Who's News in Catering for February 12, 2022

People on the Move

Rosemary’s Catering, a division of The RK Group–a premier one-stop event solution–has added Todd Ruiz as Executive Chef for its San Antonio operation. Ruiz is a culinary-industry leader with 25 years of extensive experience in menu development, events and client service. In his role, he is responsible for leading a 300-person culinary team and servicing high-end luxury events across the San Antonio area. Ruiz most recently held the position of Executive Chef for Omni Hotels & Resorts where he served in his executive role for almost 10 years. Prior to that, Todd was the executive chef at Hotel ZaZa in Houston where he held an executive role for four years.  

Chef Ryan Pearson has announced his new role as executive chef of the French brasserie, Couvant. Set to reopen in March, relaunching the restaurant will be Pearson’s primary focus however his culinary style will also influence changes to The Eliza Jane’s lobby bar, The Press Room, as well as the property’s catering and banquet offerings.  A New Orleans native, Pearson returns to the city’s robust culinary scene after years of esteemed experience in Paris and New York. Most recently, Pearson served as the Sous Chef of Michelin-starred restaurant, Daniel, in New York City. Prior to, Pearson was a Chef Consultant in France, helping open the first high-end New Orleans Brasserie in Paris, and producing dynamic dishes inspired by New Orleans but using French products and ingredients. His impressive culinary resume also includes serving as Executive Sous Chef for Michelin-starred and James Beard Award recipient, Batard, and Chef Tournant at Michelin-starred Nomad in New York City.  

Gecko Hospitality, the nation's largest hospitality recruiting firm, welcomes LaRaine Broadway as the newest franchise partner for the state of Wisconsin. LaRaine began her career in the food industry at age 18, bartending in the Milwaukee Area and attended Wisconsin State University, where she majored in Psychology.  LaRaine Broadway joined Gecko Hospitality in July 2020 as a hospitality recruiter, using her four-plus years of experience in Front and Back of House operations and a passion for developing talent in those around her to help find what they love to do. Six-months later she was promoted to a staffing role where she continued to be promoted, ultimately becoming the youngest branch manager in the company, responsible for managing a team of recruiters. A short 18 months later, LaRaine decided to purchase the Wisconsin territory from her partner to pursue the dream of owning her own company, becoming the youngest minority franchise partner. LaRaine attributes her work ethic to her mother, who worked three jobs as a young, single parent. As the first business owner in her family, LaRaine takes pride in the ability to empower applicants to think outside the box and set their own goals. A true Wisconsinite, LaRaine enjoys traveling and a good cup of coffee, as well as spending time with her husband and two cats. LaRaine can be reached at 414-377-3766 or by e-mail at [email protected]. 

Hot Off the Presses

HALL, one of the world’s most notable Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has announced plans for its thirteenth annual Cabernet Cookoff to return on Saturday, April 30 at HALL St. Helena. Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, the annual event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned culinary teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit non-profit organizations as selected by the winning chef teams. The event includes a VIP Culinary Stage event from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the Main Event that takes place from 12 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Chef teams are tasked to create a small dish that they feel pairs best with 2019 HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon, a top-rated wine that has earned praise from the wine industry’s top critics. The 2022 Cabernet Cookoff also serves as the release of the 2019 vintage of the Jack’s Masterpiece wine. Guests in attendance will sample all pairings to vote on the People’s Choice Awards, and a star-studded panel of celebrity judges will taste to vote for the Judge’s Choice Awards. In total, four winners will be announced. Past chef teams include One Market, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Brix, Goose & Gander, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, Paula Le Duc Fine Catering, Archetype, Harvest Table, PRESS, Blossom Catering Company, and Gran Electrica. More information can be found at: https://www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff.