PINK CADILLAC MERGES INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Article by: Aiyana Fewell

Introduction

The holiday season is sprinkled with celebration, community, tradition and, of course, food. To gain a new perspective on the magic behind the traditions that make this time of year truly unforgettable, we had the opportunity to speak with a local business owner who is maintaining traditions in an unconventional way. In this article, we dive into Executive Chef Darian Brown’s culinary journey to the emerging business, Pink Cadillac Catering and Cuisine as well as advice for creating your own traditions during the holidays through food.

Meet the Chef

Darian Brown is a Prince George’s County, Maryland native. After graduating high school, she attended Prince George’s County Community College and decided to enroll in the Hospitality program. Brown would later attend the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne County, MD. After college she worked at a plethora of establishments including becoming the Executive Chef at West Virginia University prior to starting Pink Cadillac Catering and Cuisine.

About Pink Cadillac

Pink Cadillac Catering and Cuisine is a home-based business in Prince George’s County, MD. The menu items range from chicken wings to braised short ribs, collard greens and more. The business offers a variety of services ranging from dinner for two, to vending and concessions for sporting events, meal prep, pop-up events and more. Brown herself specializes in Commercial Food Production, Banquet Catering and Food Safety. She also hosts workshops, creates social media content and offers consultation to help others interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.

Brown opened Pink Cadillac Catering and Cuisine 4 years ago under the name Glam Gourmet Catering, but she figured that her business needed a new name. “I wanted to rebrand and I just thought ‘Pink Cadillac Catering’. When I was a little girl, my grandmother always talked about having a pink Cadillac and how famous they were.” Brown chimes. “The Cadillac is a classic car. I always thought of my grandmother as a really classy lady, so I just felt very inspired by her and she is also the one who taught me how to cook.”

You can practically hear the grin forming on Darian’s face as she beams about the very woman that molded her love for cooking. Her grandmother, Mrs. Audrey.“For me, from early childhood, I always went to my grandmother’s house in Richmond, Virginia for the holidays. When we walk in the door, my grandmother has sweet potato pies cooking. She’s probably just finished the pound cake and she’s icing the chocolate cake. remarked Brown. My grandmother really knows how to make a spread.”

Navigating the Pandemic Challenge During the Holiday Season

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped culinary practices, and Brown’s journey to culinary entrepreneurship was no exception. Brown shares how she adapted to these changes while preserving the essence of holiday dining during very unconventional times.“I took advantage of the pandemic. It gave me the opportunity to really take my career to a different level and transition into the chef role. I took some classes and got some certifications on how to handle food specifically related to COVID-19,” Brown explains.“The certifications made me a unicorn when people were not interested in coming out of the house, even during the holidays. It was scary times, I just took a leap of faith.” Brown is living proof that, even during times of uncertainty, it’s important to utilize the tools at your disposal to truly elevate your craft and maintain a sense of normalcy during the holidays.

Tips for Cooking at Home

Chef Brown offers a few tips for people looking to create special meals for the holiday and other practices to incorporate in everyday cooking tasks. “When you look at the ingredients for seasonings like Cajun seasoning, it’ll be garlic powder, some kind of bell pepper, maybe paprika,” explains Brown. When you’re trying to build a flavor profile, look at the ingredients to let you know which you need to incorporate more.” Sometimes the difference between a basic and a great flavor profile is the source of your ingredients.

“I use salt, pepper and roasted garlic for so many things, during the holidays or any time.” Brown says. “Incorporate fresh herbs. Even something as simple as fresh parsley can take your food to another level.” Experimenting with different ingredients and culinary techniques is a great way to enhance your culinary knowledge at home.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time to enjoy the ins-and-outs of cooking, laughing and creating unforgettable memories. Thanks to the guidance and expertise of Darian Brown, there’s a myriad of tips and tricks at your disposal. Whether you’re a culinary virtuoso or you’re just getting started in the kitchen, sharing these experiences, tips and traditions can help cultivate traditions unique to your family during the holiday season.

Chef Brown said it best: “Do your research. I recommend taking inspiration from other places because that’s what cooking is. Everybody has their own version of something and you can find yours. Just don’t stop.”