Heart and Soul Cuisine
- January 15, 2020
- By: Kaitlin Riojas
Heart and Soul Cuisine truly comes from the heart and soul of Jessica Murray and all of her wonderful team.
Jessica is someone I learn from every time I talk with her. She is confident, passionate about her catering, and loves to serve people. I know every wedding that Jessica caters will have delicious food on time, that looks nice, and will have the kindest staff.
I was able to meet with Jessica back in October, and we laughed the whole time. I hope you enjoy learning about Jessica as much as I did.
Tell me about your family.
"Drake and Brynlee go to Southcrest. It is a wonderful school. Brynlee participates in Caldwell Kids, and Drake has started Barrel Racing. My husband, Matt, builds homes. I love them. Love them!"
What is your favorite thing about catering besides the food?
"I love when it comes all together. I get to the one that feeds your guests. In my opinion, catering is the gift you give your people. They have people that have loved and supported them their whole life, and I get to feed those people. It's the biggest gift you can give them. And in the end when we blow it out of the park, the high-fives with the staff is pretty awesome.
How did you get started with Heart and Soul Cuisine?
"I started doing sales for Cisco. I loved the ends and outs of food. I also was in the kitchen with my mom growing up a lot, and I loved that. When I had my two kids, back-to-back, my aunt noticed that I needed to do something outside of the house. She introduced me to Carol Gary who owned a catering business, and I started working with her part-time. I learned how to cater and make food in bulk. After a few months, Carol offered to sell her catering business to me, and I became a business owner."
What do you think sets you apart from others in the catering industry?
"We are a niche caterer. The world is your oyster. People can tell me anything they want me to do, and I will dream it with you. What you want to do, we're game!"
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
"I would love to dress up in a costume and be the person that dresses up and spins the arrows. Dancing to music and having so much fun. That would be a great day."
I was shocked by this answer, so through my laughter I asked her again. "Oh! I thought we had to get paid! I thought it had to be a job. Haha! Well then, you'd find me on a beach."
Who is your hero?
"My parents are my heroes. I have THE BEST parents."
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
"I think right now I would go to Croatia. My great grandfather came here from Croatia. When I was younger, we lived in Scotland for a year for my dad's job, and we went to visit my aunt that lived in Croatia. Everything is centered around food there. The kitchen was a building. I hung out with her for the whole time. She spoke Croatian, and I spoke English. When I had to leave, we just cried and cried. I want to go there and experience it."
Favorite place to eat in Lubbock, and why?
"Crafthouse Gastro Pub." We were literally sitting in Crafthouse as I was interviewing her. "It is my most favorite place. It is a treat to me. The quality of the food is amazing. The service from the back of the house to your waiter is so good. They take care of you."
What is your favorite holiday and why?
"I love Christmas of course because our Lord and Savior was born. Christmas is a crazy time for caterers. I probably wouldn't pick Christmas. I don't like holidays where the food is planned. I love a holiday that we have fun food change things up. My favorite holiday is any holiday I get to be with family."
What song would you sing at a Karaoke night?
"Hmmm. Probably something Brooks and Dunn. OR Boot, Scoot, and Boogie." Then we started singing Boot, Scoot, and Boogie in the middle of Crafthouse.
What is something you want Eberley Brooks' blog readers to know?
"We work hard to be the best for you."
Interviewing Jessica was a true joy. My stomach hurt from laughing so hard. I love her. You should book her for every catering.
Cubs Win,
Kaitlin
