Vanessa Gallegos
San Antonio,Texas
Summary
Passionate culinary artisan with experience in worldwide cuisines and an array of atmospheres with a hunger to continue to learn.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef de Cuisine
Mariposa (Neiman Marcus)
10.2023 - Current
- Supervised kitchen staff and ensured adherence to food safety standards.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain kitchen efficiency.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to develop seasonal menu items.
- Implemented daily specials based on fresh ingredients available.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Assisted with interviewing, hiring and training kitchen personnel.
Sous Chef
La Cantera Spa and Resort
S.A., TX
11.2022 - Current
- Supervised kitchen staff and ensured adherence to food safety standards.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain kitchen efficiency.
- Trained new staff on culinary techniques and kitchen protocols.
- Implemented daily specials based on fresh ingredients available.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspaces at all times.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Assisted with interviewing, hiring and training kitchen personnel.
- Developed daily specials utilizing seasonal ingredients.
Meat Cutter
H.E.B.
Austin, TX
07.2020 - Current
- Cut and trim meat to meet quality standards.
- Operate band saws and other cutting equipment safely.
- Maintain clean and organized workstations throughout shifts.
- Assist customers with meat selections and product knowledge.
- Ensure proper labeling and storage of all meat products.
- Follow food safety guidelines to prevent contamination risks.
- Train new employees on cutting techniques and safety practices.
- Operated a variety of meat cutting machines such as saws, slicers, grinders and tenderizers.
- Prepared special orders from customers that required specific cuts or trimming techniques.
Culinary Banquet Supervisor
The Hotel Emma
S.A., TX
10.2020 - 03.2022
- Supervised banquet staff to ensure smooth event operations.
- Coordinated event setups and breakdowns for diverse gatherings.
- Trained new team members on service standards and protocols.
- Assisted in menu planning to enhance guest dining experiences.
- Worked closely with culinary team to prepare meals according to menu specifications.
Executive Chef
The Sage Hill Inn and Spa
Kyle, TX
05.2019 - 02.2020
- Led kitchen operations and managed culinary staff at upscale inn and spa.
- Developed seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients and unique flavors.
- Collaborated with management to create special event menus for guests.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on cooking techniques and safety practices.
- Managed inventory, ordering supplies while maintaining cost controls.
- Coordinated with front-of-house team to enhance guest dining experiences.
- Created new menu items, managed food expenses, and supervised quality to ensure adherence to standards.
- Supervised the selection, training, scheduling, and performance of kitchen personnel.
Co-Owner/Operator
The Food Monger Food Truck
Austin, TX
10.2017 - 04.2019
- Managed daily operations of food truck service and logistics.
- Coordinated food preparation and inventory management processes.
- Implemented marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Developed menu offerings based on seasonal trends and customer preferences.
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities for growth.
- Partnered with other businesses in order to expand reach into new markets or demographics.
Chef de Partie
Justine’s Brasserie
Austin, TX
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
Prepared Foods Production/Catering/ Supervisor
Whole Foods Market
Austin, TX
08.2012 - 08.2016
- Supervised catering staff to ensure smooth operation of events.
- Coordinated menu planning with culinary team for diverse customer needs.
- Trained new employees on catering procedures and food safety standards.
- Collaborated with sales team to create customized catering proposals for clients.
- Worked with clients one on one to create enticing catering menus for array of events from weddings and christenings to work parties and holiday meals.
Chef de Partie
Salt & Time Butchery
Austin, TX
07.2015 - 03.2016
- Managed ingredient inventory and ensured freshness of supplies daily.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations consistently.
- Assisted in menu development by providing creative input on seasonal dishes.
- Worked closely with other chefs to coordinate meal preparation activities during busy shifts.
- Organized the daily mise en place in order to prepare meals efficiently.
Education
Certificate - Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America
San Antonio, TX09-2008
Skills
- Menu development
- Food safety standards
- Inventory management
- Culinary techniques
- Dietary accommodations
- Event coordination
Timeline
Chef de Cuisine
Mariposa (Neiman Marcus)
10.2023 - Current
Sous Chef
La Cantera Spa and Resort
11.2022 - Current
Culinary Banquet Supervisor
The Hotel Emma
10.2020 - 03.2022
Meat Cutter
H.E.B.
07.2020 - Current
Executive Chef
The Sage Hill Inn and Spa
05.2019 - 02.2020
Co-Owner/Operator
The Food Monger Food Truck
10.2017 - 04.2019
Chef de Partie
Justine’s Brasserie
08.2016 - 02.2017
Chef de Partie
Salt & Time Butchery
07.2015 - 03.2016
Prepared Foods Production/Catering/ Supervisor
Whole Foods Market
08.2012 - 08.2016
Certificate - Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America