MICHAEL JAMES
TALLWOODS VILLAGE,NSW
Summary
Dynamic, resourceful and skilled executive head chef with several years of success in fine dining, casual dining and catering. Quality-focused and efficient professional adept at preparing and plating food in high-energy, fast-paced kitchens. Seasoned Head Chef with background in various culinary styles, including French and Italian cuisine. Strengths include menu development, staff management, and kitchen operations. Known for creative flair and high standards in food presentation. Previous work has led to increased customer satisfaction rates and repeat business.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Casual Chef
palm lakes resports
Forster , NSW
2023.08 - 2024.06
- Inspected freezers and refrigerators prior to each shift to check temperature levels and verify proper functionality.
- Supervised team members during meal service to ensure accuracy of orders.
- Planned menus, ordered supplies and managed kitchen staff.
- Established controls to alleviate supply and food waste.
Casual Chef
plunge cafe
Forster , NSW
2023.01 - 2024.03
- Kept up to date with current culinary trends, as well as health and safety regulations.
- Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes and garnishing of dishes to ensure that food was prepared in accordance with the restaurant's recipes and presentation standards.
- Trained new chefs on proper cooking techniques and menu items.
- Prepared high-quality dishes according to established recipes.
- Checked quality of raw materials before use.
- Inspected kitchen equipment for cleanliness and functionality prior to use.
Executive Chef
club forster
Forster , NSW
2018.08 - 2021.12
- Assisted in developing marketing strategies designed to increase restaurant revenue.
- Controlled labor costs through effective use of staff scheduling techniques.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations by implementing proper sanitation procedures.
- Worked closely with purchasing manager to control food costs while maintaining product quality standards.
- Inspected equipment regularly to maintain safe working conditions in the kitchen.
- Supervised the selection, training, scheduling, and performance of kitchen personnel.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
- Provided effective orientation and training to each new associate and developed ongoing training programs.
- Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
- Created new menu items, managed food expenses and supervised quality to ensure adherence to standards.
Sous Chef
Reef bar and grill
Forster , NSW
2016.08 - 2018.08
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
- Developed daily specials utilizing seasonal ingredients.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Monitored food products, driving quality, freshness and integrity.
- Created diverse cuisines for full restaurant, special event, catering and tasting menus.
- Liaised closely with kitchen and front-of-house personnel.
Education
CITY AND GUILDS 706/1 &706/2
South Warwickshire College of Food
Stratford UK1988-07
GED -
South Warwickshire College of Food
Stratford UK1988-07
High School Diploma -
Evesham High School
Evesham UK1985-07
Skills
- Food Safety Regulations
- Performance Assessments
- Dish preparation
- Heat control
- Budgeting and cost control
- Inventory Rotation
- Forecasting and planning
- Food science
- Banquets and catering
- Process Improvements
- Waste Reduction
- Staff Training
- Regulatory Compliance
- Kitchen Management
- Team Management
- Cost Control and Budgeting
- Menu Planning
- Purchasing
- Resource Management
- Business Management
Affiliations
- outside the kitchen my passion is golf either playing or practicing its my go happy escape
Accomplishments
awarded young chef of the year in the uk
also spent a year working under the famed chef Marco Pierre White at his restaurant Harvey's in London, followed by 2 years at the world famous Dorchester Hotel in london
won six month scholarship to work at a 3 michelin star restaurant in France
Certification
- SAI GLOBAL DEVELOPING HACAAP SOLUTIONS
- SAI GLOBAL INTERNAL AUDITOR CERTIFIED
- NSW FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISOR
Timeline
Casual Chef
palm lakes resports
2023.08 - 2024.06
Casual Chef
plunge cafe
2023.01 - 2024.03
Executive Chef
club forster
2018.08 - 2021.12
Sous Chef
Reef bar and grill
2016.08 - 2018.08
CITY AND GUILDS 706/1 &706/2
South Warwickshire College of Food
GED -
South Warwickshire College of Food
High School Diploma -
Evesham High School
- SAI GLOBAL DEVELOPING HACAAP SOLUTIONS
- SAI GLOBAL INTERNAL AUDITOR CERTIFIED
- NSW FOOD SAFETY SUPERVISOR
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