Meet Pamela Horowitz | Executive Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pamela Horowitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pamela, what role has risk played in your life or career?
We view risk is an opportunity for success and adventure. We started our business, Provence Catering, in the aftermath of 9/11 in our garage replacing a steady paycheck with an entrepreneurial spirit and lots of hard work. The risks came at us fast and furious. From working together as a couple to meeting payroll to building a catering commissary. Since we are a road-less traveled couple, it was a life change that was welcome and appreciated. After almost 20 years in business, working in the University, corporate and social marketplaces, we decided to take our business to the next level and purchase a beautiful venue. We searched from Vermont to N Carolina and did not find what we were looking for. As fate would have it, we were taken to Texas through Houston when one of our premiere client’s, Dr. Stephen Hahn, was appointed Chair of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson. He encouraged us to come to the Lone Star State and handle his hospitality needs in Houston. That plan unraveled in the face of medical insurance issues at MD Anderson and then Corona virus. Dr. Hahn was then appointed by the former President to head up the FDA and oversee the vaccine roll-out. Faced with a changing marketplace we shifted our focus and introduced Texas Foodie Adventures, a private dining experience for discerning audiences which has been amazingly well received. From Milestone Moments to Romantic Getaways to World Series Celebration’s, our guests come from Houston and beyond. Owning your own business means every day is a risk but it also means everyday is an opportunity for success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It’s all about the experience. Guests today are looking for an experience not just a meal or a standard event. They want to marvel in the moment while toasting their Lone Star Life. What sets us apart is that we custom craft each tasting menu or event for our guests so their experience is unique and special from the informal to the elegant and sublime. They love the surprise of not knowing what’s coming next. Only that it will be more delicious and beautifully presented than they ever imagined. Our guests rave that this heightened sense of anticipation is truly Bucket List worthy- or so we hear. Couple this with our enchanting 32 acre garden property makes for an unforgettable private dining experience.

Years of working in high profile, fine dining positions taught me to adapt, improvise and listen to what people are saying and, most importantly, what they are not. It is our job to anticipate the clients needs and take those needs into consideration then offer them an experience like no other that is uniquely presented and deliciously enjoyed. Is it easy? No. The fine dining world is never an easy path forward but it allows our creativity to flow. I once had a client whose only request was that we provide something her guests could not get anywhere else. From President Reagan to Howard Stern to the President of Princeton University, and everyone in between, our culinary and hospitality benchmark is high. We offer guests an epicurean experience in a laid -back luxury setting at Texas Foodie Adventures (www.Texasfoodieadventures.com)

How did we get to where we are today business-wise? 18 hour days back to back, a sense of humor, no ego, flexibility, and a never ending faith. Was it easy? Nothing worth it ever is.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Everyone is important. Everyone.
Always supersede expectations
Kindness, warmth and humor are the perfect side dishes
The one thing we can give highly successful people is a surprise since they can buy everything else
Always innovate and appreciate
Contributions come from everyone
Deliver a superior product

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much to do at our property without ever having to leave so we would do what best friends do which is nothing and everything. From outdoor watercolor and acrylic painting to feeding our horses, Bette Midler and Taylor Swift, to picking blackberries and making a blackberry crisp to harvesting vegetables from our organic farm to bird watching, stargazing, yoga, reading, playing lawn games, bike riding, taking a horse drawn carriage ride, cooking classes, to idling the time away looking at all of the flowers, hummingbirds and butterflies on the property. We might pick lavender or another herb or flower from our edible flower garden and make botanical sea salt scrubs. After dinner we would sit around the fire pit and watch outdoor movies under the stars at our on- site, open air movie theater, The Sunset Cinema.

We would tour the property which would take all day looking at all of the gardens, ponds, trees and flowers. We would harvest what we wanted to eat and I would cook delicious gourmet meals for us using what we grow right here on the property. There is nothing better than farm to table dining especially when it’s right at your back door. And we would chill. In our pressure packed lives our little slice of heaven gives one the ability to unwind and relax in the rocking chairs on the porch looking at the lake, flowers, cattle, and pasture. If we wanted to get in the car we could hike through the famous Davey Dogwood Park which is especially beautiful in the spring, enjoy a piece of pie at The Lone Star approved Oxbow Bakery, and grab a cup of coffee at Cream and Sugar in Oldtown Palestine.

We might even consider golfing, kayaking on the Neches river, plan a visit to Tahwakaro Distillery for a bourbon tour and tasting, visit the East Texas Arboretum or Blue Moon Nursery in Edom, fit in a fun wine tasting or catch a play at The Texas Theater. . Maybe we would consider throwing some pottery at Piddlin Pottery eating some BBQ at Stanley’s award winning Pit BBQ or visiting The Tyler Rose Garden, We could head out to Switch for some exceptional thin crust pizza and fine wine, visit Pint and Barrel to soak up some local color in a casual pub environment or head over to Queen Street Grille then listen to live music and shoot some pool at Fox House Bar and Grill. There is truly so much to see and do when you enjoy your Texas Foodie Adventure. Life is good when doing nothing is really something.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my husband, Michael Yatvin, for his unwavering support, quick wit and insightful outlook. He sees possibilities where others see nothing. My Truffle Hunter. To our children, Emily and Harper, for their support, love and balance.
To Rolf Stroeh, The most respected, kind and innovative Executive Chef in Washington D.C. manning the helm at Design Cuisine for over 25 years. He taught me to perform flawlessly and tirelessly when the spotlight is the brightest.

Website: www.Elmwoodgardens.com, www.provencecatering.com, www.texasfoodieadventures.com

Instagram: @Elmwoodgardenswedding @provencecateringoftexas @texasfoodieadventures

Facebook: Elmwood Gardens, Texas Foodie Adventures, Provence Catering, Provence Catering of Texas

Image Credits
Kayde Rose Photography Ashley Timmons