7 Questions with Mindy Kobrin
7 Questions is a series of interviews with the culinary movers and shakers you want or ought to know better.
Since I started the 7 Questions series I have had the opportunity to interview some incredibly talented chefs, innovative bloggers and even a radio host who specializes in the cuisine of Disney. But this is the first time I have ever interviewed a Lifestyle & Celebration Specialist.
Mindy Kobrin is the founder of Mindy’s Meals on Heels, a catering and party planning venture that is way more than just a catering and party planning venture. Kobrin draws on an amazing manifest of professional experience to create one-of-a-kind celebratory experiences for her clients. She also teaches you how to do it via her blog.
Kobrin was the Development Director of Fundraising for the Princess Grace Foundation and HSH Prince Albert of Monaco II and The Princely Family where she headed fund raising and corporate sponsorship for all events including two annual galas that raised over a million dollars. She was also a member of Daniel Boulud’s culinary team at Feast & Fetes that organized special events such as the Jazz Aspen Festival and South Beach Food & Wine Festival.
Additionally Mindy has flexed her fashionista muscle having worked as a merchandise analyst for Saks Fifth Avenue. She has also studied graduate courses in International Relations in London. Recently Mindy Kobrin answered 7 Questions:
1. What exactly does a “Lifestyle & Celebration Specialist” do?
The go-to Entertaining and Celebrations Expert site, MealsonHeelsbyMindy.com, fuses food, fashion and travel to create menus and parties with international flare and panache. Every party I plan, no matter the size, is a unique cultural experience that bridges the gap between formal gala and affordable dinner party. As founder of Meals on Heels, I feel the best part of event planning is building menus and creating an idea from scratch–no rules.
Eat well. Feel well. Entertain well.
2. When did you decide that you could turn your passions into a career?
As a young girl growing up in Orlando with Walt Disney World and Epcot Center practically in my backyard, I grew up feeling inspired to entertain with wonderment, travel and great food–all components of a successful “Cultural Ambassador” so to speak.
3. Professionally, who has influenced you the most?
So many people and places around the globe have played a big role in shaping my career.
Historically, both Amelia Earhart and Dorothy Draper, both dynamic innovators of their time, encouraged women to be fearless, unique, adventurous and full of individuality. Their spirit remains priceless and near to my heart.
Secondly, New York City and its many outstanding chefs inspire me 24-7, 365 days a year!
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Princely Family with whom I worked with directly on numerous events domestically and internationally, demonstrated glamour with goodness and unwavering commitment to philanthropy and the environment.
4. If you hadn’t followed this career path, what other career could you see yourself in?
Foreign Service and Diplomacy.
5. What’s the highlight of your career so far?
Traveling the world and befriending some of the best chefs and entertainers.
An over the top experience which left an indelible mark on me was with Bugatti in Baden-Baden, Germany. On an airstrip, in-between flight take-offs, I was so lucky to have a ride in the Bugatti Veyron– a 1001 horse-power car valued over $1,000,000. With speeds close to 200mph, it felt like we could lift off and fly over the Black Forest!
6. What is your guilty pleasure?
Extravagant guilty pleasure: Traveling to the Mediterranean every summer–especially Greek Isles.
Frequent guilty pleasure: Making homemade dark chocolate peanut butter cups and sharing them with friends over a robust bottle of Mendoza-Argentine wine.
7. What’s next for Mindy Kobrin?
With dear friends, the exciting journey continues to unfold – Book, TV and nibbling the world one great recipe/event at a time while giving back to the community.