Alissa Cignarella
San Diego,CA
Summary
Experienced Server and culinary professional with strong organizational and multitasking skills, adept at managing kitchen operations and ensuring high-quality food production. Proven ability to collaborate with teams, respond quickly to customer needs, and maintain compliance with health regulations. Eager to bring expertise and positive attitude to the role of Cook Supervisor, supporting efficient and effective kitchen management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospital Cook
Edgemoor Hospital
05.2022 - 05.2025
- Worked as main cook 1 as hospital cook.
- Followed nutritional guidelines for each specific resident.
- Made mass quantities of specified meals.
- Prepared food for kitchen staff and employees.
- Proficient with using and operating a tilted skillet, hobart, slicers, flat tops and high speed ovens.
- Worked with coworkers to complete tasks.
- Edgemoor senior living and hospital, santee, CA
Server/Lead Line Cook
Catamaran Resort & Spa (Oceana )
02.2019 - 03.2022
- Managed a section of up to 10 tables, consistently serving over 100 guests per shift in high volume casual dining environment.
- Great communication and interpersonal skills
- Resolved guest issues efficiently and and professionally to mitigate concerns and ensure satisfaction
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while remaining adaptable and flexible.
- Responded quickly to meet customer needs and resolve problems.
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance own job skills and knowledge.
- Met deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
- Worked multiple stations as well as expediting the line.
- Oceana, san diego , ca
Cook Supervisor
VOA Meals Culinary Management
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Prepare made from scratch meals that are organized and presented to the residents of the rehab facility as well as three VOA senior homes and to K-12 schools participating in the VOA Southwest Healthy Meals Program
- Organize and maintain work station to ensure that health code regulations are met while meals are prepared in a manner that is both pleasing to the mouth and the eye
- Participated in weekly meetings with management team to discuss operational concerns or successes.
- Developed positive customer relations through excellent customer service.
- Evaluated performance of employees in order to provide feedback and corrective action when necessary.
- Enforced adherence to company policies among staff members at all times.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends related to menu offerings, pricing strategies.
- Kept abreast of changes in local health codes that affect restaurant operations.
- Conducted regular inspections of food items before they are served to customers.
- Provided guidance and direction to kitchen staff in order to maintain a safe working environment.
- Ensured that all dishes were prepared in accordance with established recipes and plate presentations.
- Planned, organized and coordinated kitchen operations to ensure efficient food production and quality standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of all work areas and equipment according to health department regulations.
- Supervised a team of 15+ cooks in the preparation of meals for large events.
- Created detailed reports outlining operational issues such as staffing needs or supply shortages.
- Checked inventory and ordered supplies as needed.
- Assisted head chef in creating new dishes and menu items.
- Guided kitchen personnel in line cooking, food preparation and dish plating.
- Operated and maintained equipment and reported malfunctions.
- Checked quality of raw and cooked food products to meet standards.
- National City, CA
Line Cook
Lantern Crest Senior Living
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Implemented practices and principles of 'Dining by Design' when preparing and presenting orders
- Regularly prepared work station to ensure that fresh, nutritional ingredients are available and used in the dishes served to residents and their guests
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the overall kitchen
- Santee, CA
Server/Pantry/ Hot Apps/ Lead Cook
Eddie V's Prime Seafood & Steaks
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Greeted, seated, and interacted with guests to provide an exceptional dining experience.
- Coordinated with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely and accurate order delivery during peak hours.
- Recommended menu items, wine pairings, and specialty cocktails based on guest preference.
- Regularly handled preparation and presentation of orders – including entrees, salads, crudo, desserts, appetizers, and sides
- Responsible for produce orders, daily distribution, and closing of restaurant with front of house Floor Manager
- Maintained cleanliness of station and kitchen as a whole – including cleaning mats, sweeping and scrubbing floors, scrubbing grills, and sanitization of work area
- La Jolla, CA
Sales Associate
Gallery de Sweets
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Responsible for opening and closing of the store
- Organized and established placement and presentation of signature sweets
- Managed financial transactions and implemented key company principles to ensure strong customer service provided
- San Diego, CA
Chocolatier
The Chocolate Haus
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Executed opening and closing of the store
- Created truffles and dipped confection from scratch
- Handled finances and accounted for an increase in sales and customer satisfaction
- San Diego, CA
Care Manager
Sunrise Senior Living – Sunrise of La Jolla
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Built meaningful relationships with residents and their families
- Provided assistance with activities of daily living, attending to individual care needs to learn and understand unique preferences and personalities of residents
- Monitored residents well being and nutrition, regularly preparing healthy meals for residents
- San Diego, CA
Server
Lotsa Pasta
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Provided quality service to all restaurant and retail customers
- Managed finances and administered all customer relations issues
- Mopped, swept, and maintained overall cleanliness and fluidity of restaurant
- San Diego, CA
Education
A.S. - Culinary Arts
National Culinary School
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The Art Institute of California – San Diego
San Diego, CADiploma - undefined
Mission Bay High School
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Active listening
- Teamwork
- Familiar with square and stash systems
- Multitasking
- Calm under pressure
- Time management skills
Certification
- SERVSAFE
- CPR Certified
- Food Handler
Websites
https://shef.com/refer/shef-alissa-615
Timeline
Hospital Cook
Edgemoor Hospital
05.2022 - 05.2025
Server/Lead Line Cook
Catamaran Resort & Spa (Oceana )
02.2019 - 03.2022
Cook Supervisor
VOA Meals Culinary Management
01.2014 - 01.2018
Line Cook
Lantern Crest Senior Living
01.2013 - 01.2014
Server/Pantry/ Hot Apps/ Lead Cook
Eddie V's Prime Seafood & Steaks
01.2011 - 01.2014
Sales Associate
Gallery de Sweets
01.2010 - 01.2011
Chocolatier
The Chocolate Haus
01.2009 - 01.2010
Care Manager
Sunrise Senior Living – Sunrise of La Jolla
01.2008 - 01.2009
Server
Lotsa Pasta
01.2007 - 01.2008
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The Art Institute of California – San Diego
Diploma - undefined
Mission Bay High School
A.S. - Culinary Arts
National Culinary School