BRINGING THE HEAT | UBAH HASSAN

As many of you know, we're in the midst of Fashion Month with the beginning of Sept kicking off with New York Fashion Week, which makes us think of a number of our favorite models, shows, campaigns, and more.

Somali-Canadian model, Ubah Hassan, who lives here in NY has worked with a number of top fashion designers including Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Oscar de la Renta to name a few! In addition, she is a business woman who launched her own brand of hot sauce, UBAH HOT, a few years ago! She recently partnered with one of our favorite eateries in the city, Serafina with a pizza that includes her sauce that will be on the menu over the next few months.

We wanted to talk about her background in fashion, creating her hot sauce line, being long time friends with the founders of Serafina, and of course being part of the cast of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York with a rebooted cast that definitely gives us the taste of the city with these women who blaze trails in their industry and with one another!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Ubah, we have been fans of yours for years from your photoshoots, campaigns and extensive modeling career! When did you realize that you wanted to be a model and what do you love about it?

UBAH HASSAN: I didn’t realize I wanted to be a model, a photographer approached me and it kind of came to me naturally. After I started I realized it had everything I loved – working with different people, traveling around the world, my industry is like the United Nations in one little basket and I love that different diversity, different culture, etc.

AM: We've also love seeing you in the cast of Real Housewives of New York, not only is the cast great, but we always love how you bring your style every time you're on screen. Why did you want to be on this show and how has this season been for you?

UH: Bravo is an incredible platform and I thought it would be good for me and my branding to gain a different audience. It has also been amazing because I have bonded with the other girls and displayed myself really well. Seeing yourself on TV makes you learn a lot about yourself.

AM: What did you learn or love the most on being on this show?

UH: I learned that whatever you say has been recorded so you better remember everything you said. I loved bonding with the girls and understanding people in depth and understanding you should never judge a book by its cover.

AM: We also love that you're always sharing your love of food and glad to see you talking about UBAH HOT! We've yet to try this, but tell us about it and why you wanted to create it.

UH: I was so frustrated of always having to eat healthy food without flavor. I needed something to spice up my steamed vegetables so I would make different hot sauces to spice up the flavor.

AM: Before we get into your collaboration, what do you suggest that we should put UBAH HOT on?

UH: Anything you don’t want to eat. Putting hot sauce on your steamed veggies can taste like lasagna real quick.

AM: We love Serafina and have a number of favorites and have been going there for years! What do you love about Serafina and what do you enjoy eating when you're there?

UH: The pizza of course! I also enjoy their salads, their Foccacia Alla Nutella, Gnocchi and Lemon Pasta with Shrimp.

AM: How did your partnership between UBAH HOT and Serafina come about?

UH: Vittorio and Fabio have been longtime friends of mine. My favorite restaurant is Serafina and I eat there all the time. I am selective about the collaborations I take part in but felt that this would be a natural fit. Vittorio and Fabio are very selective about their ingredients flying to Italy to find the perfect tomatoes, olive oil, etc. As well as great to their employees that remain loyal to the Serafina brand.

AM: Tell us about this pizza that will be at Serafina locations as well as the soon to open Serafina Restaurant & Wine Bar which we can't wait to go to!

UH: This new pizza collaboration is a spicy take on a margherita pizza using habanero infused san marzano tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, finely sliced habanero and basil julienne. The pizza will be available at all 13 of Serafina’s NYC locations. Serafina Restaurant Group is opening their first ever restaurant + wine bar concept. The restaurant is set to open in early October and will be located at 110 University Place, New York, NY. Similar to its traditional restaurants located throughout NYC and the world, the menu will offer Serafina classics such as their beloved pizza and pasta dishes. Making this wine bar location unique, the bar will offer over 100 hand selected wines by owners Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato from all the regions in Italy and around the world. The wines will be high-quality but affordable for Serafina’s diners. With an extensive wine-pairing menu, guests will be able to learn and try about the different wines that compliment Serafina’s classic menu items. Think wine-tour without the hefty price of a plane ticket to Italy.

AM: Will this pizza be available for a limited time or will it be something that will stay on the menu?

UH: The pizza will remain on the menu for a few months!

AM: What are other projects that we should keep an eye out for that you're working on that you would like to share with us?

UH: Working to create a mocktail – more to come soon!

IG @ubah

@ubahhot

@serafinanewyork

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 52 + PG 53 Serafina | 9LIST STORI3S Bravo/Real Housewives of NY |

Read the SEP ISSUE #93 of Athleisure Mag and see BRINGING THE HEAT | Ubah Hassan in mag.

9LIST STORI3S | UBAH HASSAN

Read the SEP ISSUE #93 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S | Ubah Hassan in mag.

WHERE FOOD IS FAMILY - SERAFINA EXPRESS | VITTORIO ASSAF

Here in NYC, we have a number of restaurants that we enjoy going to that become our neighborhood spots whether we live or work there. One of them is Serafina which is always fun for a lunch meeting, happy hour, celebrating an event or just an average day! We enjoy their menu, the ambiance, the cocktails and the sense that you feel at home regardless of the locations. We've eaten there more times than we can count! We caught up with Vittorio Assaf, founder of Serafina Restaurant Group to talk about this restaurant, their approach to food. We also talked with him about one of their newest additions to the Serafina Family that launched this fall, Serafina Express.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been fans of Serafina for well over a decade as the location on W 55th was a go to, countless editor lunches/dinners in Soho and then we attended a media dinner at the location in Tribeca and that became a great go-to as well as location for our cover shoot with the Super Bowl Champs the New England Patriots a few years ago. Before we delve into Serafina Express, can you share with our readers who may not be familiar with Serafina, what kind of cuisine can they expect as well as the atmosphere?

VITTORIO ASSAF: Thank you so much for your loyalty and support, it is overwhelming to read your notes, it make us all very proud and rewards all the efforts and hard work we put into our Serafina Family.

Serafina offers mostly a Northern Italian cuisine that spans as well into Tuscan, Roman (our thin crust pizza) & Neapolitan cuisine.

Common denominator is that we try not to use garlic, with the only exception of a couple of classic dishes like Spaghetti Aglio & Olio Al Pacino, or the Bruschetta.

We also must remember that Italy is a very small country, just about the size of Arizona, and because of proximity many recipes are interconnected from region to region.

AM: I feel that each location has its own vibe and is specific to the neighborhood that it’s in. What factors go into deciding the neighborhood that will be the best fit for the Serafina brand?

VA: We are very proud that each Serafina location shaped its own identity and was able to easily blend and immerse itself into the neighborhood around it.

Most of our locations stem from the multitude of our customers requesting us to come close to where they live. Another factor that plays a role in deciding where we should plant ourselves are statistics, analytics and demographic stats.

AM: Are the menus the same or do the locations have a bit of a twist depending on the one that you’re going to?

VA: The menu is 95% consistent across all locations, with a 5% of variation due to the identity of the neighborhood, many of our customers come for lunch close to their workspaces and come for dinner with their families near their houses, there comes the need to offer a little variation, but at the same time they can still find our staples and their favorites.

AM: What are 3 appetizers whether you’re sitting at the bar or sharing amongst friends that we should get?

VA: Whether you’re sitting at the bar, or sharing amongst friends, our renowned and delicious Black Truffle Pizza can never go wrong. The Bruschetta as well, a dish made with diced tomatoes marinated olive oil for 24 hours, and finally our Carpaccio di Filetto Al Tartufo is phenomenal. Sliced to perfection and coated in a creamy and delicious sauce - it practically melts in your mouth.

AM: What are 3 dishes at Serafina that are a must when you’re coming in for lunch or dinner?

VA: Three dishes that are an absolute when dining at Serafina are the Farfalle al Limoncello, Gnocchi di Mamma and Penne alla Vodka.

AM: In terms of dessert, what are 3 that we should have our eye on?

VA: As for dessert, your eye needs to be on the Berry Tart and Tiramisu. Order the Berry Tart, a Tiramisu and then another Berry Tart for good measure!

AM: I’m always a fan of the cocktails at Serafina and the Tribeca location is always a fave – what are 3 cocktails that we should try?

VA: My go to’s are the Champagne Cocktail, the Jalapeño Margarita and the Strawberry Basil Martini.

AM: We were unable to attend the Grand Opening event for Serafina Express but we know that the offerings there are going to be tasty when we do swing by. What is the thought behind Serafina Express and how is it different from Serafina?

VA: You missed a beautiful night of fun and dancing (and food of course). Next opening let’s make sure you are there! Please let me know when you want to come to Express and I will be there waiting for you with open arms.

Serafina Express was created to meet the needs of those on the go, who refuse to sacrifice quality, even when pressured by the time. With an emphasis on great Italian food & ambiance, value, accessibility, and easy-to-use technology,

Serafina Express is providing the quintessential Serafina experience in a quick and easy manner, while still delivering the Italian elegance they’re known for.

