Laura Calderone
Founder
Relish founder Laura Calderone oversees menu and team development, business growth, and expansion. Trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Laura is known for her distinctly personal approach, and maintains a reputation as a fiercely driven and talented chef.
Before founding Relish, Laura honed her skills in top kitchens across the United States, including the Napa Valley’s iconic restaurant, Terra, and the Michelin-rated Quince. Today at Relish, Laura continues her commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. She not only takes great pride in creating beautiful and memorable events, but in participating in vital organizations such as Best Bees, Nourish Now, and Montgomery County’s pilot composting program.
Altaye Mihrete
Executive Chef
Born in Ethiopia and raised in a diplomatic family, Chef Altaye Mihrete has lived in Egypt, Pakistan, Cyprus, Dubai, Syria, and Iran. Mihrete relocated to the United States in 1990, beginning her culinary career in Chicago as a sous chef at the renowned Souk under Chef Maher Chebaro. Following this experience, Mihrete moved to Beirut, where she served as Executive Chef at Otium and opened five additional restaurants, including Campo Ceviche and Bar Louie Tapas.
After returning to the U.S. in 2002, Mihrete settled in Washington D.C. to be near family and open the Lebanese restaurant Yazuzu, before joining Occasions Catering in 2004. As Executive Chef, she managed a 30,000 sq. ft kitchen and a team of over 150, overseeing more than 4,000 full-service events annually.
In September 2023, Mihrete joined Relish Catering as Executive Chef, eager to expand the team and business. At Relish, Mihrete contributes her extensive knowledge of international cuisine and passion for fresh ingredients. Fluent in Amharic, English, Arabic, and Spanish, Mihrete’s culinary philosophy celebrates culture and diversity. She continues to maintain a strong connection to Ethiopia, where her family operates a hotel and coffee farm.
Alison Bates
Senior Account Executive
Alison Bates brings decades of experience to Relish, where, as the first point of contact, she welcomes our clients with her distinct brand of Southern hospitality and sense of theater. Taking joy in bringing our clients’ visions to life, she oversees every event detail from the initial stage-setting call, to researching foods and traditions for authenticity, and finally bringing it all together for one blockbuster production.
Delicious food that beckons you to photograph it, squeals of delight as guests enter a room transformed, that nod of approval when a senior partner is impressed — these are just a few reasons Alison is an integral member of our team.
Amy Grant
Service Manager
With an eye for detail and passion for service, Amy Parker Grant, began her hospitality career while a student at the University of Virginia. Upon her graduation, Grant pursued a career in entertainment working on talk shows in D.C. and New York and at a music entertainment company in Manhattan.
In 1996 Amy relocated to Atlanta to work at the Ritz Carlton where she coordinated events surrounding the Summer Olympics. Following her experience at the Ritz Carlton, Amy joined Relish as Front of House Service Supervisor. Amy brings years of experience, creating a consistent and coherent environment at all Relish events and services.
Anita Batiuk
Sales Assistant
With a passion for decor and design, Anita Batiuk contributes creativity and vision to the Relish team. Anita originally joined Relish as an on-site waitress before becoming a staffing guru, highlighting her commitment to growth. Anita is now supporting the sales team, illustrating a great attention to detail and creating charming events. In her free time, she enjoys travelling with her two children and husband.
Gerald Conwell
Kitchen Procurement Manager
Gerald Conwell is the kitchen procurement manager at Relish, where he is known for his precision and innovation in the kitchen — a place that has played a pivotal role in his life. Learning alongside his grandmother as a young child, Gerald brings the skills he has honed to Relish, where his unwavering passion and fearless experimentation comes through with delicious results.
Marlo Burch
Operations Manager
Marlo works behind the scenes, overseeing in-house operations and procurement. With a background in microfarming, Marlo has helped Relish to significantly enhance its sustainability initiatives, ensuring a lower environmental footprint.
Nicole Nowicki
Database and Procurement Manager
With experience in both the culinary arts and hospitality, Nicole effectively bridges the gap between chefs and clients to create their dream dining experience. Her extensive experience in culinary development and passion for current trends plays a key role at Relish, where she sources high-quality ingredients and enhances menu offerings. Nicole continues to foster collaboration and innovation within the Relish team, ensuring success at every event. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys experimenting with new recipes, trying new restaurant hotspots, and crushing it on the pickleball court.
Sandra Peraza
Sous Chef
Originally from El Salvador, Sandra Peraza immigrated to the United States in 2003 to explore new opportunities away from her hometown. Her journey started as a dishwasher at Quite Stir Catering before landing at Zaytinya in D.C., where she swiftly moved from the salad station to a position as line cook. Peraza’s ambition led her to several D.C. institutions, including Founding Farmers, Nora’s Restaurant, and the Dupont Circle Hotel, growing her culinary skills and deepening her passion for cooking.
In 2018, Peraza joined Relish Catering as a substitute chef. She brings years of expertise to the role, showcasing her commitment to improving her culinary skills and learning new techniques.
Victoria Baca
Account Executive
Victoria Baca is a talented and experienced creative, turning clients’ visions into reality. With a strong background in account management and business development, she excels at building lasting relationships and delivering personalized service.
Raised in the Allegheny Mountains, Victoria grew up on fishing, gardening, and sourcing fresh ingredients straight from nature, spearheading her passion for sustainable cooking. Whether she's crafting custom proposals or collaborating with suppliers, her attention to detail and commitment to quality shine through in every event she plans.