Our Unconventional

Kitchen Story

Repurposing a convent to prepare delicious, locally-sourced meals was just the beginning. Serving those meals to all ages, putting every dollar back into a nonprofit mission, and continuing the cycle of reinvestment to the community...that's the heart of the Unconventional Kitchen.

About Us

From Convent to Culinary Enterprise

Plate of Food

The Unconventional Kitchen began when Vincentian transformed a former convent kitchen into a nonprofit culinary enterprise. Our purpose is simple: create chef-driven meals while turning every dollar back into Vincentian's compassionate mission for this community.

From everyday meals to full-scale events such as business meetings, corporate functions, weddings, parties and religious milestones, The Unconventional Kitchen serves groups of all kinds. Pickup, delivery or fully staffed service are all available and tailored to your needs.

Every plate you choose supports Vincentian's century-long legacy of service to Pittsburghers, from infants to older adults, with dignity and care.

Plate of Food

Meet Our Team

Passion, Expertise & Service

Kevin Watson

Culinary Excellence

Executive Chef Kevin Watson

After graduating from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute in 1994, Chef Kevin worked at the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island, Florida, and served as executive chef at Savoy and The Café at the Frick. He founded Pittsburgh Premier Catering in 2008 and provided private chef services to Pittsburgh Steelers Jerome Bettis and Alan Faneca and cooked for President George W. Bush.

Welcome to The Unconventional Kitchen

Events & Hospitality

Catering Manager Jeramiah Freeland

Jeramiah has built his career in events, hospitality, and marketing, leading large fundraisers, community celebrations, and initiatives that connect people while supporting meaningful causes. He is guided by a belief in kindness and service, and his work reflects a love for people and creativity. At Vincentian, Jeramiah brings this passion to catering, creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Welcome to The Unconventional Kitchen

Our Approach

Food Meets Purpose

We bake the connection between food and purpose into every experience. With locally sourced ingredients and a thoughtful culinary approach, The Unconventional Kitchen delivers menus and meals that are both flavorful and rooted in community impact.

Why Choose Us

Excellence with Purpose

Chef-Prepared Excellence

Chef-prepared meals for events of all types: business meetings, corporate events, weddings, celebrations and religious milestones

Flexible Service Options

Flexible service options: pickup, delivery and staffed catering.

100% Reinvestment

Full reinvestment of proceeds into Vincentian's mission of compassionate care

Locally Sourced

Locally sourced, thoughtfully curated menus designed to delight both taste buds and hearts

Culinary Mission with a Purpose

A Simple, Profound
Principle

The Unconventional Kitchen transformed the historic St. Louise Convent kitchen in McCandless into a thriving culinary enterprise. Every meal we create, every event we cater— 100% of proceeds support Vincentian's century-long legacy of serving Pittsburgh's community with dignity, care, and compassion.

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Proceeds Support Our Mission

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Years of Compassionate Service

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Commitment to Excellence
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Krystal Erickson profile picture
Krystal Erickson
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Had an incredible private dining experience with Unconventional Kitchen! My husband and his family went here to celebrate my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary. The chef prepared a series of super flavorful, local, fresh, and creative dishes for us, from asparagus soup to handmade pasta to possibly, the best lamb I’ve ever had. Everything was incredibly flavorful, fresh and intentionally prepared. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a unique and personalized dining experience!
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Scott Erickson
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Jeremiah helped my family set up a Chef’s Table Experience for my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Jeremiah was so attentive to our needs and put in lots of time and effort to make the experience perfect. Chef Kevin prepared some amazing dishes right in front of us; the food was incredible! Thanks so much to you both!
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gina simon
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jeremiah was great to work with! We used The Unconventional Kitchen to cater our family Christmas dinner and it was absolutely wonderful. The food was delicious, beautifully prepared, and truly made the holiday feel special. Everything was ready on time and made hosting so easy and stress-free. Our whole family loved the meal and I received so many compliments. Highly recommend—this will definitely be our go-to for future family gatherings and holidays!
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Lauren Greider
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I am the catering coordinator for a local firm, and this past week was our first time ordering from Unconventional Kitchen. They arrived right on time, and the set up was quick! Everyone was impressed by the quality and taste of the food, especially the salad and cranberry chicken! Jeremiah's service was courteous, friendly and efficient, and we hope for another opportunity to order from them again! They were excellent!
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Michelle Bulger
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I ordered the Thanksgiving meal this year, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Pick up was easy, packaging was great and the heating instructions were clear and easy to understand. Most importantly, the food was delicious! Generous portions, and all went home happy with leftovers! The cookies we ordered for dessert were also devoured!! I am never disappointed with my orders from the Unconventional Kitchen, and this Thanksgiving meal made the whole family happy! THANK YOU! I will order again and again!
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Bethany Osikowicz
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Jeremiah and his team were absolutely amazing to work with! Jeremiah went the extra mile with every detail for our October wedding! Everyone was gushing about the food! I would definitely recommend working with them for any catering event!
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nancy harter
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I was looking for a catering company for a small group holiday party (25). I ultimately selected Unconventional Kitchen for the event. Jeramiah Freeland contacted me quickly after I submitted an easy online request. Jeramiah's ideas were perfect, and I didn't change anything. Guests at the party raved over the food, and ample portions were provided. I chose to have the food delivered (pickup option was also offered); the driver was organized, prompt and courteous. I will definitely work with Jeramiah again.
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Alissa Walker
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The unconventional kitchen and Jen have the most amazing skills when it comes to art and food. Jen’s skills with designing Cookies and Sweet treats is just outstanding I have never been disappointed The Roblox cookies for my son seventh birthday were a hit Match my cake perfectly!! I recommend Jen at the unconventional kitchen hands down any day!
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Tonya Edinger
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We had such a wonderful experience working with Unconventional Kitchen! From start to finish, Jeremiah was timely, helpful, and incredibly friendly. He went the extra mile to ensure everything ran smoothly, and his professionalism truly stood out. The food was absolutely delicious—my client and their guests are still raving about it! If you’re looking for a caterer who combines excellent service with unforgettable flavors, I highly recommend Unconventional Kitchen.
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Michelle Kowalski
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Alissa was amazing helping us plan the menu for our daughter's wedding shower. She took the time to get to know our vision for the shower and not only made recommendations but added some special requests by the bride. The food was so delicious and she displayed it beautifully. All of the guests raved about the food!

Ready to Experience

The Difference?

Repurposing a convent to prepare delicious, locally-sourced meals was just the beginning of the Unconventional Kitchen story. Serving those meals to all ages, putting every dollar back into a nonprofit mission, and continuing the cycle of reinvestment to the community...that's the heart of the Unconventional Kitchen.