Tinned Fish Niçoise Salad

more importantly: how to stock your fridge and pantry with the essentials

Sometimes, simplicity is exactly what we need—especially in the kitchen. My lazy-fancy approach to cooking and hosting has helped me streamline my essentials, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal even in the middle of a busy week. Since December, I’ve been living out of a suitcase (more on that if we want to take it to the chat), so when I stop home in LA for a quick reset, my fridge and pantry stay stocked with just the essentials—saving time, minimizing food waste, and ensuring I can enjoy a few meals in the comfort of home, before I jet off again.

One of the best skills I picked up from my mother? Making a great meal out of practically nothing in the fridge. I grew up in a mostly macrobiotic household, which meant a plant-forward diet before it was trendy. It taught me how to scan the fridge, spot a few key ingredients, and turn them into an actual meal—and make it beautiful. Avocado toast, a veggie-loaded baked potato, or a grain bowl? Staples in my house long before they became ubiquitous.

Here’s my Instacart order when I land at LAX and the pantry staples I keep on hand. These make a home-cooked meal on the fly feel effortless, and hosting a friend who pops by totally doable—without resorting to takeout.