We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Marshall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
We both like the versatility that being in the culinary arts allows. When you think about it while one person may have one particular food that they love more often than not people like to go out and try different things. This line of works allows us to try different foods in different regions within our state and outward. Before Covid-19 we would enjoy going on trips within California to get inspired by delicacies found in Napa, Sonoma counties ect, to out-of-state to experience the seafoods of the Pacific Northwest. Being in a creative industry experiencing new things helps spark that momentum to make new dishes and develop new flavor combinations.

What should our readers know about your business?
Well, it’s an eclectic collection of foods and we like eating and preparing them all. Want to order a lamb bolognese AND smoked brisket? You can do that here. The menus change weekly so that we can showcase something unique and enjoyable, and at the same time there are meals that we believe are are the best in their respective categories that people should really just try. And while challenges arrive in every profession, our empathies to all of us dealing with the novel corona virus right now. This has been a through-the-looking-glass moment that will be with all of us for a foreseeable future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Assuming this is a scenario that everything is open, if a friend is coming to Los Angeles for the first time here’s our top places we’d like to take them: Hit up the beach two days. Manhattan Beach so we can grab a bite to eat at Pancho’s. Their ambiance is in a class by itself. If we’re going farther, then we’re going all the way to Ventura and Aloha Steakhouse (Jim Avrea, Charnelle Smith & Jose Sandoval owners). Steakhouse and seafood with an ocean view and a beautiful Hawaiian design. They currently have converted a large outside space to accommodate more patio dining during Covid. Closer to Los Angeles, Mike and Anne’s restaurant (owners Steve & Ashley) in South Pasadena has the best burger I’ve ever had? Just make sure you add their tomato pesto on it. Plus their breakfast hash is truly unique, with sweet potato as well as more traditional hash. One more South Pasadena treat? The lobster club sandwich at Twohey’s. It’s the best sandwich i can think of. And for dinner Mijares. They have literally been in Pasadena for 100 years. Lastly, and we’re basically shooting to 2021 here, is going to the Hollywood Bowl. M U S T. Hopefully we can see “The Dead” play? We all need a little levity.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would like to dedicate to Cesare Di Lorenzo, who we lost last year in 2019. His family is second to none, and outside of my own family I don’t think there’s one singular person who has meant more shaping my appreciation of foods. They don’t always have to be made with the most avant garde ingredients, but they do have to be made with knowledge and appreciation. Whomever reads this and will be traveling to the Sacramento area this year, you owe it to yourself to go to La Fornaretta in Newcastle, CA. Second shout-out, Edith Dominguez. Our aunt simply put, has been there through thick and thin, ESPECIALLY while we all have had to navigate a new covid landscape. She’s been an absolute dynamo chef since our inception as a company in 2000. It takes a lot of fortitude to have two decades under one’s belt for the same company.

Website: www.smpcatering.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smp_catering/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMPCatering
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevenMarshallProductions
Yelp: https://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/steven-marshall-productions-los-angeles
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC720lqVAefDAYO1exO_UqzQ/videos?view=1
Other: smpcatering..tumblr.com https://www.pinterest.com/SMPCatering/_created/

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