Gabriel Mena Salgado
Quito
Summary
Dynamic culinary and nutrition expert with a proven track record at Universidad de las Américas, enhancing culinary skills and nutritional awareness. Specializes in the development of functional food products and sustainable food systems. Excels in high-impact public speaking and strategic leadership, driving innovative solutions and fostering significant community engagement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nutrition and Culinary Consultant
Freelance Projects
01.2021 - Current
- Designed and participated in high-level educational programs to address nutritional disparities and culinary skill gaps in diverse communities
- Partnered with entrepreneurial ventures and commercial initiatives to create scalable nutrition and culinary solutions tailored to specific demographic needs
Co-Founder and Manager
Cuxara Gelato Artesanal
01.2018 - Current
- Pioneered the development of functional gelato formulations addressing dietary restrictions and nutritional needs
- Implemented comprehensive staff training programs, enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction
- Maintained a constant focus on collaborating with national producers to promote a circular economy through innovative sustainability initiatives
- Developed tailored menus, conducted commercial analysis, and implemented growth strategies to expand market reach
- Conducted research and development of products with a natural focus aligned with the brand's concept, emphasizing innovation and quality
Professor of Gastronomy (Full-time until 2022, Part-time from 2022)
Universidad de las Américas (UDLA)
01.2014 - Current
- Delivered practical cooking courses across various disciplines, including international cuisine, national cuisine, butchery, charcuterie, and thesis supervision
- Coordinated activities and maintained alumni relations as part of the Graduation Committee
- Supported outreach projects by training parents, institutional cooks, and the public on culinary techniques and nutritional benefits of healthy eating
- Played a key role in planning and executing university events, cooking for large-scale celebrations like graduations
- Supervised thesis projects, guiding students in developing innovative and practical gastronomic solutions
- Collaborated on the development of content for the Gastronomy Technology curriculum as part of a multidisciplinary team
Retail Sales Manager
Confecciones Wellman
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Led the creation and launch of a new lingerie brand in collaboration with a marketing and advertising consultant
- Coordinated and managed the project from inception, including interior design, store implementation, and operational setup
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring seamless integration of brand identity and customer experience
- Played a key role in developing strategies to drive growth and market penetration, emphasizing quality and innovation
Instructor
Culinary Trainers School
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Delivered specialized courses in basic cooking, international cuisine, and culinary management for administrators
- Developed tailored teaching methodologies to meet diverse student needs
Chef-Owner
Cafetería El Trompo
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Managed operations, including menu creation, staff supervision, and procurement
- Designed innovative dishes that balanced traditional flavors with modern culinary trends
Instructor
Culinary Arts School
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Taught practical culinary classes focusing on fundamental techniques and international cuisine
- Guided students in hands-on learning environments to develop foundational cooking skills and creativity
Head of Food & Beverage
Aerodeli
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Supervised food and beverage operations, ensuring quality standards
- Directed team efforts in the preparation and service of high-volume catering orders
Line Cook, Pastry Assistant
Restaurante Alkimia
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Managed cold kitchen operations and supported pastry preparation
- Delivered creative plating techniques and enhanced menu offerings
Occasional Cook
Hostería San José de Puembo
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Supported kitchen operations during weekend events as a line cook for the cold station
- Provided assistance in food preparation for large-scale events
Line Cook
Restaurante Mexicano Mezcalito
01.2007
- Oversaw the preparation of dishes in the hot and cold kitchen sections
- Ensured consistent quality and presentation of Mexican cuisine
Education
Master's in Business Administration (MBA) -
Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar
