Marcelo Almendras
Woodhaven,NY
Summary
Highly motivated culinary professional with a passion for diverse cooking techniques and equipment. Proven ability to solve problems efficiently in fast-paced kitchen environments. Skilled in food presentation, consistently receiving positive feedback on dishes prepared. Versatile in adapting to various culinary styles and preferences.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Pharmacy Assistant
Farmacia Jerez
Buenos Aires, Argentina
12.2018 - 05.2021
- Processed prescription orders accurately, ensuring compliance with pharmacy regulations.
- Assisted pharmacists in medication preparation and dispensing to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Managed inventory levels, conducting regular stock checks and reordering supplies as needed.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues effectively.
- Trained new staff on procedures and policies, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Implemented improvements to inventory management system, reducing discrepancies by refining tracking processes.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to clarify prescriptions and ensure optimal patient care outcomes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of pharmacy workspace, adhering to safety standards consistently.
- Kept pharmacy counter and related areas clean, neat and organized.
- Greeted customers and responded to questions with friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Assisted pharmacists in maintaining a well-organized and clean pharmacy environment for optimal workflow.
- Received deliveries of medication shipments, verifying contents against invoices while adhering to proper storage protocols.
- Received incoming supplies and stocked in correct locations.
- Assisted pharmacy staff with preparing medications and filling orders.
Kitchen Assistant
Cocu French Cuisine
Buenos Aires, Argentina
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Assisted in food preparation and cooking processes to ensure timely meal service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and work areas to uphold safety standards.
- Supported inventory management by tracking supplies and notifying supervisors of low stock levels.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline kitchen workflows, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Accepted opportunities to learn new skills, improve performance and cross-train for other positions.
- Ensured proper storage of ingredients to maintain freshness and reduce waste.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
Crew Member
Burger King
Buenos Aires, Argentina
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Delivered exceptional customer service, ensuring satisfaction and fostering repeat business.
- Operated cash register accurately, handling transactions efficiently and maintaining financial integrity.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow during peak hours, enhancing overall service speed.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area, promoting a welcoming environment for guests.
- Trained new crew members on operational procedures and safety protocols, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and commitment to service excellence.
- Worked front counter, drive-thru and other areas.
- Took orders, prepared meals, and collected payments.
- Cleaned and maintained all areas of restaurant to promote clean image.
- Assisted other team members to achieve goals.
- Maintained high-quality food preparation standards, adhering to company guidelines for safety and cleanliness.
Line Cook
San Juanas
Tehuacán/Puebla México
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Prepared high-quality ramen dishes in accordance with traditional recipes and presentation standards.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure availability of key ingredients and minimize waste.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain a clean, organized workspace during peak service hours.
- Trained new team members on safe food handling practices and efficient cooking techniques.
- Implemented portion control measures to enhance consistency across menu items.
- Monitored cooking times to ensure optimal flavor and texture of all dishes served.
- Streamlined prep processes, reducing meal preparation time while maintaining quality standards.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
- Ensured smooth kitchen operations during special events or private parties by collaborating with front-of-house staff and adjusting to specific client requests.
- Assisted in inventory management by accurately tracking supplies and placing orders as needed.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and implementing suggestions for better kitchen operations.
Prep Cook
Jia Fu Chinese Food
Monterrey/ Nuevo Leon , Mexico
08.2023 - 10.2023
- Prepared ingredients according to recipes, ensuring consistency and quality in all dishes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace, adhering to food safety regulations.
- Assisted chefs in executing daily specials, demonstrating adaptability in fast-paced environment.
- Monitored inventory levels, notifying management of shortages to ensure uninterrupted service.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Collaborated with kitchen team, effectively communicating to streamline processes and optimize workflow.
Sous Chef
Cheen Huaye - Southern Mexican Cuisine
Miami, FL
10.2023 - 10.2024
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure high food quality and efficient service.
- Developed and executed seasonal menu items reflecting Southern Mexican cuisine traditions.
- Coordinated food preparation and plating, optimizing presentation and flavor consistency.
- Trained junior cooks in cooking techniques and kitchen safety protocols.
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
- Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
- Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.
- Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
- Introduced new culinary techniques to the team, elevating the overall skill level and leading to more diverse menu offerings for guests.
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
- Reduced staff turnover rates through effective communication skills, creating a supportive work atmosphere for all team members.
