Michael Gutierrez
Chicago,IL
Summary
Adept at leading high-volume kitchens and catering events, I enhanced kitchen efficiency and food quality at Bon Appetit Management by streamlining processes and fostering team collaboration. Skilled in kitchen management and creative problem-solving, I significantly reduced food waste and consistently exceeded client expectations, showcasing my ability to deliver exceptional culinary experiences. Trustworthy Catering Chef with 15-year background providing full service catering to clientele in chicago,IL . Expertise in creating and implementing menus, preparing and transporting food to events and maintaining inventory. In-depth knowledge of batch food preparation and catering trends and styles. Committed to guaranteeing customer satisfaction by offering reasonable pricing and going beyond expectations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Cook
Bon Appetit Management
112 S Michigan Ave
06.2014 - 11.2018
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Took over line positions in event of emergency.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
- Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.
- Taught kitchen staff safety protocols and restaurant standards.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Implemented effective cross-training initiatives, which allowed team members to seamlessly cover various roles during peak service times.
- Delegated jobs within kitchen depending on restaurant traffic and employee skill.
- Monitored cooks and dishwasher performance and suggested improvements to streamline processes and increase team efficiency.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through proactive communication with team members at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by stepping in as acting kitchen manager during periods of personnel absence or transition.
- Collaborated with fellow cooks to create unique culinary offerings that incorporated regional flavors and local ingredients.
Offsite Catering Chef
Colletes Catering
Fullerton, CA
04.2018 - 05.2019
- Cooked for large groups of people and managing various types of food for large events.
- Ordered food items and supplies needed to fulfill catering jobs.
- Crafted exciting catering options for clients.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment by adhering to strict health and safety regulations.
- Collaborated with event planners for seamless execution of catered functions, resulting in positive feedback from clients.
- Sampled each dish for quality control prior to serving, identifying mistakes and solving immediately.
- Trained and mentored junior chefs, elevating their culinary skills and performance levels.
Catering Offsite Chef
Blue Plate Catering
Chicago, IL
02.2002 - 09.2014
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing proper food handling procedures and adhering to health department regulations.
- Streamlined kitchen operations, ensuring timely preparation and delivery of high-quality dishes.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Cooked for large groups of people and managing various types of food for large events.
- Sampled each dish for quality control prior to serving, identifying mistakes and solving immediately.
- Trained and mentored junior chefs, elevating their culinary skills and performance levels.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between courses during formal dinners with expertly timed plating, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience for guests.
Event Chef
Limelight Catering
Chicago, IL
03.2013 - 09.2017
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing proper food handling procedures and adhering to health department regulations.
- Supported overall event success by assisting other staff members as needed in areas such as food service, setup, and cleanup.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to last-minute changes or requests from clients without compromising service quality.
- Managed a team of culinary professionals, providing training and mentorship to improve skills and performance.
- Supervised catering staff during events, ensuring timely execution of tasks and adherence to established procedures.
- Streamlined communication between front-of-house staff members and the kitchen team during events, improving overall efficiency.
- Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
- Served catering guests by fulfilling orders, communicating requests to kitchen staff and routinely inquiring about customer satisfaction.
- Replenished banquet stations and verified food temperatures and cleanliness of service areas.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
Event Chef
Food For Thought Catered Events
Lincolnwood, IL
09.2010 - 09.2015
- Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
- Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
- Increased repeat business through exceptional customer service and attention to detail in event execution.
- Cultivated relationships with venue managers, broadening network and opportunities for business growth.
- Streamlined kitchen operations, ensuring timely preparation and delivery of high-quality dishes.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
Education
12 -
Senn Nicholas High School
Chicago, IL2003
Skills
- Cleaning practices
- Food Pairings
- Kitchen Organization
- Cooking methods
- Food presentation
- Proper equipment usage
- Waste Reduction
- Portion Control
- Plating and presentation
- Allergy awareness
- Advanced culinary techniques
- Knowledge of cuisines
- Problem-solving skills
- Food Safety
- Kitchen Management
- Valid IL driver's license
- Quality Control
- Event Management
- Inventory Monitoring
- Presentation Skills
- Kitchen staff coordination
- Spanish and English Fluency
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Food Preparing, Plating, and Presentation
- Food Prep Planning
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Team Leadership
- Creative Thinking
Timeline
Offsite Catering Chef
Colletes Catering
04.2018 - 05.2019
Lead Cook
Bon Appetit Management
06.2014 - 11.2018
Event Chef
Limelight Catering
03.2013 - 09.2017
Event Chef
Food For Thought Catered Events
09.2010 - 09.2015
Catering Offsite Chef
Blue Plate Catering
02.2002 - 09.2014
12 -
Senn Nicholas High School