Hire a Private Chef in 30A for Elegant Beachside Dining

Skip the reservations. Let Chef Jojo bring a custom culinary experience right to your rental, beach house, or Airbnb.

Moments Made with Chef Jojo

Meet Chef Jojo

Joanna Mercado, lovingly known as Chef Jojo, discovered her 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.

Today, Chef Jojo brings that same passion and artistry to every client she serves. She infuses her menus with Mediterranean and Caribbean influences, adds a healthy twist to beloved Southern classics, and crafts unforgettable sushi spreads from scratch.

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.

30A Private Chef Services

From plated dinners to bonfire buffets, Chef Jojo offers handcrafted culinary experiences for every occasion in 30A.

Plated Dining Experience

An elegant dining experience in your home. Enjoy a multi-course meal with Chef Jojo and team, complete with menus, linens, fresh flowers, and cleanup.

  • Taxes and Gratuity added at checkout (not charged on the food cost)

    Server included for all plated dinners, groups of 8 guests or more, or any class for $150.

Brunches

Wake up to a chef-curated breakfast in your kitchen. From mimosa bars to gourmet spreads, Chef Jojo makes mornings in 30A effortlessly delicious.

  • Menu finalized upon booking.

    Taxes and Gratuity added at checkout (not charged on the food cost).

    Server included for all plated dinners, groups of 8 guests or more, or any class for $150.

Family Buffets

Laid-back, flavorful meals ideal for families or group dinners at your rental. Includes chef-curated buffet menus with customizable themes.

  • Optional Add-ons:

    • Bonfires @ $40 provided by Its Lit Bonfires PCB

    • Beach Photography: $350 - 20 minute session a Candid & Posed with minimum 15 edits ($15 each extra edit) (provided by Jose Castro Photography)

    • Grocery Conceirge $250 plus grocery cost with delivery from any store within 10 miles radius of rental. (Provided by Bach Haus)

    Taxes and Gratuity added at checkout (not charged on the food cost).

    Server included for all plated dinners, groups of 8 guests or more, or any class for $150.

Cooking Classes with Chef Jojo

Learn to cook with Chef Jojo in a hands-on class featuring sushi, gnocchi, or her signature "Top 3" dishes. Includes a full three-course meal.

  • Taxes and Gratuity added at checkout (not charged on the food cost).

    Server included for all plated dinners, groups of 8 guests or more, or any class for $150.

Sip. Eat. Paint with Chef Jojo

Unleash your creativity while you sip, snack, and paint the night away with Chef Jojo. Perfect for birthdays or any unforgettable girls’ night in 30A.

  • $800 minimum per event.

    Taxes and Gratuity added at checkout (not charged on the food cost).

    Server included for all plated dinners, groups of 8 guests or more, or any class for $150.

Need a chef today? We’ve got you covered! Text us at (321) 877-8781

📱

Need a chef today? We’ve got you covered! Text us at (321) 877-8781 📱

Signature Menus

Chef Jojo offers a thoughtfully curated range of menus to suit every occasion — from peaceful beach mornings to elegant dinners and lively sunset bonfires. Each menu is handcrafted using the freshest local ingredients, delivered with unmatched hospitality and flavor.

Specializing in Organic, Caribbean, Asian Fusion, Seafood, and Vegetarian cuisine, Chef Jojo brings creativity, culture, and balance to every plate. Whether you’re craving bold flavors or clean, wholesome meals, there's a menu crafted just for you.

Brunch & Breakfast

Build Your Own Brunch *B*Y*O*B*
Start your day with a chef-made brunch, cooked fresh in your kitchen and tailored to your taste.

  • Blueberry Pancakes

    Cinnamon French Toast with Berries

    Chicken & Waffles

    Banana Foster Crepes

    Traditional Eggs Benedict

    Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Benedict - Classic Béarnaise Sauce, Poached Eggs topped on a Fried Green Tomatoes with Sundried Tomato Aioli

    Avocado Toast - Soft Boiled Egg, Pickled Red Onion, Cilantro, Tajin, Fresh Jalapenos, Pineapple Buerre Blanc

    Vegetarian Eggs Benedict - Poached Eggs, Heirloom Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Garlic Sautéed Spinach, Cheddar Cheese, with Carrot Glaze on Sourdough Muffin

