Meet Lauren Allen
Hi, I’m Lauren
And I LOVE food! In my younger years, if my eyes weren't glued to episodes of Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, or Martha Stewart, you would find me in the kitchen whipping up a new culinary creation to share with family and friends.
After graduating college and working in Corporate America, I had a deep burning desire to be back around my childhood favored subject: food. So… I enrolled into culinary school, packed my bags, and moved to the food capital of the world, Paris, France.
I fell in love. I was enamored with the French food culture - the farmers markets, the charcuteries, the cheese shops, the smell of fresh croissants and baguettes every morning walking the charming, historic city streets. The food was exceptional, and every meal was a celebrated gathering. They undoubtedly understood that food has the power to bring people closer together.
After culinary school, I switch gears from chef aspirations to event planning and catering opportunities. I found this to be the perfect combination of food, creativity, and face-to face client interaction. I coordinated dining experiences for hotels, restaurant groups and private companies in New York, California, and Arizona before launching Lauren Allen Dinners. Inspired by the European tradition, I want to help change the fact that our busy, tech-heavy, and fast-paced lifestyles are preventing us from connecting with each other. Some of the best moments are made at the dinner table! We partner with local chefs and restaurants, and work together in pursuit of our mission: to create delicious, engaging, and enjoyable dining experiences that bring people closer together.
In addition to planning and catering events, you can find me dining at local independent restaurants, attending food festivals and pop-up dinners, helping my mother with her chocolate company, hiking some of the beautiful trails in Arizona, or traveling the world with friends + family.
