Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Manuel Ortega

New York,USA

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Captain/ Private events Captain

Bowery Meat Company
New York, NY
11.2015 - Current
  • Served for a decade at one of NYC’s premier steakhouses, delivering elevated hospitality to a discerning, high-end clientele.
  • Maintained a loyal base of regular guests who frequently requested service by name due to consistent professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated deep expertise in steak cuts, aging methods, preparation styles, enhancing the guest experience through confident and knowledgeable service.
  • Provided tailored wine recommendations and pairings, leveraging comprehensive knowledge of domestic and international wine lists and spirits.
  • Collaborated with management, chefs, and event planners to customize menus and service flow for high-profile and repeat clients.
  • Mentored new servers, setting a standard for product knowledge, fine-dining etiquette, and guest engagement in a fast-paced, upscale environment.
  • Frequently selected to serve VIP guests and special parties due to trusted service and strong client rapport.

Senior server/Lead Private events server

The Harrison
New York, NY
05.2007 - 11.2015
  • Built lasting relationships with a loyal neighborhood clientele and high-net-worth guests by consistently delivering warm, attentive, and personalized service.
  • Selected to work in the private dining and event rooms, executing intimate dinners, business functions, and high-profile celebrations with precision and grace.
  • Maintained poise and efficiency in a high-volume setting while providing elevated hospitality tailored to meet regular and discerning guest expectations.
  • Demonstrated leadership during busy shifts, mentoring new hires on service standards and supporting smooth team communication.

Private dinning Captain/Head server

Lever House
New York, NY
10.2002 - 05.2007
  • Delivered professional service to a discerning clientele, including executives, corporate groups, and VIP guests in a high-volume fine dining environment.
  • Maintained knowledge of menu items, wine pairings, and seasonal offerings to provide personalized recommendations and upsell high-margin items.
  • Anticipated guest needs and exceeded expectations by offering attentive, discreet, and seamless service aligned with business clientele standards.
  • Collaborated closely with management and kitchen staff to ensure timely, accurate order execution during high-profile lunches, dinners, and private business functions.

Education

Bachelors - liberal arts

Laguardia college
New York, NY

Skills

Customer service excellence: a strong commitment to delivering attentive, personalized service, and fostering a welcoming dining environment

High-Pressure Efficiency: Proven ability to stay composed, organized, and efficient during peak service hours and high-volume operations

Adaptability & Learning Agility: Quick to adjust to new workflows, menu changes, and team dynamics; dedicated to continuous improvement

Point-of-Sale Systems: Proficient in using Toast, Micros, Aloha, PosiTouch, Squirrel, and 7Rooms for order entry and guest management

Reservation & Table Management: Skilled in using OpenTable to manage guest flow and optimize seating efficiency

Timeline

Head Captain/ Private events Captain

Bowery Meat Company
11.2015 - Current

Senior server/Lead Private events server

The Harrison
05.2007 - 11.2015

Private dinning Captain/Head server

Lever House
10.2002 - 05.2007

Bachelors - liberal arts

Laguardia college

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Manuel Ortega