About Us

Gourmet Girl - on the Go...

Events * Cooking Classes * Personal Chef Services * Travel

About Us

The story behind Gourmet Girl - on the Go

GOURMET
Chefs have such an impact on our food choices and ultimately the footprint we leave on the planet. At Gourmet Girl - On the Go, we strive to use the freshest, seasonal, sustainable products, supporting local farmers whenever possible. Our food receives rave reviews for its beautiful presentation, flavors and our attention to detail. We provide seasonal menu suggestions, or can customize any menu for your special occasion upon request.

GIRL
Megan Rainnie, certified Personal Chef, member of the United States Personal Chef Association, and Graduate of Laguna Culinary Arts' Professional Chef School, grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. Delicious homemade dinners were always enjoyed around the family dinner table. Her Mom, a high school culinary instructor, always encouraged her to cook, as long as she cleaned up - something she instills in her staff and students today.

Her father's & brother's love of the outdoors have inspired her to pursue a wide range of outdoor activities, and she continues to incorporate her gourmet delights into her outdoor adventures - much to her trail mates' delight! "The outdoors really inspires me and I love to incorporate nature into any table setting or party decoration to set the scene for the food to come."

Megan worked in the French Alps for two ski seasons, providing delicious gourmet food for up to 21 guests a week. "I wanted to ski, so I learned lots of great short cuts that I use today in my teaching, and love to share with my students as part of my cooking class philosophy - Maximum Impact, Minimum Effort."

Her first culinary entrepreneurial adventure arose out of necessity - Megan successfull launced a homemade muffin business (in addtion to her management consulting career) in order to fund an unexpected appendix operation. Her famous muffins are still a favorite in brunch menus today.

ON THE GO
In addition to her stint in the French Alps, Megan is also a world traveler at heart, and she includes the flavors from her extensive travels into many of her menus. The culinary retreats she leads with the team at Laguna Culinary Arts Adventures have enabled her to explore the flavors and wine regions of Italy, France, Spain, California and Oregon. The next trip with the LCAA team will be to the Dordogne Valley in France in September, 2009.

In the Winter of 2009/2010 she will again offer her chalet personal chef service to local skiers on the mountains of Mammoth, Big Bear, and upon request, Colorado and Tahoe. Enjoy the mountains and your ski vacation, while dinners are prepared for you. Return after a long day of skiing to champagne on ice, a crackling fire, and the smells of cooking from the kitchen.

OUR MISSION and the REWARD
"I've lived in America for over 15 years now, and it always struck me how few American families sat down to a nightly dinner together. I love sharing my cooking with small intimate groups as well as large parties - as food always brings friends old and new together. I love teaching my cooking skills to those who want to be able to do it themselves. I usually start as "just the chef", but then leave with hugs all around from the host and family - I love that instant connection with people and how I can have such a positive impact in their lives, for a night or a lifetime."

OUR EXPERIENCE
PRIVATE PARTIES: Gourmet Girl - On the Go has created events ranging from 2 to 275 people, although we are largely known for our events in the 10 - 40 person range. Some examples include: birthday parties for two - 40, an award ceremony sit-down dinner for 275, Mother's Day brunch for 20, BBQ Lunch Buffet for 100, Luau for 55, corporate dinner for 11 and many many more. Every event or party is different and we work closely with you to create your dream event. We can provide full service event planning, from rentals to food and decor, and everthing in between. "Sometimes our clients want us to plan everything to the last detail, and other times they just need a little help executing their ideas in the kitchen so they can enjoy their own party, but still get the credit for their own menu ideas. We are happy to accomodate all manner of event needs."

COOKING CLASSES: Megan's seven years of heading up and teaching the corporate teambuilding program at Laguna Culinary Arts, and five years of teaching her own cooking classes at the school, as well as privately, have honed her culinary teaching skills to adapt to any audience. "I learn from every group, and that is what keeps it interesting. I think you have to be a great chef to succeed, but when you are teaching, you have to be a good listener, and a good teacher."
In addition to small group classes, Megan also has experience developing recipes and created food and cooking demonstrations for tradeshow attendees, community festivals and charity events.

CONSULTING: We offer consulting services ranging from menu and recipe development, to marketing and PR planning. With over six years of management consulting experience, six additional years in the marketing field, as well as over ten years of menu and recipe development, Gourmet Girl -on the go can help you meet your goals. We have also participated in several tradeshows and media events, developing recipes for our clients' product, and presenting the product in a professional manner to drive new business as well as the media to the client. Tradeshow credits include: the Natural Products Show Expo West (California), the Gourmet Food Show (New York), the Natural Products Show Expo East (Boston), the PMA Fresh Produce Show (California).

Call today for a free, no obligation consultation

Gourmet Girl - on the Go
Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
Inquiries (949) 306-3003
megan@GourmetGirl-ontheGo.com