Chef Jayne Dunsmore

Private Chef In Toronto

I am a professional chef with 20+ years experience in the catering and restaurant fields. I grew up with a Dietitian in the house, my mum and with that my first memories of home cooked meals were of colorful plates with nutritiously balanced food choices. With my ever developing love of food and passion for cooking, I decided to attend the Culinary Institute of San Diego. Upon graduation I secured a Sous Chef position with Art Bolic Catering. It was there that I found my calling; cooking for people from all walks of life, no matter the event or size of group. I feed off the creative energy that comes to me when I am in the kitchen. With a lucky turn of events, I landed back in Toronto in 1996 and started my own catering company, Jayne's Gourmet Catering. I have never looked back. I made a conscious decision early on in my growing boutique style business to honor food with integrity and the individuals or groups I was cooking for; always cooking from scratch using the highest quality of locally sourced ingredients; cooking with the seasons although sometimes challenging and knowing and caring about my clients and the food choices they make. I never wanted to lose sight of why I started my business in the first place - and I believe I have succeeded!

For me, cooking is...

For me cooking is inventive, stimulating and fun!

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook at The Culinary Institute in San Diego

A cooking secret...

My secret in the kitchen is being patient and enjoying the creative process.

My menus

Seafood Extravaganza

STARTER

All inclusive

Seared Lemon and Parsley Butter Scallops, White wine sauce, Chives, dehydrated tomato

Warm Vichyssoise Soup with Stilton cream, Chives

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Grilled Sea Bass, shaved roasted Fennel, Olive, Caper & Lemon Gremolata, Spinach Feta Quinoa Cake

DESSERT

All inclusive

Molten Chocolate Cake, Chantilly Cream, Raspberries

Vegetarian Delight

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Panko crusted crispy eggplant, feta mousse, dry roasted cherry tomatoes, crispy leek

Mini caramelized onion, goat cheese tarte tatin

Crispy artichokes, quinoa flour battered, lemon caper aioli

Three cheese arancini, marinara sauce

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Falafel meatballs, pomodoro sauce, fresh thyme, Parmesan

Kale ravioli, mushrooms, crispy lentils, Parmesan, smoked butter sauce

Burrata, heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic syrup, olive oil

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cauliflower Steak, charred Eggplant Baba, Braised and Crispy Lentils, Pomegranate, Gremolata

Moroccan spiced torte - squash, shallots, almonds, pistachios, cranberries, spinach, chickpeas, phyllo, harissa yogurt, candied carrots, grilled fennel

Carrot Osso Bucco with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, pearl onions, honey nut squash, red baby potatoes, red wine sauce, pilaf

Ginger garlic grilled tofu, sauteed broccolini, forbidden black rice, grilled trumpet mushrooms, sauteed purple cauliflower

Wild porcini mushroom farro risotto, truffle oil, freshly grated parmesan

Beet wellington, wild earthy mushrooms, goat cheese, fresh herbs, frisee with apple

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate truffle cake, chocolate ganache, orange cream

Sticky Toffee Pudding, toffee sauce, Tahitian vanilla ice cream

Ginger cake, salted caramel poached pears

Apple streudel, salted caramel ice cream

Osaka

STARTER

All inclusive

Miso Soup, Wakame Seaweed, Bamboo Shoots, Tofu, charred Scallions

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura with Tentsuya sauce

Chicken Karaage

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Miso and ginger glazed Sea Bass, Pickled Daikon, White Miso aioli, Sweet Potato Pave, braised baby kale

DESSERT

All inclusive

Japanese Souffle Cheesecake

Strawberry Shortcake

Green Tea Creme Brulee

Bordeaux

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Oysters on the Half Shell, Fresh Horseradish, Mignonette sauce, lemon

Asparagus vichyssoise, tarragon, creme fraiche, lemon oil

Pan seared Fois Gras, Apple purée, grapefruit champagne sauce

Three toasts - nicoise olive tapenade, caramelized onion and goat cheese, artichoke, asiago and scallion