  • Applewood Smoked Bacon

    Turkey Bacon

    Maple Sausage Link

    Chicken Sausage Links

    Pork Sausage Patty

  • Skillet Potatoes

    Roasted Reds

    Hash Browns

  • Scrambled Eggs

    Eggs to Order

    Scrambled with Cheese

    Omelets to Order

    Quiche Lorraine

    Vegetarian Frittata - Sundried Tomatoes, Chevre Goat Cheese, Mushrooms, Onions, & Cauliflower

  • Florida Fresh Fruit Platter

    Exotic Fruit Platter

    Parfait Platter

    Avocado Caprese Platter

  • Pastry Platter

    Fresh Squeezed Juice Bar & Berries

    Coffee Station

    Mimosa Bar

    Bloody Mary Station

    (can add additional bars, just ask!)

  • $65 per person + gratuity & taxes

    Groups of 10 or more require a server for an additional $125 per 10 guests .

Plated Dinners

Explore chef-crafted menus inspired by 30A’s top spots — or mix and match your favorites. Wherever you're staying, we've got your perfect meal.

  • Crafted by Chef Joanna Mercado, this year’s menus celebrate the best of 30A with fresh, local ingredients sourced from trusted partners like Market 30A, The Vale Mushroom, Sweet Henrietta’s, Publix, Fresh Market, Shaka Sushi, and 30A Olive Oil Co.

    Together, we create more than meals — we create moments that make the Florida Gulf Coast a top destination for families, friends, and retreats alike.

    Choose any menu that speaks to you — no matter where you’re staying!
    Menu names are simply for inspiration and easier selection. Want to mix and match? Just let us know — we’re happy to customize.

  • Please Select 1 appetizer, 1 salad, up to 2 entrees, either 1/2 portions or guest count of each selection, & 1 dessert option.

    APPETIZERS

    Baja Crab Cakes

    Premium jumbo lump crab cakes topped with Mexican street corn,

    Applewood-smoked bacon, pickled red onions, jalapeños, crema fresca, and fire-roasted corn

    Seared Sea Scallops

    Caramelized diver scallops, cauliflower purée,

    brown butter, crispy capers, and aged balsamic

    Baja Crab Cakes

    assorted gourmet mushrooms & hearts of palm cakes topped with Mexican street corn,

    coconut-smoked bacon, pickled red onions, jalapeños, crema fresca, and fire-roasted corn

    SALADS

    Harvest Salad

    Baby greens, roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds,

    feta cheese, spiced pecans, and maple-cider vinaigrette

    Poached Pear & Blue Cheese

    Wine-poached Anjou pears, candied walnuts, artisanal blue cheese,

    Belgian endive, and white balsamic vinaigrette

    ENTREES

    Blackened Grouper

    Gulf grouper, creole spices, stone-ground cheese grits, braised collard greens, and cajun cream sauce

    Filet Mignon

    Center-cut beef tenderloin, bourbon demi-glace, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, glazed heirloom carrots, and crispy onions

    Herb-Roasted Chicken

    Free-range chicken breast, wild mushroom bread pudding, grilled asparagus, and truffle jus

    Wild Mushroom Wellington

    Puff pastry-wrapped assortment of seasonal wild mushrooms, truffle-scented risotto, roasted root vegetables, port wine reduction, and aged balsamic glaze

    DESSERT

    Chocolate Flourless Torte

    Rich chocolate torte, fresh seasonal berries, salted chocolate ganache, and gold leaf

    Tres Leches Cake

    Vanilla-soaked sponge cake, cinnamon whipped cream, caramelized pineapple, and toasted coconut

    Chef Jojo's Signature Key Lime Pie

    Creamy key lime custard, graham cracker crust, toasted marshmallow meringue, and house-made guava sauce

  • Please Select 1 appetizer, 1 salad, up to 2 entrees, either 1/2 portions or guest count of each selection, & 1 dessert option.

