In an industry where the majority of the personnel are hired on a freelance basis it is vital to hold the centre with a core of devoted, talented, hard-working and joyful individuals. Such are at the heart and bedrock of Barraud Caterers. People who are truly committed — people who love what they do, people who are eager to learn and share, people who are respectful of their tools, their materials and each other and their chosen profession and who then work with pride, dignity and joy. They are a pleasure to keep company with, for me, Chef/Owner Ro Howe, and for my clients.

It is my heartfelt investment in the people who work with me that is a gift to my own business. I welcome anyone who indicates a clear and present passion for the culinary arts, wine, business, administration and service. I share and pass on my skills, insight and passion culled from 30 years of professional planning, cooking, orchestrating and executing the event that each one of my clients relies on us to produce.

Leading the corps for an event is the captain. Captainship requires an exquisite sense of organisation to create a totally furnished, dressed, fully functioning space, peopled with a group of hand-picked servers who have to be moulded into a cohesive team — instantly! The captain has to inspire immediate respect not only from the client, but also the staff. He selects staff with the understanding and recognition of the thin line between public and aloof and personable and personal. He has to have his team be efficient, smart, hardworking, attentive and to employ a humane and focused demeanour.

The floor staff is watchful and able to read the body language of the company under their care; they discern the quizzical guest and clarify; they recognise discomfort and give ease; they see joy and reciprocate.

Those working in our kitchen have a passion for food and cooking driven by curiosity; they prepare with care and respect and develop a work process through the rigorous pursuit of quality, operating on an elevated plane of ability. These practises dispel the misery or spiritual starvation of those compelled to work without pride. It is learning the skill and demeanour of grace. And applying that grace to all they do.

This is the consciousness and will that produces the creative, perfectionist, caring, great team that we are; captains, chefs, waiters, bar tenders, cooks and sanitation.

Here we are, the heart of Barraud Caterers, ready to serve you. Todd Gross, Ivan Mendoza, Michael Pappa, John Chalkley, Georgina Bosques and Ro Howe.