Utku Firat is seeking a culinary arts position where he can utilize his extensive hospitality experience and education. He has over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including owning his own restaurant franchise in Turkey called Chicken Lovers. He holds certificates in culinary arts and restaurant ownership from the Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul. His most recent role was as a restaurant chef at the Westin Bonaventure hotel in Los Angeles.

1. UTKU FIRAT
10720 Lakewood Blvd. Apt 307 Downey, CA 90241
C Cell: (626) 632 5143
utkufirat@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE
In search of a challenging Culinary Arts position where my attained food and beverage industry skills,
expensive hospitality experience and high-level education can be utilized to their full potential. Also to
maximize profits and success for my employer by providing an excellent product, appearance, and complete
customer satisfaction.
SKILL HIGHLIGHTS
EDUCATION
Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul (MSA) Istanbul, Turkey 2011
CULINARY ARTS CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVMENT
http://www.msa.com.tr/anasayfa.aspx
Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul (MSA) Istanbul, Turkey 2011
CHEF AND RESTAURANT OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVMENT
http://www.msa.com.tr/anasayfa.aspx
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Successfully opened my own fast food restaurant in Turkey, under the name 'Chicken Lovers', which I created
menu's for as well as managed every aspect of the business. Franchised my business, and to this day three
Chicken Lovers restaurants are in business.
Graduated from a top world ranking culinary arts school, The Culinary Arts Academy of Istanbul (MSA).
Enrolled in a one year culinary internship program in America, training in a 4 Diamond Starwood property
hotel.
Was promoted from Restaurant and Catering Cook to Kitchen Manager and Chef of Bellagio Ristorante of the
Westin Mt. Laurel.
EXPERIENCE
THE WESTIN BONAVENTURE Los Angeles, CA 08/2014 to Current
Restaurant Chef
 Responsible for Room Service kitchen
 Frequently work in main kitchen, banquet kitchen, lobby bistro and room service
 Manage and assist kitchen staff in producing food for banquets, catering and member restaurants
 Taste, smell and observe all dishes to ensure they are visually appealing and prepared correctly
 Bilingual: Turkish and English
 Focused and disciplined
 High volume production capability
 Ability to handle fast-paced
environment
 Reliable, punctual and committed to
customer service
 Knowledge of all cooking and
cutting techniques
 Ability to maintain a sanitary work
environment
 Knowledge of a variety of
international foods
 HACCP Certified/City & Guilds
Professional Chef & Chef and
Restaurant Ownership Diploma

2.  Follow proper food handling methods and maintain correct temperature of all food products
 Consistently keeping a clean and safe environment by adhering to all federal, state and local sanitation
and safety requirements
WESTIN MT. LAUREL Mount Laurel Township, NJ 07/2012 to 05/2014
Restaurant Chef
 Use proper food handling methods and maintain correct temperature of all food
 Create visually appealing, innovative and properly prepared and flavored food
 Manage and assist kitchen staff in producing food for banquets, catering, and restaurant/bar
 Final plate preparation with authentic presentation
 Set up and perform initial prep work for all food
 Make food and supply orders for kitchen and staff
CHICKEN LOVERS Istanbul, Turkey 04/2010 to Current
Owner and Manager
 Opened and managed the restaurant
 Handled hiring and training of employees as well as payroll
 Managed all aspects of business as well as the financial
 Created menu's and advertisement
 Ensured 100% customer and employee satisfaction
IKINCI BAHAR Istanbul, Turkey 04/2009 to 02/2010
Chef & Restaurant Manager
 Trained new employees in proper food handling, customer service, and good plate presentation
 Ensured customer satisfaction and handled any issues regarding customer satisfaction
ADMIRAL HOSPITALITY GROUP London, England 01/2008 to 02/2009
Catering and Banqueting
Worked in: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hyde Park London, Dorchester Hotel, Royal Garden Hotel, Jurys Hotel
And Ibis Hotel.
HILLSIDE BEACH CLUB Fethiye, Turkey 10/2006 to 11/2008
Event Manager
http://www.hillsidebeachclub.com/
TITANIC BEACH HOTEL AND RESORT Antalya, Turkey 10/2005 to 10/2006
Activity Coordinator
http://www.titanic.com.tr/titanicAntalya/default-en.html
RIXOS HOTEL Antalya, Turkey 02/2002 to 10/2005
Activity Coordinator
http://www.rixos.com/
SUNRISE HOTEL Antalya, Turkey 10/2000 to 12/2001
Entertainment
http://www.worldofsunrise.com/en.html
CLUB TORBA GRAND YAZICI Mugla, Turkey 02/1999 to 10/2000
Entertainment
http://www.grandyazici.com/
REFERENCES
References available upon request