The executive chef at River Oaks Catering and Event Center, Patricia Lewis, has more than 20 years of experience in restaurant and catering. She says she never imagined cooking and her love for food would be the inspiration for such an extensive career.

Chef Pat works with the philosophy that prepared products should be as fresh as they can be and they should be served in a professional, timely manner. A self-proclaimed born caregiver, Chef Pat takes pride in helping others succeed in the hospitality industry.

While she specializes in large-volume cooking and preparations, Chef Pat also is proud to have cooked for Former Governor Kathleen Blanco at the governor's mansion, as well as Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel. She also is a volunteer chef for the annual fundraising event, St. Martin de Porres, where she prepared food for 1,000 guests.

Other experience has included cooking for the Washington, D.C., Mardi Gras and Louisiana State University alumni in San Diego, Calif.

Chef Pat was recognized with the 2008 Martin Luther King Service Award medal by the Catholic Dioceses of Lafayette. In February, she was the featured chef in L Magazine. Certifications include Food Preparation Safety from the Department of Health and Hospitals.