About
Penelope's Pitstop
Premium catering for the highest-quality players
Penelope’s Pitstop is a premium catering and delivery service designed specifically for private games, meal prep, and large group deliveries. The perfect balance of satisfaction and energy all in one.
We never cook with Industrial seed oils. Only Tallow, Butter, Avocado oil, Ghee, Coconut oil, and Certified Extra Virgin Olive oil. We prefer oils that are minimally processed and close to their natural form. It’s a simple choice that shapes everything we serve. We like knowing exactly what’s going into what we serve you. Have dietary needs, allergies, or preferences? Let us know – we are happy to accomodate.
Founded by Chef Penelope Manalili, Penelope’s Pitstop combines Traditional, Modern, and Michelin-quality menus — the kind of flavors and execution that always impress. Quality meals designed to refuel, recharge, and elevate performance.
Chef Penelope Manalili
Chef’s Culinary Journey
Le Cordon Bleu
Hollywood, CA
Gordon Ramsay
West Hollywood, CA
Michael Mina
2 Michelin Stars
StateBird Provisions
San Francisco, CA
James Beard-”Best New Restaurant”; Zagat- “Top 10 Hottest in the World”
Bourbon Steak
San Francisco, CA
Ox, Superbite
Portland, OR
Best Restaurant/Spinoff-Eater, Portland
Mina Test Kitchen, Pabu
San Francisco, CA
“Gapeteria”
The Gap Corporate Headquarters, San Francisco, CA
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Co-Owner
Esther Taylor
Co-Owner Esther Taylor, “Etay” – https://etaypoker.com/ – is a respected professional poker player with strong ties in the poker community. Her extensive network and entrepreneurial passion create a unique bridge between high-end dining and the poker world.
Together, Penelope and Esther have built Michelin-quality catering specifically for players, by people who truly understand the game.
American Celebrity Chef, Founder of Mina Group, restauranteur, and cookbook author
Chef Michael Mina
"It has been such a pleasure watching Chef Penelope develop throughout her culinary career. She posses a rare combination of natural talent and strong work ethic that went hand in hand with her growth over the years. She embraces every opportunity to learn, be humble, refine her techniques and challenge herself as well as those around her, while never losing sight of the most important goal of creating food and providing experiences that genuinely bring people together. Beyond her technical ability, Penelope has an infectious personality that naturally connects with guests, colleagues and peers. She brings warmth, professionalism, positive energy and understanding and always makes people feel welcome from the moment they arrive. Her passion for hospitality is evident not only in the food she prepares but in the experience she creates. Her menus showcase thoughtful ingredient selection, refined technique and bold, memorable flavors that leave a lasting impression. Guests don’t just enjoy her cuisine but they talk about them long after the event is over. Anyone would be lucky to have her on their team. She is a rock star in so many ways, not just in the kitchen but as a human being, and it has been honor to work alongside her and see her grow into who she is today."
Founder and Principal, Aether Group, Celebrity Chef, Food Network’s “Mr. Delicious"
Founder and Principal, Aether Group, Celebrity Chef, Food Network’s
“Mr. Delicious"
Adam Sobel
"I've watched Chef Penelope grow throughout her career, having worked alongside her at MINA Group and in our test kitchen. She combines real talent with discipline, always pushing to refine her craft while never losing sight of what matters most: creating food and experiences that bring people together. Her personality is as much a part of her business as her cooking. She puts clients and guests at ease immediately, brings genuine warmth and professionalism to every engagement, and makes people feel taken care of from start to finish. Her menus reflect smart ingredient choices, sharp technique, and bold flavors that stay with people long after the meal. Clients don't just enjoy her food, they remember it and talk about it. Anyone hiring Penelope for catering or private chef work is in excellent hands. She is a true professional and a wonderful person to work with."