Lead Line Cook
Rotana Cafe & Grill
Queens, NY
10.2024 - 01.2025
- Implemented proper food storage techniques, minimizing waste and maximizing freshness of ingredients used.
- Adapted quickly to changing menus and special requests, demonstrating flexibility in fast-paced settings.
- Participated in training sessions for new staff members, sharing knowledge of kitchen operations and best practices.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
- 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.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
- Assisted in training of new line cooks, ensuring they met kitchen's high standards quickly.
- Increased repeat customer numbers with consistent high-quality meal preparation.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing innovative inventory tracking system.
- Streamlined prep work for faster meal turnaround, contributing to improved customer satisfaction.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Assisted in developing new menu items to reflect restaurant's style and standards.
- Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
- Developed innovative, creative menu items and recipes.
Line Cook
Shinjuku Ramen
Manhattan, NY
12.2024 - 05.2026
- Prepared ingredients and dishes according to standardized recipes, ensuring consistency in flavor and presentation.
- Operated kitchen equipment, maintaining cleanliness and adhering to safety protocols at all times.
- Collaborated with team members to expedite meal preparation during peak service hours, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Assisted in inventory management by monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages to supervisors promptly.
- Maintained a clean and organized workstation, promoting a safe cooking environment for the team.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
- Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using various kitchen equipment safely for efficient food preparation.
- Strengthened team communication through active listening and constructive feedback during shift meetings or one-on-one sessions.
- Implemented effective waste reduction strategies, minimizing food costs and supporting sustainable practices.
Musaek
Manhattan, NY
05.2025 - 09.2025
- Prepared ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring for various recipes.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of kitchen stations.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, including knives and food processors.
- Followed food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure quality standards.
- Supported chefs in assembling dishes according to established recipes.
- Stocked pantry and refrigerator with necessary supplies and ingredients.
- Collaborated with team members to efficiently complete meal preparations.
- Adapted quickly to changing menu items and kitchen demands during service shifts.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple food stations simultaneously without compromising quality or speed.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace during busy shifts.
- Contributed to a positive work atmosphere through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Reduced food waste by properly storing ingredients and monitoring expiration dates.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Supported the success of daily operations by assisting chefs with ingredient prep work as needed.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Operated dishwasher and manually washed dishes to clean all chinaware, silverware, and cooking utensils.
- Streamlined meal prep process, cutting down food waste significantly.
- Fostered positive team atmosphere, aiding in training of new kitchen staff.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes, demonstrating flexibility and keen ability to learn new recipes.
- Maintained sharp and functional kitchen tools, directly impacting quality and speed of food preparation.
- Ensured consistent food quality by strictly following recipes and presentation standards.
Education
No Degree - Social Sciences
Paula Albarracín De Sarmiento ETN:8
Buenos Aires , ArgentinaHigh School Diploma - Social Sciences
Escuela Media N 10
Buenos Aires , Argentina12.2018
Bachelor of Culinary Arts - Gastronomy
Instituto Gastronómico Internacional IGI
Buenos Aires, Argentina11.2022
Skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Highly motivated
- Cleaning and organization
- Professional attitude
- Food preparation
- Problem-solving
- Food safety knowledge
- Team coordination
- Knife skills
- Kitchen station setup
- Kitchen sanitation
- Following cooking methods
- Deep fryer operation
- Kitchen organization
- Quality control
- Kitchen operations
- Line management
- Grilling techniques
- Ingredient preparation
- Food presentation
- Food allergen safety
- Portion control
- Food presentation talent
- Sauce making
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Professional Working
Timeline
Musaek
05.2025 - 09.2025
Line Cook
Shinjuku Ramen
12.2024 - 05.2026
Lead Line Cook
Rotana Cafe & Grill
10.2024 - 01.2025
Sous Chef
Cheen Huaye - Southern Mexican Cuisine
10.2023 - 10.2024
Prep Cook
Jia Fu Chinese Food
08.2023 - 10.2023
Line Cook
San Juanas
05.2023 - 08.2023
Crew Member
Burger King
09.2022 - 04.2023
Kitchen Assistant
Cocu French Cuisine
04.2022 - 10.2022
Pharmacy Assistant
Farmacia Jerez
12.2018 - 05.2021
No Degree - Social Sciences
Paula Albarracín De Sarmiento ETN:8
High School Diploma - Social Sciences
Escuela Media N 10
Bachelor of Culinary Arts - Gastronomy
Instituto Gastronómico Internacional IGI