This is long overdue! For my birthday last March, my husband surprised me by hiring Jesse to create an intimate dinner for two. I came home to a beautifully set table, warm candlelight, and the most inviting atmosphere. And the food... what a treat! Every course was full of flavor and beautifully presented--from appetizers all the way to dessert. Each dish was a little surprise, and the whole meal flowed so seamlessly, it felt like it could've gone on forever! Jesse arrives fully equipped, works quietly and efficiently, and leaves the kitchen spotless--like he was never there, except for the lingering memory of an incredible meal. Thank you, Jesse, for making that night special! read more

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Jesse was INCREDIBLE! He was timely, communicative and the food was amazing. We had a dinner party for my best friends 40th birthday with 4 adults and 2 kids. He hit it out of the park. Apps served on the patio followed by a 3 course meal and dessert. He brings everything, makes it all from scratch and packs everything up. The kitchen looked like he was never there. So personable, didn't feel awkward at all. Highly recommend booking with Jesse you won't regret it. read more

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We just celebrated our 40th Anniversary in Carmel with our adult kids. We rented a wonderful home and decided to seek out a private chef experience to be able to enjoy it. Chef Jesse was perfect! He was very prompt to answer emails and was available on the night I chose. After some family conflicts, I had to move the dinner to the next night, and thankfully he was free. He is a delight to work with on the phone, and the food delivered! We had a wonderful charcuterie board with drinks, followed by crab cakes, a caesar salad and a wonderful filet mignon steak with proscuitto wrapped asparagus and potatoes. A lemon olive oil cake with strawberries and sorbet finished the evening. Jesse is very personable and a really kind person, and has tons of great experience. He has so many menu options available to create whatever meal you would like. If you want someone who is not only a great chef, but communicative and a great person, just hire Chef Jesse! You won't regret it. It was such a fun experience and so much nicer than going out to a restaurant! Memories were made! read more

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We hired Chef Jesse as our private chef for our small wedding and he absolutely blew us away. From start to finish, he was incredibly easy to work with. He was responsive, flexible, friendly, and just an all around great person to have with us on such an important day. He kept everything professional while still bringing a relaxed and chill energy that fit our group perfectly. The food was unbelievable. All of the appetizers were fantastic, but everybody would not shut up about the beef sliders. The three course dinner he created was excellent and truly made the evening feel special. Every dish was beautifully prepared and rich in flavor. Chef Jesse played a huge role in making our night unforgettable. If you're considering a private chef experience, don't overthink it. Jesse is the man and a hell of a chef. Would love to work with him again. read more

Jesse came to a house we rented in Carmel for a joint birthday celebration. We had eaten in town the night before at a Michelin restaurant... and Jesse blew that place out of the water! His food had so many different textures, tastes and levels of complexity. He is a true artist. He is so kind, and made the evening effortless and truly memorable. Do Not hesitate to hire him for your most intimate meals or your huge wedding or event. He is incredible!!! read more

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Last Friday Jesse came to cook for 8 girlfriends who needed a moms' night in and wanted to spend the evening catching up and enjoying each other's company rather than worry about cooking/dishes/cleaning. Totally worth it and would do it again in a heartbeat! Jesse was perfect. Easy to communicate with and many menu choices. He was on time (early even) and the pace of the evening was great. He was so easy going in person and the food was delicious! Plenty of food leftover (even after I messed up on how many people there were going to be)! I will be thinking of his Eton Mess dessert for a long time to come. Thanks again, Chef! read more

Chef Jesse was unreal! My family and I did a private 3 course dinner while visiting Carmel and were truly amazed by every single dish. One of the best meals we've all ever had! The food was far beyond our expectations...we can't stop talking about it! Jesse was so easy and enjoyable to work with - communicative, friendly, warm. We will for sure be hiring him again! read more

Jesse McClelland Personal Chef & Catering - Personal Chefs Near Me - Marina, California

Chef Jesse was fantastic! He provided a better experience than we had hoped for our 40th anniversary celebration with family. We asked him to come to the beach house we rented and do appetizers, dinner and dessert for 8 adults. To start with, his menue options were nearly overwhelming in variety, volume and appeal. He was incredibly easy to work with to plan the arrangements and even more enjoyable in person, very warm and friendly, fitting in comfortably with our family for the 6+ hours he was with us. We all agreed we could not have asked for a better experience. The meal was amazing, all the courses were beautiful and delicious, and Jesse's explanations were delightfully personal to make for one of the best meals we have ever had. With out question, we would hire him again! read more

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The word one of my guests used to describe chef Jesse's food was "Orgasmic". Jesse catered our wedding dinner in Big Sur and every single guest was mind blown by the food and the service! We had a mix of plated dinner + family style entrees. Jesse brought a server with him (Cathy) and they both delivered an exceptional service!! They also left the kitchen cleaner than how they found it Jesse was very communicative from the get go, he was also very flexible. I told him we have a guest who doesn't like cucumbers and Jesse modified his recipes to work without cukes. Would recommend 10/10 and would hire him again for sure!! read more

