Chef Meg Makes History at Iconic La Venta Inn
Chef Meg Makes History at Iconic La Venta Inn
Rejoice! Iconic and historic La Venta Inn located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula has a new proprietor in town, as Chef Meg Walker owner of the esteemed Made by Meg catering company based in Redondo Beach takes over. Weddings and events will continue to flourish as they have for decades at this gorgeous venue with a multimillion dollar view.
Born and raised in Manhattan Beach, Meg is a South Bay native and resident. Though very local her education extends far beyond our borders and she brings her diverse acquired knowledge and skills to her business, pleasing the people she entertains.
Photographer / Videographer Credit
John D. Russell
www.johndrussell.com
FB:johndrussellphoto
IG: @john.d.russell
Meg graduated from Villanova University in Pennsylvania but used her college experience as an additional opportunity to study abroad in both London and Italy. In Italy she may have been the only coed with an exclusive pasta and bread vendor. She had both. She didn’t know it while she was cooking up a storm in college that one day she would make it her profession.
After Completing college Meg initially pursued a very different career as a financial advisor with Smith Barney for 5 years while continuing to indulge her passion for the kitchen at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, attending nights and weekends. She took a job as food writer, worked in Michelin star restaurants in Los Angeles and eventually began catering events on her own. At the request of a friend she catered an employee dinner for a major corporation. It went so well the jobs kept coming and coming, prompting her to dedicate herself fully to the business.
By 2013 business was flourishing for Made by Meg and she moved to a commercial kitchen. She now makes Redondo Beach her dedicated business base and office. Meg says that since announcing her expansion to La Venta Inn she is frequently asked if she will be relocating her business there. She says she will remain based in Redondo while servicing La Venta Inn because of the massive amount of dedicated equipment perfectly configured to get the job done. She does love the panoramic view though.
It isn’t a surprise for those that know Meg well that she ultimately became an entrepreneur. She Is the fifth generation of entrepreneurs in her family and four of the five generations have specialized in the food business. She recalls cooking for her entire extended family on the holidays as young as 13 years old. Even then she loved sharing the food, bringing people together, enjoying how happy she made them and had a general love for entertaining. She enjoys commemorating special occasions by infusing happiness.
Food “served deliciously” is her objective and she strives to consistently provide that through dishes like short ribs with mission fig cabernet sauce or Tahitian vanilla bean infused Okinawan sweet potatoes. Mini versions of her many popular items like bacon wrapped hot dogs make frequently requested appetizers.
Since La Venta Inn was successfully operated by the New York Food Company for decades it never seemed as though there would be an opportunity for Meg to acquire this legendary venue for her business but she says she always entertained the fantasy in her mind that someday she might be able to occupy it herself.
The 2020 pandemic made the opportunity an unexpected possibility. Once New York Food Company declared bankruptcy people she knows began contacting her, urging her to pursue the property. She conveniently lives very close by. After months of negotiation she secured the site, began tenant improvements and made public announcements. Interior improvements are underway and and every effort is being made to preserve the historic beauty and importance of the building and grounds. Events are scheduled to commence at La Venta in September 2021.
Meg credits Julia Child for providing inspiration to her to make a career change and pursue her passions. Meg acknowledges she brought so much to home chefs like her everywhere. In fact they share the same birthday, August 15th.
When asked what her favorite restaurants are she cites Grant Achatz’s Alinea in Chicago, praised for its modernist cuisine.
Every day is a busy day for Meg as she embarks on her new venture while raising her children and growing her business. Meg is married to Anthony Walker, real estate professional.
For more information about creating your own special event go to: LA & OC Wedding & Corporate Event Catering | Made by Meg (mbmcatering.com)
For more information about La Venta Inn go to: La Venta Inn Ocean View Wedding and Event Venue | MBM Catering
Read about the history of La Venta Inn: Bygone Times of La Venta Inn by Dana Graham
Related Articles
