Meet our Executive Chef!

Photo courtesy of Milisa Smith of LOVE with FLARE Photography.

Phillip Bardos is the Executive Chef of Lasting Memories Events and Catering. In this post, we are going to introduce you to Phil, and our new meal prep program, Fresh and Fit.

We interviewed Phil to learn more about him.

1. When did you first show an interest in cooking?
When I was younger, my mom was always in the kitchen. She always made dinner and we never went out to eat. I remember one night, it was make your own pizza night, and it was a lot of fun! Also, I remember watching “Great Chefs of the West” on television one night. Seeing the chefs with their tall hats and fancy words about foods I never know about, sparked an interest. I wanted to try new foods and learn about what they were talking about.

2. How long have you been cooking for, both personally and professionally?
Personally, for over 30 years. Professionally, about 6 ½ years.

3. What is your absolute favorite thing to cook?
I would have to say flat-bread pizzas because it's fun to mess around with different ingredients, especially with items you wouldn’t think of putting on a pizza normally, like stone fruit and exotic cheeses, or arugula and pomegranate seeds. Your imagination is your only limitation. Plus it tastes good, so there is that!

4. Do you have a career highlight?
We catered a wedding in Phoenix, Arizona and we had three different food stations. I literally took everything but the kitchen sink with us, and it was a decent size wedding with a fairly complicated menu. We pulled it off with just myself, my father-in-law, and an 18-year old sous chef. I learned that I can cook anything, anywhere, as long as I plan ahead.

5. What would you say is your signature style?
I like to take common food and recipes, and spice it up a bit. By “spice it up a bit”, I mean make it fancy! Presentation is key. People eat with their eyes first, and then their taste-buds.

6. What are your goals as a chef?
I would like to refine my skills. I would like to go back to school, and refine those basic skills, such as making mother sauces, working on my knife skills, etc. But ultimately, I would like to build a legacy for my children and my family through the business.

7. What is one thing you would want a client to know before picking a chef/and or food for their event?
It's important for clients to have a chef that is willing to accommodate their tastes, and can change the menu to meet their expectations. We can all stick to menus, but in the end, it's cool to sit down, talk with the chef, and discuss what your favorite food items are at restaurants you typically go to or what you eat at home, and then have the chef create a menu to your tastes. It's your day, so you need to be happy.

Fresh & Fit Meal Prep by Lasting Memories Events & Catering.

Now that you are more familiar with Phil, we will share with you a glimpse into one of his days preparing food for Fresh and Fit. When we interviewed Phil earlier, he stated that his inspiration behind the program came from the gym he attends. He stated:

"I go into the gym and see people work out for hours, only to reach plateaus in their fitness goals. It all comes down to the diet you keep when you leave. My love for cooking, along with a healthy approach to food, led to the decision to start the program. Most of the meal prep you see now is bland and lacks creativity. It’s so easy to take a normally unhealthy option, and make it healthier, while tasting so much better at the same time."

Clockwise from top left: Steak Salad, Thai Turkey Burger, and Roasted Lemon Sage Chicken Breast. 

The meal prep process begins when Phil goes to the local stores and sees what items are fresh, local, and currently in season. He never buys anything frozen, processed, or boxed, so what you are getting is wholesome, fresh foods. Phil stated that is why they deliver a few times a week, because he wants to make sure you are getting the absolute best and fresh flavors! After shopping, Phil creates a weekly menu based on the fresh items purchased and gets working.

Look at those knife skills!

Once in the kitchen, Phil starts cleaning and prepping all the food. Each item is handled with care and is meticulously prepped to Phil's high standards. Once everything is ready, Phil begins cooking, filling the kitchen with wonderful aromas that make your mouth salivate.

Baked acorn squash, fresh out of the oven!

After everything has been cooked, he begins assembling each item into meal containers, making sure the presentation is just as wonderful as the taste. Once everything is assembled, your delicious food is delivered straight to your doorstep in a cooler bag for convenience.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Phil and learning all about Fresh and Fit! Interested in ordering our Stuffed Acorn Squash, the Napoleon of Grilled Vegetables, or any of the other delicious meals seen in this blog? Check out Fresh and Fit Meal Prep on our website, and make sure you get your order in by this Friday through our Market Place! Remember, whether you are focused on clean eating or just have a desire to start eating healthier, our high protein, low carb meal preparation can help elevate your goals.

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Have an event or wedding coming up, and need catering, floral design, coordination, etc.? Look no further than Lasting Memories Events and Catering! Our six years of experience will help make your event a lasting memory. Our family just became yours! Email us at info@by-lmevents.com or call Adrienne at (951) 205-4346 for more information.

Visit our website at: www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com

Check out Fresh and Fit at: http://www.eventsby-lastingmemories.com/fresh-and-fit-meal-prep/