Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Librot.
Hi Jesse, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Prior to becoming a Personal Chef, I spent many years working in Summer Camps and cooking for at-risk youth in Boston, Massachusetts. In an organization built on serving others, my passion for food took off, as I discovered others’ appreciation for healthy, made-from-scratch food as an expression of love.
I taught kitchen skills to numerous youths, inspiring them to later battle for volunteer positions to work alongside me cooking for groups of their peers. I still look back on these experiences fondly and view them as some of my greatest accomplishments.
After moving to Orlando in 2015, I continued to share my joy of food with others, even as I worked in a non-culinary environment. I would regularly meal prep 30-45 plates of gourmet food, serving it to youth and staff at the schools I worked in. The satisfaction and bliss on the faces of those which I fed was all the compensation needed.
Searching for more, I started on the path to officially serve others’ culinary needs – which has morphed into Fancy A Fork, a vehicle which allows me to cater to families in search of soulful food for parties, and dinners, or while vacationing in Orlando.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Time is always the biggest challenge.
Sometimes ideas spiral and snowball; one more sauce to add to a dish, one more side, one more twist. It might mean a little less sleep, but well worth it when it adds to the overall client experience.
Rigorous prep dictates proper execution since everything always takes longer than you think it will. Crunch time is exciting, but doesn’t have to be stressful; it is an art.
Keep a smile on your face as the masterpiece comes together.
We’ve been impressed with Fancy A Fork, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Fancy A Fork came about because I believed every family should enjoy fresh, healthy, high-quality meals
Whether it’s parents who don’t have enough time to do all the grocery shopping let along cook scratch meals, friends looking to get together and simply enjoy company, or a date night dinner, the enjoyment comes in the details.
Everything must come with a twist and be genuine. If we’re doing a BBQ with burgers the ketchup, mustard and mayo, and pickles will be made from scratch. Dressings, sauces, and desserts are a labor of love. Procurement of groceries will happen at multiple stores around Orlando to make sure only the freshest, highest quality meat and produce is used.
When a potential client reaches out, we’ll collaborate to build a menu specific to their tastes and preferences. Then execution will take place at the highest level, with a full-service start to finish, always paying close attention to professionalism.
What matters most to you? Why?
Creating an experience my clients will never forget drives my passion. With the time and effort put into every dish, I hope that the finished product is the best version they’ve ever tasted.
I enjoy finding out what someone’s favorite dish is, sometimes specific to their culture and create a version they’ve yet to encounter. I also enjoy finding out ingredients or dishes someone claims they don’t particularly like and find a way to change their minds. I always try to include a dish clients have never heard of or tried. And oftentimes dropping in a surprise that wasn’t on the menu we had discussed.
When Covid hit in 2020, I fundraised and cooked meals for some of the families I also served in schools.
Truly trying to give folks an enjoyment they might’ve never had before.
With any luck, the “personal” in Personal Chef blossoms into long-term relationships, and clients become friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fancyafork.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancyafork/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyafork
