Ok friends, I am going to let you guys in on a little culinary secret. I work for an amazing Chef here in Austin- Chef Brandy Gibbs of Fine Home Dining. After years of mastering her skills in kitchens from California to Florida, Brandy moved home to Austin and in 1999 started Fine Home Dining. Growing her business through word of mouth year after year, Fine Home Dining specializes in Prepared Menus, Easy Entertaining, In-Home Catering, Cooking Lessons, and Seasonal Menus appropriate to your occasion.

Working with Brandy since September of last year, I have seen first hand her fresh approach to local cuisine, her fun interaction with clients and friends, and vast knowledge of culinary techniques.

In addition to catering in home dinners and parties, Brandy teaches cooking classes; and i’m here to give you a little sneak peak into last night’s event.

On the menu was a pecan crusted snapper with a chimichurri sauce, a broccoli crème fraiche puree, and an arugula salad with cucumber, avocado and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Once the guests had arrived and poured themselves a glass of wine (and a glass for Brandy and me as well 🙂 ) the fun began.

Brandy started by walking the group of 11 ladies through the steps of menu preparation. With me set up as her sidekick, Brandy explained how she paired up the evening’s menu, “Starting with the salad: the bright flavors balance each other out well with the peppery arugula, cool cucumber, creamy avocado and the tart lemon dressing. The broccoli purée is perfect for family style meals and the light creamy flavor pairs well with the crispy pecan crust of the fish.”

At each of our cooking classes Brandy demonstrates the menu start to finish from scratch, answering any questions that arise and adding notes of her own. She offers great tips on where to buy the best ingredients in town, how to make substitutions as needed and how to prepare the given menu for their own at-home party.

As the laughter and mingling of friends continues the meal unfolds and is ready to go. The gals take their wine to the table as we plate up dinner for them to enjoy.

Then, with a clink of our own wine glasses, Brandy and I toast to another scrumptious meal by Fine Home Dining– and set out for our next culinary adventure.