Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
Nicola Harris

Nicola Harris

Willyaroo,SA

Summary

Sociable Server offering 20 years of experience delivering friendly, prompt service to customers. Skillful in making personalized menu recommendations and managing closing duties. In-depth knowledge of POS system operations and food safety and sanitation regulations.

Dedicated Chef skilled in menu creation and modification, cook and assistant supervision and cost control. Creative and artistic professional with hands-on experience preparing meals for customers in fast-paced restaurant/ Hotels. Advanced knowledge of classic Aussie meals, to the bit more fine dining.

I am a team player and try my best to work hard with a big smile always happy cheers

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Wine Server/Chef Assistant

Whaft Barrel Shed
Goolwa, SA
12.2020 - 08.2023
  • Checked identification to verify if guests meet minimum age to legally purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
  • Assisted in preparing salads, appetizers and desserts to speed up food service.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of wines by origin, type, vintage, flavor profile and pairings with food items on the menu.
  • Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
  • Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
  • Delivered food and beverages to guests in a timely manner.
  • Completed opening and closing checklists to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
  • Performed opening side work including setting up bar area and stocking drinks, ice, paper products and other related materials.
  • Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
  • Monitored temperatures of ovens and grills to ensure proper cooking times were observed.

Cook /Chef Assistant

Middleton Tavern
Middleton , SA
01.2017 - 09.2019
  • Performed basic administrative duties such as inventory management, ordering supplies.
  • Regulated oven, broiler, and roaster operations for cooking at correct temperatures.
  • Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove and refrigerator.
  • Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
  • Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces and salads.
  • Inspected kitchens for sanitary conditions before the start of each shift.
  • Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
  • Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
  • Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
  • Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.

Cook /Chef Manager

The Royal Oak Hotel
Clarendon , SA
05.2014 - 04.2017
  • Monitored stock levels of food items and ordered more when necessary.
  • Took inventory counts before and after shifts to complete food inventory or storage sheets.
  • Requested supplies and equipment orders, explaining needs to managers.
  • Supervised and trained kitchen staff on proper preparation techniques.
  • Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
  • Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
  • Coordinated with wait staff to ensure timely delivery of meals to customers.
  • Provided guidance to junior cooks regarding food preparation methods and techniques.
  • Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.

Cook /Chef Supervisor Volunteer Work

MT COMPASS SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
Mount Compass , SA
02.2008 - 01.2014
  • Checked quality of food products to meet high standards.
  • Monitored supply inventory and rotated stock to maintain optimal freshness and reduce waste.
  • Monitored stock levels of food items and ordered more when necessary.
  • Analyzed recipes to determine menu prices based on cost of food, labor and overhead.
  • Determined schedules and staff requirements necessary to prepare and plate food.
  • Liaised with vendors to purchase optimal recipe ingredients at cost-effective rates.
  • Ensured compliance with health department regulations regarding hygiene and sanitation practices.
  • Observed food safety and sanitation protocols to reduce germ spread.
  • Created weekly work schedules for kitchen personnel based on anticipated business volume.
  • Experimented with various ingredients and cooking techniques to develop new and flavorful dishes for customers.
  • Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.

Cook/ Head of House Keeping

Karinga Park Homestead Cottages and Conference Centre
Hindmarsh Is , SA
01.2005 - 04.2009
  • Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.
  • Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
  • Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
  • Planned menus based on customer preferences, nutritional value and budget constraints.
  • Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements.
  • Prepared rooms for meetings and arranged decorations, media equipment and furniture for social or business functions.
  • Delivered ironing boards, baby cribs and rollaway beds to guests' rooms.
  • Communicated with maintenance team on damages to repair.
  • Inspected guest rooms after cleaning to ensure they were presentable.
  • Changed bed linens and towels, tidied up rooms.

Education

Certificate 111 in Commercial Cookery - Cookery

Tafe Queensland , Browns Plans
09-2002

High School Diploma -

Marbury Secondary College , Sterling SA
09-1987

Timeline

Wine Server/Chef Assistant - Whaft Barrel Shed
12.2020 - 08.2023
Cook /Chef Assistant - Middleton Tavern
01.2017 - 09.2019
Cook /Chef Manager - The Royal Oak Hotel
05.2014 - 04.2017
Cook /Chef Supervisor Volunteer Work - MT COMPASS SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
02.2008 - 01.2014
Cook/ Head of House Keeping - Karinga Park Homestead Cottages and Conference Centre
01.2005 - 04.2009
Tafe Queensland - Certificate 111 in Commercial Cookery , Cookery
Marbury Secondary College - High School Diploma,
Nicola Harris