Manuel Valdez
San Jose,CA
Summary
Resourceful Chef Helper known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in food preparation, kitchen equipment maintenance, and inventory management. Thrive in fast-paced environments using strong organizational, communication, and teamwork abilities to excel in culinary support roles.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef Helper
Instawork
San Jose, CA
08.2016 - Current
- Assisted chefs in preparing and cooking meals efficiently.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations.
- Managed inventory by restocking ingredients and supplies as needed.
- Prepared ingredients by chopping, slicing, and measuring for recipes.
- Followed food safety guidelines to ensure safe food handling practices.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal service.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and maintained its functionality.
- Supported meal plating and presentation for attractive service delivery.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping floors, washing walls and removing garbage from kitchen area.
- Stocked food items into refrigerators or freezers as needed.
- Sliced vegetables such as onions, mushrooms and peppers for salads or other dishes.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, and silverware.
- Grilled burgers, hotdogs or fish filets on flat-top grillers according to customer orders.
- Plated meals according to restaurant specifications in an attractive manner.
- Observed proper food handling procedures when preparing foods for cooking or serving.
- Utilized effective cleaning and sanitation procedures and observed proper food handling to prevent illness and disease.
- Seasoned cooked foods such as meats, vegetables or soups with herbs before plating them.
- Organized all kitchen supplies including ingredients, cookware, tools, equipment and storage containers.
- Operated commercial dishwashers to wash dishes quickly while ensuring sanitary conditions.
- Garnished finished dishes with parsley sprigs, olives slices or lemon wedges before serving them.
- Delivered plates of food from the kitchen directly to customers at their tables in a timely manner.
- Used organic and natural ingredients in food preparation.
- Assisted in the preparation and presentation of meals according to recipes and standards.
- Checked temperatures of ovens and grills with thermometers to ensure proper heating levels.
- Prepared doughs for pizza crusts and pie shells by mixing flour with other ingredients.
- Carved meats such as chicken breasts, steaks or pork loins for entrées.
- Prepared and cooked food under head chef's direction, following recipes and cooking instructions.
- Informed kitchen staff of schedules and delegated appropriate duties to improve efficiency.
- Sliced fruit and vegetables for various menu items and stored for later use in crisper.
- Prepared salads and meats according to recipes, chopping, and storing items for later use.
- Tested recipes to meet company's standards for flavor, appearance and texture.
- Stocked food stations before shifts with items and equipment needed for recipes.
- Washed, peeled and cut fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Prepared meats, vegetables or desserts according to orders or instructions.
- Cleaned and sanitized utensils, dishes or silverware.
- Cut or sliced meat, poultry and seafood to prepare for cooking.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
Bartender
Instawork
San Jose, CA
08.2016 - Current
- Mixed and served a variety of cocktails and beverages to customers.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the bar area throughout shifts.
- Assisted in training new bartenders on drink preparation and service standards.
- Engaged with customers to provide excellent service and build rapport.
- Handled cash transactions accurately and processed payments efficiently.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to enhance overall satisfaction.
- Performed opening and closing duties including restocking supplies.
- Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Managed cash drawer at the end of each shift ensuring accuracy of funds received.
- Processed payments accurately and efficiently with POS system.
- Prepared cocktails from bar recipes and served wine, draft and bottled beer.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Poured wine, beer, and cocktails for patrons.
- Maintained inventory of liquor, beer, wine, and other beverage items.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation and upselling techniques.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
- Managed bar area, cocktail design and menu and handled inventory, regulation compliance, and customer relationships.
- Checked identification cards for proof of age prior to serving alcohol beverages.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and handling intoxicated guests.
- Provided drink suggestions to customers based on their preferences.
- Stocked ice bins and coolers as needed throughout shift.
- Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
- Recommended food and drinks to patrons based on preference, pairings, and special promotions.
- Balanced daily registers and generated sales reports for management.
- Kept track of bar tabs and transferred open tabs to dining area for wait staff.
- Collected and organized daily till totals and tips.
- Cleansed glasses with sanitizing solution after each use.
- Stayed up-to-date on latest mixology trends, bar equipment, and sanitation standards.
- Planned and coordinated special events to boost customer numbers and profits.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss goals and objectives set by management.
- Attended regular training sessions to stay updated on new products or trends.
- Introduced bar staff to precision pouring and waste reduction tactics to lower liquor costs.
VIP Server
Instawork
San Jose, CA
08.2016 - Current
- Provided exceptional service to high-profile clients in upscale dining environments.
- Managed VIP reservations and ensured seamless guest experiences during events.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff for timely meal preparation and presentation.
- Handled guest inquiries and resolved issues with professionalism and discretion.
- Trained new servers on proper etiquette and service techniques for VIP guests.
- Maintained knowledge of menu items and wine pairings to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated with security teams to ensure safety and comfort for VIP guests.
- Developed strong relationships with returning clients to foster loyalty and repeat business.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations at all times.
Education
High School Diploma -
Foothill College
Los Altos, CA01-2013
Skills
- Customer service
- Time management
- Inventory management
- Food safety practices
- Team collaboration
- Cash handling
- Event coordination
- Beverage preparation
- Problem resolution
- Recipe execution
- Knife skills
- Ingredient identification
- Menu planning
- Cooking techniques
- Culinary creativity
- Kitchen safety
- Food preparation
- Sanitation practices
- Food storage
- Chef support
- Food handling
- Food waste reduction
Timeline
Chef Helper
Instawork
08.2016 - Current
Bartender
Instawork
08.2016 - Current
VIP Server
Instawork
08.2016 - Current
High School Diploma -
Foothill College