Israel Ojeda
130 Marguerita Ave ,CA
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience as a Personal Chef at Keith, specializing in meal preparation and recipe development. Proven ability to enhance client satisfaction through innovative cooking techniques and exceptional kitchen organization. Skilled in accommodating special diets while fostering a collaborative team environment. Committed to maintaining high sanitation standards and food quality.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Chef
Keith
West Hollywood, CA
02.2017 - Current
- Prepared customized meal plans based on client dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Sourced fresh ingredients from local markets to ensure quality and seasonal variety.
- Executed diverse cooking techniques to create gourmet dishes for various occasions.
- Managed kitchen organization, maintaining cleanliness and adherence to food safety standards.
- Developed recipes that enhanced flavor profiles while considering nutritional balance.
- Provided culinary education to clients, promoting healthy eating habits and cooking skills.
- Adapted menus in response to client feedback, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
- Planned menus that incorporated healthy, fresh food sourced from local farmers and stores.
- Prepared and served meals for small dinner parties and large events and complied with diet requests and special accommodations.
- Labeled food to include reheating and safe storage and handling instructions.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
Kitchen Manager
Kalaveras
Burbank, CA
02.2017 - 01.2026
- Oversaw kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored staff on culinary techniques and equipment usage.
- Developed and implemented efficient workflows to enhance kitchen productivity.
- Managed inventory levels, placing orders to maintain stock and minimize waste.
- Enforced quality control measures to ensure consistency in food preparation and presentation.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
Chef
Weho Bistro
West Hollywood, CA
02.2010 - 01.2017
- Prepared a variety of dishes following standardized recipes to ensure consistency and quality.
- Managed kitchen operations during peak hours, maintaining efficiency and timely service delivery.
- Collaborated with team members to design seasonal menus based on fresh, local ingredients.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food safety protocols and proper cooking techniques to enhance performance.
- Implemented inventory controls to minimize waste and optimize ingredient usage across menu items.
- Developed innovative cooking methods that improved dish presentation and customer satisfaction levels.
- Conducted regular quality checks on food items to uphold high culinary standards and hygiene practices.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- 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.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
Lead Line Cook
Crossroads Restaurant
West Hollywood, CA
02.2010 - 01.2015
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations to ensure timely meal preparation and service quality.
- Trained and mentored junior cooks in food safety protocols and culinary techniques.
- Conducted regular kitchen inspections to maintain cleanliness and compliance with health regulations.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
Kitchen Manager
Hugo’s Restaurant
West Hollywood, CA
02.2004 - 01.2010
- Oversaw kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored staff on culinary techniques and equipment usage.
- Developed and implemented efficient workflows to enhance kitchen productivity.
- Managed inventory levels, placing orders to maintain stock and minimize waste.
- Enforced quality control measures to ensure consistency in food preparation and presentation.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Make sure weekly special are prep and make according to recipies.
Education
High School Diploma -
Instituto L Guagardo
Acapulco GurreroPc Informática
Conalep
Acapulco GuerreroSkills
Kitchen organization
Knife skills
Cooking techniques
Meal preparation
Sanitation practices
Food presentation
Vegetarian cooking
Kitchen preparation
Sauce making
Different culinary techniques
Grocery shopping
Recipe development
Vegan cooking
Special diet accommodation
International cuisine
Fast solutions
Timeline
Personal Chef
Keith
02.2017 - Current
Kitchen Manager
Kalaveras
02.2017 - 01.2026
Chef
Weho Bistro
02.2010 - 01.2017
Lead Line Cook
Crossroads Restaurant
02.2010 - 01.2015
Kitchen Manager
Hugo’s Restaurant
02.2004 - 01.2010
High School Diploma -
Instituto L Guagardo
Pc Informática
Conalep