#AllCoopedUp with Olivia Muniak, Founder of La Cura
I was initially introduced to Olivia Muniak, founder of La Cura, through a member of my team and right away connected with her interest in making everyday moments feel special. Not only does Olivia have a great, pared back design sensibility, but she also cooks up the most beautiful dishes that are surprisingly approachable. As soon as the world is safe again and we can socialize, I’m signing up my team for one of her backyard Supper Club dinners. In the meantime, I’ll just watch her Instagram, wishing I could eat everything she creates.
Tell us about what you do and who you are?
I founded my company La Cura in 2018, an event and catering company, and we do everything from the décor and environment styling, to the food. Currently, there is a huge focus on digital for me putting all the facets of dining at home, online. Before the pandemic hit, I also hosted a regular Supper Club for 30 guests in my backyard. The events and dinners I produce are about creating meaningful connection over food, a meal that is simple and indulgent. I always refer to it as “effortless entertaining” because that’s how I want guests to feel, relaxed and have that unhurried enjoyment reminiscent of those long meals you have in Europe.
I am one of those multi-hyphenate people, stylist/cook/surfer/marketer and entrepreneur. My work has to be an extension of my passion and interests. I was raised in a restaurant family in New York City, the literal translation of La Cura from Italian is “the cure”, my philosophy is there is an art to dining well and memories are made at the dinner table.
What does an average day look like for you recently?
Most mornings, I read cookbooks while savoring a cup of coffee. As a New Yorker, I miss walking around the city all day, so I go for a rigorous hike first thing…a definite departure from my city life! Then it’s to my laptop for my work with clients, filming content or developing recipes. Towards the end of the week, I plan a dinner with a friend or my boyfriend in the garden, something special and more memorable than “another” night in.
Any go-to recipes for an intimate gathering?
I love a risotto for an intimate evening, this time of year an earthy mushroom risotto with crème fraîche is my go-to to impress even though it’s a one-pot dish. If you are looking for something low-effort a purèed soup and toasted cheesy-tartine is so comforting. No matter what, I always begin an evening with an aperitivo, it’s the best thing you can do as a host, it allows you to greet everyone, have a cocktail and a few bites, and then you can step into the kitchen to finish the meal and everyone doesn’t feel like they need to help with dinner. Aperitivo hour is a weekly ritual at the casita!
Do you have any tips to make an average dinner feel special?
Tips on elevating everyday entertaining? It’s the spirit of dining that makes an ordinary meal into an occasion. There’s no time in this life to be precious about your plates, glassware or family heirlooms, mix them in with your everyday pieces, enjoy the things you have, create memories out of it, don’t wait for a special occasion. I set the table for every meal with cloth napkins, a pitcher for water, and plate the food onto serving platters - even if it’s take-out. I add other thoughtful touches like a unique salt cellar, a knotted napkin or sprig of greenery at each setting, and some candles, and fresh flowers.
5 pieces on your +COOP wishlist?
I love all the Tina Frey resin pieces they seamlessly blend between so many “styles” at home and on the table. Sometimes I go for clean and modern, other times I want something that is rich and old world, and her pieces mesh perfectly…I’ve got my eye on the champagne bucket with leather handles. As well as the Brushed Black Boards, Wooden Cake Stand, Nanao Candles and Wooden Match Boxes.
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