Simply Delicious Catering's Patty Wingo on Food, Grit and Problem-Solving

What made you love cooking?

“I was the youngest of five, and when my mom went back to work, she often didn’t make it home in time, so I would help get dinner ready. That is where my passion for cooking came from.”

How did Simply Delicious start?

“I was paralegal during the day, and I started personal chefing at night. And then all of a sudden, a client wanted me to do a party for 100, and I landed in the kitchen that I’m still currently in, and here I am.”

Tell us about your love of food.

“Food brings me great joy, and I don’t know why, still to this day, but it just, it does.”

What do you do when you’re not working?

“I cook for my family. It’s so funny, but I meal-prep for the week. After serving 1,300 people in a day, I don’t want to come home and think about what’s for dinner.”

Are you capable of unwinding?

“Yes, if I’m in Mexico. I’m not even exaggerating. I need to be gone.”

What are your superpowers?

“I feel like I have good people-radar. If I interview somebody, I know right away if they’re gonna be successful for me or not for me. My other superpower is problem solving. When my staff comes to me, they better be ready for me to problem solve. If you don’t want my opinion, then don’t come to me.”

How do you describe yourself?

“Problem solver, motivated, selfless.”

How do others describe you?

“Stubborn, selfless, caring.”

What makes you proud?

“I am proud of where I’ve come. I had nothing when I started in 1999. I had no idea if I could make it work. I had the drive, the passion, the love of food and people. I am proud of what I have achieved.”

Do you have a personal motto?

“Bigger, better, stronger. Sometimes I say it when things have fallen apart, but it’s my own little pep talk, even when driving to work in the morning.”

The Receipt

Patty Wingo >> Top shelf margarita
Dori Grinder >> Hibiscus Mezcalita