Our Story

To encompass Mana is to move through the world with love, respect and discernment. To put forth the best of who we are even through adversity. I am Chetia Hurtt or more lovingly known as Tia. Private chef and owner of Mana Meals Catering. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and always had a creative side that needed an outlet and food became just that. Inadvertently, cooking kind of fell in my lap.  I was working as (of all things) a bill collector in the early 90s and suddenly I was told I was being laid off.  At that time I didn’t even know what being laid off really meant but I knew my career path at 23 was going to be different than what I planned. College didn’t offer a course on what to do if you're laid off and fresh out of school.  It got my wheels turning to figure out something I loved to do and could see myself doing for a long time. The opportunity to go to culinary school arised and I jumped at the thought.

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Over the course of 20 years, I have worked in every aspect of commercial kitchens, banquet halls and the like. From managing a local fish fry restaurant to owning a lucrative catering business in North Carolina. I picked up every trick of the trade and learned the small nuances that create an amazing dining experience. Fortunately for me, the universe called me back to my hometown to continue the marathon. This time I wanted to provide a more intimate and client focused dining experience. Creating dishes made with love, honor and respect for fresh ingredients and inclusive menus for all palates.

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So I introduce....

Mana Meals Catering, food that feeds the soul.