The world is a very small place, indeed…
Some 16 years ago in Dallas, where I used to reside, I was introduced to a new chef who was making quite a name for himself. It was in a super-funky restaurant in a cool, then off-the-beaten-track part of town called Deep Ellum. The restaurant was named “Tucker” – the Chef, Andrew Ormsby.
Andrew and I chatted all those years ago, and maybe shared a cocktail together. I wished him luck with his new venture and went on my merry (merry and full – the food was excellent!) way.
Then, I moved to Punta Mita full-time. So, I was quite surprised when our paths crossed again about 3 years ago at the Punta Mita Gourmet and Golf event. Andrew was among the chefs who make this fun event the success that it is. He has graced us with his Bar B Q talents at the St. Regis every year since.
I was curious to try one of the meals that he was preparing and, I have to say, I was even more impressed than I had been all those years and miles away in Texas.
Andrew, being Australian, has a wonderful knack with a Bar B Q. But this is certainly not what he is limited to, by any means! He was formally trained in Melbourne, Australia, where he quickly made a name for himself as the Executive Chef of the Melbourne Arts Centre.
After several years of honing his talents there, he yearned for the flavours of the Old World and moved to France. The marriage of these two countries is easy to see in the wonderful creations we have tried here; incredible smoky, grilled meats and seafood paired expertly with well-balanced, tangy and flavour-packed sauces.
Having had the opportunity to run the galley on a Mega yacht based in the south of France, he embarked on a ten-year journey, circumnavigating the globe twice whilst creating delectable menus for the owners and celebrity guests on board.
Having already seen the world, he craved for a more feet-on-the-ground situation. He was then offered the opportunity to move to Dallas, stay land-based for awhile and open his own restaurant – where I first met him.
Since then he has remained based in Dallas, but is certainly not static! Because he loves the diversity and challenge of catering for events and celebrations, he founded and is currently operating Ormsby Catering.
The company is based in the 42-story Cityplace Building in Dallas. It provides catering services for 70-80 weddings a year and several conferences. It can also be found at certain off-premises events such as the Augusta Masters – where it has catered to a private group of clients for the last 17 years.
Gourmet Catering Services in Punta Mita
Obviously, Andrew has not lost the travel bug and is happy to jump on a plane to create special menus for events in Italy, Montenegro and Martha’s Vineyard – not to mention our very own Punta Mita Gourmet and Golf.
He is excited and ready to cook up a storm for the Equestrian Club event on April 23rd and is generously donating his fee to the Peace School.
Over the last few years, Andrew has developed a deep affinity with our little corner of paradise. He loves the flavours of Mexico, the culinary techniques used here, the people and, of course, our beautiful beaches. His plan is to keep returning here and he also plans to retire to the Punta Mita area in a few years.
For more information please contact Andrew@ormsbycatering.com
You can also contact our concierge to arrange catering services for your next party or special event with Andrew or any of our other chefs at info@puntamita-rentals.com.
Provecho!
Lisa
Lisa Bruno is a long-term Punta Mita resident. She is a frustrated golfer, party princess and proud owner of Tank and Tonica,
Lisa lives in Punta Mita with her fiancé and business partner, Miguel. She has been a partner in Punta de Mita Rentals since 2015.
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Photography by Kemi Vernon. See more of her work at www.kemivernonphotography.com