VACATION VIBES | LA LA ANTHONY

It's always fun to touch base with those that we have interviewed previously. La La Anthony is a woman who is always on the go, whether she's on our favorite shows The Chi, POWER and Black Mafia Family. She's always fresh off of wrapping a project and in plans for the next one. In addition, she has always been an entrepreneur and earlier this year, she launched her hair care line, INALA which focuses on strengthening and providing our follicles much needed nutrients.

We caught up with her to talk about these projects as well as as how she tries to find those moments where she can recharge! She looped us in on what we should keep an eye out for, finding balance and how she enjoys vacation vibes year around!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have always been a fan of your projects whether it’s The Chi, POWER and obviously more recently, Black Mafia Family.

LA LA ANTHONY: Oh thank you!

AM: We can’t wait to see the upcoming season. What made you decide that you wanted to be part of the show and what do you love about playing your character, Markaisha Taylor?

LLA: You know, I love Black Mafia Family because it’s a true story which just gives it a different depth and different layers! I knew about them and I had heard about them – Meech and Terry, so now being able to be part of their story is just so incredible! Obviously, 50 Cent is the producer who also produced POWER so, I always you know love working with 50 and he’s also one of my closest friends. So that was 2 of the main reasons that I wanted to be on-board and the character will really get introduced in the 2nd season and you’ll really see a lot of her and the relationships that develop over time. I think that people are really going to be into it.

AM: Is there anything that you can tell us about the upcoming season or will we need to wait until September?

LLA: You definitely have to wait! These things stay super under wraps! But we did finish filming so now things are just being edited and I think that it’s going to be an incredible season and I think that people are just going to be really excited for it.

AM: Since you are always involved in so many things, are there other TV or film projects that you have going on that we need to keep an eye out for?

LLA: I have a Netflix movie coming out with Gabrielle Union and that should be out at the top of the year. I also have a Netflix movie with Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Nia Long that’s coming out probably around the top of the year. Kenya Barris directed that one. There are some projects in the can that will start coming out and that’s always exciting when you can start off the new year with some new projects and things like that!

AM: Absolutely and with such amazing names and great casts for both of those.

Earlier this year, you launched INALA. Why did you create this line and what does the name mean?

LLA: INALA is my real name backwards – my real name is Alani so it’s a cool spin on that. It was something that was important to me because I worked on it when we were spending a lot of time at home during the pandemic. I really experimented a lot with rice water and saw amazing benefits to my hair when I was making the rice water at home. I was like, how can I bring this to people out there and really help with hair growth, hair strength, edges and all of that stuff. Especially with people who wear wigs, weaves, braids and protective styles all the time that we do to save and preserve our hair. I worked with some experts and came up with INALA and the Power Potion has been amazing and the results have been great. We have the Reset Rinse and now we’re working on just launching some new products because everything has been so great and people have been loving the results and have been really happy about everything.

AM: I think rice water is amazing and I have been a long time skincare fan of Japanese and Korean Beauty skin products that use this in it. So what is the benefit of using rice water as it pertains to hair?

LLA: It’s just known to help with strengthening hair. It’s known to help with hair growth, keeping hair to have a luscious glow to it – it’s literally like I say that rice water is just magic! The rice grain itself contains all of these nutrients that are essential for all this that I’m talking about. So what we did is put ours along with the 100% rice complex. It has biotin in it and different vitamins and minerals that really boost your hair growth and hair strength. The results have been crazy! When you see before and after pictures and people start talking about their experience with the products, it’s been really amazing.

AM: Because you have your hand in a number of pots, how do you take advantage of the summer and take time for yourself?

