Karina Lapointe
Auckland,New Zealand
Summary
Enthusiastic chef with more than 15 years experience in the hospitality industry with great expertise in farm-to-table concepts and creatives menus development.
I have a tangible passion for food and am an excellent communicator, which makes me a resourceful team player.
I am highly trained in French cuisine and pride myself in my ability to work in various establishments such as hotel, cafes, lodges etc.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Chef
Heritage Expeditions Ltd
02.2024 - 03.2024
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency by implementing proper inventory management systems.
- Created visually appealing dishes that showcased culinary skill, elevating reputation of establishment among patrons.
Chef Manager
Casa Loco
09.2023 - Current
- Introduced creative specials that catered to customer preferences, contributing to an increase in repeat business.
- Successfully balanced diverse responsibilities including menu design, staff training, budget management, and event coordination.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
Sous-Chef
Camp Catering
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Accommodated patrons with allergies and dietary restrictions by adjusting preparation methods or ingredients and confirming accuracy of plates.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Serving up to 200 children per meals per day
- Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
Chef
Delicious Cooking
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Developed full, tasting and special events menus to meet establishments needs and maintain strong customer levels.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Inventoried food, ingredient and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
Chef De Partie
Brunch'n'Lunch NZ Limited
07.2020 - 12.2020
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Maintained compliance with company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation and quality.
- Completed rush deliveries on tight timetables to satisfy customer needs.
Excecutive Chef/Owner
Cafe Balzam
09.2013 - 12.2018
- Managed day to day business operations, including finances using Quickbooks online accounting system.
- Maintained high food quality working closely with farmers & local suppliers to ensure the freshness of the produces.
- Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised all related culinary activity in all aspect of the business.
- Crafted exciting catering options for clients, including pig roasts, corporate picnics, outdoor sit-down wedding banquets and other outstanding location for up to 400 peoples
Executive Chef
Inn On The Lake
06.2009 - 04.2012
- Developed full, tasting, and special events menus to meet all establishment needs and maintain hight quality service at all time.
- Strong emphasis on farm to table & wild harvest food culture taking good care of using as much local products as possible.
- Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets, business functions, weddings & all other aspects of catering needs.
- Developed and cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
Education
Recognition of Learning Level 4 Cookery
International Culinary Studio
Christchurch, NZ06.2023
Certificate - Bartending
NZ School of Food & Wine
Auckland, AUK2019
Professional Diploma - Culinary Arts
CFP Wilbrod-Bherer
Québec, QC2001
Professional Cookery
CFP L'Envolee
Montmagny, QC2000
Skills
- Food preparation and safety
- Business administration
- Recipes and menu Development
- Hospitality Management
- High-Volume Environments
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Hiring, Training and Development
Accomplishments
Residency Visa New Zealand 2023
RED SEAL apprentiship certificate
Feature in eat drink travel magazine 2015
eatdrinktravel.com
Feature on Le gout du pays, 2017
@ unistv.com
Language
Fluent in French & English
Beginner in Spanish
Timeline
Contract Chef
Heritage Expeditions Ltd
02.2024 - 03.2024
Chef Manager
Casa Loco
09.2023 - Current
Sous-Chef
Camp Catering
09.2022 - 06.2023
Chef
Delicious Cooking
08.2021 - 08.2022
Chef De Partie
Brunch'n'Lunch NZ Limited
07.2020 - 12.2020
Excecutive Chef/Owner
Cafe Balzam
09.2013 - 12.2018
Executive Chef
Inn On The Lake
06.2009 - 04.2012
Recognition of Learning Level 4 Cookery
International Culinary Studio
Certificate - Bartending
NZ School of Food & Wine
Professional Diploma - Culinary Arts
CFP Wilbrod-Bherer
Professional Cookery
CFP L'Envolee
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