Springtime at Gjelina

SHELLEY ARMISTEAD, Gjelina Group

CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine

SHELLEY ARMISTEAD • CEO • Gjelina Group
Neighborhood you work in: East Village, NYC & Venice Beach, LA  

It’s Friday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
It’s a mix of everything: 1. Construction is full steam ahead at Gjelina NY. 2. Gjelina LA, GTA, and Gjusta are in full spring-break mode, which is super fun because we get to meet people from all over the world. 3. We’re hanging artwork at Vittorja. 4. Buckets of tulips are coming into the flower shop. 5. Bread class with chef Nicky, and tasting strawberries with Bethany. 

What’s on the agenda for today?
I’m writing two cookbooks simultaneously, which is a little silly, but I can't seem to slow down. Also, in no particular order: Signing off on a new custom paint color that I created, begging chef Juan and chef Nicky to come up with a thinner burrito, praying that the design of a new lampshade I’ve been dreaming about works out, a parent-teacher conference, and an interview with a publication about the future of hospitality. 

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
In LA, it's a funny one — and no one talks about it because supposedly it isn't considered “new” or “cool” — but the food at Cecconi's West Hollywood is just so consistently good, it's a comfort to eat there. I’ll stop in for agnolotti and half glass of white at some point during the week. The staff are phenomenal and I never run into anyone. In NY, Rosella always. 

How about a little leisure or culture?
Both the NY Philharmonic and the LA Phil are always my go-to. I like to go by myself, and particularly at 11 a.m. on a Friday if there is a piece I love being performed. Also: 92nd St Y for conversation in NY, ICA in LA, Salon 94 in NY. And I’ll break up my work day with 45 minutes of art somewhere.

Any weekend getaways?
I love going Upstate. Favorite places: Talbot & Arding in Hudson, Montage Antiques in Millerton, Stissing House in Pine Plains, and Wassaic Project in Wassaic. 

What was your last great vacation?
Hydra every year with my best friend Maia for swimming, reading, eating, and hiking. Last year I explored Paris with my boys (who are both very romantic humans). I’ve been many times, but to see it through their eyes was extra special. Avoid the lines at the Eiffel Tower and do a double ride in the Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde — it’s more personal space, and the views are phenomenal. I love Les Enfants du Marche for dinner and Folderol for ice cream after.