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chef smiling in a fine dining kitchen

Private & Fine Dining Chef

Zdenek Kovac

Professional Profile

Z

With a foundation in classical French gastronomy and a passion for precision, I bring a disciplined approach to the kitchen. My professional journey has been defined by a commitment to excellence, having honed my craft in Michelin-starred environments and high-pressure fine dining settings across Europe. I specialize in the art of mise en place, ensuring every dish is executed with technical mastery and a deep respect for the ingredients that form the backbone of our culinary philosophy.

Professional History

2022 — Present

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

★★★

Dublin, Ireland

2021 — 2022

Frog by Adam Handling

★★★

London, United Kingdom

2019 — 2021

Killarney Park Hotel

★★★

Killarney, Ireland

2017 — 2019

Adare Manor Hotel

★★★

Limerick, Ireland

2015 — 2017

Hotel Martinez, Grand Hyatt

★★★

Cannes, France

2014 — 2015

Private Chalet

★★★

Morzine, France

2013 — 2014

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons

★★★

Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

2012 — 2013

Sheen Falls Lodge Hotel

★★★

Kenmare, Ireland

2011 — 2012

Kenmare Park Hotel

★★★

Kenmare, Ireland

2010 — 2011

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

★★★

London, United Kingdom

Core Competencies

Culinary Mastery

Expertise in classical French gastronomy, fine dining, and European culinary traditions.

Leadership & Management

Proven ability to supervise teams and manage kitchen operations at the sous chef level.

Compliance & Safety

Full HACCP certification and compliance with Health & Safety and Manual Handling standards.

Language Proficiency

Fluent in English, Czech, Polish, Slovakian, and French, enabling seamless international communication.

Language Proficiency

A multilingual professional adept at navigating diverse culinary environments across Europe.

English

Native proficiency with a focus on professional culinary terminology.

Czech

Native proficiency with a focus on professional culinary terminology.

Polish

Native proficiency with a focus on professional culinary terminology.

Slovakian

Native proficiency with a focus on professional culinary terminology.

French

Native proficiency with a focus on professional culinary terminology.

Education

Culinary Studies

Cork Institute of Technology

Leaving Certificate Applied

Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare

Awarded Distinction — 92% overall

Certifications

Languages & European Studies
HACCP & Health & Safety
Manual Handling & Compliance

Professional Inquiries

References

Available upon request. Please contact me directly to arrange a reference check.

Michael Tweedie

Head Chef, Adare Manor

James Smith

Executive Chef, Le Manoir

Anna Kovac

Owner, Private Chalet

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