Private Catering

In-Home Dinner Parties

Serving the Houston Metropolitan Area Since 2005 ~ Specializing in Memorial, Bellaire, West University Place, Southside Place, Memorial Villages, the Galleria area, downtown Houston, Champions and NE Houston, Katy and surrounding areas.

Coordinating an event can be stressful and time consuming. Even if details are well-planned, most hosts find they still aren’t able to spend time with their guests during their event and are exhausted afterwards.

Chef Jo can provide a party that is stress-free, unique, and memorable.

The non-caterer, in-home personal chef service for your brunch, dinner party, buffet party or hors d'oeurves party, Chef Jo's Home Cooking provides food of the highest quality ~ creative, imaginative, and delicious food and beautiful presentation. I come to your home and prepare your selections for your party, stay and serve you and your guests, and clean up, leaving you to enjoy your party.

Whether you're hosting a birthday party, anniversary party, planning a romantic dinner for two, or a formal sit-down dinner, I will work with you to make your occasion delicious, memorable and beautiful. I can chef for parties that range from two up to 100 guests.

Many of my dinner party clients enjoy themed parties/dinners. I offer many variations on themes such as On-The-Grill Outdoor Parties, Let's Do Brunch, Indian, Caribbean, Italian, Asian, Mexican, Thai, English Garden, French Bistro or Texas Barbeque.

Imagine being able to enjoy your own party without the stress of worrying with the logistics....just show up and make yourself a guest - at your own party!

The following sections contain details about my dinner party offerings as well as appetizer parties, complete with sample menus.

Chef Jo Dinner Parties

"We were absolutely thrilled with everything you did for Don's birthday party. Every single morsel was perfect! Thank you for the wine suggestions, too. I'm sure others will be calling you and I know I will again, soon. You are a true professional!" J. Anthis/Houston

"On behalf of my entire family, I would like to thank you for preparing a wonderful meal. Words can’t express just how memorable you made my mother’s 60^th birthday. Your culinary skills FAR exceeded our expectations. Just when we thought the meal couldn’t get any better...you kept surprising us! I could go on and on and on.... I honestly believe that there is no better chef in the world! Not to mention you have the personality to match! Thank you again!" A. McFadden/Houston

Romantic Dinners for Two

A perfect gift for your wife, husband, fiance, boyfriend, girlfriend or significant other.....and a most romantic way to "pop the question"! You can also present a Romantic Dinner for Two as a gift certificate to your parents for their anniversary, for your best friend to celebrate a new baby, or for a realtor, this is the perfect "thank you" gift to your clients.

This five-course, gourmet dinner package is inclusive of an appetizer, salad, soup, entree, sides, and dessert. All-inclusive prices start at $350 (final cost will depend upon menu selection). Groceries are included. Please email chef-jo@hotmail.com or call to discuss your needs in detail.

Seated Dinners

Courses available: appetizer, salad, soup, pasta, entrée, sides, cheese, dessert. The rates below are inclusive of my fee, groceries and use of my pantry items. Please know that I will also require an assistant for parties of more than 16 and this will be an additional cost. I bring everything necessary for food prepartion: all pots, pans and utensils.

My pricing is based upon a number of factors:

Your budget,
Your menu selection (the number of courses, cost of ingredients, and the complexity of the menu preparation),
Number of guests,
Items supplied by the chef
Equipment rental, if necessary (chafing dishes, coffee service, dishware, glassware, flatware, linens, platters, etc.)

My fees range from $50 per person to $120 per person, with a $450 minimum. Please email chef-jo@hotmail.com and I can send you my complete dinner party menu. After you select your specific menu, I will be able to give you a cost per person. The final cost is dependent upon many variables, such as number of guests, menu items, how much handcrafting the menu requires, and the time spent on your party, as well as the necessity for any assistance with larger parties (more than 16 guests).

Buffet Dinners

In addition to the factors listed above regarding dinner parties, pricing for buffets also depends upon the level of service desired. There is a minimum all-inclusive charge of $400 and prices range from $20 per person on up.

Please call me for your free consultation and let me cost out a beautiful buffet party for you. The most enjoyable party you can host is one where all you have to do is show up and entertain your guests! Let Chef Jo do the rest!

