Starr’s Elegant Soul
Luxury Soul Food Catering, Crafted for Your Table
Private Chef Services & Custom Catering in Tacoma, Seattle, and the Greater Puget Sound Area.
Meet Chef Starr
I’m Chef Starr, and with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I bring refined Southern cuisine straight to your table, from intimate dinners to celebrations for 100+ guests.
My menu is built around the dishes people ask for by name: my signature Seafood Gumbo, fall-off-the-bone Oxtails, and Baked Mac & Cheese that regularly steals the show.
Every event is customized around your guest count, occasion, and service style. I handle the details so you can relax, enjoy your guests, and be a guest at your own party.
Starr’s Elegant Soul proudly serves clients within 50 miles of Tacoma, including Seattle, Bellevue, Olympia, and surrounding areas.
Licensed & Insured
Soulful Flavors, Elegant Memories.
25+ Years in Hospitality • Licensed & Insured • Serving Tacoma & the Puget Sound • Custom Events for 2–100+ Guests
Dining Experiences by Starr’s Elegant Soul
Every experience is crafted around your taste and your occasion. Select the experience below, then choose from the full menu to create your perfect event.
The Elegant Soul Experience for Two
• Chef-prepared entrée selections
• Choice of signature sides
• Optional soup or salad course
• In-home chef service
• Complete kitchen restoration
Starting at $295 per couple
An intimate in-home dining experience curated for connection, celebration, and unforgettable flavor.
Designed for anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, or an evening that deserves more than a reservation.
Curated Catering Experiences
Designed for gatherings of 10–100+ guests.
The Silver Experience
1 entrée | 2 sides | bread
Drop-off or pickup
Starting at $28 per guest
The Gold Experience
2 entrées | 3 sides | bread
Professional setup with warming equipment
Starting at $35 per guest
The Platinum Experience
3 standard entrée selections | 3 sides | bread + dessert
Full-service setup and light cleanup
Starting at $45 per guest
Premium entrée selections and enhancements are available for an additional investment.
The Elegant Brunch Collection
A refined brunch experience designed for celebrations, showers, and curated daytime gatherings.
From chef-prepared classics to elevated Southern favorites, each menu is customized to your guest count and service style.
Buffet or plated service available
Signature brunch selections from the full menu
Optional mimosa bar setup
Designed for gatherings of 10–100+ guests
Starting at $32 per guest
Elevated Drop-Off Service
Chef-prepared selections delivered hot and ready for effortless hosting.
Perfect for corporate lunches, family gatherings, and celebrations where service staff are not required.
Choose 1–3 entrées and sides
Prepared from scratch using premium ingredients
Delivered within our 50-mile service area
Simple, seamless, and professionally packaged
Custom pricing based on guest count and menu selections. Minimum order applies.
Starting prices are based on standard menu selections. Premium selections, specialty seafood, oxtails, lamb, ribeye, crab cakes, specialty appetizers, dietary accommodations, additional menu items, staffing, bar service, travel, rentals, and other enhancements may increase the final investment. We provide a customized quote based on your menu, guest count, service style, and event details.
Starr’s Elegant Soul
The Menu
Every dish is prepared from scratch and crafted with refined Southern flavor. Selections are customized to your event size and service level.
✦ Premium Selection — Available with select experiences or by upgrade.
