Q & A with Andrea Cabot, Owner of Taste & See Catering
Anna Christine Boulier: Thank you, Andrea, for inviting me to your lovely home.
Andrea Cabot: Thank you, Anna Christine. It’s always nice to hear. My sons get on to me about buying this big place for just me, but I have plans which this home will make it possible.
ACB: The catering business you’ve started?
AC: *Chuckling. Yes, I wanted to be able to cook out of my home and eventually have events on-site. This place gives me the opportunity.
ACB: *Looks out the large kitchen windows to the big yard outside. There is an old barn just past a renovated carriage house. It has a lot of land, too, not just the big two-story house.
AC: *Snorting, she winked at me. Joshua, my oldest pitched a fit when he saw this place. I didn’t tell him my plans until we’d pulled into the driveway. Between you and me, he’s a bit overbearing about what I should and shouldn’t do at my age.
ACB: It’s hard to believe you have two grown sons, you look like you’re in your thirties, maybe forties.
AC: *Grinning broadly. I’ll be fifty in December, but that’s plenty young enough to finally pursue my dreams.
ACB: Have you always wanted to be a caterer?
AC: Not really a caterer specifically, that came after my husband died from a heart attack unexpectedly a few years ago.
ACB: I’m sorry, Andrea.
AC: *She paused a moment before continuing. It’s hard to lose a spouse at any age, and harder when it’s sudden. I had so many things I wish I could have told him… *Sniffling, she continued. I realized being the wife of a high-ranking general in the Marines, I had the talent for catering. I can’t tell you how many benefits, dances, ceremonies, I’ve organized over the years.
ACB: And you loved it enough to pursue it now?
AC: Oh yes, once my boys went to school, I pursued a degree in business. Something to keep me busy at the time. It was at a local college and took more than the recommended time because James transferred so much, but I wanted something to fall back on in case something happened to him. I’m very thankful we had a long life together before he went home to be with the Lord.
ACB: Moving from California to Georgia to start a brand-new business is quite gutsy, especially when you’ve never been a caterer before.
AC: There have definitely been times when I’ve questioned my sanity, but I always had peace about this venture and that keeps me going. Even when I discovered I hate the cooking side.
ACB: Uh-oh.
AC: Yes, uh-oh is right. I’m realizing I need to bring in someone with cooking experience. It’s not a job I’m going to enjoy. I love the planning, create themes, tying in games, favors, etc. to an event. I even like the budgeting part, but the cooking… *She shudders.
ACB: Have you put out any postings for a catering chef?
AC: *Shaking her head. Not yet, because I have someone in mind. I just need to see if she’ll take a leap of faith and join me.
ACB: What are you looking for in a catering chef for Taste & See?
AC: *Biting her lip, she paused to think. Obviously, someone who can cook for large numbers, and plan menus on a budget.
ACB: That makes sense.
AC: I want someone who has vision and passion, not just for cooking but giving our clients a great experience no matter the size of the budget or the scale of the event. *Her eyes lit up. I also wish for a chef who won’t balk at my crazy ideas, but who will also keep me grounded, but will hear me out.
ACB: Don’t we all.
*Both ladies started laughing. Andrea refilled Anna Christine’s sweet tea before continuing.
AC: I’ve prayed about who God wants in this business and I’ve come close to putting out job postings, but something always holds me back.
ACB: If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it is God’s timing is perfect. If He’s holding you back, there’s a reason.
AC: *Snorted. I hope it’s God and not just my stubborn pride. I have the perfect person in mind, but it’s not going the way I want. It’s April now, and I’ve got a busy summer planned, I need someone before then.
ACB: I’ll be praying.
AC: Thank you. I’m so glad you wanted to visit. It’s been nice to chat with someone who’s supportive. I can’t talk to Joshua about any of this because he’s determined I quit, and while Jacob isn’t as adamant about it, he’s in the Marine’s like his dad, so I don’t see him very much.
ACB: I’m always here for you if you need to chat, or vent. You’ve got my number.
AC: I do. *Oven timer went off. Oh, I forgot about those cupcakes. I’ve got an end of school party I’m making favors for.
ACB: Would you like some help? I have a few hours free this afternoon.
AC: *Reaching out to hug her. I’d love that. *She paused. That’s another thing.
ACB: Hmm?
AC: I don’t want to stop all cooking, I just don’t want to do it all, you know. Someone to share the load with so to speak.
ACB: I get that. I’ll be praying God sends the perfect chef your way and soon.
AC: Thank you! I’ve got an apron for you to put on. I don’t want you to get your outfit messy with the icing.
ACB: Great. Let me wash my hands.
Read more about Andrea’s search for a chef in the third novel of the Grace Series, Trusting Grace. You can also learn more about Andrea’s own story in the fourth novel, Renewed by Grace. They are available on-line at most retailers. Check them out here!
Until next time, may God’s grace surround you,
