Planning for an upcoming wedding, graduation party, church function or other event?
After 18 years of creating exceptional meals for hundreds of special occasions around Clarkston and beyond, Loretta Herring of Heaven Scent Catering is still going strong.
Herring, who owns and operates the business along with her husband Charles, said it’s the southern flair found in many of her most popular dishes that keeps customers coming back for more’and recommending Heaven Scent to friends and family.
Some of Herring’s local favorites dishes include barbecue ribs, Caribbean jerk chicken, a southern corn salad, and Cajun roasted redskin potatoes.
For dessert’Lots of choices, but cream cheese pound cake homemade pies are always a hit.
Lately, Herring noted, callers are relieved to discover that a catered event doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
‘The economy’s been harsh on everyone,? she said. ‘But you can still celebrate without being so costly. We can create a menu to fit any budget.?
And, as a business grounded in Christian values, Heaven Scent often offers a large discount to local church groups as an added savings.
For a limited time, she’s also offering free fresh fruit and vegetable trays with every order totaling $500 or more.
This year, pig roasts are popular, and the calls keep coming.
‘I’m known for my pig roasts,? she said, noting that she always makes a special trip to a farm about an hour north of the Clarkston area for the best pigs.
Herring also specializes in corporate breakfasts.
‘A lot of caterers don’t do breakfast because of cost and timing issues,? she said. ‘For me, it hasn’t been a problem.?
Private cooking classes are also available, and Herring said she gets a large number of requests for lessons’many from men.
‘I’ve taught quite a few Clarkston men how to cook right here in this kitchen,? she said.
Classes are by appointment only.
Originally from Mississippi, Herring comes from a long line of chefs, but most of the recipes she uses today are original, right down to the seasonings and rubs blended her own kitchen.
‘I enjoy the intensity of preparing and delivering a great product and knowing it was created just for that family or that organization,? she said.
‘I always prepare food for others as if I were putting it on my own table, and I always go out of my way for freshness and make sure my customers have the very best.?
Her motto, she notes, fits Heaven Scent perfectly: The chafers, like the fishes and the loaves, never run out.
Heaven Scent Catering is located at 64 South Main Street in downtown Clarkston.
For more information, call 248-830-1717 or visit www.HSCBBQ.com