Waine Thao
Santa Clara
Summary
Chef de Cuisine at Wan Cafe with over 10+ years of experience, demonstrating exceptional leadership in staff management, inventory control, scheduling, and innovative menu development. Expertise in utilizing a wide range of cooking equipment and techniques ensures high-quality culinary creations while consistently maintaining food and labor costs within budgetary constraints. Recognized for strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while fostering a positive team environment. Committed to taking on additional responsibilities to drive team success and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef De Cuisine
Bon Apptit
2000 Charleston Rd, Mountain View, CA 94043
06.2022 - Current
- Led culinary team to create innovative seasonal menus that enhanced guest satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented food safety protocols, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Mentored junior chefs, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative kitchen environment.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by optimizing workflow, reducing preparation time for high-demand dishes.
- Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Reduced food waste through careful menu planning, portion control, and regular monitoring of product expiration dates.
Chef
Bistro Na's
Temple City, CA
10.2016 - 06.2022
- Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
- Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
- Check the quantity and quality of received products.
- Order or requisition food or other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation.
- Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
- Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards.
- Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
- Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
Chef
Hunan
Fresno, CA
11.2012 - 09.2016
- Recruit, manage and hire staff, such as cooks and other kitchen workers.
- Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces, or serving areas to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices.
- Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperature by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
- Ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
- Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
- Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to waiters or patrons.
- Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
- Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.
- Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
Education
Associate of Occupation Science - Culinary Arts Professional
Institute of Technology
Clovis, CA11-2012
Skills
- Good Work Ethic
- Kitchen Organizational Skills
- Ability to Self-Manage and Self-Motivated
- Multitasking
- Team Player
- Bilingual – English/Hmong
- Intermediate Computer Skills
- Time Management
- Adaptability
- Leadership qualities
- Food safety
- Kitchen sanitation
- Team management
- Kitchen operations
- Allergen awareness
Timeline
Chef De Cuisine
Bon Apptit
06.2022 - Current
Chef
Bistro Na's
10.2016 - 06.2022
Chef
Hunan
11.2012 - 09.2016
Associate of Occupation Science - Culinary Arts Professional
Institute of Technology