AM: How many Serafina Express locations do you have and are there plans to open more?

VA: Eight locations in total will open in the coming months. There are three already open open at 30 Broad Street, 402 Sixth Avenue and Eighth Street, and 287 Park Avenue South and 22nd Street.

Five more are in the making and in construction as of now: Jackson Avenue and Queens Boulevard; One Gateway Center at Penn Station in Newark; University Place and 12th Street; 84th and Third Avenue; 777 Third Avenue at 48th.

AM: For those who are eating in Serafina Express, can you tell me about the atmosphere?

VA: The atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale but unpretentious

AM: What are 3 pasta dishes that you suggest that we should try at Serafina Express?

VA: Cacio Pepe, Ravioli Pomodorini and the Canelloni.

AM: What are 3 pizzas that we should try?

VA: Margherita with Cherry Tomatoes, Bianca with Arugula and Parmigiano and Buffalo Mozzarella.

AM: Is there a cocktail menu at Serafina Express?

VA: No cocktails, we only serve wine and beer, please stop by for a glass of Rosé Whispering Angel!

AM: What are 3 desserts that you suggest?

VA: The homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie is an absolute favorite, baked twice a day in house, the Baba Al Limoncello, a dessert original from Capri, and obviously the Tiramisu!

AM: Earlier this year, we shared Serafina: Modern Italian Cuisine for Everyday Home Cooking with our readers in our feature known as Bingely Books. Seeing recipes that we have enjoyed from Serafina as well as comfort foods that we can make from home, why did you want to create this book and what were your favorite recipes that are in this book?

VA: Our long overdue cookbook was created to mark 25 years of Serafina. With this book we honored and acknowledged all those who were part of the journey.

IG @vittorioserafina

@serafinanewyork

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Serafina Restaurant Group

Read the NOV ISSUE #83 of Athleisure Mag and see WHERE FOOD IS FAMILY - SERAFINA EXPRESS | Vittorio Assaf in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

WHIZ LIMITED: THE FINEST OF TOKYO STREET

Rizzoli

Hiroaki Shitano

We love a good coffee table book and Whiz Limited: The Finest of Tokyo Street looks at the past 20 years of the brand's collaborations with iconic people/brands as well as their designs. This Japanese streetwear brand was launched by Hiroaki Shitano in 2000 with a following from Japan, Hong Kong and the mainland of China. He is know for his influences by Hiroshi Fujiwara.

From its origins of handmade and painted tees, the label includes an array of items that incorporate eccentric Japanese aesthetics. Growing up in the entertainment district of Shinjuku, you can see the influence of this area within the palette and style of his pieces.

In addition to the history of the brand, we are reminded of collaborations with A Bathing Ape, Hello Kitty, Disney, Kappa and the estate of Keith Haring to name a few.

There are also images of the sneaker collaborations that include Puma, Mizuno, Converse and more. This is a new fave for our coffee tables.

LOVE THE FOODS, THAT LOVE YOU BACK: CLEAN, HEALTHY, VEGAN RECIPES FOR EVERYONE

Rizzoli

Cathy Katin-Grazzini

In Love the Foods That Love You Back: Clean, Healthy, Vegan Recipes for Everyone, we have a recipe book that although it focuses on vegan cuisine, it aims to please herbivores, carnivores, omnivores and flexitarians.

Recipes reinvent a number of our global favorite foods in a plant-based way. She provides tips on how to stock our pantry, illustrating the building blocks of the recipes and keeping us inspired. In addition to our favorite dishes, there are those that are new to us which allows us find our next must-eat meal. We think this is a necessary book for your collection whether you're plant-based or simply like to include this in your meals throughout the week.

SERAFINA: MODERN ITALIAN CUISINE FOR EVERYDAY HOME COOKING

Rizzoli

Vittorio Assaf + Fabio Granato

Here in NY, Serafina has always been a great place for a business meal, celebrating with friends over cocktails and more editor dinners than we can count. The Italian comfort food and ambiance is always one that we enjoy when we dine here. Serafina: Modern Italian Cuisine for Everyday Home Cooking allows us to enjoy our favorite dishes from home!

We get the inside scoop from Vittorio and Fabio on secrets of regional Italian food and modern takes on these dishes!

We also learn about the Serafina story where a survival pact birthed the launch of their first location in NYC in 1995 and includes restaurants around the world from Dubai to Japan.

