The Chef
Jennifer Calder
The Calder Table was created from a belief that dining should feel intentional. Never rushed, never generic.
With over 12 years of professional culinary experience, Jennifer Calder brings a refined, globally inspired approach to private dining. Her work is rooted in seasonality, precision, and a deep understanding of hospitality, shaped by years of cooking across a wide range of cuisines and cultural traditions.
Jennifer designs menus that feel both elevated and deeply personal, whether that means an intimate multi-course tasting menu, a vibrant family-style gathering, or a multi-day culinary residency. Her versatility allows her to move seamlessly between Mediterranean, Latin, Asian, and modern American influences, always guided by the highest quality ingredients and a thoughtful, balanced approach in flavor.
With experience serving private households, yacht charters, intimate celebrations, and curated events across the Bay Area, Jennifer has built a reputation for delivering restaurant-level execution within the comfort and privacy of her clients’ homes.
At The Calder Table, every detail is considered. From the flow of the menu to the rhythm of service, creating an experiences that feels effortless, elevated, and entirely tailored to those gathered around the table.
Founder and Private Chef
I believe great meals begin long before the first course is plated.
Each event begins with thoughtful menu development, ingredient sourcing, and a clear understanding of dietary needs and preferences. From gluten-free and dairy-free menus to highly customized requests, precision is never an afterthought.
On the day of your gathering, I arrive prepared, composed, and attentive to detail. This allows you to be fully present with your guests.
My Approch
The Calder Table is the evolution of over a decade’s culinary journey rooted in heritage, entrepreneurship, and refined hospitality.
My cooking is deeply influenced by my Creole roots; bold flavor, classic technique, and a reverence for gathering around the table. Over time, that foundation expanded into globally inspired, seasonally driven menus shaped by California’s abundance.
Before dedicating my work exclusively to private dining, I founded and operated multiple culinary concepts in the Bay Area, overseeing everything from menu development and sourcing to guest experience and operational strategy. Those ventures earned regional recognition, including being featured by the San Francisco Chronicle and appearing on PBS’s Check, Please! You Gotta Try This.
Today, my focus is singular: creating highly curated dining experiences for private residences, intimate celebrations, and yacht charters. Where restaurant-level execution meets the comfort and intimacy of home (or sea).
*I intentionally accept a limited number of events each month to ensure every experience receives the attention it deserves.