- Woodworking
- Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
- Cooking
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
- Music
Nikia Carter
Montgomery Village,Maryland
Summary
Accomplished Executive Chef with a proven track record at Mirror on 9th Lounge, enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative menu design and culinary expertise. Expert in food safety management and kitchen operations oversight, I excel in creating efficient, waste-reducing processes and fostering a team-oriented environment. Achievements include orchestrating high-profile catering events and implementing cost-saving initiatives.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Chef
Black Diamond Restaurant, LLC
09.2023 - 02.2025
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Ensured timely delivery of all orders during busy services by implementing efficient workstations and streamlined plating processes.
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among all kitchen staff members.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
Executive Chef
Mirror on 9th Lounge
11.2022 - 01.2025
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
- Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Streamlined kitchen processes for improved efficiency and faster service times.
- Collaborated with front of house to ensure cohesive and superior guest experience.
- Orchestrated catering events for high-profile clients, consistently receiving commendable feedback.
Education
Associate of Arts - Radio And Television Broadcasting
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD12-2001
Skills
- Food Safety Management
- Consistent Professional Commitment
- Food Service Coordination
- Customer-Centric Hospitality
- Food Safety Certification
- Culinary Menu Design
- Inventory control
- Menu planning
- Operations management
- Waste reduction
- Kitchen operations oversight
- Culinary expertise
- Kitchen staff management
- Food safety regulations
- Kitchen operations
Accomplishments
- Designed whole new menu, including meal selections, beverages and pricing.
- Recognized for making a restaurant go viral, increasing the sales of the establishment .
- Recognized for elevating bar food into a fine dine experience.
- Created signature dish which generated high-interest and became best-selling dinner entrée for the year.
- Re-designed kitchen stations and equipment placement which increased productivity and enhanced workflow processes.
Certification
- Food Protection Manager Certification - ServSafe or National Restaurant Association.
- Food Safety Manager Certification - National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or Prometric.
Interests
Timeline
Head Chef
Black Diamond Restaurant, LLC
09.2023 - 02.2025
Executive Chef
Mirror on 9th Lounge
11.2022 - 01.2025
- Food Protection Manager Certification - ServSafe or National Restaurant Association.
- Food Safety Manager Certification - National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or Prometric.
Associate of Arts - Radio And Television Broadcasting
Montgomery College
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