As my first personal blog post, I figured I'd start by talking about, well, me. Hello! I'm the Executive Chef and owner of Ruth & Iggy's Catering Co, Justin Wieczorek. Everyone usually knows me as Ace or Chef Ace. Food, and cooking has been a figure in my life as long as I can remember. Growing up with two sets of Polish grandparents, with German influence, I was surrounded by traditional Polish food since I first came home. At some point after I learned how to walk, I found my way into the kitchen of my grandma. Everything changed after that.
At 16 I took a job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant, showing my interest in everything happening on that cooking line, the Chef noticed and put me into service on his line. After that first big dinner rush my future was written in stone. That's what I wanted to do and that's where I wanted to be. On that line, in the thick of it, with pans sizzling, oil bubbling, people screaming table numbers and dish names, and somehow amidst that chaos, beautiful food was being served to very happy customers. I had found my home.
So after over 20 years in the restaurant industry, I started a side project, doing the food for a friends kids graduation party, or a wedding shower for an employee. In 2017 it seemed to take off to the point that I started to dedicate time and energy toward it and Ruth & Iggy's was born. I named my company after my paternal grandparents mainly because of their influence on me as a cook and now Chef, but also as a tribute to two people whom I loved dearly.
I try as hard as I can to provide not only great quality food, but also an overall experience. Whether I take on a backyard bbq or a baby shower, I try to make it as personal as I can. Getting to know you, and why your hosting your event is just as important to me as what you want on the plate. And what is on that plate is part of who I am as a person. I take a lot of pride in my food and the food we offer here at R & I's, striving to use the freshest and best tasting product we can find while keeping things local and helping the purveyors that help us exist.
More than anything, I refuse to put boring banquet food out. I'm tired of the standby dishes tasting like the local hospital was catering the event. I want it to be the BEST banquet food you have ever had. I have some of the most popular dishes for weddings and showers on my menu, but it will be the best version of those dishes I can make. Every plate, every event, I've always felt, is my chance to make it the most memorable event you've been to. So take that chance and let me put my passion on your plate.
See you when you're hungry!
Chef Ace
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