The Vegetarian Gourmet

Specializing in the Finest Ethnic & Vegetarian Cuisines from Around the World

Serving Marin County, San Francisco Bay Area & Central CA

Proud Member of the Santa Barbara Event Professionals

The Vegetarian Gourmet Catering Services

The Vegetarian Gourmet specializes in elegant catering for events ranging from intimate dinners and friendly Sunday brunches to decadent art openings and elegant wedding parties.

We begin by meeting with you to help you in the selection of a menu to suit your event and budget, and arrange for a tasting of sample foods. We provide a staff of trained professionals to manage the food and beverage service, and we are happy to assist you in the selection of location and rentals.

Prices vary, depending on the size of the menu, the services provided and the number of helpers needed. Each event is designed and priced to accommodate the needs of individual clients.

Organic Cuisine - With International Flair

The Vegetarian Gourmet specializes in elegant catering for all occasions. We mix flavors, textures and colors from all over the world to create exceptional, nutritionally balanced menus, featuring vegan and light dairy alternatives to animal proteins. You will fall in love with our customized menus, inspired by the finest international cuisines. Enjoy coastal California's abundance of fresh, locally grown organic fruits and vegetables, creatively combined with grains, legumes and a variety of vegetarian proteins to create the beautiful and delicious spreads that make us famous.

Elegant Vegetarian Menu Selections

International Specialties offers tastes from the Middle East, Mediterranean countries, Mexico and Central America, and Santa Barbara. Appetizers and Main Dish courses.

Indian Specialties introduces recipes from Punjab, Kashmir and Bengal, ranging from pungent curries to cooling sauces and teas.

Sides, Salads & Sweets inspired by the Mediterranean flavors of Greece, Italy, France, Lebanon, and Israel, and from South of the Border: Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean Islands.

Fresh, Local, In-Season Organic Produce

A summer menu might feature Mediterranean specialties such as bruschetta, tapenade, moussaka, a variety of summer salads, and some goat chees or fresh mozzarella. Or perhaps a Latin-inspired menu of quesadillas served with a variety of salsas, enchilada torta, empanadas, a selection of fresh salads, and a flourless Mexican chocolate cake with a hint of chile.

Winter menus lean more in the direction of crostini with grilled toppings, curried cream of pumpkin soup, shepherd's pie, and escarole salad with toasted nuts and bleu cheese.

Margaret Riesen - Owner

Owner Margaret Riesen, a native of Switzerland and Australia, brings an eclectic culinary heritage to her menus, balancing flavor and variety to honor the nutritional needs of vegetarians.

Food For Thought: Malibu Monthly Magazine

Through her monthly column, Food For Thought, in Malibu Monthly Magazine, she shares her expertise and a few select recipes. Margaret continually adds new specialties to delight her customers with new menu selections. Vegan menu choices are plentiful and delicious. Many dishes are naturally vegan while others can be adapted. Food for Thought is a treat for the imagination. Follow along on her travels through history and cultures and her visits to local Farmer's Markets; explore some of her out-of-the way discoveries, and try some of her classic recipes.