Gather
Hark Vineyards Wine Dinner
October 25, 2024 5:30pm-7:30pm
https://harkvineyards.com/our-events/
Thanksgiving Pies
Ordering Site Opens October 28, 2024 @ 9am
https://thepiechestva.com
Order pickups November 26 and 27 at:
Blue Moon Diner (Downtown)
The Daily Grind (29N)
Sugarbear Ice Cream (Pantops)
Oakencroft Winery (Barracks)
Booking Info
Since we closed the brick-and-mortar shop, I have cooked and baked for birthdays, bachelorette parties, friends’ weekends, anniversary parties, University of Virginia staff, going-away parties, and winery dinners!
I can work with you to create a bespoke meal that appreciates your celebration/event, including multi-course meals, buffets, desserts, etc. I take care of all food procurement, menu planning, preparation, cooking on-site, and cleaning. Please email me at rachelpenningtonauthor@gmail.com for more information or to get the conversation started!
Testimonials
"When we realized we were moving away from our community for work, I knew I wanted to work with Rachel to create a feast for the people we love in Pittsburgh. I knew her work and her vision for gathering people and memories around meals. Our community has always been convened around tables, and food is both more than how delicious and nourishing it is and also, everyone in our community knows the value of eating well--most of them are excellent cooks too in all different modalities. In the literal and the figurative, this community has fed our souls. If we were going to have a dinner to celebrate this community--we wanted the food to be amazing, and we also wanted it to feed our souls and the souls of the community we loved as we prepared to leave town. The food was transcendent--and in that, I mean that it convened all the love and joy and beauty and memories of our time in Pittsburgh into one evening, at one table, where we could hold it and bite into it and experience it all at once. Rachel let me cook with her, taught me in the process, and shared the heritage of her culinary inspirations with me as we prepared to share them with our friends and family. At the end we sent everyone home with food and they lined up at the table like delighted kids to load up their takeout containers--texting me photos days later as they consumed their treasures.
What I mean to say is this: Rachel is not just a chef, though she is an excellent chef. She arranges and curates a meal experience that remembers us to ourselves, and codes that memory into the meal one bite at a time. It's cooking--and it is also alchemy."
Rev. Dr. Karen Rohrer
When it came time to plan my best friend's bachelorette party, I knew I wanted to create an intimate, fun-loving experience for her. My friends and I hired Rachel as a private chef for an evening and it was the most incredible experience. We dined, laughed, shared and all the while Rachel graciously served us the most magical meal. She explained her pairings, shared her experiences as a chef and served us dish after delightful dish. We enjoyed the experience thoroughly and can't recommend her enough. It was such a joy to invite Rachel into such a special night and have her share her giftings and expertise with us. I am SO satisfied with her service and KNOW you will be too.
Anna Filly, Owner of Anna Filly Photography
I hired Rachel to organize, and personalize, a surprise dinner party for my best friend's destination bachelorette party. Rachel was very responsive in her communication. Additionally, she demonstrated critical flexibility when I realized I made a mistake in our prior communication about some of the specifics surrounding the day I needed her. She was so patient, kind, and more than willing to make necessary adjustments. Rachel arrived on site in a timely and organized manner. When our group arrived back at the house, we were met with relaxing music and aromas that made everyone excited to try whatever she was dishing up. The sangria she made for us was delicious, and every creation she served afterwards exceeded the bar she set early on with that pre-dinner beverage. The food she served was incredible- both flavorful and unique. However, Rachel personalized the experience to be more than just serving us dinner. Each dish came with an explanation of ingredients and what our taste buds could expect while savoring our first bites. Rachel spent time at the end of our meal detailing aspects of why she loves her work and answered any questions we had for her. She cleaned the kitchen thoroughly upon her exit and was timely in all aspects of her service. When Rachel left, we felt that we had not only met an incredible chef- but also made a new friend. You won't regret hiring Rachel for your event!
Jordan Johnson
My husband and I had Rachel cook for us for a small intimate dinner party and it could not have been more perfect! The food she prepared was so delicious - and very thoughtfully prepared. From the appetizers to the main course, to the dessert - it could not have been better!! She is terrific at what she does and was extremely easy to work with. We cannot wait to have her back this fall when we are hosting a few more dinners! Our guests loved the meal so much they even asked for her contact information. Rachel is a wonderful chef - it is a pleasure to have her help us with our catering needs.
Margie K.
