Food Science
Nathan Pelser
Chef
Kokstad
Summary
Creative and hardworking, I thrive on new challenges and constantly seek to acquire new skills. Working with a smile on my face is an added bonus when in my dream environment. As a dependable Cook, I excel in fast-paced settings, ensuring food is prepared with expertise and presented attractively. Knowledgeable in food safety and adept at managing stock. Efficient multitasking abilities excel in recipe management and development. Active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, and fatigue is never a factor in my mindset. Proactive and goal-oriented with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, possess a swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Cook
Viking Ocean Cruises
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines
- Training junior cooks according to the company policies and guidelines for an effective working environment
- Plating assigned dishes to the station according to the recipes
- Manage food costs and wastage
- Set up the station and ingredients for the lunch and dinner service
- Assisted with the planning of the menu for the following day
- Manage costing for the recipes chosen for the menu
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients
- Prepared diverse cuisines to meet customer dietary needs and preferences, elevating dining experience.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards
Assistant Cook
Viking Oceans Cruises
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Assist in the service of the breakfast buffet line
- Operate the omelette and waffle station for the breakfast buffet
- Assist the Chef de Partie on the hot appetizer station
- Upheld strict cleanliness standards by regularly sanitizing all surfaces and equipment within the kitchen area.
- Prepared high-quality dishes by following prescribed recipes and adhering to strict quality standards.
- Assist with the detailed plating of the chosen dishes for the nightly menu
- Managed portion sizes to evenly distribute the elements of the dishes
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and special dietary requests from customers, ensuring guest satisfaction.
Assistant Cook
Viking Ocean Cruises
12.2022 - 06.2023
- Set up buffet lines and assist guests with breakfast orders
- Assist breakfast service for the main restaurant as well as buffet
- Interact with the guests
- Set up stations for breakfast, lunch and dinner services
- Assist in special events
- Set up the tea room with breakfast treats and serve the guests
- Upheld strict cleanliness standards by regularly sanitizing all surfaces and equipment within the kitchen area.
- Managed time effectively during busy shifts, maintaining productivity under pressure and meeting tight deadlines for meal service.
Hospitality Assistant
Classroom Café
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Shadowed chefs to learn company procedures and recipes
- Prep ingredients as needed for various stations
- Assist stations with multiple tasks needed
- Rotated through all prep stations to learn different techniques
- Enhanced culinary skills by assisting in the preparation of various dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs
- Take over a station in the absence of a station head
- Assist the Head Chef during service to present dishes for lunch and dinner service
- Rotate throughout the Front of House department
- Assist bartenders and baristas with drink preparations and service
- Assist with Food and Beverage service
- Assist the pastry department with preparations for desserts and treats
- Prepare pastries and breads in advance for the lunch and dinner service
Education
City and Guilds of London Diploma - Culinary Arts
1000 Hills Chef School
Bothas Hill, Durban 04.2020 - 2021.12
High School Diploma -
Kokstad College
Kokstad, South Africa 04.2015 - 2019.01
Skills
- Kitchen sanitation management
- Wine pairing
- Food waste reduction
- International cuisine
- Problem-solving
- Ingredient knowledge
- Cooking
- Recipe development
- Staff training
- Strong butchery skills
- Plate presentation
- Kitchen sanitation management
Websites
Certification
Code 8 Drivers License
Interests
Dietetic Science
Wine Making
Health and Fitness
Hobbies
- Fitness
- Golf
- Reading
- External Studying
- Hiking
- Traveling
Timeline
Cook
Viking Ocean Cruises
04.2024 - 10.2024
Assistant Cook
Viking Oceans Cruises
08.2023 - 02.2024
Assistant Cook
Viking Ocean Cruises
12.2022 - 06.2023
City and Guilds of London Diploma - Culinary Arts
1000 Hills Chef School
04.2020 - 2021.12
Hospitality Assistant
Classroom Café
01.2020 - 12.2021
High School Diploma -
Kokstad College
04.2015 - 2019.01
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