MICHAEL TARRATS
Glendale,AZ
Summary
Innovative culinary professional known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in menu development, inventory management, and food safety compliance. Excels at team leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving, ensuring seamless kitchen operations and exceptional dining experiences. Reliable Driver with experience in delivering goods and transporting people safely. Strengths include navigation skills, time management, customer service, and mechanical knowledge. Contributed to previous roles by ensuring timely deliveries and maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Sun Health The Colonnade
Surprise, AZ
03.2025 - Current
- Developed and executed seasonal menus, enhancing culinary creativity and diversity.
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to high standards of food quality and safety.
- Trained new hires in kitchen operations, fostering teamwork and efficiency in food preparation.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing ingredient usage.
Lyft Driver
Lyft
Surprise, AZ
01.2022 - 04.2025
- Determined most expedient trip by mapping out driving routes ahead of time.
- Provided excellent customer service by responding promptly to customer inquiries and complaints.
- Inspected vehicle before and after every trip to assess performance and maintenance requirements.
- Inspected vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues, ensuring they are in proper working condition.
- I followed all applicable traffic laws, regulations, and defensive driving techniques while operating the vehicle.
- Managed fuel consumption and expenses for vehicle operations.
- Monitored traffic conditions and applied defensive strategies to avoid accidents.
- Picked up clients from specific locations to transport and drop off at destinations.
Chef
BLT Kitchens
AZ
07.2022 - 08.2024
- Suggested and prepared promotional dishes according to ingredient availability and customer preferences.
- Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
- Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
- Observed food safety and sanitation protocols to reduce germ spread.
- Supervised team members during meal service to ensure accuracy of orders.
- Analyzed recipes to determine menu prices based on cost of food, labor and overhead.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
TCH Luke Airforce Base
Air Force
AZ
09.2020 - 09.2022
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service promptly and professionally.
- Established controls to alleviate supply and food waste.
- Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
- Managed kitchen staff team and assigned tasks for various stages of food production.
- Experimented with various ingredients and cooking techniques to develop new and flavorful dishes for customers.
- Trained new chefs on proper cooking techniques and menu items.
- Checked quality of raw materials before use.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
Chef
Ridges at Peoria Senior Living
AZ
01.2018 - 08.2020
- Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes and garnishing of dishes to ensure that food was prepared in accordance with the restaurant's recipes and presentation standards.
- Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Developed standard recipes and techniques for food preparation and presentation, promoting consistently high-quality food items.
- Plated dishes using tasty garnishes and sauces to appeal to and delight patrons.
- Helped management stay on top of supply needs by sharing information about low or spoiled inventory.
- Inspected freezers and refrigerators prior to each shift to check temperature levels and verify proper functionality.
Chef
The Heritage
AZ
10.2016 - 12.2017
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted.
- Created tasty dishes using popular recipes, delighting patrons and generating return business.
- Trained new chefs on proper cooking techniques and menu items.
- Checked quality of raw materials before use.
- Exercised portion control for items served, eliminating waste.
- Prepared high-quality dishes according to established recipes.
- Supervised food preparation staff to deliver high-quality results.
Insurance Agent
Bankerslife Insurance
AZ
10.2015 - 10.2016
- Maintained accurate records of all insurance transactions using computer software systems.
- Explained complex technical terms related to insurance plans in simple language for easy understanding.
- Educated customers on the importance of maintaining adequate insurance coverage.
- Improved data collection accuracy by structuring systems for desktop spreadsheets.
- Conducted research to identify competitive rates and benefits offered by other providers.
- Assessed customer risk levels and recommended appropriate coverage options.
- Negotiated contracts between insurers and insured parties in order to obtain favorable terms for both sides.
Prep Chef
Whole Foods Market Inc
AZ
01.2015 - 10.2015
- Stocked cupboards and refrigerators and tended salad bars and buffet meals.
- Prepared garnishes for later use in meal production.
- Operated grills and steamers to prepare vegetables, potatoes, rice and meats.
- Helped management stay on top of supply needs by sharing information about low or spoiled inventory.
- Maintained quality and freshness of food by rotating stock according to first-in-first-out methods.
- Dressed, seasoned and garnished appetizers and salads to prepare for food service.
- Took and recorded temperatures of food, refrigerators and freezers.
- Ensured all food products were stored correctly in accordance with health code regulations.
Chef
Bunions Casino
AZ
04.2013 - 12.2014
- Established controls to alleviate supply and food waste.
- Experimented with various ingredients and cooking techniques to develop new and flavorful dishes for customers.
- Supervised specialty dish preparation to satisfy customer requests and cater to various dietary needs.
- Placed frequently used ingredients in proper storage containers and placed perishable items in refrigerator.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety and hygiene regulations within the kitchen area.
- Adjusted seasonings of dishes according to customers' tastes.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Culinary
Arizona Culinary Institute
Scottsdale, AZHigh School Diploma - undefined
Elmont Memorial High School
Elmont, NY06-1978
Skills
- Customer service
- Supervisory experience
- Experience planning dinners and other events
- Organized
- Self-directed, able to take initiative, dynamic, and confident
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Chef
Sun Health The Colonnade
03.2025 - Current
Chef
BLT Kitchens
07.2022 - 08.2024
Lyft Driver
Lyft
01.2022 - 04.2025
TCH Luke Airforce Base
Air Force
09.2020 - 09.2022
Chef
Ridges at Peoria Senior Living
01.2018 - 08.2020
Chef
The Heritage
10.2016 - 12.2017
Insurance Agent
Bankerslife Insurance
10.2015 - 10.2016
Prep Chef
Whole Foods Market Inc
01.2015 - 10.2015
Chef
Bunions Casino
04.2013 - 12.2014
High School Diploma - undefined
Elmont Memorial High School
Some College (No Degree) - Culinary
Arizona Culinary Institute