Carol, has spent almost three decades in the hospitality industry. She has been at the forefront of Nelson wedding and event catering for the past fifteen years.
Gourmet Catering began in April 2003. Six years later it found a home at iconic Nelson venue, The Grape Escape, which Carol part-owned. Carol sold her share of The Grape Escape in 2012 but never lost her passion for food and catering. She continues to delight private and corporate clients with innovative cuisine at affordable prices.
In more recent years, Carol has invested in the Beachside Nelson Conference & Events Centre. This is now the permanent home of Gourmet Catering. This expansion allows Carol to offer a one-stop-shop solution for her clients who are looking for walk-in, walk-out, fully-catered functions.
Call Carol on 027 667 2837
Carol, works with a team of dedicated professionals to help her deliver quality food and outstanding customer service.
Corina McKay
Head Chef
Corina has a passion for creating innovative food that will delight your guests and delegates.
One thing is for sure… Corina knows her way around a kitchen, having been working in hospitality for almost two decades! She has held senior and head chef positions in both Christchurch and Nelson prior to joining us.
As our head chef Corina is in overall charge of the kitchen but more importantly, she designs innovative menus that will delight your guests and delegates. You might not see much of Corina when you book an event with us, because she’ll be beavering away in the background, but we have no doubt that her delicious creations will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
When she’s not cooking for you, Corina spends her time with her three children, who keep her very busy indeed.
Francine Miller
Front of House Manager
Francine will ensure your event is executed perfectly and your guests or delegates remember your event for all the right reasons!
Francine came to us from a background in hospitality. She had been managing a small café for five years, so we knew she had the customer service skills that would make her indispensable to our team.
As our Front of House Manager, Francine will ensure your event is executed perfectly. She’s in charge of room set-up, managing the front of house team on the day, and ensuring your guests or delegates are well looked after, so they leave your event with happy memories. Francine loves seeing a function come together, you’ll find she’s a joy to work with. She’s organised, efficient and nothing is too much trouble.
Francine has lived in Nelson her whole life. So, if your delegates are coming from out of town, she has all the information you need to ensure they have a stellar time. When she’s not delighting our clients with perfectly hosted functions, you’ll find her gardening, walking, or spending time with family.
Ellie Cooper
Function Manager
Ellie joined us in February 2023. We feel fortunate that she brings with her a wealth of experience from previous jobs, so we know she’ll help your functions run smoothly.
Ellie is a superstar at ensuring the front-of-house runs seamlessly at all conferences and events. An avid list maker, Ellie leaves no detail to chance! She is, in short, a customer-focused organiser, and in her own words… “Number one taste-tester!”
Our clients love Ellie’s cheerful disposition, and so do we!
When she’s not organising your event, you’ll find Ellie enjoying time with her friends and her dogs or getting away from it all in the Marlborough Sounds; she does love a spot of fishing!
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
Together we supply outstanding food and customer service that surpasses customers expectations and builds long-lasting relationships.
Our company goal is always to maintain integrity in everything we do by excelling through industry leadership.
“Carol has catered for dinner parties at our home on several occasions and also a very successful wedding for our daughter three years ago.The thing about Carol’s catering is not just the wonderful food she prepares, it’s just fun to have her in the house!She takes over the kitchen and interacts with the guests. Her bubbly personality is infectious and she’s just fun to have around! The food she plans and creates just for you is always beautifully presented and enjoyed by everyone.If you are having a special dinner at home and want to be free to be with your guests, we would recommend Carol as the caterer to call!”
John and Glen Towns