Karen J. Martin
Santa Rosa,CA
Summary
Seasoned Chef De Cuisine with over two decades of culinary leadership at establishments like Sam’s Social Club, blending fine dining expertise and kitchen sanitation mastery. Spearheaded menu design and staff training, enhancing team performance and customer satisfaction. Excelled in team management, demonstrating significant efficiency improvements in kitchen operations. Versatile Chef with vast experience preparing dishes to impress diners. Trains and develops chefs to company standards. Anticipates ingredient needs and arranges re-stock to facilitate productive kitchen flow and uphold business standards. Motivated professional dedicated to sourcing high-quality ingredients. Proactive and adaptable team leader passionate about sustainable cuisine. Talented at creating exciting and innovative menus based on in-season ingredients.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef De Cuisine
Sam’s Social Club
Calistoga, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Planned and prepared food product orders to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Managed all kitchen employees, including bussers, dishwashers and waitstaff.
- Provided guidance and direction on plating techniques for staff.
- Trained new hires in proper kitchen procedures.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Planned menus based on seasonal availability of ingredients.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly and provided feedback.
- Tasted and modified recipes for menu at establishment.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and customer satisfaction.
- Developed strategies to increase efficiency in the kitchen.
- Planned kitchen staff schedules to maximize coverage and encourage collaboration.
Chef/Designer/Owner
K&L Bistro
Sebastopol, CA
10.2001 - 03.2022
- Company Overview: Opened in 2001 this was our passion project
- We designed, built and operated for 21 years
- As chef, I hired all BOH and FOH staff
- I handled all catering contracts and had a standing catering gig with the Santa Rosa symphony for many years
- We catered for many local wineries, including DuMol, Emeritus, Balletto, Hook and Ladder and Iron Horse
- Oversaw a crew of 9 cooks and ran the kitchen on a day to basis, including scheduling, menu planning, ordering and plating execution
- We sold in 2022 as we prepared for our next venture
- Opened in 2001 this was our passion project
- We designed, built and operated for 21 years
- Contact Tina Wainwright 1(808) 345-3800
- Santa Rosa Symphony Contact Enid Rickley Myres (707) 477-3189
- Hook and Ladder Winery Contact Devin Ruddick (707) 292-2435
Line Cook
The Hayes Street Grill
San Francisco, CA
01.1990 - 01.2000
- After working at the adjacent pizzeria for many years I was recruited to be a line cook at the fine dining establishment
- Worked the pantry station in an extremely fast paced kitchen
- I also ran the Farmers market stand in the Ferry Plaza on the weekends
- Ordered, prepped and set up the weekly stand which was hugely successful
- Left in 2000 when I became pregnant and moved out of the city to the North Bay
- Contact Patricia Unterman/Dick Sander (415) 863-5545
Vicolo Pizzeria
San Francisco, CA
01.1990 - 01.1994
- Company Overview: Innovative cornmeal crust Pizza in the heart of Hayes Valley
- Extremely fast paced restaurant
- Worked all stations eventually achieving a chef position
- The brick and mortar restaurant has closed but they morphed into wholesale and have a very strong retail presence in most high end grocery stores
- Owned by the same owners of The Hayes Street Grill
- Innovative cornmeal crust Pizza in the heart of Hayes Valley
- Extremely fast paced restaurant
Education
BS - Anthropology, Human Sexuality Studies
San Francisco State University
01.1995
Flintridge Preparatory High School -
01.1989
Skills
- Nutrition
- Kitchen sanitation
- Proficient in Culinary Techniques
- Fine dining expertise
- Butchery skills
- Grilling techniques
- Leadership qualities
- Team management
- Kitchen operations
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Native language
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balancePaid sick leave401k matchPaid time offHealthcare benefitsTimeline
Chef De Cuisine
Sam’s Social Club
01.2023 - Current
Chef/Designer/Owner
K&L Bistro
10.2001 - 03.2022
Line Cook
The Hayes Street Grill
01.1990 - 01.2000
Vicolo Pizzeria
01.1990 - 01.1994
BS - Anthropology, Human Sexuality Studies
San Francisco State University
Flintridge Preparatory High School -
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