Grace's Menu
The Menu invites Chic, Conscious Consumers to share their go to products & passions because what’s more curated than a menu? From skincare to soundtracks, here’s what’s on their plate…
Napkin Notes from your Home Chef, Phia
Allow me to introduce you to our latest Guest Chef Grace Van Vranken…..
Grace is the writer behind Don’t Touch The Art, the embodiment of the Chic,Conscious Consumer psyche. She writes about life, fashion, culture and the hyper niche experience of NYC living, and no, I am not being sarcastic.
Now… I serve you Grace’s Menu…
What is your favorite restaurant?
Estela! The furthest two seats at the bar are perfect, IMHO. It's more or less a menu full of dishes you'd find on a super fancy tasting menu served in a sliver of space on Houston Street—tiny, sexy, loud—I love it. Close runners-up include Bernie's, The Four Horsemen, Via Carota, and Lucali.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Full Time Aquarius
Describe yourself or what you do using references from movies,characters, TV shows, or songs.
I have a theory that all women have a dose of Carrie Bradshaw in them (gasping while reading this only confirms you're a little Carrie too—I don't make the rules!). There are some similarities...my top three simple pleasures are writing, expensive cocktails, and great lighting. On the same note—it took me three decades to realize I'm a Type A person masquerading as Type B. I relate to Dakota Fanning's character in "Uptown Girls"—her name is Ray and just like me, punctuality and preciseness are her love languages, and she- like me- does not forget ANYTHING, all while just wanting to be loved. Similarly to Ray, I also from time to time will wear sunglasses inside just to prove a point.
Describe your “digital diet”
Last year my boss gave me these Bose headphones she didn't want—they kind of make me look like I'm running the door at a 2002 nightclub, but they are always in my ears and I am always listening to podcasts. My feed ranges from Gabby Bernstein and Rick Rubin to "To Be Magnetic" and "Diary of a CEO"—and just about anything anyone recommends. One thing about me: if you tell me to try, listen to, or do something that will make me richer, hotter, or smarter...I'll sign up on the spot!
It's incredible that we can absorb information in an hour that our parents would have needed a library card or a shaman to access. I try to stay as informed as possible with the news—it's tough but vital. I'm also a meme enthusiast—particularly astrology-related content. How do these people do it? Finding 4 photos of a cat to embody a Capricorn? Unbelievable.
If you had to choose your "big three" based on your favorite media, brands or products what would your Sun,Moon and Rising be?
Sun : Gucci Princeton loafers – At the end of the day, I just want to be comfortable and get through the day looking my best.
Moon: "Diet Pepsi" by Addison Rae – this needs no explanation.
Rising: Seletti hybrid plates – colorful, dynamic, but not for everyone, and that's ok!
Let's start with Aperitivo:
What makes you feel chic?
I feel chic when my apartment is clean, my hair is done and my outfit is fire and someone just sent me a text message or meme that made me laugh so hard I'm crying. I feel chic when I choose to be the bigger person and take the time to put myself in somebody elses shoes. Once in a blue moon all of these stars align- but on most days I'll take what I can get.
What are your 2 favorite perfumes?
Do Son by Diptyque and Flower of Immortality by Killian
What’s your drink of choice?
bone dry gin martini with a twist
What is a free beauty tip you live by?
It's never about you- Botox sales would evaporate if that one ever fully stuck!
Moving on to Starters:
What are your favorite shower products? face, cleansers, body wash, scrubs etc.
I am very simple when it comes to products as I prefer to spend my money on treatments. I do love this one scrub by Palermo Body- it's a coffee energizing scrub that makes your body look like you've just come back from 3 weeks in The Maldives with the love of your life...THE GLOW. I wash my hair with Olaplex - i feel like everyone has something to say about every shampoo- but it works for me.
What’s your favorite appetizer?
Tuna Tonnato with yuzu kosho from The Four Horsemen
What’s your favorite piece of content you’ve recently consumed?
