Balamurugan Viswanathan
Puducherry
Summary
Experienced culinary professional with a strong background in kitchen operations and team leadership. Coordinated food ordering, receiving, and storage processes while establishing plating presentation standards. Trained new hires in cooking techniques and food safety regulations, fostering a collaborative work environment. Managed daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with sanitation and safety practices while monitoring inventory levels to maintain adequate supplies.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
P&O Australia cruise line
Australia
05.2022 - 11.2024
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Established standard procedures for plating presentations.
- Trained new hires in proper cooking techniques and recipes.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Performed weekly inspections of all equipment for safety compliance.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
Head Chef
Sodexo
Omen
02.2020 - 11.2020
- Organized special events such as banquets or catering services when required.
- Inspected ingredients and equipment to ensure they meet quality standards.
- Trained new kitchen staff in food safety regulations and proper cooking techniques.
- Ordered food supplies from vendors to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Analyzed financial data related to labor costs, inventory expenses, and menu pricing changes, making recommendations as needed.
- Developed menus and recipes for a variety of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and specialty items.
Chef De Tournant
NCL cruise line
07.2019 - 11.2019
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations within the kitchen area.
- Responded to customer complaints regarding food quality or service.
- Planned weekly work schedules for kitchen staff based on business volume projections.
Chef De Partie
Viking cruise line
01.2018 - 01.2018
- Prepared a variety of sauces from scratch according to recipes or customer requests.
- Assisted with menu planning activities by suggesting creative ideas for dishes based on seasonal ingredients.
- Created cost estimates for new menu items by taking into account ingredient prices and labour costs.
Sous Chef
P&O Australia cruise line
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Established standard procedures for plating presentations.
- Enforced portion control guidelines to minimize costs associated with overproduction.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
Chef De Partie
P&O Australia cruise line
06.2013 - 11.2016
- Prepared a variety of sauces from scratch according to recipes or customer requests.
- Supervised and trained kitchen staff to ensure quality standards of food production.
- Organized the daily mise en place in order to prepare meals efficiently.
Demi Chef De Partie
P&O Australia cruise line
11.2010 - 04.2013
- Assisted Head Chef with daily food preparation and service in the kitchen.
- Prepared sauces, soups and hot entrees according to set recipes.
Commis Chef
Sheba Hotel ( Ex Taj Chain )
03.2009 - 06.2010
Commis Chef
Taj Mount Road Hotel ( pre opening Team )
Chennai
02.2008 - 02.2009
Apprentice
Taj Residency Hotel
Visakhapatnam
03.2006 - 03.2007
Trainee
Hotel Ananda Inn
Puducherry
01.2006 - 03.2006
Trainee
The Millennium Park Hotel
Pune
05.2005 - 11.2005
Trainee
Adayar Bakery
Chennai
12.2004 - 01.2005
Education
Diploma In Food Production
PIHMCT
Pondicherry 03-2005
Skills
- Food safety
- Menu development
- Inventory management
- Recipe testing
- Cost estimation
- Team leadership
- Employee training
- Recipes and menu planning
- Menu planning
Languages
Tamil
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Timeline
Sous Chef
P&O Australia cruise line
05.2022 - 11.2024
Head Chef
Sodexo
02.2020 - 11.2020
Chef De Tournant
NCL cruise line
07.2019 - 11.2019
Chef De Partie
Viking cruise line
01.2018 - 01.2018
Sous Chef
P&O Australia cruise line
01.2017 - 04.2017
Chef De Partie
P&O Australia cruise line
06.2013 - 11.2016
Demi Chef De Partie
P&O Australia cruise line
11.2010 - 04.2013
Commis Chef
Sheba Hotel ( Ex Taj Chain )
03.2009 - 06.2010
Commis Chef
Taj Mount Road Hotel ( pre opening Team )
02.2008 - 02.2009
Apprentice
Taj Residency Hotel
03.2006 - 03.2007
Trainee
Hotel Ananda Inn
01.2006 - 03.2006
Trainee
The Millennium Park Hotel
05.2005 - 11.2005
Trainee
Adayar Bakery
12.2004 - 01.2005
Diploma In Food Production
PIHMCT