Meet Elizabeth Khersonsky | Cook & Food Stylist

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

Hi Elizabeth, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is a necessary part of doing anything meaningful. Starting Zakuska wasn’t part of some perfectly mapped out plan. It came from trusting my instincts, saying yes before I had all the answers, and figuring it out along the way. There’s always uncertainty when you’re creating something from scratch, especially in a saturated industry like catering. But every time I’ve taken a leap, whether it was investing in a multi-dimensional grazing table setup, saying yes to a SUPER last minute event, or pricing my services in a way that honors my time and creativity, it’s paid off in growth, confidence, and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I don’t think risk ever fully stops feeling risky. It still comes with doubt and discomfort. But I’ve learned that if something scares me in the right way, that’s usually where the good stuff lives.

One of my favorite quotes when I think about risk is ‘“If you’re not risking anything, you’re risking even more.”
– Erica Jong

Alright, so let’s move on to what you want people to know about your work.
My work lives at the intersection of food, design, and experience. I create grazing tables and charcuterie spreads that feel intentional, curated, and a little unexpected. I want people to walk into a space, see the table, and feel like they’re part of something special even before taking the first bite. But beyond the aesthetics, what drives me most is the client experience. I care deeply about every event I take on. I’m not just showing up to drop off food, I’m invested in creating something that feels personal, that reflects the client’s vision, and that brings their dream to life in a way that feels meaningful. Whether it’s a baby shower, an open house, or a wedding weekend, I want the food and the setup to be something people remember.

I didn’t go to culinary school and I don’t come from a traditional catering background. Zakuska started from a love of hosting and making things beautiful. I just kept leaning into that instinct, learning through experience, and saying yes to opportunities before I felt fully ready. Is it easy? Not even close. I’ve done 200-person setups alone at 3am, prepped for events through the night, carried more than I physically should, and had to learn to value my time, energy, and creativity. What I’ve learned is, if you stay rooted in your vision and keep showing up, the right people will find you.

What I want people to know about Zakuska is that it’s more than just food on a table. It’s about creating an experience that feels thoughtful and personal, something that reflects the people and the moment. I want every setup to feel like it was made just for that client, because it was. Every table tells a different story and you’ll see that in my work.

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.
If my best friend were visiting for the week—pretty much my reality now that she moved from LA to Australia. We’d kick things off in Malibu, the community there has been through so much with the recent fires, so I’d want to support local spots and spend time in that beautiful area.

We’d start the day with an iced latte from Caffe Luxxe in Malibu, then head straight to the beach for a long ocean walk down the coast. Nothing beats that quiet stretch of sand and sea to catch up, breathe, and feel grounded. From there, we’d make our way to Taverna Tony for lunch. Their “famous house dip” is hands down the best dip in LA…it’s addictive, salty, creamy perfection served with warm pita. Order a crisp glass of white wine, a big salad, and some grilled seafood to share, and you could easily post up there for hours.

Around late afternoon, we’d head to Santa Monica to ride a tandem bike together (because I still don’t know how to ride a bike solo). We’d start at the pier and cruise the path down to Venice just in time for sunset.

Dinner would be at Sasabune in Brentwood, one of my go-to sushi spots. It’s this unassuming hole-in-the-wall on Wilshire with incredibly fresh fish and a very traditional approach. And the night definitely wouldn’t end there. We’d change into cute outfits and head back to Santa Monica to catch live music at Harvelle’s, a jazz and blues club, serving up live music since 1931. It’s dark, intimate, and full of soul, exactly the kind of spot I love for a late night.

Another must-do would be a picnic afternoon. We’d grab a couple of sandwiches from Maison Matho, then head to either Lake Hollywood Park or Silverlake Reservoir Park. A blanket, a few card games, good food, and great company, sometimes that’s all you need for the perfect day.

And of course, you can’t come to LA without experiencing Korean BBQ. It’s truly next level. For dinner one night, we’d go to Park’s BBQ or Quarters in K-Town. Must-orders are the bulgogi and the corn cheese. The rest of the week would be a mix of walks around different LA neighborhoods, discovering new restaurants together, home-cooked meals, and catching up.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s no way I could answer this without shouting out my parents. They’ve supported me in ways big and small, from hyping me up during the early days of Zakuska to physically showing up and helping me build tables, pack orders, or run around sourcing ingredients. My parents have always believed in me, even when this business was just an idea in my head. I also owe a lot to my close friends who not only encouraged me to take the leap but continue to root for me, recommend me, and celebrate every win like it’s their own.

I also owe so much to my sister Kristina, who started her own interior design firm and has built something incredible. She was actually the one who planted the seed for Zakuska, she encouraged me to start making charcuterie boards as a side hustle while I was still working my 9-to-5. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about it as a full-blown business, but she saw the potential before I did. Watching her build something from scratch and turn it into such a successful, sought-after brand was unbelievably inspiring. It made the idea of doing my own thing feel possible. Her work ethic, creativity, and fearlessness really pushed me to go for it. I wouldn’t have taken that first step if she hadn’t led the way.

Building something from the ground up can feel overwhelming, but having that kind of love in your corner makes all the difference.

Instagram: https://Zakuska.la

Other: Email: elizabeth@zakuska.co