Kelvin Rosa Cruz
Kissimmee,FL
Summary
Adept at leading high-performing teams, I elevated kitchen operations at Hilton through innovative menu development and stringent food safety practices. My expertise in seafood preparation and team management significantly enhanced guest satisfaction and operational efficiency, showcasing a blend of hard and soft skills pivotal for culinary excellence.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef De Cuisine
Hilton
02.2022 - Current
- Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
- Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
- Scheduled and supervised all kitchen employees such as dishwashers and waiters.
- Managed budgetary constraints by negotiating favorable vendor contracts without sacrificing ingredient quality or availability during seasonal fluctuations.
- Reduced food waste through careful menu planning, portion control, and regular monitoring of product expiration dates.
- Increased overall food quality by sourcing premium ingredients from trusted suppliers while managing cost controls effectively.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
Sous Chef
Hilton
03.2021 - 02.2022
- 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.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
Kitchen Supervisor
Hilton
04.2020 - 03.2021
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Trained new team members on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and company standards.
- Controlled food costs and managed inventory.
- Maintained high sanitation standards through routine cleaning protocols and adherence to health regulations.
- Monitored food preparation, production, and plating for quality control.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication and resolving conflicts in a timely manner.
- Reviewed employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for improvement opportunities.
Restaurant Chef
Melao Restaurant
08.2017 - 11.2020
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes with fresh ingredients.
- Developed weekly specials that were created with fresh, local ingredients.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by delegating responsibilities fairly and appropriately according to each team member''s knowledge and experience.
- Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques and proper kitchen etiquette, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Trained new kitchen staff in proper cooking techniques, safety procedures, and sanitation standards.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to provide exceptional service, ensuring seamless communication between departments.
- Coordinated catering events for special occasions, tailoring menus to meet client preferences while exceeding expectations for quality and presentation.
- Developed signature recipes that increased brand recognition and customer loyalty to the restaurant.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
Restaurant Chef
Caminito Restaurant
06.2012 - 08.2017
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes with fresh ingredients.
- Developed weekly specials that were created with fresh, local ingredients.
- Oversaw cleaning and maintenance of kitchen to boost safety and prevent accidents.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by delegating responsibilities fairly and appropriately according to each team member''s knowledge and experience.
- Assisted in budget preparation for food purchasing expenses by reviewing previous business trends and forecasting future needs.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining processes, reducing prep time, and optimizing food storage methods.
- Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques and proper kitchen etiquette, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Implemented diverse cooking methods into creating dishes and demonstrated these techniques to culinary personnel for educational purposes.
Education
Culinary Master -
Ivaem Collage
Caguas, Puerto Rico 05-2013
Skills
- Seafood Preparation
- Plating techniques
- Vegetable cookery
- Leadership Qualities
- Food Safety
- Kitchen Sanitation
- Knife Skills
- Team Management
- Knowledge of cooking equipment
- Kitchen Operations
- Menu development
- Recipe creation
Certification
- Food Protection Manager Certification - ServSafe or National Restaurant Association.
Taskforce Experience
The taskforce program has given me the opportunity to work and lead in other kitchens around the country. It has given me the experience of handling different work styles as well as extensive learning.
Places where I have worked as a taskforce:
- Tampa, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Santa Barbara, California
- Honolulu, Hawaii
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Chef De Cuisine
Hilton
02.2022 - Current
Sous Chef
Hilton
03.2021 - 02.2022
Kitchen Supervisor
Hilton
04.2020 - 03.2021
Restaurant Chef
Melao Restaurant
08.2017 - 11.2020
Restaurant Chef
Caminito Restaurant
06.2012 - 08.2017
Culinary Master -
Ivaem Collage
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