Zanella opondo
rancho cucamonga,CA
Summary
Dynamic pastry chef with extensive experience at Layered Cakerie, specializing in cake decoration and recipe development. Proven ability to train staff and ensure food safety compliance while enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative dessert presentations. A collaborative team player with a keen attention to detail and a passion for culinary excellence.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Pastry and Baker
Layered Cakerie
04.2024 - Current
- Prepared and baked a variety of cakes, pastries, and according to standardized recipes.
- Decorated cakes and pastries, applying creative techniques to enhance presentation quality.
- Trained new staff on baking procedures, equipment usage, and safety protocols effectively.
- Monitored oven temperatures and baking times to ensure consistent product quality across batches.
- 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.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks and maintain smooth running of bakery.
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to sanitation guidelines and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Operated commercial baking equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Managed inventory of ingredients, assisting in ordering and restocking supplies as needed.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain cleanliness and organization in the baking area.
Junior Sous Chef Pastry
Market Pavillion Hotel
02.2022 - 03.2024
- Assisted in menu planning and recipe development, ensuring seasonal ingredient utilization.
- Supervised kitchen staff during service, promoting teamwork and efficiency.
- Implemented food safety protocols, maintaining high standards for hygiene and sanitation.
- Trained new kitchen staff on operational procedures and best practices.
Acting Assistant Pastry Chef
Celebrity Cruise Lines
04.2017 - 11.2019
- Assisted in creating and presenting dessert menus for high-profile events aboard cruise ships.
- Collaborated with head pastry chef to develop innovative recipes, enhancing guest dining experiences.
- Trained junior kitchen staff on pastry techniques and kitchen safety protocols, fostering skill development.
- Streamlined dessert preparation processes, reducing food waste and improving overall kitchen efficiency.
- Contributed to menu planning meetings, providing insights based on guest feedback and seasonal trends in pastries.
- Supported the execution of themed culinary events, showcasing desserts that aligned with onboard themes and celebrations.
Pastry Chef De Partie
Celebrity Cruises
02.2013 - 04.2017
- Created intricate pastries and desserts to enhance guest dining experiences.
- Collaborated with culinary team to develop innovative dessert menus for special events.
- Mentored junior pastry staff, fostering skill development and teamwork in high-pressure environments.
- Ensured consistent quality and presentation of all pastry offerings through rigorous quality control standards.
- Implemented new techniques in chocolate work, improving dessert variety and guest satisfaction ratings.
Junior Sous Chef Pastry
Fairmont Group of Hotels and Resorts
06.2010 - 08.2012
- Collaborated with executive chef to refine cooking techniques and presentation standards.
- Developed daily specials based on guest feedback and ingredient availability, enhancing dining experience.
- Prepped daily menu items to quickly deliver upon request.
- Oversaw cleanliness of each station in kitchen.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Collaborated with fellow team members to ensure timely completion of tasks and excellent execution of all dishes.
- Consistently met high standards of quality control by conducting thorough taste tests before serving each dish to customers.
- Delivered verbal culinary instruction and assignments to [Number] kitchen staff members daily to promote successful dining experiences for clients.
Demi Pastry
Sarova Group Of Hotels
10.2008 - 05.2010
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
International Hotel And Tourism Institute
Kenya10-2008
Computer Packages - Computer And Information Systems Security
Capital Consultants
Kenya03-2005
Bachelor of Business - Business Calculations
Kenya Polytechnic University And College
Kenya06-2004
Skills
- Cake decoration
- Pastry presentation
- Recipe development
- Food safety compliance
- Staff training
- Baking techniques
- Oven operation
- Menu planning
- Sanitation standards
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Creative problem-solving
- Customer service excellence
- Culinary innovation
- Team player
- Active listener
- Food safety and sanitation
- Food safety
- Attention to detail
- Kitchen safety
- Cleanliness standards
- Opening and closing duties
- Basic math
- Pastry preparation
- Excellent math skills
- Allergen awareness
- Chocolate tempering
- Temperature control
- French baking techniques
- Multitasking and organization
- Physical stamina
- Mixing methods
- World cuisines
- Baking
- Decorating skills
Certification
food and safety
sexual harassment
drivers license
Timeline
Lead Pastry and Baker
Layered Cakerie
04.2024 - Current
Junior Sous Chef Pastry
Market Pavillion Hotel
02.2022 - 03.2024
Acting Assistant Pastry Chef
Celebrity Cruise Lines
04.2017 - 11.2019
Pastry Chef De Partie
Celebrity Cruises
02.2013 - 04.2017
Junior Sous Chef Pastry
Fairmont Group of Hotels and Resorts
06.2010 - 08.2012
Demi Pastry
Sarova Group Of Hotels
10.2008 - 05.2010
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
International Hotel And Tourism Institute
Computer Packages - Computer And Information Systems Security
Capital Consultants
Bachelor of Business - Business Calculations
Kenya Polytechnic University And College