Portland’5 chef earns top certification!

Portland’5 Centers for the Arts is pleased to announce that pacificwild Chef de cuisine for the Portland'5 venues (ArtBar & Bistro, Keller Café, and event catering), Shannon Wisner, has earned a Pro Chef II certification from the world renowned Culinary Institute of America - increasing her culinary, leadership and financial skills.

The ProChef certification is the only competency-based certification for professional chefs. The rigorous four-day test assesses a chef’s proficiency in competency in basic food science, baking, and nutrition; personnel management and supervisory skills; and knowledge of basic concepts of financial controls of a food operation.

Grading is done by Master Chefs within the Culinary Institute of America.

In order to achieve ProChef Level II certification status a chef must demonstrate the following skills:

Culinary aptitude:

  • Nutrition concepts as applied to menus and recipes
  • Fundamental baking techniques
  • Basic food science terminology
  • Garde manger and Mediterranean cooking principles

Leadership skills:

  • Fundamental management principles
  • Effective supervision of others in work production
  • Fundamental workplace laws and employer liability
  • Preparation of performance reviews
  • Preparation of effective work schedules

Financial acumen:

  • Food operation P&Ls
  • Menu mix and portion concepts
  • Labor and food waste issues
  • Food inventory and ordering system

Achieving certification is a milestone for chefs and is considered a stamp of recognition in the culinary industry. Shannon Wisner has been with pacificwild/Portland'5 for 6 years. She has a degree in Culinary Arts from the Western Culinary Institute and holds a certification in ProChef I amongst her credentials and experience. 

Posted: 
January 21, 2016