Carolyn Bailey: A Stop on Judy Lynn
River City Rising
I first learned of Ms. Carolyn Bailey while helping to plan a reception that was being held at the home of Henry and Jeanne Varnell of the Hyde Family Foundations and whose philanthropic work is evident all throughout Memphis. She was recommended by a friend who had been to numerous functions catered by Carolyn and could not compliment her work enough. “What is her website?” I asked. “She doesn’t have one, but I’ll give you her phone number.” I bucked my eyes in surprise and after a long pause asked, “are you sure about her? This is a pretty important event.”As someone who’s first instinct is to consult Google or Yelp when searching for a city’s best I was skeptical about calling an industry professional who didn’t have an official website. “Trust me,” my friend replied and because I did indeed trust her I made the call to Carolyn. As it turned out I had just made contact with one of Memphis’ most brilliant hidden gems.
During that evening’s reception at the Varnell’s home I found myself running into the kitchen too many times to count, sharing with Carolyn the rave reviews she was receiving about her dishes. Conversations amongst Memphis CEO’s, dignitaries and prominent clergy were interspersed with comments about the delectable foods offered, the thoughtfulness that went into having a variety of foods for those with food restrictions (one guest was vegan) and the way it was all beautifully arranged and presented. Carolyn would graciously smile but never broke stride, working until the very last guest left. We sat and talked for a while when it was all over and I was drawn to her gentle yet striking spirit. I knew that this was someone with whom I would maintain a relationship- and I did. We met recently for breakfast, during which Carolyn shared with me things I’d never known and wasn’t the least surprised to find out.
During that evening’s reception at the Varnell’s home I found myself running into the kitchen too many times to count, sharing with Carolyn the rave reviews she was receiving about her dishes. Conversations amongst Memphis CEO’s, dignitaries and prominent clergy were interspersed with comments about the delectable foods offered, the thoughtfulness that went into having a variety of foods for those with food restrictions (one guest was vegan) and the way it was all beautifully arranged and presented. Carolyn would graciously smile but never broke stride, working until the very last guest left. We sat and talked for a while when it was all over and I was drawn to her gentle yet striking spirit. I knew that this was someone with whom I would maintain a relationship- and I did. We met recently for breakfast, during which Carolyn shared with me things I’d never known and wasn’t the least surprised to find out.
She works 80 hours a week (even more during holidays), splitting her time between her position as sous-chef at the Memphis Hunt & Polo Club and her private catering company: A Stop on Judy Lynn (more about that name later). Carolyn prepared food for former President George W. Bush during his visit to the Memphis Hunt & Polo Club and did the same earlier this year for Princes William and Harry who were here for a friend’s wedding. “He gave me a high five,” she says of Prince Harry after he strolled into the kitchen and asked her if she could give him some ketchup. She tells me about the club member who called and asked for her signature mushroom soup. When the member was told Carolyn wasn’t in that day and they could have someone else prepare it, the member politely declined and waited for Carolyn’s return. “She told them, told the chef, that the only person who can make her mushroom soup is me.” She gives her all to the prominent guests of this exclusive members-only club, then goes home and gives her all to friends and neighbors who gather at her house for signature, made-from-scratch meals. Thus, when she was considering names for her catering company, a friend suggested the winner because so many people stopped by when she cooked. Carolyn shares that she often stays up until 4:00 a.m. prepping her meals, particularly around the holidays. I ask her if she is always compensated for her work. “It’s not always about the money. Sometimes it’s from the heart.”
Mr. Larry Price is currently the personal chef for Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, former NBA All-Star and MVP. He has known Carolyn for over a decade and says she left a lasting impression the first time they met. “She is the first (person) on my mind to bring on,” he says when needing additional hands for an event. “Yeah, she’s my number one pick,” he confirms after thinking about it a little more. Mr. Price goes on to share attributes about Carolyn he holds in high esteem: she’s very caring, loves what she does, is a great mom, very disciplined, is a force to be reckoned with. He ends by saying, “She can go as big and as far as she wants to. I truly believe that.” I believe it, too.
Mr. Larry Price is currently the personal chef for Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, former NBA All-Star and MVP. He has known Carolyn for over a decade and says she left a lasting impression the first time they met. “She is the first (person) on my mind to bring on,” he says when needing additional hands for an event. “Yeah, she’s my number one pick,” he confirms after thinking about it a little more. Mr. Price goes on to share attributes about Carolyn he holds in high esteem: she’s very caring, loves what she does, is a great mom, very disciplined, is a force to be reckoned with. He ends by saying, “She can go as big and as far as she wants to. I truly believe that.” I believe it, too.