Meet Gina LaMora of Grazing Theory in Temecula Valley Wine Country

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina LaMora.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Gina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Twenty years ago, I left South Africa at the age of 19 to become an aupair in Virginia, USA.

Once I was here, I have worked jobs ranging from childcare, to waitressing, slicing pastrami & corned beef at a NY Deli, week-of-wedding coordination, land development, event design and finally charcuterier.

I never would have thought I would be the creator and owner of a catering business specializing in Charcuterie after leaving my little farm town in the heart of the Northern Cape of South Africa.

I have always had a love for entertaining/dinner parties/fundraisers! Basically any excuse to polish wine glasses, arrange fresh flowers, create an amazing menu and style-fully arranging the food on a plate! Seeing people enjoy my food visually and then tasting it just makes me happy!

Our family of four recently moved to Temecula, CA from the Bay Area. Here I met my hairstylist, Mariah, who recently moved to a new salon and was in the market for an event planner. I immediately offered my services and a month later we hosted an incredible grand opening. They needed food at the event and I cheerfully offered to create a charcuterie table. It was a hit!

Shortly after the GURU Salon Grand Opening, the demand for Charcuterie became so high that I changed my business from Event Design to Charcuterie. I obtained my Catering Permit, business license, and here we are today.

Grazing Theory was born! In South Africa we ALWAYS ate around the table, and I believe this is where friendships and relationships are created. By “grazing” around the table you are engaged with one another and you can not help but form a bond with your friends and family over food!

At Grazing Theory we highlight local businesses and artisans on our boards. We bring you the BEST Temecula has to offer, all on one beautifully, stylish Charcuterie Board.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge in my mind when I decided to obtain a catering permit was that I needed to create the charcuterie boards out of a commercial kitchen approved by The Department of Environmental Health of the City of Temecula.

I was lying in bed and after my nightly prayer, and a light bulb went off. I started researching “commercial kitchens for rent”, and my prayers were answered!! I found “The Kitchen Station” located right here in Temecula; a rental kitchen for caterers.

I met with Kim and my dream continued!

Please tell us about Grazing Theory.
What We Offer

Not your average cheese board…

We source premium fresh produce, artisan cheese, cured meats and delightful accompaniments that are arranged into stylish, abundant showcases.

We love highlighting LOCAL TEMECULA artisans and small businesses on our boards like The Naughty Pig Butcher Shop, Mrs. G’s Jellies, The Sweet Life Honey, Sweet Creations, TiffZippy Laser Cuts, BeeSeasonal Honey and we are still expanding.

The thing I am most proud of thus far is that our company has had a direct impact on our community of small businesses. Though highlighting local artisans, we are stimulating economy and enhancing visibility for small businesses by giving them the opportunity to be sampled all over the Temecula Valley Wine Country.

What sets us apart from other charcuterie companies is that our theory is “every day is earth day”. Our charcuterie grazing boards are created with eco-friendly and biodegradable materials such as wooden boards, bamboo leaf bowls, mini bamboo spreaders and tongs and mini wooden honey dippers. We also offer eco-friendly tableware to complete your chic and modern experience.

As a fully licensed and insured caterer, we are permitted to provide Charcuterie to wineries, breweries and places of business celebrating life, friendships and new beginnings. We offer a mini charcuterie box for one, and up to 4 foot charcuterie grazing boards for wedding celebrations.

Our business model is for clients to pre-order charcuterie boards from our web site and/or IG Profile by Thursdays at 10am for weekend availability. On our check-out page, you may pick a date, and we will deliver your feast to the winery/venue of your choice. Our products range from a mini charcuterie box to 4 foot charcuterie boards easily feeding 20-25 people per board. 

So far we have catered grand openings for GURU Salon, All Beauty by Amber, Akash Winery, and Glow Up Bar. The Temecula Valley Community is truly incredible! They have welcomed us with open hearts and empty stomachs and we are blessed for the relationships we have built.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My most favorite memory from childhood was visiting our family farm in Mahikeng, South Africa.

My late grandfather, Philip Wouter de Vos, managed and ran this wildlife farm with my now 90-year old grandmother, Rina de Vos, since he bought the farm from his father. Now five generations later, we still visit our farm when traveling to South Africa.

The memory that sticks out the most was visiting my grandparents with my three siblings every school holiday. We spent our vacation herding cows, bucks, and sheep. Before sunset, we would take a drive around the perimeter of the farm to fix fence holes created by predators. Jumping off the pick-up truck and finding the largest rocks to fill the holes to protect our wildlife was second nature!

Our grandparents taught us to be hard workers and to never give up. This life lesson was reinforced by my father, Gert, who’s work ethic was evident working 16 hour days at his job of 45 years.

Two quotes I live by today which influence my daily life are from my dad, Gert – “Another day in paradise”, and from my grandfather, – “All your plans don’t have to work, but you should never run out of plans”.

Contact Info:

• Address: 27452 Jefferson Avenue
  Suite 3 Temecula CA 92590
• Website: https://www.grazingtheory.com/
• Phone: (540) 219-3312
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grazingtheory/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grazingtheory/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/grazing-theory-temecula?osq=grazing+theory

Image Credit:
@golden_arrow_photo

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