ABOUT US
We honor creativity and the ability to see above the horizon.
““Hannah is a gem! Her easy nature, thoughtful eye and graceful energy from start to finish are appreciated by all who engage with her. For 8 years, we have worked together producing events and I have watched as Hannah skillfully manages her crew, the client and all the associated vendors with an organized but relaxed approach that is effective and appears effortless. Her eye for design and details leads to magic. I wish all of our events included Hannah!”
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“The Lake & Co. team is not just staff, they are a family of friends.
Even though Lake and Co. is new, the team has been working together for over 10 years doing large and small events across Maine.
Without the support of our ‘co.’ we would not be where we are today. Their hard work, amazing talent and joie de vie are what make each event a success.”
About us
Hannah Lake White has been in love with food and hands on design since her first job at a small food shop and farm in Phippsburg, Maine. With a background in theater and communications, events are the eclectic marriage of putting on a show, designed around a perfect meal, with the best of friends. Before Lake & Co, Hannah managed and ran events for both Aurora Provisions & Swan’s Way, she has worked in maybe every FOH role of multiple famous Portland restaurants known for fine dining and impeccable hospitality. She is the queen of putting on the best parties while being the mastermind behind the many intricate details.
Charles White is a Vermont native from a small ski town. Starting at the bottom like all true chefs, Charles quickly went from dishwasher to line cook at a young age. After spending his freshman year at Emerson in Boston, Charles discovered his true passion for cooking and decided to enroll in the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Coming to Maine 15 years ago, Charles has had the pleasure of being Sous Chef to Alison Cummings of the Star Fish Grill and Lee Skawinski of Vignola/Cinque Terre. He then joined Hannah as Executive Chef to a well loved company of the west end in 2014 till 2017. He is proud to be in the background of Lake & Co., a place where his belief in using the best ingredients to let a dish shine for itself is at the heart of the meal.
After being at the helm of one of Maine’s adored and successful catering companies, we were ready to take the next step to make our own vision become a reality. In 2018 we launched our full service catering company, Lake & Co., focusing on our future where success is embedded in our hard work ethic, an endless dedication to quality ingredients, and a strong relationship with local farmers.
At Lake & Co., Kate's role is making sure all details and logistics are considered and honored. She is our lighthouse. The beacon to which we all look to when we need direction. She knows what is going on and who is on it at all times. Her scope ranges from staffing to scheduling, event coordinating, logistics extraordinaire, and somehow supporting everyone at Lake and Co. simultaneously. Her goal is to make sure that no detail is missed and to execute each client's particular vision for their specific event. In addition, Kate designs all of our merchandise, menus and signage for events. She works mostly behind the scenes, but will also occasionally be on site as well!
A real Mainer; she grew up on a lake and spent all seasons exploring the woods, mountains and coastlines of Maine. Her love of hospitality was inspired by legendary family gatherings hosted by her parents, from lobster bakes to cookouts, and holiday feasts. She has always enjoyed the ritual and sharing that comes with hosting friends and family. Her specialty is in noticing and considering every minute detail.
She has lived in Portland's West End for 15 years where she originally met Hannah many moons ago. A familiar face in the Portland Restaurant scene, she has worked at Bonobo, Duckfat, The Honey Paw and as well as management positions at Grace and LB Kitchen.
In addition to working with Lake & Co, Kate also is also a yoga instructor and works for the non-profit organization Sea Change Yoga. She has inherited her parents' love of cooking and spends free time reading, gardening and lounging on the beach.
