Old Dominion Catering and Event Management - ODCM

01/19/2022

01/19/2022

https://my.indeed.com/p/justina-1tc90db

If anyone is curious as of my current skill-set or my background experiences and wants to know who they're hiring or working with, this is for you!

All of my credentials have been recently updated, renewed, or edited to reflect my current knowledge and my most recent positions that I feel reflect my ability to perform tasks and what my focus in any given position has been. I can be 100% sure of this as I recently moved and had to make time to sit down and go over the documentation in my possession, so everything here is accurate to the best of my ability!

If you ever have need of my services, feel free to give me a call! Thanks,
Chef Justin

01/13/2022

Working on a personal recipe guide and cookbook for people.
15 pages will be published and shared for free, the rest may come out over time, as I publish them, for a price people are willing to pay for the full collection once it's all done. I anticipate about 90 pages front and back, when its all said and done, and look forward to sharing with you all as I understand the logistics behind making a book.
I'm trying to nail down a price range I'd be comfortable charging for a cooking guide before I even start printing or drafting, and I don't know where to start. I was thinking $8.99?

Let me know what you guys would be comfortable paying or what you'd like to see in the guide and I'll try to accommodate what I can. :)
I hope you had a wonderful holidays, sorry you haven't seen much of me. Life got me bogged a little down and I'm working through it.
Hang in there,
Chef Justin

11/05/2021

Hey all,
Quick update: I just added appointments and quotes to the page that go directly to my email, so you can reach me at any time to ask questions about how I can help make your life more fulfilling through the choices you make about your food and your health!
I also added scheduling reminders for up to 24 hr before an event so you have the option to cancel if something comes up!
I have also added a book-now button to make an appointment with me to discuss your next outdoor event, setting up your restaurants event hall to more modern standards, or performing whatever tasks you may have need of!
Feel free to ask me any questions you may have and I'll reply within 12 hours and let you know whether or not I can further assist you, or if I can help find someone who can! Also, if you look under "Services", there are now estimates and starting costs for almost every service I currently offer, with more to come as I develop further!
Sincerely yours,
Chef Justin Alford

10/07/2021

10/07/2021

Hey y'all!
Justin here. Some things have been updated and I still haven't got many requests but I keep this frequently up to date.
I wanted to further outline my services in detail, to give you all a better idea of where my skillsets lie and what I can or can't do for you.
I can:
-Offer Nutritional advice to people with specific dietary needs which are non life threatening and don't need external monitoring by a doctor. Some things I am familiar with or have assisted family with over the years include: Celiacs diets, memory and joint health diets for those suffering with gout, arthritis, or injury, keto diets for diabetics, bipolar focused meals plans for more natural salt balance and mood health, diets for people with allergies, written meal plans and nutritional guides for those who may not know where to start. I offer 1 day, 5 day, 7 day, bi-weekly, monthly, or contract/on-call services for a fee as well

-Offer advice on life planning, schedules, basic home maintenance such as appliances, computer software basics, tutoring in psychology and the sciences for teen and high school aged children (specifically relating to chemistry, geostudies, biology, physical health and wellness, culinary arts, and health sciences), offer kitchen and home care advice and assist you in planning out dining spaces, living spaces, and proper cleanliness standards for a better quality of life, and enable you to make better choices about your eating and spending habits in general

-Offer catering services for parties, including but not limited to food preparation, serving, setup and breakdown of hall spaces under 200 people, setting up decorations and lights, setting up basic wired stereo or surround music systems, brighten up and rearrange old or musty feeling spaces to make them feel more comfortable and ergonomic for clients to walk through which saves on both space and storage costs during the course of the event, and generally offer a well rounded lifetime of experience on current market trends and viable alternatives to many popular local dishes which may not be in season. I will do weddings for an up front deposit but they must be outdoor or open event halls, I have asthma and your money isn't worth my health at the end of the day, unfortunately.

- Offer pro-bono services for small events under 20 people for repeat customers or clientele. These are typically limited to care packages of seasonal items I prepare, wine baskets, fruit arrangements with floral decoration, and assorted sundries and pastries. These are only available on a first-come first serve basis, and only 1 will be offered per customer, per order, however if you request that I offer any of these items with a package, I expect you to also have either previously worked with me or that you intend to follow up with me at a later date, as I don't make them ahead of time, only by request and typically only for lower-income families or people who couldn't otherwise obtain these items themselves. I DO NOT offer pro-bono services for first time or difficult customers. I also will not ever intentionally supply alcohol to minors or purchase allergens if I suspect someone may have a reaction, and these gift items will be chosen at my discretion, not the customers, but will always be items I believe people should be more aware of locally or that a specific client may enjoy in the future, and I always do this with my customers in mind.

