My guest this week is Pauline Parry, Founder of Good Gracious! Events, one of the nations premier catering and event planning companies. It documents her journey in LOVE, FOOD and ENTERTAINING she authored a new book; “My Culinary Love Story.”
Cover of My Culinary Love Story
In a quaint English market town in the 1980s, Pauline Parry finds herself a divorced mother of two small children. A chance encounter leads her to a new life, one that begins in the most unlikely of places – a flat above a restaurant. There, she soon realizes her true calling as a culinary explorer, ready to embrace a passion for food that will guide her for life. But cooking isn’t the only passion that Pauline discovers. As her professional rise takes her from Michelin-starred castle restaurants to California’s famed Napa Valley, she’s joined on the journey by Dennis, a handsome craftsman and confirmed bachelor – that is, until he meets Pauline. My Culinary Love Story charts Dennis and Pauline’s journey through fabulous restaurants, beautiful destinations and delectable culinary experiences. At every stage, Pauline’s story is peppered with mouth-watering recipes capturing meaningful moments as she grows as a woman, mother, chef and wife. Pauline’s irrepressible love of life, food and fun will lead her to start Good Gracious! Events in Los Angeles, one of the nation’s premier catering firms, with a wall filled with awards for innovative cuisine and presentation. In My Culinary Love Story, she shares her romance, her wisdom and her infectious determination to savor whatever adventure comes next in a beautifully illustrated memoir and cookbook. Learn more HERE!
Pauline Parry founded Good Gracious! Events in 1983, the culmination of a passion for hospitality and food that began in a small bistro in England. Following a stint at a Michelin-starred restaurant in a castle, it was clear that food, fun and love was part of her DNA. After moving to California with her husband Dennis and her two children, her talent for entertaining, imaginative menus and creative design quickly transformed Good Gracious! Events into one of the nation’s premier catering firms. Pauline herself was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Events and Weddings and continues to mentor younger chefs and business owners. When her daughter, Chef Joanne Purnell, joined her at the helm of Good Gracious! Events, Pauline began to put her talents down in writing. First with Food, Fun and Love: Party Styles, and now with her debut memoir, My Culinary Love Story, a nostalgic look back at her culinary apprenticeship and the early days of her romance with Dennis. For the latest news on Pauline Parry, follow her on Instagram @paulineparry. Follow Good Gracious! Events on Instagram @goodgraciousevent, or on Facebook
Later in the show I’ll be speaking to Cori Deans founder and proprietor of Small Town Cultures.
We are a family-based fermentation company located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. About a decade ago I found myself chronically ill with an autoimmune disease. A myriad of medications and intolerable side effects ensued, there had to be a better way. Wild fermentation and a deeper understanding of the gut biome held the key. I am no longer sick and am constantly wowed by the powerful unseen world of probiotic microbes
Small Town Cultures was born out of this experience. I am passionate about sharing our all-natural, handcrafted gourmet preserves. Our goal is to make healthy plant-based ferments that you and your body will crave. www.smalltowncultures.com Follow on Facebook and Instagram
Get a digital copy of the new Small Town Cookbook
Good Life Guy’s Fermented (Wine) of the Week:
2022 Natale Verga Gavi
100% Cortese from Piedmont in Northwest Italy, fermented in stainless. A beautiful straw yellow color introduces you to the bouquet of white flowers, citrus and toffee aromas. The soft mouth feel and flavors of apple and melon accented by bright acidity allows it to match well with cold seafood salads, linguine with white clam sauce, chicken alfredo and veal or chicken picatta. ABV12.5%
This wine is a great foil for HOT weather.
Grab a bottle at Jacob Liquor Exchange on N. Rock Road