Cook Beautiful Dinner: My Tribe

Gathering in the home with friends and family is simply where it began for me, and where it stays real. It is where laughter and community abound. I have seen time and time again how food has the power to connect. It has connected me more deeply to myself, to my family, to my creative instincts, and to so many friends. In a way, Cook Beautiful is a celebration of this connectivity, and being in my home makes it all come full circle.

At this very special dinner, my tribe was comprised of my family, friends, colleagues, creative collaborators, and supporters who straddle my many walks of life—food, design, fashion, and lifestyle. These are the people who inspired me creatively and supported me emotionally. It’s true for us all, I think—those we unite with around the table are the ones who guide us along our journey, and the ones who make it all meaningful. THANK YOU for celebrating Cook Beautiful with me!

With my dear friend Jason Wu, who graciously dressed me for the evening in his stunning design!

I adore these two fierce fellow chefs, Gail Simmons and Eden Grinshpan, both of whom I met through the culinary world and whom I now call friends.

Next image : Design and food are always working in tandem in my world. Having my friend Amy Astley, Editor In Chief of Architectural Digest, in my new home and gathered around the table meant the world to me.

My love, my support system, and my greatest champion, Victor Calderone, loving me up!

Georg Jensen adorned the stunning table and Taylor Patterson of Fodder Fox Farm spread her magic with autumnal warmth.

Female foodie tribe Kerry Diamond and Elettra Wiedemann, who continue to inspire me. Also strangers before we stepped into the kitchen together!

Mia Moretti, musical genius that she is, provided both the soundtrack for the night and one of four seasonal Cook Beautiful cooking playlists — offered here!

This lady is changing and FEEDing the world with her beautiful philanthropic mission, FEED. Thank you for inspiring us all, Lauren Bush Lauren.

My girl Jenné Lombardo has guided me along the journey of creating EyeSwoon. She gave me the push I so desperately needed to share my love of food and design with the world. THANK YOU!

Oh, the beautiful wise words of Cleo Wade. “Your life’s greatest discovery just may be that you are your other half, your knight in shining armor, and the one you have been waiting for your whole life. That’s all.”