Isaac Velazquez
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Raymonds Restaurant, excelling in safe food handling and time management. Proven track record of enhancing kitchen efficiency and ensuring high-quality food preparation. Skilled in cross-contamination prevention and fostering teamwork, consistently delivering exceptional dining experiences while maintaining rigorous hygiene standards.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Handler
Gate Gourmet
03.2022 - 11.2024
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a smooth workflow during peak service hours, contributing to an efficient operation.
- Consistently maintained a positive attitude and strong work ethic, contributing to a high-performing team environment.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring adequate stock levels and timely reordering of supplies.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Improved food safety by diligently following proper food handling procedures and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Set up kitchen every morning by turning on equipment, cutting ingredients and stocking workstations.
- Continuously met or exceeded performance expectations, contributing to the overall success of the business.
- Received, unpackaged and stored incoming food deliveries.
- Utilized proper food handling techniques to minimize cross-contamination risks and the potential for foodborne illnesses.
- Kept work areas neat, clean and in full compliance with company standards and applicable health codes.
- Worked closely with management to identify areas for improvement within the kitchen operations, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
- Maintained high customer satisfaction levels by preparing orders accurately.
- Inspected equipment, refrigerators, and warming lamps to check compliance with safe operating levels.
- Sanitized work surfaces between food preparation, avoiding cross-contamination and maintaining food safety guidelines.
- Kept workstation and equipment clean, organized, sanitized, and sufficiently stocked.
- Monitored and maintained required food temperatures for safety.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Guaranteed customer satisfaction by quickly delivering orders.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Packaged and stored food products following proper handling and preservation methods.
- Organized and re-stocked various stations and self-service items.
- Operated large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers or griddles.
- Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
- Trained new staff on food preparation and safety procedures.
- Stocked and rotated food items according to expiration dates.
Prep Cook
Raymonds Tacos #3
05.2020 - 08.2022
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple food stations simultaneously without compromising quality or speed.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace during busy shifts.
- Contributed to a positive work atmosphere through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
- Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
- Sharpened knife skills, resulting in precise cuts and reduced preparation time.
- Supported waste reduction initiatives, creatively repurposing leftover ingredients.
- Ensured consistent food quality by strictly following recipes and presentation standards.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, ensuring safe and hygienic work environment.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by preparing ingredients ahead of busy shifts.
Chef
Raymonds Restaurant
08.2016 - 08.2019
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
- Designed and executed catering menus for high-profile events, adapting offerings to meet diverse client needs.
- Negotiated with vendors for better pricing on high-quality ingredients, balancing costs without compromising standards.
Skills
- Safe food handling
- Order taking
- Hygiene practices
- Stock organization
- Sanitation procedures
- Equipment operation
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Safe handling guidelines
- Food storage
- Allergen awareness
- Knife skills
- Food preparation
- Restaurant equipment maintenance
- Allergy care
- Food preservation and storage methods
- Quality control
- Temperature monitoring
- Equipment sanitation
- Cooking techniques
- Time management
- Food handling safety
- Supply stocking
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Food Handler
Gate Gourmet
03.2022 - 11.2024
Prep Cook
Raymonds Tacos #3
05.2020 - 08.2022
Chef
Raymonds Restaurant
08.2016 - 08.2019
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