Meet Sarah Racine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Racine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, why did you pursue a creative career?
Sustaining someone with good food and good hospitality is a spiritual calling, and a core part of who I am. Getting to do that not only as a hobby or special interest but as a career gives so much meaning to my life. Since I am the General Manager of Dogwood Catering, I also get to instill this belief and pursuit in others throughout the company, which is very rewarding.

What should our readers know about your business?
Dogwood Catering is such a hidden gem in the Greater Atlanta Area catering sphere. We have such a special team of chefs, cooks, front of house staffers, and warehouse workers that have all worked together to create something really special and soulful, which is not an easy thing to say about catered food!

I began working at Dogwood Catering as a prep cook in August 2021, when the company and most other food service businesses were still reeling and uncertain from the pandemic. Even after just a few weeks, I had a clear vision for how to systematize not only the kitchen, but all other departments. I will always be grateful the owners trusted me implicitly to tweak processes and procedures, and their trust has paid off. Dogwood Catering is now at more venues than ever, and we have a dedicated team of amazing individuals with all sorts of expertise that have all stuck around for the past several years of change and growth.

Long before my arrival, Dogwood Catering was chef driven food from scratch, made with love and care to serve people during their most cherished days or large events. It has been a highlight of my career and life to hone in on that core mission, while helping the business grow and get more efficient along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I’m sure this comes as no shock given my background, but my week in Atlanta would be VERY food focused!

We’d definitely hit up Grana for a Meatball Flight, as well as Marietta Proper for their arancini of the moment and a “Proper Shot”. Another favorite of mine is Omakase by Yun, and that’s a tough choice because now there’s so much great Omakase style sushi in Atlanta. For a more upscale night out, we’d hit up Vesper for a May Day, and then Gunshow for the most unique Atlanta dining experience of dim sum style chef curated bites.

In between our many meals, we’d shop at Buford Highway Farmer’s Market. Their produce is a must along with getting some true fishmonger expertise in their seafood section, all tied together by perusing aisles dedicated to regions and countries all full of amazing ingredients and products. This is more food-centric walking, but Ponce City Market and Krogg Street are a must as well. And while we are in the area, a nightcap at Burle’s Bar, because why not!

For the times closer to my home in East Cobb, we’d hike the Cochran Shoals trails, and take a yoga class or two at Gruvn Yoga. And because I cannot resist a meal and a drink- my neighborhood favorites have been and always will be Sakura Sushi, Bagelicious, and Bradley’s Bar & Grill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Like most people with a chef background, my passion for food started at home with a dedicated mother that instilled this love in me. Her name is Elizabeth, and she herself came from a family of passionate home cooks, who grew up with multiple ‘editions’ of family cookbooks with heirloom recipes. I’m fortunate that these same values were instilled in me, and gave me a strong foundation to start a career in food service.

Website: https://www.dogwoodcatering.com

Instagram: @dogwoodcatering

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dogwoodcatering

Image Credits
Dogwood Catering