Lindsey Leitelt
Longs
Summary
Dynamic and innovative Chef with a proven track record specializing in menu development and recipe innovation. Expert in event catering and staff mentorship, I enhance customer satisfaction through creative culinary experiences while maintaining rigorous food safety compliance. Passionate about utilizing seasonal ingredients to craft memorable dishes.
In addition to my culinary experience over the last 15 years; I have been a group fitness instructor and personal trainer for 12 years. Pairing my love for food and love for fitness I have developed healthy recipes and menus for my clients.
Over the last 2 years I have pivoted away from the culinary scene in order to launch a film company. Utilizing my skills as an executive chef with task management and organization has been a seamless transition into film development and production. I have been a recurring figure on a popular Discovery channel television show as well.
In addition I have a 501c3 and have been very blessed to serve brothers and sisters both home and abroad.
In my earlier career I have been an event planner, waitress many times over and sales associate.
I have a passion for people, recently moved to South Carolina from California and more than anything would like to get plugged into a great community of people while utilizing my various skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Self-employeed
11.2009 - 12.2024
- Developed diverse menus incorporating seasonal ingredients and culinary trends.
- Catered both intimate and large gatherings, including but not limited to dinner parties, birthdays, and weddings.
- Instructed group and private cooking sessions.
- Managed all aspects of food preparation, ensuring high standards of quality and safety.
- Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff when needed, in order to accommodate larger parties.
- Implemented cost-control measures to optimize ingredient usage and reduce waste.
- Designed innovative signature dishes that enhanced customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Head Chef
Guru Donuts Boise
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Traveled weekly from California as an interim Executive Chef for this very popular boutique donut shop.
- Developed innovative donut recipes, enhancing menu offerings and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and safety compliance.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock control practices.
- Developing special menus for events, such as wine pairings with local wineries.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative team environment and skill development with the intention of finding a local head chef, training, and passing on responsibilities.
Head Chef
Williams Sonoma
01.2010 - 12.2012
Tasked with teaching all weekend cooking classes, book club cooking classes, and demos.
Education
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
College of The Canyons
Valencia, California, CACulinary Arts Degree - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu
Pasadena, CA11-2009
Skills
- Menu development
- Food safety compliance
- Recipe innovation
- Event catering
- Cost control measures
- Kitchen operations
- Staff mentorship
- Customer satisfaction
- Seasonal ingredient sourcing
- Cooking demonstrations
- Private cooking sessions
Timeline
Head Chef
Guru Donuts Boise
02.2022 - 06.2022
Head Chef
Williams Sonoma
01.2010 - 12.2012
Chef
Self-employeed
11.2009 - 12.2024
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
College of The Canyons
Culinary Arts Degree - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu