CATEGORY >
Meet Chef Joanne
Purnell
Since being
named the ICA Chef of the Year in 2009 Joanne Purnell, Chef de Cuisine at Good
Gracious! Events in Los Angeles, has continued her upward journey as one of the
stars of the events industry.
Brilliant
behind the stove, her talents extend well beyond the kitchen. She’s been
building her name and reputation with high-profile stints in books such as the
ICA’s Inside the Recipe Box of a Catering
Chef and Food, Fun and Love, by
her mother, and owner of Good Gracious! Event, Pauline Parry. Purnell has also
been visible as a recurring speaker at Catersource in Vegas and sought out as a
mentor to other caterers, and a consultant to private clients.
This year she was honored in Special Events magazine’s “30 Under 40:
Rising Young Event Professional Worth Watching.” The article featured future
leaders; professionals who, as the editors wrote, have the talent and drive to
the take the industry to the next level.
CHALLENGES
Taking things
to the next level means taking on challenging events and Purnell is no stranger
to the 8,000-person event.
Her latest challenge was no less complicated -- a
multiple-day event produced and catered by the Good Gracious team for four different
clients at the prestigious Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California.
“We worked
with Ferrari, BMW, Rolls Royce and Aston Martin,” Purnell says. “The logistics
were huge – staffing, transportation, kitchens – for five days of all-day
hospitality dining for each area (or house, as they are called), and 35 parties
over the course of that week.”
The assembled
team of 35 staff from Los Angeles partnered with Annie Hobbs and her company,
Taste of Elegance in Monterey. Hobbs brought on another 25 staff and her kitchen
was used for production. In addition, the team had four trucks assigned to each
house and a runner van assigned as a go-between.
“We served
everything from restaurant-style short plates, classic hors d’oeuvres,
cake-stand varieties of cheese, sandwiches and desserts, as well as breakfasts,
depending on the house” Purnell says.
"At night, we produced full-blown parties
with buffets and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres for 200 guests in addition to plated dinners at Pebble Beach,” Purnell adds. Major increases in
guest count on site kept Purnell and the team on their toes.
Purnell is
definitely one to watch, but she’d be the first to say that one ingredient
doesn’t make the dish. “Success in this industry is all about the team,” she
says.
A Few Fun Facts about Joanne
What’s your favorite restaurant and why?
I can’t
pinpoint it because for me it’s about the dining experience of ambience and
company. I will say though, that I always enjoy Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and was thrilled to see him in action up close during the Concours when he prepared a special meal for 60 people. I veer more towards modern in my taste but I really appreciate his
take on traditional French food and his seafood displays.
Favorite ingredient this season?
I am very
into root vegetables in fall in keeping with our philosophy of cooking seasonally. I love working with petit kale. I have been
including it in seasonal salads with rich flavors and those robust, earthy
leaves. And, although not an ingredient, at Good Gracious we love anything you
can make into a mash. Next on my “things to try” list is a taro mash.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I love Donna
Hay for her rustic simplicity. And I read Vogue
Entertaining because the ideas in there are exciting, and perfect for
working with six months out. I also read Plate
magazine.
What’s on your travel wish list and on
your dining wish list?
For travel, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For dining, I’d love to try Alinea in Chicago.
Good Gracious! is so proud to have been a part of the inspiring and wonderfully successful Blissful Wishes Ball hosted by the LA/OC chapter of Wish Upon A Wedding on October 10, 2012. Through tickets and fabulous silent and live auction items, attendees contributed just over $25,000 of crucial funding needed to grant dream wedding wishes for local couples facing life-altering circumstances.
Bathed in serene blue light, Vibiana was abrim with wedding professionals eager to dine, dance and help raise funds for a fantastic cause. Over 20 sponsoring Southern California vendors (Vibiana, Good Gracious!, Vanilla Bake Shop, Cocktail Concierge, Ice Bulb, Samuel Lippke Studios, Isabel Cinemas, Classic Party Rentals, Wildflower Linens, Shirvan Designs, My Flower Guy, Commerce Flowers, Calligraphy Katrina, DJ Nahchey, Event Company OC, Undercover Live Entertainment, Clint Huft, SoCal Shutterbooth, The Electric Violinist, Fusion Linens, Chiavari Chair Rentals, TGIS Catering and Wedding Wire) donated their services and time.
A beautifully choreographed dinner service began with GG!'s Beets Carpaccio Salad followed by Rack of Lamb Thyme and Mushroom Sage Polenta for the vegetarians. A Trio Rhubarb Fun was our perfect indulgent ending.
After honoring three deserving Shining Stars - Jake Kloberdanz (Co-Founder of OneHope Wine), Jeff Black (CEO of Classic Party Rentals) and Liese Gardner of Mecca Communications - for their tireless philanthropic work, guests got down to the business of dancing.
Congratulations to Wish Upon A Wedding for creating such a special
evening! Food, fun and love were certainly in abundance that night.
A beautifully choreographed dinner service began with GG!'s Beets Carpaccio Salad followed by Rack of Lamb Thyme and Mushroom Sage Polenta for the vegetarians. A Trio Rhubarb Fun was our perfect indulgent ending.
 |
| Liese Gardner of Mecca Communications |
 |
| Jeff Black of Classic Party Rentals |
 |
| Jake Kloberdanz of OneHope Wine |
By Pauline Parry
In my "unplugged" series in which I talk with event pros who inspire us, I sat down with Hillary Harris, Executive Director of Special Events at Warner Bros. Studios. It was right after she gave a wonderful presentation to the WIPA audience gathered at Mr. C in Los Angeles.
In that presentation, we journeyed with Hillary as she took us through the decades with weddings from her upbringing in the sixties in Newport Beach to now. It was interesting to see how so much of what has gone before informs what we are doing today in decor, food and customs. As is the style of this column, I wondered what in her personal life might affect, inspire and motivate the design work at the high-profile events she produces at Warner Bros.
Just recently Hillary completed the Environmental Media Association Awards which featured a stage show and an after party of food stations manned by Los Angeles' best restaurants. This year's star-studded event was notable for a stage upon which an 18-foot (custom built) tree "grew." See more on that event here. Photo: Nadine Froger
LA Screenings in which foreign buyers are feted for a week as they screen new TV properties features a Country French look across Brownstone Street. Scrims painted with billowy clouds offered shade and an overall motif for the event look. See more on this event here. Photo: Nadine Froger
These events are fabulous. I believe one can always tell so much about a an event professional and their style by looking at their home. Hillary, how would you describe your home?
As if it were designed by an explorer who has traveled from island to island hunting and collecting eclectic furnishings and objets d'arts.
Something like this?
Very much like this! You get the feeling of the look I'm going for -- a combination of romance and nature!
What is your favorite objets d'art in your home and why?
A 1950's reclining mermaid sculpture found at the pool of an estate in Palm Springs. It now has a kidney-shaped glass top and is the perfect coffee table -- very Slim Aarons.
Do you have a favorite time of day?
Our scenic arts department calls it the "magic hour," that time of day just after the sun has set and the sky is filled with colors such as purple, peach and rose. Everything else becomes a silhouette.
What is one of your most sentimental pieces of clothing or jewelry?
Unbeknown to my sisters and myself, she had a jeweler replicate her gold bee and each of us were presented with this gift at her memorial. We wear our bees when we are all together during times of celebration. I also wear it when I'm producing a challenging event. It works! It reminds me of my step mom and her bee gives me strength.
What is your favorite reality show obsession and why?
Top Chef. I had the opportunity to co-produce one of the segments on Season 2 so I feel a bit connected to the show. Plus, my favorite form of entertainment is exploring new restaurants or having friends over for brunch or dinner, so the show gives me a lot of ideas. And, it's great to watch someone else doing all the work!
What is one restaurant we will never find you at?
Denny's
What's your favorite meal after a long event?
Hah!I love this question. After we produced the Environmental Media Awards last month, the next morning my entire team and I craved bacon sandwiches on croissants with fresh fruit and a lot of orange juice. Yep, my favorite meal after a big show is breakfast the next morning!