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sea Scallops, Orange ginger Beurre blanc

Beef tartare, capers, Dijon mustard, red Chile, parsley, red onion, toast

Warm tri colored beet and goat cheese tart, red pepper, toasted hazelnuts, arugula, balsamic

Savory buckwheat crepe with mushrooms, spinach, emmenthal, brandy sauce

Tarte Pissaladiere- caramelized onion, Dijon mustard, roasted cherry tomatoes, Nicoise olives, anchovy, French beans, roasted Jerusalem artichokes

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chateaubriand, Barolo jus, bearnaise, gratin dauphinois, caramelized pearl onions, roasted root vegetables

Pan fried sea bass, Jerusalem artichoke purée, butter beans, roasted garlic, sautéed spinach, roasted pepper, red wine reduction

Duck confit, haricot beans, sausage, pancetta, black kale

Roasted Rack of Lamb, herbs Provencal, lamb jus, honey nut squash, sweet pickled red cabbage, roasted baby carrots, mint gremolata

Traditional Coq au vin, Burgundian wine, cognac, pearl onions, mushrooms, braised fennel, figs, brussel sprout, roasted cauliflower puree

Rabbit in mustard sauce, creamy polenta, French beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lavender poached pears, crunchy cinnamon toasted almonds, honey lavender mascarpone

Classic creme brulee, sugared crust, berries

Apple tarte tatin with calvados cream

Molten chocolate souffle, raspberry puree, tahitian vanilla ice cream

Chocolate pot de creme

Classic Italian

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Pasta e Fagioli with Cannellini Beans, Pancetta and Rosemary

Calamari Fritti with Basil, fresh Marinara sauce

Baked aubergine with smoked Scamorza, aged Pecorino, sweet basil, San Marzano tomato sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Lobster ravioli, saffron beurre blanc, chive & garlic oil, fennel

Seafood Cioppino with Shrimps, clams, mussels and lobster in a rich tomato broth

Traditional Caesar salad with cherry smoked bacon, pesto croutons, shaved parmesan

Spaghettini carbonara with fresh black truffle, parmesan

Risotto al vino rosso - red wine risotto, parmesan, fresh herbs

Honey nut squash, pumpkin ravioli, apply crispy sage butter sauce, toasted hazelnuts, parmesan

Polpette de ricotta - fresh ricotta balls in Pomodoro sauce, pesto

Burrata, basil leaf, reduced aged balsamic, toasted hazelnuts, olive oil, focaccia barese

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Braised Chicken all'Arrabiata, farro risotto, braised cauliflower, scallions, garlic scapes

Farro lentil bolognese, fresh parmesan

Roasted branzino with peppers caponata, roasted fennel fronds, caramelized shallots, fingerling potatoes

Bistecca alla fiorentina - t-bone steak, barolo jus, roasted carrots and parsnips with apple, bacon and thyme, garlic mashed potatoes, broccolini

Red wine braised lamb shank, maple glazed root vegetables, creamy polenta, broccolini

Garlic Shrimp Scampi, sliced grilled wagyu, peppers caponata, green beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Espresso Panna Cotta with Cinnamon Hazelnut Brittle

Espresso chocolate tiramisu, mascarpone grand Marnier cream, cocoa dust, chocolate curls

Bombolini with Nutella and Italian cannolis with orange scented ricotta cream, pistachios

Dark chocolate mousse torte, amarena cherries, cream

Mediterrano

STARTER

All inclusive

Fire roasted Tomato Bisque, Halloumi Croutons, fresh Basil, Parmesan Crisp

Lamb and eggplant fritters, cashew cucumber mint raita

Salted cod and caramelized leek croquettes, lemon oregano aioli

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp saganaki with rich tomato sauce, feta, scallions, olives and oregano

Burrata, peach grilled with rosemary and honey, heirloom tomato, basil , scallions, sherry vinaigrette

Red quinoa and sweet potato croquettes, rich tomato coconut sauce

Charred octopus, spiced chickpeas, chorizo, pickled onion, piquillo peppers, tomes o sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled Branzino stuffed with shaved Roasted Fennel, Olive Caper and Lemon Gremolata, Spinach Feta Quinoa Cake

