Higher Calling | The Christian Culinarian | Any Occasion Catering Service

Chef Cathy and Diane Watson, Director of Catering

Chef Cathy Lawrence’s deep faith has led through her career. Her Christian Culinarian catering service has heavenly inspired roots and flavors to assure its success.

The full-service caterer recently added a Meal n’ Market program that delivers fresh, ready-to-eat meals in microwave-safe containers. Lawrence and her staff also do market stops daily to furnish her customers with beverages and groceries they might want to complete the meals.

“Our mission with Meals n’ Market is to provide busy families, singles, senior citizens and those just tired of cooking with fresh meals and shopping,” Lawrence said.

Here’s more on Lawrence, including her famous chicken soup.

Question:What’s your history, chef?

Lawrence: My background is in law. After many, many years in law, in divorce, litigation and real estate, I was encouraged by fellow workers to go after my culinary passion for food and cooking for others. I actually moved to Palm Beach County to attend Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach.

While working full time in law, I attended night classes and received my associate’s degree in culinary arts in 1995. At that time, I continued to work full-time in law and cook in the evening and on weekends for the small catering company in Palm Beach County (that) I had.

I became a single mom in 2000 and moved back to Brevard County in 2002 to be closer to my parents. I had put my passion for food to the side somewhat while my daughter was young, but in 2007, the Lord urged me to follow my true passion of cooking for others. My partner is the Lord, and it all started with His calling. The Christian Culinarian is here to serve the need.

Q: What’s unique about your business?

Lawrence: We are all about you. Serving the need of others and giving you what you want.

As a full-service catering company, we can be your one-stop shop. We provide the china, tables, chairs, linens, décor, centerpieces, together with fresh and fabulous food.

We have our own clubhouse, so you have access to a venue that can accommodate up to 100 guests. We provide staffed catering for formal weddings, corporate events and large family gatherings, as well for the intimate dinner party of just a few.
 

We have the capability of serving all our customers’ needs. We can provide food for all their needs. In addition to staffed catering, we have hot meals for corporate catering, a sandwich shop and bakery items and chef-prepared meals from our Meals n’ Market.

We can handle all types of dietary needs, including gluten free, vegetarians, vegan and organic. We also offer a rewards program for our corporate customers who continue to support our business from week to week.

Q: What’s with the chicken soup?

Lawrence: We provide a soup kitchen outreach with our Christian noodle soup that is available every day for pickup or delivery. It just takes a phone call to take the spirit of healing to those who are not feeling well or who have just returned home from the hospital.

In June of this year, we also started a new “Give Back” Program, which gives back 10 percent of our monthly profits to a charitable organization right here in Brevard County. So, now when our customers eat, they also give. To date, our recipients have been Jesus is the Key Church, Love INC, St. Paul’s Anglican Church Food Pantry and The Morgan Project.

Q: What can’t you do without in your kitchen?

Lawrence: My staff would tell you butter. I know I can do without it, but it sure makes a difference in cooking with my herbs and kosher salt.

Q:Describe yourself in three words.

Lawrence: Try my best.

Q:Most notable achievement?

Lawrence: In business, teaming up with the Lord to run our business. I’ve won many gold, silver and bronze medals in culinary competitions.

In life, being the best mom I can be by partnering with the Lord to set a good example for my daughter.

Q:Famous person you would like to see tasting your meals?

Lawrence: To me, each person is unique and famous in their own way.