Meet Jenny Niezgoda of Al Fresko. Handcrafted Culinary Experiences in West

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Niezgoda.

Jenny, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Texas. Growing up in the South family meals were a big deal. When my mom called us in for dinner, I was always in charge of setting the table and “taking the orders.” I loved playing chef, server and being her right-hand helper in the kitchen. I grew up in a small town just east of Dallas where everyone knows everyone. Community forever ingrained in my life.

Fast forward a few years. In middle school, I wanted to be a veterinarian. My love for animals started at a very young age. I sometimes wonder if I have more compassion for animals than for humans. Just kidding. However, for people that know me, I have always been a little humorous and witty. My dad would say I got that from him. On a serious note. My connection to animals has always been a big part of my life.

Fast forward to High School. Once I realized the amount of science and schooling, it would take to pursue this childhood veterinarian dream, I went back to the drawing board. I have always loved people. I love connection, networking, traveling and just the pure internal joy I get from meeting new people, experiencing new places, trying new food and exploring new cultures. When I learned that I could major in Public Relations. I jumped on board, throw in a minor in Spanish and there I was with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/ PR and a minor in Spanish. In 2008, I was ready to conquer the world. Only the economy was tanking. I had previously visited San Diego on a spring break trip and had fallen hard for her beauty. Southern California was a DREAM for this small-town Texas girl.

I did what any educated person would do (insert laughing emoji). Loaded up a U Haul and headed west for more, to follow my dream. Since the job market was tough. I decided to work in the restaurant/ hospitality industry for a few more years until I could land a “real job.” During this time, I met some key people in the industry that have now become my mentors. I landed my first corporate job as a District Manager at a Wine and Spirits Distribution company based in Orange County. I juggled my “real corporate job” and working in restaurants, attained certification as a holistic health coach at IIN, and said goodbye to my last grandparent. Almost five years in, I finally reached my breaking point. My creative soul was internally dying!

In 2014, I did what seems to be the trend these days. I quit my good paying job, packed up my apartment in La Jolla, sold my car and booked a one-way flight to Mexico. Then to Hawaii, Thailand, Bali, Australia, New Zealand and eventually returned back to Southern California in 2016.

In 2016, I created Al Fresko. Handcrafted Culinary Experiences. My vision was to create more of an experience than just another event with boring catered food. Al Fresko seemed fitting because of my love for the outdoors and the ocean. With a recently expanded mind and so many new culinary influences, the creative juices were flowing. I would see these extravagant picnics when I was living in Byron Bay. The health food in Bali was so abundant and beautiful. The warmth of the Mexican culture was incredible. These were all pieces to the puzzle that I did not realize I was collecting along the way.

The transition from Texas to California and my travels in-between have shown me so much more value in not only feeding, but also nourishing the body, and that instinctive human need for connection. It has always been my passion to bring people together over a good meal or “grazing” table. The idea that it is now my purpose and business in life is incredible. It fills my heart to know what a sense of community that brings, especially knowing that my passion is the joining factor.

Growing up, I learned that giving back is the key to life. I provide quality foods that are not only good for the body, but also for the community around me. Being a holistic health coach, I teach people that we must know where our food is coming from. The source is so important. I shop local farmers markets, local businesses and support small farms so that I know where each ingredient is from. Remembering also to give back to the community that gives me so much. Every platter, table, and box is unique to what is in season and fresh and handcrafted by me!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge I faced on my journey to creating Al Fresko were barriers I created in my own mind. It is great to dream big dreams. ACTION sets people apart. You have to put one foot in front of the other and figure it out as you go. NO ONE ever has all the answers in the beginning. Just begin, somewhere, just start. You figure it out. That is exactly what I am doing. Since creating Al Fresko. I had always juggled other projects and side gigs. “No way I can get paid and make a living off styling food and creating pretty tables.” Those are the thoughts I would constantly think.

I have always had a fear of failure when going for big things. I now know that fear is not real and this little thing we make up in our minds to keep us from following through on tasks or goals. It can be crippling.

As soon as I let the fear go, quit my stable job (again) and made this my priority, the business began to blossom like crazy. I am now busier than ever and even have some fun features coming up! My natural ability to connect with people has helped me grow this baby! I thank God for guiding me and giving me the faith and confidence to pursue what I knew I was capable of all along.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Al Fresko. Handcrafted Culinary Experiences – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
AL FRESKO is a new innovative approach to catering focused on providing quality food and ingredients in a more relaxed & communal style! Yes, we serve food but more than anything, we strive to create memorable experiences. We believe that food should not only taste great but that it should also be a feast for the eyes. Our lavish abundant grazing tables and seasonal platters are perfect for any event including weddings, birthdays, corporate functions, bridal and baby showers, and social gatherings. AL FRESKO’s one of a kind creations are an artistic expression and gastronomic adventure. No two grazing tables are ever the same!

What is a grazing table? The latest trend in event catering is the grazing table. These decorative feasts set the tone for a stunning event intended to really impress your guests with delicious delights. We offer our gourmet grazing tables in various styling options and include various things like: Artisanal Worldly Cheeses, Prosciutto & Genoa Salami, Fresh Fruit & Dried Fruit, Nuts & Olives & Gherkins, Crackers & Rustic Loaves & Jam, plus tons of other seasonal goodies!

What sets us apart is the personalization we provide for every single client and his or her specific needs. This process helps create long-lasting professional relationships and happy clients that return time after time. Our attention to the details and tablescape are a foodies dream! We encourage hosts to think outside of the box and treat guests to a new way of gathering!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, I look forward to growing Al Fresko as a recognized brand & company and who knows, maybe expand to Central and Northern California. Right now, I take clients in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.

I want to be known as the original and premium gourmet grazing catering company! This year, I expanded to weddings and corporate events so that has become my focus for the rest of 2019 and next year however I love the diversity of clients I am working with so I guess we shall see.

Al Fresko is the ultimate marriage of food and art and ultimately I just want to keep pursuing my dream as a female entrepreneur.

My grandma used to say to me “Que sera sera, what’s meant to be, will be. The future is not ours to see.”

Pricing:

• 3 Foot Gourmet Grazing Table 750.00
• 6 Foot Gourmet Grazing Table 1500.00
• 12 Foot Gourmet Grazing Table 2600.00
• Vegan Cheese Platter starting at 400.00
• Tropical Fruit Platters starting at 200.00

Contact Info:

• Website: AlFreskoExperience.com
• Phone: 8588886294
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfreskoexperience/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alfreskoexperience/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/al-fresko-san-diego

Image Credit:
Laura McMullin Photography, Kayla Libby Photography

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