Whenever I have a client tell me they want southern comfort food and they want to be creative about it, my first thought is Chef Jolie with Low Country Quisine. I cannot tell you how many dishes of hers I’ve had and been impressed from both a flavor standpoint, but also the twist she always adds! I wanted to share what makes LCQ so different and get a little more behind the scenes with this fantastic Dallas wedding and event caterer.
Photo provided by Low Country Quisine
When and how did you get started in the wedding industry?
I began noticing that every party or get together I was invited to attend was prefaced with, “Can you make that shrimp salad” or “Can you make us macaroni and cheese?” These requests began to make me question whether it was my company that was welcome or the dishes! As a very young child, I would spend summers with my grandparents in Charleston, South Carolina. During those visits, my grandparents took pride in preparing each of the daily 3 meals for their family. I spent hours in the kitchen watching, learning, and helping.
This is how I developed the techniques involved in preparing the “Quisine” associated with the “Low Country.” In 2007, I decided it was time to succumb to my heart’s passion and start Low Country Quisine by Jolié Ramize. After talking the idea over with my husband, friends and family, my first opportunity to cater a friend’s graduation party came knocking. The success of that event gave me the boost of confidence and confirmation I needed to finally accept this is where I belong!
Photo provided by Low Country Quisine
Where are you based and where do you meet with clients?
Our culinary studio is in Farmers Branch. We meet our clients here for their tastings, but we cater events all over Dallas-Fort Worth!
Describe your favorite type of client.
Clients that are really excited about food and actually consider themselves to be foodies. It’s not always about the price, even though foodies can be price-conscious. I want my clients to want a great meal for their guests. They are excited about every little piece of the meal and the menu. When we can just bond over the food or memories of food, those are my favorite types of clients.
Photo provided by Low Country Quisine
What are some of the best compliments you’ve received from your clients?
I think that clients buy from me because they can tell I genuinely care about their wedding and the experience they are going to have on their special day. A lot of the compliments I see when I look at our reviews is that Jolie and her team go above and beyond their expectations. For that time in their life, I really do connect with them and I want to know about the vacation they went on and the house they bought. A lot of our clients have us cater for them at work and other celebrations in their life.
Photo provided by Low Country Quisine
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past 5 years?
I’m currently reading Radical Candor – how to be a kickass boss without losing your humanity. The thing that sticks out in my mind is that when you have a team, you have to put on your big girl panties and give criticism, in a kindly manner of course. The person that needs the criticism deserves that from you. I’m the type of person that wants to create an environment where everyone loves what they are doing and with that mindset, you sometimes try not to rock the boat. But people want that feedback and they need it.
Photo provided by Low Country Quisine
To find out more about Low Country Quisine and Chef Jolie, check out their website. You can also check out Chef Jolie on Instagram and Facebook. You can reach Chef Jolie and her team at 972-386-4555 to chat about your upcoming event!
