Crosstown Arts
Memphis , TN
09.2018 - 09.2019
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business
- Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability
- Inventoried food, ingredient and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders
- Developed and cooked exciting, memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment and bolstered restaurant revenues
- Produced and plated variety of exotic fruit-based desserts and after-dinner cheese plates
- Organized all vegan or vegetarian meals for renowned musicians and artists from Memphis and abroad
Culinary Professional
Darden
Memphis , TN
01.2013 - 02.2018
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment
- Aligned seasonal plans with ingredient availability and key area events for optimal promotions
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work efficient and consistent
- Developed full, tasting, and special events menus to meet all establishment needs and maintain strong customer levels
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation
- Supervised and enhanced work of a 15-person team producing more than 750 plates per day
- Kept labor at or below 20% to support business profit targets
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality
- Evaluated inventory levels on a daily basis and placed orders to restock dry goods, produce and protein items before supplies ran out
- Daily full line checks to ensure highest possible quality and leading daily staff lineups for menu items featured that day and to ensure proper uniform checks
- Ran EXPO line on busiest nights including holidays
- Ran PAR levels weekly to ensure no over production of food or labor cost
- Ensured large Group Event Dining ranging from 50-80 guests, in addition to reserved guests plus walk-ins, ran smoothly even during a busy night
Education
High School Diploma -
Christian Brothers Highschool
5900 Walnut Grove Road 05.2010
Skills
- Chef support
- Chef training knowledge
- Maintaining standards
- Leadership communications
- Food inventories
- Food spoilage prevention
- Proper food handling
- Counter sanitization
- Portion standards
- Attention to taste
- Plating and presentation
- Fine-dining expertise
- Stocking and replenishing
Timeline
Chef
Coastal Fish Company
09.2019 - 04.2024
Chef
Crosstown Arts
09.2018 - 09.2019
Culinary Professional
Darden
01.2013 - 02.2018
High School Diploma -
Christian Brothers Highschool