Category News & Events

Get to Know Parties That Cook’s Chef Lauren… In and Out of the Kitchen

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At a recent corporate event, I got a chance to chat with our amazing and unique Lead Chef, Lauren. I know first-hand that she’s a lot of fun to work with. She makes everyone feel comfortable, and is constantly making guests (and the PTC team) smile and laugh. I thought it only fair to share some of Lauren’s brightness and personality with those who don’t get to interact with her on a regular basis.

1.)    Tell us the basics.
I am Lauren Weissman, a chef from Los Angeles, California. I’ve been with PTC since October 2013, and my title is Lead Chef.
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2.)    What made you want to become a chef?
The food! I love food, and making people feel good with food!

3.)    What were you doing before you became a chef?
I was a personal assistant to an actor, Jon Abrahams. I worked in the entertainment industry for eight years.

4.)    What is the best meal you’ve ever made?
In 2013, for my family’s combo holiday -– Hanukkah/Thanksgiving dinner — I made Turkey and Latkes (delicious potato pancakes).

5.)    What is one thing guests would be surprised to find out about you?
I have been a dancer since I was three and I was part of a professional hip-hop dance crew.

6.)    What’s your favorite Parties That Cook memory?
My favorite memory was seeing Bibby cry at the Christmas party this past year. She was so happy about where the company ended up for the year; she was so cute.

7.)    What do you love about working at Parties That Cook?
It’s different every single day. There are new people, new locations, and new challenges every time I come to work. I get bored easily, so it’s perfect!

8.)    What new ingredients are inspiring you right now?
Right now I’m really into working with peaches!

As you can see, Chef Lauren is a fabulous asset to our team. She brings a lot of excitement and charisma to our events. She’s seen and done so much and, we are very lucky to have her!

Meet Our New Intern + Corporate Event Recap

internblogpostHi all! My name is Katelyn and I’m the marketing, event, and anything-we-need intern; I do it all! I made the journey from Missouri to San Francisco because I wanted experience in the events industry. After a few wrong turns, I was lucky enough to land an internship with Parties That Cook. This company has opened my eyes to the world of events focused around food. Doesn’t get much better than that, does it? Once I settled in, I knew this was where I was meant to be.

The coolest part of working at PTC is that I get to dip my toes in so many different departments! I’ve only been here three weeks and I’ve already learned so much. From the difference between a head and clove of garlic (funny story), to the company “voice” as determined by the marketing team, I come to work every day and learn something new.

In my first week, I was sent into the field to see the magic in action! Appetizer platters, a bounty of drinks, and the evening’s ingredients were laid out and ready for the guests. A group of about 15 lawyers arrived at the venue for their Chef’s Table experience. Things started off slowly, and dare I say, a tad awkward. Small groups chatted quietly by the entrance, snacking and unwinding with some beer and wine. Chef Lauren called our guests to the demo table, and still, crickets in the crowd. I was beginning to worry that this would set the tone for the whole night!

helping at a corporate eventAs everyone was divided into teams to begin cooking, the energy of the entire room changed. People were laughing, talking, and getting their hands dirty! The group came alive as if someone turned on the lights. Music was blasting, food was flying, and the night was just beginning. Throughout the cooking and seated dining, everyone looked so relaxed and happy (I’m sure the booze had nothing to do with it). In order to create and enjoy a meal that was absolutely delicious, the team really had to communicate, delegate tasks, and most importantly, work together. I can’t imagine any other team building event to be this much fun and taste this good!

This is the most fun and fabulous place I’ve ever worked, and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity. I’m excited to see what Parties That Cook has in store for the rest of my internship!