A Dining Diva

About the Diva

The Woman Behind the Brand

Prior to social media making culinary arts a trending topic, my grandpa and I would discover the newest neighborhood restaurants and explore the Long Island dining scene. I gained an early appreciation for good customer service, delectable dishes, and fellowshipping with loved ones over appetizing cuisine.

My passion developed further for the food industry, as I grew out of my adolescent. I became fascinated about how a restaurant came up with their idea for the bar top, decided on that particular uniform for their associates or why this restaurant is the hot new place to be. But mainly I was more interested about the décor, cleanliness and my overall experience with a restaurant than anything else.

By the time I reached my 20’s, I was using my Zagat guide more than the movie guide. I would explore the city restaurants with zest and zeal informing all of my friends about my findings. During this time, I started a monthly brunch club so that I can share my dining experience with my friends. I began traveling the world documenting everything and every place I dined.

A Dining Diva

After a couple years of working at different jobs/industries, I found it to be a natural fit to go into the Food and Beverage industry. I have an extensive background in the hospitality industry with over 20 years of experience.

I have worked for major food and beverage companies such as Carlson Restaurants (TGIF – Corporate Locations), Levy Restaurants (Sports and Entertainment) and Delaware North (Travel and Hospitality). Along working with brands such as Jim Beam, Terrapin Beer, 40/40 Club and Food Network to build restaurant presence in the Atlanta Airport.

I hold a Dual Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Social Science (emphasis in Economics) and Sociology from University of Southern California. I also obtains a professional diploma in Restaurant Management from the Art Institute of New York. And I’m also a Certified Hospitality Department Trainer (CHDT), from American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute.

Mission Statement

To be the modern guide for great living and entertaining, to teach our guests how to confidently, creatively, and beautifully create memorable occasions. To emphasize the details and education of every aspect of food, drinks, entertainment, decoration, and holiday celebrations.

Value Statement

Our values include providing fair wages for workers, giving back to the communities we work with, and serving a fabulous dining experience.

Vision Statement

To uncover the tastemakers, places, and things that inspire a fabulous dining experience. To show the passion for discovery and penchant for joy across all facets of great living. To provide delicious, seasonal food, and great beverages in fun atmospheres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dine, Wine, and Gather with Nicky is a turnkey food and beverage lifestyle experience brand that curates multiple-course dinners, cocktail demonstrations, and cooking and cocktail demonstrations. When hiring A Dining Diva, our clientele must greet and say goodbye to the guest as we provide the food, decorations, beverages, and all serving ware for the event.

Yes. The majority of our food is cooked on-site during the experience which allows us to cater to all dietary restrictions including vegetarian or those who wish to disregard certain meats or nuts from their menu.

You will receive an email from a member of our team 48-72 hours before the scheduled experience including all details.

Yes. Here are the steps:

  1. Select ship to a different address
  2. Add first and last name
  3. Under company add their email address
  4. All other sections can be your address or the recipient’s address

We accept ACH and credit cards via an online portal.

We offer a comprehensive experience. We’re able to find venues, and organize catering, décor, accommodation, staffing, and equipment. We offer a tailor-made service to fit your requirements. Every experience is unique and we have the capacity to fulfill your requirements from start to finish.

This depends on the size and nature of the experience, we’d always advise you to start putting plans in place as early as possible. But, we require a minimum of a two-week notice before your planned event.

We will discuss all your experience requirements before giving a quote. Fees charged will depend on the scale and nature of the experience you would like, and the complexity of the menu. You’ll never be charged more than we agree upon and there will be no hidden extras or surprises.

For private experiences, between 30-89 days prior to the event, 25% of the deposit will be returned. For any cancellation 29 days prior to the event no refund will be given on the 50% deposit. If an event is canceled within 10 days of the event no monies will be returned. For our public experience, a guest will receive a 50% refund if they cancel within 48 hours of the event.