Julie-ann Kirkland ~ Chef/Owner
Chef Julie-ann Kirkland is a graduate from the world renowned Culinary Institute of America based in Hyde Park, New York which has produced some of the world’s best known chefs such as Anthony Bourdain, Todd English, Sara Moulton and Charlie Palmer. Julie-ann spent two years at the Culinary Institute refining and gaining exceptional knowledge about the industry from some of the best chefs in the world. Prepared with the skills she developed at the CIA and honed during an apprenticeship at The Ritz Carlton, Naples Florida and now as owner of JK catering, Julie-ann is always poised to seize an opportunity.
”I credit the CIA with opening doors in this industry that would have not been attainable if I had attended another school,” Julie-ann says. “The CIA helped me lay a foundation that has afforded me an incredible career.” In addition, to her CIA degree, Julie-ann has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky.
After graduating at the top of her class at the Culinary Institute in February 2006, Julie-ann travelled back home to Sydney Australia, after a seven year experience where she wanted to gain a foundation in fine dining. She started off working as a Chef De Partie under the well known Chef/Restaurateur Luke Mangan at his famous Glass Brasserie Restaurant at the Sydney Hilton. Here she was able to establish an understanding for fine dining and build on a already extensive base knowledge, with the help of Executive Chef Joe Pavlovich Julie-ann was able to excel in this position.
Julie-ann has always wanted to gain an overall perspective of the restaurant industry and when opportunity arose for her to take on the Event Coordinators position at Glass she jumped at the chance to take a look at the other side of service. This has given Julie-ann the well balanced knowledge in Event Planning and Menu development she now needs in running her own catering business.
Founded in 2007, Julie-ann Kirkland Catering has been known for its exceptional food and outstanding presentation, along with careful planning and focus to detail. JK Catering makes every event an affair to remember from corporate receptions to weddings and fundraisers to backyard barbeques. Our team of event planners and chefs will make sure you have a beautiful and distinctive party that reflects your personal style and ensure you a memorable and spectacular event.
