Food is Art.

Hello and welcome! I am thrilled you’re here. If you don’t know me, are new here or it’s just been awhile, let me introduce myself. My name is Nicole McDuffie. I am foremost a wife and mother to 2 amazing kiddos. My family has been here in the San Angelo area for 7 generations. I’m a Pisces, love to travel, play tennis and hang with friends & family. My passion is serving others and creating memories.

I’ve been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. (Whoa!) I started at the age of 14 waiting tables (yes, you could work that young back then) and quickly worked my way up to Front of House manager by the age of 16. Soon I found myself longing to learn Back of House and decided to attend culinary school at The Art Institute of Houston in 2000. I went on to work for caterers in Houston serving private homes in West University to Museum Galas to sports events at the University of Houston. I then had the amazing opportunity to work as Asst Pastry Chef at the infamous Cafe Annie under the tutelage of Chef Robert de Grande & Ben Berryhill. I had the amazing opportunity to work for Chip & Joanna Gaines from 2016 - 2020 having recipe developed for two of Jo’s cookbooks, consulted on start up projects (Silos Baking Co, Magnolia Table, Press Coffee Co, food trucks and more) from menu design to kitchen layouts and equipment selection. I have run small and large kitchens as kitchen manager as well as food styled for blogs and magazines (such as Texas Monthly & Magnolia Journal.) I also worked as a food buyer for retail consumable goods & facilitated many private label partnership deals.

I have run a private catering business for many years through out my career, serving all over the state of Texas. I continue to seek new ways to serve and get creative in the kitchen. There is always something to learn.

Everyone is welcome here. My hope is that my passion for all things food ignites some creativity in you! This place is meant to inspire you to get in the kitchen and gather with loved ones. I encourage everyone to get out and explore the world of food around you but most of all…..to try something new. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, I hope you find this space as a place of culinary inspiration.

I believe that food unites us. It’s something that has brought us all to the table for fellowship for centuries. Sharing a meal with someone, I believe, can be one of the richest experiences in life. We can learn to get to know someone new, to reunite with old friends, to have hard conversations, to laugh, to cry, to celebrate and to mourn. Through every bite we create new memories. This is what I seek to create for every client.

I am so honored and humbled you are here. Whether you are looking to book a private event in my space or your home, book a wedding or dine with us for supper clubs or wine pairings, I invite you to come along on this journey with me.

Peace & Love,

Nicole

……….now let’s eat!