top of page
2024-09-28-joe-12.jpg

Private Dinners

About

Why book a private dinner with us?

We are just as excited to eat as you are. Why not sit back in the comfort of your own home and let us do all of the work? You don't need to facilitate a large group of friends going out to eat, and you don't have to miss out on your own dinner parties by being stuck in the kitchen. Also, cleaning up after a big party is usually too cumbersome the evening of, and then proceeds to ruin the morning after.  

 

It's effortless - the only thing you need to do is help coordinate the exact menu you want. That's it.

We come to you and are willing to travel. We cook, entertain (if you want), and clean. 

 

Let us create an experience for you.

 

Joe

​

The Team

​

What we do

The Dinner

 

When you book a dinner with us, the first step is creating the menu. We can obviously accommodate any dietary restrictions and aversions. The most important question is, “What foods do you NOT like.” This is your party; we want to ensure everyone leaves happy and full. If you are looking for “Spa Food” or “Just a nice little spread of meats and cheeses,” we are not what you are looking for - but we hope you find the right people for the job!

 

We come to your house, bring any necessary equipment to cook the meal, and leave your kitchen just as (or in better shape than) we found. We are happy to help find serving platters, disposable dining ware, etc. if needed. Other add-ons are as follows:

 

Wine Service 

 

I have extensive experience in both wine sales and wine drinking. I will happily pair wines to go with any and all of the dishes or pick out two or three to run the course of the meal. I will also handle service on any bottles from your own cellar that you’d like to offer. 

 

Cigar Selections

 

If you’re into it, I am happy to select the right cigars for after, before, or even during dinner (it’s your journey). Whether you prefer a milder Connecticut wrapper or a more intense Maduro - we’ve got you covered. I will pick them out, clip them, and light them. I’ve even got a very fancy ashtray.

 

Espresso

 

Avery roasts his own coffee beans and is eager to prepare a nice little pick-me-up for everyone after dinner. This is limited to parties of 10 or less and includes only espresso. By that, I mean no Venti Oatmilk Lattes, Add Chai, Add Extra Shot, Add Sugar-Free Vanilla (I only know about orders like this because, alas, I am frequently guilty of them at Starbucks)

​

A

 

 

We are happy to design and provide printed menus, as well as recipe booklets.  

​

Personalized menus for you and your guests

Sample Starters

Velvety Sweet Corn Soup with Maine Lobster and Saffron

 

Aromatic Thai Coconut Soup with Galangal, Lemongrass, Lime Leaves, and Mushrooms 

 

New England-Style Fish Chowder with Miso, Dashi, and Cream

 

Japanese-Style Vichyssoise 

 

Red Lentil Dal with Spinach, Tomato, and Buttery Garlic

 

French Onion Soup with Gruyere Crisps

 

Ajiaco Cubano Soup with Corn, Yucca, and Chicken 

 

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sesame, Sage, and Creme Fraiche 

 

Vietnamese Chicken Pho with Fresh Herbs 

 

Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole, Fresh Croutons, and Meatballs

 

Crab Rangoons with Sambal Gastrique 

 

Raw Oysters on the Half Shell with Smoked Lemon Mignonette 

 

Osetra Caviar Sandwich on King’s Hawaiian Roll 

 

Smoked Mussels, Escargot-Style

 

Seared Scallops with Lemon & Tarragon Butter

 

Mezze Plate

Baba Ghanouj, Muhammarra, Whipped Feta & Honey, Cucumber Salad with Sumac Pickled Onions, and Spicy Candied Walnuts with Herbs

 

Giant Spicy Scallop Roll with Togarashi and Truffle Oil

 

Meatballs! 

