PERSONAL CHEF SUSAN RAINES-McDONALD
My love for cooking and food began in the kitchen of my childhood home in Akron,
Ohio. I have fond memories of the wonderful aromas of my Mother’s American
Chicken and Dumplings and my Great Aunt’s Hungarian Goulash.
When I was 9 years old, my Mother and I moved to Texas. Sweet potatoes and pecan
pie immediately topped my favorite foods list. At the age of 11, I started
collecting recipes – and have never stopped.
My greatest cooking influences have been my Mother and Paul Prudhomme. My Mother
taught me home-style cooking (or comfort food as we call it today) and Chef
Prudhomme’s cookbooks introduced me to the spice of life – Cajun food !
I am a proud graduate of Texas Tech University – B.S. Restaurant, Hotel and
Institutional Management, 1988. Formal culinary training has been placed on the
back burner as to tend to my young culinarians: Ian-age 13 and Trevor-age 9.
Professional membership in the American Culinary Federation and the American
Personal Chef Association keep me educated on culinary standards and trends.
Starting my own cooking business in 2002 has given me a great way to spend time
with my family and indulge in my passion for cooking. A commercial kitchen has
recently become my workplace due to an expanding client base and the desire to
pursue other culinary endeavors.
Professional Affiliations
American Personal & Private Chef Association
American Culinary Federation
Texas Chefs Association – South Plains Chapter: Fundraising and Charity Chairman
Community Service
Junior League of Lubbock – Sustaining Member
South Plains Food Bank – Board Member
National Kidney Foundation, March of Dimes and American Heart Association (Local
Chapters) – Chef Services Volunteer
Texas Chefs Association - South Plains Chapter Chef of the Month – December 2005
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification – July 2005
2006 Contributor of the Year - South Plains Chapter - Texas Chefs Association -
June 2006
Silver Medal - Mystery Basket Hot Food Team Competition - Ft. Worth, TX - Texas
Chefs Association - August 2006
Serving in Lubbock, the South Plains and West Texas.
