We are so pleased to introduce you to a local family-run business that offers catering, delivery and private chef experiences that specialize in scratch cooking with local ingredients.  Laforet Catering first caught my eye when I saw some magnificent photos of meals being prepared with Paul’s outdoor cooking style.  Whether it be in your own backyard looking over the lake, camping in your favourite spot or hosting your special day, Chef Paul is super creative and he is more than happy to fulfill your vision offering quite a selection of service and amazing dishes.

We wanted to get to know the Chef and Co-Owner of Laforet Catering and we are thrilled to introduce you to Paul Laforet in our Community Spotlight.

What made you open up your own catering company?  Was it always a passion of yours?

Cooking has always been a great passion of mine.  I have been cooking professionally for over 18 years and was most recently an Executive Chef of a hotel and restaurant in Orillia.  Due to the restrictions caused by Covid-19, my job was in jeopardy and as the sole income provider for my family of four, I needed a new path.  Laforet Catering was established on November 11, 2020 and is based out of Orillia, Ontario.  My wife, Burgundy and I chose to start Laforet Catering together and it’s been a wild ride ever since. Watching our business continue to grow and be successful has been so incredible; I feel blessed I get to do what I love every day and call it “work”.

Where did you learn to cook?

Laforet is a unique name.  Where did it originate from?

Laforet is my last name, it originated in France.  It translates to “The Forest”, which is actually very fitting for me, as I have always had a great affinity for the outdoors and it aligns perfectly with my outdoor cooking style that I bring to my business.

What do you hope your customers gain from using your catering services?

When you hire Laforet Catering, what you get is a personalized unique experience with high-quality food and service.  We specialize in outdoor, over-the-fire meals unlike any you’ve had before. I hope that through my love and passion for cooking, I can bring people together to enjoy good food and good company- that’s what it is all about!

What geographical area do you cater to and what is the furthest place you have travelled to cater a special event?

We are based out of Orillia and generally cater to anyone within a two-hour radius. With that being said, the furthest I have travelled for a dinner is to Tobermory (3.5 hours each way). There’s always flexibility with this business!

We understand that weddings are a specialty of yours.  If you had to choose one, what is your favourite thing about catering weddings?

Weddings, and small weddings in particular, are so great to be a part of because I get the opportunity to make a special day that much more memorable.

What is your vision for Laforet Catering?

Laforet Catering aims to bring the quality and personalization of a Private Chef to any catered event. From birthday parties – to a romantic dinner for two, cooked over a fire in your backyard – to a beautiful outdoor wedding – Laforet Catering will be sure to make it an experience you’ll never forget!

What does Paul like to do in his free time?

In the small amount of free time I get, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking my two children on walks, teaching them about nature and the world around them. I also enjoy foraging mushrooms and other wild edibles.

If you had any words of encouragement or advice for someone thinking of opening up their own business to follow their dreams, what would they be?

Just believe in yourself.  Be confident and decisive.  Also having a good business plan is always a good idea!

We can’t wait to see what Chef Paul and Burgundy have in store for Laforet Catering in the future!  For more information on Laforet Catering and the specialized services that they offer feel free to email them at: laforetcatering@gmail.com and we also encourage you to follow them on Facebook at Laforet Catering.  Interested in seeing what dish Chef Paul is cooking next?  Give him a follow on Instagram at:  laforet.catering.  You won’t be disappointed!