James Allen
Oriskany Falls
Summary
Adaptable Sous Chef known for strong team leadership and effective workflow optimization. Expertise in food presentation, contributing to successful farm-to-table initiatives and high standards in food preparation.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
Hamilton Inn
05.2025 - Current
- Prepares and plates high-quality dishes for farm-to-table menu offerings.
- Leads kitchen staff to maintain cleanliness and organization in work areas.
- Ensures proper inventory management and ingredient sourcing for daily operations.
- Executes cooking techniques to ensure consistent flavor profiles and presentation standards.
- Participates in menu planning discussions, contributing ideas for seasonal specials.
- Trains new kitchen staff on equipment use and preparation methods for efficiency improvement.
Catering Cook
Feast & Festivities by O'Connors
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Prepared menu items to meet client specifications and dietary needs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality and visually appealing dishes for various catered events.
- Collaborated with team members to execute large-scale catering events efficiently.
- Maintained high standards of food safety and sanitation throughout preparation processes.
Lead Sauté Chef
Hamilton Inn
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation and adherence to quality standards.
- Developed and refined sauté techniques, enhancing dish presentation and flavor profiles.
- Collaborated with management to design seasonal menus that align with customer preferences.
- Trained new chefs in kitchen operations, emphasizing safety protocols and efficiency practices.
Garde Manger
Hamilton Inn
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Prepared and presented high-quality cold dishes including salads, charcuterie, and appetizers.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations, ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Implemented creative plating techniques to enhance visual appeal of dishes served to customers.
- Developed relationships with local suppliers to source premium ingredients for menu offerings.
Dishwasher/Prep Cook
Hamilton Inn
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Maintained organization of dishware and utensils for efficient workflow during peak hours.
- Assisted kitchen staff by providing clean dishes, contributing to overall service quality.
- Implemented effective cleaning techniques, reducing time spent on dishwashing tasks.
- Assisted with kitchen prep work to help operations run smoothly and meet customer needs.
Education
Associate of Science - Civil Engineering
Mohawk Valley Community College
Utica, NY12-2026
Skills
- Team leadership
- Kitchen leadership
- Food safety
- Inventory management
- Food presentation
- Kitchen organization
- Garnishing and plating
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Workflow optimization
- Farm to table
Timeline
Sous Chef
Hamilton Inn
05.2025 - Current
Catering Cook
Feast & Festivities by O'Connors
12.2024 - 05.2025
Lead Sauté Chef
Hamilton Inn
01.2023 - 12.2024
Garde Manger
Hamilton Inn
01.2021 - 01.2023
Dishwasher/Prep Cook
Hamilton Inn
01.2020 - 01.2021
Associate of Science - Civil Engineering
Mohawk Valley Community College