Entrées
Seafood Selections
Blackened Salmon
Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Salmon
Honey Glazed Salmon Bites
Crab Cakes
Southern Fried or Pan-Seared Fish
Baked or Grilled Salmon Filets
Lobster Cheddar Sliders ✦
Beef & Lamb
Chimichurri Ribeye Steak ✦
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Lamb Chops ✦
Pot Roast
Oxtail ✦
Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs ✦
Chicken & Pork
Roasted Brown Butter Garlic & Herb Chicken
Fried Honey Butter Chicken
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Teriyaki Glazed Chicken with Peppers & Onions
Fried Pork Chops
Fried Pork Ribs
Soups & Salads
Signature Soups
Lobster Bisque ✦
Salmon & Corn Chowder
Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil
Smoked Turkey & Collard Green Soup
Butternut Squash with Brown Butter & Sage (Seasonal)
Composed Salads
Arugula, Pear & Goat Cheese with House Vinaigrette
Strawberry Spinach with Balsamic Glaze
Classic Caesar Salad
Southern House Salad with Seasonal Vegetables
Steakhouse Wedge with Bacon & Blue Cheese
Sides & Accompaniments
Signature Pastas
Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Bacon & Tomato Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo (Chicken, Salmon, Shrimp, or Vegetarian)
Jamaican Rasta Pasta (Chicken, Shrimp, or Vegetarian)
Southern Classics
Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Smoked Collard Green Gumbo
Cabbage with Smoked Turkey
Dirty Rice
Red Beans & Rice
BBQ Baked Beans with Beef & Sausage
Southern-Style Potato Salad
Seasonal Vegetables
Roasted Broccoli
Baked Lemon Pepper Asparagus
Creamed Spinach
Breads
Honey Butter Cornbread
Elevated Brunch Experience
Shrimp & Grits (Mini Cups or Entrée Style)
Salmon Croquettes
Steak (Ribeye) ✦
Seafood Specialties
Crawfish Étouffée ✦
Signature Gumbo (Seafood) ✦
Salmon & Shrimp Eggrolls
Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls
Jerk Chicken Eggrolls
Lobster Rolls ✦
Optional Enhancements
Shrimp & Grits Cups
Omelet Station with Chef
Additional Featured Entrée
Additional Side
Signature Drink StationService Details
Please Note: Package pricing is a starting point and does not represent a final quote. Final pricing is based on guest count, menu selections, premium upgrades, service level, staffing, location, rentals, and event requirements. A 20% service charge applies to staffed events.
What Clients Are Saying
“I had the distinct pleasure of hiring starrelegantsoul to cater my 50th birthday dinner. The presentation was exquisite, and the cuisine was exceptional. Surprisingly, the standout dish for me was the corn on the cob; it was truly the finest I have ever encountered. I frequently recall this memorable occasion, as the meal was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening. Thank you, Starr, for the sophisticated display and for the evident passion and dedication you bring to your craft. ”
Rashawn L.
️️️️“️️️I cannot recommend Starr’s Elegant Soul enough! She catered my best friend’s 50th birthday celebration, and everything was absolutely AMAZING.
We had three different kinds of chicken, and each one was seasoned and cooked to perfection. But let me tell you, the macaroni and cheese? Hands down one of the best I’ve had in my 50+ years of life. Creamy, flavorful, and unforgettable! The gumbo greens were a hit too. She can do them with seafood and without, which is what she did because the birthday girl doesn't like shrimp.
She arrived on time, the food was hot and fresh, and there was more than enough for everyone. Professional, reliable, and incredibly talented.
If you’re looking for delicious, soulful food and exceptional service, Starr’s Elegant Soul is it!”
Michelle M.
“The Chicken Rasta Pasta was unforgettable. The flavors were bold but perfectly balanced, creamy, savory, with just the right kick of heat. The chicken was seasoned all the way through, tender, and paired beautifully with the peppers and pasta. It tasted like comfort food elevated to something special. My guests kept asking who made it, and there were no leftovers. I would order it again without hesitation.”
Keith S.
“I can’t say enough good things about Starr's Elegant Soul. The food was absolutely amazing from the first bite to the last. Everything tasted like it was made with love.
I ordered the oxtail plate, which came with mac and cheese, candied yams, greens, and cornbread. Let me tell you, every single item was on point. The oxtails were tender and juicy. The mac and cheese was creamy and comforting, the candied yams were perfectly glazed, the greens were well-seasoned, and the cornbread tied it all together.
The food was so good I couldn’t even wait until I got home. I ate half of it in the car! That’s how you know it’s real. I will definitely be back.”
Latoya L.
“I highly recommend Starr's Elegant Soul catering. I've used them for a few events now and always get rave reviews on the food. From finger foods and sandwiches to wings, oxtails, and salmon with all of the sides, everything is seasoned just right and hits the spot. On top of that, the customer service and timeliness is always amazing. I always get asked who made the food and asked to share the contact information, which I do happily!.”
Mary I.
“I have had the pleasure of enjoying the delicious food prep and prepared by Chef Starr, and I must say it’s nothing less than amazing. You can taste the love and care she puts into her food. She takes great pride in what she does. I’ve attended events that she has cooked for including brunches, birthday party’s and baby showers. I would have to say my favorite dishes by her are definitely her Mac & Cheese, and the garlic Parmesan corn.”
