Samael Unsal
Melbourne
Summary
With extensive experience gained from working in retail and hospitality, I have developed strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure environments. My enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and dedication to growth have driven me to seek a position where I can apply these skills while continuing to develop professionally. As a reliable team player, I am committed to maintaining kitchen organisation and supporting senior chefs in achieving operational goals
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef
Yakamoz Restaurant
03.2025 - Current
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
- Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused work environment.
- Achieved consistent on-time service, optimizing kitchen workflows and staff scheduling.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
Head Cook
Schnitz Northland
03.2025 - Current
- 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.
- 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.
- Mentored junior cooks, providing guidance on culinary techniques and fostering professional growth within the team.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Oversaw kitchen equipment maintenance schedule, ensuring all tools and appliances were in top working condition.
- Increased efficiency in kitchen, introducing pre-prep system that sped up meal preparation times.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
Cook
3 Salami’s
02.2024 - Current
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment, appliances, and utensils.
- Demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately in high-pressure environments.
- Cooked food according to recipes set by establishment.
- Labeled and dated food, keeping industrial refrigerators and freezers neat and orderly.
- Monitored food items, maintaining minimum guidelines for temperature, taste, and quality.
- Prepared large quantities of food items according to recipes or specific customer orders.
- Supervised team members in the kitchen; delegating tasks, providing guidance, training staff.
- Built relationships with regular customers through friendly conversations and personalized attention.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of restaurant menu items and preparation methods.
- Appeared in Social Media helping prompt business and brand.
Chef
2 Fat Greeks
08.2020 - Current
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure sufficient supplies were available for daily operations.
- Performed prep work such as chopping vegetables or marinating meats prior to service hours.
- Labeled and stored raw food ingredients in appropriate storage room, walk-in refrigerator, or freezer.
- Adapted quickly when presented with changes in orders or unexpected requests from customers.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, food storage and use of kitchen equipment and utensils.
- Prepared ingredients and cooked meals according to established recipes.
- Assisted with staff recruitment and training for kitchen stations and supporting roles.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
Kitchen Staff Hand
Tutti Trattoria
03.2023 - 02.2024
- Prepared relishes and hors d'oeuvres.
- Help Preparation of Pizza and Pasta dishes.
- Prepared desserts with chefs learning new skills.
Cook
Joy Cafe
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Followed recipes accurately to create consistent meals that met restaurant standards.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills by preparing ingredients for multiple menu items at the same time.
- Ensured quality of ingredients used in recipes for breakfast dishes were fresh and of the highest quality.
- Checked finished dishes for presentation before serving them to customers.
- Prepared breakfast dishes according to customer orders, ensuring accurate portions and timely delivery.
Kitchen Hand/Cook
Little Peacock Cafe
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment by adhering to sanitation protocols and safety guidelines.
- Washed dishes, glassware, and flatware by hand or with industrial dishwasher.
- Displayed excellent teamwork skills while working with other kitchen staff members to complete tasks efficiently.
- Followed all health and safety regulations for the kitchen and ensured a clean and sanitary work environment.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruit and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
Kitchen Staff Member
The Hamptons Bakery
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Managed time efficiently by multitasking between tasks without compromising quality of work.
- Maintained high standards of sanitation, hygiene, and safety protocols in the kitchen environment.
- Displayed effective communication skills when working with other kitchen staff members.
- Prepared and baked cakes, cookies, pies, and desserts according to recipes.
Kitchen Hand
Fat Greeks
08.2020 - 12.2021
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment by adhering to sanitation protocols and safety guidelines.
- Washed dishes, glassware, and flatware by hand or with industrial dishwasher.
- Displayed excellent teamwork skills while working with other kitchen staff members to complete tasks efficiently.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruit and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Performed food preparation tasks such as chopping vegetables, portioning meals and making sauces.
- Demonstrated proficiency in operating and maintaining kitchen equipment, including dishwashers, ovens, grills and deep-fryers.
Barista/Front of House
Chorba Cafe
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Customer service oriented senior barista talented in preparing popular blends of coffee following set standards and protocols.
- Specialized in Turkish Coffee and Tea.
- Prepared coffee, drinks, pastries and sandwiches to customers.
- Provided fast, friendly service and built a base of repeat customers.
- Trained non English speaking staff in Espresso based coffee.
Store Clerk/Sales
Salvation Army
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Communicated product features, advantages, and benefits to customers.
- Developed excellent communication and interpersonal skills by interacting with customers on a daily basis.
- Demonstrated ability to stay organized and motivated in a fast-paced environment.
Senior Crew/ Area Supervisor
McDonald's T4 McCafe
01.2015 - 12.2017
- Customer service oriented senior barista talented in preparing popular blends of coffee following set standards and protocols.
- Providing assistance on a number of duties with time efficiency and accuracy of order.
- Building collaborative relationships with team members and customers.
- Preparing various blends of coffee and café beverages.
- Customer service.
- Food preparation.
- Ensuring cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Training and managing staff.
Education
Certification III - Commercial Cookery
William Angliss
Melbourne, VIC02.2024
Certification II - Retail
NMIT
Melbourne, VIC01.2016
High School Diploma -
Northcote High School
Melbourne, VIC10.2010
Skills
Culinary skills
- Customer service
- Cleaning and organization
- Hospitality and service industry background
- Nutrition awareness
- Focused and disciplined
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen management
- Team collaboration
- Allergen awareness
- Workflow optimisation
- New hire training
- Effective communications
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 5 staff members.
- Re-designed kitchen stations and equipment placement which increased productivity and enhanced workflow processes.
Certification
- Drivers License
- Certification III Commercial Cookery (SIT30821)
Languages
Turkish
English
Timeline
Chef
Yakamoz Restaurant
03.2025 - Current
Head Cook
Schnitz Northland
03.2025 - Current
Cook
3 Salami’s
02.2024 - Current
Cook
Joy Cafe
09.2023 - 12.2023
Kitchen Staff Hand
Tutti Trattoria
03.2023 - 02.2024
Kitchen Hand/Cook
Little Peacock Cafe
01.2022 - 12.2022
Kitchen Staff Member
The Hamptons Bakery
01.2022 - 08.2022
Chef
2 Fat Greeks
08.2020 - Current
Kitchen Hand
Fat Greeks
08.2020 - 12.2021
Barista/Front of House
Chorba Cafe
01.2018 - 12.2018
Store Clerk/Sales
Salvation Army
01.2018 - 12.2018
Senior Crew/ Area Supervisor
McDonald's T4 McCafe
01.2015 - 12.2017
Certification III - Commercial Cookery
William Angliss
Certification II - Retail
NMIT
High School Diploma -
Northcote High School
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