AJ CapellaPrivate Chef in lebanon, NJ

New to HELMExecutive Chef

The Chef

The Story

Ive been cooking as a career for my whole life, coming up on 20 years in the food service industry. I believe cooking for people is one of the few things I can do to make someone's day better. Ive had the privilege of cooking all over the country for intimate groups of 10 all the way up to large weddings for 200. Working in NYC for the Alinea group was one of my most memorable times in a restaurant. I currently cook in NJ where im regarded as one of the top chefs in the state. With my current restaurants in Summit I often do private dinners in peoples homes. It can be as casual as a pasta making class or something as complex as a multi course seasonal tasting menu.

The Table

Gallery

Coverage

Where AJ Capella Serves

New Jersey · 25 miNew York, NY · 25 miConnecticut · 25 mi

The Menu

Services & Pricing

$125 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $45 / guestPassed bites and stationed appetizers — polished, plentiful, and timed so the food never lags the party. · 10–50 guestsReserve AJ Capella →

$150 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $55 / guestA multi-course plated dinner cooked in your home — menu, shopping, service, and a spotless kitchen all handled. · 10–30 guestsReserve AJ Capella →

$200 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $75 / guestYour chef for the full day, cooking two meals in your home. Which meals and when are planned with you as the menu is set. · 4–12 guestsReserve AJ Capella →

$225 / guest+ 20% platform fee · Grocery minimum $75 / guestA seasonal multi-course tasting, plated and presented at your table — an intimate, restaurant-caliber progression at home. · 2–10 guestsReserve AJ Capella →

20 guests maximum · Books up to 6 months in advance

Work History

2023-current

executive chef · summit house / bar bacoa · summit

new American farm to table restaurant

August 2019 - Present

Executive Chef · JOCKEY HOLLOW BAR & KITCHEN · Morristown, NJ

Oversee three dining rooms, all banquets and a la carte dining Create all savory and pastry menus

September 2018 - August 2019

Executive Chef · A TOUTE HEURE · Cranford, NJ

Responsible for all front of house and back of house ordering Full menu development for both savory and pastry

August 2017 - August 2018

Tournant · THE AVIARY · New York, NY

Responsible for knowing and working every station in the kitchen

September 2012 - June 2017

Chef de Cuisine · THE RYLAND INN · Whitehouse Station, NJ

Oversaw both a la carte and catering offerings at historical 4 Star property Development and implementation of culinary and special event menus Collaborated with hospitality leadership to exceed guest expectation Partnered with sommelier and mixologist to create food and beverage pairings Participated in multiple James Beard dinners on behalf of the restaurant

March 2012 - August 2012

Tournant · THE BERNARD’S INN · Bernardsville, NJ

March 2011 - March 2012

Sous Chef · HAMILTON FARM GOLF CLUB · Peapack Gladstone, NJ

Education

2010OF AMERICA Culinary Arts, CULINARY INSTITUTE

Skills

new Americanitalianjapanesethaifrench

Accolades

Sommelier

Every HELM Vendor Meets High Standards

We carefully evaluate chefs based on their culinary expertise, menu creativity, and proven track record for excellence.

Private dining with

Reserve AJ Capella

from $125 / guest

+ 20% platform fee and groceries

2–50 guests · Books up to 6 months ahead

No charge today. Your card is charged the 30% deposit only if AJ Capella accepts.

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