A Natural-Born Chef with Main Line Roots and an Artist's Touch

McCafferty counts Julia Child, Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) and Martha Stewart among her strongest influences.  Combining Child's classic techniques and confidence, Garten's simple, bold flavors and natural ingredients and Stewart's versatility and attention to detail, McCafferty creates seasonal menus with fresh, zesty flavors and remarkable presentation.

Without question, McCafferty's strongest influence is the earth. Before JPM catered its first event, McCafferty outlined environmentally responsible practices--like using biodegradable packaging and local produce and composting--that have become pillars of JPM's reputation.

A member of the Philadelphia Women's Culinary Guild, McCafferty has worked in the kitchen and front of house at some of the most well-known French and Nouveau American restaurants in Philadelphia. She has been cooking for as long as she can remember.

When it comes to events, McCafferty has planned them all. She has brought her thoughtful, thorough and personalized touch to bar mitzvahs, weddings, and dinner parties alike. In the fall of 2008, she oversaw the opening of the Chemical Heritage Foundation conference center, for which she served as meeting and events manager. McCafferty specializes in event details and presenting clients with options that suit their needs. She also makes many of her own décor pieces, often using recycled items and creating flower arrangements from her own garden.

McCafferty earned her B.A. in Visual Arts with concentrations in Art History and Photography from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. She studied French language and culture at Alliance Francaise in Paris and later received her certification in Professional Meeting Planning from Temple University's Institute of Continuing Studies.

McCafferty also brings a strong sense of community to JPM. In recent years, she has worked to raise funds for Greener Partners, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable organic farming in Greater Philadelphia, and has previously volunteered as the event coordinator for Girls Rock Philly, a non-profit that promotes rock 'n roll musicianship among young women in Greater Philadelphia.

Other past service includes project leader for Greater Philadelphia Cares: Recipes for Success, a healthy cooking education program for teenage mothers, and teaching a photography workshop for underprivileged children at the Norristown Library.