With over 100 recipes, recipes are easy to follow and you get a culinary education from regional to local traditional history as well as learning about quality ingredients. There is also a knowledgebase from farmers, fisherman, orchard planters and more.

If we can't make it to our favorite location in the city, we know that we can make something incredibly comforting at home for friends and family.

Read the APR ISSUE #76 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | SERAFINA TRIBECA

We had the pleasure of enjoying a fantastic meal during Serafina Tribeca's Fall/Winter Italian Comfort Food Tasting which showcased a number of dishes that are currently available on their menu. Serafina is a classic restaurant known in NYC as well as select cities around the globe that has great cocktails as well as Italian comfort foods that are great for lunch, dinner and brunch.

What sets Serafina apart from other properties within this group is the fact that they have dishes as well as cocktails that are specific to this location only! We had the chance to swing by to talk with Serafina Tribeca's General Manager, Christian Ferrara.

Christian prides himself on offering a creative twist on Italian dishes based on an authentic approach to Northern Italian food and using only the highest quality ingredients. A number of dishes that guests enjoy eating here are their bruschettas, a specialty Turkey and Asparagus pizza that was initially created for Thanksgiving and was carried over after the holidays as well. We love that it's the perfect way to enjoy protein in one of our favorite meals. Of course, pasta is always a dish that is enjoyed at Serafina and you can't go wrong with their Italian Carbonara with Crispy Guanciale. In addition, unexpected treats that include: Purple Cauliflower Soup with Goat Cheese, Grilled Lamb Racks with Truffle Carpaccio Served with Serafina Kale Salad Chopped Apples and Bi-Color Beets and Slow Cooked Short Ribs Sandwich with Taleggio DOP Fondue Cheese and Homemade Apple Jam.

In addition to meals that can be enjoyed in the dining room, at the bar and even in the private rooms - the craft cocktails are not to be missed. With a full and unexpected Margarita menu that is also unique to this location, you'll find liqueuers that add additional flavors to this drink which can be enjoyed year around.

Serafina Tribeca is known as a great place to enjoy a meal whether its breakfast, a business lunch, a corporate dinner or those that live in the neighborhood for after work drinks. Next door, guests who stay at The Frederick Hotel can enjoy having meals or ordering room service from them.

Christian brings in a sense of community and energy during brunch by having jazz bands perform to add additional excitement and a fun vibe. We look forward to the summer when guests can enjoy eating on the sidewalk and there are surprises that they will announce socially that will be even more enjoyable to those dining here!

SERAFINA TRIBECA
95 W Broadway
NY, NY 10007

www.serafinarestaurant.com

IG @SerafinaTribeca

Read more from the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Serafina Tribeca in mag.

HOW TO DRESS FOR THIS YEAR'S FRIENDSGIVING

Read more from the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see How To Dress | For This Year’s Friendsgiving in mag.

FROM LA WITH LOVE, GIA MANTEGNA

When you grow up in a creative family, you get to try your hand at a number of things to find out what works for you. Gia Mantegna grew up in the industry and has been acting since she was a kid, is a singer and in addition to her roles, can say that she has been able to spend quality time on set as a fellow actor with her dad, Joe Mantegna in the nail-biting series, Criminal Minds.

We sat down with Gia to talk about how she got into acting, what it's like to be on Criminal Minds, playing dramatic characters with a twist, her new show that is available now on CW Seed, what's going on with her music and some of her go to places in LA as well as when she's here in NYC.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did the acting bug hit you?

GIA MANTEGNA: I started acting at a really young age in school. I think I was about 11 when I started theater and that’s kind of where I got the bug. I had obviously grown up in the business
because my dad is an actor.

AM: We’re huge fans of him!

GM: Yeah, yeah me too! Growing up around that environment and being in that industry it was just something that was second nature to me. And I was like, "when is it my turn?" Being the second born child and always wanting attention, I was known for having this personality and having a need to be heard. The only outlet for that was to sing and to perform - so that’s how it started. Then after doing theater, I started working in film and going to TV and auditioning. It hasn’t stopped yet – knock on wood.

AM: What are some of the roles that you have been in?

GM: My first big gig was a Christmas film called Unaccompanied Minors which was a film directed by Paul Feig. He did Bridesmaids, The Heat, Ghostbusters (Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy) etc. That was my introduction into really working in Hollywood. It was such a great experience working with Paul and the cast. That was a fun role for me and I have done a lot of
spots on TV.

