"Not Boring Events" with Chef Tova

Meet Chef Tova, a culinary virtual event planner based in New York and the founder of catering company, Chef Tova. The company's homepage reads, "Social distancing sucks and Zoom events are boring, let's do something about it". The global pandemic has only heightened Tova's creativity as she commits to providing unique experiences that encourage people to discover, share, and enjoy food. Check out the upcoming "Not Boring Events" by Chef Tova to take part in virtual events that will add some fun and excitement to your evening at home.

Us Two Tea x Chef Tova are hosting a Virtual Oolong Tea & Food Pairing event on November 13, 2020 at 6PM EST - sign up here to reserve your tea tasting kit!

Tell us about your catering company 'Chef Tova'

I started my catering company because I always wanted to do more than work in a restaurant. I've always had this entrepreneurial itch to do something creative. Now, more then ever, I feel inspired to push the boundaries of the food world. The limitations created by COVID-19 have definitely created more "out of the box" concepts like my virtual tastings. My mission is to make people feel less isolated. No matter the distance, the nostalgia and community created by food is universal and powerful.

How have you adapted to working remotely?

I've basically been doing everything from home. I outsource my tasting kits, I create the Zoom links and I host virtually. It's odd because I technically have a desk job for the first time in my life. My upcoming events are themed for Halloween - there's an international candy tasting and an Alice in Wonderland Drag Show and Dessert Box. In the future I'm planning on doing different virtual food tours.

What are your greatest cooking inspirations?

Childhood memories. I didn't eat fancy food growing up, but I remember the feeling of love that surrounded our kitchen table. For me, using food to evoke that feel is so important.