Gregory S. Kalatsky

Born with an innate love for food and an unwavering drive for perfection, Gregory S. Kalatsky has built one of California’s most respected culinary careers over nearly three decades. His journey began at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York — widely regarded as the finest culinary school in the United States — where he mastered classical technique, kitchen leadership, and the discipline that defines world-class cooking.

Gregory graduated from the CIA in 1995. In 1997, he founded VVSI Gourmet Catering, which later became Chef Gregory’s Gourmet Catering, quickly earning a reputation for uncompromising quality, creative menus, and seamless event execution. In 2020, he moved to California’s Central Coast, drawn by the richness of the land, the quality of local producers, and the growing appetite for sophisticated, farm-to-table dining.

Over the decades, Gregory has evolved into a multi-dimensional culinary entrepreneur. Beyond his flagship catering business, he has opened Chef Gregory’s Barbecue Smokehouse Emporium, competed in regional and national BBQ championships, developed proprietary food products for the e-commerce market, and offered culinary instruction to aspiring home cooks and professionals alike.

What sets Chef Gregory apart is not merely technical skill — it is his obsessive attention to preparation. Every event he accepts receives 30 to 50 hours of dedicated pre-event preparation, from sourcing the finest seasonal ingredients to conducting thorough pre-event tastings with clients.

Today, Chef Gregory’s Gourmet Catering serves clients across San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and beyond, consistently earning five-star reviews and the loyalty of clients who return event after event.