If you’re thinking about getting a caterer for a party, wedding, or any type of event, then check out Midnite Muncheez catering service. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting some of their dishes and they have some of the tastiest food I’ve ever eaten. I had the privilege of sitting down with the owner of Midnite Muncheez, Shaka Pemberton, to discuss how he got into the catering business and his experiences cooking for himself and others.
What inspired you to get into the catering business?
My inspiration came from a family recipe that we call J-Cakes which is a special kind of cheesecake. This recipe was passed down all the way from my fourth grandmother. My mother used to make this recipe all the time for our family and friends and everyone loved it. After seeing how much everyone enjoyed it, I decided that I wanted to make something that everyone would love also, so I asked her to teach me the recipe. I made the recipe for Thanksgiving one year when I was about 10 years old and sprinkled a little bit of cinnamon to try something different, and I asked my mother not to tell anyone I made them, just in case nobody liked them. So after dinner we brought out the J-Cakes and once everybody tasted them they were chanting my Mother’s name saying ‘Mona Mona’ what did you do? These came out so much better than the last time. When I saw the look of enjoyment on everyone’s face, I knew this is what I wanted to do. Every time I make a dish I put all of my passion and love in my cooking, so that anyone that tries my food, feels the same enjoyment as my family did the first time I made my families special cheesecakes.
What other types of food do you specialize in?
I make just about any food you can think of. I make seafood, Thai, Soul food, Italian, Indian, Chinese, plus I make my own sauces from scratch. If it can be eaten, I can cook it. I even make dishes that are served in Africa and I almost have that down to perfection. If I eat someone else’s food at either a restaurant or a homemade meal, I try to see how I can make what they cooked even better.
Normally how many guests do you to cater for?
It can vary depending the occasion but normally 80 to 100 people. For birthdays or anniversaries that number can be lower, and then for weddings that number is higher.
What areas do you service?
We cater the entire Tri-State area. So if anyone needs our service we can make it there without any problems. We prefer to have two weeks to prepare for an event, but we can get it done in a week’s time if need be. To get a quote on what our services cost all you have to do is give us a call at 862-249-5282.
How large is your staff?
Right now I have four chefs and five servers. For the servers there is a charge per server requested. Not only do we cook and serve but we also do cleanup as a part of a package deal, and the price is very reasonable. We accept all major credit cards and money orders and checks.
Do you feel cooking is calling?
Yes it gives me a chance to make people smile because sometimes there’s nothing better than a good meal to start your day off right, or make your day better. When food hits you in that spot it just feels like heaven. So yes cooking is definitely my calling in life because I enjoy making others feel good.
Have you ever thought about doing one of these reality cooking shows?
Yes I have thought about doing that and one of the reasons is because I have a unique cooking method.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years I plan on having two Midnite Muncheez restaurants open in this area, and continue to give others pleasure and joy in tasting my food.
What’s the best way for someone to get in contact you for your services?
They can reach me by phone during normal business hours at 862-249-5282 or they can contact us via e-mail at l.u.y.c.a@hotmail.com. They can also visit our web site at http://www.midnitemuncheez.com