Jesse McClelland Personal Chef & Catering - Chicken bulgogi bites - Personal Chefs Near Me - Marina, California

Jesse recently provided private chef services for 14 people in a large Airbnb we rented for an 80th Birthday Celebration. we had passed appetizers, plated salads, entrees, a trio of desserts, etc. It was all delicious and the presentation was beautiful. His willingness to work with us to customize the menu to meet our needs was something we found no other company would do. His communication and reliability was incredible. Since we were from out of town he handled rentals for everything from tables/chairs/linens/chargers/glassware/tableware. Our food, table and experience was that of a 5 Star restaurant. To make 14 people happy with every selection served is quite something and he managed that and then some. we cannot say enough about Jesse and his talents. Thank you Jesse! You were the highlight of Rich's Birthday week! read more

Highly recommend Chef Jesse! 10 stars! He prepared a lavish and amazing meal for our family served family style right on the beach. Every dish was literally cooked and served beachside while our family relaxed and enjoyed the fresh ocean breeze, unobstructed views of the pacific, and sipped cold sangrias. Chef Jesse is highly skilled, versatile and made the entire experience both seamless and enjoyable. He brought the kitchen to the beach without compromising quality, taste, and presentation. Every dish was expertly seasoned, cooked/grilled to perfection and kept warm until served. Seriously, everything was absolutely delicious! We can't wait to invite him back again (this time in a real kitchen )! No doubt Chef Jesse will create an astounding experience for you - in any setting you desire! Fine dining on the beach? Why not?! He will blow your mind with his culinary creations! read more

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Amazing on-site meal, including appetizer, surf and turf, and dessert! Table was beautifully set and food beautifully presented. Additionally Jesse provided prepped meals for our long weekend, each delicious and unique. Jesse is very personable and provided great detail on the dishes prepared and prepped. We've already booked him for our next trip. read more

Jesse McClelland Personal Chef & Catering - Personal Chefs Near Me - Marina, California

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I hired Chef Jesse for a smallish (seven people) dinner party at my home to celebrate my dear friend's 50th birthday 10/21/24. From the beginning I was impressed with him, he was friendly and easy to work with while we were selecting the menu. I have a friend who is vegetarian and he accommodated her tastes perfectly. His menu is extensive and filled with the newest and also classic food preparations. The items we chose were all served at the perfect temperature with beautiful presentation, and the food was absolutely delicious! After we finished our amazing meal we all moved to the living room for a digestif, he cleaned and Vacuumed the entire kitchen and washed and put away all my crystal and plates. This experience was like having a Michelin star chef in my home. It was a very special evening for me and all of my friends. read more

Jesse is a phenomenal chef! He is also super professional and easy to communicate with. He did everything for our dinner, from setting up the table to doing the dishes. All his dishes are exquisitely prepared and they are all so delicious!! Everyone at the table was so happy about the dinner. His menu is very intense and exciting. I can't wait to have him over again! read more

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What an incredible experience! Chef Jesse created the most memorable and delicious meal for my 40th birthday with a small group of friends. We had three appetizers while enjoying wines then went to a beautifully set table for our salad, entree and dessert. Chef Jesse explained each course in detail and also made adjustments for allergies, which was so appreciated. Not only was he talented, polite and respectful, he was also fun and we had a great conversation with him throughout the evening. I wouldn't hesitate to hire him again, he was a phenomenal chef. read more

Jesse was outstanding. He came to our house and cooked an incredible 4 course meal that included lamb chops, tuna tartar, scallops, 10 hr braised lamb shank, and a panna cotta desert. I'm excited for the next time I can book Jesse for an event. read more

Jesse McClelland Personal Chef & Catering - Personal Chefs Near Me - Marina, California

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Chef Jesse was amazing in so many ways! We didn't have any ideas on what to do, and he asked the right questions and made great suggestions that were delicious. My group had one night onsite and 3 nights of meal prep delivered and each meal brought a new surprise of deliciousness. The meals were very well thought out and very easy for us to prepare. The onsite meal exceeded all expectations from a beautiful table setting, incredible dishes, and the best dessert ever along with wonderful service from the amazing Chef Jesse. read more

Wow! Jesse was amazing. All my guest loved the food. Jesse really made my vision come alive. One of my guest was so impressed that she got Jesse's info to book her own event. Richard our server/ Bartender was equally great. If you want a 5 star experience, Jesse is it! read more

We used Chef Jesse for a birthday dinner while on a little weekend getaway in Carmel with friends and LOVED our experience. Jesse was super responsive and tailored the menu perfectly to accommodate several dietary restrictions. Each dish was beautifully presented with so many colorful and fresh ingredients and everything tasted phenomenal. Chef Jesse was also so kind and friendly with our families and left his work space cleaner than he found it. We couldn't recommend him more highly! read more

