ASEMAHLE PINKY MAKHUNZI
Summary
Culinary professional with strong background in high-pressure kitchen environments. Expertise in menu development, ingredient sourcing, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Known for fostering collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and consistently achieving desired results. Skilled in team leadership, inventory management, and culinary innovation.
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Taj Exotic Resort & Spa
05.2024 - 11.2024
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
Commis chef
Pullman Hotel
12.2023 - 04.2024
- Coordinated prep work, streamlined the cooking process.
- Built attractive displays of food items, enticing customers to make additional purchases.
- Forecasted demand and orders optimum level of supplies to prevent spoilage.
- Seasoned various meats and peeled, washed and chopped vegetables.
Commis chef
Mohonk Mountain House
11.2022 - 10.2023
- Supported front-of-house staff with dietary requirement queries from customers.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure during peak dining times.
- Learned importance of waste management by efficiently utilising leftover ingredients.
- Gained knowledge on maintaining freshness of seafood through careful handling and storage practices guided by senior chefs.
- Followed recipes meticulously to ensure consistency in dish presentation and taste.
Waiter
Bidvest Catering Services CPOA
07.2022 - 09.2022
- Handled all table settings and cleared up post-meal to keep the area tidy.
- Demonstrated menu knowledge to assist patrons in meal selections.
- Set tables, ensuring a comfortable environment for customers.
- Followed strict hygiene standards to maintain cleanliness in food handling areas.
Trainee Chef
Feedem Catering Partners
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Supported head chef during busy periods, increasing overall productivity levels.
- Practised knife skills under guidance of experienced chef, improving precision and speed.
- Gained proficiency in using various kitchen equipment for optimal cooking results.
- Completed daily opening and closing duties to support kitchen operations and prepare for busy periods.
Education
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape TownSkills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen management
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Allergen awareness
References
•ShivangTyagi, Sous Chef
Taj Exotica resort & Spa,+971556850440
• Damion Josephs, Head Chef
Pullman Hotel, +27 79 810 8779
• Jim Palmeri, Executive Chef
Mohonk Mountain House, +1 845 256 2070, jpalmeri@mohonk.com
•Marne Eloff , General Manager
Bidvest Catering Services, CPOA,0101421230
•Liezel Buytendag, Manager
Feedem Catering Partners,0218791682, Curro@Freedem.co.za
Timeline
Chef
Taj Exotic Resort & Spa
05.2024 - 11.2024
Commis chef
Pullman Hotel
12.2023 - 04.2024
Commis chef
Mohonk Mountain House
11.2022 - 10.2023
Waiter
Bidvest Catering Services CPOA
07.2022 - 09.2022
Trainee Chef
Feedem Catering Partners
09.2021 - 01.2022
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology