Santos Hernandez
San Francisco,CA
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Cook
Iss Guckenheimer
03.2023 - Current
- Adhered to all safety protocols when using sharp knives or operating heavy machinery in the kitchen.
- Prepared meals for large groups according to established recipes, standards and menus.
- Communicated effectively with waitstaff regarding meal preparation times and special requests from customers.
- Tested cooked foods by tasting them to determine their flavor profile.
- Monitored product freshness and rotation of stock to maintain quality control standards.
- Coordinated with other cooks to ensure timely delivery of meals during peak hours.
- Adjusted ingredient amounts based on customer preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Managed food waste by ensuring unused ingredients were stored properly or disposed of safely.
- Maintained food preparation areas in a clean, safe and sanitary condition.
- Supervised kitchen staff on the proper use of kitchen equipment and safety procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and processes.
- Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
- Cut, chopped and sliced meat and produce to prepare for cooking.
- Optimized kitchen processes to increase efficiency and reduce order preparation times.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
Lead Cook
Bon Appetit Management
San Francisco, California
08.2011 - 11.2022
- Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
- Adjusted seasonings of dishes during cooking process in order to enhance flavors.
- Tasted all prepared dishes in order to check flavorings, texture and presentation prior to serving them to customers.
- Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Prepared and served meals by reviewing recipes and combining and cooking ingredients.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Managed portion control using correct utensils during preparation and plating.
- Prepared a wide range of dishes according to menu specifications and chef instructions.
- Organized frequent tasting sessions with chefs in order to assess the quality of dishes being served.
- Monitored quality of all cooked items throughout the day to guarantee high standards were maintained.
Cook
McCalls Catering & Events
San Francisco, CA
02.2005 - 08.2011
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Set up work stations prior to opening to minimize prep time.
- Checked quality of food products to meet high standards.
- Requested supplies and equipment orders, explaining needs to managers.
- Checked completed orders for correct quantity and quality.
- Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
- Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Executed proper techniques when preparing menu item ingredients.
- Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements.
- Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
- Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
- Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Received and stored food and supplies.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
Cook
Kokkari Restaurant
San Francisco, California
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Monitored stock levels of food items and ordered more when necessary.
- Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
- Supervised and trained kitchen staff on proper preparation techniques.
- Coordinated with wait staff to ensure timely delivery of meals to customers.
- Adjusted seasonings of dishes during cooking process in order to enhance flavors.
- Ordered supplies as needed for the kitchen.
- Managed inventory levels of ingredients and supplies necessary for daily operations.
- Tasted all prepared dishes in order to check flavorings, texture and presentation prior to serving them to customers.
- Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Inspected kitchens for sanitary conditions before the start of each shift.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Prepared a wide range of dishes according to menu specifications and chef instructions.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
Skills
- Grilling Techniques
- Menu development
- Sauce preparation
- Kitchen Management
- Knife Skills
- Menu Planning
- Food Safety
- Dish preparation
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Safety and health guidelines
- Meal Preparation
- Food Storage
- Culinary techniques
- Restaurant Operations
- Special diets
- Food presentation
Languages
Spanish
Professional
English
Professional
Timeline
Senior Cook
Iss Guckenheimer
03.2023 - Current
Lead Cook
Bon Appetit Management
08.2011 - 11.2022
Cook
McCalls Catering & Events
02.2005 - 08.2011
Cook
Kokkari Restaurant
01.1999 - 01.2005