I’m really drawn to the darker roles naturally. I am a positive person, but I love those really weird roles. I did a role on Perception where I played this girl who swallowed knives and it was a strange one, but I loved it. Now comedy is where things are going for me which I also love because it’s harder and comedic timing is hard to do. The dramatic roles come easier to me but
comedy is where I am falling into and where the world is going, it’s nice to laugh a little bit.

AM: How much has your father been an influence on your roles and how has it been also appearing on Criminal Minds with him?

GM: YES oh my gosh. I can’t watch Criminal Minds – I live alone with a cat!

AM: When we travel, it’s always on as a marathon and we get sucked in, but we have to have a buddy and the lights on to watch it!

GM: Oddly enough, I never worked with him on the show. When I first auditioned for the show, I was 17 there was a different actor playing my father and I never had any scenes with him. Then one day, the writers came to me with an idea where my character came back with Aubrey Plaza’s character as they wanted two strong female characters to come back to shake up the
team. Aubrey and I came out to do it and I didn’t have any good dialogue with my dad, but there was this scene where he pointed a gun at me which was really exciting as that is always fun to work with a family member holding a gun in your face. I mean when is that going to happen? Hopefully not. But it was great because I have worked on a number of shows, but Criminal Minds – that cast is such a tight-knit group, they’re a family. They get along and it’s
been running for so long which is a testament to how great it is to be able to step into that show for a few weeks. It was the greatest gig in the world and to be able to hang out with my dad for a bit. The character was fun too as she was psychotic!

AM: Tell us about CW Seed and how we can watch it?

GM: A lot of networks have digital platforms as I think that they are trying to compete with Netflix and things like that. CW Seed (shows you can catch: Riverdale, Original Dynasty) is CW’s answer to that. It’s their digital platform where they create new media and they also run shows that have already been out on the website. You can watch on their website or their app.

Our show, Life After First Failure has myself and Breanne (who plays my best friend on the show), we received the script and we loved that there were two strong female characters
shaking things up – we fell in love with it. We did 3 episodes in Portland and CW Seed ended up breaking it up into 6 episodes - to make it more palatable for the audience.

The way it seems to be going is that it’s all about quick easy content for quick gratification. At first, I was a little disappointed, but it’s the way that things are going now. I like longer episodes, but the younger generation is easily bored and when they’re bored, you lose your audience. But the character was so much fun to play and it was different and new. Honestly, it was one of my favorite people to play.

AM: Is there a second season coming out?

GM: In a perfect world, yes – the hope was that the network would see that there was a strong response to it – but they’re kind of new. So a lot of it has been left to us and social media has really helped in terms of campaigning for the show. We definitely want to come back to do more episodes – right now we’re not sure so we want people to watch and tweet to request more episodes.

AM: We know that you are also a singer can you tell us about how you started that and what your plans are?

GM: I was always singing at a young age. My parents threw me into everything soccer, piano, saxophone etc. Singing stuck with me – my sister and I took lessons at a very young age. Both of my parents have a musical background and it was just one of those things that I always kept in my back pocket, but I was too scared to use and then it got to a point that I really wanted to do a show so I got a producer and a band and we put it together with a show at The Whiskey in LA. It was so great, but there aren’t really any plans as I was starting to work on an album and then acting picked up, but it's always something I go back to. Right now, I record things and sell them to shows and just kind of do it as a hobby.

PHOTO COURTESY | Scott Bonnie

AM: What is the genre?

GM: It ended up being a rock show when I was at The Whiskey. But the song I’m most proud of, ‘I Won’t Wait’ it’s alternative/electronic. It has a cool vibe to it as I’m inspired by Banks and Tove Lo - just I love that electronic ease and fun. But when I get back into singing, I want to do a lot of oldies covers as I listen to a lot of 70s music. I love Top 40, but I’m inspired by that era. I have been listening to a lot of THEM (Van Morrison’s old band) lately and I thought it would be really fun to do a lot of covers of music that my parents grew up with as that's what I listened to growing up.

AM: What is your personal style when you're going out for brunch versus when you're having a night out?

GM: It doesn’t change – it’s always the same – I’m all black everything – it makes doing laundry very easy. I always dress for winter or fall – I wear Doc Martins all the time, I live in them. I love skinny jeans and a baggy sweatshirt on top. I love jewelry which allows me to go a little crazy and I love makeup! My sister and I went to makeup school just for fun and my sister was really into it – she has autism and is really high functioning, but my parents didn’t want her to go alone so I went as her pal and I ended up loving it. I love playing with makeup looks and it taught me what I could do with makeup – so it’s all about the accessories.

