NICHOLAS CLEARLAKE
Newark,CA
Summary
Line Cook/Prep Cook with over 7 years’ experience in high-pressure environments. Skilled in preparing food quickly and efficiently. Seeking to use the skills I possess to prepare a special variety of dishes in a professional, rewarding environment. I am also a very quality focused and efficient Cook adept at preparing and plating food in high energy, fast–paced kitchens. Supported all kitchen operations when chef was absent. Maintained daily cleanliness of broilers and fryers. Answered phone calls and responded to inquiries Ensured freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items and rotating stock. Assisted with preparation, set-up, and service for catering events. Portioned, arranged and garnished food, and served food to waiters or patrons. Took food orders and relayed orders to the kitchen or serving counters. Trained new employees Washed dishes, glassware, flatware, pots and pans – using dishwashers or by hand. Handled inventory in kitchens and rotated and consolidated food items. Team oriented hard working individual ready to learn and progress.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Prep Cook
Flagship Facility Services Inc.
03.2022 - 08.2023
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
- Operated dishwasher and manually washed dishes to clean all chinaware, silverware, and cooking utensils.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Helped Shipping and Receiving by loading, wrapping and moving pallets.
- Inventory of freezer and fridges
Line Cook/prep Cook
Aramark
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Interacted with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
- Placed food trays over food warmers for immediate service or stored in refrigerated storage cabinets.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Smoking Pig BBQ
11.2016 - 11.2017
- Worked as a Line Cook starting off at the appetizer/salad station preparing salads and various fried and smoked appetizers, as well as serving desserts
- Also helped cutting and serving meats with various side dishes working “The Board”
- Prepped various items for the line including most of the appetizers, salads, sauces, etc
- Moved through the ranks fast and was in charge whenever the Chef or Sous Chef was not available
- Helped develop recipes including deep fried Oreo’s and the recipe for smoked mushroom Arancini that is the standard recipe used today for catering events
- Overall the go-to guy even though the experience was only for a year I certainly made a big impression on not only BOH but FOH.
Line Cook/Prep Cook/Lead Supervisor
K-Town BBQ, 5890
11.2016 - 01.2017
- Worked on the line preparing soups and grilled meat dishes like Bulgogi and paired them with rice and Banchani (pickled side dishes)
- Used a meat slicer to prepare plates for the AYCE (All You Can Eat) piled with thin slices of brisket and thick slices of pork belly and an assortment of veggies all displayed beautifully
- Work duties included deep cleaning the kitchen, top to bottom and rotating product on days that orders would come in
- Organized the walk in FIFO, etc
- Left in charge of staff when the owner of the Chef was not there
- Made sure the kitchen and front of the house tan smoothly
- I learned a lot of interesting things about Korean food and how it is prepared and showcased.
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Backyard Bayou
08.2016 - 12.2016
- Worked as a Line Cook/Prep Cook preparing and serving soups, sandwiches, pasta and seafood dishes both fried or sautéed
- Every shift would start by making a list of what was needed at each station I worked to make sure we had enough to get through service
- If not, then a prep list was made and divided between team members to be completed in a timely manner
- I was lucky enough to rejoin two of my old Chef’s and other Cooks I worked with at my former job at The Vine in Niles
- I had a chance to learn more about seafood and Cajun/Creole food during the time I worked at the Backyard Bayou which is a cuisine I always enjoyed eating when I was growing up.
Line Cook/Prep Cook/Cashier/Dishwasher
The Kebab Shop
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Second time around at this fine establishment
- Started off relearning everything and that did not take much time since virtually nothing had changed since my first time working there
- That being said, I found ways to make prep easier for my co-workers by teaching them different techniques and how to have all your ingredients organized and ready to go (mise en place)
- Also taught different ways to hold and use a knife, what different knives are used for, and how to hone and sharpen knives on a whetstone
- Most of the staff had no culinary background or training in a restaurant environment
- If management was not available I would be the one left in charge.
Pantry Cook
Le Colonial
10.2015 - 01.2016
- Practiced safe food handling procedures at all times
- Planned lunch, dinner and bar menus, as well as special menus for in-house special events and catering
- Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals and kitchen sanitation
- Reported to all shifts wearing a neat, clean and ironed uniform.
Prep Cook/Line Cook
AAU 620 Café
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Verified proper portion sizes and consistently attained high food quality standards
- Led shifts while personally preparing food items and executing requests based on required specifications
- Properly labeled and stored all raw food ingredients including produce, meat, fish, poultry, dairy and dry goods in the appropriate storage room, walk-in refrigerator, freezer or cooler
- Changed and sanitized all cutting boards, benches and surfaces when beginning a new task to avoid cross contamination
- Cooked and served food and meals in accordance with planned menus die plans, recipes, portions, temperature control procedures and facility policies.
Prep Cook, Line Cook
The Vine
08.2013 - 07.2015
- Extensive experience at every station – Grill, Sauté, Expo, Fry, and Cold Station
- Set-up and performed initial prep work for food items such as sandwiches, sauces, and salads
- Prepared for each shift by placing a clean cutting board and utensil bath at workstation
- Consistently tasted, smelled and observed all dishes to ensure they were visually appealing and prepared correctly
- Displayed a positive and friendly attitude towards customers and fellow team members
- Persistently strove for continual improvement and worked cooperatively as a team member.
Concessions Vendor
Cartwheel Catering
06.2013 - 12.2013
- Concessions Vendor for companies such as Nvidia and Genentech
- Duties included prepping hot dogs, sandwiches, and various goods
- Loading and unloading of equipment and food items.
Education
Associate of Arts degree - Music, Broadcasting and Sound Engineering
Ohlone Community College, Campuses
Diploma - undefined
Newark Memorial High School
Newark, CA2008
Skills
- Servsafe Certified
- Station Preparation
- Cleaning and Organization
- Store Room and Walk-In Inspections
- Effective Prioritization
- Equipment Sanitation
- Stocking and Replenishing
- Sauce Preparation
- Rotation Procedures
- Kitchen Inventory Management
Timeline
Prep Cook
Flagship Facility Services Inc.
03.2022 - 08.2023
Line Cook/prep Cook
Aramark
05.2021 - 11.2021
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Smoking Pig BBQ
11.2016 - 11.2017
Line Cook/Prep Cook/Lead Supervisor
K-Town BBQ, 5890
11.2016 - 01.2017
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Backyard Bayou
08.2016 - 12.2016
Line Cook/Prep Cook/Cashier/Dishwasher
The Kebab Shop
01.2016 - 06.2016
Pantry Cook
Le Colonial
10.2015 - 01.2016
Prep Cook/Line Cook
AAU 620 Café
08.2015 - 12.2015
Prep Cook, Line Cook
The Vine
08.2013 - 07.2015
Concessions Vendor
Cartwheel Catering
06.2013 - 12.2013
Associate of Arts degree - Music, Broadcasting and Sound Engineering
Ohlone Community College, Campuses
Diploma - undefined
Newark Memorial High School
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