Luxury Lunches
Culinary and Catering Excellence in Charlotte
About
Chef Marketa Anita Appiah
Chef Marketa Anita Appiah is a James Beard-mentored culinary leader and CIA alumna who blends Southern tradition with global influences through her premier catering business, Luxury Lunches.
Chef Marketa Anita Appiah is a culinary storyteller whose dishes bridge the gap between nostalgic Southern tradition and global innovation. Born in Florence, South Carolina, Marketa was raised under the influence of "down-home" Southern women who mastered the art of the kitchen.
After moving to Worcester, Massachusetts, she spent her formative years navigating the culinary landscapes of both the North and the South. Frequent summers visiting family in Puerto Rico added a vibrant international layer to her palate, ultimately shaping her unique culinary philosophy: Nostalgic Northern and Southern flavors elevated by diverseral influences.
Marketa’s formal training began at Worcester Technical High School, leading to a scholarship at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY. After earning her Associate’s degree, she completed her Bachelor’s at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.
With over 16 years of professional kitchen experience, Chef Marketa Anita Appiah has navigated every level of the industry—from prep cook and dishwasher to Executive Chef. Her diverse resume includes leadership roles in:
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Luxury Hotels & Country Clubs
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Upscale Retirement Communities
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Culinary Production for National Food Festivals
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High-profile Soul Food pop-up collaborations
In 2018, Marketa was selected for the prestigious James Beard Foundation: Women in Culinary Leadership program, where she mentored under acclaimed Chef Paul Fehribach. This experience solidified her commitment to culinary excellence and community leadership.
During the pandemic, she channeled her expertise into launching Luxury Lunches, a premier catering business that specializes in Southern comfort infused with international flair. When she isn't managing large-scale culinary productions, she remains dedicated to her roots, teaching hands-on cooking demonstrations at local daycare centers to inspire the next generation of chefs.
Who We've Served
Corporate, Education, and Special Events
"From start to finish, Chef Keeta delivered a culinary spread that not only delighted the palate but also became one of the highlights of the evening. The menu was vibrant, creative, and impeccably executed. Guests are still raving about the roasted salmon deviled eggs, Mediterranean pasta salad cups, and curry chicken cups! Each bite was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The surf & turf kebobs and hibachi steak & veggie kebobs were perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, while the crab & lobster rangoons brought a decadent touch that everyone adored. One of the most talked-about items was the collard green dip with garlic pita; this soulful yet elevated dish captured comfort and creativity in every bite. Paired with refreshing passion fruit punch and fruit sangria carafes, the menu offered something for everyone and created an atmosphere of pure enjoyment...Her professionalism, attention to detail, and unmatched talent in the kitchen transformed our gathering into a five-star dining experience.
If you’re looking for a caterer who combines bold flavors, flawless presentation, and a warm personal touch, look no further than Chef Keeta. She is truly a culinary gem, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. – 5/5 stars"
Lisa Gifford