Italian with Red Sauce, Thai with Lemongrass Broth, or Turkish with Pomegranate Glaze

18017080973440255_edited.jpg

Sample Main Course Meals (Feel Free to Mix N' Match)

12-Hour Braised Pork Shoulder with Garlic

Cilantro Rice, Cuban Black Beans, Roasted Plantains, and Salsa Verde

 

Butter Cashew Chicken 

Israeli Couscous with Saffron, Apricot, and Mint + Fresh Naan Bread

 

Thai-Style Braised Short Ribs with Coconut 

Kimchi Fried Rice and Coconut-Braised Kale  

 

Lasagna Bolognese 

Caesar Salad and Broccoli Rabe with Garlic 

 

Red Wine-Marinated Beef Tenderloin Roast with Horseradish Cream Sauce

Classic Wedge Salad, Herb-Butter-Poached Lobster, Mashed Potatoes, and Garlic Butter Broccoli 

 

Saffron Risotto with Lobster and Aleppo Chili

Steamed Clams with Sake & Mirin and Tomato Salad with Burrata & Dark Cherry Balsamic

 

BBQ Pork with Mustard-Based Sauce

Cajun Mac N Cheese, Spicy Slaw, and Corn Fritters 

​

Coq Au Vin

Pearl Onions, Bacon, and Mashed Potatoes

​

Roasted Leg of Lamb

Romesco Sauce, Turkish Spice, and Israeli Couscous with Confit Fennel

​

Seared Ribeye Steaks

Roasted Potatoes with Salsa Verde & Crema, Carrots with Berbere Spice, and Green Goddess Salad

​

Mapo Tofu (Available with No Meat, Also)

Shanghai Hot & Sour Soup with Shrimp, Coconut Mango Rice, and Baby Bok Choi with Sesame & Soy

2024-09-28-joe-109.jpg

Sample Sweets

Almond Brown Butter Financier Cakes with Caramel Apples and Fresh Whipped Cream

 

Mango Lassi with Rose Water

 

Sweet Orzo Pudding with Vanilla Bean and Cherry Compote

 

The Bresca Baked Alaska Ice Cream Cake

So Many Flavors, So Many Toppings, So Much Magic 

 

Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Broth 

 

Bittersweet Chocolate Cakes with Caramel Sauce and Fresh Whipped Cream 

 

Coconut Cake with Dulce de Leche Frosting, Filled With Caramelized Pineapple 

As previously stated, we are open to any and all requests - so don't be shy!

2024-09-28-joe-133.jpg
Portfolio

Gallery

What people say

​

"I want to send you both, and your team, a HUGE thank you! Everyone you employed worked so professionally, it was the first time I didn't need to check on anything. In the beginning, when I did check on things, as I went to restock etc, your team already did it by the time I got back there. For example, when I was getting the bride upstairs for a speech/ tight timeline, and noticed there was popcorn all over the floor downstairs. Your team came to me to ask for a broom before I ever needed to address it or do it myself. What?? I've never experienced initiative like that. When I saw one plate remained at the Maine table and grabbed more plates, it was already restocked by the time I quickly returned. I was able to give into absolute trust and from then on, which was early, I got to focus solely on my job. In my position, that is quite rare and I was very grateful for that. The kitchen staff was always prepping or there to collect anything I brought to them and always asked if I needed anything. Again, amazing. Please let them all know how much they brought to the table and how professional they were while being fun and personable at the same time. Truly my favorite to work with since I started years ago and I wish I could work with them on every event. Dream Team.

 

FOOD: Thank you for providing one of the most incredible food experiences I've seen in my life. This is not an exaggeration. It was truly astounding, thoughtful and gorgeous. To create such quality in such quantity made my mouth drop and water at the same time. I also pride myself on a robust vocabulary but feel at a loss of words to describe how highly I felt about both nights. It was like an edible orchestra and the whole team was part of that as well."

​

- Samantha Bowen, Wedding Planner

​

Contact

To Inquire About Booking

jsricchio@gmail.com

Tel: 207-415-0280

Portland, ME 

​

Pricing structure is based on a per-head fee (determined by the details of the dinner) in addition to the cost of ingredients. We also require a non-refundable deposit upon setting a date

bottom of page