    APPETIZERS

    Lobster Bisque

    Maine lobster, brandy cream, truffle essence, and chive oil,

    creamed corn

    Butter-Roasted Jumbo Shrimp

    Wild-caught Gulf shrimp, roasted garlic & sweet corn purée, bacon jam, and herb oil

    Beef Carpaccio & Bone Marrow

    Thinly sliced prime tenderloin,

    roasted bone marrow butter, truffle aioli, crispy capers, aged parmesan, and micro arugula

    SALADS

    Butter Lettuce & Bacon

    Baby gem lettuce, candied bacon, blue cheese crumbles, heirloom tomatoes, and buttermilk ranch

    Gluten-free, dairy optional

    Caesar Royale

    Romaine hearts, Parmesan frico, crispy pancetta, anchovy dressing, and gluten-free herb pancetta roasted croutons

    ENTREE

    Butter-Poached Lobster Tail

    Maine lobster, saffron risotto, truffle butter, and chive oil

    Pan-Seared Crab Stuffed Flounder

    Miso-glazed sea bass, forbidden rice, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger-scallion butter, herbed blue crab salad

    Hazelnut Panko Crusted Rack of Lamb

    New Zealand lamb, rosemary-garlic crust, chevre mashed sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, and port wine & fig reduction

    Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

    Prime beef tenderloin, bourbon-peppercorn sauce, truffle mashed potatoes, and glazed heirloom carrots

    DESSERT

    Flourless lavender Chocolate Pretzel Torte, salted caramel, vanilla bean ice cream & blackberries

    Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée

    Rich vanilla custard, caramelized sugar crust, and orange-infused berries

    Bourbon Bread Pudding with Pecan Prailine Ice Cream

  • Please Select 1 appetizer, 1 salad, up to 2 entrees, either 1/2 portions or guest count of each selection, & 1 dessert option.

    APPETIZERS

    Crab Kibbeh

    Bulgur wheat croquettes filled with lump crab, preserved lemon, mint, and served with cardamom-spiced yogurt

    Za'atar Seared Scallops

    Caramelized diver scallops, whipped tahini, charred lemon, pomegranate reduction, and toasted pine nuts

    Dukkah-Crusted Lamb Chops

    Herb-marinated rack of lamb, pistachio-sesame dukkah crust, smoky baba ganoush, sumac-pickled onions, and fresh herbs

    SALADS

    Fig & Arugula Salad

    Wild arugula, fresh figs, citrus segments, halloumi cheese, toasted pistachios, and pomegranate molasses vinaigrette

    Fattoush

    Heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, radish, mint, parsley, sumac, crispy pita, and lemon-olive oil dressing

    ENTREES

    Harissa-Crusted Grouper

    Spice-rubbed Gulf grouper, preserved lemon couscous, charred broccolini, and chermoula sauce

    Gorgonzola & Date Stuffed Chicken

    Free-range chicken breast stuffed with gorgonzola, medjool dates, and turkey bacon, served with saffron rice, mint yogurt, and pomegranate seeds

    Moroccan-Spiced Tenderloin

    Center-cut beef filet, ras el hanout rub, roasted garlic hummus, glazed baby carrots, and harissa demi-glace

    Vegetable Tagine

    Slow-cooked seasonal vegetables, dried fruit, aromatic saffron broth, toasted almonds, and cardamom-infused couscous

    ENTREES

    Baklava Chocolate Torte

    Flourless chocolate cake, layered with honey-pistachio baklava, rose water ganache, and candied orange

    Chef Jojo's Cardamom Key Lime Pie

    Key lime custard infused with cardamom, graham-walnut crust, toasted marshmallow, and guava-rosewater sauce

    Honey & Orange Blossom Panna Cotta

    Creamy vanilla bean panna cotta, orange blossom honey, pistachio crumble, and macerated berries

  • Please Select 1 appetizer, 1 salad, up to 2 entrees, either 1/2 portions or guest count of each selection, & 1 dessert option.

    Appetizers

    Crab & Coconut Samosas

    Flaky pastry filled with jumbo lump crab, coconut, green curry spices, and mango-mint chutney

    Scallop Pani Puri

    Crispy semolina shells filled with seared scallops, tamarind water, chaat masala, and Thai basil oil

    Duck Larb Lettuce Cups

    Crispy duck with toasted rice powder, kaffir lime, lemongrass, mint, and butter lettuce cups

    SALADS

    Green Papaya & Lychee

    Shredded green papaya, fresh lychee, heirloom tomatoes, cashews, and tamarind-chili vinaigrette

    Watermelon & Paneer

    Compressed watermelon, grilled paneer, mint, pomegranate seeds, and cardamom-lime dressing

