| |
Because every Good Gracious event is a collaborative effort, all of our event producers, designers, chefs and
managers contribute their special talents, knowledge and experience to your event. We are pleased to introduce
to you to our team.
 |
Pauline Parry | President
Being born in England and educated in that country’s well-respected hotel and restaurant management style, it was no surprise that when Pauline moved to Los Angeles with her husband and two children that she would put that education to use by opening Good Gracious! Events. A passionate lover of food and entertaining, Pauline has made her company much more than a business – it’s a way of life filled with an ever-widening circle of friends and clients with whom she shares innovative design, trend-setting menus and moments that will last forever. In 2009, she shared much of her style in her first book, Food Fun Love: Party Styles. She is currently the president of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA), and on the Board of Directors of the International Caterers Association (ICA). She is Past President of the International Special Events Society (ISES).
Pauline@goodgraciousevents.com |
| |
|
 |
Martha Perez | Vice President
A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, Martha moved to Los Angeles in 1985 with her two sons. In addition to a degree in business administration, Martha brings her extensive knowledge of the different cultures and traditions of each region in Mexico. While Martha reaches out to the city’s extensive Hispanic market, she has also been instrumental in adding spice to the Good Gracious experience.
Martha@goodgraciousevents.com |
| |
|
 |
Dan Smith | Creative Director
Dan is a native of Long Beach, California, and brings more than 20 years of catering and restaurant experience to Good Gracious! As our Creative Director, he has won awards for his design on weddings, corporate and nonprofit events. Creative productions and themed events are his specialty and many have been featured in industry seminars and magazines. And recently, Dan turned his creative talents to mixology, dazzling clients with unique drinks that perfectly complete their event experience.
Dan@goodgraciousevents.com
|
| |
|
 |
Michelle Nowak | Event Producer
Michelle’s roots may be in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but her heart (and the rest of her) has been in Los Angeles for as long as she can remember. After years of producing national events from a West Coast base she found a home at Good Gracious! Events. Here, she’s been able to bring her own event style to life. With years in the event industry and long-standing relationships built with creative partners, she knows the key to making both social and corporate events run flawless is to listen, then exceed expectations!
michelle@goodgraciousevents.com |
| |
|
 |
Patrick Sullivan | Director of Service and Management
A native of Southern California, Patrick brings more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant and food service industry to Good Gracious! Events. As Director of Service and Management, he holds a true passion for food and service, striving for the very best at all events. He enjoys trying new restaurants in LA and NYC, traveling, and cooking. An avid chef himself loves to work on new recipes and techniques to stay current with trends and concepts.
Patrick@goodgraciousevents.com |
| |
|
 |
Joanne Purnell | Chef de Cuisine
After earning a culinary degree from the California Culinary Institute in San Francisco, Joanne continued her education in the field, cooking in England and Paris before coming to Good Gracious! Her creativity has helped shape the culinary style of Good Gracious! and, through her high profile in the food industry as a leader, teacher and author, is shaping the styles of many others who look to her as a mentor. Last year she was published in the book “Inside the Recipe Box of the Catering Chef,” and, in February, 2009, she was named Chef of the Year by the International Caterers Association, an honor that puts her among the top catering chefs in the world.
Joanne@goodgraciousevents.com |
| |
|
 |
Margarita Hernandez | Executive Chef
With Good Gracious! from the very beginning, Margarita is at the heart of what makes the company so sought-after. Whether an event is large or small, Margarita works closely with our planners to not only carry out the client’s vision but to ensure that everything that leaves the kitchen meets her high standards. To this end, Margarita is in constant contact with vendors, growers and producers for new food trends, local offerings and maintaining high quality control.
Margarita@goodgraciousevents.com
|
| |
|
 |
Rosina Esquivias | Pastry Chef
During her past 15 years at Good Gracious!, Rosina has worked her way up the ranks to hold what is today the esteemed position of pastry chef extraordinaire. After all, a caterer may be only as good as the last bite a guest takes. With Rosina creating our desserts and pastries, we know that bite will be sweet. |
| |
|
 |
Dennis Quintella | Sous Chef
Dennis has been with our team for seven years but in 2008 he joined us full time as a sous chef after graduating from culinary school in Los Angeles. When not reading to his three-year-old son, Dennis digs into his collection of culinary magazines to keep him up-to-date on new food and presentation trends.
Dennis@goodgraciousevents.com
|
| |
|
 |
Aaron Kaniecki | Event Assistant
Aaron Kaniecki is an aspiring event planner from South Wales in the United Kingdom. Trained in hospitality with experience in university events, he’s an asset to the Good Gracious! team. And his enthusiastic energetic and outgoing personality brings flair to the event industry as a whole.
Aaron@goodgraciousevents.com
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
