Olivier Cheng + Jennifer Zabinski Destination Home

The principles of Misfit Toys spearheaded the launch of Destination Home, a transportable culinary experience developed by two of the most renowned names in event and culinary design: event planner to the stars, Jennifer Zabinski, and celeb and A-list event caterer (ahem, MET GALA) Olivier Cheng. The idea was born in the Hamptons during the pandemic summer of 2020 as a series of destination themed dinners that could be delivered and serve as a substitute for missed summer vacations in hot spots such as Mykonos and Capri. This was a pivot for these two creative entrepreneurs who found their core business slow down considerably during lockdown. 

The new offering was so successful that it evolved to Celebration Home, a multi-sensory experience using regional and international cuisines as a centerpiece, featuring locations such as Jackson Hole, St. Barts, distinct NYC boroughs, and Paris, to name a few. A one-of-a-kind dinner experience with a high price point, Misfit Toys’ strategy centered on securing quality placements to reach the core audience for Celebration Home. The team’s first break piece was a feature with main photo in the New York Times “Front Burner” column of the Food section that showcased the service tied to a Christmas Eve experience, which boosted sales dramatically. Celebration Home was also included in Conde Nast Traveler’s “Holiday Gift Guide” as well as features in Forbes, Departures, Du Jour, Architectural Digest’s AD PRO, and more.