Matthew GODEK
Anchorage
Summary
Dedicated catering chef with extensive experience in preparing diverse menu items for large-scale events. Proven ability to collaborate with event planners to design tailored solutions that exceed client expectations. Strong attention to detail in developing innovative recipes while adhering to dietary restrictions.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Chef
ANTHC
Anchorage
02.2023 - Current
- Prepared diverse menu items for large-scale catering events to exceed client expectations.
- Collaborated with event planners to design tailored catering solutions that met client specifications.
- Planned menus, ordered food supplies, and monitored budgets for successful catering events.
- Developed innovative recipes while adhering to dietary restrictions and preferences.
- Developed visually appealing recipes that elevated presentation of menu items for catered events.
- Trained kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and safety protocols, ensuring high quality standards.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in food handling practices.
- Prepared dining areas for catered events, facilitating smooth guest experience.
Lead Line Cook
Mansfield Place LLC
Essex Junction
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Trained and mentored staff in cooking techniques and kitchen maintenance, elevating overall dish quality and team capability.
- Cooked multiple orders quickly to keep up with high customer demand. simultaneously during busy periods.
- Prepared dishes in a fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Prepared sandwiches, specialty items and custom orders to meet guest requests.
- Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns.
- Maintained stocked stations to ensure seamless workflow and enhance kitchen efficiency.
- Enhanced employee performance through targeted feedback and positive reinforcement.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained the correct temperature of food products.
Line Cook
The Shopping Bag Inc
Burlington
01.2017 - 07.2021
- Collaborated in team kitchen and independently managed grill, deep fryer, and expo areas to ensure timely service.
- Implemented safe and healthy food handling practices throughout prep, production, and packaging.
- Fulfilled job shift requirements and maintained company sanitation standards to support a clean and safe kitchen environment.
Childhood Nutrition/ Food Service
Burlington School District
Burlington
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Ensured compliance with federal and state laws regarding health and safety in food handling and service, aligning practices with government policies and regulations.
- Accurately completed daily production reports according to USDA guidelines to maintain quality standards.
- Coordinated preparation, cooking, and serving of breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily across various schools in the district, ensuring timely and nutritious meals.
Line Cook
The Friendly Toast, Friendly Toast inc
Burlington
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Collaborated with team of cooks on grill, fry, and sauté stations to ensure timely service.
- Managed multiple orders simultaneously during peak hours to maintain efficiency.
- Adapted to fast-paced, high-pressure environment in corporate kitchen.
- Cooked with a large variety of food in fast pace environment.
- Adhered to company policies to ensure compliance and operational consistency.
Prep Cook/ Driver
The Chubby Muffin, The Skinny Pancake, INC.
Burlington
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of all food products.
- Checked order quantities and quality prior to loading merchandise to ensure accuracy.
- Coordinated loading and unloading of merchandise at stores and various locations.
- Collaborated with team members to implement company initiatives effectively.
Kitchen Supervisor / Weekend Manager
The Chubby Muffin, The Skinny Pancake, INC
Burlington
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Managed prep and delivery operations for five Skinny Pancake locations to ensure timely service.
- Coordinated daily product inventory, purchasing, and receiving to maintain seamless kitchen operations.
- Estimated and secured purchasing needs from approved suppliers, prioritizing local farm utilization when available.
Banquet Cook
Have Your Cake Catering
Burlington
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Crafted high-end dishes for weddings, formal events, and catered operations, enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Maintained product quality and guest experience while adapting to diverse kitchen environments.
- Prepared and cooked diverse dishes for large-scale banquet events.
- Collaborated with team to design and execute innovative menu items.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and work areas.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mount Mansfield Union High School
Jericho, VT06-2006
Some College (No Degree) - Sociology and Anthropology
Castleton State College
Castleton, VTSkills
- Organized and efficient individual
- Fast-paced environment adaptability
- Courteous and professional demeanor
- Flexible scheduling
- Quick problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Rapid learning ability
- Highly adaptable mindset
- Menu planning expertise
- Team management skills
Certification
- National Restaurant Association Certification, 2015-2020
- Municipality of Anchorage Food Handlers Card
Timeline
Catering Chef
ANTHC
02.2023 - Current
Lead Line Cook
Mansfield Place LLC
01.2019 - 01.2022
Childhood Nutrition/ Food Service
Burlington School District
01.2018 - 01.2019
Line Cook
The Shopping Bag Inc
01.2017 - 07.2021
Line Cook
The Friendly Toast, Friendly Toast inc
01.2016 - 01.2019
Prep Cook/ Driver
The Chubby Muffin, The Skinny Pancake, INC.
01.2014 - 01.2016
Kitchen Supervisor / Weekend Manager
The Chubby Muffin, The Skinny Pancake, INC
01.2012 - 01.2016
Banquet Cook
Have Your Cake Catering
01.2010 - 01.2016
High School Diploma -
Mount Mansfield Union High School
Some College (No Degree) - Sociology and Anthropology
Castleton State College