Maria O'Rourke is the new managing partner at RSVP Catering in Fairfax. A Vienna resident, she left a career as a lawyer in favor of the culinary arts. After taking time off to have a third child, O'Rourke founded a new division, "Organix by RSVP," which focuses on locally- and/or responsibly-grown food. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. She is this week's People Profile.
Number of years in the community: 11.
Family: Spouse Tom O'Rourke, children Ethan, 4, Maggie, 2, and Caroline, 1.
Education: B.A. Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind.; J.D. Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, Pa.
Current job/primary occupation: Managing partner, Prosperity Food Group, which includes RSVP Catering, Lawson's Gourmet and Signature Party Rentals.
Achievements: I had three kids in four years, does that count?
Activities/interests/hobbies: Cooking, spending time with my kids, reading. I will read anything!
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community: Foster's Grille in Vienna for burgers with the kids, Colvin Run Tavern for a grown-up night out. 2941 for business lunches.
What are your community concerns? I am committed to supporting the local food producing industry. The mid-Atlantic area has an abundance of family farms, seafood and meat producers and dairies. RSVP is exploring ways to partner with these producers to bring locally sourced food the
Washington catering clientele.
What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? If every family ate dinner five nights a week, our community would be much improved.
What brought you here? My husband, and my love of the area.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? Aside from RSVP?
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" A lawyer. I even did that for awhile. Then I grew up even more.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Fifteen pounds thinner, and continuing to lead RSVP to the forefront of the D.C. catering market.
Personal goals? To be a good mom and a responsible member of the community. To take no more than I give.