I CANNOT:

- Purchase or setup bars or alcohol outside of wine and beer for events. I have my certifications, I just refuse to work with those I believe drink to excess. If wine or other spirits are ordered, I will bring only what is ordered and will not serve beer, spirits, or high-proof alcohols to clients on principal, but I will pour and serve wine to those of age. All other alcohol will be chilled and set out later for guests and party-goers to help themselves to.

- Offer repair services for anything that doesn't include point of sale machines, ovens, fridges, freezers, heating or cooling vents in kitchens, etc. You get the idea. I do very basal appliance maintenance mostly limited to things like updating housings, o-bearings, gaskets, hosing, etc. Anything mechanical or requiring a power tool to get access to, I typically leave to those more prepared than I, but I can do basic care and upkeep on almost any appliance you may have so do keep this in mind. I can also do software and firmware updates, and renew old hardware or recommend better hardware to update outdated systems, but prefer not to if given the choice, though I am well versed in the engineering behind handheld devices, tablet pcs, mobile phones, and home pc systems.

- Tell you how to live your life, I took an oath out of college just like anyone else who had a serious interest in therapy or psychological fields as a part of my internship and post graduate programs. Anything you tell me is told in confidence, and I am only here to suggest and advise on the correct or efficient way to get you to your goals based on what you tell me you need or want! I don't share anything we've said over email, phone, text, etc, and I am bound by client confidentiality.

I hope this helps and if you know anyone who may need some of the above listed services, or help in these fields, let me know and I'll be by my phone!
Sincerely yours,
Chef Justin Alford

07/30/2021

07/19/2021

Give me ideas. I'm still here, I just have no clue what to do. I've been at home full time with the baby since we had a little one in March and business is beyond dead. So many new move ins and restaurants locally to my area killed my clientele mostly because of the green blood, but also on account of the fact the older ones all moved south towards Richmond or Fredrick area. If you're Arlington, Springfield, Old Town, Huntington, or DC local and you need a stand in kitchen manager, an event staffer, a caterer for small parties, someone who does cooking for families with dietary needs, someone with experience repairing minor appliances, or someone who's main goal in life has been psychology and therapeutic wellness in tandem with nutritional health, let me know!
I'm all ears and I'll take on any gig right now, free of charge unless it takes me more than 6 hours to complete, otherwise my hourly rate applies.
I would rather make my community feel better vicariously through my work by delivering food or offering a shoulder to cry on than demand a dime when most of us are struggling down here.
Inbox me if you come up with anything y'all, I'm always happy to help.
Gratefully yours,
Chef Justin Alford

02/21/2021

Hey everyone!
I have been working hard on a portfolio of goods to put together so you can all get an idea of what average pricing will be and what you can expect for extra services! I personally don't feel right publishing something that isn't finished yet, so stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, I will also be taking case by case commission's for meal plans, reusable utensils (I make bamboo spoons and serving items), and pre-packaged homemade ready-to-heat-and-serve Tupperware for those of you who can't be bothered to cook on your day off.
Ask/message the page and I will answer personally.
Thanks for visiting,
Chef Justin

01/27/2021

Hey all,
I'm still active and open for orders. I've been taking a leave of absence to get my menus together and get this page more cohesive. You should see sporadic updates for the next 3 to 6 weeks until I finish editing my holiday portfolio photos from 2019 and 2020 to update here.
Thanks for your patience and I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to message me or the page for any inquiries or concerns during normal business hours. Email or text is preferred.
Thanks,
Chef Justin

11/24/2020

11/18/2020

Everyone,
I have openings the day before Thanksgiving to deliver/cater from 12p-6p, and an available time slot on Thanksgiving from 10am to 2p for any last minute prep you need.
Plese refer to previous posts outlining package offers or ask about something specific and Ill get in touch with you asap.
I ask that all requests be made 72 hours prior to an event in question, thanks!
Chef Justin

11/07/2020

Hey there!
I am offering a special for the holidays, extending into New Year's Eve. I will be offering contact-less delivery and catered orders of individual meals or meals for small families who may need a little help getting their holiday plans together. ALL PACKAGES WILL BE 3-COURSE MEALS MINIMUM UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUESTED.

I will be offering packages starting at $35, which will typically include a 2lb portion of a protein of your choice, one small side (5 servings), and a small dessert under 8" inches in size. This will feed a family of 4-6 or a small gathering of picky eaters., and I will deliver it the morning of an event or meal. This will typically fill one full tray.

For $60, I'm offering either a full 5-lb ham, turkey, roast, chicken, or personal preference, two medium sides (8 servings each), and a pie, cake, or pastry of 14" or enough for 15 servings, and I will deliver it the day before the event. This option will be enough for 10-20 people, and usually includes two full trays, one of meat and sides and the other of pastries and extras.

For $150, I will do a full 12lb meat option of your choice, two large sides (15 servings each), two desserts up to 14" or 15 servings, wine delivery of 1 bottle with dinner, and contact-less delivery up to 24 hours prior to the event, with included setup and/or placement for those who need assistance. This option varies but typically feeds 30-50 people.

I offer, as additional extras:
$5 - Any packaged drink item that is non-alcoholic of your choice, up to $5 worth, picked up and delivered with the meal
$10 - One extra order of a medium side or meat of your choice, up to 8 servings of one item
$12 - An extra dessert of 8" size or below, or that serves 6
$25 - An extra 14" desert, or one that serves 15
$20 - Each additional bottle of wine/ alcohol
$30 - An extra bottle of wine or preferred liquor, plus 8" pastry or request of your choice that serves 6
$50 - An extra 10lb protein option of your choice.
$60 - Sweetheart service: A bouquet of flowers, a bottle of sealed, fresh, choice wine from my personal collections or of your preference, a 6" dessert tart or cake option with decorations, if requested, as well as personal card, all wrapped and packaged neatly upon delivery.
$60 - Table/space/event setup, placement, or decorating. Must have 72 hours notice. This is for 2 hours of setup, service, and prep. Any additional hour I may have to stay after the initial setup and serving of food will cost an additional $15/hour.
Ask me about anything additional you may require, any allergies you may have, or approach me about adding more options. I'm open to suggestions.
All I ask that all "additional requests" be made with 72 hours notice prior to the day of delivery or catering. I will not be responsible for missed orders or last minute changes made after this time period, and accomodations may be attempted, however, last minute requests will be denied if I am unable to accommodate as such.
Otherwise, first come first served.
I am booked solid for the day of Thanksgiving, however, so once again I must emphasize 72 hours notices prior to your expected delivery date for any changes.
Message me or email me for a list of meats, sides, and catered packages available.

Some combos may include:
-Blackberry and Papaya salad, with arugula, spinach, pine nuts, a lemon balsamic vinagrette, sweet peppers. Served with a roast Cornish Game hen, baked in a homemade curry which consists of cinnamon, cardamom, toasted black peppercorns, clarified butter, red pepper paste, ground ginger, whole lemongrass sprigs, and rosemary. Comes with homemade stuffing and a side choice of roasted sweet potatoes or whipped mashed potatoes in a garlic and oil reduction.

- Lamb shoulder, served with a fruit salad made of starfruit, strawberries, kiwi, watermelon, apple slices, and blackberry. The lamb itself will be slow basted for 4-6 hours in a reduction of red wine, onions, garlic, bay leaves, other spices, and glazed to perfection. Served with roasted potatoes and heirloom vegetables, or with a soup made from pureed butternut squash, or spaghetti squash as a fun option for kids.

These are, obviously, just two test options, and your final menu may look entirely different. Tell me what you're thinking of and I'll do my best to meet your expectations!
Thanks and have a great evening,
Chef Justin

11/07/2020

-A "traditional" cheesecake, made with fresh marscapone cheese, vanilla extract, lemon zest, brown sugar, molasses graham cracker crust with cultured butter, and a topping of coconut on the edges to help it maintain shape after baking, as well as a brulee'd top made from roasted turbinado sugar. One of these trays will typically run you about $65 each, or $55 each in bulk orders, and feeds 45-60 people.-

11/07/2020

-A Tiramisu tray I did the other day for a contact-free delivery for wedding. 2 of these ran the client about $60, or 35 individually. Each tray feeds 50 people. Made with dark chocolate morsels, organic and locally sourced marscapone cheese, freshly made espresso, vanilla brandy, lady fingers, and cocoa powder.-

10/25/2020

Hi there,
This is a post outlining services offered. I am a 24/yo male, of mixed Native heritage, offering event and catering services in the Greater Metropolitan areas of DC and Northern Virginia. Most information about my services can be found in the pages, "About" section, or by contacting me directly by text or email, or by sending the page a message. I would prefer being contacted by those means and not by call, but if you leave me a message, I'll get back to you by text and schedule a time to talk over the phone. Currently I am offering work orders M-Wed, and Friday until 4am Saturday. I will continue to update the page as more information is available, and as I develop it further. You can also message us directly, and myself or a moderator will try to answer any questions within 72 hours.
Thanks for visiting,
Chef Justin