I am an Artist, Adventurer and Avid Cheese Supporter. Roll that together with herbs and goat cheese and you get Nicole Simper, the Platter Maven. 

I was born and raised in beautiful Salt Lake City. I have a degree in the Arts that is complimented by an extreme love of food. I moved to New York City, California and Seattle after college and found my way back to Utah in 2018 to cultivate some roots. I have worked for many talented chefs, which has shaped my perspective and diverse knowledge of food. I have held every position possible in the restaurant industry, including working as a culinary assistant on the FYI networks cooking show called Scraps! I am an artist at heart and I always loved styling food and creating an ambience around eating. Life is too short to eat boring food! Taking the time to make something look just as amazing as it tastes takes your eating experience to the next level. Maven Oak was created to embrace and celebrate gathering and grazing together. 

Beyond the kitchen I love to be outside adventuring! Utah provides the perfect playground for hiking, biking and just overall exploring. I seek out great patios and rosé in the summer time and crave a warm couch and whiskey in winter. I am a reality TV junkie with an affinity for documentaries…it’s all about balance. I practice yoga and meditation to stay sane, jump into alpine lakes to feel alive and dance wildly to be free. I love traveling but one of my favorite things is coming home to my rascal ginger tabby cat named Cheddar Jack…I told you I love cheese!