Cauliflower Steak, charred Eggplant Baba, Braised and Crispy Lentils, Pomegranate, Gremolata

Honey Braised Lamb Shank, Jus, Jeweled Couscous, Almonds, herbs, Cumin scented Cauliflower

Mezze platter - roasted red pepper, grilled eggplant, kalamata olives, herbed bocconcini, artichokes, lemon hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, grilled pita bread

Harissa marinated wild caught salmon, eggplant and red pepper caviar, spiced lemon chickpea couscous

Roasted deboned Cornish hen, natural chicken jus, feta cheese, roasted baby peppers, red onion, baby zucchini and artichoke, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, olives and capers

Grass fed hanger steak, cassoulet of carrot, parsnips, pearl onions and mushrooms, crispy potatoes, chimichurri sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Candied Pear and Fig Tart with Star Anise Mascarpone Cream

Pavlova - soft meringue with fresh cream, soft fruit, fresh mint

Orange chocolate hazelnut cake with fresh fruit and cream

Chocolate hazelnut baklava

Apple tart, crispy puff pastry, caramel apple glaze, salted caramel ice cream

Plant Based Italian

STARTER

All inclusive

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Sweet Pea Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce, sauteed King Mushrooms, Sweet Peas, Parmesan Crisp

Caprese Salad with Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Burrata, fresh Basil, glazed Balsamic

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Traditional Eggplant Parmigiana

DESSERT

All inclusive

Tiramisu with Berries

French

STARTER

All inclusive

Creamy Lobster Broth

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Ashed Chevre, Slow Roasted Yellow and Red Beets, Red Beet Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Cote de Boeuf, Bordelaise Sauce, Roast Potatoes with Dijon, Chanterelle Mushrooms, candied Carrots

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate Fondant with Coffee Cream and Chocolate Dentelles

Seafood Extravaganza

STARTER

All inclusive

Seared Lemon and Parsley Butter Scallops, White wine sauce, Chives, dehydrated tomato

Warm Vichyssoise Soup with Stilton cream, Chives

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Grilled Sea Bass, shaved roasted Fennel, Olive, Caper & Lemon Gremolata, Spinach Feta Quinoa Cake

DESSERT

All inclusive

Molten Chocolate Cake, Chantilly Cream, Raspberries

Vegetarian Delight

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Panko crusted crispy eggplant, feta mousse, dry roasted cherry tomatoes, crispy leek

Mini caramelized onion, goat cheese tarte tatin

Crispy artichokes, quinoa flour battered, lemon caper aioli

Three cheese arancini, marinara sauce

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Falafel meatballs, pomodoro sauce, fresh thyme, Parmesan

Kale ravioli, mushrooms, crispy lentils, Parmesan, smoked butter sauce

Burrata, heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic syrup, olive oil

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cauliflower Steak, charred Eggplant Baba, Braised and Crispy Lentils, Pomegranate, Gremolata

Moroccan spiced torte - squash, shallots, almonds, pistachios, cranberries, spinach, chickpeas, phyllo, harissa yogurt, candied carrots, grilled fennel

Carrot Osso Bucco with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, pearl onions, honey nut squash, red baby potatoes, red wine sauce, pilaf

Ginger garlic grilled tofu, sauteed broccolini, forbidden black rice, grilled trumpet mushrooms, sauteed purple cauliflower

Wild porcini mushroom farro risotto, truffle oil, freshly grated parmesan

Beet wellington, wild earthy mushrooms, goat cheese, fresh herbs, frisee with apple

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate truffle cake, chocolate ganache, orange cream

Sticky Toffee Pudding, toffee sauce, Tahitian vanilla ice cream

Ginger cake, salted caramel poached pears

Apple streudel, salted caramel ice cream

Osaka

STARTER

All inclusive

Miso Soup, Wakame Seaweed, Bamboo Shoots, Tofu, charred Scallions

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura with Tentsuya sauce

Chicken Karaage

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Miso and ginger glazed Sea Bass, Pickled Daikon, White Miso aioli, Sweet Potato Pave, braised baby kale