Ecuador01.2014
Specialization in Business Creation -
Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar
Ecuador01.2013
Bachelor’s in Gastronomy -
Universidad de las Américas
Ecuador01.2010
Skills
- Comprehensive Nutrition Education and Program Development
- Strategic Leadership in Culinary and Nutritional Initiatives
- Research and development of functional and healthy food products
- Implementation of sustainable food systems and practices
- High-Impact Public Speaking and Workshop Facilitation
- Compliance with global food safety standards
- Multilingual communication
- Recipe creation
- Food costing
- Food pairings
- Sanitation practices
- Cooking demonstrations
- Flavor profiling
- Allergen awareness
- Culinary techniques
- Food presentation
- Menu development
- Knife skills
- Food preparation
- International cuisines
- Guest interaction
- Food plating
Websites
- www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-mena-salgado-24812450
- https://www.instagram.com/cuxarahelado/?hl=es
- https://n9.cl/c8zsje
- https://www.elcomercio.com/sabores/consejos-pizza-verde-gastronomia-udla.html
- https://sitios.udla.edu.ec/2017/07/mena-gastronomia-para-los-ninos-de-escasos-recursos-economicos-radio-hot/
- https://www.facebook.com/UDLAEcuador/videos/carolina-p%C3%A9rez-y-gabriel-mena-gastronom%C3%ADa-udla/186243242804863/
Certification
- Putting the Personal in Personal Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, In Progress
- Ice Cream Formulation Course, Basque Culinary Center, 01/01/20
- ServeSafe Manager Certification, 01/01/18
- Effective Teaching Strategies, UDLA, 01/01/20
- Internal Auditor for ISO 22000, Bureau Veritas, 01/01/15
- Charcuterie Techniques, Instituto Argentino de Gastronomía, 01/01/05
- Culinary Chemistry, Instituto Argentino de Gastronomía, 01/01/06
- Food Handling and ServSafe Certification, Asociación de Chefs del Ecuador, 01/01/09
- Certification in Culinary Arts and Science, Asociación de Chefs del Ecuador, 01/01/09
- Kitchen Management, Asociación de Chefs del Ecuador, 01/01/09
Accomplishments
- Invited to the Cacao & Chocolate Summit 2024 to deliver a keynote presentation on chocolate applications in desserts and gelato, aimed at cacao and chocolate producers and marketers in Ecuador.
- Published recipes utilizing local ingredients and promoting nutritious culinary creations in leading newspapers and media outlets.
- Awarded Silver Medal at the RED LAUREATE International Competition, USA (2011).
- Bronze Medalist as Team Assistant, UDLA International Gastronomic Competitions (2008, 2009).
- Gold Medalist as Team Assistant, UDLA International Gastronomic Competitions (2007).
Mediapresence
- Featured expert on Teleamazonas, RTS TV, and Expreso, discussing food innovation and sustainable nutrition.
- Contributor to ONIMA’s Healthy Eating section, delivering actionable advice on nutrition and wellness.
Languages
Spanish
First Language
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
French
Elementary (A2)
A2
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Nutrition and Culinary Consultant
Freelance Projects
01.2021 - Current
Co-Founder and Manager
Cuxara Gelato Artesanal
01.2018 - Current
Professor of Gastronomy (Full-time until 2022, Part-time from 2022)
Universidad de las Américas (UDLA)
01.2014 - Current
Retail Sales Manager
Confecciones Wellman
01.2012 - 01.2014
Chef-Owner
Cafetería El Trompo
01.2011 - 01.2012
Instructor
Culinary Trainers School
01.2010 - 01.2014
Instructor
Culinary Arts School
01.2010 - 01.2011
Head of Food & Beverage
Aerodeli
01.2009 - 01.2010
Line Cook, Pastry Assistant
Restaurante Alkimia
01.2008 - 01.2009
Line Cook
Restaurante Mexicano Mezcalito
01.2007
Occasional Cook
Hostería San José de Puembo
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Putting the Personal in Personal Nutrition, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, In Progress
- Ice Cream Formulation Course, Basque Culinary Center, 01/01/20
- ServeSafe Manager Certification, 01/01/18
- Effective Teaching Strategies, UDLA, 01/01/20
- Internal Auditor for ISO 22000, Bureau Veritas, 01/01/15
- Charcuterie Techniques, Instituto Argentino de Gastronomía, 01/01/05
- Culinary Chemistry, Instituto Argentino de Gastronomía, 01/01/06
- Food Handling and ServSafe Certification, Asociación de Chefs del Ecuador, 01/01/09
- Certification in Culinary Arts and Science, Asociación de Chefs del Ecuador, 01/01/09
- Kitchen Management, Asociación de Chefs del Ecuador, 01/01/09
Master's in Business Administration (MBA) -
Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar
Specialization in Business Creation -
Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar
Bachelor’s in Gastronomy -
Universidad de las Américas
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