Love & Garlic

I began my career as a buyer and fashion designer for a major department store, moving between San Francisco and New York in a fast‑paced world that demanded instinct, taste, and constant reinvention. But I was born a foodie. When the chance arose to purchase my uncle’s deli in Los Banos, something in me — call it divine momentum — said yes. That spark became La Familia. I painted a Gucci stripe along the interior wall and spent the next decade developing a methodology for reading and riding food trends with the same precision I once applied to fashion cycles.

That evolution naturally led to catering. Designing a table felt remarkably similar to preparing a runway or a photoshoot — the choreography, the storytelling, the aesthetic discipline. Over time, that creative fusion grew into Love & Garlic.

Finding staff who share a passion for food, design, and a strong work ethic has never been simple. But today, my team is smaller, sharper, and deeply aligned with the ethic of excellence. They are a pleasure to work with — and even more of a pleasure to collaborate with.

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Nancy Vajretti