Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Languages
Other Experience
Timeline
Generic

Paulo Maia

Toronto,ON

Summary

Experienced and detail-oriented chef with 12+ years in high-end culinary environments across Canada, Brazil, and the USA. Skilled in managing full-scale kitchen operations, team leadership, and contemporary menu development rooted in French techniques, and regional authenticity. Proven ability to lead kitchens under pressure while maintaining excellence in quality, safety, and innovation.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Head Chef

Power Kitchen / Easy Mealz / Cantina Toronto
Toronto, Canada
11.2023 - Current
  • Oversees kitchen operations for multiple brands, including meal prep and dine-in services.
  • Leads menu development across diverse food concepts.
  • Maintains high production standards and health compliance in large-scale operations.

Sous Chef

Power Kitchen / Easy Mealz / Cantina Toronto
Toronto, Canada
03.2022 - 10.2023
  • Assisted in restructuring production workflow to improve efficiency.
  • Supervised junior chefs and coordinated daily prep for over 1,000 meals/day.
  • Ensured high-quality standards and HACCP compliance across all units.

Head Chef

Vogal Luxury Beach Hotel & Spa
Natal, Brazil
12.2019 - 02.2022
  • Led a fine dining team in a 5-star resort with multiple outlets and banquet operations.
  • Designed seasonal tasting menus and curated high-end events.
  • Implemented training programs and kitchen SOPs.

Sous Chef

Vogal Luxury Beach Hotel & Spa
Natal, Brazil
08.2019 - 11.2019
  • Supported the Executive Chef in managing the à la carte and buffet services.
  • Led inventory control and supplier communications.

Chef de Partie

Vogal Luxury Beach Hotel & Spa
Natal, Brazil
05.2019 - 07.2019
  • In charge of the hot line and daily mise en place for gourmet dining.
  • Collaborated with pastry and banquet teams for event execution.

Head Chef

Chef Fits Restaurant
Natal, Brazil
02.2018 - 04.2019
  • Developed a health-conscious menu with contemporary plating.
  • Oversaw staff scheduling and food costing in a boutique healthy cuisine concept.

First Cook

Marechal Restaurant
Natal, Brazil
10.2018 - 01.2019
  • Operated grill and sauté stations in a fine dining Brazilian bistro.

First Cook

Sammis Café
Miami, USA
03.2017 - 07.2017
  • Prepared breakfast and lunch service in a high-volume, multicultural kitchen.
  • Executed daily mise en place and supported hot and cold stations.

Owner / Chef

Chef Paulo To Go
Natal, Brazil
01.2015 - 02.2017
  • Created and managed a personal chef delivery business.
  • Handled all aspects from procurement and cooking to client service.

Education

Diploma - Culinary Arts

Universidade Potiguar (UnP)
Natal, RN, Brazil
01.2014

Skills

  • Menu development and culinary trends
  • Food safety compliance
  • Kitchen management and inventory control
  • Production efficiency and cost management
  • Staff training and team leadership
  • Signature dish creation and seasonal menu planning

Certification

Certified Food Handler – Toronto Public Health

Languages

Portuguese – Native, English – Intermediate, Spanish – Intermediate

Other Experience

  • Serhs Natal Grand Hotel & Resort – Garde Manger Assistant, Kitchen Assistant, Junior Baker (2014)
  • La Brasserie de La Mer – Garde Manger Assistant (2014)
  • Sebrae/RN – Culinary Business Consultant (2013)

Timeline

Head Chef

Power Kitchen / Easy Mealz / Cantina Toronto
11.2023 - Current

Sous Chef

Power Kitchen / Easy Mealz / Cantina Toronto
03.2022 - 10.2023

Head Chef

Vogal Luxury Beach Hotel & Spa
12.2019 - 02.2022

Sous Chef

Vogal Luxury Beach Hotel & Spa
08.2019 - 11.2019

Chef de Partie

Vogal Luxury Beach Hotel & Spa
05.2019 - 07.2019

First Cook

Marechal Restaurant
10.2018 - 01.2019

Head Chef

Chef Fits Restaurant
02.2018 - 04.2019

First Cook

Sammis Café
03.2017 - 07.2017

Owner / Chef

Chef Paulo To Go
01.2015 - 02.2017

Diploma - Culinary Arts

Universidade Potiguar (UnP)

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