Let's Build Your Event

Two ways to start. Either one reaches us the same.

Most people start here. Our booking assistant walks you through it one question at a time, from experiences to menus to add-ons, and you see everything before you decide. About four minutes, and nothing is charged until you say yes.

Open the booking assistant

or fill out the form below↓

About you

So we know who we're cooking for.

Your event

The shape of the night.

Extras

Tap anything you'd like added. We'll confirm availability with you.

Allergies & dietary needs

This matters more than anything else on the page. If there are none, just write "none."

Where

Where you're staying, so we can get there.

Menu

You don't need a menu picked to hold your date.

Anything else?

Whatever else would help us make the night perfect.

Nothing is charged. Our team will reach out to confirm your date and next steps.

Thank you, we've got it!

Your event details are with our team. We'll reach out soon to confirm your date and talk through the rest.

A copy is on its way to your email.

 

A woman in a gray apron and gloves prepares fresh greens on a kitchen counter.
A woman in a black shirt and gray apron preparing food in a kitchen, smiling and garnishing plates of sliced meat with sliced jalapeños and herbs.
A woman in a pink apron serves food outdoors at the beach during sunset, with the ocean in the background.

Hey Guys!!

My name is Joanna Mercado, also known as Chef Jojo. I discovered my love for cooking as a child, inspired by her father and grandmothers in the kitchen. That spark has since grown into over 22 years of professional culinary experience, including time at acclaimed 30A restaurants like Pescado and The Surfing Deer, and SushiPop & PuffnStuff Catering in Orlando, Florida, after I attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts.

Fast forward to today, I finally have the opportunity to cook my own dishes, which my menus are made with Mediterranean and Caribbean influences, adding healthy twist to beloved Southern classics, and crafts unforgettable sushi, and lots of fun experiences paired with food!

My favorite events are for large families and bachelorettes, with business retreats coming in 2nd place, only because I have to try to be quiet in the kitchen!

Whether preparing an intimate dinner for two or catering a 500-guest celebration, no occasion is too small or too grand. Every dish reflects Chef Jojo’s commitment to excellence and her joy in creating meaningful moments around the table.

Book Chef Jojo

What Our Guests Are Saying

  • Chef Jojo was absolutely amazing! I felt like we made a new best friend and her food was phenomenal. She took care of everything from prep, cleaning, and putting away leftovers. We felt like we were at a five star restaurant (definitely recommend the yogurt parfait) while in the comfort of our house. Thank you for your hospitality chef jojo!

    ~ Hannah B. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • AMAZING- I have had a private chef experience before and I have to say it was never like this. This was truly someone who loves food and loves to plate, JoJo made eating so enjoyable. I can’t wait to eat your food again!!!!!

    ~ Eileen O. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Chef Jojo was absolutely amazing! Cooked and catered an entire breakfast and lunch for our grad party! The food, detail and presentation was outstanding! Definitely recommend 10/10!

    ~ Josselyn B. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Chef Jojo is a true professional. She is extremely talented in the culinary world. I had her come to my house and provide a variety of appetizers for a get together of several friends. She definitely knocked it out of the park. Her food was fresh and delicious. Will definitely use her again.

    ~ Ann H. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Chef JoJo was AMAZING! We had a bachelorette brunch made and she and her team were incredible from start to finish. The food was delicious. Prep and cleanup were hassle free and she even packed us our leftovers. 10/10!! Highly recommend!

    ~ Lindsay C. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • We enjoyed a fabulous 70th birthday celebration with Chef Jojo and staff. Everything was perfect and the food was excellent. Highly recommend Chef Jojo and staff.

    ~ Greyson L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Chef Jojo was a joy to work with! I booked an intimate at home sushi class / dinner for my sister and brother in law. She was promptly on time and took care of everything from the prep and table set up to the cooking and clean up. They had the best time and we will absolutely be working with Chef Jojo again!

    ~ Rosa R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Plate with grilled chicken, grilled vegetables, and corn salad, on a marble table with more similar dishes in the background.
Several plates of toasted baguette slices topped with cheese, mushrooms, and herbs on a white table.
Appetizer table with small shrimp in cups, lemon wedges, slider sandwiches, and a fruit platter with strawberries and oranges.
A young girl with long brown hair wearing a colorful fish-themed paper hat and a white apron, is cutting out shapes from cookie dough with metal cookie cutters on a marble countertop inside a bright kitchen.
A dining room with large windows overlooking the ocean, decorated with vases of dried flowers and lamps, set up for a buffet with various snacks and desserts including strawberries, cupcakes, crackers, and cheese.
Person in a pink apron setting a table with pink glassware and plates, with a watermelon centerpiece and champagne bottle on the table.
A female chef standing behind a table of bowls containing soup, with a group of people dining in the background.
A woman in a gray shirt and blue apron arranges plates of salad on a table in a home kitchen.
A plate of breakfast food with eggs topped with microgreens and blueberries, a bowl of yogurt with berries and granola, and fried plantains dusted with powdered sugar.
Multiple bowls of salad with lettuce, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and red onions.
A woman smiling while preparing sushi on a table in a modern, well-lit room with large windows and abstract artwork on the wall.
Women enjoying sushi and drinks at a dinner party in a modern home.
A dining table set for breakfast with plates, bowls, glasses, napkins, and a tray of fruit, bread, and bacon, overlooking an ocean view through large windows.
Women sitting at a dining table with a floral centerpiece, being photographed by a standing woman during a daytime gathering in a bright room with large windows.
A plate of dessert with a slice of cake, topped with strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, and a small green basil leaf.
A marble kitchen island with a tray of assorted pastries, a jar of orange juice, a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, several empty champagne glasses, and bowls of fresh berries.
A cheese and charcuterie platter with grapes, strawberries, and assorted cheeses on a dinner table.
A person sprinkles lemon juice onto a plate of cooked chicken, broccoli, and mashed potatoes.
Assorted food spread including fruit platter, sliders with shredded meat, shrimp cocktails, and bowls of soup on a table.
A woman with brown hair and tattoos on her arms preparing sushi on a table in a bright modern room.
Close-up of a dessert buffet with various sushi rolls displayed on tiered trays and salad bowls, with a person's hand reaching for a plate of sushi.
A woman with dyed pink hair and a pink apron hands a plate of food to another person at a beachside outdoor event during sunset.

Hosting something special?

Hire Chef Jojo for a private, in-home dining experience you’ll never forget.

Book Here