What is your favorite beverage?
Lately it has been so warm at the studio and most of my shows have been outside. This means long, hot days of setup. To combat that, we get a big tall glass at the cafeteria, go to the salad bar and plop in a sliced cucumber, a squeeze of lemon wedge, then fill the glass with crushed ice, cold water and about one inch of lemonade. We call it our WB Spa Summer Swizzle. It really quenches the thirst and keeps us hydrated.
When you entertain, what's your favorite thing to serve?
I like to experiment with friends so I always try something ethnic (love those theme nights), lots of hors d'oeuvres, family-style platters of big flavor food, fun cocktails, champagne (always), and good wine. And anything that can incorporate ice cream for dessert.
What is the one thing in life you'd like to accomplish?
To be quick to listen and slow to speak.
In the past year, what was your biggest accomplishment professionally?
It was mentioned at the beginning -- the Worldwide Marketing International Television Gala. We did one of the largest digital mapping jobs ever done in the United States. It was a big year, so additionally I'd have to say the launch of our celebrity wedding division and being selected by BizBash as one its Top Innovators of the year.
What have you accomplished the most personally in your life this past year?
I made some new, wonderful friends that I hope to have in my life for a very long time.
What has been your favorite event that you have designed and produced?
That's a hard question as there have been so many favorites. It's a toss up between this year's International Television Gala which I mentioned before because there were so many "firsts" for me on that show -- the digital mapping, the transition from Asian decor to an African theme, the coal walking, Tesla performance (see photo), a burning voodoo doll, and so much more ... you can see more of it here). Ellen DeGeneres' 50th birthday party was really special. It was a Louisiana style carnival with bumper cars, a 100-foot Ferris wheel and a custom-designed house of mirrors. Those were both very memorable for me.
What do you remember about high school?
I remember being bored in high school. I could hardly wait for college. In college, I dated a lot and had fun. But then I could hardly wait to start working full time.
What do you wish you had known then that you know now?
To take the time and value personal relationships above making a living. And certainly, to invest in real estate earlier than I did!
What did you learn from your father?
Demonstrative love and a sense of humor.
And from your mother?
Fearless creativity.
What can we always find in your fridge?
Water and orange marmalade.
What are you reading now?
I just finished the Shades of Grey trilogy. I wasn't going to read them, but an elderly woman at an airport book store told me I'd learn a lot from reading it. She was right!
What irritates you most about modern life?
Texting versus talking.
Anything else you'd like to add?
No, this is already too long. Enough of me already!
For those of you who want more on Hillary and her events, check out her blog, www.hillonhollywood.com
In my "unplugged" series in which I talk with event pros who inspire us, I sat down with Hillary Harris, Executive Director of Special Events at Warner Bros. Studios. It was right after she gave a wonderful presentation to the WIPA audience gathered at Mr. C in Los Angeles.
In that presentation, we journeyed with Hillary as she took us through the decades with weddings from her upbringing in the sixties in Newport Beach to now. It was interesting to see how so much of what has gone before informs what we are doing today in decor, food and customs. As is the style of this column, I wondered what in her personal life might affect, inspire and motivate the design work at the high-profile events she produces at Warner Bros.
The jewel in the crown of Hillary's portfolio this year was the Worldwide Marketing International Television Gala. More about that to come. Photo: Nadine Froger
LA Screenings in which foreign buyers are feted for a week as they screen new TV properties features a Country French look across Brownstone Street. Scrims painted with billowy clouds offered shade and an overall motif for the event look. See more on this event here. Photo: Nadine Froger
These events are fabulous. I believe one can always tell so much about a an event professional and their style by looking at their home. Hillary, how would you describe your home?
As if it were designed by an explorer who has traveled from island to island hunting and collecting eclectic furnishings and objets d'arts.
Something like this?
Very much like this! You get the feeling of the look I'm going for -- a combination of romance and nature!
What is your favorite objets d'art in your home and why?
A 1950's reclining mermaid sculpture found at the pool of an estate in Palm Springs. It now has a kidney-shaped glass top and is the perfect coffee table -- very Slim Aarons.
