Photoshoot / Interview
What made you want to start sharing your cooking recipes online?
Growing up, the kitchen was always the heart of my home. My mom is a busy entrepreneur, but she never skipped an opportunity to cook for my sister and I even after a long day of work. Family dinners were mandatory during the week, and I am so grateful for them. For me, cooking has always been an act of love and a way to bring people together. I have been sharing my daily life on social media since I was in middle school—my followers have literally grown up with me. So, it only made sense to get everyone involved and hopefully inspire them by sharing my recipes across my social platforms.
How do you come up with your recipes?
I find inspiration everywhere. Color and texture inspire me through fashion, art, and social media. I take a lot of inspiration from family recipes passed down from previous generations. I also live in a city rich with the culinary talent I love taking inspiration from restaurants I visit in New York.
Do you watch a lot of cooking shows, and if so, what are your favorite ones?
I absolutely love Chopped, Top Chef, and Cooking with Paris. I also grew up on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. The Great British Baking show absolutely amazes me because I cannot bake to save my life. I always say cooking is an art; anyone can do it, but few do it well. However, baking is absolutely a science and to be a great baker you must have creativity and impeccable technique. One thing I love about the culinary space is that there is always room for growth and improvement, so maybe one day I will be able to bake a perfect croissant like a champ.
What would you say has been one of the most popular dishes that you’ve made on your show?
One of my most popular recipes is my One Pot Rigatoni inspired by one of my favorite Italian Restaurants in NYC- Bar Pitti. Another favorite is my Gnocchi Soup inspired by my grandma’s recipe I loved growing up.
If you could make one dish forever, what would it be?
Some sort of veggie-packed dish like my Couscous and Crispy Chickpea Salad, or my Loaded Coleslaw.
Your mother is one of the most well-known names in fashion. Has it been a challenge for you to make a name for yourself?
My mom’s success in her career has allowed me to grow into the businesswoman I am today. Of course, I have cultivated my own community and my career path may take a different form than hers has, but it’s impossible to know where I would be if I had not grown up with the privileges her career’s success has afforded me. In other words, I have been able to establish a name for myself and a brand of my own as a consequence of rather than in spite of my mom’s achievements.
What’s one thing you learned about yourself from your time on the bachelor?
Prior to doing the show, I kept my walls up for as long as possible when dating and hated the idea of letting people get too close. I learned about the importance of putting myself out there and being vulnerable early on in a relationship. Asking those hard-hitting, deeper questions on a first or second date is a great way to figure out if you’re really a match with someone, even if it might feel uncomfortable at first.
Your Instagram gives us a little snapshot on your style. How would you describe your style?
My style has always been quite minimal. I try to reach for timeless silhouettes and patterns.
Who are your biggest fashion inspirations?
Jackie Onassis, Brigette Bardot, Blair Waldorf.
Is there a possibility for a cookbook in the future?
Yes, it’s a long-term dream of mine!