CATHERINE SIDI YAA
Watamu
Summary
Culinary professional known for high standards and exceptional results in kitchen. Extensive experience in preparing and presenting diverse dishes. Strong focus on team collaboration and flexibility, ensuring consistent quality and innovation in every meal.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook / Private Chef
Seven Islands
Watamu
07.2022 - Current
- Prepare menus, presenting them to guests to choose.
- Preparing meals and cooking them as per guest requests and to the standards.
- Follow exact recipes, portion sizes and presentation.
- Maintaining strict cleanliness in the kitchen stations, utensils and storage areas.
- 4½ Star
Cook
Atlantis The Palm Dubai
08.2020 - 02.2022
- Prepare and cook high-quality dishes according to hotel standards, menus, and guest expectations.
- Follow exact recipes, portion sizes, and presentation guidelines.
- Ensure consistency in taste, texture, and plating for all meals.
- Support chefs in executing menus for restaurants, banquets, and special events.
- Maintain strict cleanliness in kitchen stations, utensils, and storage areas.
- Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of ingredients to prevent waste/spoilage.
- Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and service.
- 5 Star
Cook
The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
01.2017 - 07.2020
- Prepare menus, presenting them to guests to choose.
- Preparing meals and cooking them as per guest requests and to the standards.
- Follow exact recipes, portion sizes and presentation.
- Maintaining strict cleanliness in the kitchen stations, utensils and storage areas.
- By Mariots Hotel
- 5 Star
Cook (Hot Kitchen)
Hemingways Resort
Watamu, Kenya
08.2015 - 10.2017
- Assist in training and mentoring new staff when required.
- Monitor stock levels and report shortages to supervisors.
- Handle ingredients responsibly to minimize waste.
- Assist in receiving and checking deliveries for quality and freshness.
- Support open kitchen concepts or live cooking stations when required.
- Adapt dishes for dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, allergies).
- 5 Star
Cook (Hot Kitchen)
Turtle Bay Beach Resort
08.2009 - 02.2015
- Preparing buffet and à la carte breakfast items on time.
- Assisting with baking bread, cakes, pastries, and desserts.
- Preparing salads, dressings, and cold appetizers for service.
- Cutting, portioning, and marinating meat, poultry, and seafood.
- Operating grills and ovens to prepare grilled meats, seafood, and roasts.
- Ensuring food is garnished and presented according to hotel standards.
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen and workstations.
- Storing ingredients properly in freezers, refrigerators, and dry stores to prevent spoilage.
- Checking supplies and notifying the supervisor about shortages or replenishment needs.
- Coordinating with chefs, stewards, and waitstaff to ensure smooth service.
- Ensuring all sections are ready before service time.
- Observing hotel food safety standards.
- Assisting trainees and junior cooks in understanding kitchen operations.
- 4½ Star
Education
Diploma - Food Production
Kenya Utalii College
Nairobi12.2010
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Ngao Girls Secondary School
Kenya11.2007
Skills
- Knowledge of Food Chemistry
- Culinary Techniques
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Food Safety and Sanitation Practices
- Quality Assurance
- Computer Proficiency
- Culinary art
- Sauteing
- Dietary restriction support
- Focused and disciplined
- Positive and professional
- Health code adherence
- Plate presentation
- High volume production capability
- Dish preparation
- Creative plating
References
- James, Baya, FnB Manager, +254722343581, Hemingways Resort, Watamu
- Ravi, Rohra, Human Resource Manager, +254717217646, Seven Island Resort, Watamu
Language
English - Fluent
Italian - Intermediate
Trainings
- STCW Certificate - 2025
- Seafarer's Training - 2025
Courses
- Computer Proficiency - 2016
- Certificate of Service in Safe Food Hygiene Program - 2010
- Basic Fire Fighting Skills - 2011
Timeline
Cook / Private Chef
Seven Islands
07.2022 - Current
Cook
Atlantis The Palm Dubai
08.2020 - 02.2022
Cook
The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
01.2017 - 07.2020
Cook (Hot Kitchen)
Hemingways Resort
08.2015 - 10.2017
Cook (Hot Kitchen)
Turtle Bay Beach Resort
08.2009 - 02.2015
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Ngao Girls Secondary School
Diploma - Food Production
Kenya Utalii College