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When it comes to catering, expectations of the dining experience are heightened. At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, we strive to take every group event, from the casual gathering to high-end experiences, to the next level. This means crafting an experience that can serve as a showstopper all on its own, with curated menus customized to each individual group’s needs.
Where did your passion for culinary begin? For as long as I can remember, even in my childhood, I’ve had an interest in cooking. From helping my mother in the kitchen at a young age to getting my first job scooping ice cream at the local parlor, I’ve always known I wanted a career built around food. As I grew up, I worked nearly every part-time job I could find in the Food and Beverage industry. I held roles bussing tables, dishwashing, serving, and bartending. As a bartender, I loved the creativity that went into mixology, so I knew there was one thing to do: Enroll in culinary school and extend my passion for food. Fast forward 33 years, and I’ve had the privilege of working for incredible brands I once only dreamed of. From a family-owned restaurant to a five-Diamond Hilton in Short Hills, NJ, I have learned about scalability and what guests expect from each dining style. Ultimately, my path led me to the resort space, where I work today as the Corporate Director of Food & Beverage for Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. How have you taken learnings from your career and applied it to the work Kalahari does today? Beyond-expectations guest experiences are Kalahari’s top priority. From the moment a guest walks into our lobby to their first dip in the pool, to unwinding for a bite to eat at one of our many signature restaurants, we expect a premium experience for everyone staying with us. The catering arm of our operations is no different. Every event and convention should dazzle and amaze guests in a way that’s unique to them — from how the space is set to how the food is presented. Every detail is crucial to ensuring those staying with us have an experience beyond expectations. The strongest food and beverage leaders are successful because they understand the inner workings of the operation from every angle. From bussing to putting on a chef’s hat, they understand the intrinsic role each position plays to provide a stellar dining experience. With an ever-changing menu rotation, how does your team find inspiration for new pairings? Within the catering space at Kalahari Resorts, there are no walls. Where traditional resort brands cater exclusively to the primary family groups that visit their locations, we strive to serve clients of all types, from casual events to luxury experiences.At its core, the team is what sets any catering operation apart
