About
At a glance.
Abigail Schmitt (She/Her) is the Chef Owner of Ginkgo Fine Dining Experiences, which she started in 2021 while living in Mexico City. She is currently based in Washington State and Golden, BC. Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Abigail graduated from Culinary School in Saint Paul and has learned from and worked for many great chefs across the Twin Cities, New York and Mexico City. With Ginkgo Fine Dining, she creates a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, good food and the outdoors. From curating intimate culinary experiences for all kinds of occasions, to food styling, recipe development and cooking classes, she shares her passion and expertise with folks from all across the globe.
Where I come from, I had the privilege of growing up amidst diverse ecosystems, countrysides of the Northern Mid-West. The North Shore and the urban Twin Cities shaped much of my foundation. These surroundings have instilled in me a deep seeded appreciation for nature and the curiosity to understand the direct source of our ingredients. This fuels my passion for artistry and creative presentation in my cooking. Foraging for wild edibles and sourcing farm fresh ingredients serve as a constant inspiration for my menu developments and curriculum. While I specialize in working with fire, fish and seafood, pasta and various methods of preservation, my culinary journey spans the globe, and I am always seeking to learn and create dishes from diverse cultures and ingredients.
Chef Abigail Schmitt
"To get to know me is to try my food, to taste fresh West Coast Oysters with Spruce Tip Mignonette or herb-smoked-and-slow-roasted pork wrapped up in local lacinato kale leaves, and then grilled with a delicious bincho char. My favorite things to serve are what is from nearby (farms or oceans) full of flavor and garnished with flowers and herbs. You'll find me returning from my many travels with a suitcase full of regional ingredients to add to the mix, ready with my camera + chefs knives and eager to share it all. "
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What Kind of Cuisines Do You Serve?
We provide seasonal classic and signature menus, but our true passion is in diverse cuisines! Chef Abigail specializes in Mexican, Japanese, French, and Italian dishes, with Mediterranean, Greek, Filipino, and Moroccan cuisines also being popular among our guests.
Do you accommodate for dietary restrictions and allergies?
Absolutely! All menus will be designed considering allergies and dietary restrictions. While we cannot assure that every kitchen will be completely free from allergens, we will make every effort to clean and sanitize thoroughly to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Do You Offer Dishware Rentals?
Absolutely! GFD provides rentals for up to 24 guests, for 4-5 course menus. Inquire about our package options and table arrangements. For groups larger than 24, we will source rentals from an external company. Please coordinate the number of dishes with Abigail for these outside rentals.
Do you clean up after dinner?
We will manage all cleanup after your dinner service. Leftovers will be packaged and stored for you to take home. Please be advised that if you rented glassware from us without selecting a beverage service, an additional fee will apply for its use once your event is over.
Table Setup + Decor
Your table will be arranged accordance with your chosen service style. Each service is accompanied by a printed menu that outlines the meal for you and your guests. You may choose enhance your table settings with with florals and candles - please inquire for pricing.
When will you arrive on site?
For Dinner Services, we will arrive 3-4 hours before your event starts, based on the menu.
For Vacation Meals or Retreats, we travel to the location 1-2 days in advance for shopping and preparation, depending on the number of guests.
For other services or classes, please reach out to Chef Abigail directly.