Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rod Cowan

New Castle,PA

Summary

Motivated Culinarian with many years of experience preparing delicious meals for customers. Polished in following proper food handling methods and maintaining correct temperature of food products. Creative and artistic professional committed to strengthening kitchen team with better collaboration, recipes and cooking techniques.

Work History

Cook

Cura Hospitality
Zelienople , PA
2022 - Current
  • Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
  • Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
  • Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
  • Coordinated with wait staff to ensure timely delivery of meals to customers.
  • Interacted with waitstaff regarding special orders for customers with food allergies and gluten intolerance.

Sous Chef

The FEZ
Hopewell Township, PA
2013 - 2014
  • Banquet-style prep and cooking for fine dining experience for weddings, proms, and various special event with up to 800 persons in one of three ballrooms
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
  • Supervised kitchen food preparation in demanding, high-volume environments.
  • Ensured food preparation and presentation met high standards of quality and sanitation.
  • Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
  • Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
  • Monitored food products, driving quality, freshness and integrity.
  • Plated food according to restaurant artistic guidelines to promote attractive presentation.

Evening Chef

Primo Barones Restaurant and Louge
Franklin, PA
2010 - 2011
  • Prepared high-quality dishes according to established recipes.
  • Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
  • Ensured compliance with all health, safety and hygiene regulations within the kitchen area.
  • Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
  • Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service issues.
  • Supervised specialty dish preparation to satisfy customer requests and cater to various dietary needs.
  • Assigned specific duties to employees to maintain productive operation of kitchen and food service.

Evening Grill Cook

Wings, Suds and Spuds
Moon Township, PA
1991 - 1992
  • Small, but busy neighborhood bar next to the Pittsburgh Airport known for its outanding casual menu
  • Made sure that all orders were filled in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Cleaned and organized grilling area, stocked supplies, and prepared food items to order.
  • Ensured all food was cooked to the correct temperature as per health code regulations.
  • Performed closing duties such as organizing leftovers into containers for refrigeration or disposal, cleaning grills, and emptying grease traps.
  • Complied with all safety standards while on the job.
  • Inspected equipment daily for cleanliness and functionality prior to use.
  • Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.

Evening Line Cook

Diddio's Italian Restaurant
Rochester, PA
1990 - 1991
  • Italian-themed menu with favorite classic Italian entree dishes.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.

  • Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
  • Performed basic knife skills such as dicing onions or slicing meats.
  • Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
  • Plated dishes according to restaurant presentation standards before delivering them to customers.
  • Ensured that all dishes were prepared according to recipe specifications.

Education

Serve Safe Certified

Skills

  • Fine Dining
  • Food Handling
  • Sanitation
  • Recipe-Based Cooking
  • Customer Service
  • Plating and Presentation
  • ServSafe Certified
  • Sanitation Practices
  • Positive and Professional
  • High Volume Production Capability

Timeline

Cook

Cura Hospitality
2022 - Current

Sous Chef

The FEZ
2013 - 2014

Evening Chef

Primo Barones Restaurant and Louge
2010 - 2011

Evening Grill Cook

Wings, Suds and Spuds
1991 - 1992

Evening Line Cook

Diddio's Italian Restaurant
1990 - 1991

Serve Safe Certified

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Rod Cowan