Nicole Baker
Sous Chef
Professional summary
Sous chef with 5 years of progressive culinary experience in fine dining and farm-to-table restaurants. Developed seasonal menus that increased covers by 20%. Expert in French and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Experience
Sous Chef
2022 – PresentThe Verdant Table
- •Oversee kitchen operations for a 75-seat farm-to-table restaurant, managing a brigade of 8 cooks during service
- •Develop seasonal menus (rotated quarterly) using local suppliers, contributing to a 20% increase in covers
- •Maintain food cost at 29% through precise portioning, waste tracking, and creative use of trim and surplus
- •Train and evaluate kitchen staff on technique, plating standards, and food safety compliance
Line Cook / Chef de Partie
2019 – 2022Alinea Restaurant Group
- •Executed garde manger and sauté stations during 200+ cover services in a Michelin-starred kitchen
- •Developed 5 specials that were added to the permanent menu based on guest feedback and sales data
- •Maintained 100% health inspection scores across 4 consecutive inspections
Education
A.O.S. Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu Chicago
2019