Ethan Lowden
Brentwood Bay
Summary
Veteran culinary professional with extensive experience at The Butchart Gardens, excelling in food preparation and team collaboration. Proven ability to enhance kitchen efficiency and maintain high sanitation standards. Skilled in recipe development and training new staff, consistently delivering exceptional results under pressure while fostering a positive work environment.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
1st Cook
The Butchart Gardens
11.2022 - Current
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable pricing terms for bulk purchases without sacrificing quality or freshness of ingredients.
- Streamlined communication within the culinary team by establishing clear expectations regarding daily responsibilities and overall goals.
- Expedited orders during peak service times, working closely with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Assisted in training new staff members, ensuring they were well-versed in kitchen procedures and safety protocols.
- Maintained high-quality standards by consistently preparing dishes according to established recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Contributed to a safer workplace by promptly identifying potential hazards and taking appropriate corrective actions where necessary.
- Increased employee morale by fostering a positive work environment and providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Showcased culinary expertise in various styles of cooking, adapting techniques to accommodate unique ingredients and evolving menu offerings.
Line Cook
The Mint
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Handled a busy late night kitchen unassisted, including all washing of dishwares and take out orders.
Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
Taco Stand Al Pastor
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among all kitchen staff members.
Line Cook
Roast Meat and Sandwich Shop
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
2nd Cook
The Butchart Gardens
- Contributed to positive team dynamics by effectively communicating with coworkers and supporting their needs during busy shifts.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation and cooking processes.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional development through ongoing training workshops relevant to the culinary industry.
- Maintained excellent attendance record despite demanding work schedule and long hours.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for meal service during peak dining hours, maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, resulting in consistently positive health inspections.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring adequate stock levels while minimizing spoilage.
3rd Cook
The Butchart Gardens
- Completed tasks efficiently under pressure during peak hours while maintaining focus on producing exceptional results consistently.
- Contributed to menu development by suggesting new ideas and seasonal items for consideration.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized work area for seamless food preparation.
- Aided in the training of new hires, sharing knowledge of kitchen procedures and best practices.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth service during high-volume shifts, maintaining consistent quality standards.
- Developed culinary skills through continuous learning, participating in training sessions, workshops, and seminars as required.
- Assisted in inventory management, contributing to cost control measures and minimal stock discrepancies.
- Provided backup support to other kitchen positions during staff shortages or high demand periods, demonstrating versatility and commitment to overall team success.
- Participated in regular equipment maintenance checks, reporting any issues or malfunctions for prompt resolution.
Dishwasher
The Butchart Gardens
- Kept kitchen areas neat and clean by removing trash and organizing supplies.
- Followed supervisor instructions to complete tasks on time.
- Kept work area clean, dry, and free of debris to prevent incidents and accidents.
- Kept dishes, utensils and glassware clean and rotated following safety standards set by restaurant.
- Assisted with kitchen prep work to help operations run smoothly and meet customer needs.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with kitchen staff members.
- Increased performance reliability under pressure by consistently meeting fast-paced dishwashing demands, even during the busiest service periods.
Fireworks Fire Pervention Crew
The Butchart Gardens
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Crew Member
McDonald's Restaurant
- Collaborated with team members to complete orders.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing friendly and efficient service at the register.
- Cleaned and maintained all areas of restaurant to promote clean image.
- Provided excellent customer service by greeting customers and meeting quality expectations.
Education
Professional Cook (Red Seal) - Professional Cooking
Camosun College
Victoria, BCSkills
- Training new staff
- Food preparation
- Knife skills
- Creativity in cooking
- Continuous learning attitude
- Sanitation practices
- Food waste reduction
- Allergen awareness
- Cooking equipment operation
- Sauce making
- Portion control
- Recipe development
- Menu planning
- Special diets accommodation
- Food plating techniques
- Mise en place organization
- Cold food presentation
- Cooking under pressure
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Cleaning and organization
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking and organization
- Team collaboration
- Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
Red Seal (Professional Cooking)
Food Safe Level 1
Timeline
1st Cook
The Butchart Gardens
11.2022 - Current
Line Cook
The Mint
Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
Taco Stand Al Pastor
Line Cook
Roast Meat and Sandwich Shop
2nd Cook
The Butchart Gardens
3rd Cook
The Butchart Gardens
Dishwasher
The Butchart Gardens
Fireworks Fire Pervention Crew
The Butchart Gardens
Crew Member
McDonald's Restaurant
Professional Cook (Red Seal) - Professional Cooking
Camosun College