Chef Carlisse
Chef and owner of Adeline’s Home of Fine Desserts, an award-winning, made to order specialty catering business in the heart of North Charleston. With her culinary degree from Trident Technical college’s Culinary Institute of Charleston and over 20 years of baking and cooking experience, she has been creating delicious products since 1998.
Fun Fact:
The surname “Home of Fine Desserts” reflects where the business concept began. Friends, family, and neighbors often served as my guinea pigs, helping me refine recipes until they were “just right.” It all started at home.
Generations of Cooking
Growing up in a family that loved to entertain, she acquired a deep appreciation for food. While working closely with her mother/mentor, she honed her skills to focus on taste and presentation. Her use of fresh, organic, and natural ingredients plays a pivotal role in crafting traditional flavors of the South that leave patrons craving for more.
Fun Fact:
Adeline’s is named after my maternal great-grandmother, who always spoiled her great-grandchildren with cookies during our visits to her humble house on Line Street in downtown Charleston. Initially, I intended to name the business after my mother, who is both my mentor and inspiration. However, she preferred that the honor be bestowed upon her grandmother, who started the legacy of showing kindness and generosity through food.
Mom Prestyne and Great-grand Adeline Washington
Competition
In 2022, the annual “Taste of Black Charleston” event, hosted by Black Expo South, took place in Charleston. This event showcases some of the finest local chefs, mixologists, and food truck innovators, highlighting both sweet and savory dishes. Although her participation came about last minute—with a strong push from her dad, Joseph Dawson Jr.—she believed it would be a great opportunity to raise awareness about her offerings. She later discovered that it was a competition that received national attention.
That Unforgettable Moment
With heartfelt prayers and the support of family and friends, she won the competition. This event became a significant stepping-stone, opening the door to a new world of possibilities and inspiration. The incredible creativity of the other chefs has left an indelible mark on Chef Carlisse, inspiring a whirlwind of innovation that promises to unleash a new wave of delicious and exciting culinary creations!
Culinary Expansion
Chef Carlisse continues to share her unique flair for flavor with diverse audiences. She creates culinary menus that satisfy cravings for Southern flavors as well as Asian-inspired options. Always serving with a smile, she looks forward to making your event an unforgettable experience.
