Lennin Hayes
Seattle
Summary
Passionate and disciplined line cook with experience in fast-paced and high-standard kitchens. Committed to mastering culinary techniques, contributing to exceptional guest experiences, and continuously expanding knowledge of food, flavor, and plating. Known for reliability, cleanliness, and teamwork. Driven by a long-term goal of owning and operating a restaurant rooted in excellence, hospitality, and creativity.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Garde Manger
Bistro Estelle
08.2024 - 07.2025
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality; All while keeping a tidy work station.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Completed prep tasks in a timely manner with minimal wasted movements for maximum efficiency.
- Trained and mentored new line cooks on station responsibilities and restaurant procedures.
Line Cook
Lombardis Restaurant
11.2023 - 07.2024
- Prepared a variety of Italian dishes from scratch, including pastas, seafood, pizzas, and regional specialties in accordance with Lombardi’s signature recipes.
- Maintained high standards of food safety, sanitation, and quality in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.
- Began on Pizza/Pantry Station, then promoted to grill and sauté over time.
- Executed station prep and service duties efficiently, rotating between grill, sauté, and Pizza/Pantry as needed.
- Assisted in daily mise en place preparation, ensuring readiness for lunch and dinner service.
- Collaborated with kitchen team and front-of-house staff to deliver prompt, consistent service during peak dining hours.
- Operated commercial kitchen equipment including convection ovens, flat tops, fryers, and pasta cookers.
- Adhered to portion control and presentation guidelines to uphold brand consistency.
Line Cook
Tavolata
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Executed high-volume dinner service on both Garde Manger and Grill stations in a refined, ingredient-driven Italian kitchen with a focus on scratch cooking and seasonality.
- Maintained composure and consistency under pressure while preparing appetizers and grilled proteins to exacting standards of flavor, temperature, and presentation.
- Demonstrated fluency in station prep and service for multiple rotating seasonal menus, working closely with the sous and executive chef to ensure quality control and smooth transitions between courses.
- Practiced precision in timing and plating during coordinated multi-course services, ensuring alignment with front-of-house pacing and guest experience.
- Collaborated cross-station with team members to support smooth execution and strong communication during peak service periods.
- Participated in daily pre-service tastings, menu briefings, and service breakdowns, contributing to a kitchen culture of refinement, respect and growth.
Education
Ballard High School
Seattle, WA06-2023
Skills
- Cleanliness
- Ethical standards
- Punctuality
- Workstation organization
- Food presentation
- Skillful portion regulation
- Knife skills
- Employee training
- Adaptable mindset
- Improvisation
Timeline
Garde Manger
Bistro Estelle
08.2024 - 07.2025
Line Cook
Lombardis Restaurant
11.2023 - 07.2024
Line Cook
Tavolata
02.2023 - 08.2023
Ballard High School