Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
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Jeff Argonish

Jeff Argonish

Newburyport,US

Summary

  • Forward-thinking professional offering more than 20 years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled at staying focused and productive in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness in busy times. Excellent and proven skills as a rounds cook that is proficient on all kitchen stations, and comfortable with a variety of cooking techniques.
  • Enthusiastic Chef eager to develop high-quality menus for new and established restaurants. Reliable, hardworking and driven to give guests top-quality foods.
  • Banquet Chef experience producing hot and cold food items with speed and accuracy to maintain high standards of quality for banquet and catering events. Possesses considerable knowledge in food preparation, presentation and portion control. Consistently maintains organization, cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment to meet health and safety regulations.
  • To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
  • Expertise in menu development, kitchen management and staff training. Creates unique and delicious dishes while controlling food and labor costs. Experience with developing relationships with vendors, order management and Inventory.

Work History

Chef ( Banquet and Sous Chef )

Mission Oak Grill
05.2022 - 02.2024
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating and executing innovative banquet menus tailored to various event themes.
  • Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining the preparation process for large-scale events.
  • Trained and mentored junior chefs, fostering a team-oriented environment focused on producing high-quality dishes.
  • Collaborated with event planners to customize menu offerings based on client preferences and dietary restrictions.
  • Enhanced overall restaurant efficiency by streamlining kitchen operations and implementing effective time management strategies.
  • Reduced staff turnover rates through effective communication skills, creating a supportive work atmosphere for all team members.
  • Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
  • Developed strong relationships with local vendors, securing fresh ingredients at competitive prices while supporting community businesses.
  • Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
  • Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
  • Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets.
  • Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.

Rounds Cook

The Grog
01.2013 - 01.2021
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new techniques or recipes when required, showcasing culinary versatility as a rounds cook.

Sous Chef

The Paddle Inn
09.2016 - 04.2018
  • Enhanced overall restaurant efficiency by streamlining kitchen operations and implementing effective time management strategies.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
  • Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
  • Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Played a key role in the grand opening of the Restaurant.

Garde Manger/Line Cook

Brine Oyster Bar
01.2015 - 01.2016
  • Enhanced plate presentation by employing creative garnishing techniques and attractive food arrangements.
  • Ensured optimal freshness of ingredients through proper storage and rotation procedures, maintaining the highest quality standards.
  • Mastered various knife skills for precise cuts and meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of Garde Manger tasks.
  • Exhibited versatility by stepping into other kitchen roles as needed, demonstrating adaptability and a strong work ethic.
  • Collaborated with culinary team to create seasonal menus, showcasing fresh produce and innovative flavor combinations.

Rounds Cook

Lorettas
01.2011 - 01.2014
  • Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new techniques or recipes when required, showcasing culinary versatility as a rounds cook.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.

Caterer

Cuisine Chez vous
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Food Services in and around the Boston Area included Primarily Weddings, & Banquets at Colleges & Universities most notably Harvard University.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized catering services tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
  • Collaborated with event planners, venues, and vendors to ensure seamless integration of catering services into overall event design.
  • Streamlined event preparation process for increased efficiency, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality catering services.

Kitchen Manager in Training

Fast Eddies Diner

Rounds Cook

Micheal's Harbor Side
01.2006 - 01.2009
  • High Volume Food Service experience on all kitchen stations.
  • .Thanksgiving banquet services at the white elephant hotel in Nantucket.
  • Catering experience (Harborside Catering)
  • Raw Bar: Managed Set up, Serving & interacting with guests.
  • Contributed to improved customer satisfaction by maintaining exceptional food presentation standards.

Education

Accounting -

Plymouth State University
Plymouth, NH
01.2005

High School Diploma -

Newburyport High School
Newburyport, MA
01.2002

Skills

  • Staff Training
  • Kitchen Management
  • Recipe Creation
  • Vendor Relations
  • Order Management
  • Special Events
  • Fine-Dining Expertise
  • Food Preparing, Plating, and Presentation
  • Food Inventories
  • Banquets and Catering
  • Allergen Awareness
  • Food Safety

Certification

  • Food Protection Manager Certification, ServSafe National Restaurant Association, 10/2017,
  • ANAB-Accredited Food Allergy Training Certified, 2/9/24
  • Business Ethics - Advanced: Bullying (Compliance Snapshot) Certificate - 02/18/202
  • Business Ethics - Advanced: Ethical Leadership (Compliance Snapshot) Certificate - 02/18/2024

References

  • Patrick Oniel, The Grog
  • Jay Racki, Lorettas
  • Justin Shultz, Brine Oyster Bar
Jeff Argonish