Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Victor Agras

Palm Desert,CA

Summary

Dynamic Executive Chef with over 22 years of experience, recognized for delivering exceptional culinary experiences at Pacific Coast Palate. Expert in menu innovation and team leadership, I excel in high-pressure environments, ensuring flawless execution of upscale events. Proven track record in client relationship building and maintaining stringent food safety standards.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Executive Chef

Pacific Coast Palate
01.2021 - Current

As Executive Chef at Pacific Coast Palate, I led the culinary vision and daily operations of a high-end, coastal-inspired kitchen dedicated to showcasing world-wide flavors and fresh ingredients. I was responsible for menu innovation, team leadership, and ensuring a consistently exceptional dining experience aligned with the brand's upscale aesthetic.

Key Achievements:

  • Elevated the business's reputation as a top culinary caterer for West Coast Cities
  • Increased customer retnetion and positive reviews through innovate, guest-driven dining experiences.
  • Played a pivotal role in securing partnerships with local business to promote a sustainable supply chain.

Executive Private Chef

Self-employeed
07.2020 - Current

With over 22 years of culinary expertise and a thriving self-employed independent career as an Executive Private Chef, I have specialized in delivering high-end culinary experiences for large corporate functions, private events & VIP clientele. My role encompasses full-scale menu development, event coordination, and execution of refined dining experiences tailored to diverse palates and dietary needs.

  • Designed & executed customized menus for events hosting 2 to 200 guests including formal corporate dinners, product launches, galas and executive retreats.
  • Managed all aspects of food preparation, sourcing premium local and international ingredients while maintaining strict quality standards.
  • Coordinated with event planners, vendors and clients to align culinary offerings with event themes and branding.
  • Supervised and led temporary kitchen staff, including sous chefs, line cooks, and service personnel,ensuring seamless execution.
  • Maintained budgets, handled invoicing, and negotiated contracts with clients and suppliers.
  • Ensured all food safety standards and sanitation regulations were met, including managing mobile kitchen setups when required.
  • Provided in-home and on-site chef services for high-net-worth individuals seeking personalized, fine-dining experiences.


Key Achievements:

  • Built a successful private chef brand recognized for high-profiles corporate catering and elite client services including events for Bill Gates, Barack Obama & George Bush.
  • Developed lasting client relationships, resulting in recurring business and referrals across industries.
  • Recognized for culinary innovations, attention to detail, and ability to operate under high-pressure environments.



Executive Catering Chef

First Class Catering
05.2023 - 03.2025

As the Executive Chef at First Class Catering, I was responsible for overseeing all culinary operations for a wide range of high-end catering events, from corporate functions and weddings to private galas and banquets. My role combined culinary leadership with event strategy to deliver exceptional food experiences tailored to diverse client needs.


Key Achievements:

  • Consistently delivered 5-star culinary experiences for VIP clients and Fortune 500 companies.
  • Played a key role in the company's growth and client retention through innovative, trend-forward menu offerings and flawless event execution.
  • Recognized for leadership, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure in fast-paced, high-volume environments.

Education

Associate's Degree - Culinary

University of Veracruz, MX, Mexico
Veracruz, Mexico
06-1996

Skills

  • Food safety
  • Menu planning
  • Cost control
  • Menu development
  • Strong work ethic
  • Hospitality service expertise
  • ServSafe certification
  • Team leadership
  • Hiring, training, and development
  • Inventory control
  • Kitchen management
  • Safe food handling
  • Operations management
  • Customer service
  • Kitchen operations oversight
  • Kitchen staff management
  • Food prep planning
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Special events
  • Catering and events
  • Staff training
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Food pairing
  • Creative thinking
  • Hygiene policy implementation
  • Banquets and catering
  • Inventory management
  • Staff scheduling
  • Dietary restrictions
  • Food presentation
  • Food plating and presentation
  • Recipe creation
  • Attention to detail
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Staff management
  • Fine dining
  • Menu supervision
  • Resource management
  • Recipe development
  • Waste reduction
  • Sanitation standards
  • Restaurant operations

Certification

California ServSafe Certification


Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Executive Catering Chef

First Class Catering
05.2023 - 03.2025

Executive Chef

Pacific Coast Palate
01.2021 - Current

Executive Private Chef

Self-employeed
07.2020 - Current

Associate's Degree - Culinary

University of Veracruz, MX, Mexico
Victor Agras