Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Sacramento, CA
At The Golden Gourmet, we bring decades of culinary expertise and personalized service to every event we cater. Founded in 1987 by Chef Liza Kilgariff, our Sacramento-based business has served clients across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, specializing in weddings, corporate events, and private parties. With over 60 years of hands-on experience in the culinary world, we combine traditional techniques with modern innovation to create memorable dining experiences. Our full-service approach extends beyond food, offering assistance with rental equipment, bar service, and trusted vendor partnerships. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, we work closely with clients to design custom menus and seamless event plans.Our commitment to quality ingredients, creative presentation, and exceptional service has made us a trusted name in catering. We also share our passion for cooking through hands-on classes for adults and children, fostering community through food. Whether planning a corporate luncheon or a destination wedding, our team ensures every detail reflects your vision. With a legacy built on reliability, culinary excellence, and client satisfaction, The Golden Gourmet remains dedicated to elevating every occasion we serve.
Services
Catering Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Cooking Classes
Private Parties
Event Planning
Rental Coordination
Bar Service
Vendor Partnerships
Destination Catering
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of hands-on culinary experience from our founder, Chef Liza Kilgariff
- Our full-service approach handles rentals, bar service, and vendor coordination
- Specialized wedding catering expertise since relocating to Sacramento in 1999
- Hands-on cooking classes for all ages enhance community engagement
- Proven track record serving major Bay Area corporate clients like Genentech and Oracle
Services
Catering Services
We provide comprehensive catering solutions for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Our services include custom menu creation, on-site food preparation, and dietary accommodation. With experience serving events from intimate gatherings to 500+ guest conventions, we ensure exceptional food quality and presentation. Our team handles all logistics from equipment rental to vendor coordination for seamless execution.
Wedding Catering
Specialized wedding catering services tailored to your vision and budget. We create custom menus for ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. Our Sacramento-based team offers tastings, venue coordination, and full-service execution. From casual buffets to formal plated dinners, we accommodate diverse culinary preferences while maintaining elegant presentation and exceptional service standards.
Cooking Classes
Hands-on cooking instruction for adults and children in Elk Grove, CA. Classes cover various cuisines with recipe booklets and dining on prepared dishes. We offer seasonal kids' camps and private group sessions. Our Wackford Community Center location provides professional kitchen facilities for immersive learning experiences that combine education with entertainment.
Corporate Events
Professional catering solutions for corporate functions including conferences, luncheons, and networking events. We've served major clients like Genentech and Oracle with customized menus and efficient service. Our team handles logistics for events of all sizes, from boardroom meetings to large-scale conferences, ensuring reliable quality and timely execution that meets business needs.
Private Parties
Custom catering for birthdays, anniversaries, and special celebrations. We offer flexible menu options and full-service coordination for events at private residences or venues. Our services include rental equipment management, staffing, and specialty beverage service. With experience in diverse event types from picnics to formal galas, we create memorable experiences tailored to client preferences.
People
Liza Kilgariff
Founder & Chef
With over 60 years of culinary experience, Liza founded The Golden Gourmet in 1987 after working in restaurant management and event planning. She studied at Santa Rosa Junior College and Tante Marie's Culinary Academy, bringing formal training to her practical expertise. Her career spans corporate catering for major Bay Area companies and wedding specialization since relocating to Sacramento in 1999.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, corporate events, private parties, anniversaries, birthdays, funerals, and class reunions across Sacramento and the Bay Area.
How far in advance should I book your services?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for weddings and large events, with minimum 4-day notice for cooking classes.
Do you offer cooking classes for children?
Yes! We offer children's cooking classes ($25 + $15 fee) and seasonal kid's camps at Wackford Community Center in Elk Grove, CA.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes, we create customized menus to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences for all our catering services.
Do you provide rental equipment and staffing?
Yes, we coordinate rental equipment, bar service, and staffing for complete event solutions.
