Allison
London,ENG
Summary
Accomplished hospitality professional with expertise in restaurant management, menu design, and new restaurant openings. Demonstrates strong skills in recipe development, team building, and operations, ensuring seamless execution of daily tasks while maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety, including HACCP compliance. Adept at budget management, procurement, and customer service, with a proven ability to mentor teams and foster collaboration. Skilled in culinary trend research, allergen awareness, and food and beverage pairing to create innovative dining experiences. Committed to driving operational excellence and delivering exceptional results in the hospitality industry.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work history
Head Chef
LilNashville
London
2025.03 - Current
- Developed BBQ/ Southern Americana menu with in house smoked meats and authentic recipes.
- Developed Brunch menu, Party menus and Holiday menus to round out food options.
- Trained staff to execute menus to very high standard.
- Contributed to 4.6 star Google review and 4.7 star on Trip Advisor
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
Development and Innovation Chef
Mustard Foods
London, UK
2022.07 - 2024.08
- Work with clients in developing and upscaling of their recipes to maximize taste and quality in large scale production for large clients such as LEON and the IVY
- Increased Mustard Food frozen ready meal range.
Chef Instructor
New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute
New Orleans, LA
2019.01 - 2020.01
- Instructed class size of 30 both classroom and kitchen.
- Opened and managed pop up restaurant with students at end of each cohort.
- Provided input and guidance on curriculum.
Chef-Owner
Rushing Cuisine
New Orleans, LA
2014.07 - 2019.01
- Rushing Cuisine specialised in catering events intimate dinners to large functions for A list clients and occasional restaurant pop-ups.
Chef Consultant
Tupelo Honey Cafe
2017.01 - 2017.01
- Developed seasonal menu options
Executive Chef
MiLa Restaurant
New Orleans, LA
2007.08 - 2014.07
- Maintained Fresh, Seasonal menu offerings in restaurant, room service and banquet menus, and daily fresh take away cafe items
- Collaborated with sales and events team
- Trained staff to prepare and cook all menu items
- Trained FOH on wine offerings
- Voted top 10 restaurants in New Orleans in 2009 and 2013 by Times Picayune food critic.
Executive Chef/Owner
Longbranch
Abita Springs, LA
2005.08 - 2007.08
- Quaint restaurant with seasonal menus prepared with ingredients sourced from exclusive local farm
- Coordinated and managed weddings/private events on property
- Voted top 10 restaurants in New Orleans in year 2006 by Times Picayune food critic.
Executive Chef
Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar
New York, NY
2003.09 - 2005.07
- Intimate carriage house seafood bar in East Village of New York City
- Created Seasonal recipes and menus using local ingredients, inspired by New Orleans Cuisine.
Commis Chef
Alain Ducasse at the Essex House
New York
2001.11 - 2003.08
- Worked all stations in this French 4 New York Times star restaurant.
Commis Chef
Picholine
NYC
2000.08 - 2001.09
- Worked Garde manger and Grill in this 1 Michelin star Mediterranean restaurant
Education
Culinary Arts
ICE
NYCSkills
- New Restaurant Opening
- Menu Design
- Recipe Development
- Team Building
- Restaurant Management
- Operations
- Customer Service
- Collaboration
Accomplishments
- James Beard Award Rising Star Chef of the Year 2004, winner
- James Beard Media Award Us Foodways Cookbook 2013, finalist
Publications
- Co-Author of "Southern Comfort", Ten Speed Press, 2012
- Contributor to "Coco", Phaidon Press 2010
Timeline
Head Chef
LilNashville
2025.03 - Current
Development and Innovation Chef
Mustard Foods
2022.07 - 2024.08
Chef Instructor
New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute
2019.01 - 2020.01
Chef Consultant
Tupelo Honey Cafe
2017.01 - 2017.01
Chef-Owner
Rushing Cuisine
2014.07 - 2019.01
Executive Chef
MiLa Restaurant
2007.08 - 2014.07
Executive Chef/Owner
Longbranch
2005.08 - 2007.08
Executive Chef
Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar
2003.09 - 2005.07
Commis Chef
Alain Ducasse at the Essex House
2001.11 - 2003.08
Commis Chef
Picholine
2000.08 - 2001.09
Culinary Arts
ICE