The Epicurean Collaborative is a small-but-mighty collective of culinary consultants specializing in creative solutions for event planners and hospitality professionals across all variety of service-based environments. We offer real-time event support in specialized event production, as well as comprehensive service training and business development throughout the United States, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.

We work individually, or as a team, in any combination, depending on the scope of your event.

Meet Your Collaborators

The Director

Christopher Freeman is a career caterer from Washington, D.C. with over two decades of experience in high-end hospitality. For ten years, Chris worked with the Office of the Vice President of the United States under Vice Presidents Dick Cheney and Joe Biden. He has directed state functions at the White House and managed events at the United States Department of State.

Chris is also a proud alumnus of Susan Gage Caterers ($20 million in annual sales), where, for fourteen years, he served as General Manager. Chris is equally proud of his time at Occasions Caterers ($50 million in annual sales), where, as the company’s Director of Hospitality, he led a nationally-celebrated team of 450 service professionals through all aspects of onboarding, training, and service at events for up to 10,000 guests.

Christopher has been profiled in the Washington Post, quoted in the New York Times, and has eaten on camera for CNN. His writing on food has appeared in Bon Appetit and in his blog, Propaganda by Proletariateats. He has even played himself on television, appearing as actor and consultant for Netflix’s limited series, House of Cards.

The Sommelier

Francesca’s love for the hospitality industry began at DePaul University’s School of Hospitality Leadership where she earned her undergraduate degree and MBA. She discovered her passion for wine at DePaul and earned her level 2 Certification in Wine with the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. Francesca was the opening Restaurant Manager and Lead Wine Trainer for Chicago Winery, and has worked for Boka Restaurant Group, Marriott, Hyatt, and several catering companies.

She currently is a sales representative for Lagniappe Beverage, based in Chicago. She is enthusiastic about educating people in wine in a fun and approachable way. Her passion for hospitality is driven by every guest interaction and her desire to continue to grow and learn in the industry.

Contact us today to see how we can help your team achieve excellence in its daily operations and at its most important events.