Kertist Francis
Kingston
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Pinyatas Seafood Bar and Lounge, excelling in menu creation and food presentation. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction through creative problem-solving and effective team collaboration. Skilled in seafood preparation and inventory management, consistently delivering high-quality dishes while maintaining sanitation standards.
Possess specialized skills in menu development, inventory management, and food safety compliance. Excel at team leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving, ensuring seamless kitchen operations and exceptional dining experiences.
Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
2007
2007
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chef
Pinyatas Seafood Bar and Launge
Kingston
09.2023 - 10.2025
- Prepared diverse menus using seasonal ingredients and culinary techniques.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and storage areas.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations during service.
- Developed creative plating techniques to enhance presentation of dishes served.
- Maintained a clean work environment by adhering to sanitation policies and procedures.
- Prepared high-quality dishes according to established recipes.
- Checked quality of raw materials before use.
- Stored foods correctly using correct storage containers and labelling systems.
- Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes and garnishing of dishes to ensure that food was prepared in accordance with the restaurant's recipes and presentation standards.
- Inspected kitchen equipment for cleanliness and functionality prior to use.
- Exercised portion control for items served, eliminating waste.
- Monitored quality, presentation, and quantities of plated food across line.
- Adjusted seasonings of dishes according to customers' tastes.
- Supervised specialty dish preparation to satisfy customer requests and cater to various dietary needs.
- Checked quality of food products to meet high standards.
- Prepared workstations with ingredients and tools to increase efficiency.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
- Used proper cleaning supplies and methods to disinfect counters where raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs had been prepared.
- Helped management stay on top of supply needs by sharing information about low or spoiled inventory.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
Head Baker
Natures Treat Limited
Kingston
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Prepared a variety of baked goods following established recipes and procedures.
- Managed inventory of baking supplies and ingredients to ensure availability.
- Operated commercial baking equipment safely and efficiently during production.
- Monitored baking times and temperatures for quality control of products.
- Assisted in developing new recipes to expand product offerings at the bakery.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in all baking operations.
- Inspected baking equipment in accordance with cleanliness and safety standards.
- Established procedures for proper storage and rotation of ingredients.
- Directed team performance by coaching, correcting and motivating employees.
- Inspected products for quality assurance before display.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to ensure timely delivery of baked goods.
- Set ovens to appropriate temperatures to pre-heat.
- Baked fresh bread and pastries for cafes and restaurants.
Education
Seaforth High School
St Thomas, JamaicaSkills
- Menu creation
- Food presentation
- Inventory management
- Team collaboration
- Customer feedback response
- Quality assurance
- Problem solving
- Creative thinking
- Seafood preparation
- Sanitation practices
- Ingredient selection
- Verbal and written communication
- Food preparation techniques
- Grilling and deep frying skills
- Vegetarian cooking
- Dish preparation
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Frying techniques
- Pastry skills
- Multitasking and organization
- Customer service
Timeline
Chef
Pinyatas Seafood Bar and Launge
09.2023 - 10.2025
Head Baker
Natures Treat Limited
01.2023 - 08.2024
Seaforth High School