Chef Jesse prepared five dinners and three lunches for 8 adults and 3 toddlers at our vacation rental home, and he was an absolute delight to work with. He offered a range of creative, healthy options that made planning the menus fun, communicated effectively, and was very flexible when we had a couple dietary restrictions come up at the last minute. Everything was prepared on time, and he consistently left our kitchen cleaner than he'd found it. He was patient and good humored about the chaotic nature of mealtime with three toddlers, and provided portions that allowed for (highly desired) leftovers. He went the extra mile for us and picked up a cake and even candles I had ordered for a birthday dinner. Working with him was a true delight, and his service exceeded our expectations and made our vacation immeasurably more enjoyable. His dishes inspired me to try new things in the kitchen, too. My family and I look forward to opportunities to work with him again. read more

Jesse prepared a phenomenal 5 course meal for us over the weekend. I can't recommend his work enough. Just ask for a look at his list of offerings and your mouth will start watering :) The wine paring was very nice as well! Thanks again! Garrett read more

Jesse has cooked for us on five different occasions now and every time he's been spot on. Great food, well executed, thoughtful and creative. We've chosen dishes from his menu and also made special requests with equal success. He's friendly and accommodating and specializes in plated presentations. Being in the restaurant business myself, I can't say enough good things about him and his food. If you're looking for a special meal that exceeds a typical fine dining restaurant experience Jesse's hard to beat. My only regret is not being able to take photographs that are as good as the food is in person! read more

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Jesse is professional, so organized, friendly, and a talented chef. He did everything including crackling coconuts in half to prepare and serve to most beautiful and utterly delicious multi course meal, transforming my own home into my new favorite restaurant. He left everything gleaming and clean. I will certainly be calling him again for the next special occasion. read more

Chef Jesse cooked a luscious, special occasion, four course meal for our three generation family. He prepared multiple starters and entrees, all of which were creative, delicious, and beautifully presented. He was very helpful in his menu suggestions and then adapting his recipes to the requests of individual family members. And he orchestrated the meal from setting the table through a complete cleanup. He's also an easy going, enjoyable person to work with. We highly recommend him and hope to have an opportunity to call upon him again. read more

Jesse prepared the perfect birthday dinner celebration for our family in Pebble Beach. From appetizers to entree to his divine desserts it was everything we could have hoped for. We would highly recommend him for your next private dinner or party. He is an artist with food. read more

Jesse cooked for my wedding this past weekend. He was absolutely fantastic! Everyone is still talking about how great the food was. I will definitely use him again. Don't hesitate just book him. You won't regret it! read more

Jesse cooked for my husband's 40th this weekend in Big Sur and everything was so perfect. He was a lovely presence at our party. Very attentive and somehow not at all stressed despite cooking loads of apps and a beautiful three course meal. Jesse even offered to pour our wines for us. We couldn't believe how he managed to show up, cook, clean up and also be so serene. The food was also incredible and catered for a mostly vegan crowd with gluten free options as well as delicious seafood. Interesting and different dishes with a lot of room to invent the menu together. We couldn't recommend Jesse more. read more

Jesse cooked for my family of 6 in Cambria, CA and the meal was the highlight of our trip for all of us. Jesse communicated clearly on menu options and prep and delivered one of the best meals I've ever had. In addition to being a fantastic chef, Jesse is kind and easy to talk to. Recommending to everyone I know!!! read more

Jesse McClelland Personal Chef & Catering - Peach burrata salad with a lemon sorbet - our favorite course!! - Personal Chefs Near Me - Marina, California

Jesse came to our home and cooked for our family to help celebrate my dad's 70th birthday. It was FANTASTIC! Honestly one of the best meals start to finish that we have had. But it is not just the food that made Jesse so great - the communication beforehand including the menu creation, flexibility, and the desire to accommodate to everyone's different tastes, preferences was outstanding. At our home Jesse was both professional and personable. He happily entertained all of our questions while he prepped and cooked. He took care both in preparation of the food and also presentation - which was beautiful! I would recommend Jesse to anyone looking for a personal chef for small intimate or larger event. We will absolutely have him back in the future. read more

We hosted a holiday party for 17 guests and had Jesse prepare a passed crab fritter hors d'oeuvre, a beets and burrata salad, and a main course option of either braised beef short rib or macadamia crusted halibut. The night was a wonderful success in no small part due to Jesse's detailed preparation and expertise, in addition to the delicious items he sent out from the kitchen all night long. He could not have been easier to work with and made the whole experience a pleasure from start to finish. We found the experience valuable and fun and would highly recommend him to all! read more

Jesse McClelland Personal Chef & Catering - The delicious beet salad Jesse prepared. - Personal Chefs Near Me - Marina, California

