From Conference Tables to Buffet Tables
Once upon a time in the land of conference calls and presentations, I was a young executive working on brand strategies and marketing campaigns. But secretly, I was ready to shift gears… in a major way. Simmering underneath my day-to-day was a need to learn about food and wine and how to entertain {corporate boredom + obsession with Martha Stewart}.

The Bold Leap
Dramatic plot twist: I up and enrolled in French culinary school {L’Académie de Cuisine}, and from there went on to work in the renowned kitchen of Michel Richard Citronelle (and later Central Michel Richard). Looking back, it was an honor to work under culinary geniuses like Michel, David Deshaies, and Cedric Maupillier. If you want to know the truth, I was getting my arse kicked nightly by the Frenchies and wanted to quit every day for the first several months, but instead stuck it out, realizing I had so much to learn. I also worked for two years as an assistant chef instructor at L’Académie—I have much love and respect for all my mentors.

Fast Forward to Culinary Connoisseur + Making Pretty Things
I love to eat out, and I appreciate good service and an eye for detail. I enjoy the challenge of being in the know of DC’s food scene—I can’t work in a vacuum and am inspired by others!

A Taste of Success
Today, I am the proud CEO/Owner and head chef of Taste Gourmet, LLC, the powerhouse behind DC Taste and, most recently, B. Lin Catering. Working side by side with a team of talented people, I get to combine my culinary prowess, love for making people happy, and creating memorable experiences. I have transformed my passion into a thriving business that delights food lovers across the Washington, D.C. area and beyond.

Leisure Time
When I have it, I enjoy patio time with friends and family, planning my next trip with my husband, reading, and watching documentaries! I have one dog, John Smith.

The B-dot Lin of B.Lin Catering. Before starting the brand, Ben spent time crafting his culinary skills from being a private chef for clientele on the Hill to starting one of DC's most popular underground supper clubs. Prior to food, he spent years in the service & hospitality sector through hotel ownership & management. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia concentrating in Finance & Marketing. Ben enjoys frequenting local ethnic restaurants, and traveling with his wife and two sons. He currently serves as Senior Adviser to B.Lin Catering and Taste Gourmet LLC. 

Arin is the controller of B.Lin Catering, overseeing day-to-day financial operations. As one of the company's original employees, Arin has held many different roles at B.Lin including sales, event planning, and operations. In addition to her work at B.Lin, Arin also provides bookkeeping and accounting services for other food & beverage businesses in the DC area. Outside of work, Arin enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, and gushing about how much she loves her giant dog Lenny (who--weighing in at 150 pounds--sometimes gets mistaken for a small pony!).

Meet Andrea Moore, a dynamic and passionate professional who serves as the Director of Sales and Planning for B.Lin Catering. Andrea has an exceptional talent for creating memorable experiences, and her dedication to her clients is truly unmatched. With a degree in Travel and Tourism Management from UNC-Greensboro, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project she undertakes.

Originally from North Carolina, Andrea’s journey in the events and travel industry has been marked by her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her background in Travel and Tourism Management not only gives her a unique perspective on planning and logistics but also fuels her passion for exploring new destinations and cultures. Andrea's love for travel is evident in the care and creativity she brings to each event, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered and perfectly executed.

One of Andrea’s defining qualities is her genuine passion for crafting memorable moments for her clients. She understands that every event is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether she’s organizing a corporate retreat, a lavish wedding, or an intimate celebration, Andrea’s goal is always to exceed expectations and deliver an experience that guests will remember for years to come.

Andrea’s warm personality, combined with her extensive experience and passion for her work, makes her an invaluable asset to any project. She is not just a planner; she is a partner who is fully invested in the success of every event she coordinates. If you have the pleasure of working with Andrea, you can rest assured that your event is in the best possible hands.

