Meet Asia Blanton: Personal Chef| Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Asia Blanton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My support system has definitely been everything for me. My family, my friends, and my fiancè have really spent countless hours brainstorming with me, listening to me vent about my frustrations and sharing in my successes. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have had the courage to even get started let alone keep going. But it isn’t just the support from the people I know either. It’s clients that I don’t know that are reaching out and wanting to get the full Còcaire Milan experience. It’s truly been amazing and I’m so grateful. 

What should our readers know about your business?
Cocaire Milan is an exclusive in-home private dining experience. It takes date night to the next level honestly You get to experience tasty cuisine in a deluxe setting all within the comfort of your own home. What’s better than enjoying a restaurant quality meal without even leaving your house? I know, nothing! Curating the menu for the dinners has probably been the most exciting and challenging part of this journey. I’ve always been able to cook. That’s the easy part you know? I come from a family of cooks and chefs. But creating a multi-course meal that people enjoy, that’s well balanced and still brings entertainment to the client? That is hard and it isn’t for the weak. My favorite part is experimenting with dishes until I get it just right. I can’t tell you the joy I feel in my soul when I perfect a dish. The failed recipes are always worth it when I create the one! My menus for Còcaire Milan, I feel, definitely reflect that. Again, If it were not for my support system, I’m not sure how far I would’ve made it. It’s always fun in the beginning, when the ideas start to flow, and you’re so excited to start something new. But when the excitement wears off and the ideas stop flowing, that’s when you really have to stay focused and keep pushing forward. I’ve hit rock bottom several times in this process. There have been many times when I’ve said it’s not worth it and that I should just quit. But I just hear my parents reminding me that I started it, so I have to finish it. I have to keep going. No matter how hard things may get, if you want to be successful, you have to tackle all of your challenges head on and never let anyone talk you out of your dream. Not even yourself. I love to cook and I live to create experiences that bring smiles to people’s faces. That is what Còcaire Milan is all about. Today, I’m a small business with big dreams. One day, I’ll be a big business, with even bigger dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my best friends do come to visit, we definitely have to hit all of my favorite spots. I know I’m going to debated on this, but the best taco truck in the city is El Borrego Taquiera, hands down. Anytime a new friend visits, this is first place we’re going. Also, Taco Tuesday is essential at Pistoleros. I’ve been going since I was in college. The pineapple pico is to die for, truly. Thursday is reserved for Steak Night at Market Bar. But really Market Bar is good for any day of the week. Especially when they have live music. It’s a must see sight. Dean’s in downtown has some of the most delicious cocktails. House of Pies after a night of drinking is literally the cherry on top of a wild night out. It sounds so basic; a diner, but comfort food and their cheesecake is heaven. Dish Society is my fave brunch spot, right up there next to it is The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar. Talk about delicious. I’m hungry just thinking about it. When I want a pamper pick me up, I go to none other than Glossed Glam Factory. Their customer service is second to none and I always leave feeling like a queen. Neihls Bar is my fave unexpected gem in East Downtown. Definitely a must see place. Truck yard too! I mean, besides the fair, where else can you ride a ferris wheel and get good eats from food trucks?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely would not be where I’m at if it weren’t for my parents. I know that sounds so clichè but it’s 100% true. I can’t tell you how many times they emphasized the importance of never quitting anything. Literally nothing. It was a rule. If you start it, you had to finish it. As a child, I hated hearing that. As an adult, I have a deep appreciation for that push. Starting my own business has been an off and on struggle. Some weeks are great; others, not so much. But even when I’m ready to give up, I can always hear my mom and dad in the back of my head saying, “you started it, you have to finish it”.

Instagram: @cocairemilan
Twitter: @CocaireMilan

Image Credits
Kadija Moon|@karaexcandids