John Cantabene
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Skilled in wine pairings and exceptional customer service, I enhanced dining experiences at The Culver Hotel, contributing to a significant increase in walk-in business. Trained staff and managed a 150-bottle wine cellar at Ventana Inn & Spa, showcasing strong sales acumen and relationship-building prowess.
Enterprising fine dining professional well-versed in completing tasks such as polishing silverware, setting up tables and cleaning up spills. Well-organized and conscientious with proactive and attentive nature.
Versatile Fine Dining Server adaptable to changing menu items, guest preferences and restaurant standards. Easily steps into any foodservice role with ease. Over 15 years of fine dining service experience.
Trained in all upscale dining positions, including steward, food runner, back waiter and front waiter. Knowledgeable about wine pairings, mixed drinks and bar service.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Fine Dining Server
The Culver Hotel
08.2022 - Current
- Arriving to work on-time with clean & pressed uniform.
- Learned and utilized extensive bar and wine knowledge to enhance guest dining experiences.
- Took and submitted orders that accommodated customer preferences and dietary requirements.
- Suggested wine pairings to go with specific menu items.
- Thoroughly carried out the duties of opening & closing side-work
- Managed sections for smooth flow of guests and orders.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Supported needs of 5- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for a fine dining restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Banquet and Fine Dining Server
Le Petit Paris
06.2017 - 07.2022
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
- Delivered food to guests in a synchronized service formation.
- Answered guest questions about event plans and food service choices.
- Responded to guest inquiries and requests promptly and courteously.
- Supported needs of 5-8 person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless guests daily for a French restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Fine Dining Server/Bartender
The Four Seasons Resort
01.2013 - 05.2017
- Learned and utilized extensive bar and wine knowledge to enhance guest dining experiences.
- Took and submitted orders that accommodated customer preferences and dietary requirements.
- Managed sections for smooth flow of guests and orders.
- Suggested wine pairings to go with specific menu items.
- Printed dining checks with total due, collected payment and offered receipts to complete transactions.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
- Supported needs of 10- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for a fine dining restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Sommelier/Bartender
Ventana Inn & Spa
09.2005 - 12.2012
- Trained service staff on wines, spirits and cocktails to maximize revenue and maintain stellar reputation for service.
- Managed cellar and beverage storage maintenance to prevent inventory spoilage.
- Organized routine and special event orders to keep adequate inventory for forecasted needs.
- Implemented new promotional strategies, dramatically increasing business.
- Promoted special wine menu for holidays to complement chef's dinner specialties.
- Oversaw successful bar service and operations to handle as many as 35 guests per day.
- Coordinated wine selection and restocking for cellar with over 150 bottles.
- Monitored conditions of wine cellar, keeping all bottles stored at appropriate temperature.
Education
Certified Level 2 Sommelier - Wine & Spirits
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
Los Angeles, CA03.2010
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature/Creative Writing
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05-1998
Skills
- Banquet experience
- Menu memorization
- Station stocking
- Wine knowledge
- Safe food handling
- Upselling skills
- Alcohol safety awareness
- Exceptional customer service
- POS system operations
- Upscale dining expertise
- Relationship building
- Multi-table stations
- Food allergy awareness
- Adaptive learning
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification - National Restaurant Association.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - American Heart Association.
- Alcohol Server Certification - Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS).
- ServSafe Alcohol Certification - National Restaurant Association.
- First Aid Certification - American Red Cross.
- Certified Level 2 Sommelier with Court of Master Sommeliers & The North American Wine Guild
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Fine Dining Server
The Culver Hotel
08.2022 - Current
Banquet and Fine Dining Server
Le Petit Paris
06.2017 - 07.2022
Fine Dining Server/Bartender
The Four Seasons Resort
01.2013 - 05.2017
Sommelier/Bartender
Ventana Inn & Spa
09.2005 - 12.2012
Certified Level 2 Sommelier - Wine & Spirits
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature/Creative Writing
California State University, Long Beach
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