https://www.chefjesse.studio/home daily 1.0 2026-03-13 https://www.chefjesse.studio/services daily 0.75 2021-04-12 https://www.chefjesse.studio/about daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/ee7d80f0-7b6e-4b29-9bc5-407978176233/Jesse+Merchant+Headshot+2026.jpg ABOUT - 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. https://www.chefjesse.studio/gallery-2 daily 0.75 2026-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/5eb11b4b-2a65-45fa-999c-d3be12e7c827/IMG_0840.jpeg GALLERY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/ee8b278e-a666-4b8d-ab5c-4d4fcf05b004/IMG_3793.jpeg GALLERY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/43bbddcb-09e1-41ae-992b-2e942675bf6f/tempImage7aQofC.png GALLERY Cheese Board https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/3e2cd621-abc6-446d-b26a-d33ba9768991/tempImagetxoikC.png GALLERY Charcuterie Tray https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/49712a6e-1667-4789-94d1-118df1345bc3/301F448F-21EE-4FC1-860F-3D9023F1986C.JPG GALLERY Salted Butter Tower, Micro Orchids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/524abee8-35b9-41e8-b544-ded60d87396e/tempImageJLaNRm.png GALLERY Stracciatella, Kumquat Toast with Honey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/077a0f33-c796-40f6-8dd0-67312ddb1ad9/A6032DD7-72B6-4E3B-89DC-96C76A3BAE85.jpg GALLERY Fresh bread, Whipped Butter, Za'atar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1774547123795-ZQ3VG26V6I4GTWOWOLLI/tempImageEZ1Zq8.png GALLERY Stracciatella with Parsley Oil, Pistachio Dust, Squash Blossoms & Clams Casino https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/c91ce077-922d-44d5-8711-91409502dc89/IMG_0707.jpeg GALLERY Baby Potatoes, Creme Fraiche, Caviar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/a500e123-092e-4f1f-8a81-efd3ced2a8f9/tempImageQxioXn.png GALLERY Assorted California Salads, Market Veggies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/3750f33d-8c13-4b24-893e-cb0c76c2c299/tempImageEVQ8gu.png GALLERY Spicy Tuna on Rice Paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1600845467649-2HT6QAJMFLFNK1SH0GDZ/IMG_3320.jpg GALLERY Oysters / Rosé Mignonette https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1646846855951-6GZ606WBVW9L8RQJHXV5/IMG_5849.jpg GALLERY Squid / Nduja, Calabrian Chili, Tomato, Oregano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/b7360334-4919-4746-831b-c678dbf4058c/Family+Style+Market+Sala+with+Savory+Walnut+Granola%2C+Green+Goddess+%26+Young+Spring+Vegetables+copy.jpeg GALLERY Leafy Greens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1600845745677-CT5KSS6778L0SU7PB2OK/IMG_2975.jpeg GALLERY Falafel / Tzatziki https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/0d162607-533b-41a9-a4ba-7a30231db8b9/Scallop+Crudo%2C+Citrus+%26+Poppy+Seeds+copy.jpeg GALLERY Scallop Crudo with Citrus & Chives https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1c1276d0-c7ba-4d5e-930a-15d72b06c138/IMG_2564.jpeg GALLERY Crisped Branzino, Chorizo & Paprika Brodo, Wilted Greens and Aioli https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/4dc441e1-6801-4444-a17a-b223ee56276d/IMG_6649.jpeg GALLERY Marinated Mussels and Leeks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/52614271-33dd-410a-9111-b4449f7f6cbd/32899191-C623-4A89-B9C2-5E6308902497.jpeg GALLERY Sunchokes in Aji Verde, Basque Steak Tartare, Spring Pea Tart, Pickled Mussels Toast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/680ed61d-b054-42f2-9045-2d315525627f/Clam+Toast%2C+Hart%27s+Brooklyn+%28Sous%29+copy.png GALLERY Clams, White Wine, Pancetta Sofrito on Toast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/e395e5ea-813b-4744-91ee-b54b75d386f1/FullSizeRender.jpeg GALLERY Mussels Escabeche on Toast with Gochujiang Aioli, Pickled Onion and Fresh Herbs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/3721b63a-92b3-4f65-a3f0-c54a52a9b02b/Family+Style+Chicken+au+Poivre.jpeg