Whisking Up a New Menu

It takes a lot of courage for a young woman to move to a new town and find a way of establishing a successful career in the food industry. But “with a name like Mimi Maumus... it has to be -- not just good, but extraordinary.”

This New Orleans native set out for Georgia to get a college education in psychology and sociology, ending up at West Georgia College in Carrollton. Along with attending classes, she also worked in several restaurants as many college students do.

“Once I graduated, I began working in my academic field, and realized I much preferred cooking and working with food,” said Mimi. She set her sights on relocating to a place where she could live comfortably, pursue a career as a chef and hopefully develop a business of her own. So she put all of her eggs in one basket and headed to Athens where she has been writing her recipe for success for the last six years.

“I really wanted to go to culinary school. But I also wanted to work for Hugh Atcheson at the 5 and 10. I was lucky enough to land a job with Hugh at his restaurant, and I can honestly say, he’s been my culinary school personified,” she explained.

“I started out as most do, as a garde manger (salad preparer), and now after several years, I am his executive sous chef and catering director,” she said.

Recently, Mimi opened her own catering business, Home.Made Catering From Scratch, in its new location on Baxter Street, right next to .  The philosophy of her cooking, which separates her from others, is all about using the best quality ingredients possible.

“Our menus are ingredient-driven and seasonally relevant,” she explained. “Hugh taught me the importance of using high quality ingredients. He has been an amazing teacher and mentor.

“Even he is quick to say you’ll never know everything. And if you’re not learning, you’re doing the wrong thing. I consider this wonderful inspiration,” said Mimi.

So as she continues to work at 5 and 10, her catering business begins to blossom on the side. She now has a space to hold rehearsal dinners, small dinner parties, cocktail and office parties. And is available to cater to larger events in any other location.

One taste of her signature dish – Sewanee Bites: cheese straws sandwiched with pimento cheese and rolled in pecans – and you’ll understand just what this creative chef is all about. Quality. Taste. Creativity.

To read more about Mimi and her business go to her website. Or you can call her at 706-206-9216.