WORK • Tuesday Routine
JACKIE CARNESI • executive chef • Kellogg’s Diner
Neighborhood you work: Williamsburg
Neighborhood you live in: Bushwick
It’s Tuesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Tuesday is the start of my work week. The day begins at 630a, when I get myself and my son up and get him off to school, followed by a workout. I head in to work anywhere from 10-12. The restaurant is always busy at that time with people enjoying their lunch breaks, but for me, it’s time to get started.
What’s on the agenda for today?
I dive into emails I’ve been neglecting on my days off, and then eventually make a little lunch. My go-tos on the Kellogg’s menu are the turkey club or the Greek salad with grilled chicken.
After that, I go through the renderings that are presented to me for a new (kinda secret, very exciting) project I’m working on in the West Village — stay tuned! I give my feedback to the architect and then get started in the kitchen. I’m currently working on switching out some menu items to make way for some new dishes (a roast chicken with a sauce made from dill, parsley, olives, tomatoes and pickled peppers and a pressed broccoli rabe, caramelized onion, and Monterey Jack sandwich — kind of like a veggie patty melt, plus some other fun changes).
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
My boyfriend Blake and I love Hellbender. We make a point to go at least twice a month. Chef Yara Herrera’s food always hits so hard, and we love that it’s close to home. Another spot I’ll be hitting up is Sunsets, which is the dinner service they offer at the cafe La Cantine in Bushwick. The chef, Jimena Pozo, has really done something special with that menu. Cafe Mogador is always a solid choice, and I’ll sneak over there after work sometimes to get a martini and whatever grilled fish preparation they have.
How about a little leisure or culture this week?
My best friend, Carla, was just visiting from Austin. She came up specifically so we could see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs play at Beacon Theatre. It was an orchestral set, and with the stunning Beacon Theatre as the backdrop, it made for a really unforgettable experience. We grabbed drinks at Dive 75 after the show, but were home by midnight.
I like to drive out to the Rockaways before work, when time allows, and just get a quick swim in, and grab a bite to eat at La Cevicheria at the 96th St. concessions. It’s the best ceviche in New York, and the salmon tiradito is hands down one of my favorite dishes of all time. Plus, Dino, the owner, is one of the warmest, friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
What’s a recent big ticket purchase you love?
Other than plane tickets (Italy here we come!), the only big purchases I’ve made recently are skin care related. My dermatologist (@dermdocny) recently put me onto Isdin Vitamin C capsules. They come in these little glass ampules and I love the process of snapping the tops off. Makes me feel like a chemist.
I also just purchased some custom bowls from the supremely talented Jim Shack, who I met while I was chef at Nura in Greenpoint. On sunny weekend days, Jim sets up a table of gorgeous ceramics across the street from the restaurant. Even if you don’t buy anything from him, you should say hi because there is no more beautiful soul than Jim (but you should definitely buy something!).
What NYC store or service do you love to recommend?
I love going to Ten Ichi because their ready-to-eat foods are so great and expansive, but they also carry my favorite brand of kimchi, and, like, a million other tasty treats. Pure Qi Spa in Greenpoint is my favorite place to treat myself. The staff is so friendly and they provide the best facial I’ve ever had.
My point-and-shoot camera just kicked the bucket, but not before I finished a roll of film, so I dropped it off at Westlab Film in Bushwick to get developed. Shrey and Jacquey, the owners, are always so helpful and sweet, and I love that they’re so close to home.
Where are you donating your time or money?
I’m currently raising money for a dear family friend who is struggling to secure housing after losing her house to a fire. She’s a single mother from Colombia, and I’d love to help ease her burden and get her housed.