Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Lyle.
Hi Brianna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Zadie’s Gourmet in the spring of 2023 after working as a ghostwriter and editor throughout my twenties. Zadie is one of my dogs and was named after the writer Zadie Smith. (Our other dog is named Roux.)
At the time, I was a pretty serious home chef and swore I’d never go into the food and beverage industry. Friends would actually mention how good of a cook I was while introducing me to people, and it used to kind of annoy me because I’d be thinking, “no plug my editorial business! Not my chicken!” Ha! I said I’d give the private chef business a year and to my surprise I actually made money my first year.
Here I am three years later and I have regular weekly meal prep clients, but my business has morphed mostly into dinner parties, cocktail parties, and pasta-making cooking classes. I recently did a 50-person, 5-coursed dinner in a vineyard. Probably my most proud moment with the business so far. Right now, I’m in the space of deciding if and how we should expand.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The business did pick up faster than I thought it would, especially in a place like Erie, PA. We’re not Newport or the Hamptons and I wasn’t sure the clientele would be here the way I needed it to be.
With that said, of course there were lots of hiccups. Usually it’s something last minute and you need to always have a plan B. For example, recently a grocery store forgot to put in the 50 pounds of rack-of-lamb I special ordered. This was around Easter and Passover so even my local farmers were out. Luckily, other connections through this industry allowed me to handle that situation without any guests knowing (or worrying my client too much). I know networking is such cliche advice but it has saved me many times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known for my cocktail and dinner parties. I specifically cook Northern Italian inspired cuisine with seasonal produce always a focus on my food. Living in Northwestern Pennsylvania is a dream for produce and it’s always changing.
In terms of plating, I really am looking at color and texture. Eyes eat first! What your food looks like is important and just as much a part of the fine dining experience as eating the food.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Professionalism and charisma. I am not afraid to stick out my hand, tell you about Zadie’s, and leave you with a (beautifully-designed) business card. The attention to detail starts there and last throughout the booking process and your event. I always says that my client’s kitchen is cleaner after I leave then when I get there. Every second of time is accounted for when I’m cooking for you.
Pricing:
- Dinner Parties $85+ per person
- Cocktail Parties $55+ per person
- Cooking Classes $65-$75 per person
- Couples Dinners $350-$400 total
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zadiesgourmet.com
- Instagram: @zadiesgourmet