Sample Dinner Party Menu

Here is a sample of one of my menus playing on these themes ~ this one is for Romantic Dinners for Two, but can be modified for any type or size of party:

Tuscan
Fig and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Caesar Salad w/ Parmesan Croutons
Garlic and Rosemary Lamb Chops
Sundried Tomato and Fresh Basil Polenta
Peaches Amaretti w Crème Fraiche

Americana
Fresh Wild Mushroom Soup
Mixed Field Greens with Candied Pecans, Maytag Blue & Pears
Filet Mignon with Mustard Cream Sauce
Roasted Asparagus drizzled with Lemon-Infused Olive Oil
Chocolate Molten Cakes with Fresh Raspberry Puree and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Chez Jo’s Paris Bistro

Salade Verte ~ green salad w/toasted walnuts and warm goat cheese with a homemade raspberry blush vinaigrette

Steak au Poivre ~ filets coated in a smattering of crushed Tellicherry peppercorns served in a cognac cream sauce

Galette de Pommes de Terre ~ Sautéed potato cake with fresh herbs

Pomme de Bourse ~ warm Granny Smith apple purses topped with Cognac-Vanilla Ice Cream

Ristorante Fior d'Italia

Bocconcini di Gamberetti ~ prawns sautéed with garlic, basil, tomatoes and vermouth

Veal Saltimbocca ~ traditional pan-seared veal cutlets with prosciutto and sage

Fettuccine in Salsa Blanca ~ fettuccine served in a creamy Parmesan sauce with asparagus tips, toasted pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes

Raspberry Tiramisu – authentic Italian ladyfingers layered with whipped crème/mascarpone/just a touch of Chambord crème and fresh raspberries

Pine Lakes Lodge

Baguette with Goat Cheese, Roasted Peppers and Basil served with Mixed Greens Salad ~ a beautiful combination of marinated goat cheese, roasted peppers and fresh basil and crispy green salad with orange vinaigrette

Maple/Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hen ~ succulent little chickens roasted to perfection and served with a maple/orange sauce with just a hint of fresh rosemary and thyme

Pan-Seared Tilapia ~ fresh tilapia fillet dredged in buttered crumbs and served with a lemon/butter pan sauce

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes ~ russet potatoes, roasted garlic, cream and butter

Warm Dark Chocolate Cake ~ topped with fresh whipped crème and fresh berries

Latin Inspired
Mango/Brie Shrimp Quesadillas
Avocado Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Cuban-Style Pork Tenderloin with Lime Mojo
Black Beans & Rice
Tropical Fruit Compote w/Mango Sorbet

Mediterranean
Baby Lettuces with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Prosciutto-Wrapped Halibut with a Parsley Caper Sauce
Truffled Mushroom Risotto
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Oil
Classic Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream

Seasonal American
Spinach Salad with Maple Roasted Pears, Hazelnuts and Humboldt Fog Cheese
Seared Duck Breast with a Blackberry Glaze
Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme
Wild Rice Pilaf
Caramelized Banana Crepes with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce

The Perfect Dinner Party
Lemon Risotto with Shrimp and Wilted Baby Spinach
Black Pepper and Thyme Crusted Filet Mignon
Haricot Vert with Glazed Shallots
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sage
Chocolate Molten Cakes with Raspberry Puree, Vanilla Ice Cream

Fall Inspired
Baby Greens with Fried Chick Peas, Beets, and Goat Cheese
Pan Seared Bass with a Red Wine Brown Butter Sauce
Sautéed Swiss Chard with Caramelized Onions
Lemon Oil Smashed Potatoes with Chives
Free Form Apple Tart with Bourbon Maple Cream

California Green Market
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Fried Wild Mushrooms
Cider Brined Pork Chops with a Shallot Zinfandel Sauce
Sautéed Kale with Caramelized Apples, Garlic and Apple Cider Vinegar
Crushed Potatoes with Rosemary
Chocolate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream

Rustic Italian
Roasted Tomato and Fennel Soup with Parsley Oil
Veal Chops Stuffed with Fontina Cheese and Spinach
Balsamic Glazed Cipollini Onions
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Chocolate Tiramisu

Cozy Brunch

Belgian Waffle Station (freshly-made and hot)

Whipped Cream, Strawberries, Raspberries, Maple Syrup

Breakfast Casserole (I have many varieties)

Mixed Berry and Yogurt Shots

Mini Croque Monsieur

Roasted "Home Fries"

Spiced Bacon Twists

Chef Jo Appetizer Parties

Appetizer parties are my specialty and my very favorite thing to chef. My rates range from $25 per person to $100+ per person with a minimum all-inclusive charge of $400. The final pricing for your appetizer party depends upon several things:

Your budget
Number of guests and hosts
Menu items chosen (type and quantity - more labor-intensive selections will cost more as prep time increases)
Other services provided (set up, decorating, table scapes, flowers, clean up, serving pieces provided by chef, etc.)

For these parties also, I will require an assistant for more than 25 guests.

For any of your party needs, please email chef-jo@hotmail.com or call ~ I can usually accomodate any budget or need.

