“Years ago, when my boys were little, I needed some mad money for a project I wanted to do in our yard. A friend called to ask if I’d come to her house and make appetizers for a party she was hosting. Just like that (snap), I had my first catering job and the money for my project.”

Fast forward almost 25 years, and you’ll find Ruthie at work in her space at Kitchen 870, a community kitchen space available for rent to licensed chefs and caterers as they build their businesses. What began as an in-home service, preparing lunch, dinner and appetizers in clients’ homes, is now a full-service catering operation. While there are a few signature items like candied bacon for which Ruthie has become well-known (sorry, that recipe’s secret), her favorite assignment is to prepare a special and unique menu that matches what her client or guest of honor will enjoy. A recent birthday dinner is a great example.

“They were big food people who’ve eaten at really incredible restaurants all over the world. For his wife’s birthday, the husband wanted a special, small, intimate dinner at home. He developed the menu, and I did my best to make it all happen – a perfect evening with delicious food.”