Chill Chat
“Its really OK if you dont like [to cook].
Alison Roman wants to teach you how to cook.
Since thenRoman has worked at various restaurants, including Milk Bar in New York City.
What really launched her to stardom was aninfamous stew recipeaffectionately dubbed The Stew.
It went viral online in 2020, along with her chocolate chip cookies, now simply called The Cookies.
These recipes are just as easy to make as they are delicious hence the appeal.
Roman fell in love with food while watching culinary shows on TV as a kid.
Its a cheeky, laidback look inside her kitchen where she makesperfectly imperfect dishesthat pack a flavorful punch.
I also like to go for coffee with my husband in our neighborhood.
Its a lot of breathing and slow stretching.
I also talk to the other women and well share how were feeling.
I usually take calls in the first half of the day, then get to work.
But every day is different.
Sometimes I need to go to the farmer’s market.
Sometimes I’m driving upstate.
But on my own, I don’t gravitate toward it.
I’m aVirgo, which totally contradicts not liking schedules.
I like to live in chaos.
No, that would make me too anxious.
I don’t like doing nothing.
Maybe that’s the Virgo showing.
Honestly, the best ingredient is the lettuce itself.
When I’m at a farmer’s market, that’s what I prioritize buying.
Lettuce will tell you when it wants to be eaten.
If it looks wilted, tired, or sad, then it might not be your best bet.
If it looks fresh and crisp, its probably delicious.
My kitchen tools havent changed since I started.
I believe in a wooden spoon, aspatula, a microplane, and tongs.
Thats all I need.
I actually dont make them that often!
I doTheNew York Timesscrossword, Wordle, and other silly little games.
I have to do all of the puzzles.
Like, I can’t do one and not the other three.
I have to finish them all.
I actually don’t pay attention to social media anymore.
But my hearts not in it, and I think thats OK.
The people who enjoy cooking and who love good recipes know where to find me.
And you might find yourself enjoying it.
I believe everyone can cook, but I don’t believe everybodyhasto.
We don’t all have to love everything.
Its really OK if you dont like it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
