Photo credit: www.self.com
When it comes to showcasing love, Hollywood’s freshly minted superstar Glen Powell takes a unique approach, emphasizing simple actions over mere words. In particular, he expresses his affection through food.
Glen Powell is steadily establishing himself as a prominent figure in the film industry. His appeal shines through in roles like his charismatic performance in Anyone But You, where charm and humor are front and center. However, his rugged portrayal of a tornado wrangler in Twisters also captured the attention of audiences. Adding to his relatable persona, Powell has even embraced viral capybara memes, showing that he possesses a delightful sense of humor beyond his good looks.
Regardless of the draw, it’s clear Powell embodies a refreshing, down-to-earth charisma that resonates with fans. This charm shone through when I received an invite to lunch with him to chat about an unexpectedly enticing subject: condiments—an area where the actor is launching his own line, Smash Kitchen.
On a bright Tuesday afternoon in New York City, I joined Powell for a relaxed meal that featured some of his favorite American foods. The spread included sliders with ketchup, hot pretzels served with Dijon mustard, mini BLTs paired with spicy mayo, and brisket drizzled with barbecue sauce. This last dish is named after his Instagram-famous dog, Brisket, who unfortunately couldn’t join us for lunch, but Powell was eager to share pictures. Each condiment at our table was Powell’s own creation, ready to make its debut alongside familiar favorites and inventive additions like hot honey ketchup and organic spicy mayo.
As we sampled the array of dishes, Powell narrates the backstory of each item, infusing humor and personal anecdotes into his commentary. He recalls a memorable experience with ketchup from his high school days that nearly turned him against the condiment for good. “I used to eat so much ketchup,” he reminisces. He recounts a high school sleepover that took an unexpected turn when their friends’ little sister snuck out and doused them in ketchup while they slept under the Texas sun. The adhesive qualities of the sauce led to a hilarious but traumatic culinary moment that kept him from enjoying ketchup for years—until he finally decided to craft his own version.
While Glen Powell may not be an established figure in the culinary world yet, he speaks passionately about flavor and quality, thanks to his Texan roots. He’s quick to express his preferences for certain tastes and the importance of high-quality ingredients, advocating for avoiding unnecessary additives like dyes and high fructose corn syrup. “In Austin, no one’s gonna pay $15 for a bottle of ketchup,” he states, emphasizing the need for authenticity in Texas cuisine. Despite his affinity for genuine BBQ, Powell admits he has yet to find a sauce that meets his standards, paving the way for him to create his own version, which lives up to his smoky and bold expectations—one that I can confirm is indeed delicious.
Source
www.self.com