With a history as rich and flavorful as its gourmet creations, Marcia Selden Catering is a family-run group of first-class foodies, servicing New York and Connecticut’s most luxurious events — and it all started in Marcia’s kitchen more than 40 years ago.
Marcia, her daughter Robin, and her son Jeffrey lead a savvy squad of culinary gurus and party perfectors who believe the belly rules the mind, and that the best way to kick off a party is to toast over a custom-made cocktail (or several). Whether it’s a low-key clambake or the wedding of the century, MSC creates inclusive, memorable feasts of any celebration, matched with polished, personalized service that makes everyone feel like part of the family.
Marcia Selden Catering services the bold and the epicurious — and anyone looking to commemorate a big day in style, without all the stress. With MSC everything is always taken care of, always memorable, and always a party!
More than 40 years ago, Marcia, a flourishing jewelry designer, was asked if she knew of a good caterer for a small wedding. A passionate cook and frequent entertainer, Marcia literally stepped up to the plate, and a catering business was born. Today, she still has her hand in every pie (or in this case, party), and that’s just the way Marcia likes it!
Juicy Tidbit:
Her mother was a former Miss Cuba.
Secret Vice:
She’s a Facebook and Instagram junkie.
Quotable Moment:
“Straight up with olives.”
In a Nutshell:
I do parties…not golf!
— Managing Partner & Executive Chef
Meet
Robin
— Managing Partner & Executive Chef
Let’s Dish:
Robin is MSC’s resident party girl with a keen eye for making food into delicious works of art. She’s the visionary-in-chief and the force behind MSC’s over-the-top creativity, marketing, and advertising. A Pisces true to her sign, Robin is imaginative, kind, and compassionate. As the mother of twins, Robin is a boundless multitasker who guides the kitchen with her contagious energy. For a moment of nirvana, you’ll find her at the salon getting a blow out, fresh cappuccino in hand.
Dance Soundtrack:
“Love on Top” by Beyoncé and “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.
Party Must:
Laughter. “It means that our guests are having a good time!”
Secret Vice:
Robin is an online shopaholic… there’s never a day that a package isn’t at the door when she gets home.
— Managing Partner
Meet
Jeffrey
— Managing Partner
Let’s Dish:
A 20-year veteran of New York City’s luxury hotel business, Jeffrey has overseen hundreds of weddings throughout his career, which began at the St. Regis Hotel and later The Pierre Hotel. Before joining the family business in 2011, Jeffrey was Executive Director of Catering at The New York Palace Hotel. In college Jeffrey was Julia Child’s teaching assistant — ask him how he likes “the crotch of a goose.” Today, he is the mastermind behind MSC’s Liquid Kitchen and entire bar program, also overseeing sales and operations of the company.
Dream Dinner:
Jeffrey would summon back Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Roy Lichtenstein and serve them his Mom’s famous Paella recipe.
Secret Vice:
Hundreds of eyeglasses in every color, great bourbons, and American Idol.
Juicy Tidbit:
Jeffrey once served as Elton John’s butler.
In a Nutshell:
Jeffrey is the ultimate wedding whisperer — he’s the Xanax to the mother-of-the-bride, and coach to the bridal party. He is as much at ease designing floral arrangements as he is bustling a bride’s gown.
— Director of Catering
Meet
Jennifer
— Director of Catering
Let’s Dish:
Jennifer has been with MSC since 2005, when she walked in looking to be a server. After working her first party, MSC offered her a job, and she quickly worked her way up the ladder to Director of Catering. When she’s not on the job, she loves going to the beach and being treated to one of her husband’s home-cooked meals.
Dream Dinner:
Jennifer would love the chance to have dinner with her late grandmother Kay, only she’d insist on having Kay make the food. “She was the best cook EVER!”
Dance Soundtrack:
“Cecila” by Simon & Garfunkel.
Life Philosophy:
Fake it ‘til you make it.
— Catering Sales Manager
Meet
Nicole
— Catering Sales Manager
Let’s Dish:
Nicole is MSC’s Catering Sales Manager and industry veteran with 20 years under her belt. Her favorite part of the party is always the hors d’oeuvres. “I LOVE small bites, and I would skip the main course just to continue eating them.” Whatever she’s eating, though, Nicole comes prepared with a little bottle of Maldon Sea Salt in her purse.
