Jeffrey Bailey has always had an interest in the culinary arts. He started cooking at the age of 12, working beside his grandmother, creating a variety of southern comfort food dishes. Bailey's passion for cooking ignited when he learned of his artistic abilities to combine different foods and spices to create his own unique version of these southern style favorites.

Jeffrey, a native of Delaware, began his career at the impressionable age of sixteen. With his first ‘kitchen’ job, being one that surpassed traditional hiring practices of starting at the bottom, by being a Sous chef, with Bon Appétit Restaurant, under the guidance of one of the Eastern Shore’s Premium Culinary instructors. Again he surpassed normal advancement procedures, by being appointed Head Chef after only three months – which was quite an astonishing feat.

To expand his knowledge base, Jeffrey, attended several instructional courses, at one of the top three culinary schools - the renowned Peter Kump School (now known as ICE (Institute of Culinary Education)) in New York City. Jeffrey’s choice and resulting forte, was with a major emphasis in French Cuisine, to include Pastries and Desserts.

With his expertise as a result of his training, Jeffrey then owned and operated an intimate French style bistro, Bailey's Cafe in Rehoboth Beach, DE. And during that time he also owned and operated, with substantial success, an ‘off premise’ catering service, An Affair to Remember Catering. Which offered event planning and wedding coordination throughout Delaware, as well as, in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Jeffrey also has worked for Elegante Cuisine, in Chicago, a leader as a premier source for catering and event planning. During his tenure there, Jeffrey was Catering Manager overseeing the 'off site' catering division coordinating weddings, birthdays and other catering events at the Horizon Center in Chicago. The clientele for such events included top name celebrities in all areas of the performing arts - pop and other music stars and other performers, as well as, TV anchors, sports teams and/or stars; and a variety of entrepreneurs.

He has developed his passion for all levels within the culinary experiences, into a career as a culinary artisan and event coordinator. His approach has always been to create those events, which reflect the style and personality of each individual client. He prides himself on providing superior service to all his guests, whether in a restaurant, or an event serving just a few or groups as large as 1,500.

Jeffrey has eagerly excelled throughout his career and has already reached and exceeded milestones that some take a lifetime to achieve. With his ability to pay attention to detail, compounded with his extensive well-versed experiences, talents and expertise; his success is not unfounded and is well deserved. One key element to that success has always been his desire and steadfast approach to provide that service and personalized attention, to ensure excellence and that ultimate experience for each and every one of his clientele.

Even in the midst of what could result in disaster, Jeffrey always pulls through.  One example of that was when his staff was on the way to an event, and they were involved in an automobile accident.  Fortunately the staff was okay, but all the food was ruined.  Unlike most caterers that would just simply back out of the event at the last minute, Jeffrey took the professional approach and managed to pull off the event without any of the guests realizing what took place.  It was his knowledge, level-headedness and professionalism that were the resources to determine what and how things should be done, in a timely fashion that would not interfere or detract from the event itself.

He also has the insight and ability to know exactly how to plan and decorate for a specific situation.  Whether that only includes catering of the food, the décor of any decorations and color schemes that would be appropriate, or a combination of both.  His talents are not just strictly culinary, but full event planning as well.

In summation, Jeffrey brings years of culinary experience and expertise to the Lee Bailey Reed Company. He will surely provide that ‘special touch’ both in a friendly, yet very professional, manner for that perfect dining and event experience for all!