Jayne Dunsmore
Jayne’s Gourmet Catering
www.jaynesgourmet.com

Originally from England, Jayne spent her formative years on the East and West coasts of the United States before moving to Toronto in 1966.  While Jayne would eventually make Toronto her permanent residence and home for her catering business, adventure and travel were in her blood.

“The joy of cooking and entertaining began to stir in me at age 4.  I was always begging my mother to let me have my friends over for a tea party.  Since my mom was a dietician by profession and “gourmet chef” the combination of her influence and skill started to rub off on me.

My dad was the entrepreneur, a master creator of everything and someone who believed his children could do anything.  He instilled in me and my brothers a work ethic that has stood the test of time.

So armed with the example set by my parents, their encouragement and support and my own passion, I set out to conquer the world of food and entertaining.”

Following completion of a university degree and looking for the next opportunity to express and test her creative talents, Jayne set off for the kitchens of Europe.  She knew she had found her calling but a telephone call and an interesting job offer two years into working in Europe landed her in San Diego, catering. After four years partnering with Art Bolic of Art Bolic Catering (now Pear trees), a leading caterer in San Diego and three years at chef’s school, Jayne returned to Toronto.  With a desire to round out her portfolio, Jayne completed George Brown’s Sommelier program.

Today, Jayne is owner, chef, sommelier, fromager, event designer, marathon runner and in her spare time, social activist.  In addition to the role she plays as director of her burgeoning catering business, Jaynes Gourmet Catering, Jayne owns Actsent Staffing, an event staffing company and A Taste of Travel Tours, a flourishing food and wine travel company that whisks clients away to such places as South Africa, France and Italy, among others, for spectacular gourmet food and wine safaris and tours.  She also owns Jaynes Gourmet Foods, a mushrooming product based enterprise promoting her vinaigrettes, sauces and famous Belgian Chocolate Almond Brittle, White Chocolate Crunch and Dark Chocolate Bark.  Jayne also has a line of yummy cookies including white chocolate cherry shortbread and almond brittle shortbread.

If that’s not enough, Jayne’s passion for food and catering will soon launch a new venture – fresh hors d’oeuvres to go.  The Little Hors D’oeuvres Shop will prepare and deliver within 72 hours, innovative, eye-appealing “yummy” warm and cool hors d’oeuvres.  Say goodbye to President’s Choice.  All you have to do is pick up the phone or place an order via Jaynes Gourmet website – www.jaynesgourmet.com.

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