Chef Jessica Yarr
Chef At Home in Santa Cruz
Get to know me better
A chef devoted to creating memorable dining experiences that feel at once refined, soulful, and deeply familiar.
As the owner and chef of The Grove Cafe & Bakery in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I’m known for creating soulful, ingredient-driven food that balances refinement with warmth and familiarity. My culinary background spans restaurant ownership, pop-ups, private dining, and national television appearances, including competitions on Food Network. Drawing inspiration from seasonality, community, and global comfort food traditions, I create dining experiences that feel thoughtful, generous, and deeply personal.
More about me
For me, cooking is...
an act of hospitality and storytelling — creating experiences that feel intimate, transportive, and deeply nourishing.
I learned to cook at...
Le Cordon Bleu, followed by two decades in fine dining kitchens, restaurant leadership, and corporate executive chef roles.
A cooking secret...
Building ingredient-driven menus rooted in seasonality, strong relationships with local farmers and producers, and a balance of refined techniques.
Book your experience with Chef Jessica
Specify the details of your requests and the chef will send you a custom menu just for you.
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