Interview with Entertaining Guru and Author Patricia Mendez

Patricia Mendez has catered and coordinated special events in the Los Angeles area since the early 1990’s. Her experience also includes coordinating a Mothers of Preschoolers community group for three years and working with women of all ages as a Director of Women’s Ministries for eight years. She met many “new nesters” who had the desire to entertain family and friends, but lacked know-how and experience. It was for this audience that she wrote her first book, Easy Entertaining for Beginners.

She has taught many cooking classes and currently teaches “Easy Entertaining for Beginners” cooking classes for novice hosts/hostesses in Torrance, CA. She speaks/teaches at women’s groups and has written articles/menus for website newsletters. She was recently a guest chef at Torrance Citicable Channel Community Cooking Show, airing in October 2008. You can visit her website.

We interviewed Patricia to find out more about her new book coming out just in time for our holiday entertaining.

Thank you for this interview, Patricia. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi! I have been catering and coordinating special events in the Los Angeles area since the early 1990s. I teach “Easy Entertaining for Beginners” cooking classes. I was also a coordinator for a group (maybe you’ve heard of them – Mothers of Preschoolers; a nationally chartered community program geared towards young moms) and I was also a Director of Women’s Ministries for 8 years. That not only gave me years of teaching experience, but it also gave me the opportunity to talk to lots of women from different walks of life. I realized that I was able to counsel, mentor and relate with them in a way they responded positively to. Whenever I would coordinate some type of event whether it was a sit-down dinner for 300 or a Ladies Tea, a picnic or a holiday gathering, I always heard the same thing. “I wish I knew how to entertain, but I don’t think I could ever pull it off.” I saw the same pattern over and over; people who would love to entertain their family and friends, but lacked confidence and know-how.

In my home I have always loved to learn new recipes and cooking techniques. Nothing makes me happier than preparing a delicious meal that would rival one in a quality restaurant for my guests. I turn on my music, pour myself a glass of wine and get “cooking”. And did I mention I really enjoy entertaining our family and friends? To me, this adds to our wealth (not finances) substantially. I have been married to my husband, Augie for 29 years. I have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, 6 grandchildren and 2 miniature dachshunds.

Article Author: Dorothy Thompson

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