Christian and Janelle - A Great Team
Together We Accomplish The Best For You
Meet Janelle and Christian Ephrem, the couple behind Compass Craft Catering. We thrive on transforming ingredients into an experience you will not forget.
In 2017, the couple took a year off to travel the world in order to experience cultures and cuisines from around the globe. Traveling to 17 countries across the Americas, Northern Africa, and Southeast Asia helped build upon the couple’s strong foundation of skills and techniques and allowed them to gather perspective about each country’s footprint on the global culinary landscape. By engaging in hands on training from amateur and professional chefs from around the world, they not only gained an advanced skill set, but most importantly an invaluable understanding of the tradition, emotion, and customs that compose each country’s unique fare. So after a year of travels, there is one place that felt like home: The Pacific Northwest. With its abundance of picturesque landscapes and local ingredients, the couple couldn’t think of a better place to put down roots and grow their own cuisine.
Christian;
Born and raised in Ethiopia, Christian and his family moved to the United States in 2002 and settled in Las Vegas. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), an institution known for its exceptional hospitality program.
Christian’s culinary resume stems not only from his personal love for cuisine, but also from his professional experience in world class kitchens such as the 2 star Michelin restaurant Guy Savoy. Christian’s inherent curiosity drives him to expand his culinary repertoire regularly and his attention to detail ensures that each meal is prepared, cooked, and presented to perfection. Most recently, he has worked in the Willamette Valley’s wine country where he furthered his skills in food and wine pairing
Janelle;
A Portland native, Janelle identified at a young age her passion for pastry. Her creative soul and technical mind have made Janelle successful since early in her career. In 2008, she moved to Las Vegas to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Management from UNLV, where she graduated top of her class. During her time on the Las Vegas strip, Janelle was the pastry chef at four different Wolfgang Puck restaurants, including the company’s flagship, Spago. Her kitchen expertise is widespread, ranging from plated desserts to cakes, breads, chocolates, and viennoiserie.
Janelle’s artistry is unparalleled, as witnessed in her ability to transform ideas into not only delicious but also beautiful works of art. For the past 18 months, she has worked as the chef for a prominent high-end pastry shop in Portland’s Pearl District
What We Can Do For You
Our events are always changing and unique in many ways!
- Our menus are reflections of local abundance and we work closely with local farmers and makers.
- No two events are the same. We craft each event to reflect the specific needs of the client.
- We have the ability to set up a remote kitchen in just about any location.
- All food is cooked fresh on site.
- We are experienced in whole animal cookery and can offer live fire events.
Our Philosophy
Christian and Janelle’s true north is their passion for cuisine!
Having years of experience in some of Las Vegas’s best fine dining restaurants as well as a global perspective, our approach to food is unique. What sets us apart from other catering companies is our background in the industry. As experienced chefs, we can offer custom curated menus which will deliver exactly what the clients’ wishes are in every aspect.
Thank you for visiting our website and learning more about what we love and the passion we have to make your special occasion have some of the best food ever !
Christian and Janelle