I was searching for someone to do a party that would have heavy appetizers and cocktails for 20 people. Jesse's food exceeded my expectations and was a highlight of the party. I was impressed with the variety of different food that was made as well as the timing of serving it. The appetizers were beautifully displayed and equally as delicious. We were constantly surprised and delighted every time a new appetizer was served. Everyone had the perfect amount of food with a small sweet to top it off. At the end of the evening Jesse made sure the kitchen was clean and all of the dishes were done. It was such a treat to have Jesse and his team here. I look forward to having them back. read more

Jesse is an AMAZING chef and we had the best experience. He cooked dinner for an intimate elopement reception for 11 people (all while following covid protocols). He provided so many great appetizer and entree options and was flexible with the dessert menu when we told him about some dietary restrictions. My only regret was not pacing myself better and eating less of the fig, prosciutto and goat cheese flat bread during passed appetizers so I could have saved more room for the delicious white chocolate pannacotta dessert. Our guests could not stop talking about how great the whole meal was. Jesse is warm, organized and very communicative ahead of time. I would highly highly recommend him for any events you have! read more

Jesse is our family's go-to chef. He first catered a family birthday party and our engagement party. We loved working with him so much that we also asked him to cater our wedding. His food is absolutely amazing, he is responsive, so friendly, and a pleasure to work with. I'll only ever hire Jesse as a personal chef! Thank you for making all of these experiences so memorable! read more

Chef Jesse catered my wedding and the food was spectacular. Also spectacular...the service. Chef Jesse and his team went above and beyond for us and helped with the cleanup. We were extremely happy and our wedding food was the talk of all my friends and relatives for a long time afterward. read more

Jesse did an outstanding job of preparing a scrumptious 4-course winemaker's dinner for 26 of our guests at Charmant Vineyards here in Aptos. Jesse was so easy to work with and did a beautiful job of pairing our wines with each course. His love for cooking is evident in each plated dish which focused on locally sourced and in-season ingredients. Jesse did a great job of communicating throughout and left our kitchen super clean. We look forward to working with Jesse at many of our future dinners & events and can highly recommend him! read more

My husband surprised me on my birthday with a special gift: An evening of culinary experience like none other. Chef Jesse's 5 course meal was one of the best meals that I have ever had in my life (and I have had many so that goes on to say something). I could not recommend him enough!!!! If you are looking to surprise someone with an experience of a lifetime - I highly recommend getting in touch with Chef Jesse. I am vegetarian and got to try some exquisite vegetarian food for my birthday :) read more

Chef Jesse made the most amazing dinner for my husband's 50th birthday while we were in Pebble Beach. He was recommended to me by another trusted Chef. Chef Jesse immediately impressed me by how quick and responsive he was as I was planning the dinner. He was also happy to accommodate us by having a separate menu for the event for the adults and the kids. He arrived well prepared and charmed us all. Once the appetizers came out, our guests stopped talking about the amazing views from the house and couldn't stop talking about the amazing food. We started with the Beef Filet Sliders, Truffle Wild Mushroom, Caramelized Fennel and Onions, Gorgonzola Cheese, Horseradish Sour Cream. Then came my favorite, the Slow Cooked Pork Belly Bites, Celeriac Puree, Apple & Pear Jam. Chicharrons. The crab fritters, butternut squash and apple soup, Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut with Sweet Corn Risotto, and cast iron filet were all so amazing. For dessert we had cannoli and raspberry chocolate chip gelato as well as the pecan tart. We opted for family style so we could enjoy a bit of everything. I was full the entire next day. The kids all went wild with their meal as well and my son had three servings then ate the leftovers the next day. Chef Jesse also helped serve the wine, and clean up after. It was a special night and Chef Jesse was a big part of that! read more

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We hired jesse to do a wedding for about 80 people in Groveland, ca and he was absolutely amazing! His food was phenomenal, his staff was so helpful, and he was truly a pleasure to work with. We are looking forward to hiring him for our future events. Thank you jesse for helping making our wedding so wonderful! read more

We hired Jesse to cater a black-tie birthday dinner party at our home. We had 22 guests and a very specific Latin American theme. Although none of our items were on his standard menu, he accommodated everything. Absolutely everything was delicious. Our party was outdoors and we have an outdoor kitchen that he used to prepare the meal. Our guests felt like they were sitting at a Chef's table and loved watching him work. He interacted with our guests wonderfully, as did his assistant, Talya. Definitely two thumbs up for his food, cooking skills and "table side" manner. We will definitely call him again for other events. read more

Jesse prepared a wonderful five course meal for our anniversary dinner. All five course were amazing and he gave us many great options to choose from. He was great to deal with, arrived prepared with everything he needed and cleaned up after. We would highly recommend him and can wait to have him cook for us again. read more