Karen Irving
Benicia
Summary
Efficient Kitchen Prep Cook known for high productivity and ability to complete tasks swiftly. Specialize in food preparation, kitchen organization, and maintaining cleanliness standards. Excel in time management, teamwork, and adaptability, ensuring seamless kitchen operations and support for culinary teams.
Highly skilled Catering Kitchen Prep Cook with relevant experience in diverse culinary settings. Strengths include keen ability to prepare a wide range of dishes as per catering orders, efficient kitchen organization skills, and adeptness at maintaining high sanitation standards. Significant impact made in previous roles through consistent delivery of well-prepared meals that ensured client satisfaction and repeat business. Proven knack for working effectively under pressure during busy periods while upholding exceptional food quality standards.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Prep Cook
Quick/Gigpro
03.2021 - Current
- Prepared ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring for various dishes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment.
- Assisted chefs with food presentation and plating for customer orders.
- Monitored cooking times to ensure proper food quality and consistency.
Catering Kitchen Prep Cook
Culinary Excellence
Oakland
06.2025 - 11.2025
- Prepared ingredients according to menu specifications and recipes.
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations and kitchen equipment.
- Assisted chefs in assembling catering orders for events.
- Followed safety and sanitation protocols during food preparation.
- Monitored food quality and freshness throughout preparation tasks.
- Cleaned work stations and equipment used in food preparation.
- Ensured all food served was within acceptable quality parameters prior to leaving the kitchen.
- Stored cooked food at appropriate temperatures prior to serving it to guests.
- Prepared ingredients for meals, such as chopping vegetables and mixing sauces.
- Plated meals according to presentation standards set by the restaurant's head chef.
- Assisted in preparing catering orders for special events or functions.
- Prepped vegetables and ingredients by washing, chopping and dicing.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
Hospitality Team Member
Instaworks gigs
12.2019 - 01.2025
- Provided exceptional customer service in fast-paced hospitality environments.
- Assisted team members with daily operational tasks and responsibilities.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining and service areas.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in all activities.
- Provided customer service to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Communicated effectively with team members to ensure smooth operations during peak hours.
Education
Associate of Arts - Substance Use Disorder Counseling
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA 08.2010 - 06.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Social Sciences Education
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CASkills
- Food preparation
- Culinary techniques
- Safety protocols
- Kitchen organization
Certification
- Food safety certification
- RBS alcohol training certification
Affiliations
- Upcycle furniture restoration
- Residential and commercial painting
- English Bulldog rescue/fostering
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Catering Kitchen Prep Cook
Culinary Excellence
06.2025 - 11.2025
Prep Cook
Quick/Gigpro
03.2021 - Current
Hospitality Team Member
Instaworks gigs
12.2019 - 01.2025
Associate of Arts - Substance Use Disorder Counseling
Diablo Valley College
08.2010 - 06.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Social Sciences Education
Humboldt State University