It is only fitting that I publish this post on my dear friend Jared’s birthday!! He gave me the incredible opportunity to be his assistant sous chef for a private dining event a little while ago, and the experience was life changing for us both.

After finishing cultinary school, Jared spent years cooking in Maui. Flash forward to 2021, he’s a treasured sous chef at The Village Pub in Woodside, where they been awarded a Michelin star.

When we met, we instantly bonded over our love of food and travel. He showed me around Maui when he hadn’t known me very long. He is a genuinely kind, patient, and happy soul - and it truly shows in his cooking.

He did a private dining event for a party of 10 and obviously blew everyone away. He spent weeks designing the menu, catering to the needs of his client, and pre-pepped every dish to ensure perfect execution. Knowing I spend my nights and weekends cooking, he trusted me to assist this event!

Hamachi Shots, Avocado and Ponzu
Grilled Spanish Octopus with Peach Ginger Puree, Arugula, Marcona Almonds, and Aged Balsamic
Seared Scallops, Chorizo Risotto, Charred Corn and Cherry Tomato Concasse, Herb Beurre Blanc
Roast Duck Breast, Cauliflower Puree, Haricots Vert with GHazelnuts, Ginger and Port Poached Figs

Here are some photos of our evening! Jared had gone to multiple farmers markets and grocery stores to get the freshest ingredients and pre-pepped sauces to ensure perfect execution. We genuinely had so much fun, we completely lost track of time and it didn’t even feel like work.

Here are the final photos of each amazing course we served! We spend hours talking about food and what we want to cook next every time we are together. It’s reeally special seeing ideas come to life. We ever would serve something we wouldn’t indulge in ourselves!

The event was everything we could have hoped for. It filled my heart to see Jared in his element and shine so bright doing what he is incredbly passionate about! If you have a dinner party or event coming up, please consider Jared’s the Chef! He can be reached on Instragram and Facebook. If the headcount or menu is big enough, you’d see me right by his side, as his assistant sous chef again! The menu and great food comes with plenty of charm too, you know you want to hire us!

Happy Birthday, Jared!! Thank you for being such a light, for always showing me something new in the kitchen, helping me with my presentation game, spoiling me with scones! I admire the way you approach every situation as a learning opportunity, your openness towards cooking, your willingness to try new things. Most of all, I am thankful for your friendship. I can’t wait to see where life takes you, and I hope we can continue being an amazing team in the kitchen!

Jared's the Chef