MEET THE CHEF
Creative, passionate, and award-winning Certified Executive Chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with:
25+ years of experience in owning and overseeing all aspects of restaurant operations including managing kitchen staff
and developing new menus while ensuring high-quality, cost-effective restaurant dining, catering, and banquets.
Successful implementation in managing catering operations, budgeting, staff recruitment and training, and food handling
with a record of enhancing the overall dining experience. Adept at coordinating food orders, scheduling shifts, and
controlling inventory levels with a keen focus on adhering to and enforcing health and safety standards in the kitchen.
Creator of unique recipes that highlight specific products, private chef and consultant to companies and private events.
MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DeAngelo’s Authentic Italian / Bella Luna Bistro and Bar | Merced, CA
Owner / Executive Chef | October 1995 - March 2021
● Operated a modern, award-winning gourmet full service restaurant and bistro by delivering high-quality cuisine, including freshly baked artisan bread, brick-oven pizzas, and authentic Italian specialties aimed at attaining high customer satisfaction ratings.
● Developed and implemented a fresh seafood and prime steak program, sourcing quality ingredients from reliable vendors, thereby enhancing menu offerings and resulting in a 20% increase in sales
● Curated one-of-a-kind gourmet salads, featuring innovative flavor combinations and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which were well-received by customers and differentiated the bistro in a competitive marketplace
● Created a unique beverage program, offering original signature cocktails and a curated selection of wines, leading to a 20% increase in beverage sales and enhancing the overall dining experience.
● Received multiple awards for exceptional food and service, solidifying a reputation as a premier dining destination in the region
● Drove the success of an award-winning restaurant renowned for white tablecloth fine dining, comprehensive in-house and offsite catering services accommodating up to 650 guests, and casual bistro dining in the bar area
● Created new recipes and an innovative menu, ranging from house-baked bread, fresh pastas, seafood, prime steak, brick-oven pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, gourmet salads and a wide range of Italian desserts and pastries
Chef Shack Food Truck |
Merced, CA
Owner Operator / Manager | Month 2012 - Month 2021
● Oversaw all operations of a custom-built catering and vending food truck, including food preparation, customer service, and vendor relations, leading to a substantial increase in sales and customer retention
● Managed truck at various high-traffic locations, including UC Merced and Merced College, as well as numerous corporate events, weddings, and food festivals
● Demonstrated proficiency in catering for large-scale events of up to 650 people, effectively managing menu planning, ingredient sourcing, food preparation, and service, leading to positive feedback and repeat bookings
● Managed cost controls to reduce expenses and increase profits
Owner, Creator and Founder of The Valley Chef Productions Merced, CA
Conceptual Founder and Creator/| May 2003 - Present
● Served as a liaison between local farmers and the community, highlighted and showcased the people, products and history of the valley farmers through recipe development and community events
● Regularly featured on Great Day Kitchen on Fox 26 and recipient of Fresno Food Show awards for three consecutive years as well as featured in 209 Magazine, Dine Out Along the Road TV Show, and Men Who Cook TV Show
● Routinely wrote two-page articles as a food columnist for the Merced Sun-Star to increase readership and foster a greater understanding of local agriculture