My Background
My journey to becoming a chef started very early in my life. I knew from a young age that I desired some form of creative outlet. In junior high, that creative outlet was painting and writing poetry. I would spend hours immersed in colors and words, exploring ways to express my inner world. These early experiences taught me the importance of creativity and attention to detail, skills that I would later transfer to the culinary arts.
In high school, my path took a significant turn when I began taking culinary classes. This shift was sparked by my first job at a local family-run restaurant. The moment I stepped into the kitchen, I was captivated by the precision and techniques required to create beautiful dishes. The choreography of the kitchen, the meticulous preparation, and the artistry involved in plating ignited a passion in me that was different from anything I had experienced before. This newfound love for cooking became my primary focus, blending my need for creativity with a tangible and delicious outcome.
That passion continues to inspire me today as I work to create beautiful and flavorful dishes. Every day in the kitchen is an opportunity to experiment and innovate, to blend flavors and textures in new and exciting ways. Cooking is an art form that engages all the senses, and I am constantly driven to push the boundaries of what I can achieve.
I am currently in my sophomore year at National Louis University's Kendall College in Chicago, Illinois. Although I looked at other colleges, I fell in love with Kendall College as soon as I entered the building! The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, with state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum that promised to challenge and inspire me. The city and the college are the perfect fit for my career and my goals. Chicago's rich culinary scene offers endless opportunities for growth and learning, with a diverse range of restaurants and culinary traditions to explore.
I’m very excited to continue to learn and grow. Every class, every dish, and every experience at Kendall College brings me one step closer to my dream of becoming a renowned chef. I am eager to refine my skills, expand my knowledge, and eventually contribute my own unique voice to the culinary world. My journey is just beginning, and I look forward to every moment of it, knowing that each step is an important part of my growth and development as a chef.
Chef Jonny
Education
2023-Present
National Louis University
Kendall College
Candidate for Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Management with a specialization in nutrition.
Work Experience
2023-Present
Kendall College
Chicago, Illinois
Prep Cook
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Assisted in the plating of events for up to 200 guests
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Assisted in prepping of rotating menus
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Assisted in unloading and loading temporary event spaces
2022-Present
Pinnacle Catering
Maumee, Ohio
Sous Chef
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Created menus, prepped, and plated for events up to 2000 guests
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Completed inventory and placed orders
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Assisted with unloading and loading temporary kitchens
2020-2022
Charlie's Pizza
Toledo, Ohio
Line Cook
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Prepped food for service
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Assisted in the creation of new menu items
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Created fresh bread and desserts daily
Certifications
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
Professional Development
ServSafe Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Restaurants
ServSafe Understanding Unconscious Bias Training for Restaurants