Christian Sta Maria

Sushi is a specialised component of Japanese cuisine therefore I pride myself on the skill and presentation of every sushi while continually training myself to develop new skills and maintaining a high standard which I have been able to develop from working at some of London's top sushi restaurants/bars over the past 13 years. My current position is "Head Chef" and through my years of experience, I have worked in fast paced team environments developing excellent communication and organisational skills while also having the flexibility to work in all parts of the kitchen and ability to train, lead and manage the kitchen staff.

Main Sushi Chef - Lounge Lover - London

(2010-12 - 2012-12)

• Created new, artistic and exciting sushi for seasonal menus
• Maintained strict HACCP standards
• Trained new sushi employees
• Worked for private hires
• Worked for covers of up to 150

Main Sushi Chef - Watasumi - London

(2012-01 - 2013-12)

• Working in a sushi bar
• Maintained strict HACCP standards
• Preparation and cutting skills of large fish
• Creating new menu

Sushi Chef/Teppanyaki Trainee - Mastsuri - St James, London

(2013-01 - 2013-12)

• Working in sushi bar serving plates using traditional method and teaching
• Preparation and cutting skills of large fish
• Worked in teppanyaki section cooking menu dishes for customers

Sous Sushi Chef - UNI restaurant Bulgaria - London

(2013-01 - 2014-12)

• Stock taking
• Designing new exciting menus for the restaurant
• Preparation and cutting of large fish
• Taking responsibility of overall service of sushi bar when Head sushi chef not present
• Plating of sushi and ceviche

Head Chef - UNI restaurant - Belgravia, London

(2014-01 - 2015-12)

• Stock taking and ordering
• Responsibility of supervising, motivating and training kitchen staff
• Teacher for UNI Sushi Masterclass, held twice a month for PR, Bloggers, Journalists and Sushi enthusiasts
• Reporting to the owner or general manager
• Designing exciting seasonal menus for the restaurant
• Responsibility of overall service from all different sections of the kitchen
• Preparation and cutting of large fish

Head Chef - Beni Shoga Restaurant - Imperial Wharf, Chelsea, London

(2015-01 - 2015-12)

• Responsibility of supervising, motivating and training kitchen staff
• Responsibility of overall service from all different sections of the kitchen
• Stock taking and ordering
• Reporting to the owner or general manager
• Designing exciting seasonal menus for the restaurant
• Closing and opening the restaurant

Head Sushi Chef - Engawa - Ham Yard Hotel, Soho, London

(2015-01 - 2016-12)

• Working in traditional Japanese restaurant specialising in sushi, sashimi and Kobe beef
• Meeting guest high standard expectations
• Working at the sushi bar
• Reporting to owner general manager
• Responsibility of overall service from sushi bar whilst also giving support on hot section and working on teppanyaki section
• Further culinary and sushi training from highly experienced Japanese executive chefs

Head Chef - Sen Nin - Highbury and Islington, London

(2016-01 - 2017-12)

• Overall responsibility of teppanyaki, hot food and sushi sections of restaurant
• Training of new chefs for each section of kitchen and floor
• Designing new seasonal menus
• Overlooking both branches of 'Sen Nin' both in Highbury and Islington and Camden branch
• Holding private catering events for up to 200 guests
• Stock take and ordering
• Closing and opening restaurant

Head Chef - Bronte - Trafalgar Square, London

(2017-01 - 2018-12)

• Control of 'stock taking' and ordering
• Creating new seasonal dishes
• Providing training on responsibilities of chefs on each sections of the kitchen
• Controlling kitchen service for up to 250 covers in both kitchens of the restaurant
• Flexible and well capable to work on all sections of the kitchen

Head Sushi Chef - Cafe Royal - Regent Street, London

(2018-01 - 2021-12)

• Head Chef for the opening of brand new sushi bar at Hotel Cafe Royal creating menu inspired as Japanese French Fusion
• Stock Taking and ordering
• Hosting 'Sushi Masterclass' lessons for private parties/groups
• Service from sushi bar to cater all dining outlets of the hotel such as Room Service, Banqueting, Restaurant Dining, Private Events whilst also catering to guests at the sushi bar
• Overall responsibility of handling a team of five sushi chefs
• Flexibility to also work in hot kitchen if needed

Head Chef - The Grove - Watford

(2021-01)

• Opened sushi bar in the main dining area 'Glasshouse'
• Opened the 'lounges' for a more focused Japanese concept
• Service including private banqueting of up to 300+ and other outlets in the hotel such as room service
• Providing sushi masterclass for private parties