Ricardo Santiago

Culinary Professional · Event Chef · Catering Chef

+16782015334 Baltazar8423@gmail.comAtlanta, GA 30320

Professional Summary

Ricardo Santiago is a chef with 15+ years of hands-on kitchen experience across restaurants, catering, major events, and food-truck operations. He currently leads event and catering kitchens at State Farm Arena and works with Dennis Dean Catering, cooking for everything from intimate dinners to large-scale events across Atlanta. His cooking blends Mexican and international technique — birria and mid/south-of-the-border cooking, Japanese-inspired dishes, sushi and knife work, and the discipline that high-volume stadium kitchens teach: prep, speed, and service that doesn't miss. Wherever he lands, he brings organization, consistency, and an old-school attention to detail to the pass.

Experience

Event Chef

08/2020 – Present

State Farm Arena

Atlanta, GA

Prepare food for large groups and major events.
Support high-volume food production and service.
Prepare catering menus according to event requirements, dietary needs and budget.
Order and organize food items and supplies required for catering operations.
Prepare catering options for clients and events.

Catering Chef

01/2016 – Present

Dennis Dean Catering

Prepare food for weddings, corporate events, private functions and other large events.
Execute catering menus based on client specifications, event type, dietary needs and budget.
Order and organize ingredients and supplies required for catering operations.
Follow food-safety and equipment-safety procedures in high-volume kitchen environments.

Line Chef

07/2012 – 07/2015

S.C.A.D.

Operated fryer and grill stations.
Followed sanitation, nutrition and kitchen safety standards.
Assisted kitchen leadership with food preparation and service.
Restocked ingredients and food items throughout service.

Skills

Mexican CuisineTaqueroBirriaSushiJapanese CuisineContinental CuisineCateringEvent ProductionFood TrucksHigh-Volume Cooking