Appetizer Menu ~ Sample

This is just a hint of the beautiful and delicious treats I can prepare for your appetizer party:

SEAFOOD

LOBSTER NACHOS ~ On wonton chips with ginger guacamole and Thai Sriracha crème

SESAME-CRUSTED AHI TUNA ON DAIKON RADISH ~ Drizzled with wasabi oil

CRAB AND ARTICHOKE DIP ~ Served hot or cold with assorted crackers

SMOKED SALMON WITH HERBED CREAM CHEESE AND RED ONION RELISH

CHEF JO'S MINI CRAB CAKES ~ Made with the best jumbo lump crab

PAN-FRIED MINI FRESH SALMON CAKES ~ Made with fresh sockeye salmon

SHRIMP QUESADILLAS ~ Gulf shrimp folded into fresh tortillas with Gruyere cheese, toasted corn, black beans and roasted red bell pepper

SMOKED SALMON ON PUMPERNICKLE ~ With chive cream cheese and capers

COCONUT-LIME SEAFOOD SPOONS ~ Shrimp & scallops served in Asian spoons

ORZO, SHRIMP AND FETA SALAD

VEGETARIAN

CHILLED GAZPACHO SHOTS ~ In shot glasses, topped with edible flowers and/or fresh herbs

MINI SAVORY CLAFOUTIS ~ Made with variations of cheeses and chopped fresh herbs

MINI QUICHES ~ Broccoli and Cheddar OR Wild Mushroom

POLENTA with Goat Cheese Topped with Roasted Tomato

PATATAS BRAVAS ~ Crispy roasted potato bites with a Spanish-inspired dipping sauce

CORN FRITTERS ~ With spicy remoulade sauce

TURKISH APRICOT HALVES ~ Stuffed with goat cheese, topped with chopped pistachios

BRIE AND MANGO QUESADILLAS ~ With cilantro, green onion and jalapeños

WILD MUSHROOM & FETA STRUDEL

SPINACH, SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND FETA PURSES

STILTON, APPLE AND LEEK TART OR TARTLETS

LAYERED BASIL PESTO AND SUN DRIED TOMATO TORTE ~ Served with assorted premium crackers OR sliced baguettes

CANTALOUPE AND GRAPE COMPOTE ~ In a white wine and lime syrup

MEAT

SMOKED TURKEY WRAPS ~ Topped with Mango Chutney

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA SKEWERS ~ With Raita Dipping Sauce

CHICKEN LIVER PATÉ WITH PISTACHIOS ~ Served with Dijon, cornichons and toast points

APRICOT/ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD

PORK PICADILLO EMPANADAS ~ A Cooking Light recipe!

MINIATURE SOFT CHICKEN TACOS ~ With pineapple-poblano salsa

SWISS, BACON AND ONION ~ Mini Quiches

HAM, GRUYERE AND HONEY-MUSTARD PALMIERS

ASIAN BEEF IN CRISPY WONTON CUPS ~ Thinly-sliced beef tenderloin, finely diced red pepper and scallions

SPICED LAMB PITAS WITH FRESH MANGO SALSA ~

FILET MIGNON on Crostini with Dijon Crème Fraîche

CHIPOTLE RUBBED PORK TENDERLOIN ~ Served on confetti corn pancakes with tomato relish

MINI MEATLOAF “WELLINGTONS” ~ With Madeira-thyme sauce

LAMB POPSICLES ~ Mini lamb chops with lemon-herb marinade or garlic-rosemary sauce

BEEF TENDERLOIN AU POIVRE ON CROSTINI ~ With cranberry-horseradish crème fraiche

MINI DESSERTS

CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKES ~ Topped with tiny scoops of vanilla ice cream, fresh raspberries and mint leaves

APPLE CREPES ~ Served with whipped cream & crème anglese

BANANAS FOSTER ~ Served with vanilla ice cream

CHEF JO’S BROWNIE BITES

MANGO BEIGNETS ~ Dusted with powdered sugar

MINI FRUIT PIES (Peach, berry, apple)

CHILLED MELON SOUP SHOTS ~ With goat cheese quenelles

MINI CARROT CUPCAKES ~ With cream cheese frosting

BITE-SIZED GINGER CUPCAKES WITH LEMON-CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

KAHLUA TRUFFLE TRIANGLES

PECAN TARTLETS

PUMPKIN TARTLETS

Call or email Chef Jo today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation:

Tel: 832-687-0490

Email: chef-jo@hotmail.com

Chef Jo’s Home Cooking, Inc. ~ Serving the Houston Metropolitan Area Since 2005