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In Chill Chat, Bustle engages with notable figures to explore various aspects of wellness, including daily habits and tips for achieving restful sleep. In this edition, renowned chef and bestselling author Alison Roman shares her insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing her daily routines, and her pre-bedtime habits.
Alison Roman is passionate about teaching others the art of cooking, believing it to be a fundamental aspect of her life’s mission. With roots in Los Angeles, she started her culinary journey at the young age of 19 as an assistant to a baker at Sona.
Her career has spanned various esteemed establishments, including Milk Bar in New York, and she has contributed food writings to prestigious publications such as Bon Appétit. Roman is also the author of several successful cookbooks, including Nothing Fancy and Dining In.
Her rise to fame can largely be attributed to a popular stew recipe, affectionately known as “The Stew,” which captured the internet’s attention in 2020. Alongside her celebrated chocolate chip cookies, referred to simply as “The Cookies,” these recipes showcase her ability to blend simplicity with flavor, resonating with a wide audience.
Roman’s culinary passion was sparked during her childhood, inspired by watching cooking shows on television. “I didn’t attend a formal culinary school, but I absorbed techniques from the chefs on Food Network, embracing what resonated with me,” she reflects.
She has now come full circle, hosting her own show, Alison Roman’s Home Movies, which debuted on YouTube and premiered on the Tastemade streaming channel on October 2. The show offers a relaxed glimpse into her kitchen, where she prepares delightfully unrefined dishes that emphasize flavor and creativity.
Outside the kitchen, Roman enjoys browsing local farmer’s markets in Brooklyn, where she resides with her husband, director and producer Max Cantor. She also manages a grocery store named First Bloom near their second home in upstate New York.
In this interview, Roman discusses her morning routine, workout preferences, and insights on various topics, including her favorite ingredients and her relationship with social media.
Walk me through a typical morning.
I usually wake up around 8 a.m. and start my day with a smoothie made from spinach, oat milk, protein powder, bananas, and ice. My husband and I often go out for coffee in our neighborhood, which gives us a chance to get dressed and enjoy some fresh air, even if I skip the coffee.
What’s your go-to workout?
Currently, I’m practicing prenatal Pilates and prenatal yoga. While it’s more subdued than standard classes, it’s vital for me during pregnancy. These sessions focus on breathing and gentle stretching, and I also enjoy connecting with other expectant mothers to share our experiences.
What’s the rest of your day look like?
My mornings are generally filled with calls and planning, while my afternoons vary significantly. Sometimes I’ll visit the farmer’s market, and other times I’ll head upstate. I appreciate the freedom that comes with not strictly adhering to a routine, though I recognize the benefits it provides for others.
I have to ask… what’s your zodiac sign?
I’m a Virgo, which seems paradoxical given my aversion to strict schedules. I thrive in a bit of chaos.
So you aren’t into lazy days or the bed rot trend?
No, that concept actually makes me quite anxious. I prefer to stay active instead of indulging in inactivity. Perhaps that’s the Virgo trait coming through!
What’s your go-to salad topping?
Honestly, the most important component is the lettuce itself. At the farmer’s market, I make it a priority to select fresh, vibrant lettuce. Its appearance can indicate its quality; wilted lettuce is likely not the best choice, while fresh, crisp heads are generally delicious.
Is there a cooking gadget you can’t live without?
My essential kitchen tools have remained consistent since I began cooking. I rely on a wooden spoon, a spatula, a microplane, and tongs—they cover all my culinary needs.
Do you ever get tired of making your most viral recipes, like The Stew or The Cookies?
In fact, I don’t often make them myself! Once I share my recipes with the world, they take on a life of their own in the kitchens of others.
How do you wind down after a hectic day?
I enjoy unwinding with puzzles, including the crossword in The New York Times and Wordle. I can’t resist completing all the puzzles; it feels satisfying to finish them in one go.
How do you balance work, life, and social media?
I’ve distanced myself from the pressures of social media. It can feel overwhelming to maintain a constant presence and remind others of your existence, but I choose to engage with it on my terms. Those truly interested in my cooking can easily find me through my other platforms.
What’s your number one tip for learning to cook?
One of the best ways to enhance your cooking skills is to invite people over. Having guests provides motivation to cook, turning what can feel like a chore into an enjoyable task.
Do you have any advice for people who wish they liked cooking, but view it as a chore?
I believe that everyone has the potential to cook, but it’s also perfectly acceptable if it’s not for you. Not everyone has to love everything—it’s vital to embrace your preferences and find freedom in that.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Source
www.bustle.com