At The Table With: Cat Chen
3 questions for the dinner party host, lover of Sundays, and founder of Dulan Wine
It was just a couple of weeks ago that I finally met Cat Chen in person after following her on Instagram for ages. She was hosting an intimate dinner party to celebrate her new venture, Dulan Wine, and I was flattered that she asked me to join, especially because we had only ever chatted in the DMs. But it all made sense once I walked into the room and was greeted by the warmest person with the brightest personality…seriously, Cat is like human sunshine.
Before Dulan and well before this dinner party, Cat’s career took her from the corporate comms world to the role of VP of Brand Marketing at Amber Interiors, where Cat co-wrote two bestselling books and built the brand to what it is today.
Now, Cat has taken her first steps into the wine world with Dulan Wine, a project deeply rooted in her upbringing and family history. Something I really admire about Cat is that she’s so highly intentional and thoughtful with everything she does, and it’s clear in the way she talks about the family vineyard, their beautiful wines, and how she got here that this is what she’s meant to be doing. Also, the wines are really really really good…the Chenin Blanc is a revelation (and I do not use that word often!!!)
I asked Cat 3 questions:
Ali LaBelle: Imagine perfect happiness. What does it smell, feel, taste, and sound like?
Cat Chen: One of my favorite quotes is from my boyfriend’s father: “Life is like a Sunday that never knew a Monday.” Perfect happiness to me is spending Sundays at home. The only trip out of the house is going to the farmers market and stocking up for the week. Cook all afternoon. It’s a late and long lunch that blurs into dinner. It’s a revolving door of friends and family. No expectations, no frills. It’s delicious bites of food, glass after glass of white wine, music flowing through every nook of the house…and an early bed time. :) I don’t do this enough, so writing this out is a reminder to self!
AL: Give us a rec!
CC: I am currently reading The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. It’s the book we need! It teaches us how to enrich gatherings and create memorable experiences through intentionality. Earlier this year I was asked about my goals and intentions for my guests at my birthday party. I was surprised by the question. After all, it’s just a birthday party, right? I had never thought deeply about why I was gathering so many people in a room, but once I really thought about the why, I took a completely new approach. It was the most fulfilling birthday I have ever had. I could go on and on about why this book is amazing — highly recommend!
(Editor’s note: Cat is now the THIRD person who has recommended this book to me so I think the universe really wants me to read it??? Ordering now.)
AL: It’s a table for two and your dinner date can be anyone (no rules!) Who do you invite?
CC: My mama. Since she passed 3.5 years ago, I’ve found the beauty in keeping her spirit alive by talking to her. I mainly talk to her through writing letters. She responds to me in magical ways — small signs with powerful lessons. Lessons big and small. So to answer the question, my (physical) attachment for her is natural and I’ll give myself some relief (because I am human!), but if I had to choose, I’d have dinner with my mama. Everything is about perspective. We would go to her favorite restaurant in Taiwan, her most natural element where she is happiest. I would continue to bottle up her wisdom and listen. I’d be patient and let her do the talking. We’d order everything on the menu — and dessert, of course.
Cat, thank you so much for sharing your story, your time, and your wine with us! I’m drinking a glass as I write this. I’m so touched by your words and I’m sure I’m not alone in that feeling.
If you’re a wine girlie give Dulan a follow here and shop their wines here. I’m not kidding about that Chenin Blanc!!!
See you back here Friday.
x
Ali
Photo by Phoebe Hono
Loved this. She seems like the warmest human. Her point about letters to her mom reminded me of this so very beautiful interview of Isabel Allende on JLD's pod: https://open.spotify.com/episode/57DAgB5J0SJppMPzGCrTix.