Chef DeLosso Shows Us What Happens When Elevated Cuisine Combines Care and Creativity
In a city that knows good food, Chef Adam DeLosso believes the recipe for a great meal is about connection as much as it is about cuisine. As Executive Chef and COO of 12th Street Catering, Chef DeLosso has spent decades designing experiences that bring people together, especially during the holidays.
“Food is a language everyone speaks,” he says. “When it’s done with care and creativity, it has the power to do so much more than satisfy appetites.”
It’s Bigger Than Cuisine
That philosophy is what led Chef DeLosso and the 12th Street team to partner with Trellis for Tomorrow, a local nonprofit tackling food insecurity through culinary education and workforce development. The partnership provides opportunities for Trellis participants to gain real-world experience in 12th Street’s garden, while helping the company expand its community impact.
“It’s not just about teaching recipes,” Chef DeLosso explains. “It’s about showing people that growing produce and turning it into food you can eat is the pathway to a healthier lifestyle.”
Thanksgiving Goodness, Delivered
As the holidays approach, that same spirit of generosity infuses Chef DeLosso’s seasonal menus. The 2025 Thanksgiving Delivered Menu offers an elevated take on tradition: whole-roasted turkey with cranberry-orange relish, maple-glazed spiral ham, and an array of sides designed to evoke nostalgia with a twist—like whipped sweet potatoes with ginger and agave, or green bean casserole enriched with mushroom cream and crispy onions.
“Thanksgiving is the ultimate gathering,” Chef DeLosso says. “We want every dish to feel familiar while creating fresh takes on classic menu items. To remind people why we love coming together over food.”
Full-Service Catering Meets Storytelling
Beyond Thanksgiving, 12th Street’s Fall-Winter Menu for full service-events celebrates the season’s bounty with inventive combinations and global influences. Dishes like red wine–glazed short rib shepherd’s pie, foraged mushroom arancini, and butternut squash and sage savory parfaits reflect Chef DeLosso’s belief that catering can be both artful and approachable.
“We experiment with flavor and form, but the goal is always the same: to wow each guest with every bite,” he says. “Whether you’re hosting a gala or gathering your family at home, food should tell a story.”
Gratitude at the Center of Every Plate
Under Chef DeLosso’s leadership, that story continues to evolve while staying anchored by Philadelphia’s vibrant food culture, a commitment to sustainability, and a dedication to serving the community. From farm partnerships and in-house baking to initiatives like Trellis for Tomorrow, every decision in his kitchen circles back to one simple idea: creating events and curating experiences that “wow.” For Chef DeLosso, people always come first, whether they’re the guests he’s serving or the community members he’s supporting.
“This season is about gratitude,” Chef DeLosso says. “And the best way I know how to share it is to make sure our guests in the community feel my gratitude in the food we create together.”
To learn more about 12th Street Catering click here.