Dream Dinner:
A strawberry rhubarb pie made from scratch for her late grandmother.
Quotable Moment:
“People who love to eat are always the best people.” –Julia Child
Song that makes you dance:
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
— Catering Account Manager
Meet
Jeanna
— Catering Account Manager
Let’s Dish:
Jeanna is an account manager who came to MSC after moving from California to Connecticut in 2020 for a fresh start in the industry amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Twenty-three years in San Diego gave Jeanna a chance to try all the amazing Mexican food she could find, and it’s still her favorite go-to cuisine!
Guilty pleasure:
Stew Leonard’s Soft Serve Ice Cream.
Favorite holiday:
“My birthday. I share it with my husband, which we both think is so cool.”
Party Must:
“Booty-dropping dance music.”
— Catering Planner
Meet
Liz
— Catering Planner
Let’s Dish:
Liz is a Catering Planner who has spent more than a decade working events ranging from NFL games to concerts to weddings. The Central Michigan grad (and retired college cheerleader) finds joy in Mexican food and all things savory… and a good nap.
Adventurous Edible:
“When living in Arizona, I had deep-fried rattlesnake, with ranch of course.”
Recipe for the Perfect Day:
“A martini at a cozy bar with French fries and my boyfriend.”
Quotable Moment:
“Live, laugh, love, lurk.” –Kate Kennedy
— Catering Planner
Meet
Jeanette
— Catering Planner
Let’s Dish:
Jeanette is a Catering Planner with over 20 years of hospitality experience. She grew up working at her family’s Italian restaurants before studying at the School of Fine Art in Florence, Italy. She’s managed at the Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, and more, plus she’s even dabbled in jewelry design.
Recipe for the Perfect Day:
“A picnic under the Eiffel Tower with my husband and three boys. A nice bottle of wine, a baguette, cheese, and pâté. YUM.”
Favorite Holiday:
Christmas Eve. “My husband and I always host the seven fishes. It’s about being together and enjoying family, food… and let’s not forget the wine!”
Dance Soundtrack:
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
— Catering Account Manager
Meet
Melissa
— Catering Account Manager
Let’s Dish:
Melissa is a Catering Account Manager at MSC. She joined the team in 2018 after serving as the catering liaison for the New York Institute of Technology. Her most ideal day would involve a family dinner in Tuscany, homemade wine, an acoustic guitar, and a starry sky, but she could also go for a big, beautiful Passover dinner with family.
Craved Cuisine:
Anything as long as cheese is involved.
Juicy Tidbit:
Melissa was a nanny for Jamie Lee Curtis back in 1998.
Party Must:
Hendricks Gin and chocolate.
— Catering Planner
Meet
Kiara
— Catering Planner
Let’s Dish:
Kiara is our clever and quirky Catering Planner with loads of management know-how. She’s witty, smart, and always ready with a creative solution!
Dream Dinner:
“My Grandmother, I’d give anything to make jokes with her again. And I’d make her Frank and Beans. She’d secretly eat it with me because it reminded her of her mother. I get it now!”
Guilty Pleasure:
Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies
Quotable Moment:
“You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.” – Sophia Bush
— Staffing Manager
Meet
Samantha
— Staffing Manager
Let’s Dish:
Samantha, part of the MSC team since 2013, has a weakness for cheese and bread. Her favorite trip so far has been eating and chateau-gazing her way around Paris, but she’s equally satisfied at home with her husband and kids, watching a movie over pizza and ice cream (preferably Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked).
Dream Dinner:
Samantha wishes she could have Lucille Ball over for dinner. “I’d serve baked chicken and mashed potatoes, because you can’t go wrong with that!”
Adventurous Edible:
Uni.
Life Philosophy:
You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.
— Catering Planner
Meet
Bianca
— Catering Planner
Let’s Dish:
Bianca has a hunger for all things travel—she’s already lived in four different countries! “My travel addiction and curiosity of knowing more cultures and the world has a big place in my life.” Dance is one of Bianca’s other big loves, and this dancing queen joined the MSC team in November 2021.
Fave Festivity:
New Year’s Eve. “It’s my birthday!”
