Chee Leong Lai
Colchester
Summary
Skilled culinary professional with expertise in butchery techniques, menu costing, and compliance with sanitation regulations. Adept at vegetable carving and food pairing, showcasing creativity and precision in every dish. Known for adaptability in dynamic kitchen environments and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food preparation.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work history
Head Chef
Dragon Palace Restaurant
Wales
10.2024 - Current
- Instituted a rotation system to minimise food waste.
- Developed seasonal menus to offer variety and freshness in dishes served.
- Maintained exemplary hygiene standards in the kitchen area.
- Adhered to strict dietary guidelines from customers, ensuring satisfaction.
Head Chef
Lotus Restaurant
Pendine, Wales
09.2023 - 10.2024
- Maintained exemplary hygiene standards in the kitchen area.
- Trained junior staff for optimal performance and skill development.
- Ensured high-quality dishes with meticulous attention to detail.
- Assisted restaurant manager in cost control strategies implementation.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes.
Sous chef
Multiple Restaurants
London
09.2021 - 10.2023
- Delegated tasks to junior chefs for efficient kitchen operations.
- Updated kitchen equipment on regular basis, improving operational efficiency.
- Maintained high standards of food preparation by following recipes accurately.
- Conducted staff training sessions to enhance culinary skills and knowledge.
Head chef
New Asia Delight
Colchester, Essex
09.2019 - 10.2021
- Adhered to strict dietary guidelines from customers, ensuring satisfaction.
- Established strong rapport with team members through effective communication skills.
- Trained junior staff for optimal performance and skill development.
- Directed the preparation of special dishes for events and holidays.
- Upheld health and safety regulations at all times in the kitchen.
- Managed all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring smooth operation.
Head Chef
China Chef
Colchester, Essex
01.2014 - 08.2019
- Delivered consistently tasty meals by adhering to recipe instructions.
- Managed all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring smooth operation.
- Instituted a rotation system to minimise food waste.
- Upheld health and safety regulations at all times in the kitchen.
- Implemented new recipes for enhanced menu diversity.
- Ensured high-quality dishes with meticulous attention to detail.
Sous Chef
Taste of China
Chesthunt
12.2010 - 12.2013
- Contributed creative ideas for special events menus, providing memorable dining experiences for guests.
- Delivered consistent culinary excellence to diners through attention to detail in plating and presentation.
- Supervised daily food prep operations, ensuring consistency across all dishes served.
- Worked under pressure during peak hours whilst maintaining composure and efficiency.
- Streamlined kitchen processes by implementing effective time management strategies.
Head chef
Boot House Restaurant
Selsted
07.2004 - 10.2010
- Implemented new recipes for enhanced menu diversity.
- Monitored inventory levels, ensured timely replenishment of stock.
- Collaborated with suppliers for fresh and quality ingredients procurement.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes.
- Oversaw quality control measures, maintained consistency across all dishes served.
Chef
Golden Dragon Restaurant
Manchester
04.2003 - 04.2004
- Performed regular equipment maintenance increased lifespan of kitchen appliances.
- Transformed under-utilised ingredients into special menu items.
- Collaborated closely with suppliers, secured fresh ingredients daily.
Chef
逢春阁
Crawley, West Sussex
02.1992 - 08.1993
- Transformed under-utilised ingredients into special menu items.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for enhanced efficiency.
- Reduced food waste to improve profitability.
- Implemented cost-effective strategies in purchasing and inventory management.
Chef
Lee Garden Restaurant
Birmingham, UK
08.1990 - 12.1991
- Demonstrated proficiency in various cooking techniques, improved dish presentation.
- Improved customer satisfaction by creating innovative and appetising menu items.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for enhanced efficiency.
- Transformed under-utilised ingredients into special menu items.
Kitchen Asisstant
Regent Restaurant
Seremban, Malaysia
06.1987 - 07.1990
- Supported head chef in creating new menu items to diversify restaurant offerings.
- Unloaded deliveries promptly for immediate storage and use of fresh produce.
- Helped implement a new system for organising stock which increased ease of access.
- Assisted in inventory management to avoid food wastage.
- Helped in the plating of dishes for enhanced visual appeal and presentation.
- Stored ingredients properly, extending their freshness dates significantly.
- Peeled, chopped and sliced vegetables as required by recipes, accelerating cooking times.
- Assisted chefs with meal preparations for smoother service during peak hours.
- Performed daily deep cleaning tasks to optimise workspace cleanliness standards.
- Performed regular checks on refrigerator temperatures ensuring safe preservation conditions of food.
- Maintained cleanliness throughout the kitchen for improved hygiene standards.
Skills
- Butchery techniques
- Menu costing
- Sanitation regulations compliance
- Vegetable carving
- Food pairing expertise
- Adaptability in kitchen
Languages
English
Intermediate
Chinese (Cantonese)
Proficient (C2)
Chinese (Mandarin)
Advanced (C1)
Timeline
Head Chef
Dragon Palace Restaurant
10.2024 - Current
Head Chef
Lotus Restaurant
09.2023 - 10.2024
Sous chef
Multiple Restaurants
09.2021 - 10.2023
Head chef
New Asia Delight
09.2019 - 10.2021
Head Chef
China Chef
01.2014 - 08.2019
Sous Chef
Taste of China
12.2010 - 12.2013
Head chef
Boot House Restaurant
07.2004 - 10.2010
Chef
Golden Dragon Restaurant
04.2003 - 04.2004
Chef
逢春阁
02.1992 - 08.1993
Chef
Lee Garden Restaurant
08.1990 - 12.1991
Kitchen Asisstant
Regent Restaurant
06.1987 - 07.1990
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