Sam McConnell Culinary | creative

I AM, I BE

Highly Creative • Personable • Natural Leader • Strong Work Ethic • Clutch Team Player • Multitasker • Autodidact • Genuine • Optimist • Focused • Open-Minded • Ethical • Discreet • Composed • Compassionate • Accommodating • Organized • Calm • Cool

REPERTOIRE

American • Ayurvedic + Temple Food • Baking • BBQ • Cajun + Creole • Caribbean • Central + South American • Chinese • Desserts • French • Italian • Indian • Japanese • Keto • Kid-Friendly • Korean • Mediterranean • Mexican • Middle-Eastern + North African • Paleo • Pizza • Southern + Soul Food • Spanish • Sushi • Thai • Vegan + Vegetarian • Wood-fired Cooking

WORK HISTORY

Freelance Culinary Professional

Los Angeles, CA

2004 - Current | Special Events Chef, Private Chef, Consultant, Recipe Author Work for hire, consultant, recipe author, event chef, private chef to families, music, film & fashion executives, professional athletes, and A-list celebrities. For nearly two decades in the Los Angeles culinary scene I have had the privilege of working alongside some of our best chefs, restauranteurs, farmers, and suppliers, and enjoy engaging them for my clients.

Avalon Capital Group

West Hollywood, CA

2019 - 2020 | Food & Beverage Manager Manage all foodservice and hospitality for UHNW estate, including upgrading extensive wine cellars. Established new protocols for hospitality service. Covered role of Executive Chef for most of the time there. Created and executed highly focused menus incorporating each of the principals' specific dietary needs; for everyday meals and family holidays, as well as for special events and business meetings. Sourced new vendors, reducing costs and improving quality of product. Established detailed F&B databases, including dozens of custom recipes; and assisted in creation of house manual content. Hired Michelin star chef as replacement.

(Confidential) Celebrity Family

Beverly Hills/Calabasas, CA

2012 - 2018 | Private Chef Plan and execute daily meals and snacks for family of 4, plus large household staff, as well as for parties and business meetings. Propose varied menus, based on several dietary restrictions, individual preferences, and changing nutritional plans. Collaborate with trainers, doctors, and nutritionists to successfully meet client's dietary goals.

(Confidential) Family

Brentwood/Malibu, CA

2009 - 2012 | Private Chef Create and execute varying menus for family of 5 and household staff. Preparation of school lunches, after school snacks, and preparation and service of all weeknight dinners. Grocery shopping. Catering parties and events.

(Confidential) Celebrity Family

Beverly Hills, CA

2008 - 2012 | Private Chef On call private chef for special family and holiday events. Menu planning, staffing, and service for up to 30 guests. Traditional as well as contemporary holiday cuisine.

Foodink Catering

Los Angeles, CA

2003 - 2009 | Event Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Production Event & menu planning, production, & execution for a wide variety of events; ordering and receiving, location/kitchen set-up, staff/kitchen management.

Auntie Em's Kitchen

Eagle Rock, CA

2003 - 2004 | Chef Short order cook, menu planning, & catering for 50-300pp, daily special creation, ordering and receiving, serving, register, and some delivery driving.

THEY CALL ME GRILLS
WHAT’S NEXT

Regardless of the job - I am always looking ahead to finding the best way I can put my skills to use; to accomplish established goals and deliver top quality results.

It’s my ultimate goal to work with clients and collaborators who align with my own quality and ethical standards; while allowing me to grow professionally and push boundaries creatively.

CREATED BY
Sam McConnell

Credits:

all photos & design by the author; except where noted