Today we’d like to introduce you to Naila Lacey.
Hi Naila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love and passion for culinary started back when I was just nine years old. At that time I have yet to learn my way around the kitchen yet but soon would. I grew my passion off one episode of Emeril Lagasse. From there I was fascinated with the science of food. Before I knew it I was graduating from Forest Park with an associate degree in culinary arts. I’m fortunate to be able to grab so much training and be able to join rooms with so many gifted people in my field. I have to say my favorite was working for Bissinger chocolate factory.
We’re I was very much challenged but learned so much doing catering with them. This is where I definitely decided I want to do catering. I fail in love with the concept. Now here we are seven years later with that goal accomplished and still working towards so many more concepts for that goal. When it comes to catering and the food industry it will always be enjoyable and so many different ways you can with it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have to say with my passion for my industry and my strength and drive. It definitely keeps me going for the bad days. So it has not been all easy but it has most definitely been worth it. I have to say it’s a lot to learn and I’m so gracious to the community I have surrounded around me.
I have been fortunate to get so much knowledge and help with my business from my immediate circle (family).
Beyond housing has constantly been great help and client for me and my company. So I try my hardest to stay focused and find the silver lining and my struggles because financing your own business is not as easy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
5two4 Catering Company is a local company based in St Louis. We are a small business that does all types of events from Date Night, Private Chef, Meal Prep, Culinary Classes, and Special Events like graduation parties, and weddings we are also on DoorDash and will be mobile next year with our food truck. I like to consider our food high in taste and soulfulness. Now we love to cook all kinds of dishes. I myself love the Italian’s technique specialty skills in the kitchen and I love the Creole’s soul and develop flavors in their dish. So here at 524 we practice bringing that same experience and each one of our dishes.
One thing about my brand is I practice cooking with love and care and each dish. For me to do that I make sure my environment and mood are on a positive note to develop my craft. I feel in this day in time we all need a plate of good comfort food and no comfort does not mean unhealthy. One thing about food that I learn is it brings everything together which we need more of in this era we living in.
So we start with good quality and skills to bring you a great meal and experience.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Most definitely there is always something to learn or practice in culinary and just business alone. One thing I’m always picking up on is new HACCP regulations and keeping that known. I have to say the basics you will always know with Food Safety but not all. I also still use a lot of my old college books for baking and help with plate-up ideas. I’m always watching food challenges and different chefs.
I have been reading about how to properly go about a food truck and cookbook. I have to say YouTube and Reading help. The most recent books I have read or worked on are Eat For Energy, Wine A Tasting Course, The Book of Yield, and The Science of Spice. Lastly, the Alice website gives great information for small business owners and Beyond Housing.
Pricing:
- $10-100 plate service or doordash
- $7-$50 a person for events
- $150-$250 meal prep 14 meals
- $250-$1000 private chef
- $40 an hour culinary coaching
Contact Info:
- Website: www.5twofourcatering.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_naila/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100000521218381/
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCtbDevGvZVH1Iidyx47qbCA
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/5twofour-catering-north-county
- Other: https://linktr.ee/524catering