DESSERT

All inclusive

Japanese Souffle Cheesecake

Strawberry Shortcake

Green Tea Creme Brulee

Bordeaux

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Oysters on the Half Shell, Fresh Horseradish, Mignonette sauce, lemon

Asparagus vichyssoise, tarragon, creme fraiche, lemon oil

Pan seared Fois Gras, Apple purée, grapefruit champagne sauce

Three toasts - nicoise olive tapenade, caramelized onion and goat cheese, artichoke, asiago and scallion

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sea Scallops, Orange ginger Beurre blanc

Beef tartare, capers, Dijon mustard, red Chile, parsley, red onion, toast

Warm tri colored beet and goat cheese tart, red pepper, toasted hazelnuts, arugula, balsamic

Savory buckwheat crepe with mushrooms, spinach, emmenthal, brandy sauce

Tarte Pissaladiere- caramelized onion, Dijon mustard, roasted cherry tomatoes, Nicoise olives, anchovy, French beans, roasted Jerusalem artichokes

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chateaubriand, Barolo jus, bearnaise, gratin dauphinois, caramelized pearl onions, roasted root vegetables

Pan fried sea bass, Jerusalem artichoke purée, butter beans, roasted garlic, sautéed spinach, roasted pepper, red wine reduction

Duck confit, haricot beans, sausage, pancetta, black kale

Roasted Rack of Lamb, herbs Provencal, lamb jus, honey nut squash, sweet pickled red cabbage, roasted baby carrots, mint gremolata

Traditional Coq au vin, Burgundian wine, cognac, pearl onions, mushrooms, braised fennel, figs, brussel sprout, roasted cauliflower puree

Rabbit in mustard sauce, creamy polenta, French beans

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lavender poached pears, crunchy cinnamon toasted almonds, honey lavender mascarpone

Classic creme brulee, sugared crust, berries

Apple tarte tatin with calvados cream

Molten chocolate souffle, raspberry puree, tahitian vanilla ice cream

Chocolate pot de creme

Show me more

Chef Jayne's reviews

4.85

•

130 services

Chef Jayne was absolutely incredible. We had a group of 8 and everyone was thoroughly impressed. The food was delicious, and we were so stuffed at the end. We will definitely be booking again as the experience was amazing. Thank you so much Chef Jayne!!

Great experience, great food, would definitely do this again for my next event!

Was an Amazing experience and such a Great night to be able to visit with your Guests and have an Amazing Meal. Jayne Dunsmore, Thankyou for a wonderful evening. Angela and Ted Mangnall

the evening was absolutely perfect! Jayne and Maurizio were very sweet and very professional. My guests loved the food, couldn't stop raving about it. Everything was amazing. Thank you Jayne for the wonderful night and Maurizio for being so attentive!

Chef Jayne and her assistant were amazing. Easy to have around, pleasant and delivered exactly what I asked for! Thank you so much for being a part of our weekend, you made it so special!

I normally don't take the time to write reviews, but Chef Jayne was amazing. Hosting this dinner party was the most relaxed I've ever been. I could truly enjoy myself while Jayne took care of everything. The attention to detail for each dish was spot on. The food was not just amazing; it surpassed expectations, from the fresh, local ingredients to the delicious and beautifully presented dishes. Moreover, I didn't have to worry about cleanup afterward; even the garbage was taken out. Every detail exceeded my expectations.

We had such a wonderful experience! The food was delicious and we would love to use this service again. Thank you so much.

Jayne was wonderful. The food was delicious and each course was perfectly spaced out.

Chef Jayne was amazing! We had a beautiful meal and everything was fresh, delicious, and presented gorgeously. We booked her for our Mom’s 70th birthday and it was such a delight, she loved it and so did we! She was kind, engaging, and gave us time to watch the sunset together before dessert which was very special. We would highly recommend her and the beautiful French food she made.