Mariela is our Executive Chef here at Taste Gourmet LLC. Her main focus is to: combine the teams behind the scenes, while overseeing daily production for both DC Taste and B.Lin Catering, she can often be found talking to the event team customizing menus for our clients. Mariela has run restaurant kitchens in Atlanta, Denver, and DC, in addition to her A.S. in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, she has almost 20 years experience in the hospitality industry, although catering is a newer venture. When she's not in the kitchen, you can typically find Mariela in her garden harvesting chili's, playing with her dogs, or out for a night of Latin dancing.

Constantino Sanchez brings a wealth of experience from his managerial roles at companies like Baja Fresh and Chipotle, where he excelled as a Manager, Trainer, and Store Opening Specialist in the DC area. With a passion for food and sports, Constantino also has a strong affinity for accounting and management. He enjoys working with diverse teams and values the opportunity to learn from people of different cultures, which enriches both his professional and personal life.

With 20 years of experience in the food industry, Nena Diaz has honed her skills as a Sous Chef and Kitchen Lead at two prominent catering companies in the area. When she's not in the kitchen, Nena enjoys hiking, reading, watching foreign TV series, and playing volleyball.

Stephen is our Pastry Chef. This role gives him the chance to wow our clients with our home-made sweets and baked goods, which are carefully crafted in house. A West Virginia Native, Stephen Graduated from the Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park, NY campus in 2006 with a degree in Baking and Pastry arts. Since graduation, he has lived and worked in Nashville, Nantucket Island, and Colorado among other places in pursuit of learning aspects of baking from all regions of the country. In 2002 he moved to The DMV to join the team at Michelin Rated Pineapple & Pearls. He has since joined our team and brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to Taste Gourmet. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, foreign language studies and spending time with his cat, Q’Raka.

As an event planner for B.Lin, Natalie has orchestrated a diverse array of events ranging from intimate private gatherings to large-scale corporate events. Being in client-centered roles for almost a decade, she continues to be very meticulous and thoughtful when transforming client ideas into unforgettable experiences. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and currently works remotely from Houston, TX. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to concerts and never gets tired of some delicious Tex-Mex.

Rena is a Senior Event Planner at B.Lin Catering, where she manages and executes events with creativity and precision. Her lifelong passion for food has been a significant driving force in her career. Rena’s diverse experience in both the kitchen and front-of-house operations enriches her hands-on approach, ensuring every detail is handled flawlessly from start to finish. When she’s not glued to her computer, you’ll often find her on-site ensuring everything runs smoothly. From coordinating with chefs in the kitchen to ensuring that guests are well taken care of, Rena’s unique background is evident in every event she oversees.

As a proud Japanese-American from DC, Rena values the education she received in the DC Public Schools system, which laid a strong foundation for her success. She furthered her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After graduating, her travels abroad allowed her to explore diverse cuisines and learn from locals. These experiences deepened her appreciation for food and culminated in an apprenticeship with a Japanese chef, solidifying her desire for a career in catering.

Since joining B.Lin in 2022, Rena has been thrilled to contribute to her hometown’s vibrant event scene by connecting with local businesses and venues through her work. Though her role has evolved, she can still be caught lending a hand in the kitchen on occasion, or even plating food at events.

Outside of her professional life, Rena continues to indulge her passion for food by seeking new culinary experiences. To bring joy and balance to her busy life, she dedicates time to performing with her beloved dance company, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and cats.

Yasaman is an Event Planner with DC Taste, where she meticulously plans, oversees, and executes a diverse array of events, ensuring each one is a resounding success. Having spent the majority of her life immersed in the dynamic and culturally rich DMV area, Yasaman brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role. Her background is notably varied, encompassing extensive experience in the legal, nonprofit, and communications fields, which enriches her approach to event planning. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from West Virginia University, where she developed a deep understanding of social dynamics and human behavior. Following this, she pursued a master’s degree in Communications from Johns Hopkins University, honing her skills in effective communication and strategic thinking. In addition to her academic credentials, Yasaman is also a certified Mixologist, a testament to her passion for crafting inventive and unique cocktails. This creative flair extends to her personal life, where she delights in experimenting with new recipes and exploring different culinary techniques. 

Outside of her professional pursuits, Yasaman finds balance and inspiration through yoga, reading and international travel.