"Compliments to the Chef...I just had to compliment you on your Monkey Bread. When I saw it in Diablo Foods in Lafayette, I did not purchase it because I knew it could not taste as good as my Big Mama's recipe. But then, on my way home, I saw a van parked a few houses down from my own home in Pittsburg Bay Point with your Southern Oven logo on it. Then I figured, what the heck, and decided to support my neighbor. The next day, I purchased the Monkey Bread and served it with dinner. All I can say is my family devoured the bread and wanted more! Let's just say you have another devoted follower living a few doors away! :-) Can't wait to try your desserts..."
DeLisa Ramsey
Pittsburg, CA
"We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the chicken, collard greens, and caramel pecan pie. They were truly the best we’ve ever eaten. Thank you for all your kindness and the generosity you showed… the love of God within you shows ever so brightly.
Hoping many doors will be open for you and your family this year. I can’t wait to try many of your products. While I was driving home to San Jose, the chicken in the trunk of my car was permeating throughout the car and I almost had to pull over and eat another piece.
Thank you for meeting me in Castro Valley and for going the extra miles. It was an experience I won’t forget. We’re looking forward to seeing you on the Food Network.
You are as sweet as your desserts!"
Donna, Lisa, & my Mom
Castro Valley, CA
"My staff and I want to extend to you our deepest, most heartfelt thank you for the magnificent luncheon you provided for us during staff appreciation week in May. Your attention to detail for this feast was commendable. The preplanning you did paid off with inspiring decorations, expert presentation and a menu of comfort food that really hit us where it counts- in our stomachs and hearts!
Had you been in the staff room once people started coming in to plate the food, you would have been proud to hear the remarks made about the décor, the presentation of food, and the delicious food. The “Oh’s” and “Aah’s” didn’t stop! Your fried chicken not only tastes delicious, it is by far the most moist and juicy chicken I have had. The Mercy’s Homemade Monkey Bread is heavenly- it brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. Your desserts are so scrumptious that no one bothered to count calories as they took second helpings!
The meal you catered for our staff was a blessing. We all felt so special because you took the time to decorate the room in school colors, to present the food in a hospitable manner, and to then provide us with a menu that is still being talked about. Southern Oven Foods hit one out of the ball park for the Monte Gardens staff and we are extremely grateful to you for your generous contribution to our staff appreciation week celebration".
Patt Hoellwarth, Principal
Monte Gardens Elementary School
Concord, CA
“When I taste Southern Oven’s desserts, I close my eyes and think of my grandmother with love.”
Susan Foord
Susan Foord Catering
Lafayette, CA
"I want to thank you in so many ways! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you and experiencing your joy along with you. You are one of those special people! Your positive attitude, your patience and flexibility, your warm kindness, and your hard work.
Now to the food and the party. Everyone who walked through the door said, "wow, it smells great in here!". They were salivating even before we unveiled the food. So, before dinner the crowd was quiet and subdued and I was concerned that they weren't having a good time, but then it was "dinner time" and the crowd broke loose! It was so much fun watching them taste the food and listening to them. "Did you try the corn bread? No, I tried the monkey bread. Oh go back and try the corn bread too. It's delicious, I'm going back for another one. Get me one too. Did you have the jambalaya? Yes, it's delicious, I'm going back for more. Where is the Mississippi Caviar? I have to try that! This chicken is so good! I'm going back for second piece." And (not that I was counting) one dad went back three times, filled his plate full every time, and, he is a picky eater! I wish you had stayed, because there is your gratification! All these people enjoying your hard work so much! So, during dinner, conversation picked up, there was a lot of laughter, talking, stories, everyone warmed up.
Then it was dessert time! We pulled the rest of the food to the back counter (which I saw people still picking at it throughout the night) and pulled out the desserts. Nothing like sweets to bring people together! And, the conversations picked up even more! Everyone stayed in the kitchen the rest of the night and we tasted every one of your delicious, delectable desserts! I started with the 7-up cake, moved on to the Texas chocolate cake, and finally ended the night with the caramel pecan pie at 1:00 a.m. with my son as he tasted everything when we got home from the sitters. Your passion is very much reflected in every part of your beautiful meals that you bring to us "kitchen impaired" people!
I know the future will bring us together again, and until then many, many blessings to you!!!!!
LOL". (in my book of texting it's "lots of love").
Debbie Spidendio,
Novato, CA
"Whoa! We are happy campers. My friend Karen and I went to Andronicos today at lunch. They pointed us to the refrigerated cabinet near the door on the northerly side. Karen bought the Texas Chocolate Cake and I got their last (on display anyway) Caramel Pecan Pie! Karen says she has tried the Monkey Bread Pudding but didn't know it was yours. She says it's great, unbelievable microwaved with ice cream!! I'm going to Whole Foods tonight now that I know what to look for to be sure where I can find your wonderful goodies in that store. Thanks for letting me know so we could pursue it. Two more very satisfied customers! And will be looking for the sweet potato pie come October!"
Claudia Lundquist
San Ramon, CA
"Now They Do Chicken Right!
Southern Oven gives KFC, and even the revered Casa Orinda, a run for their money".
By Jonathan Kauffman
East Bay Express
"Carmel Pecan Pie: Chef Patricia Griffith nails this classic southern pie. Sticky, heavenly caramel custard with pecans. And the crust? One word: butter!"
By Dorothy Calimeris, PeteR crooks, Marlene Sorosky Gray, Deborah Grossman,
Michaela Jarvis, Kathryn Jessup, Kim O’Neill, and Melissa Swanson
Diablo Magazine
"Hello Patricia. My sister, Felicia, (who lives in Oakland) introduced me to your Monkey Bread. I was totally surpised by the closeness in taste, compared to my mothers monkey bread. Will you be expanding your business to include Southern Cal"?
Anthony R. Sanders
San Diego, CA
"Patricia Griffith has provided excellent food and service for both large and small group settings. We have enjoyed the catering she has done for my family and for the Kwanzaa celebration for the Black Families Association of Contra Costa County this past December. In addition to the delicious food, I have found Patricia to be flexible and cooperative and I am pleased to recommend the Southern Oven Foods Inc. for your catering needs".
Ralph S. Griffin
Founding member of the Black Families Association of Contra Costa County & Chairperson for Kwanzaa 2004
"We've had Mercy’s Homemade Monkey Bread for 3 years and people still request it on a daily basis.
Mike McKinnely
Store Director, Diablo Foods
Concord, CA
"Patricia, we enjoyed the luncheon so much, all the guys are asking us to do it again! It's such a nice (delicious), change from the usual luncheon's we have. Your Jambalaya and red beans and rice were the absolute best we have ever had. Next time we need to try your desserts!" Oh, and yes, the Fried Chicken...what on earth did you put in it? Best chicken I have ever had, even my grandmothers, and that's saying a lot. We absolutely Loved Your Cooking".
Carole and the "Gang"
Mt. Diablo Medical Center Department of Facilities
"Patricia, a Big Thank You for the wonderful meal and the fantastic service. We're are always looking for good caterers and great people to work with and you are definitely it"!
Laura Griffin
Executive Assistant Educational Services Contra Costa County Office of Education
"I met Patricia Griffith of Southern Oven on the occasion of my 50th wedding anniversary. She catered the event and it was all that I could have hoped for and much more. My husband and I were very pleased with the service. I have found Patricia to be professional, pleasant, and simply a delight. I will use Southern Oven in the future and will surely recommend Patricia to all of my friends. - Thank you Patricia!"
Rita E. Cambridge
