behind the menu
At Soleil Kitchen®, our work is rooted in hospitality, bold flavors, and gathering. Our menus are inspired by diverse culinary and cultural influences, thoughtfully prepared to feel both familiar and elevated.
We believe hospitality is felt as much as it’s tasted. As a chef-owned and operated company, we intentionally curate menus that invite people to gather, connect, and enjoy food made with love — creating experiences that extend beyond the plate.
Founded in October 2016, Soleil Kitchen® is a boutique hospitality company known for cuisine inspired by soulful, Southern, and multicultural influences. We do our best to source local ingredients from farmers markets whenever possible, ensuring each dish reflects freshness, quality, and intention. Our menus are designed for clients who value elevated taste, thoughtful presentation, and attentive hospitality, serving intimate gatherings through large-scale events of 500+ guests.
We also offer Halal and Kosher-friendly items upon request. Please note, we do not prepare any cooked pork items; pork is included only in select charcuterie and grazing offerings and is entirely optional.
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, we proudly serve clients throughout the Tri-State area and travel to markets including Kentucky, Columbus, Dayton, Chicago, Atlanta, and beyond. Wherever we are, our commitment remains the same: to exceed expectations, honor the occasion, and deliver a seamless experience that feels considered from start to finish.
When your next gathering calls for beautiful presentation, elevated taste, and attentive hospitality, we’re ready to take care of the rest.
WHAT WE DO
We approach every gathering with intention and enthusiasm, from intimate celebrations to large-scale corporate and community events, bringing flavorful dishes, seamless execution, and attentive hospitality to events of all sizes.
Our work spans personal milestones and professional moments alike, including: anniversaries, birthdays, engagement dinners, weddings, galas, conferences, bridal and baby showers, family reunions, graduations, board meetings, holiday and retirement parties.
WHAT SERVICES WE OFFER
Our services are designed to meet clients where they are, offering flexibility and customizable options to best suit their needs:
- Catering (Personal, Corporate, and Film Production)
- Private & Traveling Chef
- Pop-Up Experiences and Curated Events
- Online Marketplace (March 2026)
- Virtual and In-Person Cooking Classes (Spring 2026)
AT THE HEART OF THE KITCHEN
Salimah Abdul-Hakim, also affectionately known as Chef Soleil, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2016 driven by a passion for food, community, creative freedom, and innovation. As the founder & CEO of Soleil Kitchen, an award-winning boutique hospitality company, and Her Tribe Group, a social enterprise connecting & celebrating women, Salimah is dedicated to redefining hospitality experiences.
Salimah's accomplishments have garnered recognition in publications such as Cincinnati Magazine, City Beat, and Fast Company. She showcased her talent on the popular Food Network show, CHOPPED. With an impressive client roster including P&G, 5/3 Bank, Kroger, ArtsWave, and NFL players, to name a few, she continues to thrive and aims to expand her brands while creating employment opportunities within the community.
Beyond her culinary and business endeavors, Salimah enjoys traveling, all things brunch, spending time with family & friends, and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. She eagerly shares the knowledge and lessons she has acquired throughout her corporate and entrepreneurial journey. As a Cincinnati native, you might spot Salimah occasionally enjoying a local parks or supporting the vibrant restaurant scene, true to her foodie spirit.
Fresh Ingredients
Planning an event?
Fresh Ingredients
We are intentional about how we source foods. Our team frequents local farmer markets and select the freshest, high-quality ingredients.
savory dishes
Planning an event?
Fresh Ingredients
Our menus feature a blend of soulful, Southern, and Caribbean–inspired dishes, alongside signature offerings.
Planning an event?
Planning an event?
Planning an event?
We serve individuals and organizations through catering, private chef services, events, and pop-up experiences.