dine well with chef kayla simone.
about me.
To me, food is equal parts fuel, art, and a conduit for joy and community connection. My pop-ups feature elevated Americana, and my signature offering of "hyperseasonal + heartfelt haute cuisine" weds my belief that cooking is an act of love with high caliber presentation, creativity and attention to detail. My work is always in deep connection with the seasons and the ecosystem in which I'm cooking, and I pay homage to old-world and time-honored culinary traditions and techniques from around the globe.
Growing up in Oakland, California, I was so lucky to be steeped in such a rich culinary culture: an incredibly diverse international food scene, locavore sensibilities, and iconic women-led slow food institutions like Chez Panisse and The French Laundry. My farm-to-table craft is heavily influenced by my California upbringing, and it's been wonderful to bring such rich traditions and food-based storytelling to New York City. I am also active in the anti-diet culture space, am passionate about food justice and uplifting marginalized voices in culinary, and write about food at the intersection of politics and culture in my substack/newsletter dine well.
kayla simone fowler
amy d.
Kayla did a fantastic job of catering a private party in my home. We were hosting about 50 people, including a visiting dance company from Cuba. Kayla came up with creative menu ideas, was well organized, and easy to work with. And the food? Delicioso!
jeni n.
I have hired Kayla for multiple venues and will continue to do so whenever the need arises. She always brings many ideas and makes any suggestions I have even tastier than I could have imagined. She has a unique skill of bringing the best flavor (and colors!) out in foods. Kayla's dependability and kindness are also extreme perks to doing business with her.
dolly k.
Kayla is phenomenal. Her food is literally EXACTLY what I love. She has incredible attention to detail, explores complex flavorful food, and overall just a rockstar.
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