JOHN KELVIN VALENCIA
HARMON
Summary
A dedicated and detail-oriented cook currently gaining hands-on experience at Tsubaki Guam Milano, a fine dining restaurant specializing in Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine. I focus on plated service with precision and creativity, while continuously developing my culinary techniques under the guidance of experienced chefs. Previously trained at Lotte Hotel Guam, I bring a solid background in managing buffet lines, receptions, and banquets. Adaptable and eager to learn, I contribute proactively to kitchen operations and thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments. My passion lies in delivering beautifully plated, high-quality dishes that elevate the guest dining experience.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cook
Milano Grill - The Tsubaki Tower
03.2025 - Current
- Assist in the preparation and plating of high-quality Japanese-Italian fusion dishes in a fine dining setting.
- Specialize in plated service, ensuring each dish is presented with precision and consistency according to chef’s standards.
- Work closely with senior chefs to learn proper kitchen operations, including food prep, sanitation, and timing during service.
- Support kitchen team during peak hours by maintaining efficiency, cleanliness, and clear communication.
- Continuously develop culinary skills and knowledge of ingredients, sauces, and modern plating techniques.
Assistant Manager
Streatery Guam - Family Food Truck
02.2019 - Current
- Prepared a variety of dishes, following ServSafe standards to ensure food safety and quality in a fast-paced, mobile environment.
- Assisted with the development of new menu items, contributing ideas based on customer feedback and market trends to keep the menu fresh and appealing.
- Worked as a cashier, interacting directly with customers, taking orders, and handling payments while ensuring excellent customer service.
- Managed food prep, cooking, and cleanup, ensuring all tasks were completed efficiently while maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
- Helped with marketing and promotional efforts, contributing to the growth of the food truck’s customer base.
Cook
Lotte Hotel Guam, LLC
02.2023 - 02.2025
- Manage and execute the preparation and cooking for large-scale events, including buffet lines, receptions, private plated services, and banquets, ensuring high-quality food and efficient service.
- Handle the La Seine Restaurant buffet, coordinating the setup, replenishing dishes, and maintaining a visually appealing presentation that aligns with hotel standards.
- Responsible for preparing and executing banquet-style meals, ensuring consistency, flavor, and presentation across large guest numbers.
- Collaborate closely with kitchen team members to ensure smooth operations, maintaining guest satisfaction and food quality throughout each event.
- Prepare and plate dishes according to guest specifications, efficiently handling any last-minute changes or special requests.
- Contribute to maintaining kitchen organization, cleanliness, and safety during high-volume periods, ensuring all tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Assistant Cook
Lotte Hotel Guam, LLC
05.2021 - 02.2023
- Managed sushi, a la carte, and tempura stations, ensuring all dishes were prepared to hotel standards with attention to detail and presentation.
- Prepped all ingredients for dishes handled, including slicing, dicing, and assembling components for various stations, as well as assisting other cooks with their prep needs.
- Responsible for sanitizing kitchen equipment and work areas to maintain a clean and safe environment, adhering to strict health and safety protocols.
- Worked closely with chefs and other kitchen staff to ensure smooth service during peak hours and maintain kitchen organization.
Kitchen Staff
Fuji Ichiban
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Responsible for frying chicken and gyoza to perfection, ensuring consistency in flavor, texture, and presentation.
- Prepared and mixed sauces, maintaining proper ratios to meet menu specifications.
- Ensured a clean, organized, and well-maintained kitchen, following health and safety protocols.
- Assisted with food prep and dish assembly, contributing to an efficient kitchen workflow during peak hours.
- Worked closely with the kitchen team to meet customer demands and maintain high food quality.
Education
Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts, Culinary & Foodservice
Guam Community College
03-2025
Skills
- Buffet & Station Management - Efficiently managing buffet lines and multiple stations, ensuring high-quality food presentation and timely service
- Plated Service (Developing) – Gaining experience in plating dishes for private events, focusing on precision and presentation, with a commitment to continually improving skills
- Banquet & Reception Service – Experience in preparing and executing large-scale events, from receptions to party banquets, with attention to detail and presentation
- Food Preparation & Cooking Techniques – Proficient in a variety of cooking methods and cuisines, including grilling, sautéing, roasting, and baking
- Time Management – Capable of working under pressure while maintaining organization and meeting deadlines during high-volume service times
- Quality Control – Ensuring that food quality meets hotel standards, with attention to detail in both taste and presentation
- Problem Solving – Proactive in identifying and addressing issues, whether related to kitchen workflow, guest preferences, or food quality
- Knife Skills – Proficient in various knife techniques, including chopping, slicing, dicing, and filleting, ensuring precision and efficiency in food prep
Certification
- Employee Recognition Award - Lotte Hotel Guam (Jun. 2024)
- Certificate of Construction of Gingerbread House - Hyatt Regency Resort (Dec. 2023)
- Servsafe Food Protection Manager Certification - Servsafe National Restaurant Association (Mar. 2023)
Languages
Tagalog, Kapampangan
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Cook
Milano Grill - The Tsubaki Tower
03.2025 - Current
Cook
Lotte Hotel Guam, LLC
02.2023 - 02.2025
Assistant Cook
Lotte Hotel Guam, LLC
05.2021 - 02.2023
Kitchen Staff
Fuji Ichiban
01.2021 - 04.2021
Assistant Manager
Streatery Guam - Family Food Truck
02.2019 - Current
Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts, Culinary & Foodservice
Guam Community College
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