Meet Leigh Redmond | Chef & Caterer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leigh Redmond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leigh, what do you want people to remember about you?
What I hope people remember about me and what I hope my legacy reflects is that life should celebrated, most importantly with good food and drink!

Every time we gather around long-time friends or first-time acquaintances and engage in sharing a bite and beverage, we allow ourselves the chance to nourish the body and the relationship. In my opinion, food is, was and will always be the common denominator in bringing folks together and I hope that Craft+ Crown will be known as the catering company able to provide the best in food, fun and festivity.

Whether a party for 300 or an intimate dinner amongst friends, each moment is a memory tied to something that is or was important and I hope that people will remember the dedication to designing a truly unique dining experience that keeps our clients coming back for seconds.

A perfect legacy would be the idea that we brought the frivolity, levity and lightheartedness back to the world of food and drink. To see the delight on someone’s face when they have tasted something truly delicious
and how their answering smiles radiate the room is the best “job well done” we could get. From cuisine, to music and décor, I hope that those who have chosen Craft + Crown Catering as their “go-to” caterer feel the love and passion that we put into every bite and start to pour that passion back into their everyday lives.

After all, there’s never a bad time to enjoy a truly good meal!
 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my ability to see the event as a whole, living breathing moment. To see the small details that make an impact in the over-all event. There is a thrill that I get from the creative collaboration between myself and the client when the juices start to flow. When you start to see the event take shape and know that you are contributing to a moment and a happiness. That this celebration will be one that both parties are going to enjoy, well for me there’s no greater feeling.

I believe I’m most proud of the work that I’ve put in to establishing myself as a chef and entrepreneur. As I said before, there were those who were an integral part in the creation of Craft + Crown and to partner with and see those creatives as peers has been a proud moment as well.

After graduating college and then culinary school as a certified chef, my path toward my own busines was never really on the menu. I threw myself into various internships to learn every aspect of culinary and hospitality life that I could to determine where I fit best. I’ve been a butcher, a baker but never a candlestick maker although don’t put it past me! I learned, trial by fire, working in some of the best restaurants in Dallas and fined tuned my personal recipe for success while working as the Executive Chef for the Hotel and Restaurant program at Texas Tech University. While quick fire kitchens are a happy place for me, there was no happier than when I worked for one of the premiere catering companies in Dallas. It was then that I witnessed the joy in being a part of someone’s moment. Making sure that every ingredient was measured out perfectly to create one unforgettable bite of life, to be a contributing part of someone’s happiness, yes, this was my favorite dish. I worked every event we had those years smiling from ear to ear and laughed knowing that it probably brought me more joy than it did the client.

During that time, I brought 3 other bits of joy into my life, our 3 boys, and put culinary life on the stove back-burner. Once we moved to The Woodlands, I ventured into the surrounding areas and was drawn back in by the vibrant culinary life that exists here in Houston. There are so many amazing culinary creatives out there and I knew I that I could bring new ideas to the table. After sharing my story with new friends in the area, I began getting calls for meals, party eats and cocktail pairings and then decided that there was a real need for a fun and festive caterer. That brings us to the here and now.

When beginning a new menu item from scratch, you could make the same recipe 10 times and each time the result can be different. The difference is the type of butter you use, maybe the oven was opened and shut a few times during baking, maybe the flame was too high or not high enough to bring the sauce to the right consistency. I can tell you that the path to creating a solid brand and finding where I fit in the culinary landscape has been filled with plenty of research and development. While it hasn’t always been easy, like any good chef, you surround yourself with a solid kitchen crew and rely on each other and their specific talents to help make the menu complete. I feel as though I would not be as far head as I am in the business without the help and support of my chosen crew.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend coming to the city to visit for spell, there are a few places that I think really highlight the city and its amazing culinary scene.

Because “when in Rome”, we’d take a deep dive into Killen’s BBQ. Texas, in any city, has killer BBQ joints and jumping head first into the spice filled world of smoked meats is never a bad idea, especially when it’s paired with a really great beer. Karbach Brewing Company is the perfect local, craft brewery that has deep roots in Houston. Besides epic brew choices in the biergarten, it is also host to many community events which are always a great time!

An afternoon stroll through the Houston Farmers market in the Heights is a great way to spend the afternoon and see the local culture. Dating back to the 1940’s this newly renovated space holds so much charm. Sampling fresh produce and grocery from local farms really help you understand your city and its gifts. Along with the culinary story, you could have a seat and sip at Wild Oats, a Texas restaurant through and through located on property, while you take in sculptures by local artists.

Back in The Woodlands, we’d head over to Goode Co. Fish Camp, a local restaurant that let’s all the bounty the gulf coast has to offer really shine. Being this close to the gulf, it’s easy to enjoy local favorites like shrimp, oysters and snapper. When you let the area dictate what you eat, its easy to find winners at any establishment. Stick to the geography and you’ll never go wrong!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To say it takes a village is an understatement, but a correct one.

There have been so many along the way that have provided encouragement, support and eaten countless test batches who deserve a shout out.

First and foremost, to my sisters; Ali, the first ingredient, for your guidance and counsel, thank you, you’re the recipe that never fails. For your culinary creativity, Linds, you are the spice that every good cocktail needs. Like the perfect toasted brioche, Whit, you are the support that lets all the flavors shine.

To my non-related sisters; Jess, like sea salt and dark chocolate, your advice and motivation are absolute perfection and never fail.. To Sheri, the bold colors of ripe fruits and veggies don’t hold fork to your encouragement and positivity. Kristen, if you were a dish you’d be the best mac and cheese, comforting, classic and you never feel bad when it’s around.

Last but not least, to the original Crafters Crew, my husband Daren and our three boys Cam, Tom Knox and Dash. You are the reason my kitchen and cup are filled to the brim. I never leave the table feeling hungry because with you guys, I always have the perfect meal!

Website: www.craftandcrowncatering.com

Instagram: craftandcrowncatering

Image Credits
Sheri Phillips Style