Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Vala Tanner

Lunenburg,NS

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at The Knot Pub and The Nosey Crow, excelling in efficient meal planning and training staff. Proven track record in enhancing kitchen operations and implementing cost-effective measures, resulting in significant savings. Adept at fostering teamwork and maintaining high standards of cleanliness, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for guests.

Overview

1
1
Certification

Work History

Head Cook/Waitress

The Nosey Crow
2020 - 2022
  • Mentored junior cooks, providing guidance on culinary techniques and fostering professional growth within the team.
  • Developed new menu items for increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
  • Implemented cost-effective measures in the procurement of ingredients, resulting in significant savings without sacrificing quality.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations, leading to smoother service during peak hours by implementing efficient prep schedules.
  • Maintained high standards of food safety and cleanliness, surpassing local health inspections.
  • Enhanced menu variety by introducing innovative recipes tailored to seasonal ingredients.
  • Managed kitchen budget effectively, keeping costs within targets while still delivering high-quality dishes.
  • Balanced menu offerings to cater to both traditional tastes and contemporary dietary trends, broadening restaurant's appeal.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
  • Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
  • Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new menu items and incorporating them into knowledgeable recommendations for guests.
  • Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
  • Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
  • Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
  • Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
  • Helped customers with dietary restrictions, allergies and intolerances obtain safe, delicious food by working closely with kitchen staff on alternatives.
  • Checked guests' identification before serving alcoholic beverages.
  • Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
  • 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.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
  • Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
  • Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
  • Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
  • Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
  • Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
  • Designed special menus for events, accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences, which led to increase in event bookings.

Head Cook/Waitress/Kitchen Manager

The Knot Pub
1998 - 2020
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen, meeting or exceeding health department requirements.
  • Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Efficiently handled high-volume service periods without sacrificing quality or consistency in food preparation.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Managed kitchen staff, ensuring proper training and adherence to safety protocols for a safe working environment.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Monitored food preparation processes to maintain consistent taste, texture, and presentation of dishes.
  • Adhered to strict dietary restrictions when creating customized meal options for guests with allergies or preferences.
  • Reduced food waste by implementing inventory management systems and optimizing ingredient usage.
  • Collaborated with dining room staff to ensure seamless communication between front-and back-of-house operations.
  • Created visually appealing plate presentations to enhance the overall dining experience for guests.
  • Collaborated with restaurant management to develop and execute strategies for improving overall guest satisfaction.
  • Enhanced presentation techniques, elevating dining experience and generating positive word-of-mouth.
  • Increased efficiency in kitchen, introducing pre-prep system that sped up meal preparation times.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
  • Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
  • Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
  • Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
  • Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
  • Kept server areas clean and stocked to increase efficiency while working tables.
  • Built rapport with regular customers through friendly interactions and attentiveness to their preferences.
  • Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
  • Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
  • Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.
  • Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
  • Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
  • Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.

Education

Business Information/Office Administration -

NSCC - Lunenburg Campus
Bridgewater, NS
01-1998

High School Diploma -

Park View Education Centre
Bridgewater, NS
01-1996

Skills

  • Efficient meal planning
  • Efficient food storage methods
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Proficient in cleaning and sanitation protocols
  • Training and mentoring
  • Food handler certification
  • Purchasing management
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Prioritization and organization
  • Food preparation and presentation
  • Creative thinking
  • Efficient food delivery
  • Restaurant management

Languages

English

Certification

Food Handlers Certification

WHMIS

Timeline

Head Cook/Waitress

The Nosey Crow
2020 - 2022

Head Cook/Waitress/Kitchen Manager

The Knot Pub
1998 - 2020

Business Information/Office Administration -

NSCC - Lunenburg Campus

High School Diploma -

Park View Education Centre

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Vala Tanner