I'm currently reading Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alper. I've read a lot of books in this vein- but this one is hitting. I recently listened to Emma Grede on Diary of a CEO- INCREDIBLE- a real force...she blew me away. On Substack, I enjoy Claire Moore's "Following Up," Hunter Harris's "Hung Up," Tatum Dooley's "Art Forecast," Plum Sykes' "PS," and Sydney Engelhart's "Thoughts and Wants." I just finished watching The Pitt- just as good as everyone says.
What’s your favorite song? or song lyrics?
I live in New York, which means I walk everywhere. I kind of hate this phrase—but I find myself needing to channel a lot of main character energy—so there’s often a theme song in my head saved for the most dramatic and romantic part of the movie. When I'm running around the city trying to check off as many boxes on my list, "HanJan" by Peggy Gou is playing—it's a good busy beat. For handling business—which usually means either pumping myself up to send or, more often than not, NOT send a strongly worded email or text message—I'll circle the block blasting Jay-Z's "U Don't Know." On days the weather is nice and I have a crush, or I just like my outfit, "claws" by Charli XCX is on repeat. And while we are on the topic of Charli—the break in "Party4u" can pretty much summarize my entire life and why I am the way I am.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
You are so good at understanding people.
Now for The Main Course
What are your favorite serums, body lotions etc.?
I love the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body - it's THE BEST. Super rich and thick. I use Theraplush by soft Services on my hands- it's pretty great. I used to have a million step skin care routine- but now I keep it pretty simple. Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream, sometimes P50 , a good eye cream, U BEAUTY Resurfacing Compound...nothing crazy.
One product you’ll repurchase over and over again?
The Estee Lauder Ultimate Diamond Eye Creme has changed my life. I have a friend who works for the brand and suggested I try- it is expensive but INCREDIBLE.
What's your most worn fashion piece?
Oh god- I don't really think I have one. I love my vintage furs in the winter- coats in general are a great way to look like you have your life together!
What’s your death row meal?
Minetta Tavern Black Label Burger, Chinese Chicken Salad from Joan's on Third, some toro and caviar-nigiri type beat, Butter Peacan fro-yo from Forty Carrots and a Carajillo from Contramar
What’s in your bag?
Give us a fashion tip that helps you be a more chic conscious consumer.
Don't buy stuff because everyone else is or the internet tells you to. When I was at NYU I saved all of my money to buy a pair of Isabel Marant wedge sneakers...they were a moment...but it was 2011 and now it's 2024. Ask yourself the question- when is the last time you saw someone in a heeled sneaker? Yeah...........
What’s a perspective you’ve had that has completely changed overtime?
Timelines! I used to be obsessed- you have to do X by this age, Y by this age...absolutely not true. Now whenever I feel behind or uncertain I ask myself 'do you want a life that looks good or feels good?', and if I'm having fun and learning I know I'm where I'm supposed to be rather than comparing myself to others.
What was your favorite item of clothing as a child?
Anything that slightly resembled what the Olsen Twins were wearing in their videos...as an admirer of The Row I guess you could say not much has changed
And a final bite for Dessert
What are your favorite lip care products, candles - the things that act as the icing on the cake in your self care and beauty routine.
I like the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask. All of the Saie Lip Glosses are amazing.
What is your favorite dessert or midnight snack?
I'm not a huge dessert person- so I guess an espresso martini?
What’s your favorite thing on your nightstand?
My Muji Notebooks!!!! The big ones- I swear I buy a pack whenever I need to feel something.
If you had to curate the guest list for the ultimate “Chic,Conscious Consumer” gathering, who are your three must-invites?
CBK, Lenny Kravitz, Peggy Gou...
What is a topic you wish someone would ask you about – a quirky interest or something you’re well versed in that you don’t get to talk about enough.
ha! My friends would say it's about the time I ran a marathon in 2018- as I can weave this into any conversation- but honestly probably Astrology. I'm into all of it- birth charts, psychics, healers- you name it.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
What's meant for you will never pass you by! It's so true- I can say this now with so much confidence now that I'm out of my 20's- when something is for you- a guy a job a trip whatever- it's natural...there's no pacing, no wondering...retire the hamster wheel.
This round is over, but there’s always room for seconds. Subscribe or follow however you plate it, don’t lose sight of our Guest Chef, Grace.
Bon appétit, babes. 🍽️
❤️❤️❤️