Even if you’ve never heard of Delightful Desserts and Culinary Creations, chances are you’ve eaten some of chef-owner Merrill Simon-Johnston’s food. Based out of West Chester, Merrill not only caters weddings and other events, but provides delicious baked goods, soups, salads, quiches and more to local cafes, coffee houses and restaurants.
I got the opportunity to speak with this always on-the-go, talented chef and learn more about her multi-faceted business.
West Chester Dish: What are some of your earliest food memories?
Merrill Simon-Johnston: Both of my grandmothers were incredible cooks. I remember watching them both in the kitchen and eating their food. My father was also a really great cook. Probably my earliest memory that had an impact on my cooking was watching my mother make a homemade jelly roll. I became fascinated with taking raw ingredients, coming up with an idea and then seeing it come to fruition. I think that is what makes me an “outside the box” kind of caterer.
Speaking of catering, what sets Delightful Desserts and Culinary Creations apart from other caterers?
Not only am I a caterer who cooks the food for your event, but I am also a full-service party planner. When I meet with a bride or other customer, I try and get to know all about them. I ask questions about likes, dislikes, ethnicity, hobbies and anything else to try and get to know each individual. My speciality is that I put together individual menus for every event so that no two parties are the same. I also will consult on venues, decor, linens, flowers and so much more. Basically, I want your day to be special and to reflect your own style. I have relationships with florists, DJs, photographers and other professionals. I want my clients to just show up for their party and let me handle all the details.
How did you get started in the business?
I started out when my friend and neighbor, Kate, was a chef at The Marshalton Inn. One day she told me that she hated to bake desserts. I offered to whip some up for her and they went over well. I continued to bake for her after that. Then I began working for another caterer and learned the ropes. I saw how she was running her business and I thought that I could do it better. I haven’t looked back since!
You provide an array of baked goods and soups, salads and quiches to many local venues. How did that part of your business start and where can we get a taste?
After providing baked goods to The Marshalton Inn, I then started baking for The Brandywine River Museum.
Some other places you can currently try my food or baked goods include Marly’s and Artisan’s Gallery & Cafe in Phoenixville; Wellington Square Bookshop in Exton; The Lincoln Room, Blue Pear Bistro and Fennario’s Coffee Shop in West Chester, as well as Fennario’s Grateful Beans Coffee Cart at West Chester University; Special Teas Tea Room and Mushrooms Cafe in Chadds Ford; the Thorndale Inn of Downingtown; and Foxy Loxy in Unionville.
I’m also currently sending desserts to the newly opened Spence 312 for special events. My products were offered at the original Spence Cafe before they closed their doors, so it’s exciting for us to have some of our delicious items available at the reopened restaurant.
Where do you like to eat in and around Chester County when you have the opportunity to dine out and why?
If I’m dining out with some girlfriends, I love iPasta in West Chester. I really enjoy the tasting menu at Blackfish for special occasions. Other places I enjoy include Black Lab Bistro, Thai L’Elephant, Restaurant Alba and Mino Sushi.
I think what I enjoy about all of these restaurants is that they are owner-chef operated. I am drawn to people and places where a passion for food is evident.
For more information about Delightful Desserts and Culinary Creations catering or for wholesale and retail sales, please visit their website or call (610) 692-5551. Merrill and her Delightful Desserts and Culinary Creations team are also in the market for a new industrial kitchen. If you have a rental yourself, or are in-the-know, feel free to connect with the local catering champion at the aforementioned phone number.
