Chez Gourmet is one of South Florida’s finest catering and party planning companies. Founded in 1996 by chefs Sheri and Jack Jacobs, Chez Gourmet has gained a devoted following among both private and corporate clients for its personalized service, creative spirit and attention to detail. Jack and Sheri bring to each and every event a diverse culinary background and a desire to please your palate with the most delectable flavors from around the world.
Prior to starting Chez Gourmet, Sheri and Jack lived in Maui for 5 years where they developed a love for Pacific Rim cuisine and fabulous food. Missing family and friends, they soon moved to the mainland and opened the award-winning Pastabilities in Atlanta, Georgia. The restaurant was soon voted the best new Italian restaurant by readers of a major Atlanta newspaper. Pastabilities also specialized in catering intimate dinner parties. A few years later, after once again hearing the call of the ocean and the sound of the wind whistling through the palms, Jack and Sheri sold the restaurant and pursued their dream of creating a unique catering company in beautiful, sunny South Florida.
Today,Chez Gourmet has grown beyond their highest expectations, encompassing both catering and party planning that has delighted thousands of customers.
“For us, creating an unforgettable dining experience for our clients and their special guests is a true pleasure. Whether the event is a surprise birthday party, an open house or a romantic outdoor wedding, we will help make your party dreams come true.”
“Fabulous food and gorgeous presentation are just not enough, however. We owe so much of our success to our wonderful and professional service staff who are always ready to bring a smile to every guest. Many of our chefs are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America and some have international backgrounds. Our service team is always willing to go the extra mile to make every event a memorable success.”
Member of the International Caterer’s Association and Boca Raton and Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Our Chef de Cuisine is Nini Ha. Born in Hong Kong, Nini moved to Florida in 1986 where she started working in Asian restaurants both front of the house and as a sushi chef for 10 years.
In 1996 Nini began working as a Garde Manger for local country clubs including Addison Reserve, Boca Grove and Hunters Run. She began working with Chez Gourmet in 1998 part time and then full time in 2009.
Nini has an astute eye for the best quality ingredients as well as an amazing imagination for inventive presentation. She has a way of blending herbs and spices and unique ingredients to come up with the most creative new dishes. And she always has a smile on her face…
In 2000, we catered a beautiful wedding on the beach in Jupiter. Little did we know that the bride would go on to become one of the most valued additions to our team. Originally from Columbia, Maryland, Iris moved to South Florida with her family as a young girl. Her career began as a Restaurant Management recruiter that lasted for six years before she was exposed to the other side of the hospitality industry. Iris worked closely with us to plan her own fabulous wedding and decided it was something she loved to do. She started with us as a server but soon proved to be so personable and engaging with the guests as well as organized and efficient on the floor that she quickly progressed to organizing and planning events. Clients from her very first party with us are still favorite clients to this day. Iris continues to orchestrate everything from small intimate affairs to large weddings or corporate affairs. She understands how events should run and what it takes to make your wedding, or next big event, one of the best days of you life.
Since 2004, Michele has enhanced the Chez Gourmet team with trans-atlantic flair. Born and raised on the Island of Malta, Michele studied at the International School of Tourism and Catering for three years, and then received a scholarship to Florence, Italy, to study hotel management – learning all aspects of that business but with special attention to the restaurants, banquets and kitchen. After returning to Malta, Michele worked with The Corinthia Group of resorts in public relations. Between 1989 and 1995 Michele spent time in Eastern Europe, mainly Croatia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia, managing offices for local companies. In 1996 she moved to the United States, started a family and a successful business. Coming full circle Michele is back to planning parties, excited to bring her sense of international style to every event.
Our newest team member is Claire Starzyk. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Claire moved to South Florida with her family when she started high school. Her love of golf led her to seek part-time employment at several local private country clubs during her high school years. Claire attended the University of Florida, where she studied Advertising and Business and graduated with highest honors. After graduation she worked as a banquet assistant at another private South Florida country club. There she met Chef Nini Ha, who introduced her to the Chez Gourmet team. Over the past year, Claire has proved to be a creative and organized team player who brings a fresh perspective to everything she does.