Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Miriam Castro

Downey

Summary

Dedicated and experienced pizza cook with a passion for crafting delicious, high-quality pizzas. Seeking to contribute my culinary expertise, attention to detail, and teamwork skills to a dynamic pizzeria or restaurant. Committed to delivering exceptional customer satisfaction through consistently perfecting the art of pizza making.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Line Cook (Meat Station)/Pizza Cook

The Strand House
Manhattan Beach
06.2025 - Current
  • Specialized exclusively in the steak station, preparing and cooking various cuts of steak to precise temperature and doneness specifications.
  • Monitor and manage meat preparation and grill setup to ensure timely and consistent execution during high-volume service.
  • Apply knowledge of seasoning, searing, roasting, and resting techniques to enhance flavor and presentation.
  • Uphold strict food safety and sanitation standards while handling raw and cooked meats.
  • Work closely with the expo and other line stations to maintain timing and consistency during high-volume service.
  • Mastery of various pizza dough recipes and techniques, including Neapolitan, New York, and Chicago styles.
  • Proficient in wood-fired pizza oven operation and maintenance.
  • In-depth knowledge of Italian cuisine, including sauces, cheeses, and traditional toppings.
  • Creative and innovative approach to pizza creation, with a focus on flavor balance and presentation.

Line Cook

Hook & Plow
Manhattan Beach
01.2024 - Current
  • Operated the salad station, preparing fresh, well-balanced salads with high attention to presentation and quality.
  • Executed daily prep tasks including chopping vegetables, preparing dressings, and setting up stations for service.
  • Received and inspected produce and food deliveries, ensuring freshness, proper storage, and accurate inventory.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary workstation in accordance with food safety regulations.
  • Supported the kitchen team during high-volume service, contributing to a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Pizza Cook

Prime Pizza
El Segundo
01.2023 - 11.2023
  • Preparing and baking a variety of pizza types, including hand-tossed, thin-crust, and deep-dish, ensuring quality.
  • Managing inventory and stocked ingredients, minimizing waste and maintaining freshness.
  • Working efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, consistently meeting high-volume order demands during peak hours.
  • Collaborating with the kitchen team to maintain cleanliness and adhere to food safety regulations.

Kitchen Supervisor

Double Zero (Vegan)
Venice
06.2018 - 10.2020
  • Created and updated standard recipes, ensuring consistency in flavor and presentation.
  • Conducted regular kitchen inspections to maintain cleanliness, organization, and adherence to safety standards.
  • Scheduled kitchen staff, optimized shift assignments, and managed labor costs effectively.
  • Implemented training programs to enhance staff skills and knowledge, resulting in improved kitchen efficiency.

Kitchen Supervisor

Elephante
Santa Monica
12.2018 - 06.2020
  • Assist in inventory management, including monitoring and restocking supplies as needed.
  • Actively participate in menu development, suggesting creative and innovative ideas.
  • Scheduled kitchen staff, optimized shift assignments, and managed labor costs effectively.
  • Implemented training programs to enhance staff skills and knowledge, resulting in improved kitchen efficiency.

Line Cook

Ghisallo
Santa Monica
10.2020 - 05.2020
  • Prepare and cook a wide variety of dishes, ensuring the highest quality and consistency.
  • Execute recipes with precision and attention to detail, following established kitchen procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with the culinary team to meet service requirements during busy shifts.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work station, following food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Pizza Trainer

True Food
Santa Monica
01.2017 - 06.2019
  • Led a team of pizza cooks, ensuring consistency and quality in all pizza creations.
  • Worked closely with the restaurant's head chef to coordinate the pizza menu with the overall dining experience.
  • Implemented cost-control measures to optimize ingredient usage and reduce food waste.
  • Conducted regular training sessions on pizza-making techniques and safety procedures.

Line Cook

Flower Child
Santa Monica
02.2016 - 12.2017
  • Assisted the head wok chef in the preparation and cooking of wok dishes, ensuring consistency in taste and presentation.
  • Participated in menu development, experimenting with new wok recipes and flavor combinations.
  • Conducted regular checks of wok station equipment, ensuring that it was well-maintained and in good working order.
  • Contributed to the inventory management process, optimizing ingredient usage to control costs and minimize waste.

Education

High School Diploma -

South Gate High School
South Gate, CA
06-2010

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication skills
  • Bilingual (English, Spanish)

Timeline

Line Cook (Meat Station)/Pizza Cook

The Strand House
06.2025 - Current

Line Cook

Hook & Plow
01.2024 - Current

Pizza Cook

Prime Pizza
01.2023 - 11.2023

Line Cook

Ghisallo
10.2020 - 05.2020

Kitchen Supervisor

Elephante
12.2018 - 06.2020

Kitchen Supervisor

Double Zero (Vegan)
06.2018 - 10.2020

Pizza Trainer

True Food
01.2017 - 06.2019

Line Cook

Flower Child
02.2016 - 12.2017

High School Diploma -

South Gate High School
Miriam Castro