Lauren Serrano
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Strategic Food and Beverage leader with 15+ years of experience in the culinary industry, internationally focused, elevating standards through innovation. Proactively boosts program satisfaction via continuous impactful training. In 6 months, achieved a remarkable 300% increase in kitchen sales as Culinary Operations Manager at Le Petite Monstre.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Freelance Content Writer
Taste Of Home, Trusted Media Brands
01.2024 - Current
- Collaborates with editorial team to create compelling articles with the overall editorial calendar and maintain a consistent brand voice.
- Researches the latest food trends, culinary techniques, and industry news to ensure content is fresh, relevant, and accurate.
Chef/Culinary Producer
Private Client
08.2023 - Current
- Communicates individualized meal plans for TBI patient resulting in 20% reduction of symptoms and improved overall well-being.
- Creates weekly menu primarily consisting of Ayurveda diet that aligns with their dietary restrictions and nutritional needs.
- Produces daily video logs and pictures documenting client's activities, resulting in 20% increase in physical progress in 6 months.
Chef/Culinary Producer
Meadowsweet Retreat
07.2023 - 07.2023
- Executed seasonally diverse-inspired menus for retreat center guests with Chef Lu Oates resulting in 50% increase in client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with retreat center's staff to coordinate meal schedules and dietary requirements for guests.
- Created visually appealing food presentation techniques for retreat center's food media content, including food styling and prop work for photo shoots.
Chef/Culinary Producer
Overthrow Hospitality
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Partnered with Executive Chef to develop unique, plant-based menu for Rabbit NYC, leading to 15% growth in repeat customers.
- Delegated tasks and supervised kitchen staff to optimize food preparation, presentation and safety.
- Oversaw ordering and kitchen operations, ensuring seamless coordination with Executive Chef.
Culinary Operations Manager
Le Petite Monstre
02.2021 - 05.2022
- Achieved remarkable 300% increase in overall kitchen sales by monitored budgets and expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
- Successfully managed kitchen and bakery operations, training and onboarding new employees, resulting in 100% satisfaction rate and improved kitchen and bakery performance.
Executive Chef
High Five Food and Drink
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Curated opening menu for Terms of Endearment, a vegan French restaurant, in addition to executing menu planning, recipe development and daily restaurant operations.
- Collaborated with Executive Pastry Chef to create new laminated dough products and classes for children and adults.
Executive Sous & Pastry Chef
Matthew Kenney Cuisine
05.2017 - 07.2019
- Led pastry production for Matthew Kenney Cuisine's dinner at James Beard House in April 2019 under Chef Scott Winegard's direction.
- Menu development and recipe testing with Chef de Cuisine Joshua Lucio-Lasso in high-volume environments for 4 restaurants under Matthew Kenney Cuisine.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Global Affairs
The College Of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ05.2011
Bachelor Of Arts Study Abroad Program - Global Affairs
Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences
Vietnam01.2011
Skills
- Food and Beverage Management
- Analytical and Problem-Solving
- Guest Services Operations
- Team Training and Development
- Policy Implementation
- Recipe Development
- Multitasking and Organization
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Critical Thinking
- Adaptable
- Communication
- Cost Management
Certification
Holistic Nutrition Health Coach Certification 06/2023 - 06/2023
Sivananda Yoga Alliance 200 Hr Certification 05/2023 - 05/2023
Projects
Offbeetvegan 06/2014 - Present
Offbeetvegan is a passion project that started from a profound discontent with the shortcomings of our current healthcare system in America. In 2014, I set out on a mission to address the disparities in healthcare, particularly in high-risk communities. My commitment is simple yet profound: to bridge connecting health and holistic well-being by offering plant-based, holistic meals with a sliding-scale system, making nourishment accessible to all.
www.offbeetvegan.com
Additional Information
Who's Who Recipient 05/2011, Marquis Who's Who
Triota Honors Society 05/2010, The College of New Jersey Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Monster's Diversity Leadership Program Recipient 05/2008, Monster.com
Bonner AmeriCorps Scholarship 09/2006, The Bonner Foundation
Timeline
Freelance Content Writer
Taste Of Home, Trusted Media Brands
01.2024 - Current
Chef/Culinary Producer
Private Client
08.2023 - Current
Chef/Culinary Producer
Meadowsweet Retreat
07.2023 - 07.2023
Chef/Culinary Producer
Overthrow Hospitality
07.2022 - 06.2023
Culinary Operations Manager
Le Petite Monstre
02.2021 - 05.2022
Executive Chef
High Five Food and Drink
11.2019 - 03.2020
Executive Sous & Pastry Chef
Matthew Kenney Cuisine
05.2017 - 07.2019
Bachelor Of Arts - Global Affairs
The College Of New Jersey
Bachelor Of Arts Study Abroad Program - Global Affairs
Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences
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