GALLERY Roasted Chicken with Jus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/e627ab88-9fd1-457a-b2ad-2231f69acf39/Family+Style+Artichokes+with+Amaranth+%26+Lime+copy.jpeg GALLERY Charred Artichoke Hearts, Puffed Amaranth, Lime https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/911b0b85-66ed-4794-a6f5-d86f2dca5985/Chocolate+Caramel+Cake.png GALLERY Chocolate Cake with Caramel & Dark Chocolate Shards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1eda753a-bb99-47fe-a4c8-2eda7f6a9f09/IMG_6010.jpeg GALLERY Cream-filled Doughnuts, Apple Blossoms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/b54a34cb-fc3b-466f-9e30-86382bbfb6e6/IMG_1381.JPG GALLERY Pavlova Tower, Harry's Berries, Chantilly Cream https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/ef609163-e27b-488a-8146-d7409b0b5a1d/IMG_3288.jpeg GALLERY Japanese Milk Bread Cinnamon Rolls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/9d09eefd-38f6-4aaf-8e1e-6bc561f6079b/IMG_5893.jpeg GALLERY Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/f8f941b0-0d30-49ce-810f-b475519d2606/IMG_5056.jpeg GALLERY Double Chocolate Cake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/a184864f-bc96-4a83-9220-0fb5585096c5/IMG_5115.jpeg GALLERY Coconut Panna Cotta with Macerated Fruit https://www.chefjesse.studio/gallery daily 0.75 2020-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597932070914-GB4W1CU82TVASDLJ3C3R/IMG_3320.jpg GALLERY Oysters I Rosé Mignonette https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597931581230-P927CZLZTLK186IWFBTM/22DB238B-AE0B-497F-8644-FB51C96D0B62.JPG GALLERY Porgy I Tiger Salad, Fried Shallots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597931599742-7QDXYXVZKRIIYEKU1XXV/84412C3C-4F5A-462D-AC94-14A3F7B2B3EF.JPG GALLERY Pavlova I Bee Pollen, Fresh Berries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1598039706243-RHNE9DNJAVW63RGBXAOJ/IMG_3471.jpg GALLERY Olive Oil Cake I Honey, Lemon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597931589185-IFEVXZBAGSJW9QTW4WFM/IMG_3266.jpg GALLERY Steak I Roasted Beets, Balsamic Reduction https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597933192020-GE6Y4RVYOCS1F4A2GIZA/IMG_2975.jpeg GALLERY Falafel I Tzatziki, Cucumber, Tomato https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597931568835-J63G89NZHJ43UL4UTK0T/Screen+Shot+2020-08-20+at+9.14.17+AM.png GALLERY Blueberry Pie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597931570305-F8GV20MYE12QTT5RK7SE/Screen+Shot+2020-08-20+at+9.14.41+AM.png GALLERY Cherry Clafoutis I Sumac, Roasted Berries, Cream https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597933532117-17BCDSPBF0EZZ902H4MC/IMG_0099.jpeg GALLERY Spring Salad I English Peas, Figs, Mint, Radish, Goat Cheese, Balsamic Reduction https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597931604149-WW45RZBRL23Z5YMGTBW9/C448D545-5B7F-46C0-BA50-9D6C5C39D439.JPG GALLERY Lobster Roll I Homemade Chips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597931705477-BL7NIBUAYV1JSAXHVIDZ/F5B4D4D5-7BA9-4E53-A0E7-3EE9D9FFD9E9_1_105_c.jpeg GALLERY Madeleine I Espresso https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1597931602336-881RJX96BQPNM1BC4ZC9/IMG_2638+2.jpeg GALLERY Chocolate Sesame Cakes I Tahini Sabayon, Cocoa https://www.chefjesse.studio/shop daily 0.75 2021-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1614860588018-ER21VOP6DPT46YBY7RF7/IMG_6852.jpeg SHOP - PASSIONFRUIT TART, MERINGUE, BROWN BUTTER CRUST // $30 for 10” round PASSIONFRUIT TART, MERINGUE, BROWN BUTTER CRUST // $30 for 10” round https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1615348898232-7BKA3QFPAYMKH4QBVYKP/IMG_6987.jpeg SHOP Double Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Cookies // 6 for $16 / 12 for $30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1615554154909-WD0VC66WY5LSNIEIC6KY/IMG_7057.jpeg SHOP - POUNDCAKE FOR ONE // Citrus Glaze, Hibiscus Dust / 2 for $12, 4 for $22 POUNDCAKE FOR ONE // Citrus Glaze, Hibiscus Dust / 2 for $12, 4 for $22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1614688190020-N6DWCVIJTBDASOZ9TC9D/IMG_6411.jpeg SHOP - PHOTO COMING SOON! // Poundcake for One, Citrus Glaze, Hibiscus // 2 for $12, 4 for $22 Genmaicha Shortbread Cookies // 6 for $12 / 12 for $22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1611159792484-7KV7SYHMHYXRAA9J8LT3/F9DFB282-03E1-44B4-9D12-E7561DE64191.JPG SHOP Buckwheat, Broken Chocolate Cookies // 6 for $16 / 12 for $28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1611159823351-PHAQY0Y889U4OZQKKTDS/IMG_5069.jpg SHOP Flourless Chocolate Cake // $35 for 8" round https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1611154748832-UXIOX3GMM5ZRQ5E4G8WU/IMG_5576.jpg SHOP Chocolate Whoopie Pies with Jasmine Buttercream // SOLD OUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1612643559986-KSWLABHGMIIS2R4YY173/IMG_6364.jpeg SHOP Pound Cake for Two - Rose Mascarpone, Fennel Pollen // SOLD OUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1611154836211-VQIK770QMEWFX6PNDTWP/Screen+Shot+2021-01-02+at+9.16.02+PM.png SHOP Poundcake, Berry Jam, Meyer Lemon Glaze // SOLD OUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1611771187101-64LSNVJPS4MM4CCF6I44/IMG_6010.jpeg SHOP - Doughnuts, Pomegranate Pastry Cream, Apple Blossom 5 for $12 / 10 for $20 Doughnuts, Pomegranate Pastry Cream, Apple Blossom // SOLD OUT https://www.chefjesse.studio/services1 daily 0.75 2021-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1600844817871-SDHBE9ZTHER9YS1C07O4/IMG_3320.jpg SERVICES - EVENTS Menu options ranging from 3-5 courses with your budget in mind. This can take the form of a pop up, catering for a wedding, dinner for a brand, etc. Email directly with details for what you’re looking for. Launching September 2021. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1600847275406-IK3EWVXJ7QMMDH9YF1B7/22DB238B-AE0B-497F-8644-FB51C96D0B62.JPG SERVICES - PRIVATE Private services include intimate, family-style dinners, hors d’ouevres for cocktail parties, or formally plated dinners. Launching September 2021. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1598106070209-X2T3X29XVIBSPB2R32HE/IMG_3471.jpg SERVICES - SHOP Seasonal breads and baked goods for purchase. Menu changes biweekly. VIEW MENU https://www.chefjesse.studio/dropoff daily 0.75 2020-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1598109041081-UOHNIBTIUV288FLII393/Screen+Shot+2020-08-21+at+4.07.27+PM.png DROPOFF https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1598109058594-GZBT8I9YO7YB37GG1SUO/Screen+Shot+2020-08-21+at+4.07.55+PM.png DROPOFF https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1598109083125-Q7R03IDG7PVTE893LUYQ/IMG_0600.jpeg DROPOFF https://www.chefjesse.studio/order-form daily 0.75 2021-01-20 https://www.chefjesse.studio/projects daily 0.75 2021-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/882ba0d4-83b5-43da-9265-1f9c104c444a/IMG_6524.PNG PROJECTS BAD HABIT, Co-Owner // Launched in March of 2021 with husband Javier Zuniga, Bad Habit sells a curated selection of homemade, high end ice cream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1614859796944-3DIH1V1PWT54BQ1IIXRE/IMG_6843.jpeg PROJECTS THE SHOP // An online bake shop that began in Spring 2021, ‘The Shop’ is a space where I compose and sell pastries in New York. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/1ae7c9f3-0217-44da-abb6-ca80c0fcd065/IMG_6223.jpg PROJECTS DAUGHTER , Freelance Baker // For coffee shop Daughter in Brooklyn, I create Bundt Cakes for their bakery twice a week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eef8ef2900c16171f1106e7/f95e4ec6-9f8a-45f4-8e36-3002102ee1e3/IMG_6838.jpg PROJECTS POP-UP, Dépanneur Wines // A pop-up held in February 2021 at wine shop Déppaneur in Brooklyn, created with a menu inspired simultaneously from travels around Spain and growing up in Southern California.