Glass’s legacy a recipe for new catering venture

The clatter of pots, the smell of fresh herbs, and the sound of her mother’s voice explaining each step of a recipe. These are the memories that shaped Sharon Glass’s daughter, Ricci Kurman’s, childhood. 

Today, those memories are fuelling a new chapter: a catering company she’s launched in honour of her late mother, who inspired countless home cooks as a teacher. 

When Kurman stepped into the world of catering, she wasn’t just starting a business, she was continuing a legacy. Her late mother was a beloved cooking teacher whose philosophy was simple: food should be powerful, uncomplicated, and full of flavour, said Kurman. 

Although Glass never owned a catering business herself, her influence in the kitchen left a mark that now shapes her daughter’s path. “I grew up in a kitchen around food all the time,” she said. “We were blessed enough to travel the world, and I got to live overseas in Israel and Paris. That gave me a chance to experience different cultures and cuisines. I’ve always had a passion for food, but also for events, which is where my qualifications lie.” 

After years of working in corporate catering, she felt the pull to do something more personal. The turning point came when her mother died. “When my mom passed away, I decided to go on my own and carry her legacy forward,” she says. “Her whole thing was that food needs to be simple and powerful, with great flavour. That’s what I try to bring to every plate.” 

The company, Plated & Co, offers catering services across the board, including corporate events, private functions, and catering for kosher and halal events. The food is created by Catering by Riva, which operates under Beth Din supervision, while Kurman curates and manages the process to deliver memorable events with heart. 

Cooking wasn’t always Kurman’s passion. “I loved eating food, and we were spoiled at home,” she admits. “Every night, my mom made different meals because each of us liked different things. I grew up around food, but my passion was always more on the creative side – event management, décor, that kind of thing.” That changed when she began working in corporate catering. “I loved it. I loved creating menus, feeding people, and doing different and cool things with food.” 

Her mother’s influence extends beyond recipes. “She taught us so much, things I used to take for granted. For example, just knowing offhand how many grams are needed per person per function, or how to mix flavours without being afraid to try. She was all about testing, trying new recipes, adapting them, and listening to what people wanted. That’s the most important thing I carry with me.” 

Now, the company stands on those same values. “Our whole thing is heartfelt, home-style cooking with great quality,” she said. It’s not only about feeding people, but about creating experiences that echo the warmth of her mother’s kitchen. 

For her, each catered event is more than just a job, it’s a tribute, a way to ensure that Glass’s love for food, creativity, and generosity continues to touch people’s lives, one meal at a time.