In June, Taste Unlimited, LLC adopted full-service catering and event planning business Cuisine and Company. The Coastal Virginia staple known for its first-rate appetizers, main courses and desserts now becomes one of the 17 specialty food businesses affiliated with the newly established TASTE Hospitality Group. Also joining the TASTE family are Cuisine’s two full service restaurants Wisteria at the Chrysler Museum of Art and Cuisine at Slover bistro located in Norfolk’s cutting edge Slover Library.
The catering company, founded by Louise Nagourney in 1981, has worn many hats over its 39-year career. Nagourney first launched Cuisine as Pasta & Company, a retailer specializing in homemade pasta, pasta sauces and freshly grated cheeses. The pasta-centric kitchen served the Oceanfront, Waterside and Ghent communities before expanding to a full-service catering business with a large culinary staff and commitment to high quality prepared foods. Cuisine has since grown into one of the most successful catering companies in the state, serving hundreds of local and regional events expanding to the Outer Banks and Washington, D.C.
Cuisine officially merged with TASTE on July 1 as a way to grow their platform in Coastal Virginia. “We are very grateful for the opportunity to build upon Cuisine’s position as Coastal Virginia’s premier catering company,” says President and co-owner of TASTE Jon Pruden. “We’re honored to walk in the shoes of two of our region’s culinary pioneers, Peter Coe of TASTE in 2006 and now Louise of Cuisine. The opportunity to work with and learn from both founders is a rare gift.”
Per the merger agreement, Cuisine’s roughly 100 employees were retained during the transition and Nagourney now focuses on the development of client relationships. “For the past 39 years, it has been my honor to provide clients with unique culinary creations, exemplary service and attention to detail that helps turn their events into lifetime memories,” says Nagourney. “I am confident that our amazing staff, together with the talented team at TASTE, will continue to build upon this proud legacy of excellence.”
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
