Brandy Gibbs
Brandy Gibbs is a native Austinite, 6th generation Texan, 3rd generation Longhorn, professional chef, and owner of FHD.
Brandy established Fine Home Dining in Austin in 2000, specializing as a personal chef serving classic cuisine for family meals as well as catering intimate private dinners and special occasion parties. Fine Home Dining evolved into one of Austin’s first prepared meal services, offering fine dining caliber food to a growing Austin landscape.
Brandy received her BA from the University of Texas in political and language studies, but a position in catering sales followed, and Brandy found her creative outlet in a large hotel kitchen. With a move to San Francisco to pursue cooking and later attending the California Culinary Academy, Brandy studied cuisines from around the globe and ate her way through the Bay Area.
Brandy worked alongside Paul Bocuse-trained French Chef Fabrice Marcon at Hyde Street Bistro in San Francisco, helping to open the restaurant and remaining for several years. Drawn to the warmth and seafood of the islands, Brandy cooked at the 5-diamond Pier House Resort Restaurant in Key West, FL. Returning to Texas, she was cook & pastry chef at Tocai Wine bar and managed catering at the Kitchen Door while growing her personal chef business. A love of cooking and its role in community and memory-making has become the standard of Fine Home Dining through tasteful dinners & word of mouth for over two decades.
Brandy is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Austin and an active member of Les Dames de Escoffier, a philanthropic organization for women in food & hospitality.
Ricci
Ricci joined our team in 2018. A retired commercial painter from Philadelphia, Ricci answered our dishwasher ad and continues to develop a variety of kitchen skills. He is an important part of Bistro meals and party prep, managing our space, and keeping the place sparkly clean.
Ricci is deaf, can lip read and use American sign language. He enjoys living in Austin with his wife and daughter.
Mitchell Blumka
Mitch is a native Texan, born in Amarillo and raised in Plano.
Mitch started his culinary journey learning to make pasta dough with his dad. Mitch knew he wanted to be a professional chef since childhood, spending his time making new recipes. After high school, Mitch spent a year living and eating in Jerusalem, followed by a move to Jackson, MS to attend Millsaps College. His first culinary job was at a busy Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia making pizzas, and burgers, and working the deli stations.
Mitch and his wife made the move to Austin, transferring to the flagship Whole Foods. He later spent two years on the line with Ramen Tatsu-ya, learning every possible position in order to be a more well-rounded chef. Mitch joined the Fine Home Dining team as a sous chef in 2021, learning the ins and outs of the meal service and all aspects of cooking with seasonal inspiration.
Mitch is a student of the culinary program at Austin Community College. His personal business Herbert’s specializes in pickles, jams, and baking traditional Hamentashen pastries for Purim. He has provided his creative jams for several beer collaborations with Beerburg brewing with more on the horizon.
Mitch enjoys living in San Marcos with his wife and two dogs and floating the river whenever possible.
Miranda Langerhans
Miranda grew up in a small town in west Texas. While studying Sports Medicine at Midland College, she started working at Greentree Country Club as a prep cook. Miranda followed her culinary passion to Austin in 2007, cross-training through country clubs to brick and mortar. Her pursuit of farm-to-table cooking led her to a sous chef position with Spirited Food Co. Fine Home Dining shared that kitchen and a match was made in heaven!
Miranda is currently the Chef for Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority House. She loves catering and moonlights for Fine Home Dining as an excellent event Chef for cocktail parties and private dinners.
"I have a true passion for culinary arts. I love to share my gifts by providing quality food and an amazing experience. It is by far the most gratifying part of my job"
Lorne R. Laurant
Lorne brings his 25+ years of experience to FHD from New Orleans, where he worked at the Monteleone Hotel, Fairmont Hotel, Brennan’s and the House of Blues, to name a few. Since arriving in Austin, he has worked at the W Hotel, Perla's Seafood Restaurant, Jasper's, The Roaring Fork, and currently with Cocina ATX and Fine Home Dining. His skill & charm add to any event.
"Being a native of New Orleans, I have an immense appreciation for any gathering that brings friends, great food and spirits to a table. It's this affinity that makes me proud to be part of such a wonderful staff."
Racheal Fontenot
Racheal is a service manager at Fine Home Dining dinners and events. Hailing from New Orleans, she has an affinity for customer service and truly loves the interaction around food and dining. Racheal holds a Business degree and spent 24 years with Whole Foods Market in a variety of service roles. She has completed graduate integrative medicine at AOMA and brings her holistic and caring vibes to FHD events.
"I love FHD for the amazing flavors and fresh, healthy food that has love sprinkled all in it. I found a fun, inspiring group of people who work with an appreciation for what we love.”
Fran Reynolds
Fine Home Dining is proud to have Fran Reynolds on our service team. Fran exemplifies all of the qualities in a true service professional. He is available to manage events, bartend and provide impeccable service.
Fran began his career in service in upstate New York, starting as a busboy and leaving as General Manager. Fran has traveled as a corporate restaurant trainer, and owned and operated two restaurants in Dallas. Fran has been managing upscale catering in Austin since 1995.
Fran provides party rentals for FHD, including unique serving ware, silver and several lines of plates, glasses and flatware.