AM: How do you take time for yourself in the midst of your busy schedule?

GM: It’s interesting as an actor, you’re your own boss and there is going to be downtime so you’re always trying to stay proactive. I do piano as much as I can to stay with my music.

I do meditate - big meditator. I tried running for 5 mins. - it was horrible, but I really love yoga. There is a huge yoga culture in LA - which I know is everywhere as well. But I have been doing
yoga for so long that I just do it on my own and I just do it in my trailer. Now that I have this amazing cat in my life, I love meditating and doing yoga at home. I don’t do any high impact – I
don’t. I can’t do it because I have this really weird jaw issue which is a severe form of TMJ where I have to get injections in my masseter muscles. So when I do anything high impact the stress goes to my neck and my face and then I have to go to the Chiropractor and it becomes this whole thing. Everything is low impact and easy – I walk a lot and although LA is not a walking town, I live in West Hollywood so I can do that.

AM: What charity/philanthropy do you do?

GM: Because my sister has autism, I have always been involved in that as it has been a big part of my life and to give back to the community. My family and I do not support Autism Speaks as they have paid celebrities to do endorsements which makes sense, but many don't know what they're talking about and funds have gone to the CEOs and very little of the money is going to autism research. More grassroots organizations is where we go and my dad does a lot of work with veterans so anything that involves them and the military, I am all about it. Autism is big for me and there isn’t one that I champion specifically.

PHOTO COURTESY | Marco David

AM: What's on your playlist?

GM: I’ve been listening to a lot of THEM, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan – I went to a concert of his last year and it was so great. I just really love him. Let me grab my phone out. I love Tove Lo and Banks of course. A lot of oldies - OH - Roy Orbison - he's the best for the holidays - I really love his stuff and I have been getting obsessed with Chris Isaak again. OH Tom Jones is my
go to when I'm getting ready, I go to Spotify, put in Tom Jones and listen to everything. It gets crazy and my dad makes fun of me and asks, “why do you listen to my music?” I love it and everything coming out lately now – it’s cool to vibe out to in the background, but I don’t connect with it and it’s not inspirational to me.

AM: When you're in LA, what's 1 place you work out, 1 place you eat at 1 place you shop? What version do you have for that here in NYC?

GM: The answer to most of those questions is home, home, home haha. In NY, I go to McSorley’s Old Ale House - I was just there last night with my mom and my sister. So only in NY
would this take place, we met these two guys where one had just broken up with his wife and one with his girlfriend and they wanted to recreate this picture that they had taken when they were with them at the same bar a few years prior! One ex was blonde and one was brunette and we re-created the picture.

In LA, people are very "don’t talk to me," but in NY it’s so different and they were from Orange County. It was hysterical and the picture was identical and I even arranged everything on the table the same way. McSorley's is my go to.

In LA, I go anywhere although there is this cool Australian bar called The Eveleigh. Serafina just opened in LA so I love that – they’re on Sunset. I work out at home in LA so I just go outside as there is so much hiking you can do and I want to try boxing. For shopping, I am all about ASOS – they have great stuff, affordable and they always have black options. In NY it’s anywhere.
I’m obsessed with shoes, so any shoe store. I love Opening Ceremony and I love Soho in general. Evolution is here and I love them, we have something similar in LA called Necromance, but I haven’t bought anything. Where am I going to put taxidermy squirrels?

My God mom has a store in Toluca Lake near my parents house called Pergolina and she has these beautiful taxidermy animals which she gets from Necromance. Her store is where I get my jewelry and I wear these bracelets all the time. But I’m not a big shopper – I’m an eater – I love to eat. My mom has a restaurant in Burbank called Taste Chicago.

AM: Wait we have heard of Taste Chicago!

GM: I know a lot of people think that it’s my dad’s, but it’s my moms!

AM: Which one is from Chicago?

GM: Both – my whole family is from Chicago and here. We’re here because one of my family members just bought a house in New Jersey. We’re the only ones in LA. We needed to bring Chicago to LA.

AM: So what are we ordering at Taste Chicago?

GM: Chicago dogs, Sicilian Pan Pizza, Deep Dish, Italian Beef, everything – it’s hard core. You don’t go there to get a salad, you go there to work! But I actually prefer NY style pizza haha but I go there for the Italian Beef.

PHOTO COURTESY | Marco David

Read more from the Dec Issue and see From LA with Love, Gia Mantegna in mag.