North or east
GINA BRUNO • Frank’s House/Campers
WORK • Friday Routine
GINA BRUNO • chef/host/culinary creative • Frank’s House/Campers
Neighborhood you work & live in: Clinton Hill
It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
Happy Friday! Fridays are my “tie up the loose ends and do all the things” kind of days. Think: emails, spreadsheets, editing, sometimes a shoot or interview if the calendar says so. Today kicked off with a podcast interview — where I was the interviewee, for once — coffee in one hand, mic in the other.
Owning Frank’s House, my event space in Clinton Hill, means I wear every hat you can imagine. Some days, I’m the event curator; some days, I’m the inbox wrangler; and plenty of other days, I’m behind the stove cooking for guests. On top of that, I’m a private chef, doing everything from brand dinners to intimate tables for two. Honestly, it never feels like work! It’s the part of my job that fills me up the most.
And then there’s Campers, my own food-forward podcast where I sit down with folks across the food world to hear their stories: what they’re cooking, what they’re eating, what they’re building, and of course, what drives them crazy about the industry. In and around and between all of this, I am my favorite (and most difficult) job, Mom, to my one-and-a-half-year-old, Mars.
Where are you drinking or dining this weekend?
Tonight, hosting an intimate dinner at my apartment, just eight of us around the table. Fresh off my trip to Spain, the menu leans seafood-heavy, with a little nduja heat and plenty of charred vegetables. And yes, the white wine will be ice cold and endless.
A few recs while we’re here: This weekend I’m finally heading to Chrissy’s Pizza and couldn’t be more excited. My pizza obsession runs deep, and for me, Una still holds the crown as the best in New York. Recently I ate at JR & Son, and every bite felt like my Italian-American Long Island childhood, but with a swagger my hometown definitely didn’t have. And the restaurant I’m counting the days to try? I Cavallini!
Any weekend getaways?
Pull me north or east for a weekend, and I’m content. Give me a mountain view upstate or a quiet Hamptons corner in the off-season. My sweet spot is a 2.5-3-hour drive — anything longer, and I’d rather hop on a plane.
Upstate, I orbit Rhinebeck, Hudson, and Kingston. I haven’t been yet, but I’m dying to staycation at The Six Bells. I’ve only heard the most amazing things; definitely on my fall bucket list. Some of my favorite breakfasts exist in Hudson: Circles Bagels and Mel the Bakery. For lunch, Quinnie’s Sandwiches always hit the spot. For dinner, Wm. Farmer & Sons has the best cabin-y vibes.
If we’re going out east, it’s Sag Harbor, Amagansett, or The Springs that have my heart. Truthfully, I don’t really go out to eat all that much when I’m out there. I’d rather spend the money on amazing farm-fresh produce and make a fantastic dinner at home. However, if I’m really getting an itch to socialize, a constant for me is Léon 1909 on Shelter Island, a very special spot with amazing… everything (and The Tuck Shop is right across the street, which is excellent ice cream to end the night with).
What was your last great vacation?
I have to start with my most recent trip because I only got back two days ago. Two weeks in Europe with a toddler, which felt like Olympic-level logistics. We kicked things off with a wedding in Mallorca, I stole away for a quick escape to Paris, my forever favorite city, and wrapped it up in Saint-Tropez where the days were modest with just the right hint of bougie. My full list of recommendations can be found on my Substack, but I will shout out Les Enfants du Marché in Paris. The menu changes every day, the head chef is… spirited… but his love language is food. It’s perhaps the best food I’ve ever had in my entire life.
Where are you donating your time or money?
Donkey Rescue! I have a strange obsession with these little guys. Best animal ever. I give as much as I can to help.