Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic
ZHAIRA F. CASTRO

ZHAIRA F. CASTRO

Napa,CA

Summary

Culinary professional known for high standards and exceptional results in kitchen. Extensive experience in preparing and presenting diverse dishes. Strong focus on team collaboration and flexibility, ensuring consistent quality and innovation in every meal.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Cook 2

Silverado Resort
05.2025 - Current
  • Developed process that reduced waste by 38% and improved supply turnover by 60%
  • Mentored and trained 2 interns staff, improving performance by 30%
  • Collaborated with Head Chef on menu design and innovative recipe
  • Maintained a A rating with the department of Health by standardizing cleaning and sanitation procedures.

Hot Kitchen Head

Les Jeunes Chefs Organization
01.2019 - Current
  • Company Overview: Lyceum of the Philippines University
  • Handles all members of the organization particularly the core (Hot Kitchen) members
  • Handles paper works needed for internal and external competitions of the Organization
  • Participated in an Internal competition
  • Former Student Assistant of a competitor for a National competition
  • Current Project Head for Alternative Training Program: Hot Kitchen (Competition Training)
  • Former Assistant Project Head for Apprenticeship Training Program: Hot Kitchen
  • Accumulated roughly 300 hours of work time in Hot Kitchen
  • Lyceum of the Philippines University

Cook 3- Intern

Silverado Resort Napa
05.2024 - 05.2025
  • Assigned in All Kitchens of the Resort but mainly at The Grill Restaurant and Members Club House
  • Assisted Chefs/Managers during Wine Dinner services, as well as Off-Site Events
  • Was part of the culinary team who participated in HALL Cabernet Cook Off and won People's Choice Award
  • Executed recipe preparation with precision and adhering all quality control benchmarks
  • Assisted in menu planning and execution of seasonal specials resulted increase of sales revenue by 130%

Commis- Casual

Admiral Hotel- MGallery
02.2023 - 08.2023
  • Lead cook of 5 line cooks and kitchen staff, coordinating daily kitchen operations and ensures compliance with quality standards.
  • Created 2 dishes for VIP menu during Remy Martin Wine Dinner, which later then became part of our Dinner Menu
  • Reduced waste by more than 20%, saving Php300k annually.

Commis- Casual

EDSA Shangri-La Manila
08.2022 - 01.2023
  • Assigned in Horizon Club (VIP lounge) catering buffet during breakfast and cocktail services
  • Handles Ala Carte during breakfast service and accommodates VIP's plated meals.
  • Able to handle 200+ guests efficiently with just 3 cooks including me during Holiday Season


Student Assistant

Global Pacific Distribution Network
07.2022 - 08.2022
  • Part of the production team for the samples and displays that the company is offering for the trade expo.
  • Took part of the research and development of the pastries presented for the trade expo.
  • Ensures to produce top quality output for the consumers.
  • Was the Student Assistants of the Pastry Chefs for their demo during the event.

Education

MBA - Hospitality Management

Alliant International University
Los Angeles, CA
05-2026

Bachelor of Science - International Hospitality Management, Specializing in Cruise Line Operations in Culinary Arts

Lyceum of The Philippines University
Philippines
07-2023

Accountancy - Business and Management Strand

University of Santo Tomas
07.2019

Skills

  • Strong Interpersonal Skills
  • Keen Attention to Detail
  • Highly Adaptive and Flexible
  • Critical Thinker
  • Communication Skills
  • Grilling
  • Culinary creativity
  • Recipe development
  • Garnishing techniques

Accomplishments

  • Exhibitor, DTI Youth Entrepreneurship Program- Market Expo, 2020, Business Owner- Cookies and Confections
  • Participant, Safety and Sanitary Seminar, 2020
  • Trainee, Hotel Immersion-The Bayleaf Cavite, 2019, Room division, Risk and Disaster Management, and Basic Food & Beverage Service Operation

Certification

ServSafe California Food Handler Assessment

Timeline

Cook 2

Silverado Resort
05.2025 - Current

Cook 3- Intern

Silverado Resort Napa
05.2024 - 05.2025

Commis- Casual

Admiral Hotel- MGallery
02.2023 - 08.2023

Commis- Casual

EDSA Shangri-La Manila
08.2022 - 01.2023

Student Assistant

Global Pacific Distribution Network
07.2022 - 08.2022

Hot Kitchen Head

Les Jeunes Chefs Organization
01.2019 - Current

Accountancy - Business and Management Strand

University of Santo Tomas

MBA - Hospitality Management

Alliant International University

Bachelor of Science - International Hospitality Management, Specializing in Cruise Line Operations in Culinary Arts

Lyceum of The Philippines University

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ZHAIRA F. CASTRO