MARLI MJEKAJ
Queens,NY
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable server with a rich background in the hospitality industry, including a pivotal role at Piccola Cucina Group. Mastered tableside service, enhancing dining experiences with expertly deboned Branzinos and meticulously prepared Tiramisu. Thrives under pressure, showcasing unparalleled team collaboration and a robust knowledge of wine and Italian cuisine.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Piccola Cucina Group
New York, NY
04.2021 - 06.2024
- Here, I would meet a very fun and professional group of Italians, where I received excellent spirits knowledge (as the restaurant has a full bar), wine knowledge (as the group organizes wine classes), and Italian food knowledge (since we servers had to memorize new specials every night before starting the shift).
- Also, preparing and plating food tableside is a unique skill I acquired from working for Piccola, as we would prepare tableside Cacio e Pepe and Tiramisu. Also, we had been deboning a lot of branzinos cooked in salt, and cutting tomahawk steaks, always tableside.
- Learned how to communicate properly with the clientele of the Upper East Side, and the patience needed to properly understand clients' preferences, and correctly create their order based on their requests.
WAITER
GRIMALDI’S LIMELIGHT PIZZERA
New York, NY
02.2021 - 04.2021
- I moved to New York in December 2020 and got my first New York City customer service experience at the famous Grimaldi’s Limelight. Here, I would get comfortable with the American payment software, New York City's downtown clientel and the incredibly fast paced dining service.
Server
Trattoria Ternana
Terni, Italy
08.2020 - 12.2020
- As I got accepted to college here in NYC, I knew I had to work while studying to afford tuition. Knowing this, I decided to go back to my hometown, Terni, Italy, to acquire an extra four months of serving experience.
- Here, I would gain extensive knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine and the Italian way of serving in restaurants, how to form a little connection with your client rather than just serve their food, and how to enjoy the work even if it is the busiest of days.
HEAD WAITER
MARGHERITA CASTLE
10.2018 - 04.2020
- I continued my experience as a waiter and worked my way up at one of the most iconic and historical restaurants, hotels, and private event venues in Albania. Also, I improved my knowledge of wines and foreign cuisines, but most importantly, I picked up my pace as we served many 300+ guest weddings.
Server
Gas' Grilled Fish
Shengjin, Albania
09.2017 - 08.2018
- Got my first job as a waiter when I was 15 years old and acquired 1 Year of Experience in a great fish restaurant at one of Albania’s most visited beaches. Learned the basics of the industry such as how to correctly take orders, speak to clients and meet clients' wants and needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Medicine (Pre-Medicine)
COLLEGE OF MOUNT SAINT VINCENT
Riverdale, New York06.2024
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
ACADEMIC CENTER HIGH SCHOOL
06.2020
Skills
- High Energy and Stamina
- Table Monitoring and Turnover
- Reliable and Responsible
- Cool Under Pressure
- Team Player
- Adaptable and Flexible
Languages
Languages
Albanian
Native/ Bilingual
Italian
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Server
Piccola Cucina Group
04.2021 - 06.2024
WAITER
GRIMALDI’S LIMELIGHT PIZZERA
02.2021 - 04.2021
Server
Trattoria Ternana
08.2020 - 12.2020
HEAD WAITER
MARGHERITA CASTLE
10.2018 - 04.2020
Server
Gas' Grilled Fish
09.2017 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Medicine (Pre-Medicine)
COLLEGE OF MOUNT SAINT VINCENT
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
ACADEMIC CENTER HIGH SCHOOL
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