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We’re thrilled to have Chloé Crane-Leroux on the cover of the Summer Issue of The EDIT. Our quarterly magazine celebrates the rituals, recipes, and rhythms of intentional living. This season’s theme is Carefree—an invitation to live lighter and love deeper. Explore the full issue or order the print edition here.
To anyone who values the quiet beauty of simple pleasures—the golden haze of evening sun, warm berries fresh from the vine, gentle steam from steeping tea—Chloé Crane-Leroux will be a kindred spirit. And she likely needs little introduction, as a photographer, cookbook author, and visual storyteller, Chloé serves as creative muse for many. Though based in New York, her heart is rooted in southern France and her recipes so easily channel the Mediterranean ethos that calls to her. Her food is vibrant and stunning without being overcomplicated, serving up the essence of what it means to savor life on a plate.
As revealed in her interview with Camille (which you can read in our latest issue of The EDIT, out now), Chloé also has an energy that naturally translates into hosting and entertaining. We wanted to know more about how she creates beautiful gatherings that are less about formalities and more about cultivating genuine presence with her guests. Below, she invites us in.
What informs your approach to food?
I would say that it’s a blend of creativity, adventure, and genuine curiosity. Working alongside talented chefs as a food photographer taught me to appreciate not only the beauty of a dish but also its soul. I love exploring fresh ingredients and drawing inspiration from my travels.
(Case in point: you can get the recipe for Chloé’s Summer Rainbow Beet Salad here—it’s stunning.)
How did your personal brand and cookbook come to be?
My business really took shape during the pandemic when I was forced to step back from my full-time food photography job because I couldn’t be on set due to the restrictions back then. I discovered my personal style and aesthetic by diving into social media, and in 2021, I started sharing my recipes. It quickly became clear that my passion lies in plant-based foods with a French Mediterranean twist. My cookbook is the essence of that journey—it captures my style, my aesthetic, and my cooking philosophy centered on the beauty of simplicity.
Tell us about your home—how did you find it and what’s your favorite part of the space?
I actually stumbled onto my place while scrolling through Streeteasy—just like most New Yorkers do. I knew I wanted to move, but I had a pretty clear vision, and when I saw my apartment, I just knew it was meant for me. Over the past few months, I’ve been adding my own little touches to make it feel like home. And honestly, my favorite spot is the kitchen—even though it’s still a work in progress. There’s just something about its open layout that makes it perfect for hanging out and hosting friends.
What does a great gathering look like for you?
For me, a great gathering is so much more than a meal. I love inviting my friends and family over, setting a table that feels like a warm, welcoming hug. With soft lighting, candles everywhere, a good playlist, my favorite dishes, and conversations that flow from silly anecdotes to deep reflections. Every moment feels personal and cherished. It’s these genuine, spontaneous moments that turn an ordinary evening into treasured memories.
Walk us through a typical day for you—what is the flow you like to keep?
On a typical weekday, I usually wake up around 6:30 AM and kick things off with a Pilates class—I really need that morning workout to get going. After that, I make myself a matcha latte with oat milk, which has become my little daily treat.
The rest of my day varies a lot. Some days I take it slow and handle admin tasks, while other days I might be out shooting a new recipe or on a travel adventure. When it comes to dressing, I lean towards something comfortable yet chic.
Evenings are all about unwinding. Whether I’m trying a new dish in the kitchen, watching a show with my partner, or grabbing dinner with friends, I use that time to relax and recharge for the next day.
What are three products you love for the table, and why?
Linen napkins, one. Their soft, natural texture adds a relaxed yet sophisticated touch. I love handmade ceramics—where each piece is unique. My mother is a ceramicist, so I know how much work goes into every handmade dinner plate. They are so beautiful. I’m also never without elegant candlesticks. These create a refined atmosphere that transforms any dinner setting into a cozy, intimate space.
What’s your must-have cooking tool and why?
I’m all about having a really good chef’s knife in my kitchen. Having that reliable knife changes how I cook overall. It speeds up my prep work, making the whole process more enjoyable.
What are your favorite cookbooks and why?
I have a couple of cookbooks that I absolutely love. One is French Country Cooking by Mimi Thorisson—her unique take on French cuisine and the beautiful way she presents food really inspires me. I also adore At My Italian Table by Laura Vitale, which feels warm and inviting. I like that these books aren’t strictly plant-based; it gives me the fun freedom to tweak the recipes and make them my own.
What would we always find in your refrigerator?
I always have a mix of colorful seasonal veggies, and fresh herbs. There’s always a block of tofu, a jar of mustard, and oat milk to make my morning matcha. And, of course, a few leftovers.
Your signature dishes for gatherings?
Any type of galette, or tart. My Asparagus, Peas, and Pesto Tart from my cookbook is one of my favorites and a crowd pleaser, always. It’s easy to make and so flavorful.
Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home?
I’m a creature of habit so I make the same meals often. I make a noodle stir-fry with a peanut sauce every week, and I seriously never get tired of it, it’s so good.
What’s one tip for someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?
One tip is to keep things simple by putting together an apéro-style spread. Instead of overcomplicating your menu with elaborate dishes, opt for a selection of easy, bite-sized appetizers made from fresh, affordable ingredients. This way, you reduce both the cost and the time spent in the kitchen, allowing you to be truly present with your guests while they enjoy delicious, stress-free bites.
Favorite conversation starter or question to get to know someone?
I love asking, “What’s the story behind your favorite meal?” It’s a gentle invitation for people to share their personal history, sparking genuine connections through the universal language of food.
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
It includes French music, jazz, or a little bossa nova. I have a ton of favorite playlists, and each one is meant for a special moment. There are the songs I listen to while I’m cooking. I have my perfect playlist for hosting, and also songs for a jazzy dinner.
Go-to centerpiece solution:
I adore arranging seasonal blooms in a vintage vase—simple, natural, and effortlessly elegant. It’s a small detail that brings a touch of nature and intimacy to every table setting.
What is your no-stress party rule to live by?
Keep it genuine. When you let your true self shine through in your food, décor, and conversation, everything falls into place naturally. Authenticity is the key to a memorable and stress-free gathering.
Dream dinner guest?
Stanley Tucci. Fingers crossed that it happens one day.
Fill in the blank:
A perfect meal should: make you do a little happy dance, every time.
It’s not a dinner party without: a few rounds that kick off the kind of laughter that reminds you why these gatherings always feel like home.
Every cook should know how to: embrace those quirky kitchen mishaps, because sometimes the best meals come from moments you never expected.