Micayla
Frequently Asked Questions
How does your catering pricing work?
Our catering packages provide a starting point for planning your event. Final pricing is based on your guest count, menu selections, service needs, location, and any additional upgrades requested.
Custom menus, premium entrées, appetizers, beverages, staffing, additional setup, and other special requests may increase the final price.
What is included in the Platinum Experience?
The Platinum Experience includes three standard entrées, three sides, bread, one dessert, buffet setup, warming equipment, serving utensils, an elegant buffet display, and light cleanup.
Premium menu selections and additional services may have an added cost.
What does “full-service setup” mean?
Full-service setup refers to preparing and arranging your buffet before service, including chafing dishes or warming equipment, serving utensils, and food presentation.
It does not automatically include staff remaining onsite throughout your event.
Can staff stay during my event?
Yes. Onsite staffing can be added when you would like Starr’s Elegant Soul staff to remain during the event to maintain and replenish the buffet, assist guests, or provide additional service.
A 20% staffed-event service charge applies when ongoing onsite staffing is requested.
Are appetizers included in my catering package?
Appetizers are not automatically included unless specifically listed in your selected package or custom proposal. An appetizer table or individual appetizers can be added to your menu for an additional charge.
Are premium entrées included in the per-person price?
Some specialty or premium entrées may have an additional charge. This may include selections such as oxtails, certain seafood dishes, and other premium ingredients.
Any additional cost will be discussed with you before your menu and contract are finalized.
Can I customize my menu?
Absolutely. Starr’s Elegant Soul specializes in creating menus that fit your event and your guests. Customizations, additional entrées, appetizers, desserts, beverages, or premium selections may change the package price.
You will receive your final pricing before booking.
Do you offer vegan options?
Yes. Vegan meals can be prepared separately without meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, or other animal-derived ingredients.
Please let us know about dietary needs when requesting your quote so we can determine what accommodations are needed for entrées, sides, appetizers, and desserts.
Do you accommodate food allergies?
Please disclose all known food allergies and dietary restrictions before booking. We take dietary requests seriously; however, because food may be prepared in shared kitchen environments, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment or completely eliminate the possibility of cross-contact.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes. Tastings are available with a two-person minimum. Tastings are designed to allow you to sample selected menu items before your event.
Tasting fees are separate from your event booking unless otherwise stated in your proposal.
Does booking a tasting reserve my event date?
No. Scheduling or paying for a tasting does not reserve your event date. Your event is considered booked once the required contract and payment requirements have been completed.
How far do you travel?
Starr’s Elegant Soul serves Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Olympia, and surrounding areas, generally within 50 miles of Tacoma, Washington.
Additional travel charges may apply depending on the event location.
Do you provide drop-off catering?
Yes. Drop-off catering is available for select packages and events. Food can be prepared and delivered ready for you and your guests to enjoy. Setup and staffing depend on the service selected.
What is required to reserve my event?
Your event date is not officially reserved until the required contract is signed and the required retainer or payment has been received.
Availability is not guaranteed until the booking process is complete.
When is my final payment due?
Your contract or invoice will provide your specific payment schedule and final payment deadline. All required payments must be completed according to the terms of your agreement.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Cancellation terms are provided in your catering agreement. Please review your contract carefully before booking, as retainers and certain payments may be nonrefundable depending on when the cancellation occurs.
What happens if Starr’s Elegant Soul has to cancel?
If Starr’s Elegant Soul must cancel your event and cannot provide the contracted services, payments will be refunded according to the cancellation terms in your signed agreement.
Are taxes and additional fees included in the website price?
Unless specifically stated, package prices are starting prices. Applicable sales tax, travel charges, premium menu upgrades, staffing, rentals, and other requested services may be added to your final quote.
Will I know my complete price before I book?
Yes. You will receive a customized quote or proposal outlining your selected menu, services, upgrades, and applicable fees before your event is finalized.
Soulful Flavors, Elegant Memories.
Thank you for your interest in Starr’s Elegant Soul. Please complete the form below with your event details. I personally review every request and respond within 24-48 hours with a customized menu and quote. Dates are secured with a deposit. Weekend availability is limited.