Mary Hathaway Otherwise known as "The Dinner Diva" Meet the Chef Personal Chef Mary Hathaway, a.k.a. The Dinner Diva, is a native Californian and has always loved to cook. Some of her early childhood memories, around age 9 or 10, are of helping her mom out in the kitchen for family dinners. Mary’s imaginative nature has led her to become diverse in her cooking style. An adventurous traveler, she has collected recipes, cookbooks and cooking tips from regions throughout the United States and the Pacific Islands. And there have been many times after dining in a particular restaurant on a trip (or locally) that she will go home and try to recreate the flavors in the meal she just enjoyed. She has rarely been disappointed with her results. Mary loves to incorporate these regional and seasonal favorites into her menus. Between May & October she may be found at local farmer’s markets meeting new people, showcasing a favorite recipe and finding the best produce for her clients. When available, she uses fresh herbs and vegetables from her South Bay garden in her cooking. Since many people in the Bay Area are vegetarians or health-conscience, she is mindful of special needs diets and programs and can easily incorporate these needs into the menus she creates for her clients. In 2002, The Dinner Diva Personal Chef Service was born when Mary decided to turn her love of cooking into a career choice. She recently graduated from the USPCI (U.S. Personal Chef Institute) in Phoenix, AZ. and is affiliated with the national organization USPCA (United States Personal Chef Association) and Hireachef.com. For the past 12 years Mary has lived in San Jose with her husband & grade school daughter.