LLA: That’s something that I’m still working on. Because I am so busy and I do need to find that balance so it’s something I’m working on. You know, I have a trip coming up with my son soon and it’s just going to be him and I. It’ll be a couple of days where he and I will be able to be off the grid and to have some fun with him. I’m really looking forward to that. I did tell myself that in August and in some of September, I do want to do a bit more traveling mostly with my son and kind of just disconnect from work for a little while. You know, I was on BMF and as soon as it wrapped, I did an independent film called Water Boys and just finished that so I haven’t had so much downtime at all. So, I really feel like it’s important to have a healthy balance!

AM: You partnered again with Baileys and helped them with the National Colada day which was on July 10th. How can we continue to celebrate that and what did you do to enjoy all the amazingness that is the Colada?

LLA: Well see, I don’t take a lot of vacations! So what I love about Baileys Colada is that it gives you vacation vibes wherever you’re at. It’s just one of those things that when you taste it, in your mind, you’re on a beautiful island somewhere or laying up doing absolutely nothing. I think that that’s how we’re able to continue celebrate it no matter where you are or what you’re doing. You can bring the beach vibes and the vacation vibes to you by having it for sure!

AM: What were your inspirations behind the cocktails that you created?

LLA: I love the versatility of them and it was based on my Puerto Rican roots which I love. The Piña Colada which a lot of people don’t know this, the Piña Colada originated in Puerto Rico, so it all kind of went hand in hand, so when I came to them with the idea, they loved it and were so receptive that I definitely wanted to bring my roots into it. So we came up with the 3 cocktails and I feel like it’s a nod to my culture, my heritage and it’s just really cool to be able to bring all of that together.

IG @lala

PHOTO CREDITS | Baileys Colada

THE ART OF THE SNACK | TASCA

This month, we head to Manhattan's Tasca which focuses on Spanish-Caribbean flavors which include spices and recipes from Spain, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba. We talk with restaurateur, Jay Espinal about what we can expect from this restaurant, dishes that we can enjoy and how this has become a family affair. He also preps our taste buds with what we should enjoy when swinging by with family and friends.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We know that as a restaurateur who had great success with your restaurant Don Pedro, you’re back with Tasca and have made this a family affair with your wife Norisa as well as your son Justin. Can you tell me about your background, what led to the creation of Tasca and what are the roles that the 3 of you have at the restaurant?

JAY ESPINAL: That’s a great question, and it’s funny because I was completely out of the business when Justin one day approached me and said that he wanted to get into the business. I said "no you don’t," and proceeded to tell him of all the reasons he didn’t want to be in the restaurant business. The long hours on your feet, the responsibility, the fact that he would be working holidays and weekends. I didn’t paint a pretty picture yet he said this is what he wanted to do.

AM: Chef Rene Hernandez was previously at Don Pedro and is now the chef here. Can you tell us more about Rene’s background prior to coming to Tasca?

JE: Chef Rene has worked at many of Puerto Rico’s top restaurants and also spent time at El Bulli under the guidance and leadership of Ferran Adria.

AM: Tasca’s cuisine is a Spanish-Caribbean in flavor. Can you tell us about what regions this incorporates and what diners can expect?

JE: Spanish and Latin Caribbean, we focus on the Latin Caribbean islands of Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico along with Spain. The three islands mentioned have similar shared histories and influences with Spain.

When dining guests will have one of the US’ Premier Spanish wine lists and from our menu, they can expect dishes that take a cue from old world Spain and the new world. Dishes like the thousand spice duck breast over sofrito goat cheese and Zinfandel plantain tower. Or of course, a classic paella.

AM: What is the ambiance of Tasca for those that are dining in as we know this is a multi-level space?

JE: The ambiance is pretty chill, soft low-key lighting. We do have a more energetic bar with a relaxed vibe. We also offer a wine cellar with fireplace for a date or special occasions.

AM: What seasonings and spices should we expect to see at Tasca?

JE: From Saffron to the chefs' special house adobo and mojos. We are all about different flavors and combinations. We make over thirty different house infused olive oils.

AM: What are 3 appetizers that you suggest when we come into dine?

