There’s prepping greens and there’s going green — these catering businesses do both

Berkeley caterers talk about the motivations, the changes and the challenges in becoming a certified green business.

Nourishing Meals Lift Community Spirits

By Edible East Bay | September 15, 2022

The Table Catering offers delicious meals with a focus on sustainability

Nicole is devoted to increasing access to nourishing meals. By facilitating gatherings over nourishing food, she wants to bring our East Bay community together and create spaces where everyone can have a seat around the table.

Nicole holds a Bachelors of Social Work and offers 20+ years of hospitality experience. She has served in numerous food service management roles with Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Fenton’s Creamery, and service partnership and program management roles to increase food access with Alameda County Community Food Bank and school meal provider Revolution Foods.

She has led corporate kitchen operations as Cafe Manager at an 800 guest cafeteria at Google, led a staff of 50 and coordinated $1M in annual revenue as Catering Manager at UC Berkeley International House and led Social Event bookings including weddings with Hotel Shattuck Plaza.

She is married to Peter, has two kids, a dog, some chickens and is an Oakland native. She enjoys outdoor movement, photography, interior design and documentaries.

Peter prepares Mediterranean-California cuisine with spectacular ingredients and low environmental impact.

Peter has been cooking in the East Bay since 2003. He holds two culinary degrees from California Culinary Academy and a Bachelors in Chemistry from UC Berkeley. He honed his skills preparing fine dining dishes at Bucci’s, Chez Panisse, and Garibaldis.

As Executive Sous at Google, Peter led kitchens of 50 staff and 800+ daily guests with new, daily menus.

His work as Culinary Trainer in West Oakland’s St. Vincent de Paul Oakland was honored by NBC Bay Area Proud.

Peter most recently served as Chef & Hospitality Director at a Berkeley nonprofit, serving 200 guests weekly, leading a team of community volunteers, creating innovative dishes, and fostering community fellowship through hospitality.

Peter is married to Nicole, has two kids, a dog, some chickens, grew up in San Diego. He enjoys video games, comedy and gardening.

Claire

  • Claire hold’s their Bachelors in Chemistry with a minor in Sustainability from Emory University in Atlanta.

    Claire previously worked in the nonprofit space with a focus on compost, building science, and food systems.

    Before moving to California in 2022, she lived in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and France.

    When she’s not at work, you can usually find Claire reading, crocheting, sewing or taking a walk around Lake Merritt.

Janelle

  • Janelle holds her AA in Health Services. She worked in the medical industry before branching out into the business world, all while maintaining her love and skill for people, policies, and procedures.

    She specializes in helping small business owners implement strategies to become more efficient and streamlined so that they can focus more time and attention on serving their community.

    She is passionate about making sure that her co-workers feel seen, heard, and connected to the mission of the company.

  • Currently a third-year student at Cal majoring in Public Health and Data Science, Gissel brings a passion for seamless operations and delightful client experiences.

    With a background in event management and a collaborative spirit, Gissel is committed to making every event memorable. She is excited to be part of your special moments!