Just in time for the holidays, we sat down with our new catering coordinator, Jenny Armitage, to learn more about her and what we can expect from our catering department as the season progresses.

Sitting in our West Chester café, she delves into her eclectic background built upon a love of food and rich traditions, culminating in her recent position as Carlino’s Catering Coordinator.

“As a kid growing up in England, I recall mum and dad preparing pickled eggs and relishes and steaming Christmas pudding and baking Christmas cakes during the holidays,” she reminisces. “My earliest memories of digging into our traditional English plum pudding – with a sixpence tucked inside – and family and friends gathered around the table enjoying mounds of homemade dishes and desserts, shaped my love for food and entertaining that continues today.”

Armed with a degree in chemistry, she first worked in the chemical industry in Birmingham England, then as a home economist for Cadbury Schwepps, where she developed recipes for their food line.

As her interest in the evolution of food blossomed, she decided to study at the prestigious Cordon Bleu in Paris for one year, receiving a certificate for restaurant service, and as a Cordon Bleu Chef.

Image Credit:http://www.culinaryschools.org/top-culinary-schools/le-cordon-bleu/

After getting married, she and her husband moved to the U.S. where she worked as a chef at a Whole Foods restaurant in Michigan, then created sophisticated fare for an upscale tea room in PA.

With a love for entertaining and creating mouthwatering dishes and desserts, it wasn’t long before she launched her own full-service catering business for small and large affairs that she owned for fifteen years.

“Learning all aspects of catering from the ground up was crucial in launching my own full-service catering business,” she asserts. “I loved meeting with clients and helping them choose the perfect foods for every occasion.”

But raising a family as she juggled her demanding schedule brought her to an ‘a-ha’ moment – that it was time to sell her business. “It was a tough decision, but it gave me time to enjoy my family as I kept up with trends in event planning, food pairing and up-and-coming cuisine.”

Within a few years she returned to full service catering while earning a degree as a certified event planner.

“Food has evolved and expanded due to the diversity of cultures introducing traditional dishes and products into the marketplace,” Jenny says. “Today we can take a traditional dish and turn it into a seasonal specialty like our Pumpkin Ravioli with Butternut Squash Sauce or our antipasti displays that turn your party from ordinary to extraordinary!”

With dedication to her craft, skill and expertise, Jenny is happy to help you plan and execute the perfect event from birthday parties to corporate affairs, weddings, graduations or holiday parties by “listening to your needs and surpassing your expectations.”

“Angela Carlino Milani and I have come up with a marvelous selection of handmade seasonal dishes that are both fresh and delicious. Our main goal is to help you relax and enjoy your holiday party or event with your guests and let us handle all the details.”

So check out our Full-Service Catering Menu here for the perfect seasonal and holiday fare for any size party, reception or event!