Ciaò Thyme Catering - Philosophy

philosophy

ciaò thyme catering

team ciaò thyme

Catering is hard work. It requires dedication, long hours, and washing a lot of dirty dishes. Our staff meets the challenge with enthusiasm and smiles. Ciaò Thyme is made up of a diverse group of people who each lend their unique talents to the company. You will hardly notice them as they keep your event running smoothly and allow you to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Jessica Gillis, event coordinator/co-owner

Jessica earned a degree in Environmental Education from Huxley College at WWU. Her education has influenced Ciao Thyme's business practices; making buying from local vendors, using organic produce, and composting kitchen waste high priorities. Jessica's interest in food and style keep her busy researching the latest trends. She often writes the menus for Ciao Thyme clients, knowing that the skills of the Ciao Thyme kitchen staff will bring them to life.

Mataio Gillis, chef de cuisine/co-owner

Mataio brings to the company a culinary degree based on the French cooking techniques of Escoffier. Following culinary school, Mataio worked in Portland, Oregon restaurants before following his true love north to Bellingham.

Mataio has strengthened his culinary repertoire through extensive travel in Europe. He participated in a professional workshop of food and wine techniques in central Italy beginning in 1996. More recently he spent seven months traveling in Europe where he continued his gastronomical study in Italy, from Umbria and Tuscany to Sicily, as well as France and Spain. In the fall of 2003, Mataio visited Thailand, where he participated in cooking classes to learn Thai cooking techniques and recipes. Travel is a necessary tool for any cook's growth, therefore Mataio makes it a priority in his ongoing culinary education.

While his training and experience center on European cuisine, Mataio also experiments with African, Latin, Southwest and Classical American cuisines. He is comfortable designing menus in any range to suit your style.

Kate Claeys, General Manager, Pastry Chef

CONGRATULATIONS KATHERINE - ACCEPTED TO GRADUATE SCHOOL @
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

WE WILL MISS YOU - YOU WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF OUR TEAM!

Kate Claeys began working at ciao thyme in 2002. Kate is a linguistics major and an artist, after traveling here and there and attending university in Canada, Kate settled back into her hometown of Bellingham. Kate's studies focused on linguistics and art. with her longing to fuse science and creativity, her jump into the culinary world was a natural one.

Sarah Wolfe, First Cook

Sarah comes to Bellingham by way of Indiana. Sarah is particularly impressive in the kitchen where her heart and soul reside comfortably. With a special touch for vinaigrettes, sauces and grilled meats she has become an incredible asset to our team. Sarah will begin teaching at Whatcom Community College in the fall.

Luca Gillis, spokesperson - team ciaò thyme

Luca joined the team on Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 5:05am - we are extremely pleased to have him with us.

He is by far the most prefect recipe we have concocted to date!

Recent Food Field Trips:

2000 - Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, & Nice, France

2001 - Bilbao, San Sebastian, Barcelona & Madrid, Spain

2002 - New Orleans, Louisiana

London, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Trentino, Italy

2003 - Nayarit & Jalisco, Mexico

Chicago, Illinois