Given her fine-dining background (which includes stints with star chefs Joël Robuchon and Graham Elliot), it’s no surprise that Elaina Vazquez, 32, emphasizes aesthetics with her five-year-old catering business, Boutique Bites.
“The visual is key; so much thought, time, and effort go into presentation,” she says of her miniature edible creations, conceived as a less sloppy way to feed dressed-up partygoers. Vazquez’s training also spurred a love of luxury that is evident in the West Town home she shares with her husband, Anthony Martin, a chef and partner at Tru, and their Chihuahua, Deebo.
Here, Vazquez offers a glimpse of some of her most treasured items.
Steak Knives
($475 for similar set of six, laguiole.com)
“These add a great touch to the table for dinner parties.”
Calf-Hair Bootie
($478, Cole Haan, 673 N. Michigan Ave.)
“I love the chunky heel and pop of gold.”
The French Laundry Cookbook
($50, amazon.com)
“I read this cover to cover during culinary school and still reference it.”
Wooden Bookshelves
($5,000, custom-designed by Jose Aranda Cabinets & Woodwork, San Jose, Calif.)
“These were on my must-have list when my husband and I bought our home.”
Jax & Bones Dog Bed
($108, Citizen Stone, 1440 N. Dayton St.)
“This matches our decor, and our dog loves it.”
Staub Cocotte
($86, staubusa.com)
“I started my career in French techniques, and this is very classical French.”
Wool Blend Blazer
(from $1,500, Frederick Lynn, 9 E. Huron St.)
“I wear blazers to tasting events.”
Porcelain Plates
($40 for set of four, West Elm, 1000 W. North Ave.)
“I’m constantly looking for opulence and luxury. I love the odd shape and gold rim.”