About us

Chef/Owner Lawrence Hutchinson graduated from one of the best known schools in the country, the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont. He worked in restaurants and hotels in Vermont and Los Angeles, including The Ritz Carlton in Marina del Rey and the Mountain Company in Stowe. He moved to catering for film crews, feeding folks like Tom Hanks and Ellen Degeneres. Before coming to The Green Parrot, Lawrence and his wife, Joan ran their own off-premise catering company, The Discerning Palate. They catered private events in Los Angeles and Orange County, from 9 course meals for 8 to appetizer events for 1500!

You may have seen a few articles about Chef Lawrence’s cooking classes or wine diners in Orange Coast Magazine. Or even seen him teaching on some local cable channels! Chef/Owner Lawrence Hutchinson and General Manager Joan Hutchinson

Chef/Owner Lawrence Hutchinson and General Manager Joan Hutchinson

He is introducing a new service: a membership club called “Culinary Cyrano”, which sends out menus and recipes each month along with shopping lists, wine recommendations, restaurant gift certificates and even has specialty groceries available to its members. Its like having the Chef in your pocket! You can join right here through our website.

Joan Hutchinson, our General Manager and Wedding and Event Expert, has been in the industry over 20 years. She began as a hostess and worked nearly every position in the restaurant, even did a stint as a baker!

With the Discerning Palate Joan was able to coordinate events from conception to completion, working closely with brides and business clients.
Customer service is her main focus. Joan believes that paying attention to the details is what makes a great event. She loves the thrill of a job well done and the excitement of knowing she helped bring the vision of her clients to life! You can trust her team to handle the details of your event, both planned and unforeseen, with taste and discretion.

Joan has had articles published in Orange County Bride and Premier Bride Southern California magazines.

She has come up with a tool to help with planning weddings called the “Insider’s Guide to Wedding Planning”. It has advice about dealing with vendors and ideas on how to save money as well as a worksheet that helps you compare venue costs & values. It is available for purchase here!