We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chef Alicia Shevetone. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Alicia, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely. If the answer were anything but yes, I’d need to rethink my priorities. I recently heard Barack Obama say that one of the most valuable things someone can say after identifying a problem is: “Let me take care of that.”
I’m a solver. No matter the size of the challenge, I have the confidence, intelligence, resourcefulness, and disposition to step in, take ownership, and see it through. When something needs doing, I don’t hesitate—I make it happen.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My lifestyle brand began with Dink Cuisine, a food and entertainment platform I created in 2017, focused on right-sized cooking for two. Through dinkcuisine.com, I reach audiences in more than 100 countries, inspiring couples, roommates, empty nesters, and duos of all flavors to cook smaller, and smarter.
In 2022, I founded Distilled Spices, a spirit-inspired spice line, featuring 7 sweet and savory blends. Flavors like Limoncello Pepper, Manhattan BBQ, French Onion, and Pomodoro can be found in international airports, regional retailers, and in kitchens across the country. Distilled Spices inspired a wholesale line of elevated bar snacks, featured at resorts and properties on the Las Vegas Strip.
I have authored three cookbooks: Italian Cookbook for Two, Vegetarian Ketogenic Cookbook for Beginners, and Food With Spirit. My fourth cookbook, in collaboration with ’80s pop star, Tiffany, will be released in Spring 2026.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my husband of 25 years has not only shaped the person I’ve become, but also revealed the person I’ve always been. It was Mark who first recognized my creative spirit—long before I thought it possible to express anything beyond a corporate persona.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Never. I don’t believe in surrender. I do believe that goals and dreams can be placed on the shelf for a better moment, because timing is everything and nothing meaningful should be forced. There have been times in my life when reprioritizing was essential for short-term success, but that never meant giving up.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I protect integrity of intention — at all costs.
I am closing the door on a faction of my life that has revealed who they really are. I do not indulge hidden agendas, back-channeling, or favoritism. Integrity is the only thing that scales across teams, clients, communities, and every transformation worth undertaking. And I refuse to lower the bar just to ingratiate myself to “leaders” with perceived power.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would hope the story people tell about me mirrors what they’ve shared with me while I’m still here: that I listen, seek to understand, encourage, and support the people closest to me. That is how I define friendship. And that is how I lead.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dinkcuisine.com www.distilledspices.com www.nicenicebite.org
- Instagram: @dinkcuisine @distilledspices @nicenicebite
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciashevetonejd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicia.shevetone/
- Youtube: @dinkcuisine
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