Slim Aarons (1916-2006) was a quintessential Hollywood photographer who captured the steamy summer lifestyle of the rich and famous in postwar America. This photo of Delores Del Rio was shot by Aarons in 1952.
Do you have a favorite time of day?
Our scenic arts department calls it the "magic hour," that time of day just after the sun has set and the sky is filled with colors such as purple, peach and rose. Everything else becomes a silhouette.
What is one of your most sentimental pieces of clothing or jewelry?
My step mom always wore a gold bee on her left shoulder. She called it her "good do bee." When she passed away from cancer in 2004 she wanted to leave behind a part of her to let us know she loved us and to give us courage through challenging times.
Unbeknown to my sisters and myself, she had a jeweler replicate her gold bee and each of us were presented with this gift at her memorial. We wear our bees when we are all together during times of celebration. I also wear it when I'm producing a challenging event. It works! It reminds me of my step mom and her bee gives me strength.
What is your favorite reality show obsession and why?
Top Chef. I had the opportunity to co-produce one of the segments on Season 2 so I feel a bit connected to the show. Plus, my favorite form of entertainment is exploring new restaurants or having friends over for brunch or dinner, so the show gives me a lot of ideas. And, it's great to watch someone else doing all the work!
What is one restaurant we will never find you at?
Denny's
What's your favorite meal after a long event?
Hah!I love this question. After we produced the Environmental Media Awards last month, the next morning my entire team and I craved bacon sandwiches on croissants with fresh fruit and a lot of orange juice. Yep, my favorite meal after a big show is breakfast the next morning!
Lately it has been so warm at the studio and most of my shows have been outside. This means long, hot days of setup. To combat that, we get a big tall glass at the cafeteria, go to the salad bar and plop in a sliced cucumber, a squeeze of lemon wedge, then fill the glass with crushed ice, cold water and about one inch of lemonade. We call it our WB Spa Summer Swizzle. It really quenches the thirst and keeps us hydrated.
When you entertain, what's your favorite thing to serve?
I like to experiment with friends so I always try something ethnic (love those theme nights), lots of hors d'oeuvres, family-style platters of big flavor food, fun cocktails, champagne (always), and good wine. And anything that can incorporate ice cream for dessert.
What is the one thing in life you'd like to accomplish?
To be quick to listen and slow to speak.
In the past year, what was your biggest accomplishment professionally?
It was mentioned at the beginning -- the Worldwide Marketing International Television Gala. We did one of the largest digital mapping jobs ever done in the United States. It was a big year, so additionally I'd have to say the launch of our celebrity wedding division and being selected by BizBash as one its Top Innovators of the year.
What have you accomplished the most personally in your life this past year?
I made some new, wonderful friends that I hope to have in my life for a very long time.
A Tesla performance at this year's International Television Gala at Warner Bros. was one of several favorite effects from events Hillary has produced.
That's a hard question as there have been so many favorites. It's a toss up between this year's International Television Gala which I mentioned before because there were so many "firsts" for me on that show -- the digital mapping, the transition from Asian decor to an African theme, the coal walking, Tesla performance (see photo), a burning voodoo doll, and so much more ... you can see more of it here). Ellen DeGeneres' 50th birthday party was really special. It was a Louisiana style carnival with bumper cars, a 100-foot Ferris wheel and a custom-designed house of mirrors. Those were both very memorable for me.
What do you remember about high school?
I remember being bored in high school. I could hardly wait for college. In college, I dated a lot and had fun. But then I could hardly wait to start working full time.
What do you wish you had known then that you know now?
To take the time and value personal relationships above making a living. And certainly, to invest in real estate earlier than I did!
What did you learn from your father?
Demonstrative love and a sense of humor.
And from your mother?
Fearless creativity.
What can we always find in your fridge?
Water and orange marmalade.
What are you reading now?
I just finished the Shades of Grey trilogy. I wasn't going to read them, but an elderly woman at an airport book store told me I'd learn a lot from reading it. She was right!
