Coffee Table Conversations 02 - No Regretti Spaghetti - Gabriella Simonian
We are absolutely in awe of no regretti spaghetti and all the deliciousness you continue to create - where did the inspiration come from for this and what drives you to keep creating?
I have always loved cooking. I grew up in a mixed cultural household with my dad being Armenian-Cypriot and my mum Canadian, so we always had an interesting variety of food growing up. Some of my earliest memories of cooking are of my Yiayia preparing food for us in her kitchen in Nicosia, Cyprus. Dolma, lahmajun, pilaf, pastitsio - these early memories of food are where I draw a lot of my inspiration from. Through my 20s I spent a lot of time between London and Lugano which is a town in the Swiss-Italian region of Ticino, and I guess it was here and through countless trips throughout Italy that my love of Italian food and quite specifically pasta was formed. I think what keeps me creating is purely a love of celebrating culture, slowing down to create from scratch, beautiful produce and an unwavering desire to feed people.
What is your favourite travel destination to date and why?
It’s a cliche to say this is a hard question to answer, but truly it feels impossible. I think Rome is often at the top of people’s lists when it comes to favourite travel destinations and I am inclined to agree. Especially if you know how to avoid the more blatant tourist-filled areas, Rome is a city of wonder, ancient history and some of the most delicious food you’ll ever eat. I quite like visiting Rome in winter, close to Christmas. It’s cold, has a lovely festive feel in the air and you can’t tell me there’s anything more warming than eating one of the iconic Roman pastas in a small trattoria. It also happens to hold a special place in my heart as my husband Patrick and I got engaged in Rome back in 2022.
Life travels very quickly, what are some Small Pleasures in life that you appreciate and hold dear?
I am an early bird through and through and love the ritual of enjoying a morning before the world is fully awake. I always make time to have a coffee, catch up on any news, touch base with my family and friends back in the UK before they go to sleep and savour a moment of quiet before the day gets going. It sounds silly but especially since becoming a mum earlier this year, I often go to bed looking forward to my morning routine - it feels like such a small pleasure to have this time to myself each day.
We’re curious, what is your favourite type of Italian food you’ve indulged in?
Of course it’s got to be pasta! But probably more specifically one of the most iconic pasta dishes: carbonara. This one dish is my definition of indulgence. It’s creamy, it’s salty, it’s got all of those classic Roman flavours from the Pecorino Romano to the guanciale - you simply cannot beat it.
Food is such a beautiful tool to gather people together. If you were throwing the ultimate dinner party, who would you invite to sit at your table and what would you cook?
This is a bit of a hodgepodge of invitees and in no particular order: Joe Lycett, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Byer and Stanley Tucci. Perhaps a bit of an odd mix but I feel like it’d be a total vibe! I’d probably do a slow cooked lamb with a ton of sides and starters - lots of little nibbles! Fried olives, burrata with smoke eggplant, a Greek dip like fava or taramasalata, lots of olive oil for dipping bread and fresh focaccia, anchovies served with butter, a Greek salad, something made with bulgur - maybe even turn the lamb dish into a delicious ragu and serve it with fresh pappardelle. Zabaione with some in season fruit to finish.
As a new mum, how have you found this new journey and juggling motherhood and no regretti spaghetti?
This has been the most wonderful and wild year of my life. Having lost my own mother in my 20s, becoming a mum myself has brought with it a lot of mixed emotions, and I have felt very alone at times as I’ve navigated how to be a mum. Having said that there has also been something so empowering about working it out on my own, with my husband's support and input, and seeing our daughter flourish and grow has been a total delight and a privilege. Balancing my own career aspirations has been challenging, as a mum your needs are always put last. I think there is an identity crisis that comes with motherhood and at times I have felt entirely lost like, who am I anymore? But I think perspective is what has kept me grounded and focused - I know this is just a season and before I know it she’ll be at school, growing up, so I’m trying to savour every moment I can while keeping my own cup topped up and working whenever it makes sense. I’m still figuring it all out to be honest!
What are your top 5 travel essentials that you do not leave the country without?
Mecca hydrogel eye masks
Aesop immediate moisture facial hydrosol
MOFT magnetic tripod that attaches to my iPhone
Blistex medicated relief lip treatment - best for preventing and treating any burnt lips from the sun!
My Nikon camera and 50mm lens
What are you currently reading or what would we find in your favourite book stack?
Truth be told I am no bookworm! But I do have a constant rotation of cookbooks on the go. At the moment I’m devouring Aegean by Marianna Leivaditaki, The River Cafe cookbook and Lavash by Ara Zada, John Lee, and Kate Leahy.
Small Pleasures exclusive, Pici with brown butter cacio e pepe recipe from Gabriella coming soon! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out on these delicious goods.
Thanks for stopping by - we hope you enjoyed this months instalment of Coffee table conversations.