A few minutes early for my meeting with Russ, I was greeted in the kitchen by Josh Miller, the executive chef preparing fresh fava beans for an evening event. On the kitchen counter waited a small plate with delicious appetizers for me: a small cup of gazpacho, roasted garlic and red pepper
crostini, Portabello mushrooms with chevre, and a dark chocolate mousse truffle. From the way Josh presented the delicacies and explained what they were, you could tell how much he likes his job.

Work of Art is a very talented group of event professionals, who offer a fresh perspective and approach to catering. Thinking outside the box is what this outstanding design team likes best. That afternoon Russ Wegner, the owner, and Josh were working on a buffet table for a pharmaceutical corporation. Lab equipment, iridescent colored drinks, and creative lighting gave me a great example of their creativity. No wonder that the company catered events for the Yoko Ono Art opening, the Cirque de Soleil, and openings for Ansel Adam and Chagall. " We create new artistic presentations for our food, integrating design and food concepts to collaborate with our clients' vision," Russ told me. Besides creativity, flexibility is important. From complete classic to whimsical and stunning event design, including flower decoration, to organic or vegetarian cooking, everything is possible.

In addition to creating fabulous events, Russ and his catering company is very committed not to leave too much waste. Environmental concerns are very important to him. Their average waste diversion of is at 90% plus. This has earned many awards for recycling and reducing waste, including a commercial Recycling Business of the Year Award for San Francisco and a State Waste Reduction Award. In June 2005 he catered 1,800 Zero Waste box lunches for Kaiser Permanente. They also operate as an E.P.A. Waste Wise Partner, using biodegrateble, compostable products from Biocorp N.A.. Bags, plates, and cutlery made from corn, allow Work of Art to cater routinely near zero waste events. No wonder that they were hired for the last three years to prepare the Mayor's Annual San Francisco Earth Day Breakfast.