Manuel Mejia
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Dedicated line cook with over ten years of culinary experience, highly motivated with strong skills in high-pressure kitchen environments. Proven ability to prepare diverse dishes while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation. Solid track record of collaborating effectively with team members and adapting to changing needs. Known for reliability, culinary creativity, and strong focus on achieving outstanding results implementing strategies enhancing service efficiency, contributing to a positive kitchen environment.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Cook
Fiorello Pasta Bar
Las Vegas, NV
04.2023 - 02.2026
- Developed and presented fresh pasta dishes tailored to menu guidelines and individual customer tastes.
- Managed operation of kitchen equipment, ensuring adherence to safety standards and cleanliness protocols.
- Implemented strategies with team members to improve food preparation workflows and elevate overall service efficiency.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking supplies to reduce waste and ensure ingredient availability.
- Monitored cooking times and temperatures to guarantee quality consistency across dishes served.
- Maintained a clean and organized workstation, adhering to health regulations during food preparation activities.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
Line Cook
Prosseco
Las Vegas, NV
03.2021 - 04.2023
- Prepared fresh pasta dishes according to menu specifications and customer preferences.
- Operated kitchen equipment, ensuring proper use and cleanliness to maintain safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes and enhance service efficiency.
- Trained new cooks on kitchen protocols, recipe execution, and food hygiene practices.
- Implemented seasonal menu changes by contributing creative ideas for new pasta dishes.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
- Assisted in developing new menu items to reflect restaurant's style and standards.
Line Cook
Chicas
Las Vegas, NV
05.2018 - 11.2021
- Monitored cooking times and temperatures to guarantee quality consistency across dishes served.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Line Cook/ Sous Chef
Otto Pizzeria
Las Vegas, NV
03.2011 - 03.2018
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
- Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
- Prepared dough and toppings following standardized recipes for consistency.
- Operated pizza ovens and equipment to ensure optimal cooking conditions.
- Topped pizzas with right ingredients based on orders utilizing recipe-directed amounts and distribution methods.
- Used pizza cutter to slice pizzas according to size and customer specifications.
- Monitored pizzas throughout cooking process to deliver correct doneness and prevent burning or under cooking.
- Maintained pizza-making and kitchen equipment to keep items in good working condition and kitchen operating smoothly.
Pizza Maker
California Pizza Kitchen
Las Vegas, NV
06.2007 - 02.2011
- Ensured food safety and sanitation practices were upheld during shift operations.
- Trained new staff on pizza-making techniques and kitchen protocols.
- Managed inventory levels of ingredients, minimizing waste and ensuring freshness.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline order processes for efficiency.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance product consistency and flavor.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints effectively, maintaining high service standards.
- Rolled and shaped dough to correct sizes and shapes based on orders to fit in oven and cook evenly.
- Prepared raw materials for cooking by cutting vegetables and preparing dough.
- Operated pizza oven and other kitchen equipment safely to protect team members from harm and equipment from damage.
- Developed strong time management skills by juggling multiple orders during peak hours without compromising quality.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for efficient pizza making, ensuring optimal productivity.
- Followed food safety and sanitation guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote customer health and safety.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline kitchen operations and maintain timely order fulfillment.
- Assisted in training new employees on proper pizza-making techniques, contributing to overall staff proficiency.
- Coached new workers on store policies, pizza making, and dough preparation.
- Tracked inventory of ingredients and supplies to keep kitchen well stocked and meet product and service demands.
- Enhanced dining experience by expertly crafting traditional and custom pizza orders.
- Fostered positive team environment, encouraging open communication and efficiency.
- Mastered use of pizza oven, resulting in perfectly baked pizzas each time.
- Ensured all pizzas met visual and taste standards before serving, guaranteeing customer satisfaction.
Skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Highly motivated
- Professional attitude
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Team work and collaboration
- Food safety knowledge
- Problem Solving
- Following cooking methods
- Grilling techniques
- Line management
- Ingredient preparation
- Knife Skills
- Food preparing, plating, and presentation
- Sautéing techniques
- Roasting techniques
- Grill operation
Accomplishments
- Achieved employee of the month through effectively helping and collaborating with team members execute daily tasks with exceptional performance and positive attitude being a positive influence and leader.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Line Cook
Fiorello Pasta Bar
04.2023 - 02.2026
Line Cook
Prosseco
03.2021 - 04.2023
Line Cook
Chicas
05.2018 - 11.2021
Line Cook/ Sous Chef
Otto Pizzeria
03.2011 - 03.2018
Pizza Maker
California Pizza Kitchen
06.2007 - 02.2011