JE: The octopus in varied forms is said by many "it's a must." I have been told on many occasions that it is our guest favorite in the city. I think the zetas y gambas is another that truly showcase our Spanish- Latin Caribbean roots and one of my favorites is the croquettas de maduros over sun dried tomato slaw and Manchego lime zest.

AM: What are 3 main dishes that you suggest that we should enjoy when coming in with friends and family?

JE: The duck magret, filet mignonette special, and any of our fish specials.

AM: What are 3 desserts that we should have?

JE: Passion Fruit Cheesecake, Tres leche - coconut three milk cake and Trufa de chocolate - Belgian chocolate and coffee truffle

AM: In looking at your beverage program, you have over 100 varieties of premium rums and a number of wines. What are 3 cocktails that we should have when there and what are 3 wines that we should pair with our meal?

JE: City of Gold - Blanco tequila with cara cara orange, garden peppers and tiki spices, Green Smoke - Refreshing cucumber juice and peppery ginger beer in a vibrant mezcal long drink and TASCA Manhattan - Sweet vermouth, Santa Teresa 1769, bitters.

3 wines - Cosmic, Xarello Estrecho, Monastrel Gratavinum gv5, Carignan, Grenache

AM: For those that may be popping in to grab a bite at the bar, what are 3 dishes that they should have?

JE: Pulpo a La Parilla - Grilled octopus, Peruvian potatoes. mojo Gallego, Croquetas de Misco - Seafood croquette, roasted garlic foam and Empanada Trio - Chicken, beef brisket or vegetable cheese turnovers with smoked paprika aioli.

AM: With the holiday season being underway, are there special events coming up and do you have items on the menu that are specifically for this season?

JE: Large format Villogodio (slow cooked pork shank), Cochinillo (10-hour slow cooked baby suckling pig) and Lechazo (slow cooked suckling lamb).

IG @tascanyc

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Tasca

Read the NOV ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see The Art of the Snack | Tasca in mag.

MINDFUL DEDICATION WITH CHRIS BRICKLEY

As we head closer to the NBA Playoffs, we caught up with Chris Brickley, a Player Development Coach who played at the University of Louisville under Rick Pitino, worked with players at the NY Knicks and launched a successful training company, BlackOps Basketball. His training has been sought after by a number of basketball players, entertainers and more.

We took some time in between his busy schedule to find out about how he built his career, how he became so influential in the sport as well as his personal projects.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with the game of basketball?

CHRIS BRICKLEY: I fell in love with the game at 11 years old. I realized I could use the game to do some amazing things and I became obsessed with it.

AM: You played at the University of Louisville under Rick Pitino and went on to coaching at Ole Miss and being the youngest assistant coach at an NCAA Division I school at Fairleigh Dickinson University. What is it about coaching that you enjoy?

CB: Being in love with the game of basketball and learning from Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, I wanted to be just like him. I wanted to teach young men the game of basketball and the game of life.

AM: How did you transition from coaching there to being at the NY Knicks?

CB: When I was coaching at FDU, I would workout JR Smith at night at Manhattan College. That season JR was 6th man of the year. The Knicks heard about me and hired me.

AM: What is a Player Development Coach and what do you do in that role when it comes to interacting with your players?

CB: My role was to make development plans for all of the players and to make sure during the off-season and season they were constantly improving. I loved it.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to start BlackOps Basketball and why was that important for you to do?

CB: Being with the Knicks for 4 seasons, I believed that I had enough connections to branch out on my own. Even though leaving a guaranteed Knicks contract wasn’t easy, I’m glad I made the decision. BlackOps Basketball is something I am proud about.

AM: What are your days like with your clients during the season and off season?

CB: During the season, it’s a lot of text convos and dinners, taking about their games and what they can do better. The off-season is grind time - we make a plan and work extremely hard to attack that plan.

AM: When it comes to taking on clients as you have a number of NBA stars, those looking to hone their skills for college as well as those that are entertainers, what do you look for?

