We were lucky to catch up with Veronika Kandaurova (SourCremant co-owner) recently and have shared our conversation below.

Veronika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Konstantin is a chef with extensive international experience, and I have spent over 10 years producing contemporary art exhibitions across the UK, Venice, and beyond. On our very first date, we found ourselves dreaming about how we could combine our skills and passions, as we are both deeply in love with our work.

A little while later, I came back to Konstantin with the idea of art dinners—a concept that merges culture, storytelling, and gastronomy. In this format, I am responsible for the creative concept, curating the “heroes” of the evening, informal lectures, and wine pairings. Konstantin takes care of the culinary side, crafting dishes that allow our guests to fully immerse themselves in the chosen theme.

The idea took shape thanks to a request from a close friend of ours—a well-known wedding photographer—who asked us to create her dream catering for her birthday. She envisioned something beautiful, Instagram-worthy, with a centerpiece of homemade bread and butter. Since we bake our own bread, we loved the idea. Today, freshly baked bread and whipped butter have become signature elements of every catering event we do.

I also design floral and decorative settings to ensure that the experience is not just about the food but a cohesive composition reflecting the client’s personality and passions. For example, we once created a themed dinner for a glamorous socialite called “Famous Blondes.” Each guest was paired with an iconic blonde character that matched their lifestyle or profession, and every dish continued the story of their character. The décor featured golden tones, cotton, and a dusting of gold powder—a luxurious and playful aesthetic that tied everything together.

We’ve combined our love for art, gastronomy, and design to create unique, unforgettable experiences that inspire and delight. We want people to enjoy their time with their friends and make them feel our personal touch with some historical facts. Also, we want everyone to open new tastes and flavours, not to be limited by usual combinations.

The name “SourCremant” reflects our roots and inspirations: the thick sour cream from our Eastern European childhood, the delightful balance of sour and creamy flavors, and the bubbly crémant served in a crystal bowl called “kremanka”. This blend of tradition and modern culinary artistry defines who we are and what we offer.

Veronika, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Based in New York City, we are a boutique catering company dedicated to crafting exquisite dining experiences tailored to your celebration. As the owner and operators, we—Michelin-star Chef Konstantin Sytchev and creative art director Veronica Kandaurova—infuse every occasion with a one-of-a-kind blend of culinary artistry and design.

We offer a range of comprehensive services:
– Catering Delivery and Setup: we manage all logistics, decoration and service.
– Cocktail events and Seated Meal Options: we create an elegant dining experience with meticulously crafted courses.
– Art Dinners: it’s a fulfilling gastronomical journey where the art world meets the world of tastes and combinations. The wine and dishes are carefully craftes according to the dining heroes’ recipes and memories. Hosted at our home on the Upper East Side, this intimate gathering promises a personalized touch.
And we do local bread delivery!

Konstantin Sytchev is a Co-Founder and Head Chef; he is a Former Chef at ASKA** and ILIS. With over 10 years of experience in high-end kitchens worldwide, his close connection to the origins of ingredients deeply influences his approach. Konstantin’s mission is to advocate for a deeper understanding of the food people consume, emphasizing the journey from farm to table. Inspired by his European roots, Chef Konstantin brings a steadfast commitment to hospitality, genuine generosity, and a globally informed perspective to food innovation, which is evident in every dish he creates.

Veronica Kandaurova is a Co-Founder and Art Director. She is an Art PR bestie with 12+ years of experience in marketing strategies, collaborations, and event production. Graduated Central Saint Martins (London) and Christie’s (New York), she has developed art & food projects and hosted opening reception dinners for Mastercard, the Venice Biennale, the Guggenheim Museum, Gucci, Pernod Ricard, and other companies.

We want our clients to have stress-free hosting and let us handle everything—from preparation to cleanup—so they can relax and enjoy every moment.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

We use a strategic combination of exceptional personal service, unique experiences, and strong customer relationships. Like, we use se premium, fresh and seasonal ingredients from local vendors and farmers and ensure dishes are as visually appealing as they are flavorful.
We tailor menus and event themes to clients’ preferences, dietary needs, or special requests. Also, we always create memorable touches, such as custom menus, unique decor, or dishes inspired by the client’s story or culture. For example, our dinner menus have a unique number, and guests can take it as a memory. We also always prepare small gifts for each dinner.
We create a signature experience like developing unique elements that clients associate with brand, like a signature dish, cocktail, or presentation style. SourCreamnt always includes experiential components, like live cooking stations, interactive plating, or storytelling through the food.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

We encourage happy clients to share their experiences through testimonials, online reviews, or social media.
Of course, we offer referral incentives, like discounts or special services for repeat or referred clients.
We share behind-the-scenes content to create transparency and excitement around our brand. Also, we have a sense of humor, and we run our own news channel about food in New York City.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sourcremant.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourcremant/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566923391787
• Other: https://t.me/kroshkaikartoska_nycfood

Image Credits

Sourcremant