Name: Jerry Wilson
Title: Head of the PJC Culinary Department
How long have you been with PJC? Since 2004, many glorious years
Describe your role with Pure Joy and how does your position make PJC a better company?
Overseeing the production of the kitchen and ensuring the product that comes in and goes out is purchased and produced properly. Everything must meet our Pure Joy standards as we set the bar high. I also work events on the weekends which is just the cherry on top of the rest of my job.
What’s your favorite part about working for Pure Joy?
It’s fun!!! I love cooking and I have fun doing it. I also love parties, so it’s great to be a part of other people’s happiest days of their lives. Every single party we cater is different from the next and it really helps to keep things interesting for me.
What’s your one moment of glory since you’ve been working for PJC?
It’s difficult to narrow it down to one glorious moment in twelve years. So I have a few. Being on the cover of Food & Home Magazine with Lynette was a great moment for me. Also, catering weddings for clients such as Andrew Firestone & The Gainey’s makes it extra special. They’re people I truly respect and the fact that they support us at Pure Joy because they think we’re the best is rewarding.
What’s your favorite food that Pure Joy Catering has served?
I love doing ethnic stations; The Pad Thai station is great and when we are able to do more diverse styles of food it’s just fun because we get to play with so many flavors. I love the cupcake pops, sweet & cheesy kisses and of course, the Oyster Stations are close to my heart. I owned ‘Oysters” for 10 years; a local restaurant in Santa Barbara, so I’m a bit partial.
What kind of trends are you seeing for this upcoming Wedding Season?
More organic foods, more sustainably raised meats, wild as opposed to farmed fish and overall just a higher quality of food.
What do you do for fun?
Ping pong, horse shoes, quarter poker, hanging out at the ranch, seeing old rock bands and the occasional racing of cars.
What’s a funny story about PJC?
Long ago, I was working with Lynette at an event and I accidentally gave her a shiner (black eye). She was lighting a sterno and we collided. I felt terrible!
What else do you want our readers to know about you?
I’m from Indiana and I’m single. That’s right ladies!!!
A note from the Executive Chef;
Jerry Wilson is a master at culinary production. He’s so casual about it, makes it look effortless and we’ve never come across another Chef that could do what he does with such seamless, effortless skill, success, passion, integrity and joy. Jerry is a phenomenon and an honor to work with. You’ll find him bustling in our kitchen at Pure Joy and working events, creating beautiful food for our clients.
