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Broadway Catering celebrates 15 years in Sonoma

Linda Gilbert and Tom Romano spend most of their days helping Sonoma Valley residents, event planners and wine country visitors celebrate special occasions. On July 1, it will be their turn to celebrate, because their business, Broadway Catering, turns 15.
 

They both came to Sonoma as experienced chefs. Romano worked as a chef in southern and northern California and was owner of Andalou Restaurant in San Rafael. Gilbert was a restaurant chef, culinary teacher and freelance food writer primarily in Marin County. Together they formed "On Trays," and moved into headquarters on Broadway near the Sonoma Post Office. They immediately became popular caterers for local weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and special events, often participating in community-based celebrations such as the Red and White Ball, the Soroptimist "Road to Realty" event, serving meals for Relay for Life, Alcalde and Alcadessa luncheons, benefits for the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, and many others.
 

In 2001, they changed their business name to Broadway Catering and kept on growing their list of loyal clientele.
"My, how time flies; and yes, we are still having fun," said Gilbert, adding, "We couldn't have done it without our fabulous kitchen and floor staff, many of whom are the adult children of our original employees."
 

Gilbert said that one of their recent highlights was catering the meal to welcome the Italian contingent that came to honor Sonoma as the first US Cittislow.  The meal was made using products from within 50 miles, including local lamb; produce from Oak Hill Farm; bread from Mike {the Baker} Zakowski; Vella butter; and even using wine they had made for themselves – a 2004 Sonoma Valley Merlot.
 

"For us, food, education and travel go hand in hand; to learn and explore, and of course, to eat our way through a culture. Most recently we went on a 17-day trip to Thailand. Next up is a trip to Spain with a side trip to Morocco. We are passionate about all aspects of food and catering. Gardening and early education take a close second and third," Gilbert stated.
 

They are members of the Sonoma Valley Grange, the Sonoma Ecology Center, and the Sonoma Land Trust. Their home garden is their recreation. Last month, in addition to herbs and veggies, they planted more than 600 sunflower plants.
 

For more information about Broadway Catering visit www.broadwaycateringandevents.com.
Or phone 938-0301.