    ENTREES

    Beef Rang Dang Brisket

    24-hour slow-cooked brisket with Thai red curry paste, coconut Chawamushi custard, marinated grape tomatoes, and crispy shallots

    Tandoori-Grilled Redfish

    Yogurt-marinated redfish, saffron-coconut sauce, potato-pea samosa, and curry leaf oil

    Gorgonzola-Date Butter Chicken

    Tandoor-roasted chicken thighs, creamy tomato sauce infused with gorgonzola, medjool dates, curry leaves, and garlic naan

    Masaman Lamb Chops

    Herb-marinated rack of lamb, masaman curry sauce, roasted sweet potatoes, cashews, and Thai basil oil

    Vegetable Makhanwala

    Seasonal vegetables in a velvety tomato-fenugreek sauce, black cardamom rice, and house-made paneer

    DESSERTS

    Chocolate Cardamom Torte

    Flourless chocolate cake, cardamom-infused ganache, saffron cream, and pistachio brittle

    Purple Ube Cheesecake

    ube, mango coulis, toasted coconut

    Chai-Spiced Banana Pudding with Meringue

  • Please Select 1 appetizer, 1 salad, up to 2 entrees, either 1/2 portions or guest count of each selection, & 1 dessert option.

    Appetizers

    Gulf Shrimp & Grits Soufflé

    Jumbo Gulf shrimp, stone-ground grits soufflé, tasso ham, bourbon-shellfish reduction, and crispy okra chips

    Black Truffle Boudin Balls

    Heritage pork and dirty rice croquettes, black truffle aioli, pickled mirliton relish, and micro mustard greens

    Duck & Andouille Gumbo

    Slow-simmered duck confit, house-made andouille sausage, holy trinity vegetables, dark roux, and Carolina Gold rice

    SALADS

    Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon

    Peak-season tomatoes, compressed watermelon, Creole spiced pecans, Belle Chevre goat cheese, and sorghum vinaigrette

    Butter Lettuce & Blue Crab

    Bibb lettuce cups, jumbo lump blue crab, charred corn, buttermilk dressing, and crispy chicken skin cracklings

    ENTREES

    From the Gulf

    Blackened Redfish Acadiana

    Cast iron-blackened Gulf redfish, crawfish étouffée, mirliton and corn maque choux, and crystal hot sauce beurre blanc

    Pecan-Crusted Speckled Trout

    Local speckled trout, bourbon-brown butter sauce, roasted sweet potato purée, and collard greens

    From the Land

    Buttermilk Fried Quail & Waffles

    Deboned buttermilk-brined quail, black pepper-cornmeal waffles, bourbon-cane syrup, and foie gras butter

    Smoked Beef Short Rib

    12-hour smoked beef short rib, Creole mustard demi-glace, smoked Gouda grits, and pickled trinity vegetables

    From the Garden

    Louisiana Vegetable

    Souffle velouté, buttermilk biscuit crust, and roasted garlic oil

    Dessert

    Banana Foster Soufflé

    Warm banana soufflé, dark rum-caramel sauce, brown butter ice cream, and praline

    Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding

    New Orleans-style bread pudding, toasted pecans, bourbon crème anglaise, and vanilla bean whipped cream

    Blackberry & Sweet Corn Tart

    Cornmeal pâte sucrée, blackberry-sweet corn custard, buttermilk chantilly, and honey brittle

  • Please Select 1 appetizer, 1 salad, up to 2 entrees, either 1/2 portions or guest count of each selection, & 1 dessert option.

    APPETIZERS

    Charleston Bisque
    She-crab soup, blue crab roe, sherry foam, and buttery brioche croutons

    Beef Carpaccio
    Paper-thin prime beef, truffle aioli, arugula, and aged parmesan

    Oyster Trio
    East Coast oysters, champagne mignonette, citrus pearls, and pepper relish

    SALADS

    Deconstructed Wedge
    Baby iceberg, heirloom tomatoes, blue cheese, bacon, and scallion dressing

    Forager's Tableau
    Seasonal greens, toasted nuts, dried fruits, goat cheese, and maple vinaigrette

    ENTREES

    From the Land

    Prime Evolution
    Filet mignon, bone marrow butter, bourbon sauce, and roasted fingerling potatoes