Recipe for the Perfect Day:
A breakfast in Scotland, an afternoon walking around Paris, and a night of shopping in Milan. “I would fall asleep with my new Prada bag.”
Life Philosophy:
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” —Confucius
— Front Desk Coordinator
Meet
Ali
— Front Desk Coordinator
Let’s Dish:
Ali is MSC’s Front Desk Coordinator with 15 years of experience. With her vibrant purple hair and even brighter personality, Ali lights up our office every day!
Adventurous Edible:
Alligator Tail. “It truly does taste like chicken!”
Quotable Moment:
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” – Milton Berle
Juicy Tidbit:
Ali’s best-kept secret it the natural color of her hair!
— Director of Operations
Meet
Stephanie
— Director of Operations
Let’s Dish:
Stephanie oversees MSC’s extensive collection of props and décor and can often be found working on the latest special project for the next big event. Prior to joining the team, Stephanie worked for a local non-profit as the development and marketing director, planning everything from fundraisers to golf tournaments to galas. She joined MSC in January 2018.
Dream Dinner:
Stephanie would have Walt Disney over and serve her own version of Snow White’s fish stew and gooseberry pie.
Secret Vice:
Putting M&M’s in movie theater popcorn.
Party Must:
Gin, tonic, and good friends.
— Operations Assistant
Meet
Andrew
— Operations Assistant
Let’s Dish:
Andrew is an Operations Assistant whose ideal day includes working out, refueling on Spanish tapas, and settling in to watch a really good basketball game. As a kid he dreamed of playing professionally, but today he’s proud to simply be a kind, hard-working gentleman.
Dream Dinner:
Italian food with Kobe Bryant.
Song that makes you dance:
“Happy” by Pharrell
Quotable Moment:
In the words of his mother, “It’s not the house that makes you happy— it’s the people inside your home.”
— Beverage Operations & Food Service Manager
Meet
Danny
— Beverage Operations & Food Service Manager
Let’s Dish:
Danny has been an MSC team member for more than 25 years and may just be the best dancer on staff. He has a hidden talent for doing the salsa, will always get up for La Bamba, and loves it when his two children bust a move along with him.
Dream Dinner:
Though his favorite type of cuisine is Asian fare, he would make an elaborate Colombian feast for his dream dinner guest, Nelson Mandela.
Adventurous Edible:
Edible ants.
Life Philosophy:
Life is too short to drink cheap wine.
— Service Director
Meet
Luis
— Service Director
Let’s Dish:
When he’s not handling MSC’s sales and operations, Luis is a tried-and-true lover of the outdoors. He sums himself up in just five words: “Family, hiking, kayaking, biking, and eating.” Family is especially important, as it’s not an easy feat getting everyone together — Luis has a total 15 brothers and sisters!
Adventurous Edible:
Alligator.
Secret Vice:
Cookies.
Juicy Tidbit:
Luis is fluent in five languages.
— Operations Coordinator
Meet
Genesis
— Operations Coordinator
Let’s Dish:
Genesis is our ultra-organized Operations Coordinator who keeps everything running smoothly. She’s always ready to pack up for parties, has a serious sweet tooth, and fun fact: she’s got mad pastry skills!
Dance Soundtrack:
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
Dream Dinner:
Genesis would love to have her grandfather over for dinner, just to hear his stories and jokes again. She’d serve him his all-time favorite: rice and beans with pork!
Quotable Moment:
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.” -Bil Keane
— Operations Assistant
Meet
Luz
— Operations Assistant
Let’s Dish:
Luz is our cheerful and hardworking operations assistant! Her positivity and helpful nature have been a sweet addition to our team—just like her love for ice cream!
Dance Soundtrack:
Luz loves romantic salsa, but if she hears “La Rebelión” by Joe Arroyo, she’ll dance wherever she is!
Craved Cuisine:
Traditional Colombian food.
Quotable Moment:
“True success is not about having more, but needing less.”
— Accounting Operations Manager
Meet
Xiomara
— Accounting Operations Manager
Let’s Dish:
After working in banking for many years, Xiomara shifted gears toward bookkeeping, joining MSC at the end of 2015. Her career is a fulfillment of her ambition dating back to seventh grade. “I’ve always liked numbers, but when I learned the accounting equation, I totally fell in love!” Xiomara says.
