Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Personal Information
Languages
References
Certification
Timeline
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Taryn Smith

Taryn Smith

Valencia

Summary

I began my culinary journey at the Prue Leith Chefs Academy before moving to Cape Town, South Africa, for my practical training. Over the years, I worked my way up to Head Chef, gaining extensive experience in high-end restaurants, innovative dining concepts, and yachting. I have a strong passion for Asian cuisine, particularly street food, and I enjoy blending my classical French and Italian training with East and Southeast Asian flavours. Innovative Chef known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Skilled in menu development, inventory management, and culinary arts. Excel in time management, teamwork, and adaptability, ensuring smooth kitchen operations and exceptional dining experiences.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sole Chef

M/Y Sun Voyager
06.2024 - Current
  • Solely responsible for preparing high-quality meals for both guests and crew
  • Catering for up to 14 guests and 15 crew, ensuring diverse and well-balanced menus

Sous Chef

M/Y Asia
05.2024 - 06.2024
  • Prepared daily crew meals and assisted the Head Chef with guest dining
  • Ensured smooth kitchen operations in a dynamic yacht environment

Crew Chef

Lady A M/Y
Imperia
10.2023 - 03.2024
  • Solely responsible for cooking daily meals for the crew during the winter season
  • Managed weekly provisioning and maintained kitchen efficiency

Head Chef

The Shortmarket Club
Johannesburg
08.2021 - 08.2023
  • Selected by Chef Luke Dale Roberts to lead the Johannesburg expansion of The Shortmarket Club
  • Oversaw kitchen operations, menu execution, and quality control in an upmarket European-style brasserie with Asian-inspired influences

Head Chef

TFK Fledglings
Cape Town
04.2021 - 08.2021
  • Led a training-focused restaurant by Luke Dale Roberts and Sandalene Dale Roberts
  • Mentored and trained underprivileged high school graduates and young adults, equipping them with essential culinary and hospitality skills

Head Chef

The Pot Luck Club @ EGG
Cape Town
08.2020 - 04.2021
  • Spearheaded the launch of a modern food hall concept in Cape Town
  • Designed and executed a menu featuring signature Pot Luck Club dishes alongside original creations

Senior Chef de Partie

The Test Kitchen
Cape Town
08.2019 - 01.2020
  • Transitioned to The Test Kitchen to further refine my culinary expertise
  • Managed junior chefs, oversaw kitchen orders, and handled monthly stocktaking

Junior Sous Chef

The Pot Luck Club
Cape Town
03.2016 - 08.2019
  • Progressed from student to Junior Sous Chef in a leading fine-dining establishment
  • Gained extensive knowledge across all kitchen sections and played a key role in training staff
  • Ensured full kitchen preparation, assisted with orders, and managed stock control

Skills

  • Menu planning
  • Food safety
  • Team management
  • Recipe development
  • Effective communication

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 01/01/94
  • Nationality: South African/Irish
  • Driving License: True
  • Visa Status: Irish Passport, B1/B2 Visa

Languages

English

References

  • Lisa Thomas, Chief Stewardess, M/Y Sun Voyager, lisa_thomas20@gmail.com, +44 7881 229254
  • Chris Sherwood, Head Chef, M/Y Asia, +1 954 853 1422
  • Luke Dale Roberts, Owner, LDR Group (The Pot Luck Club, The Test Kitchen, The Shortmarket Club), luke@lukedaleroberts.com, +27 (82) 229-5667
  • Steve Hackner, General Manager, LDR Group, gm@lukedaleroberts.com, +27 (71) 352-7018

Certification

STCW Certification (Valid until 07/2028)

ENG1 Medical Certification (Valid until 07/2028)

Level 1 Firefighting & Risk-Based Training

Emergency First Aid in the Workplace

Food Safety Level 3

Timeline

Sole Chef

M/Y Sun Voyager
06.2024 - Current

Sous Chef

M/Y Asia
05.2024 - 06.2024

Crew Chef

Lady A M/Y
10.2023 - 03.2024

Head Chef

The Shortmarket Club
08.2021 - 08.2023

Head Chef

TFK Fledglings
04.2021 - 08.2021

Head Chef

The Pot Luck Club @ EGG
08.2020 - 04.2021

Senior Chef de Partie

The Test Kitchen
08.2019 - 01.2020

Junior Sous Chef

The Pot Luck Club
03.2016 - 08.2019
Taryn Smith