Food learning
DavisHilton Kalinzi
Chef
Kampala ,Central
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with a proven track record at Caramel Café & Lounge, excelling in menu planning and kitchen leadership. Recognized for enhancing kitchen efficiency and reducing food waste through innovative techniques. Adept at mentoring teams and ensuring food safety, delivering exceptional dining experiences while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Chef De Partie
Tableside Tales
05.2025 - Current
Despatch Chef
Tableside Tales
05.2025 - Current
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
Chef De Partie
Caramel Café & Lounge
02.2024 - 04.2025
- Supported head chef in menu creation, incorporating seasonal ingredients for innovative dishes.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep work and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Provided support in all areas of the kitchen as needed, demonstrating versatility and adaptability under pressure.
- Plated meals paying special attention to garnishes and overall presentation.
- Reduced food waste by carefully monitoring inventory levels and adjusting orders accordingly.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Developed and cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
Line Cook
Caramel Café & Lounge
02.2023 - 02.2024
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Strengthened team communication through active listening and constructive feedback during shift meetings or one-on-one sessions.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
Kitchen Prep Cook
Caramel Café & Lounge
05.2022 - 02.2023
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
Kitchen Senior Steward
Caramel Café & Lounge
11.2021 - 05.2022
- Mentored junior stewards, providing guidance on best practices and fostering a strong team dynamic for consistent service excellence.
- Provided personalized service to VIP guests, anticipating their needs and exceeding expectations for memorable events.
- Enhanced team efficiency by implementing streamlined procedures for inventory management and service execution.
- Coordinated with event planners to ensure successful execution of large-scale functions, managing staffing and logistical requirements as needed.
- Accepted opportunities to learn new skills, improve performance and cross-train for other positions.
Kitchen Steward
Caramel Café & Lounge
06.2021 - 11.2021
- Provided support during large events by ensuring sufficient kitchen supplies were available for seamless service execution.
- Assisted in food preparation by blending soups and washing and peeling vegetables.
- Participated in routine inventories of kitchen equipment to guarantee adequate availability for daily operations.
- Promoted accident prevention through proper and acceptable levels of sanitation and cleanliness of kitchen.
Steward
Caramel Café & Lounge
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Accepted opportunities to learn new skills, improve performance and cross-train for other positions.
- Checked recycling cans, removed garbage and put recyclables in correct bin.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain smooth operations during high-traffic periods, minimizing wait times.
- Ensured cleanliness and sanitation of dining areas, adhering to strict hygiene standards for a healthy environment.
- Tasked with removal of garbage and refuse, mopping and sweeping floors and washing walls.
Service Team Member
Firehouse Catering Services
2016 - 2018
- Orchestrated positive customer experiences by overseeing every area of Type operations.
- Reduced food costs by controlling portion sizes.
- Trained and assisted up to Number service members regularly.
- Established open atmosphere for team members and participants to openly communicate thoughts and opinions.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, contributing to a positive work atmosphere for both employees and customers.
- Prepared food items consistently according to quality standards, ensuring customer satisfaction with each order.
- Assisted in training new team members, ensuring adherence to company standards and policies.
- Handled customer inquiries with professionalism, addressing concerns promptly to ensure their satisfaction.
Education
UCE -
City Campus High School
Kampala PLE -
Kibuye Primary School
KampalaSkills
Proper food handling
Counter sanitization
Food spoilage prevention
Team management
Pizza making
Sauce preparation
Grilling techniques
Kitchen leadership
Garnishing and plating
Ordering and requisitions
Supervising food prep
Mentoring and coaching
Plating
Menu planning
Food safety
Food preparation
Salad preparation
Soup preparation
Plating and presentation
Kitchen organization
Interests
Music
Movies
Adventuring
Timeline
Chef De Partie
Tableside Tales
05.2025 - Current
Despatch Chef
Tableside Tales
05.2025 - Current
Chef De Partie
Caramel Café & Lounge
02.2024 - 04.2025
Line Cook
Caramel Café & Lounge
02.2023 - 02.2024
Kitchen Prep Cook
Caramel Café & Lounge
05.2022 - 02.2023
Kitchen Senior Steward
Caramel Café & Lounge
11.2021 - 05.2022
Kitchen Steward
Caramel Café & Lounge
06.2021 - 11.2021
Steward
Caramel Café & Lounge
04.2021 - 06.2021
Service Team Member
Firehouse Catering Services
2016 - 2018
UCE -
City Campus High School
PLE -
Kibuye Primary School