Jose Lara
Menifee,CA
Summary
Forward-thinking professional offering more than 30 years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled at staying focused and productive in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness in busy times. High-performing individual with solid background in culinary arts.
Skilled in creating innovative and delicious dishes while managing kitchen staff and inventory. Efficient and committed to keeping high standards of food safety and sanitation.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level chef position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Nonpareil Health Group Inc
04.2023 - 04.2024
- 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.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
Chef
Top Notch Catering
03.2019 - 12.2019
- Prep for meals
- Cook meals
- Create menus.
- Maintain clean and safe Kitchen environments.
- Supervisor other kitchen employees
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
Chef
Sunny Rose Glen
06.2012 - 05.2018
- Responsible for creating standard weekly memos for resident based on instruction from nutritionist.
- Assist in creating and preparing meals for residents with special needs
- Assist in creating and preparing meals for residents with special needs.
- Assist in maintaining a high level of cleanliness
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
Chef
Bear Creek Golf Club
01.1999 - 04.2012
- Design new menu options.
- Maintain high food quality and presentation
- Oversees food preparation and production, ensuring food safety procedures are always 100% adhered to.
- Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Ensure all kitchen work is completed within the time lines
- observed employees engaged in purporting, preparing and garnishing foods.
Line Cook
Texas Lil
01.1996 - 04.1999
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Set up location with restaurant guidelines.
- Preform extra responsibilities as required by chefs, sous chef or kitchen manager.
Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Knife Skills
- Cooking techniques
- Food quality
- Kitchen Management
- Food presentation
- Meal Preparation
- Recipes and menu planning
- Food plating and presentation
- Allergen awareness
- Recipe creation
- Sanitation Practices
- Menu development
- Cost Control
- Nutrition knowledge
- Food spoilage prevention
- Operations Management
- Safe Food Handling
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Food Safety
- Food Handler Certification
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Chef
Nonpareil Health Group Inc
04.2023 - 04.2024
Chef
Top Notch Catering
03.2019 - 12.2019
Chef
Sunny Rose Glen
06.2012 - 05.2018
Chef
Bear Creek Golf Club
01.1999 - 04.2012
Line Cook
Texas Lil
01.1996 - 04.1999