Justin Vega
Bend,OR
Summary
Creative cook with extensive experience in high-volume restaurant environments, recognized for crafting innovative dishes that delight diverse palates. Demonstrates exceptional management skills, effectively leading kitchen teams while ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation practices. Skilled in optimizing kitchen operations to enhance efficiency and committed to delivering outstanding customer service that fosters repeat patronage. Passionate about culinary arts and continuously seeking opportunities to refine techniques and expand culinary knowledge.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook
Explorus
03.2025 - 09.2025
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Line Cook
Cote Korean steakhouse
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Prepared and cooked a variety of dishes according to recipes, quality standards, and presentation guidelines
- Managed food inventory and ensured proper storage and rotation of ingredients to minimize waste
- Collaborated with the kitchen team to plan daily specials and seasonal menu changes
- Maintained a clean and organized work station, following sanitation guidelines at all times
- Operated various kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, etc., ensuring their proper functioning
- Adhered to portion control guidelines while plating dishes for consistent portion sizes
- Followed all food safety regulations including temperature monitoring and labeling of prepared foods
- Communicated effectively with servers regarding special requests or modifications from customers
- Worked efficiently under pressure during busy service periods to meet customer demands without compromising quality
- Collaborated with the chef in developing new recipes or modifying existing ones based on customer feedback or ingredient availability
- Ensured that all dishes leaving the kitchen were visually appealing by garnishing plates appropriately
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, ingredients used, allergens present, and any dietary restrictions or preferences upon request from customers
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
Sous Chef
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Directs food preparation and collaborates with executive chef.
- Helps in the design of food and drink menu.
- Produces high quality plates, including both design and taste.
- Oversees and supervises kitchen staff.
- Assists with menu planning, inventory, and management of supplies.
- Trains new employees.
- Orders food supplies.
- Monitors and maintains kitchen equipment.
- Solves problems that arise and seizes control of issues in the kitchen.
Sous Chef
Hells Kitchen Miami
02.2023 - 09.2023
- Directs food preparation and collaborates with executive chef.
- Helps in the design of food and drink menu.
- Produces high quality plates, including both design and taste.
- Oversees and supervises kitchen staff.
- Assists with menu planning, inventory, and management of supplies.
- Trains new employees.
- Orders food supplies.
- Monitors and maintains kitchen equipment.
- Solves problems that arise and seizes control of issues in the kitchen.
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
Grill and Line Cook
Miami Dolphins Training Facility
04.2022 - 02.2023
- Feeding the Athletes of the Miami Dolphins as well as Training Staff! Preparation and production of mass amounts of food in a very short time!
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
Overnight Chef
Versace Mansion
01.2022 - 04.2022
- Controlling and directing the food preparation process and any other relative activities.
- Approving and “polishing” dishes before they reach the customer.
- Cooking for the customers that stayed in hotel overnight
- Prepped the food for the day time chefs.
- Managed overnight inventory
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Gordon ramsay fish and chips
06.2021 - 01.2022
- Setting up and stocking up food items
- Prepared food by chopping, frying, grilling & plating
- Seasoned and cooked food according to recipes and personal judgment and experience.
- Maintained sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
- Cleaned food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils.
- Verified that prepared food meets requirements for quality and quantity.
Education
High School Diploma -
Miami Killian Senior High School
Kendall, FL06.2020
Skills
- Culinary preparation expertise
- Expertise in training
- Strategic menu development
- Experience in dietary management
- Proficient in sales techniques
- Food safety protocols
- Safe food handling
- Candidate sourcing
- Enhancing operational efficiency
- Food service experience
- Kitchen management skills
- Customer service experience
- Nutritional meal preparation
- Document formatting
- Advanced knife techniques
- Culinary baking techniques
- Dietary aide experience
- Bilingual
- Culinary catering services
- Inventory Control
- Recipe preparation
- Food presentation
- Portioning
- Ingredient inspection
- Food rotation
- Team collaboration
- Server communication
- Crew training
- Supervising experience
- Management
- Guest Services
- Kitchen management
Accomplishments
Opened two restaurants with Gordon Ramsay by the age of 21,
and acquired a michelin star at the age of 22 alongside the team at Cote Korean Steakhouse, the number One rated korean steakhouse in the world! I was also part of the opening of Torno Subito in Miami owned by Massimo Bottura a world renowned Italian chef and the restaurant now holds a michelin star as well.
Certification
- ServSafe
- Food Handler Certification
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Food Tourism
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- I enjoy sketching and drawing, which helps improve my creativity and attention to detail
- Drawing and Painting
- I have a passion for photography and editing photos
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- I like trying new recipes and food trends
- Outdoor Recreation
- Gym Workouts
- Fundraising Events
Michelin star 2024 Cote Korean Steakhouse
I am a tattoo model it is not a hobby, it is a job, i take of a couple days to get my art done at the conventions but i communicate to the team well in advance to make sure everything is covered in the restaurant and there are no issues or problems. It is a few times spread throughout the year not consistent and is not always for certain and does not affect my work life.
Any extra questions about how it can overlap with work i am glad to answer.
Timeline
Line Cook
Explorus
03.2025 - 09.2025
Line Cook
Cote Korean steakhouse
08.2024 - 12.2024
Sous Chef
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
09.2023 - 12.2023
Sous Chef
Hells Kitchen Miami
02.2023 - 09.2023
Grill and Line Cook
Miami Dolphins Training Facility
04.2022 - 02.2023
Overnight Chef
Versace Mansion
01.2022 - 04.2022
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Gordon ramsay fish and chips
06.2021 - 01.2022
High School Diploma -
Miami Killian Senior High School
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