Season 3 Episode 2: Victoria Kaputskaya, Victoria's Earth Kitchen
In this episode, I bring you a fascinating conversation with Victoria Kaputskaya, private chef and creative behind Victoria’s Earth Kitchen. We explore her journey from the runway to the kitchen, her passion for seasonal plant-based recipes, and her unique take on being a holistic health coach.
The Scorpio Dish Dilemma
Our chat kicked off with a delightfully quirky question that set the tone for the entire conversation. I asked Victoria, a proud Scorpio, to design a dish that embodies the spirit of her zodiac sign. She shared that Scorpios have a somewhat misunderstood reputation for being emotionally intense and unpredictable—much like the spice of life. Victoria’s imaginative creation? Beautifully roasted red dragon carrots with Calabrian chili, extra virgin olive oil, Maldon salt, and fresh seasonal herbs. Simple yet fiery! A perfect metaphor, wouldn't you say?
Meet Victoria Kaputskaya
Victoria’s culinary journey is anything but typical. Having attended the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and the Institute of Culinary Education, she combines the best of both worlds as a holistic health coach and a chef. Her motto? Enhance the natural beauty of produce with minimal intervention. Simplicity is key, and it’s working wonders for her and her clients.
Victoria loves taking inspiration from her local Union Square Farmer’s Market. She revels in the simplicity of seasonal whole foods, attributing her cooking philosophy to her experiences at Jean-Georges’ ABCV restaurant. Whether it’s braising mushrooms or caramelizing fennel, Victoria's dishes are rooted in the farm-to-table ethos.
The Art of Content Creation
Wondering how Victoria manages to make content creation look effortless? Here's her secret: authenticity. Her social media feed is a vibrant diary of her passions, from plant-based recipes to holistic wellness. She offers some advice for those struggling in the content game: "Create what makes you happy. It’s sustainable and it shows."
Victoria’s genuine approach has not only attracted followers from her modeling days but also built a new tribe of wellness enthusiasts. Her strategy for growth? Focus on creating engaging Instagram reels, using niche hashtags, and cross-posting on TikTok with tweaks for platform-specific engagement.
A Holistic Health Journey
Victoria’s journey into holistic health coaching began with a personal choice to quit drinking. Finding solace in a 10-day silent meditation retreat, she discovered the power of intuition and self-care. This experience ignited her passion for nutrition, leading her to study at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and advocate for a concept called "bio-individuality." In simpler terms, what works for one might not work for another—a revelation that shapes her approach to health and wellness.
She also emphasizes "crowding out" bad habits with good ones rather than making drastic changes overnight. It's all about gradual improvement, whether it's cutting out junk food or finding healthier ways to cope with stress.
From the Kitchen to the Web
Victoria’s blog, Victoria’s Earth Kitchen, is not just a collection of recipes but a testament to her journey of self-discovery and passion for whole foods. Her recipes are reflective of her belief that food should be both nourishing and visually appealing.
She pulls inspiration from diverse sources, including legendary chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Her admiration for his work is evident in her beautifully crafted dishes. From caramelized fennel to roasted cauliflower, each recipe is a blend of simplicity and flavor.
Life in New York and Beyond
Victoria loves the bustling energy of New York City but acknowledges that it requires effort to stay grounded. Her time spent in Costa Rica, a renowned blue zone region, highlighted the importance of being present and relaxed. It's a lifestyle she tries to incorporate into her hectic city life, even if it's challenging.
Dream Clients and Future Aspirations
When asked about her dream client, Victoria modestly blushes before confessing that she would love to cook for Martha Stewart. Despite Stewart’s reputation for perfectionism, Victoria welcomes the opportunity to learn and grow from the experience. After all, who better to learn from than a culinary icon?
For Victoria, the process of working with new clients is a collaborative one. She tailors her offerings to their dietary preferences, restrictions, and culinary goals. This method ensures that each dining experience is bespoke and utterly delicious.
The Joy of Simple Pleasures
Beyond the kitchen, Victoria enjoys the simple pleasures of life—whether it’s laughing at funny animal videos or exploring new ways to cook with seasonal produce. Her advice to fellow food enthusiasts and content creators is clear: focus on what makes you genuinely happy. Authenticity is not just a buzzword; it’s a recipe for sustainable joy and success.
Follow Victoria's Journey
Intrigued by Victoria’s story? You can follow her culinary adventures and wellness insights on her blog, Victoria’s Earth Kitchen, and her Instagram account of the same name. Whether you're looking for healthy recipe inspiration or just want to enjoy her infectious positivity, Victoria’s online presence is a treasure trove.
This interview with Victoria Kaputskaya was not only insightful but also incredibly inspiring. Her journey reminds us that it’s okay to pivot, explore new passions, and embrace the unknown. Whether she's creating simple yet elegant dishes or sharing her insights on holistic wellness, Victoria embodies the spirit of living a life true to oneself.
Her authenticity and passion shine through in every plate she serves and every piece of content she creates. So if you’re ever in need of some culinary inspiration or a gentle nudge towards a healthier lifestyle, Victoria’s Earth Kitchen is the place to be.
Discover More with Sprung On Food
This episode was a fantastic glimpse into the mind of a chef who seamlessly blends culinary artistry with holistic health. To catch more inspiring stories and delicious conversations, make sure to follow Sprung On Food. And don’t forget to give this post a thumbs up and subscribe to YouTube channel for more engaging content.
You can watch each episode, in its video version, on YouTube here.
Follow on Instagram for some behind the scenes and short form content here.
Listen to each episode as a podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.