Chef Mark Baldwin’s creative flair has brought an inspiring twist to everything from the grilled cheese sandwich to regional cuisine. So much so that he has become a noted speaker. But he is still most happy working with clients…or in the kitchen.
In 2003, Chef Mark Baldwin established Blue Ridge Catering in Roanoke, VA. As successor and long time employee of a local BBQ catering business, Mark sensed a personal need to develop the cuisine and services offered beyond BBQ. With that in mind, Blue Ridge Catering was launched with a “BBQ and Beyond” motto. This motto allowed for continuity of the established BBQ business while striving to expand into other areas.
Over the past five years the same dedication in providing fresh quality cuisine and quality service has blossomed to make Blue Ridge Catering one of the premier catering operations in Southwest Virginia. Mark’s background in Anthropology and Sustainable Development has enabled a creative vision where catering has no boundaries.
Involvement with catersource® and the ICA Culinary Council have helped fuel this vision. Blue Ridge Catering has created events throughout the region featuring products sourced entirely from the State of Virginia. They maintain relationships with local venues to host extraordinary events in museums, memorials, stunning ballrooms, and beautiful scenic locations such as lakes and gardens.
Chef Baldwin gracefully designs unique menus with inspiration from the venues and the guests’ needs. At a recent event held at a veteran’s memorial, Chef Baldwin and his team recreated a 1940’s cocktail gala. The event featured twists on the traditional food from the era including a “Champagne Bellini Bar” with fresh fruit infused Champagne. The guests went gaga over the Peppermint Pattie inspired cheesecake lollipops while the staff kept in theme with vintage pinstripe vests and pants with white suspenders.
With creativity, and incorporation of fresh vibrant products of Virginia and the family atmosphere of Blue Ridge Catering, Chef Mark Baldwin and his team look forward to many more successful years.
Mark may be reached at:
Blue Ridge Catering Inc
522 Salem Ave, Roanoke, VA, 24016
(540) 982-7700
mark@blueridgecatering.net
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