Julie Dowty, Owner
My journey began in 2004 when I opened The Art of Entertaining, featuring kitchen products for cooking and entertaining. We soon offered interactive cooking classes - an instant hit - but it was a client party in our kitchen that truly inspired Around the Table. I observed how much guests loved watching and interacting with the chef as he cooked their meal and how it got them mixing and mingling. That was my lightbulb moment:
“Dinner isn’t what you do at the end of the evening, it is the evening.”
- Art Buchwald, Nationally Syndicated Journalist/Humorist
I realized the world needed more creativity in event design and execution.
“Dinner isn’t what you do at the end of the evening, it is the evening.”
Art Buchwald, Nationally Syndicated Journalist/Humorist
Our Chef Team
Our chefs have a combined 25 years of mastering their culinary genius. Though they take their kitchen creations very seriously, they have a special knack for making sure everyone else is having fun. Their culinary creativity, sense of playfulness, and imagination are the heart and soul that bring people together through delicious food.
With each meal we create, we honor the loving memory of Chef Jason Reading. His unparalleled talent and passion for cuisine brought warmth and excellence to our kitchen, and his legacy will continue to inspire us every day.
For over 17 years, we’ve faced successes and challenges that pushed us to perfect the art of transforming the typical dinner party, business meeting, baby shower, and wedding reception into an interactive experience that ignites the connection behind the genuine smiles and breathtaking laughs that come alive Around the Table.
Our team is crazy talented with a combined 50 years of experience. Each person brings their own unique skillset to the table as it relates to cuisine, event design, and, of course, inspiring connection.
Around the Table Staff
"Everyone raved about the food...
everything [he] prepared was so delicious!"