Good Eats with Chef J is a private chef and catering company led by Chef Jalen Nwachukwu, a professionally trained chef and culinary entrepreneur based in Durham, North Carolina. With over 8 years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef J specializes in creating unforgettable dining experiences that blend soulful comfort food with refined technique and presentation.
Show more
Be the first to leave a review for Good Eats With Chef J .
What’s your signature dish?
At Good Eats with Chef J, our signature dish is the Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta — a rich, soul-warming favorite that keeps clients coming back for more.
This dish features:
Tender seared chicken breast, seasoned with Chef J’s signature spice blend
A velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan
Fresh baby spinach for balance and brightness
Served over perfectly cooked pasta, finished with a touch of herbs and a hint of heat
Whether served at a private dinner or featured on a buffet spread, this Tuscan-inspired dish reflects Chef J’s ability to bring together comfort, elegance, and bold flavor in every bite.
How do you go about creating the perfect menu for your clients?
At Good Eats with Chef J, creating the perfect menu starts with one simple step: listening. Every client has a story, a vision, and a flavor profile they’re drawn to—and it’s my job to bring that to life with care and creativity.
Here’s my approach:
1. Client Discovery
I start by learning about the occasion, preferences, dietary needs, guest count, and overall vibe. Whether it’s a wedding, intimate dinner, corporate event, or celebration, I tailor the menu to match the mood and meaning behind it.
2. Flavor First
I focus on bold, balanced, and beautiful flavors. I take what you love—whether it’s Southern-Creole comfort food, elegant plated entrees, or global influences—and elevate it using fresh ingredients, refined techniques, and presentation that wows.
3. Customization & Collaboration
I don’t believe in cookie-cutter menus. I’ll present ideas, offer alternatives, and work side-by-side with you to finalize a spread that reflects your taste, your story, and your budget. Vegan? Low-sodium? Allergies? No problem—we adapt.
4. Execution with Excellence
Once the menu is locked in, my team and I handle every detail—from sourcing ingredients to prepping, cooking, and plating. My goal is simple: make you look good, feed your guests well, and leave a lasting impression.
From the first bite to the final clean-up, I’m committed to excellence, hospitality, and flavor in every dish.
What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the ability to create moments through food. Every dish I prepare isn’t just about flavor—it’s about connection, comfort, and celebration. Whether I’m serving a couple their first meal as newlyweds, catering for a family milestone, or cooking for high-profile clients on tour, I get to be part of someone’s story in a meaningful way.
Food is personal—it brings people together, tells culture-rich stories, and expresses love without needing words. Knowing that something I created brought joy, sparked conversation, or made someone feel seen and celebrated—that’s the part that fuels me every single time.
And honestly? Seeing the smiles, hearing the compliments, and watching empty plates come back—that’s the best feedback a chef could ask for.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Good Eats with Chef J was born out of love—love for food, family, and the legacy of the women who raised me. My biggest inspirations were always right at home: my momma and my grandma. I grew up watching them pour their hearts into every dish, feeding not just stomachs but souls. The way they brought people together around the table made food feel like more than just nourishment—it was an act of love.
As a kid, I’d be glued to cooking shows, dreaming of one day having my own kitchen, my own flavor, my own way to make people feel something through food. I didn’t just want to cook—I wanted to create experiences. Starting my own business was my way of honoring the women who taught me the importance of flavor, faith, and family while creating a lane of my own.
Now, through Good Eats with Chef J, I get to blend those early influences with professional training and a passion for serving others—one plate, one event, one unforgettable bite at a time.
Why should our clients choose you?
When you choose Good Eats with Chef J, you’re not just hiring a chef—you’re partnering with someone who puts excellence, heart, and hospitality into every dish and every detail.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Customized Culinary Experiences
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all menus. Every event is unique, and your food should reflect that. I take the time to understand your vision, preferences, and goals—and then craft a menu that’s tailored just for you.
Flavor-First Philosophy
I bring bold, soulful, and unforgettable flavors to the table. From Creole comfort to elegant plated meals, every bite is made with fresh ingredients, refined technique, and chef-driven passion.
