Executive Chef - Michelin-Grade Culinary Leader and Mentor

Aaron John Perez.

Los Angeles, CA

️ Email: *********@*****.***

Phone: 213-***-****

Professional Summary

Executive chef with 17 years of kitchen experience, including Michelin-star restaurants, high-end catering, and concept development. Proven expertise in high-volume kitchen operations, team leadership, and restaurant management. Owner and operator of Vaka Burger, recognized for excellence in quality and innovation. Extensive experience in food styling, culinary production for television, and competition judging. Passionate about mentoring young chefs and maintaining the highest industry standards. Work Experience

Vaka Burger Chef & Owner

2014 – Present Los Angeles, CA

● Founded and managed a high-end grass-fed burger concept with multiple locations.

● Opened and operated four locations, handling menu development, logistics, cost control, and staff training.

● Managed P&L sheets, food costing, and daily kitchen operations.

● Led high-volume service while maintaining quality and staff morale.

● Earned "Best Burger in SoCal" and multiple media recognitions. Self-Employed Private Chef & Culinary Consultant 2010 – Present Los Angeles, CA

● Provided high-end catering for celebrities, TV productions, and print media.

● Specialized in food styling and culinary production for Food Network and other productions.

● Worked on award shows and TV events through catering and brand partnerships. National Culinary Judge NAACP - Sodexo

2010 – 2021 Nationwide JUDGE

● Served as a national panel judge for youth culinary competitions across the U.S.

● Provided guidance and feedback to competitors, with winners receiving scholarships to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

La Cachette (Michelin Star) Line Cook

2008 – 2009 Los Angeles, CA

● Worked in a Michelin-starred fine dining kitchen, mastering classical French techniques.

Providence (Michelin Star) Grand Manger Station

2009 – 2010 Los Angeles, CA

● Operated in a high-end seafood restaurant, specializing in cold preparations and plating precision.

CULINARY PRODUCTION (FREELANCE)

Food Network food stylist

Season 2 GRILL IT with Bobby flay

Provided outreach for final presentation for beauty shots executed by chef Bobby flay. Did the operations coordinating and executing time frames in which TV production was to shoot final dishes.

Television & Media Appearances

● Food Network Winner – Cutthroat Kitchen, Season 2, Episode 8 (2014)

● Cooking Channel Winner – Farmers Market Flip, Season 2, Episode 1 (2016)

● Multi new sna print write up for culinary accomplishments and Award Winning Burgers Education & Certifications

Le Cordon Bleu AOS in Culinary Arts

2008 Los Angeles, CA

● Classical French training in culinary arts and baking. Skills & Expertise

● High-Volume Kitchen Leadership

● Michelin-Star Restaurant Experience

● Menu Development & Cost Control

● P&L Management & Operations

● Culinary Production & Food Styling

● Staff Training & Team Leadership

● Private Catering & Event Execution

Community & Volunteer Work

● Culinary mentor for at-risk youth programs.

● Instructor for youth culinary workshops and competitions

● National Judge for 10 years for ACTSO NAACP.

● Offered free cooking classes for inner-city students.

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