As a writer and editor for the likes of Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, or Vogue, and co-founder of James Beard award-winning food magazine Gather Journal, Fiorella Valdesolo can look back at years of powerful epicurean storytelling. In this conversation, she elaborates on her two-breakfast routine, the NYT cooking app’s comments section, and why we should all eat more kraut.
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Meet Claire MacDonald
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Meet NYC passerby, Clair MacDonald, a producer and lover of movies.
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Meet Dana Drori
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Originally from Montreal, Canada, Dana is a model, actress, and non-fiction editor living in Brooklyn. As a model, she has worked with top photographers, brands, and magazines, including Bruce Weber, Ellen Von Unwerth, Michelangelo di Batista, Greg Kadel, Clarins, Garnier, L’Oreal, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, among others. In 2014, she started Aftertastes, a non-fiction literary website that focuses on food stories. She has a few tiny scenes in some movies coming out next year, of which she is really proud. She still likes going nuts to Led Zeppelin.
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Meet Erin Allweiss
“Erin has overseen media relations for some of the most recognized organizations, artists, brands and individuals. With a diverse background in art, sustainable design and public policy, her professional work is an extension of her personal interests. Erin grew up in New Orleans, went to school in Boston, and began her career in Washington working for the ONE Campaign, Oxfam, the Natural Resources Defense Council and on Capitol Hill. She moved to New York in 2010, and three years later launched her own PR firm, The No. 29, with partner Melody Serafino – focusing on art, design and sustainability.”
Top, Sessun ; Jeans, J.Brand ; Necklace, Growing Jewelry
on her morning routine
If I go to bed at a reasonable hour, then I’m up early for 6:30 AM yoga or running. If I have a late night, I save it for later by running home from work over the Brooklyn Bridge to avoid the F train. Regardless, I’m pretty much on my phone and email immediately – a habit I’m trying to break – and turning on WNYC. Often the first voices I hear in the morning are Steve Inskeep, Renee Montagne and David Greene. I was basically reared on Morning Edition. I make coffee or tea (sometimes both) and catch up on emails since we have clients in Holland, Paris, London and Tel Aviv.
on finding her interests
I knew from age five that I wanted to be an environmental lawyer, and just out of college had the privilege of working for some of the best nonprofits fighting for environmental justice – Oxfam and NRDC. I realized quickly that my disposition (constant motion) is not geared towards making incremental changes to policy and law, though thankfully others have the patience I lack. I realized I could still be an advocate, but in the court of public opinion. I love to write, tell stories for those who should be heard, and see immediate results.
“I just started college when Samantha Power’s “A Problem From Hell” came out. I’ve always been consumed by the dark moments in human history: how they happen, why people turn a blind eye and how we can change these patterns. We’re unfortunately revisiting this dark side now in Syria. That Power had written this book, received a JD, worked as a war correspondent and started the Carr Center for Human Rights by the time she was in her early 30s was inspiring. Reading her book, I simultaneously thought: I want to do something to make the world better…and I want to be as badass as Samantha Power.”
Shoes, Veja
on beginning her career
Back in DC, I learned how to do my job, made some of my dearest friends, and got to see Barack Obama sworn in as president. After a while, it got frustrating to fight for things that weren’t coming to fruition. I always planned to live in New York, and made the immediate leap from politics to art, though much of the art I work on makes a political statement. Working with JR, who had just won the TED Prize, was among my first major projects. It was the start of something really special in New York. Three years later, I started a PR firm with my brilliant partner. We simply wanted the power to choose who we worked for and how. People thought we were crazy to focus solely on sustainability, design, art and impact, but we’ve really carved out a niche.
on being in public relations
Being in PR has allowed me to work across disciplines – and often combine them in unexpected ways. We have wonderful clients who are making an impact, and help them tell their stories. I learn daily and feel incredibly fortunate to be an extension of their teams. There’s no greater feeling than conceptualizing and shaping a story, and ultimately making that story news.
Dress, Claudie Pierlot ; Shirt, Iris ; Shoes, Schutz ; Art, Frank Relle
“The Police, Synchronicity – since I was a kid. The Police and The Beatles were my favorite. My parents would play them and we’d have dance parties in costumes, as New Orleanians do. This music feels like home.”
Dress, L'Wren Scott ; Shoes, Loeffler Randall
on her beauty routine
My skin is finicky, so I have to change products with the weather. I use Diane Higgins Regenerating Facial Oil combined with her moisturizer. She carries a line called Face Reality, and I use their cleanser as well as Diane’s cleansing balm when my skin is dry. Tizo sunscreen is a daily must. As a runner, I need something that won’t irritate my skin and this rubs in like powder. I’m obsessed with eye cream. She has a great one but I’ll try anything. I also recommend REN Clean Skincare Vita Mineral Lip Balm, Bobbi Brown Eye Makeup Remover, Le Labo Women's Rose 31 Eau De Parfum, Yves Saint Laurent Terre Saharienne Bronzing Powder, Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Matte Lip Colour, Diorshow Mascara, Eminence Organic Skin Care Organic Sun Defense, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour, Nars Blush, and Diorblush.
on her style and shopping habits
My favorite shopping spots are spread around the world. In New York it’s A. Cheng or Anthom. When I go home to New Orleans, UAL is my go-to for insanely discounted designer gems (like that incredible L’Wren Scott dress). In Paris, Centre Commercial is the best. Everything is either made in France and/or sustainable. The guys behind Veja opened it five years ago, and they’ve created something truly special.
Dress, L'Wren Scott
erin's favorite books
Paris Views by Gail Albert Halaban, A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide by Samantha Power, Special Orders: Poems by Edward Hirsch, Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Tom Robbins
erin's favorite records
The Belle Album PV by Al Green, My Kind of Jazz by Ray Charles, Synchronicity by The Police, Soul Train Super Tracks, Brothers by The Black Keys
erin's favorite places in nyc
Prime Meats for a glass of wine (and awesome food) at the bar
Frankies - for every meal
Black Gold Records is where I go for a strong coffee and album browsing. Its got a NOLA vibe, which makes me feel at home
Court Street Grocers for magical sandwiches
Buttermilk Channel for dinner and French Louie for brunch
I love the Invisible Dog art space on Bergen. Great exhibitions.
For a bar, Brooklyn Social for Matt's Ginger Old Fashioned
Overalls, Loup ; Trench, Catherine Malandrino ; Shoes, Prada ; Bag, Kooba