Carolyn's Creole Kitchen

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Introduction: I have been cooking since I was 9 years old, which is also when I made my first pot of Seafood Gumbo. A very important lesson that I learned from working in the kitchen with my mom, was that no matter the meal, the client, or the event, always prepare each and every item, just like it was for my own family. This mindset and practice has served me and my clients well. This Duhon tradition remains actively and visibly strong, and I will ALWAYS, acknowledge Leola "Honey" Duhon for this practice and Love! Good food is a wonderful connector and we LOVE connecting. Go Creole! Cooking from scratch for people who enjoy eating and tasting a well-seasoned, but not over-seasoned dish. I still make real Roux, use fresh vegetables and also simply enjoy seeing my guests eating and enjoying our down-home Louisiana and Texas style Southern Comfort foods. It reminds me of dinners that I helped prepare with my Mom who was an excellent Creole Cook. She also loved it when the family was all together for a traditional, formal or casual meal. She was the best cook in the world - To Me!

Overview

Hired 8 times

Background checked

10 employees

19 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, and Zelle.

Featured Projects

12 photos

100th Birthday Celebration for Ms Gladys Patterson
Wedding and Event Catering
Employee Appreciation Lunch
Wedding and Event Catering

Specialties

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, responsiveness, and punctuality.

Excellent 4.9

18 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Jessica H.

Jul 26, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Carolyn's Creole Kitchen just provided the catering for our large Family Reunion/Wedding Celebration and they are AMAZING!!! I was first thoroughly pleased about how responsive Carolyn was with all of our emails and calls regarding event details, requests, etc. She set up a tasting in which she came to us and provided a WONDERFUL sampling of her food (and generous portions at that). She was also very mindful of our budget and helped us come up with a wonderful menu that would fit within it. On the day of the event, she and her team arrived on time and were absolutely professional and a pleasure to work with. Everyone was raving not only about the super tasty food, but about how friendly and kind her staff was. I have no doubt that I will work with her again in the future and I will definitely refer her to other friends and family! She's wonderful and you won't be disappointed if you hire her!!

Carolyn's Creole Kitchen's reply

Oh my goodness Jessica. Thank you so very much for your kind words and it was great to finally get to meet you. What a united and special family. We all really enjoyed meeting and talking to numerous members of your family and friends. Very happy they enjoyed the meal. The pleasure was mine.. Best regards, Carolyn

Event Catering (Buffet)

Darlene F.

Nov 1, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Ms. Carolyn was awesome!! This was a last minute after my caterer canceled. The service was outstanding and the food was to die for. I am so thankful for this service that was provided!!

Details: Birthday or anniversary party • Cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres • Dinner • American - casual • Barbecue • Small bites • Yes, full service • Community center • Yes, full kitchen • 70 - 79 guests • Standard (basic ingredients)

Wedding and Event Catering

Elise V.

Apr 18, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Carolyn delivered exactly what I had envisioned for the meals. She created 150 meals for a youth event. I appreciated her great communication and patience. She was very thoughtful and even made me a little food box. When I finally got to eat, it was delicious. The chicken salad was the perfect consistency with great flavor! Besides my review, you received glowing reviews from the youth. When I was leaving, there were still youth waiting outside, and they were asking me for more food! I will definitely be saving Carolyn's contact information, and I am looking forward to collaborating with her, on future events.

Carolyn's Creole Kitchen's reply

Hi Elise, The pleasure was certainly mine. Since the lunches were flying off the table so fast, I knew that we must put something aside for you and your wonderful staff, for later. So I’m happy that you were also able to enjoy the lunch. My passion is cooking, but I honestly love preparing for youth and assume that one of my specific reasons, is that they openly demonstrate and voice it, when they really enjoy food prepared for them. So with your message, I am totally pleased and honored that we seem to have; “passed muster," to use a nautical term from my Navy husband. We really appreciate your wonderful review and are looking forward to working with you again. But without a doubt, we are most grateful that we were able to EARN your trust. My warmest regards, Carolyn

Event Catering (Drop-off)

Shauntee E.

Mar 2, 2017

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Hired on Thumbtack

Carolyn was so warm kind from our first interaction until our last. Not only was she flexible, easy going and accommodating she provided professional service that helped ease all my stress and worry regarding my first big PTA event. Her staff were as warm and friendly as she is and her spread of red beans and rice was DELICIOUS! For good measure order mac and cheese as well. You won't be sorry! Thank you Carolyn for saving my PTA debut!

Carolyn's Creole Kitchen's reply

Hi Shauntee The pleasure of providing the meal for your group of 500, was all ours. We truly appreciated yours, the members of your PTA group, as well as your guests kindness and complements. We were honored to assist with your debut, and look forward to sharing this special date with you again, next years. (Also thanks so much for the beautiful flowers). Warmest regards, Carolyn.

Event Catering (Drop-off)

Ronit T.

Oct 6, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

Carolyn recently catered our staff Barbeque. Throughout the whole process Carolyn was a pleasure to work with. She responded to queries quickly, worked with us diligently to create a menu that worked for us and was within budget and provided us with samples to help us make our decisions. On the day of the event, Carolyn's crew decorated the tables beautifully and provided thoughtful touches such as preparing kid-friendly items early for impatient children and providing "to go" containers for leftovers. The energy and demeanor of Carolyn's crew really helped to make the event successful. Thanks Carolyn!

Carolyn's Creole Kitchen's reply

Hi Ronit, The pleasure was ours and I greatly appreciate your review. Also, I personally learned a lot from the history of Lincoln, such as the fact that your founder started a home/orphanage dedicated to the care of children in 1883 in East and West Oakland. Wow! As such, it was wonderful to see the interaction between you, your staff and the families they serve. The legacy of Rebecca McWade, proudly lives on. Thanks so much for allowing CCK to be of service. Warmest regards. Carolyn

Event Catering (Buffet)

Credentials

Background Check

Carolyn Silas-Sams

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing may appear to be a little complicated, but it's not. As a customer, once it is determined what your items of interest are and what catergory they fit in (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast/Brunch, Corporate or wedding) then this tells me whether or not you need a full catering package with servers, equipment and setup or if you really can best use the hors de oeuvres and/or To Go menu pricing. All pricing is clearly shown in all formal proposals.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Determine what the event is. The food items of interest. The level of service they want and need and their realistic budget, as well as other services needed, such as staff, decorating, centerpieces, rental items. We can handle all aspects of the event, if needed, but I must be able to determine this, upfront.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Yes, I continue to look for, create and check out new recipes and trends, such as Small Bites, serving in eclectic dishes and not allow my services to get stale. I Love this business, actually.