Chef Jesse Merchant is a Los Angeles–born cook whose career has taken her from Paris to some of New York City’s most celebrated kitchens before returning to more intimate, personal cooking. Her work has been seen in Vogue, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Eater, Infatuation, Bloomberg, Who What Wear and more.
Post receiving her Cum Laude B.A. in Art History in France, Jesse discovered her love of the kitchen while working with the beloved Brooklyn supper club Sunday Suppers—a turning point that led her to formally train at the International Culinary Center.
She went on to work in some of New York’s most respected restaurants, including Lilia, Wildair, Cervo's, and Hart’s, where she refined a style rooted in thoughtful simplicity and ingredient-driven cooking.
Alongside her husband and collaborator Javier Zuñiga, Jesse later co-founded the cult-favorite ice cream project Bad Habit and the small-plates concept Caleta, known for its minimalist approach to flavor and seasonality.
Today, Jesse brings that same restaurant-level craft to her work as a private chef. Her cooking is guided by seasonality, elegance, and a love of gathering people around the table. Whether preparing intimate dinners, celebratory meals, or thoughtfully curated events, she approaches each menu with creativity and care—balancing refined technique with the warmth of home cooking.
Rooted in her experiences living in Los Angeles, Paris, and New York, Jesse’s food reflects a blend of global influence and relaxed California sensibility. At its heart, her work is about creating memorable meals that feel both special and deeply personal.
Jesse is currently based in Los Angeles, CA and also accepts international work.
For bookings please e-mail jessemerchant@gmail.com