Meagan Skakel
New Windsor
Summary
Detail-oriented, with strong skills in food preparation, recipe execution, and kitchen safety compliance. Committed to maintaining high standards while supporting efficient kitchen operations. Dedicated and known for expertise in food safety and presentation. Skilled in operating kitchen equipment and maintaining high standards in food preparation, ready to drive culinary excellence in a fast-paced environment. Motivated by several years of experience preparing delicious meals for customers. Polished in following proper food handling methods and maintaining correct temperature of food products. Creative and artistic professional committed to strengthening kitchen team with better collaboration, recipes and cooking techniques.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook
Cornerstone
Pawling
06.2025 - Current
- Prepared ingredients by chopping, marinating, and measuring for menu items daily.
- Operated kitchen equipment to ensure efficient and safe food preparation.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations in fast-paced environments.
- Collaborated with team members to execute orders promptly during peak service hours.
- Followed recipes to produce consistent dishes that meet quality standards.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking supplies and notifying management of shortages.
- Executed food plating techniques to enhance presentation for customer satisfaction.
- Adhered to food safety guidelines ensuring a safe cooking environment at all times.
Sous Chef
Cornerstone
Pawling
06.2025 - Current
- Prepared and presented high-quality dishes to exceed customer expectations.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure efficient food preparation processes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment.
- Followed food safety guidelines for proper ingredient storage and handling.
- Trained new kitchen staff on culinary techniques and safety protocols.
- Monitored inventory levels to facilitate timely reordering of supplies.
- Directed daily kitchen operations, including food production and sanitation practices.
- Helped source and order equipment from vendors.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure smooth food preparation processes.
- Trained new kitchen staff on cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Supported head chef in menu planning and ingredient selection decisions.
- Communicated effectively with front-of-house staff to coordinate service timing.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Ensured food preparation and presentation met high standards of quality and sanitation.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Plated food according to restaurant artistic guidelines to promote attractive presentation.
- Oversaw kitchen employee scheduling to meet coverage needs and avoid wasted labor.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Enforced portion control guidelines to minimize costs associated with overproduction.
- Assisted with interviewing, hiring and training kitchen personnel.
- Helped staff adhere to tough restaurant requirements through practical discipline and motivation.
- Established and maintained regular maintenance schedule, keeping kitchen tools and equipment in operable condition.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Built and managed relationships with local vendors to obtain fresh, quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
Line Cook
Bear Mountain Inn/Guest Services
Tomkins Cove
01.2024 - 06.2025
- Prepared ingredients by chopping, marinating, and measuring for daily menu items.
- Executed precise food plating techniques to enhance presentation.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations in fast-paced environment.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure prompt execution of orders during busy service hours.
- Adhered to food safety guidelines to promote a secure cooking environment.
- Tracked inventory levels and notified management of shortages to support supply management.
- Sanitized workstations and kitchen equipment regularly to uphold health standards.
- Trained new staff on proper cooking techniques and food preparation methods.
Line Cook
Peter's Europa House
Shohola
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Prepared ingredients through chopping, marinating, and measuring for daily menu items.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely to ensure efficient food preparation.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations in high-pressure environment.
- Collaborated with team members to fulfill orders promptly during peak service hours.
- Executed food plating techniques to enhance presentation for customer satisfaction.
- Monitored product freshness and rotation dates to uphold quality assurance standards.
- Trained new staff on proper meat and vegetable preparation techniques for consistency.
- Adhered to food safety guidelines, maintaining a hygienic kitchen environment.
Line Cook
City Winery
Montgomery
08.2020 - 05.2023
- Executed precise ingredient preparation by chopping, marinating, and measuring for daily menu items.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, ensuring safe food preparation processes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborated with team members to fulfill orders promptly during peak service hours.
- Followed recipes meticulously to produce consistent dishes meeting quality standards.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking supplies and reporting shortages to management.
- Adhered to food safety guidelines, ensuring a safe cooking environment at all times.
- Trained new staff on meat and vegetable preparation techniques to enhance team performance.
Education
Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts
Orange Ulster Boces
Goshen, NY06-2011
High School Diploma -
Valley Central High School
Montgomery, NY06-2011
Some College (No Degree) - Culinary Arts
Paul Smith's College
Paul Smiths, NYSkills
- Food preparation and recipe execution
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Inventory management and tracking
- Food safety compliance
- Team collaboration and training
- Culinary techniques and plating presentation
- Time management and order coordination
- Effective communication skills
- Vendor relations and engagement
- Dish preparation and station oversight
- Safe food handling practices
- Allergen awareness and menu memorization
- High-quality ingredient sourcing
- Portion control and sanitation procedures
Certification
Serv Safe
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Line Cook
Cornerstone
06.2025 - Current
Sous Chef
Cornerstone
06.2025 - Current
Line Cook
Bear Mountain Inn/Guest Services
01.2024 - 06.2025
Line Cook
Peter's Europa House
05.2023 - 01.2024
Line Cook
City Winery
08.2020 - 05.2023
Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts
Orange Ulster Boces
High School Diploma -
Valley Central High School
Some College (No Degree) - Culinary Arts
Paul Smith's College