In the lab
MARIANA VELÁSQUEZ • Casa Velásquez & Mariana Velásquez Studio
WORK • Tuesday Routine
MARIANA VELÁSQUEZ • cookbook author, food stylist, designer & maximalist host • Casa Velásquez & Mariana Velásquez Studio
Neighborhood you work in: mostly Brooklyn
Neighborhood you live in: Carroll Gardens
It’s Tuesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Coffee is brewing and there are usually three things happening at once: recipe testing, food styling, and answering emails about restaurant design. A lot of this went into my recently released book Revel: A Maximalist’s Guide to Having People Over. My “office” tends to be a kitchen table covered in linens, samples, and whatever I’m cooking that day.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Right now, I’m deep in the joyful chaos of launching my book and tableware collection with Sur La Table. First, a meeting at Devoción in Williamsburg, where I’m hosting my first book signing. Then, a catering meeting at Comparti — they’re cooking for the launch party — an eyebrow appointment with the one and only Jimena Brows, and a martini to close the week at Schmuck.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Always. New York is my research lab. I’m usually meeting friends for dinner somewhere lively, sitting at a bar eating something delicious. Bar Bianchi and Bridges are a couple of faves at the moment. Tonight I’m going dancing at Nightmoves.
How about a little leisure or culture this week?
I’ll take a long walk through Union Square Greenmarket to see what’s starting to sprout. And I’ll make a stop at Yoya, a great new children’s clothing and vintage boutique in the West Village that has been on my list for months.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
An asymmetrical navy pinstripe jacket by designer Faride Ramos, who is from Mompox, Colombia. It’s one of those timeless pieces I became instantly obsessed with — I’ve already worn it three times in one week, which is always the sign of a very good purchase.