Sandra Costa
Wheaton,Illinois
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
Work History
Baker/Creator
Self Employed Services
- Produced consistently high-quality baked goods for customers.
- Complied with health and safety codes to protect staff and customers.
- Operated and maintained bakery equipment, including ovens and mixers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently producing high-quality baked goods and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
Chef/ Catering Chef
Blackberry Market
11.2012 - 03.2023
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
- Developed innovative recipes, attracting new clientele and increasing overall sales.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in kitchen, passing all health inspections with excellent ratings.
- Customized meal plans for guests with dietary restrictions, ensuring welcoming and inclusive dining experience.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service, addressing and resolving any issues promptly.
- Elevated restaurant's reputation, securing positive reviews through meticulous attention to food quality and presentation.
- Developed signature dish that became bestseller, combining innovative flavors with classic techniques.
- Achieved consistent on-time service, optimizing kitchen workflows and staff scheduling.
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
- Cooked for large groups of people and managing various types of food for large events.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment by adhering to strict health and safety regulations.
- Sampled each dish for quality control prior to serving, identifying mistakes and solving immediately.
- Managed food inventory effectively, reducing waste and minimizing food costs.
- Increased customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality catering services for various events.
- Observed federal and local kitchen safety regulations to prevent food borne illnesses.
- Enhanced menu offerings by developing innovative and delicious recipes tailored to clients'' preferences.
- Enhanced team morale by fostering a collaborative work environment that promoted creativity and continuous improvement.
- Conceptualized menus to account for dietary restrictions, food allergies and personal requests.
- Followed all safety instructions to avoid injuries when operating heavy equipment in kitchen.
- Cleaned and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency.
- Offered vegetarian versions of frequently ordered entrees to appeal to health conscious customers.
- Tested recipes before inclusion in catering menu to verify accuracy of ingredients and preparation methods.
Catering Coordinator/ Catering Chef/ Catering Mana
Addante's Pizza And Catering
03.1998 - 10.2012
- Handled incoming company phone calls, addressing customer needs, concerns and deadlines to promote retention and satisfaction.
- Improved client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing excellent customer service.
- Analyzed catering orders and liaised with staff to set up equipment, supplies and menus to meet client expectations.
- Expedited setup and breakdown of events, minimizing disruptions to client''s schedules.
- Enhanced event success by coordinating with clients and understanding their specific catering needs.
- Maintained high standards of food safety, consistently adhering to all health regulations and guidelines.
- Streamlined catering operations by efficiently managing inventory and food ordering processes.
- Fostered a positive work environment for staff members, encouraging teamwork and open communication among colleagues.
- Communicated with customers to review catering goals and budget, deliver quotes and proposals, schedule event and carry out catering needs as contracted.
- Implemented creative solutions to logistical challenges, ensuring timely delivery of services despite unforeseen circumstances.
- Encouraged preparation of product according to recipe and in compliance with allergen and sanitation standards.
- Monitored employee performance, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Streamlined communication between kitchen and service staff, ensuring timely and accurate service.
- Fostered culture of safety and cleanliness, meeting all health and regulatory standards.
- Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in event requirements, maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
- Developed unique catering packages, offering clients innovative and customized options.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Cooked for large groups of people and managing various types of food for large events.
- Ordered food items and supplies needed to fulfill catering jobs.
- Crafted exciting catering options for clients.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment by adhering to strict health and safety regulations.
- Sampled each dish for quality control prior to serving, identifying mistakes and solving immediately.
- Managed food inventory effectively, reducing waste and minimizing food costs.
Timeline
Chef/ Catering Chef
Blackberry Market
11.2012 - 03.2023
Catering Coordinator/ Catering Chef/ Catering Mana
Addante's Pizza And Catering
03.1998 - 10.2012
Baker/Creator
Self Employed Services
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