Shani Porter is a Brooklyn-born private chef, culinary entrepreneur, and food educator whose work spans intimate private dining, high-profile event catering, and school food advocacy across New York and New Jersey.
A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education and St. John’s University, where she earned a BBA in Business Management, Shani brings a rare blend of culinary artistry and business acumen to everything she does. She launched 71ateChef to deliver elevated, personalized dining experiences for discerning private clients. Her roster has included executives, celebrities, and professional athletes, among them retired MLB star CC Sabathia and his family, for whom she has provided consistent, high-quality private chef services. She regularly serves clients across New York, New Jersey, and the Hamptons.
Beyond the private kitchen, Shani serves as Chef Liaison for Wellness in the Schools, coordinating fresh, culturally relevant food programming across 60 schools in New York City and partnering with the Greater Newark Conservancy to transform school food in Newark. She holds multiple food safety certifications including ServSafe Manager, NYC Retail Food Handler, and NY State Food Protection.
Rooted in Brooklyn with deep Southern ties, Shani’s cooking reflects the warmth, boldness, and soul of both worlds. Whether she’s crafting a multi-course dinner for a private client or building the next generation of food advocates, Chef Shani brings passion, precision, and purpose to every plate.
