Joseph Zylstra
Letterkenny
Summary
Versatile hospitality professional with extensive experience in both kitchen and bar environments of upscale restaurants. Skilled in preparing high-quality dishes and crafting premium cocktails, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and quality service. Proven ability to manage inventory, train staff, and maintain compliance with health and safety standards. Dedicated to enhancing the guest experience through a passion for culinary and mixology excellence.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef
Mount Errigal Hotel
Letterkenny
02.2024 - Current
- Led the kitchen team in a 4-star restaurant, overseeing food preparation, cooking, and presentation to maintain high-quality standards.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment.
- Kept up to date with current culinary trends, as well as health and safety regulations.
- Instructed cooks and other workers in preparation, cooking, garnishing and presentation of food
- Prepared high-quality dishes according to established recipes.
Chef
McGettigans Hotel
Letterkenny
10.2022 - 02.2024
- Prepared Food and appetizers for a busy restaurant.
- 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.
- Monitored inventory levels and managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of fresh ingredients.
- Soley responsible for preparing meals for 200 ukrainian refugees being housed in the hotel daily
Landscape Foreman
Lakeland Gardening
Hamilton
04.2022 - 08.2022
- Leader of a lawn maintenance crew
- Responsible for the care of 50 properties per week
- Driving a pickup and covered trailer
- Weekly care of properties to customer satisfaction
Assistant Landscaper
Servalawn
Oakville
05.2021 - 04.2022
- Responsible for ther upkeep of 30 properties per week
- Lawn Mowing, Hedge trimming
- Worked within a landscape crew
Lead Bartender
Figo trattoria
Toronto
12.2018 - 03.2020
- Trained new bartenders on proper pouring techniques, responsible alcohol service policies and legal requirements regarding alcohol sales and service.
- Created an atmosphere conducive to socializing among patrons through conversation and enthusiasm.
- Responsible for cleanliness, upkeep, and stock of the bar/wine cellar.
- Effective and clear communication between staff and management.
- Espresso machine operation and maintenance/cleanliness.
Bartender
The Chase Hosptiality Group
Toronto
05.2015 - 07.2018
- Crafted and served high-end cocktails
- Provided exceptional customer service, engaging with guests to recommend beverages that complement their dining experience.
- Managed inventory and ordering of bar supplies, ensuring a well-stocked bar with quality ingredients.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and safe bar area, adhering to health and safety standards.
Grill Chef
JOEY Restaurants
Toronto
05.2015 - 02.2017
- Responsible for preparing entrees and coordinating with entire kitchen line to complete dishes for a 200 seat restaurant.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment.
- Monitored inventory levels and managed supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery of fresh ingredients.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Electrical & Elevator Mechanics
Mohawk College
HamiltonSkills
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Food and beverage pairing
- Dish preparation
- Food presentation
- Cocktail Making
- Electrical Wiring
- Hydraulic Systems
Affiliations
- I have a passion for Motorcycles, riding them and learning how to maintain and fix them
- I love to travel
- I love to learn new things
Certification
- Health and Food Safety Certified
- WHIMIS Trained
- Drivers license
- Motorcycle License
- Working at Heights Certified
- Electrical/Elevator mechanic Apprentice License
Languages
English
First Language
Javascript
Beginner (A1)
A1
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chef
Mount Errigal Hotel
02.2024 - Current
Chef
McGettigans Hotel
10.2022 - 02.2024
Landscape Foreman
Lakeland Gardening
04.2022 - 08.2022
Assistant Landscaper
Servalawn
05.2021 - 04.2022
Lead Bartender
Figo trattoria
12.2018 - 03.2020
Bartender
The Chase Hosptiality Group
05.2015 - 07.2018
Grill Chef
JOEY Restaurants
05.2015 - 02.2017
Some College (No Degree) - Electrical & Elevator Mechanics
Mohawk College
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