Ricardo Refuse
Orange,NJ
Summary
Expert professional successful at overseeing and handling several of kitchen staff in preparation of meals. History of managing and guiding multiple processes with speed and efficiency.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Cook/Supervisor
Avalon Care Center
Wayne, NJ
05.2005 - Current
- Resolved customer complaints quickly and efficiently while maintaining a professional attitude at all times.
- Trained new staff members in safe food handling procedures and knife skills.
- Planned menus for banquets and special events as requested by management.
- Maintained inventory of all food items and ensured proper storage techniques were used.
- Worked closely with restaurant managers to ensure smooth operations in the kitchen.
- Provided guidance and support to cooks during busy periods or when unexpected issues arise.
- Created recipes for daily specials using seasonal ingredients available locally.
- Monitored portion size and waste control to maintain cost effectiveness.
- Supervised a team of 8-10 cooks to ensure quality standards were met.
- Conducted regular inspections of kitchen equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Cut, chopped and sliced meat and produce to prepare for cooking.
- Modified existing recipes and created new recipes to meet changing nutritional content needs.
- Generated food production sheets to forecast product and volume requirements based on menu selections.
- Followed "first in, first out" rule with every food and beverage item, tossing outdated and expired food products.
- Taught kitchen staff about proper nutrition, food allergies and dietary issues.
- Cleaned and sanitized work stations and equipment, complying with regulatory procedures.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Served as lead cook, guiding and assisting training of less experienced cooks.
- Sanitized counters and utensils used for preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator each day to verify proper functioning.
- Conducted regular quality control checks to ensure all dishes met hygiene and taste standards.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant laws and regulations regarding food safety.
Lead First Cook
Birhwood Rehabilitation
Cranford, NJ
09.2002 - 04.2005
- Worked closely with other departments such as front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service during peak hours.
- Conducted regular training sessions for junior staff members on various aspects of food preparation.
- Supervised junior cooks on proper use of ingredients, equipment, methods of food preparation, plate presentation, portion sizes, garnishes.
- Performed periodic checks on finished dishes before serving them to customers.
- Organized and coordinated food preparation, menu planning, and cooking activities in the kitchen.
- Ensured that all meals were prepared within established time frames.
- Tracked stock levels in order to maintain adequate supplies at all times.
- Checked all incoming deliveries to ensure freshness and quality of products received.
Head Cook
Springs Meadows assistant living
Summit, NJ
02.1998 - 09.2000
- Planned menus for banquets and special events as requested by management.
- Conducted regular inspections of kitchen equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Supervised a team of 8-10 cooks to ensure quality standards were met.
- Managed payroll records for kitchen staff including hours worked, overtime pay, vacations.
- Consulted with executive chef regarding menu changes or other matters related to the kitchen.
- Kept up to date on industry trends in order to develop innovative dishes.
- Performed regular maintenance checks on equipment such as ovens, stoves, fryers.
- Provided guidance and support to cooks during busy periods or when unexpected issues arise.
- Cut, chopped and sliced meat and produce to prepare for cooking.
- Followed recipes and procedures to prepare, season and cook food products.
- Followed "first in, first out" rule with every food and beverage item, tossing outdated and expired food products.
- Modified existing recipes and created new recipes to meet changing nutritional content needs.
Education
High School Diploma -
Irvington High School
Irvington, NJ06-1997
Skills
- Kitchen Staff Management
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Food Delivery
- Staff Training
- Cost Control
- Menu Planning
- Dish preparation
- Food Safety
- Food safety procedures
- Meal Preparation
- Grilling Techniques
- Culinary techniques
- Food allergy understanding
- Staff Management
- Inventory Oversight
- Food Storage
- Knife Skills
- Food presentation
- Nutrition
- Special Events
- Inventory Replenishment
Certification
- food handlers certification
- Serv Safe
Timeline
Head Cook/Supervisor
Avalon Care Center
05.2005 - Current
Lead First Cook
Birhwood Rehabilitation
09.2002 - 04.2005
Head Cook
Springs Meadows assistant living
02.1998 - 09.2000
High School Diploma -
Irvington High School
- food handlers certification
- Serv Safe
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