The Slope Survey returns for its 7th installment with Olivia Williamson, owner of Olivia Cooks For You, Personal Chef and Catering Services as well as Olivia’s Kitchen, a regular column in the Park Slope Reader.
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What brought you to Park Slope?
No surprises here. We were starting to think about a starting a family and the 6th floor tenement studio in the East Village felt like not a great spot for it. Plus, after almost 25 years, I was wearing a little thin on the Manhattan pace and was excited to move to a more leafy and slower paced place.
What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?
I don’t have just one, but I will say the group of friends and support I found after the birth of my first child I will never forget.
Describe your community superpower.
I keep a close eye on new openings, restaurants and events so I’m great at making recommendations on these type of things.
If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?
I wish the commercial rents would come down so that more people have the opportunity to open small businesses.
What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years?
I think it will be pretty much the same. It’s so well established now as the wonderful place for families that it is, and so close to the best park ever, I can’t see it changing too much.
What are you reading, would you recommend it?
Ugh. I haven’t read that much since the arrival of our very high energy 6 year old, but I did recently read Lincoln in the Bardo and loved it.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Hah! Restaurants, of course!
If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go?
New Orleans. I love the architecture and the energy.
Who is your hero, real or fictional?
Right now, it Jose Andres. The work he is doing in Puerto Rico is nothing short of amazing.
Last Word, What’s is turning you on these days?
I’m going through a bit of a growing period with my business, which is exciting.
