Whether you’re a fan of Peter Som from his ready-to-wear days or were turned on to his work through his ongoing collections with Rent The Runway, today we all get to see an exciting new side of the fashion designer. Som's first cookbook, Family Style: Elegant Everyday Recipes Inspired by Home and Heritage, brings his immaculate taste off the catwalk and into the kitchen. It turns out he can work a cutting board as well as he can cut a pattern. Better yet, he has 100 tasty recipes to show for it, all of which draw from French culinary traditions as much as his grandmother's Cantonese home cooking.
With his book tour officially kicking off today in New York City with a conversation with stylist Beverly Nguyen, we knew we had to catch up with Som to see what he keeps in his kitchen, how he likes to host, and, of course, which of his recipes we need to make first.
ELLE Decor: You’ve lived in the West Village for years. What does a perfect day in the neighborhood look like?
Peter Som: A perfect day would be, in no particular order: A haircut at Haar & Co.; perusing the books at Three Lives & Co.; Myers of Keswick for some hobnobs; a coffee at Casa Next Door; some plant care at the Old Yew; tomato and cream cheese on an everything bagel at Apollo Bagels; a drink with friends at Julius Bar; and for sure some show tunes at Marie’s Crisis.
ED: What are some of your favorite restaurants in the city and what’s your go-to order?
PS: My regulars are mostly in my neighborhood: Via Carota for their Insalata Verde and anchovies and butter on bread; Cafe Cluny for their shrimp cocktail (with a side of fries); the burger at Le B; and San Sabino for their shrimp parmesan. I also love Uncle Lou in Chinatown for their homestyle steamed pork cake; I grew up eating this dish and they’re one of the only places that have it. I actually have a version in my book.
Everyday Bench Scraper
Bird's the Word Five Spice Chicken Salt
ED: Let’s say you’re throwing a party. How do you decorate?
PS: I am a big fan of bud vases of various sizes down the middle of a table, and I always use votives or low candles—nothing above chin height—so that guests can see each other.
Matouk and La Double J tablecloths are my favorites, and everyone needs nice cloth napkins, of course. I've had a hemstitched linen set from Sferra for years. I hoard serveware, so I usually plate with Jono Pandolfi, Astier de Vilatte or Lost Quarry.
For drinks, as much as I love my delicate stemware I often reach for these Villeroy and Boch goblets that are sturdy but still chic. Best of all, you can throw them in the dishwasher.
ED: What’s playing while you cook?
PS: If I’m cooking alone? My Broadway playlist titled Broadway Yas! But if I’m with others (nobody needs to hear me singing Hamilton), I’ll play 80’s new wave or Chappell Roan.
ED: Which kitchen tool is an absolute necessity and which is an indulgence?
PS: For me the most essential is the quiet workhorse of the kitchen: a bench scraper. It cuts and scoops and is great for cleaning too. Don’t sleep on the bench scraper! My indulgence has to be pans. I have WAY too many for one person, mostly All-Clad. I can't help it. I sleep better at night knowing they’re there.
ED: What are your top three pantry essentials?
PS: Miso; my Burlap & Barrel spice blend, Bird’s the Word, which is inspired by the Chinese five spice that I use for everything; and anchovy paste.
Medium Tablecloth Tackle Turquoise in Linen
Jono Pandolfi 4-Piece Place Setting
ED: What’s the one recipe in your book that you think everyone needs to make, if you had to choose?
PS: Everyone should make my Oeufs Kewpie. If you’re going to splurge on eggs, these are what to make. They’re based on the classic French dish, though mine are inspired by the version at Libertine. I’ve given it my own spin with Japanese Kewpie mayo, which is so rich and creamy, along with miso salmon roe and nori. They’re like the best deconstructed deviled egg ever.
ED: If you had to coin your own trend—like “normcore” or “quiet luxury”—what would it be?
PS: “Everyday Joy”? I think each and every day we need to have a moment or two that makes us smile. It can be as simple as putting on your favorite sweater, or making a simple and delicious snack for yourself. Right? We all need it these days!
