IZZALDEEN DANA
Ras Al Khaimah
Summary
Passionate 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.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef
Lily's Cafe
06.2024 - Current
- 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.
- Created a brand new menu that included fresh made-to-order sandwiches, cold sandwiches and desserts.
- Ensured training staff on how to handle food items, properly store them and how they are supposed to be served to customers.
- Collaborated with vendors and suppliers on finding appropriate ingredients of the right quality to uphold the cafe's quality and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Focused on creating sandwiches that excelled in delivering fresh and light flavors.
Head Chef
Eden Restaurant & Events
12.2021 - 02.2024
- Managed kitchen and back-house operations on a day to day basis such as; Inventory checks, menu creation, plating details, and managed kitchen staff to assure the delivery of a top-quality final product
- Worked directly with the front of house manager and team to provide quality service and an outstanding dining experience
- Operated (250) Events such as Weddings, Baby/Bridal Showers, Corporate in-house events and out-house catering, Holidays, and Election campaigns such as open-house events
- Conducted food tasting sessions for new customers looking to book for an event which entailed making a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and then adjusting the recipes according to the customer's requirements and needs
- Played a crucial role in the kitchen managing and running prep work such as insuring all prep processes were completed efficiently and according to health & safety protocols
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
Team Manager
Cosmo Waste Management
01.2018 - 11.2018
- Led employee relations through effective communication, coaching, training, and development.
- Boosted employee satisfaction through regular performance reviews, constructive feedback, and personal development plans.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient task delegation and time management strategies.
- Achieved project deadlines consistently by closely monitoring progress and proactively addressing any potential roadblocks.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients through attentive account management, timely issue resolution, and proactive status updates on project milestones.
- Optimized resource allocation, ensuring right personnel were assigned to key tasks.
- Negotiated with vendors for better rates, reducing project costs and increasing profitability.
Social Media Assistant
World Trade Center - The Mall Abu Dhabi
02.2017 - 07.2017
- Created engaging content to keep social media channels updated and on brand.
- Developed captivating visual content using graphic design tools for enhanced aesthetic appeal across all channels.
- Boosted customer engagement through regular posting of relevant and interactive content on various social media platforms.
- Maintained company's online social presence and created branded communications for social media campaigns.
- Elevated the user experience by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Increased brand visibility by developing and implementing targeted social media campaigns.
- Identified opportunities and scheduled daily posts promoting company brand, events and special offers.
- Designed targeted email marketing campaigns to reach desired audience.
- Assisted in organizing events such as webinars or live chats to engage directly with customers and prospects online.
Education
Dual Diploma in Pastry Arts & Cuisine - Culinary Studies
Le Cordon Bleu
Lebanon09.2021
High School Diploma -
Horizon Private School
07.2015
Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Customer service
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Food quality
- Kitchen management
- Attention to detail
- Effective communications
Certification
- G.W.R Food Safety
- Le Cordon Bleu Food & Wine Pairings
LANGUAGES
Arabic Native
English Bilingual
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Chef
Lily's Cafe
06.2024 - Current
Head Chef
Eden Restaurant & Events
12.2021 - 02.2024
Team Manager
Cosmo Waste Management
01.2018 - 11.2018
Social Media Assistant
World Trade Center - The Mall Abu Dhabi
02.2017 - 07.2017
- G.W.R Food Safety
- Le Cordon Bleu Food & Wine Pairings
Dual Diploma in Pastry Arts & Cuisine - Culinary Studies
Le Cordon Bleu
High School Diploma -
Horizon Private School
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