An Indulgent Story: Chef Queen Precious-Jewel and Chef Jacqueline’s Culinary Journey

Chef Queen Precious-Jewel and Chef Jacqueline White have helped create many memories at the Carolina Theatre over the past four years and shared many special moments with the Durham community since 2014. They share the story of what inspired Indulge Catering and what the next chapter looks like for them both. 

Carolina Theatre: Can you share more about Indulge Catering and its story?  

Chef Queen Precious-Jewel: Established in 2014 in Durham, NC, Indulge Catering, LLC. is a labor of love. Embracing the motto “Indulge: one bite, one plate, one meal at a time,” is what sets Indulge Catering apart. Executive Chef Queen Precious-Jewel (Bronx, NY native) and Sous Chef Jacqueline “Jay” (Durham, NC native) have built a highly sought-after catering business by creating healthy, flavorful dishes that astonish and delight clients—all while using fresh ingredients from local vendors. We pride ourselves on providing a customized VIP experience taking care of every culinary detail. We offer Traveling Private Chef Services, full-service Event Catering, Personal Chef Experiences, Corporate Catering, and University Catering services. Indulge Catering, LLC and Indulgent Essential Spices® are black owned, veteran led, LGBTQ+, women owned and operated businesses. We have also been awarded the title of Best Full-Service Caterer of 2019-2022 in Durham Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards. In 2021, Indulge Catering LLC was able to expand and open their own catering/production kitchen in Franklinton, NC. In 2024, after celebrating 10 years in business providing Indulgent Experiences to various dignitaries, community members, business start-ups, and entrepreneurs, Chef Queen Precious-Jewel and Jay White have decided to pursue their passions beyond full-service catering. 

CTD: What are some of your favorite products/services that you offer? 

Chef Queen Precious-Jewel: I love when I am able to curate theme-based menus for my clients. I love when clients come to us for out of the box menus to celebrate their employees and they want something “different & unique”… 

Chef Jay White: I love meeting new artists when we do “Green Room/Artist ” catering for the Carolina Theatre!

CTD: How has Indulge Catering been involved with the Carolina Theatre? Why have those events been impactful for you? 

QPJ: We started working with the Carolina Theatre in 2018/2019 providing catering for backstage/Green Room, the OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival, the 10th anniversary of the Confronting Change exhibit, and various Board and staff appreciation events. We love them all! Chef Jay and I love the fact that everyone is family at the theater and they treat us like family. We absolutely love the way the theater shows up and shows out for the Durham Community. 

CTD: If you could summarize the essence of Indulge in one sentence, what would it be?  

QPJ: Indulge Catering, LLC is the celebration of the culinary journey of Chef Queen Precious-Jewel and Chef Jay White showcasing their love for food and each other by celebrating healthy, flavorful food while welcoming guests to “Indulge: one bite, one plate, one meal at a time.”   

CTD: How can people support Indulge Catering? 

QPJ: Indulge Catering, LLC has enjoyed being an integral part of many celebrations over the last 10 years. As we close out 2024, we have decided to close our catering business and focus on our passions. Chef Jay White has graciously taken a role as a Peer Support Specialist, following her passion for helping people in the community as they navigate recovery.  Chef Queen Precious-Jewel has decided to focus on her passion for providing intimate dining experiences through Elevated Palate Person Chef Services. Please feel free to explore her new website for all your personal chef needs. www.elevated-palate.com 

We appreciate your support for all our local business partners and the many ways in which they are involved with the Durham community. Your gift helps support these partnerships and build new ones for programs such as OUTSOUTH and the theater’s milestone 100th anniversary in 2026, and it is all possible because of you. 

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