This was my first experience in working with a chef as I had 15 people for Christmas dinner and I wanted to have a menu that everyone would enjoy. Jayne was responsive the entire journey, collaborative and put together an incredible menu that was perfect for the group. On the day she was punctual, cooked the dinner with such discretion in the background, and Alistair was the perfect addition as server on the day. Jayne’s meal was simply amazing, cooked to perfection and everyone raved about the quality and experience. We asked for traditional Irish/British and she delivered! Before I even realized she and Alistair had done all the cleanup! My first experience was a huge success and I would HIGHLY recommend Jayne for your next event! I know I will!

Chef Jayne Dunsmore exceeded our expectations! She arrived in time and very well prepared and had all the courses out on time with an amazing presentation! My guests had different food preferences and allergies and Jayne created the perfect menu to meet individual food preferences! I will definitely have Jayne over again soon!! I rate the overall experience and food an easy 5/5!!!!! Thank you for such a wonderful and memorable night Jayne!!! :)

Chef Jayne prepared an amazing meal for 10 guests that was entirely gluten-free and also provided a dairy-free option. We were very pleased that she confidently accommodated all of the dietary restrictions in the group. The portion sizes were very generous and the quality of the ingredients was top-notch. Chef Jayne and her sous-chef were both very polite, discreet and professional. The service experience was excellent, it was a real treat to have them leave the kitchen completely clean following dinner as well. Thank you Jayne for providing us with this special dinning experience. I would highly recommend Chef Jayne to anyone thinking of hiring a private chef!

Jane and Alister were a great team. They showed up on time and made an incredible meal. They really created an awsome dining experience for our 10 person dinner party. Jane was very easy to communicate with and offered some great choices for dinner. I would have no hesitation booking them again.

Jayne did an amazing job. The food was incredible and she struck the right balance between giving us space to enjoy our anniversary and being engaging.

Jayne is an exceptional chef and such a pleasant person! Her dishes were delightful and beautifully presented. We would recommend her and in the future she is definitely our go to! Thank you Chef Jayne!

Jayne was incredible, her food was remarkable and probably one of the best meals I've ever had. She was so professional but also very personable. Each dish was prepared in a timely manner and the presentation was beautiful as well. Her assistant Allistair was wonderful too. They truly made our evening a million times better! We will definitely be hiring Chef Jayne again!

Chef Jayne is amazing! Five course meal was delicious, and the presentation excellent! And what a lovely person. Prompt and clear communication in advance and throughout for total peace of mind. Came highly prepared. Would highly recommend!

Jayne arrived on time and I gave her a quick tour of the kitchen and told her to use what she needed and feel free to rummage around. She was great. She made space in the fridge for her food and set to work. We were outside and in due time she presented us with our first course. Prior to the evening Jayne gave me a 4 to 5 options for each course. Every course was beautifully presented and was delicious. She even threw in a surprise course! She explained each dish and didn't rush the meal leaving us time to savour. I had asked for a coconut cream pie for dessert because it's my husbands favourite and hers did not disappoint. Mile high and rich and delicious. He was super pleased. I have never hired a private chef before and this was a great experience. Jayne was professional and fun and I would hire her again in a heartbeat.

For my parents 50th wedding anniversary we arranged for Jayne to come to their home and prepare a an evening of dining for them and some friends. Jayne was amazing. She worked with me to create a menu that suited everyone's dietary needs, and also would be a personal and memorable experience for my parents. They said that from the minute she arrived they felt wonderfully taken care of. And that the food was delicious (and beautiful to boot!) Thank you Jayne!

Jayne was amazing from beginning to end. Highly recommended, we will be hiring Jayne again in the future!

Great experience, great food, would definitely do this again for my next event!

Was an Amazing experience and such a Great night to be able to visit with your Guests and have an Amazing Meal. Jayne Dunsmore, Thankyou for a wonderful evening. Angela and Ted Mangnall

Chef Jayne and her assistant were amazing. Easy to have around, pleasant and delivered exactly what I asked for! Thank you so much for being a part of our weekend, you made it so special!