My love of preparing food for others is founded on my experience as a mother, professional chef and restaurant owner. I have been fortunate to have practiced this art with well-established chefs and mentors, learning that the experience of eating can bring wonderful memories. With this experience, I cook to awaken the senses and passions, to share this joy with those around me.
Private Chef 1998-present
Cooked for private ranch lodge VIP’s and Corporate customers; includes current employment as live-in chef for a Celebrity/Song-writer and his family
Big River Lodge, Gallatin Gateway, MT 2005-2007
Incorporated knowledge and experience with creativity and passion that exceeded service expectations. Designed both simple and elaborate menus for two to twenty people. Developed management through versatility and improvisation: ordered, shopped, cooked, prepped, maintained equipment, employee management, concierge.
B. Palola’s, Nashville, TN & Rumours, Livingston, MT 1980-2005
Successfully owned and operated two popular restaurants. In twenty-five years experience have learned from challenges of owning and managing restaurants, and worked diligently to succeed. Produced a la carte meals for fishermen/hunters, managed front and back of house employees, designed menus, coordinated special events, maintained sanitation.
Chef de Cuisine, Chatham’s Bar and Grill Livingston, MT 1995-1998
Worked for renowned artist and chef, David Dixon, confirming my belief that creativity evolves from mastery of classics; in such circumstances, the experience is memorable. Produced appealing ala carte and to-go meals for up to 150 people including on location film crews; managed back of the house employees; supervised ordering, menus, special events; maintained sanitation.
Pastry Chef, Baxter Hotel (Bozeman, MT) 1991-1995
Designed all dessert items for menus/functions & Breads/pastries for the restaurants. Baked dessert and bread items for high volume hotel and restaurant.
Volunteer Work Ongoing
Cook, Loaves & Fishes (Livingston, MT); Second Harvest Food Bank: local & countrywide including TNFL; March of Dimes: local & countrywide events
Clients
Generous Helpings; Second Harvest Food Bank; Sony Music; BMI; Country Music Awards; Proctor and Gamble; Imani Winds; PepsiCO; Time Warner; Rutherford Ranch; Sports Illustrated, Russell Chatham, Muir String Quartet, Ahn String Quartet, Robert Plant/ Alison Krauss, Robert Redford, Peter and Becky Fonda, Hot Club San Francisco, Meredith and Tom Brokaw, Diane Sawyer, Yellowston Park Foundation, Kathy Mattea, Margot Kidder, Walter Kirn, Roger Enrico (chairman of the board Dreamworks Animation)
Personal Chef for hire as a live-in chef or for that unique special event.