— About —
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Our Team
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Peppercorn Events is a full-service catering and events company. We are NJ based, with most of our events in Northern NJ and lower Hudson Valley, but we love to travel. Our focus is local, seasonal ingredients and custom menus for each event.
Jess + Daniel Ford started Peppercorn Events in 2018, after working in various restaurants throughout NYC. Peppercorn Events started as an off-premise catering company and has expanded to offer services including food, beverage, staffing, rentals, décor, music and coordination. The Grocery, launched in 2021, is Peppercorn Events’ line of grab and go, ready to heat meals and local, artisanal products. Come by our location in Bergen County, NJ and say hi!
Jess Ford she/her
Owner
Chef + Director of Operations
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, and studying farm to table cuisine in California, Jess worked on an organic farm in England and traveled to China, Israel and throughout Europe studying food and wine. Jess received her Level 2 Sommelier Certification in 2016 while managing restaurants in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Jess works with the events team to create unique menus and beautiful events.
Favorite Food: scallop sushi, seared scallops, scallop crudo…
Favorite Peppercorn Events Dish: pappardelle with duck confit, cherries and crispy shallots
Michelle Tomasi she/her
Events Manager
Michelle left her corporate job 5 years ago and jumped into the hospitality world where she discovered her love for event planning. She will go out of her way to ensure that clients’ and their guests’ expectations are exceeded. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, wine, and the occasional shenanigan. She is most proud of her two children and her volunteer work for the ACS.
Favorite Food: sushi
Favorite Peppercorn Events Dish: jerk chicken
Daniel Ford he/him
Owner
R+D and Event Chef
Daniel's focus has been on wine, beer, spirits and other beverages. He is an accomplished home brewer, created a kombucha program at a Michelin starred restaurant and is pursuing his Level 3 Advanced Sommelier Certification. He has worked at 1 and 2 Michelin starred restaurants throughout Manhattan. Daniel works with our culinary team to create new and exciting menu items and leads our culinary team on events.
Favorite Food: classic mac + cheese
Favorite Peppercorn Events Dish: braised short rib with marinated heirloom tomato
Tanzii Rolle she/them
Chef de Cuisine
Tanzii graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with a focus on applied food studies and further honed their skills in bustling NYC restaurants. Prior to joining the Peppercorn Events team, they were a kitchen manager at a holistic learning center. Outside of kitchen, Tanzii is an avid hiker, stargazer, lover of beer, and tattoo aficionado. You can find Tanzii in the kitchen at your event, bringing your culinary visions to life.
Favorite Food: waffles
Favorite Peppercorn Events Dish: pink peppercorn cacio e pepe