Dream Dinner:
Xiomara would love to have Bob Marley over for dinner and have a “One Love” sing-a-long.
Adventurous Edible:
Deer.
Craved Cuisine:
Italian — especially those mouth-watering cured meats.
— Director of Culinary
Meet
Steven
— Director of Culinary
Let’s Dish:
Steven loves cooking both on and off the clock, especially when he gets to cook for his family. When it comes to favorite foods, Steven’s tastes are global and innovative, and his menus have even landed in embassies across the world.
Dance Soundtrack:
“Gangnam Style” by PSY.
Adventurous Edible:
Worms and crickets in the Thai markets.
Fave Festivity:
Christmas. “I love to see my son’s face with all the decorations and lights and colors.”
— Chef de Cuisine
Meet
Eddie
— Chef de Cuisine
Let’s Dish:
Eddie is a 25-year veteran of the food industry, having spent more than a decade with MSC — a far cry from his childhood ambition of becoming a truck driver. He considers Indian cuisine his ultimate party must-have, especially curry chicken, but has a weak spot for rum raisin ice cream — and dancing to “Baby Shark.”
Adventurous Edible:
Grasshoppers.
Wanderlust:
Eddie’s favorite trip so far has been to Playa del Carmen, but he’d love to go to Jerusalem next.
Juicy Tidbit:
Eddie considers his age one of his best-kept secrets.
— Pastry & Purchase Manager
Meet
Walter
— Pastry & Purchase Manager
Let’s Dish:
Walter has more than 25 years in the food industry to his name. If you ask him, he’s best known for his charm, his amazing hair… and his sense of humor.
Craved Cuisine:
French with fusion.
Adventurous Edible:
Rattlesnake.
Recipe for the Perfect Day:
Balancing a plate of sushi on horseback while galloping through Montana.
— Operations Chef
Meet
Eric
— Operations Chef
Let’s Dish:
Our reigning “chef challenge champ” (turned judge) so someone else could win) has created some of the most cherished and inspiring dishes at MSC.
Guilty Pleasure:
Below Deck and Big Brother reality tv shows.
Favorite Holiday:
“Arbor day, because I like trees”
Song that makes you dance:
Although he never dances, he is always jamming to Pearl Jam!
— Sous Chef
Meet
Baldomero
— Sous Chef
Let’s Dish:
Baldo is a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen who plows through his projects with precision and speed. He craves a yummy Pueblan-style Cemita from Mexico and would love to make one for his mother.
Adventurous Edible:
Fried Guinea Pig
Fave Holiday:
Christmas with his family
Must have kitchen tool:
A good sharp knife
— Pastry Chef
Meet
Janice
— Pastry Chef
Let’s Dish:
Janice is a quiet soul with a big heart. She’s been part of MSC’s kitchen staff for more than 25 years, and does her best to live the mantra of Michelle Obama: “When they go low, we go high.” When she’s not hard at work, she loves to write and snack on all things chocolate.
Dream Dinner:
A Caribbean dinner with Michelle Obama. “I’d make her Roast Pork with Rice, Beans, Fried Plantains, Rum Punch and my famous Barbados Fruit Cake.”
Juicy Tidbit:
“I hate to be late.”
Party must:
Great food.
— Prep Chef
Meet
Mery
— Prep Chef
Let’s Dish:
The beautiful half of our married dynamic duo – cooking with us for over 5 years!
Dance Sound Track:
Sugar by Maroon 5
Party Must:
Cake with a side of candy (her guilty pleasure)
Adventurous Edible:
Worm Burger….is that even a thing? EW…..
— Prep Chef
Meet
Jimmy
— Prep Chef
Let’s Dish:
The handsome half of our married dynamic duo – also cooking with us for over 5 years!
Favorite Holiday:
Christmas as he is a family guy.
Dream Dinner:
Lots of music, dancing and his Columbian Paella.
Favorite Kitchen Tool:
The Grill….nothing tastes better cooked over charcoal.
— Prep Chef
Meet
Lorena
— Prep Chef
Let’s Dish:
This hard working, creative and compassionate woman is a force to be reckoned with in our kitchen!
