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By Contributor
PRODUCED BY KEMMIE RYAN
EDITED BY JANIS MVK AND SHERRY THOMAS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP AND BOB & DAWN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST AND MARGARETA KOMLENAC
EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: CHEYANNE LENCIONI
Dress by Self-Portrait from Neiman Marcus
ELAINA VAZQUEZ is the owner and founder of Towne & Oak, a café and private event space. A classically French-trained chef, she previously worked at various restaurants in the country, including the 3 Michelin Star Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas. In 2008, Vazquez started her catering company, Boutique Bites, where she built a brand known for executing the finest experiences for clients and companies with the highest expectations. After 12 years and thousands of parties, Vazquez felt ready for a change, and began to concept Towne & Oak while on a trip to London. With such a large catering clientele already on the North Shore, she knew Winnetka would be the perfect location for her “Napa Valley meets Nantucket” vision. Vazquez says that Towne & Oak is where her background in fine dining meets her true appreciation for casual entertaining.
Most rewarding part of what you do? I was inspired to open my café in Winnetka because I wanted to be part of a vibrant neighborhood that values supporting local businesses. So many of our customers live in the area and come in daily. We’ve become a part of their routine, and that feels really good.
Definition of success? I have a mantra that I created for myself during the build-out of Towne & Oak—I run an organized, efficient, and profitable business that serves me in all aspects of my life. This sums up my idea of success perfectly.
What did you dream of doing when you were younger? From age 5, I always said I wanted to be a chef. I loved food so much and come from a very large family, where cooking was at the center of every get-together. It’s funny that I followed through with my dream.
For more information, visit towneandoak.com and follow @towneandoak on Instagram.
