We caught up with Asha Clare, the face and brilliant culinary mind behind The Kitchen Fairy. Asha provides private chef services, event design and a serious talent for setting the table in an ethereal, completely unique style. The set for her Volume 11 photoshoot was otherworldly (there were two owls!) and produced a one-of-a-kind shot for her Volume 11 spread. Read on for our Q+A to get to know Asha and The Kitchen Fairy!

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TSG: How did you get started in your businesses here in Hunt Country?
ASHA: My husband and I relocated to the area a few years ago. Hunt Country is rich in beauty and lush farmland from which to meet amazing culinary artisans and source extraordinary ingredients. Once a chef, always a chef. It seemed only natural to continue my private chef and event business here in Hunt Country.

TSG: What do you love most about living and working in Hunt Country?
ASHA: I love the diversity of food and culture enrobed in antique country charm!

TSG: What is your favorite aspect of where you live and work?
ASHA: The natural beauty from which I draw inspiration, both in my work and home life.

TSG: Can you tell us some of your favorite spots in Hunt Country?
ASHA: The Three Blacksmiths, the Locke Store, Jackalope Ridge Bakehouse and Micro Farm, The Whole Ox, and the abundance of farmers markets in the area.

Above: Detail shots from The Kitchen Fairy’s Volume 11 photoshoot. Photography by Gregorio Photography.

TSG: What are some recent or new projects or endeavors for The Kitchen Fairy?
ASHA: Virginia is home to the eight distinct American Viticultural Area (AVA) and a multitude of verdant wine trails. While Kitchen Fairy has always offered wine pairing options, we are taking a deeper dive into the area’s wealth of fantastic wine. Kitchen Fairy now offers more extensive pairings, wine tastings, wine dinners, as well as wine and “grazing” table delivery. We are also in the process of creating an online wine club and subscription service through our website.

TSG: Is there any insider advice you would give to your clients or
customers?
ASHA: My top 10 favorite kitchen tools! This includes: A microplane, hand-held mandoline, fine mesh chinois, mason jars, onion goggles, battery powered salt and pepper mills, mortar and pestle, cast-iron cookware, chef tap app, and most importantly, clean hands!

TSG: Do you have any additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share?

ASHA: A few quotes that ring true to me no matter what:

“The greatest sin a restaurateur (or chef) can commit is to think that what matters is their cleverness, not the pleasure being experience by the diner.” – Jay Rayner

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard

I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I’m in love and when I am not.” – Coco Chanel

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Be sure to tell her Scout sent you!

THE KITCHEN FAIRY
[email protected]
434.465.5749