What irritates you most about modern life?
Texting versus talking.
Anything else you'd like to add?
No, this is already too long. Enough of me already!
For those of you who want more on Hillary and her events, check out her blog, www.hillonhollywood.com
BY MICHELLE NOWAK, EVENT PRODUCER, GOOD GRACIOUS! EVENTS
You know it's summer when the lobster dinnerware, and nautical colors hit the stores and even better, we'll create any excuse for a BBQ!! Sarah and Chris growing up on the East Coast could think of nothing more exciting than to see their East Coast friends and family enjoy a Lobster/Clam Bake West Coast Style for their Wedding Rehearsal Dinner, and where better to host it than on the MALIBU PIER!! With a full moon and summer breeze, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect summer night!
Guests were welcomed by The Cape Codder and McGoo Signature Cocktails waiting for them on the upper deck above the pier and overlooking the magnificant ocean and Malibu beach, a view you can't beat even if you tried.
As the surfers soaked up the last waves before the sun went down, guests enjoyed hors d' ouevres of Celery Bay Popcorn served in Lobster Cones, Clam Choweder Oyster Cracker Shooters, Lobster Mac n Cheese, and Crab Cakes , lined up on service trays with Anchor images giving the finishing touch.
Cocktail tables where tied with a Square Knot and buoys of blue yellow, red and white lined the white fences to feel like you were about to board a yacht! Guests were asked to dress in Nautical colors and sailor gear.
For dinner we constructed a long tent down the length of the pier with fellini lights strung above,creating the perfect ambiance for a casual yet intimate gathering. The tables were lined in blue linens, with white accents, nautical centerpieces of fish netting, buoys light houses and flowers picked up the pop of yellow with boat rope tied around. To finsh off the place setting, delicious cherry Lobster Lollipops for each guest to take home and enjoy!
Dinner consisted of all the summer favorites bbq chicken, corn on the cob , ceasar salad, confetti rice and black bean salad, and of course lobster and clam rolls!
Chris & Sarah's jobs takes them all over the globe.
With Bride Sarah as part of the Clue Crew on the game show Jeopardy,on the show she offers remote clues for the contestants all over the world. Her co-host on the show, Jimmy McGuire, was her emcee for the evening. He came prepared with questions and answers about the couple which had everyone rolling in laughter with his great impersonation of Johnny Carson’s The Great Karnak.
The evening was unforgettable and we felt honored to be a part of it! Congrats to Sarah and Chris!
Thanks for amazing photos from Chris Schmidt Photography!!
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FOOD is my passion. I have FUN with my team and my clients and I LOVE what I do! For me, it really is all about FOOD, FUN and LOVE!
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Our Mission... To create Fabulous Events & Delicious food for an Exceptional Experience
Pauline Parry
Founder Good Gracious! EventsAbout Pauline
Educated in the prestigious British hotel and restaurant management tradition, Pauline is the renowned and highly sought after founder and president of GOOD GRACIOUS! Events. Professional event planners, private clients, and corporations - both nationally and internationally - seek out her innovative expertise and imaginative concepts.
GOOD GRACIOUS! Events was established over three decades ago and is an award-winning full-service LIFESTYLE food and beverage company that has earned the trust of a diverse set of clients and has a reputation for being a trendsetter in producing unique, quality and fabulous presentations in all aspects of weddings and events.
Pauline has been inducted into the Catering industry Hall of Fame for Events and Weddings and has published a book called FOOD FUN LOVE Party Styles.
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Joanne Purnell
Vice President
About Joanne
Joanne Purnell is a graduate of the California Culinary Institute and before joining GG! Events worked and traveled in England and Paris to gain working experience.
Joanne has been Chef de Cuisine for nearly 20 years at GG! Events and during this time she has won numerous awards including Chef of the Year. She has been published in magazines on various food topics including presentation, trends and all aspects of cooking and is a contributor for, “Inside the Recipe Box of Catering Chefs”
Joanne is an educator in the catering industry and is regarded as a leader. Today, Joanne is Vice President at Good Gracious! Events.
