Meet Morgan Mead

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Morgan Mead. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Morgan, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My purpose has been clear for as long as I can remember; nourish peoples souls and lives through outstanding food, service and atmosphere through experiences for memories that will last a lifetime. No problem. It really is simple when it comes down to it. Growing up in a family owned farm-to-table restaurant, I was raised with the expectation that food is a source of joy and comfort, and at its heart is the kitchen. The dining room is where your guests are at home; they’re comfortable in the atmosphere provided and well taken care of. Over the years I have learned how to hone in on this purpose by finding what truly makes people smile: Food, of course, but it’s so much more…

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve dedicated my life to the many aspects of food service and hospitality: from cooking to serving & bartending, wine curating & hospitality, event planning & catering, and everything in between. So naturally what I provide includes the highest standards in all of these elements. I provide a wide range of services to cover almost any occasion you can think of, my motto is-“If you can dream it we can create it”
-When the season is upon us, one of my favorite services is Peacock Picnics: a boutique curated outdoor experience, served with delights such as salmon mousse, chicken liver pate, homemade pickles, and fresh bread all presented with a rustic touch, served in a picnic basket custom made to order with your name on it. Think Downton Abbey.
-My other charming services are provided through LA Peacock Events: There are a wide range of options from intimate chef made dinners, to uniquely crafted Burning Man style event services such as weddings and birthday parties. And for very special families I offer private in home cooking.
-Probably the most exciting and unique thing I offer with my amazing partner is Five Star Fifteen: A pop-up dining event designed to deliver exceptional five-course cuisine served in just fifteen minutes with wine pairing. This innovative concept merges the artistry of fine dining with a pace the delights food enthusiasts and excites the curiosity of connection through your senses for an experience that will last a lifetime.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Passion for food- Growing up making the trip to farms where the food is grown and raised then brought back to the restaurant where it is cooked, plated and delivered to the table with a welcoming smile brings an appreciation for cuisine like no other. As a kid standing on a milk crate juicing carrots fresh for awaiting customers was so exciting. These were the seeds planted that brought me into cooking and over many years blossomed into a wealth of knowledge and passion for making food with love.
2. Understanding being of service- As I transitioned into front of the house while living in Maui, I got the opportunity to see how vastly important the other side of restauranting is. While working at Roy’s in Kahana, one of my favorite times of the evening was standing and holding the front door for guests and saying good night. The satisfied smiles and comments were pure gold, knowing they have had an experience that they would never forget.
3. Bringing it all together- While at The Allison Hotel in Dundee Oregon, I had the opportunity of helping them achieve five star status. Seeing it all unfold into a tapestry of service, food, hospitality, atmosphere and guest experience was a delight for all the senses to behold.

My advice to those starting their culinary journey: Put in and appreciate the work it takes to master your craft, the reward is well worth it, and there is no better way to love what you do than to experience it firsthand and learn from those who have come before you.

“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.”
– Anthony Bourdain

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! I believe that collaboration is key to not only sharing and gaining more knowledge and experience, but also a way to show the world what we can do when we join forces and work together as a team, and as a community. We are more powerful when we share our gifts and talents in a collaborative effort; when we can be leaders and teach others to to be leaders as well. I like to use the analogy ‘we are all on a giant elevator riding to the top together, shoulder to shoulder, succeeding as one’. I embrace partnering with anyone with the skills, talent and perseverance to team up with on any project towards the goal of a greater shared experience. I invite you to reach out and simply ask: ‘Can I be a part of this with you?’

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lapeacockevents.com
• Instagram: Morgan.mead, la_peacock_,peacockpicnic
• Facebook: LAPeacock Events, Peacock Picnics
• Other: Phone Number – 503-413-9403
  Email – morganmead@gmail.com

Image Credits

Rich Prugh, Prugh Photography