Meet Gerard Nebsesky of Gerard’s Paella

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerard Nebsesky. Them and their team share their story with us below:

A longtime chef and restaurant owner, Gerard Nebesky’s culinary career began when he was just 23 years old.

Looking to open a graphic design business in Grass Valley, he ended up instead opening a restaurant. The Bohemian Cafe in Occidental, opened by Gerard at that young age, was a hugely popular and beloved restaurant during its time in Occidental. People still remember the amazing atmosphere, and of course, they all remember Gerard.

Always an adventurer, Gerard was profoundly influenced when he was introduced to the joys of classic Spanish Paella while skiing in Spain. Once he mastered the art of cooking this dish to perfection, he founded Gerard’s Paella and took his passion on the road, where he is always happy to introduce others to Spain’s most famous dish.

His talents have been rewarded many times, most notably when he won Bobby Flay’s challenge to a paella Throwdown on the Food Network Show, Throwdown with Bobby Flay!

Gerard’s company, based in Sonoma County, California, has grown into a thriving and successful business, with a great team who always make sure your event is exactly as Gerard wants it; fun, festive, delicious, and memorable.

While Gerard still cooks and is available for events, he has a dedicated team of chefs, including some family and friends, who he personally trained to make sure all events are perfect. He also travels around the country cooking his paella at private events and music festivals and is partial to the Nashville area.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Covid-19 pandemic presented the greatest struggle he has seen in the business in all of his years.

But Gerard is an eternal optimist!

He donated time, food, and his good energy throughout the lowest points of the pandemic and has remained an integral piece of Sonoma County food culture as well as a national festival presence despite the daunting presence of the virus and the protocol required to stay safe and continue following his passion amidst an unprecedented time for the industry.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Gerard’s Paella is highly sought after for the unique and sensory experience as well as the fresh, healthy, delicious food. Authentic Spanish paella is hard to come by, and Gerard is known for being the best in the business. He was most recently voted Best Caterer in Sonoma County, and he loves to take his show on the road.

During the busy season, he can be found anywhere from Los Angeles to Nashville, impressing crowds and making personal connections through his passion for paella. He won Bobby Flay’s challenge to a paella Throwdown on the Food Network Show and continues to prepare his authentic paella with the same devotion and personality to this day. Gerard’s Paella is truly paella for the people, and that is what sets him apart from others.

No one else does what Gerard does; the process of creating his paella, from start to delicious finished product, is an art form. The cuisine itself, and Gerard’s devotional preparation of it, has a way of conjuring up memories, people, places, and warmth.

Brand-wise, we are most proud of the impact Gerard’s creations have on the people who enjoy his food. So frequently we receive inquiries as well as letters of gratitude from people who were touched by Gerard’s interpretation of authentic paella, his magnetic personality, or both.

It is a very special thing, what Gerard does, and it’s very special to be able to bring his nationally renowned paella to the Franklin and Nashville people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gerardspaella.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerardspaella/

Image Credits:
Papapietro Perry Winery