Robert Jacobi - Owner & Managing Director 

Robert Jacobi has spent his entire life surrounded by and immersed in the finer points of hospitality. Robert was raised in Germany, Austria, France and Greece. He holds degrees in International Relations (Boston University) and Hospitality Management (Viuex Bois-Geneva and Cordon Bleu-Pasadena).

Robert’s International career highlights include catering large events for the United Nations, Academy Awards, various Business Fairs at the Hotel Du Rhone and managing fast turnover 5 Diamond restaurants. His experience and lifelong commitment to perfection in service and management makes him an asset to any event. Robert still believes in the concept to never promise more than we can keep and always deliver more than we promise. His input and leadership balance out the very intricate nature of the hospitality business.

 

 Robert's education and work highlights include:

• Certified in Hospitality Management by Le Cordon Bleu
• Service Management Program Hotel School Vieux Bois Geneva (Switzerland) 
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Boston University
• Worked at the Hotel du Rhone Geneva, Sporthotel Alpina Salzburg & the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa and numerous fine dining establishments around the world.
  

 

Rachel Main - Catering Director & Owner 

Raised in South Louisiana, Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Nicholls State University while working for world-renowned chef John Besh and Cajun cuisine guru John Folse.  While spending summers in Sonoma & Napa, Rachel worked under Chef Thomas Keller at The French Laundry.

Rachel's vision is straightforward: combine excellent personalized service, quality ingredients  sourced from our local ranchers and farmers with the knowledge of highly trained chefs to produce a culinary company that far exceeds customer's quality expectations.

Catering Clients work directly with Rachel in planning their events. Her strengths are an uncanny culinary creativity and an ability to take even the vaguest of event ideas and turn them into event reality.

Rachel teaches cooking classes at our Bistro as well as at Client's homes, and she organizes all of our special on and off-site events.

 

 

 Nadia Licea - Executive Chef

After earning her degree in Pastry Arts from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Nadia returned home to a position as assistant pastry chef at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, CA.  She spent two years at Sherwood working under the talented executive and pastry chefs, creating elaborate weddings, banquets and buffets for the members, independent clients,  and the Tiger Woods/Chevron World Challenge.

She followed her tenure at Sherwood at  Herzog Wine Cellars' kosher restaurant, Tierra Sur, using fresh and local ingredients to make truly fabulous kosher desserts and pastries.

Nadia joined Main Course as our pastry chef,  working closely with owner Rachel Main. Due to her uncanny talent, determination, and attention to quality, Nadia soon worked her way up the kitchen ranks and assumed position of Executive Chef in March 2010. 

Nadia is involved in the creation of each catering menu. She oversees a talented savory and pastry staff - preparing everything from creative appetizers to delectible desserts. Her ability to incorporate local, seasonal ingredients with our client's often eclectic taste is Nadia's true talent.

 

Lindsay German - Chief Financial Officer, Bistro & Bar Manager   

Born in Southern California and raised in Colorado, Lindsay German comes from a small family of hard workers. After graduating Cum Laude in 2008 from CSU Channel Islands with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, she decided to continue her education and is currently working to obtain her MBA. Starting her work career as a bookkeeper at a young age, she quickly adapted to working hard and was motivated by achievement.  In 2007, Lindsay entered the food and beverage industry, and in January of 2009 she joined Main Course California.

Lindsay's far-reaching understanding of catering and beverage service as well as her efficient book keeping skills ensures that every client will have the pleasure of working with Lindsay. Her ability to listen to the client, give them the information they need at strategic times, and her adept ability to work in an ever-changing environment make her a joy to work with - and an excellent on-site manager.

 

 

Ross Ruiz - Private Chef & Business Development

Rosendo Ruiz, also known as “Mr. Main Course” to the MCC team, is our most asked-for Private Chef. Growing up in East L.A. he started as a line cook and soon found a passion for fine cuisine and service. He graduated in 2004 from the Cordon Blue Certified California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena.  His externship was spent cooking at one of the top culinary establishments in Mallorca, Spain (Kollo Royo).  This experience and his exceptional talent propelled Ross to cook for the elite in entertainment and business. Ross has worked with Rachel Main since 2008 and with Main Course since 2009. Among his many accomplishments are:

Private Chef to Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith.

During his tenure he helped design, run and create “The New Leadership Academy” in Calabasas and cooked on the sets of such famous shows as “The Office” 2008/2009.       

Private Chef for Beta Theta Pi 2004/2005

Mariachi Festival and many private events in and around Malibu, Ventura and Santa Barbara

Ross is a proud father of Nathaniel Rosendo Ruiz and currently resides in Oxnard. He helps create and cater most of the higher end small events and continues to pursue his passion to connect with people through his love for service and food.