CB: I look for players and people that genuinely love the game and want to get better. You don’t need to be an NBA star or a celeb, you just need to be urgent about getting better. Simple as that.

AM: What kind of intake questions do you ask for those that have worked with you for the first time? Do you ask what they want to improve, athletes that they want to play like etc?

CB: We have many conversations before we start up. I ask them what they think they need to improve & work on. I tell the them what I think they need to improve and work on and we come to a common ground. Then we work.

AM: In working with your clients, how much interaction do you have with their teams’ coaches?

CB: I have a lot of interaction. In the off-season players coaches will come in the gym and watch the workouts. They will also give me stuff to focus on.

AM: You have also been working with J. Cole who will premiere this month playing for the Rwanda Patriots BBC for the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League. I know this was a dream for him to play at a pro level, what was it like working with him to get him to this dream?

CB: J. Cole was someone I looked up to way before working with him. So to work with him every night for 4-5 months was amazing. He got so much better and now he’s a pro!

AM: I know that Quavo has worked with you for a while and introduced you to Travis Scott, which brought you on tour with him, how do you schedule your time as your work can literally take you anywhere?

CB: So Quavo is one of my close friends so shout-out to him. When he introduced me to Travis, Travis asked me immediately to come on tour with him. His tour hit all the NBA cities and it was during the winter so it worked perfectly. I could work with Travis and also see my clients in their cities. Shoutout my guy Travis!

AM: We’ve enjoyed looking at your feed over the years where you’ve shared pick up games at Life Time Athletic with LeBron James, James Harden, Carmelo Anthony etc. – how did these come about and did you realize that this would be such a draw for others to want to participate in as well?

CB: One night Melo and I were hanging out in Puerto Rico and he said when we get back to NYC schedule a pickup game. He said he wanted to play some 5 on 5. The first one I scheduled had Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker, JR Smith along with 10 other NBA players, it went viral and the rest is history.

AM: How do you take time for yourself when you’re not watching games, prepping for your clients, working with them in person, etc.?

CB: I listen to music, hangout with friends and go on walks. Music and walks are my peace of mind.

AM: You’ve partnered with BODYARMOR. How did this partnership come about and what is it about your synergy that made sense for you to work with one another?

CB: I’m very excited about my new partnership with BODYARMOR. Seeing the growth they’ve had in the last few years and the potential they have to do more – along with the fact that they have incredible athlete investors who I regularly work with like Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Trae Young – it was a no-brainer for me. I know my brand and company is still on the rise too, so we’re both grinding to be the best out there and that makes it even more special.

AM: Why do you like including BODYARMOR within your routine?

CB: Now more than ever, athletes and trainers – like myself – are paying close attention to what we put in our bodies. To perform like the best, you need to prepare like the best – and hydration plays a major role in that. BODYARMOR is my go-to because it gives me exactly what I need – potassium-packed electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants – to ensure I’m feeling my best out on the court and can perform to my highest level.

AM: Tell me about Color Blind. What’s the ethos behind it and what is the product assortment that’s currently available?

CB: Color Blind is my baby! It means so much to me. I love fashion and I love the meaning. It represents the light in all of us Doesn’t matter your race, your gender, your religion, we are all humans. I have some amazing collabs coming soon! I can’t wait for you guys to see.

AM: What other projects are you working on that you’re able to share with us? Based on your IG, it seems like you’re working on some music?

CB: Yes BlackOps Presents ‘Welcome To The Grind’, it is going to be the soundtrack for all hoopers and athletes across the world. When athletes and people in general are working out I want them to play this album. The album has some of the biggest names in music. It’s going to be a classic!

IG @CBrickley603

@BlackOps.basketball

@ColorBlind

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 56 - 61 Chris Brickley/Social | PG 64 BODYARMOR |

Read the May issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see Mindful Dedication with Chris Brickley in mag.