Meet the Chef
Daphanie "Chef Shan" Cassel
Chef Shan, widely known as The Plant-Based Diva, is the creative force behind Grass & Leaves, a luxury plant-based dining brand redefining the way the world experiences vegan cuisine. Drawing inspiration from her father’s legacy as a caterer and her own Southern roots, she has built a culinary philosophy that blends Southern comfort, Creole and Cajun traditions, and refined plant-based artistry into unforgettable experiences.
With a reputation for elegance, creativity, and soul, Chef Shan specializes in in-home fine dining experiences, signature brunches and multi-course dinners, candlelight evenings, and displayed meals that rival the sophistication of top restaurants. Her culinary artistry extends beyond special occasions. Through custom meal prep services she makes healthy eating accessible, and her private cooking classes empower clients to bring plant-based traditions into their own kitchens.
Her approach is rooted in the belief that dining is more than food. It is an act of care, a connection, and a celebration of wellness. Each dish is crafted to nourish both body and spirit, offering clients not only exquisite meals but also meaningful memories.
Chef Shan’s work reflects her lifelong passion for bringing people together at the table. With an eye for detail, elegant plating, and a signature garden-to-table elegance, she has positioned Grass & Leaves as a premier brand serving Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington DC, and beyond.
Beyond her culinary ventures, Chef Shan is also an entrepreneur and visionary. Through her Plant-Based Diva brand, she extends her mission of wellness and self-care with resets, journals, and lifestyle tools that empower others to “nourish their best self.” In the future, her vision includes a Grass & Leaves Bistro, offering a permanent home for the soulful yet refined flavors that have defined her journey.
Chef Shan continues to grow her legacy as a chef, storyteller, and community builder, committed to feeding not only appetites but also the deeper hunger for connection, wellness, and joy.
About Grass & Leaves
Grass & Leaves is more than a name. It is a reflection of growth, vitality, and connection to the earth. Each dining experience is crafted to feel like a cultivated garden: abundant, colorful, and alive with flavor. Rooted in Southern, Creole, and Cajun traditions, our cuisine blossoms into refined, plant-based creations designed to nourish and delight.
What Grass & Leaves Offers
- Signature Dining Experiences — Abundant displayed meals, refined multi-course dining, intimate candlelight dinners, and soulful brunches.
- Custom Meal Prep — Weekly menus designed with freshness and balance, tailored like a garden to your lifestyle.
- Private Cooking Classes — Hands-on lessons where new skills take root and flourish.
The Garden Promise
Just as every garden is tended with care, every detail of Grass & Leaves is cultivated with intention. From menu design to tablescape styling, each element is chosen to create balance, beauty, and abundance. Every dish is made from scratch, plated with precision, and served with warmth — a celebration of nature’s generosity and the artistry of fine dining.