Yalin Pak
San Clemente
Summary
Creative and disciplined Sous Chef with over 11 years of international culinary experience, including Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels. Skilled in leading kitchen teams, developing seasonal menus, and maintaining exceptional food quality and cost control. Adept at training staff, optimizing kitchen operations, and ensuring compliance with California health and safety standards. Passionate about Italian and modern European cuisine with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
Ilya Restraunt by Charbel Hayek
San Clemente, CA
09.2025 - Current
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and service of high-quality dishes.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Implemented food safety protocols, maintaining compliance with health regulations and standards.
- Trained new kitchen personnel in cooking techniques and operational procedures, fostering team efficiency.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing ingredient usage.
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
Sous Chef
Oak View Group
Nashville, TN
07.2025 - 09.2025
- Led kitchen operations for large-scale dining and event service, maintaining high culinary standards.
- Implemented cost-control strategies through precise purchasing and waste reduction, saving 10–15% in food costs.
- Supervised and mentored 10+ kitchen staff, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
- Ensured full compliance with food safety and sanitation standards in high-volume environments.
Sous Chef
Pastis Nashville, Starr Group
Nashville, TN
02.2022 - 07.2025
- Managed kitchen operations including inventory control, vendor relations, and staff scheduling.
- Assisted the Executive Chef with menu execution and special event planning.
- Maintained consistency and presentation across all stations during high-volume service.
Jr. Sous Chef
Drusie & Darr by Jean-Georges, The Hermitage Hotel
Nashville, TN
02.2024 - 02.2025
- Oversaw line operations, ensuring exceptional quality and timely service in a Michelin-level kitchen.
- Trained and supervised line cooks and prep staff, improving productivity and kitchen flow.
- Developed new menu items aligned with seasonal ingredients and brand standards.
- Maintained strict adherence to health and hygiene regulations.
Lead Line Cook
Grand Hyatt Nashville
Nashville, TN
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Supported the Sous Chef in managing kitchen workflow and training junior staff.
- Coordinated multiple stations to maintain service speed and consistency.
- Ensured HACCP and hotel food-safety compliance.
Line Cook
Ristorante San Giorgio (1 Michelin Star)
Genoa, Italy
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Prepared fine-dining Italian dishes across meat, pasta, and vegetable stations.
- Gained deep understanding of Michelin-standard plating and service precision.
Line Cook
Antica Corona Reale (2 Michelin Stars)
Cervere, Italy
06.2019 - 07.2020
- Prepared fine-dining Italian dishes across meat, pasta, and vegetable stations.
- Gained deep understanding of Michelin-standard plating and service precision.
Education
Bachelor’s - Culinary Arts
Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF)
01-2021
Skills
- Menu development & cost control
- Staff training & leadership
- Inventory & vendor management
- Seasonal menu planning
- Food safety (ServSafe pending)
- Expediting & service coordination
- HACCP & California health compliance
- Strong teamwork under pressure
- Team leadership
- Kitchen leadership
- Food safety
- Inventory management
Languages
English — Fluent
Turkish — Native
Timeline
Sous Chef
Ilya Restraunt by Charbel Hayek
09.2025 - Current
Sous Chef
Oak View Group
07.2025 - 09.2025
Jr. Sous Chef
Drusie & Darr by Jean-Georges, The Hermitage Hotel
02.2024 - 02.2025
Lead Line Cook
Grand Hyatt Nashville
01.2023 - 01.2024
Sous Chef
Pastis Nashville, Starr Group
02.2022 - 07.2025
Line Cook
Ristorante San Giorgio (1 Michelin Star)
08.2020 - 07.2021
Line Cook
Antica Corona Reale (2 Michelin Stars)
06.2019 - 07.2020
Bachelor’s - Culinary Arts
Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF)