Meet Stephanie Nass, a New York-based caterer, culinary influencer, and designer who aspires to bring young people together over food and art. Stephanie studied the culinary arts as a young woman in France, launched Chefanie in 2016 with a line of innovative dessert accessories, and expanded the company in 2019 to both tableware and accoutrements for home entertaining. As if that weren’t enough, Chefanie offers culinary instruction and catering services in and around New York City. Ooh la la!
"Seven years ago, I started hosting art-inspired meals in my NYC apartment. Those dinners evolved into Victory Club and Chefanie. Chefanie is now a culinary-driven lifestyle brand that encompasses products, media, and services to help people entertain thoughtfully."
"Pre-Covid, I specialized in catering corporate events. When those disappeared at the height of lockdown, I shifted gears: feeding healthcare workers, maintaining my “Quarantine Cooking Hotline,” and designing home accessories. Starting in the summer of 2020, there was an increase in home entertaining ... the idea of helping people craft their dream dinner parties became my greatest inspiration. Einstein wrote “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” Over the last 18 months, I never stopped working."
"I spent quarantine between Manhattan and my childhood home in Westchester. With so few distractions, so much time in nature, and dreams of the roaring 2020s ahead, I’ve never been more productive. (When hosting) Envision the party you want to have. Make a thorough list of all the sights, tastes, smells, sounds, energies, and characters in that fantasy. Execute. Voilà."
"Cocktail napkins are the best ice breakers. Beautiful glassware makes wine taste better. Good flatware makes food taste better. Tablecloths set the whole tone. Placecards give people comfort and direction, especially when displayed in pretty placecard holders. If you’re going to invest in one thing for your event, though, make it a statement napkin."
More about Stephanie
How would you describe your personal style?
Bold but rooted in traditional
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Ordering food delivery ... it’s lazy and wasteful.
What is your go-to meal to make when hosting?
Sheet pan meals can be prepared in advance, let the oven do the work, and allow you to enjoy more time with your guests. Turmeric chicken with potatoes and cauliflower, poisson en papillote, lamb with asparagus, and so many others can be popped in the oven and then presented elegantly to your guests.
Which text emoji do you most overuse?
The flower bouquet. To send thanks, congratulations, and love
Hosting aside, what is your favorite meal to prepare? To eat?
Breakfast ... it’s so sweet, romantic, happy.
If you could buy three things from the Tuckernuck website, what would they be and why?
Leila Floral Dress, Leila Floral Dress, and Leila Floral Dress. (Please)
Solids or stripes?
Stripes!! No pattern, no party..