    Southern Aristocrat
    Crispy fried chicken, honey glaze, black garlic potatoes, and corn succotash

    From the Gulf

    Local Caught Redfish, Snapper, or Grouper
    Mango Buerre Blanc sauce, and smoked sweet potato cake

    From the Garden

    Forest Mosaic
    Wild mushroom terrine, puff pastry, roasted vegetables, and aged balsamic

    DESSERTS

    Orchard Reimagined
    Apple tart, butter crumble, vanilla cream, and spiced cider sauce

    Chocolate Stratification
    Layered chocolate textures, salted caramel, and vanilla bean

    Banana Creme Brulee
    Banana with brown sugar, cinnamon, & spiced rum

  • GLUTEN FREE
    Please Select 1 appetizer, 1 salad, up to 2 entrees, either 1/2 portions or guest count of each selection, & 1 dessert option.

    Appetizers

    Lobster Bisque
    Maine lobster, brandy cream, truffle essence, and chive oil

    Butter-Roasted Jumbo Shrimp
    Wild-caught Gulf shrimp, roasted garlic & sweet corn purée, bacon jam, and herb oil, savory and rich

    Garlic Shrimp & Cauliflower Velvet
    Sautéed jumbo shrimp, silky cauliflower purée, brown butter, crispy capers, and smoked paprika oil

    Salads

    Butter Lettuce & Bacon
    Baby gem lettuce, candied bacon, blue cheese crumbles, heirloom tomatoes, and buttermilk ranch, dairy optional

    Caesar Royale
    Romaine hearts, Parmesan frico, crispy prosciutto, anchovy dressing, and gluten-free herb croutons

    Entrees

    From the Waters
    Pan-Seared Grouper
    Miso-glazed Grouper, forbidden rice, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger-scallion butter

    From the Lands

    Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
    New Zealand lamb, rosemary-garlic crust, parmesan polenta, roasted vegetables, and port wine reduction

    Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
    Prime beef tenderloin, bourbon-peppercorn sauce, truffle mashed potatoes, and glazed heirloom carrots

    Royal Comfort

    Truffled Risotto
    Carnaroli rice, seasonal mushrooms, black truffle, mascarpone, and aged parmesan

    Desserts

    Flourless Chocolate Torte
    Valrhona chocolate, salted caramel, and vanilla bean ice cream
    Gluten-free, intensely indulgent

    Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée
    Rich vanilla custard, caramelized sugar crust, and orange-infused berries
    Gluten-free, classically rich

    Pecan Bourbon Tart
    Gluten-free shortbread crust, bourbon-vanilla filling, candied pecans, and whipped mascarpone

Bonfires & Buffets

  • Shrimp, snow crab, andouille sausage, corn, mushrooms, broccoli, citrus & aromatics (medium heat)
    Sides: Caesar salad & key lime pie

  • Strawberry avocado salad with roasted corn, candied pecans & red onions
    Tacos: Birria shrimp, al pastor chicken street tacos
    Sides: Pineapple coleslaw, rice & beans
    Dessert: Strawberry tres leches
    Drinks: Margarita mixers (client provides alcohol)

  • Cilantro lime Caesar salad, jerked chicken, honey tajin shrimp
    Sides: Coconut rice, black beans, truffle roasted asparagus
    Dessert: Strawberry tres leches

  • Shaka sushi rolls buffet, ginger salad
    Hot Bites: Snow crab rangoon with sweet Thai chili, chicken potstickers with sweet soy
    Dessert: Tiramisu & key lime pie

  • BBQ chicken, BBQ shrimp, smoked brisket
    Sides: Mac & cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, collards, summer strawberry avocado salad
    Dessert: S’more cups

  • Prefer a custom menu? We offer 30 minutes of planning and a 30-minute consultation call with the chef.
    + $100 service fee

Choose from one of our chef-designed menus — all cooked fresh on-site and served with signature sides and desserts.

Start Your Booking

Start Your Booking

Tell us a bit about your event and we’ll take care of the rest. Whether it's an intimate dinner or a full-service bonfire buffet, we’ll craft something unforgettable for you.

 

Need a chef today? We’ve got you covered! Text us at (321) 877-8781

📱

Need a chef today? We’ve got you covered! Text us at (321) 877-8781 📱

What Our Guests Are Saying

Hosting something special on 30A?

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