about
Chef Laura
Journey and Experience **
Over 3 decades I have been pouring my passion for fashion, entertainment and the culinary arts into my life and career. I’ve worked as a chef in restaurants, on movie sets, and high-end resorts. I have toured with bands like Duran Duran and Red Hot Chili Peppers, created exciting meals for celebrities, and catered elegant social and corporate events both large and small. I’ve always been inspired by the impact food has on living, on loving, and on life.
As a child I vividly remember the warm feelings evoked by the feasts prepared by my mother and father. As the eldest I was very involved in helping prepare for family gatherings, and was keenly aware that the omnipresence of food had the effect of unifying everyone in deep feelings of celebration and tradition. I cherish those memories.
I get really excited about turning simple events into celebratory experiences. A casual backyard barbecue or wedding, an informal cottage clambake, or a sophisticated penthouse cocktail party, there’s never a place that isn’t perfect for a sensory celebration that people will remember for years to come. Be it Italian comfort food, elegant canapés, exotic charcutière, or healthy organics, food is the bonding element of people … I am simply the alchemist. [Chef Laura bio PDF]
Philosophy and Passion **
Later, the mélange of my love for theatre, entertaining, and the culinary arts, along with my flair for style and design became my signature as a chef. Whether I’m preparing my “this is the best lamb in the world” dish, which, to be honest could be herbed, pistachio-crusted, or a simple Dijon, my goal of perfect timing and delicate seasoning guarantees the guests will savour every bite.
I believe that food should reflect the mood. I really make an effort to think ahead about how each dish should be prepared to really titillate the senses and add meaning to an event. Food gives life, true, but food also influences mood. The right combination of carefully selected ingredients can elevate a get-together from a meal to a memorable event. Dreamy, whimsical, corporate, even somber, can be conjured into a feast for the senses by finessing details like menu selection, presentation, adornment, and aroma.