Dream Dinner:
To cook a Thanksgiving feast for her family in Costa Rica as they don’t celebrate that holiday and would love it.
Kitchen Tool:
A toss-up between a microplane (when she is feeling zesty) and Stainless tongs
Fave tune:
Every Breath you Take – The Police
— Prep Chef
Meet
Victor
— Prep Chef
Let’s Dish:
Victor is always ready to cook up a storm! He’s a team player who’s up for any challenge and never says no.
Dance Soundtrack:
“Master of Puppets” by Metallica
Guilty Pleasure:
His guilty pleasure? Giving in to his sweet tooth and devouring cake like there’s no tomorrow!
Juicy Tidbit:
Victor has been a marathon runner for more than 13 years.
— Prep Chef
Meet
Ruben
— Prep Chef
Let’s Dish:
With a love for Mexican cuisine, Ruben brings flavor and rhythm to our team.
Dream Job:
When he was young, Ruben always dreamt of being an architect.
Fave Festivity:
Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), because he gets to share the table with loved ones and celebrate the day.
Dream Dinner:
He’d pick his grandmother and serve her tamal de cazuela. Nothing beats sharing a cherished family recipe with the one who started it all.
— Prep Chef
Meet
Richard
— Prep Chef
Let’s Dish:
Meet Richard, our newest prep chef to join Team MSC! His “don’t worry, be happy” mentality, sweet tooth, and love for Disney World make every day a little brighter.
Dream Dinner:
His Grandpa. “I’d cook him macaroni with meatballs, his favorite comfort food.”
In a Nutshell:
“Smart. Happy. Friendly. Hardworking. Handsome.” We couldn’t agree more!
Juicy Tidbit:
Something that not everyone knows about Richard is that he competed in the Special Olympics for Speed Skating and Golf!
— Dishwasher
Meet
Pocho
— Dishwasher
Let’s Dish:
This tango dancing and always singing “Dish Machine” lights up the kitchen with his infectious smile and love for his job!
Adventurous Edible:
Snails
Dream Dinner:
A pig roast with him mother in Argentina
Guilty Pleasure:
“I’m a LOVER”
— Pastry Chef
Meet
Rachel
— Pastry Chef
Let’s Dish:
She grew up knowing she wanted to be a pastry chef but also dreamed of being a doctor and a teacher simultaneously. Lucky for us she chose pastry!
Party Sound Track:
Anything Lizzo cause she’s “Good as Hell” and brings the “Juice” every time.
Dream Dinner:
To cook some Latin American cuisine for Sacagawea (say that fast 5 times…)
Adventurous Edible:
Crickets. Oh Jiminy!
— Dishwasher
Meet
Julio
— Dishwasher
Let’s Dish:
Speaking of “dishing” Julio is the master of ours!
Recipe for the perfect day:
On the beach in Hawaii with a big slice of cheesecake.
Party Must Have:
FOOD – what else would you need?
Dream Dinner:
Vibin’ to Hotel California over dinner with Dad.
— Prep Chef
Meet
Ricardo
— Prep Chef
Let’s Dish:
Ricardo can heat up the kitchen and put out a fire as his side gig is a volunteer fire fighter!
Dream Trip:
Romancing in Rome with his wife – a “Total of Eclipse of the Heart”
Ultimate Dinner:
He’d love to make Lomo Saltado for his mom who he never got to cook for.
Craved Cuisine:
Chinese Takeout YUM!
— Party Chef
Meet
Oscar
— Party Chef
Let’s Dish:
This catering chef and journalist wannabe cooks a mean Chinese family meal.
Party Sound Track:
Mamacita by Black Eyed Peas featuring Ozuna
Adventurous Edible:
Guinea Pigs in Peru
Next Trip:
This Mickey Mouse fan is going to take himself to the Dominican Republic as “It’s a small world”
Join Our Team
We like our staff to have just as much fun as our clients. Imagine a workday filled with good vibes and infectious smiles, where flexibility (and delicious food) is always on the menu.
Interested in joining our waitstaff, chef, or kitchen teams? Send a headshot and resume to info@marciaselden.com, along with a note detailing your background and why we simply can’t live without you.