Professionalism You Can Trust
With 8+ years of culinary experience—serving everyone from families to high-profile clients and politicians—I know how to deliver under pressure. You’ll get reliable service, clear communication, and peace of mind.
Creative Presentation & Thoughtful Service
Your food should look as good as it tastes. From beautiful plating to professional drop-off setup, we make sure your guests are impressed from the first glance to the last bite.
Rooted in Family & Community
Good Eats is more than a business—it’s my legacy. Inspired by my mother and grandmother, I lead with love and cook with care. I’m also committed to giving back, serving meals to those in need through community outreach.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Good Eats with Chef J proudly offers online and remote culinary services to meet clients wherever they are. Whether you're across the country or planning an event from afar, I bring the same level of care, creativity, and professionalism—virtually.
Here’s how we serve you remotely:
Virtual Meal Planning & Menu Consultations
Need help building the perfect menu for your event or weekly meals? I offer virtual consultations via Zoom or phone, where we’ll discuss your needs, budget, and goals to create a fully customized plan.
? Cooking Classes & Virtual Demonstrations (coming soon)
Book a live cooking class or demonstration for your group, family, or team-building event. I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, techniques, and flavor tips—live from my kitchen to yours.
Digital Recipe Development
Want exclusive recipes crafted just for your diet, event, or brand? I create custom recipe packages with ingredient lists, prep tips, and instructions for home cooks or content creators.
Shippable Meal Prep or Signature Seasonings (Coming Soon)
We’re working on launching select signature spice blends and meal kits that can be shipped directly to your door—bringing a taste of Chef J to your kitchen, wherever you are.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
At Good Eats with Chef J, the health and safety of our clients have always been a top priority. While COVID-19 restrictions have eased, and operations have become a bit more relaxed, we still take every precaution seriously—because your trust means everything to us.
Here’s how we continue to protect our customers:
Strict Sanitation Practices: We maintain high standards of cleanliness in our kitchen and during all food handling and packaging processes.
Gloves & Handwashing: Our staff continues to use gloves and follow proper handwashing protocols, especially during meal prep and service.
Safe Packaging: For drop-off catering and meal prep, all items are carefully sealed and labeled to minimize contact.
Flexible Service Options: We still offer contactless delivery, individually packaged meals, and virtual consultations when needed for added peace of mind.
Routine Equipment Sanitization: All tools, surfaces, and equipment are cleaned thoroughly before, during, and after every job.
While we’ve adapted with the times, our commitment to your health, safety, and satisfaction remains unchanged. Whether we’re serving a plated dinner or preparing a meal for drop-off, you can count on Good Eats with Chef J to deliver food made with care—and served with safety in mind.
Private Chef Services
Experience fine dining in the comfort of your home or rental. We design custom menus and provide full-service cooking, plating, and cleanup, perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or VIP client experiences.
Catering for Events & Special Occasions
From weddings and baby showers to corporate events and banquets, we offer full-service or drop-off catering. Choose from buffet-style, plated service, or small bites—customized to your event’s needs.
Weekly Meal Prep Services
Busy schedule? Let us do the cooking. We prepare delicious, nutritious meals tailored to your dietary needs (including seafood, chicken, vegetarian, and low-sodium options) delivered fresh or frozen, ready to heat and eat.
Custom Baked Goods & Desserts
Order made-from-scratch cakes, cupcakes, cobblers, and desserts for birthdays, weddings, and events. We offer simple, elegant designs with a focus on rich flavor and moist texture.
Pop-Up & Themed Culinary Experiences
Book us for exclusive pop-up dinners or let us design a themed dining experience—like a 1930s Cotton Club supper or Southern Sunday brunch.
Travel Chef Services
Hosting a retreat or destination event? We travel! Let us take care of your meals on-location—perfect for yoga retreats, Airbnbs, or corporate team getaways.
Corporate & Nonprofit Meal Solutions
We partner with schools, churches, nonprofits, and organizations to provide pre-packaged meals, boxed lunches, and custom meal plans that meet both dietary and budget needs.
Additional Services
Full menu design & consultation
Dietary accommodations (gluten-free, dairy-free, low sodium, etc.)
Professional setup & breakdown
Staffing (servers, bartenders, event chefs available by request)
Food styling for photoshoots & influencer content