Michael Ortega
Whittier,CA
Summary
Diligent Cook possessing excellent cooking skills and strong knowledge of food safety. Proficient in maintaining well-stocked, organized, and clean kitchen areas to maximize productivity. Dedicated team player with punctual nature and open communication style dedicated to working hard.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook
Urban Comfort Foods
Los Angeles, CA
02.2024 - 03.2025
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using various kitchen equipment safely for efficient food preparation.
- Prepped and cooked large batch meals for unhoused people.
- multiplied and divided recipes according to number of clients
- prepped and cooked meals according to special diets (vegan, vegetarian, non dairy, gluten-free, etc)
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Received and organized all produce, dairy and proteins in walk-ins, and dry storage.
- large batch cookings of pastas, rices and other foods.
Line Cook/ Cold Station
Le Petite Paris
Los Angeles, CA
02.2023 - 02.2024
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food safety, preparation and cooking techniques.
- Assisted in developing new menu items to reflect restaurant's style and standards.
- Responsible for cold station prepping dishes such as ( asparagus, beet salad, ceviche, beef tartare, etc )
Cold Station
Le Grand
Los Angeles, CA
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Responsible for quality of prep and plating of food according to chefs liking.
- Responsible for properly opening station, organizing prep, Constantly cleaning area after (fish, meats dishes) food plated and served.
- Plating and tasting dishes such as ( crab wrapped in plum, buratta and basil oil, tzatziki with fennel , ricotta smoked in fennel)
- keeping up the quality of fine dinning dishes and expectations of chefs.
Line Cook
Guerilla Tacos
Los Angeles, CA
02.2021 - 01.2022
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
- Cooked and prepped some of the best tacos in los angeles.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
- Assisted in inventory management by accurately tracking supplies and placing orders as needed.
- Maintained high standards of food safety and hygiene, surpassing health inspection requirements.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
Sauté Cook
Alexanders Steak House
Pasadena, CA
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Covered, dated, rotated and properly stored food items to preserve quality and freshness.
- Organized server tickets to expedite food orders.
- Sauteed and seasoned meats, pastas and vegetables to customer taste preference.
- Maintained neat appearance and clean uniform to project professionalism to customers.
- Prepared sauces and garnishes to complement sauteed menu items.
- Set up and maintained saute station to facilitate kitchen operations.
- Performed thorough quality checks of food plating and presentation.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
Prep Cook
Petite Trois
Los Angeles, CA
01.2019 - 12.2019
- 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.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace during busy shifts.
- Supported the success of daily operations by assisting chefs with ingredient prep work as needed.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Stocked inventory efficiently, enabling seamless transition between meal services.
- Sharpened knife skills, resulting in precise cuts and reduced preparation time.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
Education
High School Diploma -
Whittier High School
Whittier, CA06-2009
Skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Highly motivated
- Cleaning and organization
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Food preparation
- Food safety
- Cleanliness standards
- Kitchen sanitization
- Knife skills
- Food safety knowledge
- Kitchen sanitation
- Kitchen station setup
- Following cooking methods
- Deep fryer operation
- Kitchen organization
- Quality control
- Ingredient preparation
- Food presentation
- Food allergen safety
- Food storage
- Inventory management
- Portioning
- Ingredients measuring
- Sauce making
- Garnishing
- Sautéing techniques
- Punctual and honest
- Prep work
- Safe food handling
Certification
- ServSafe
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Line Cook
Urban Comfort Foods
02.2024 - 03.2025
Line Cook/ Cold Station
Le Petite Paris
02.2023 - 02.2024
Cold Station
Le Grand
01.2022 - 02.2023
Line Cook
Guerilla Tacos
02.2021 - 01.2022
Sauté Cook
Alexanders Steak House
01.2020 - 12.2020
Prep Cook
Petite Trois
01.2019 - 12.2019
High School Diploma -
Whittier High School