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For the better part of a decade, Shelley Armistead, a South African-born entrepreneur, has been serving quintessential California cuisine at the vegetable-centric Gjelina. She’s since expanded her empire to include Gjusta, arguably LA’s best bakery, and a homewares shop
. Here, the food world maven and chief operating officer of Gjelina Group shares her latest finds for summer.
Cast Iron Skillet Set, Barebones Living, $140
I use Barebones Living products every day—the skillet for my morning eggs and the Dutch oven for cookouts on the beach.
Ginger Tincture, Poppy and Someday, $15
I take this tincture multiple times a day when I’m on the road, and I keep it on my kitchen counter for the first sign of any sniffles from my boys.
Gjusta Wrap, Gjusta Goods, $48
This wrap acts as a plane blanket, a scarf on chilly nights, and a beach towel on vacation. The more I wash it, the better it wears.
Sardines in Tomato Sauce by Jose Gourmet, Gjusta, $12
My favorite meal for one is a can of sardines, crackers, Maldon sea salt, and a glass of whiskey. I’ve collected different colored cans from around the world—they make my pantry look like art!
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto
Vinyl Record, Discogs
Nothing feels better on a breezy summer day than to be cooking with this South African album playing.
Ceniza Chair, Ewe Studio, $2,400
Based in Mexico City, Hector and Age of Ewe Studio are revered figures on the cultural scene and mesmerizing talents. I admire everything they create.
A visit to the Textile Museum of Oaxaca
As I was working on new Gjusta Goods homeware pieces, this museum was very inspirational to me. The patterns and craftsmanship in the collection are beautiful.
Lisbon Rooftops by Cassi Namoda, Library Street Collective
Cassi Namoda is a wonderful artist, and her use of color is so vibrant.
Botanical Balm, Somerset Moss, from $25
My dear friend Sam and I celebrated 12 years of friendship by creating a botanical skincare line. I apply the balm over my face oil or layer it a little thicker as a night mask.
Short Stories by Latin American Women: The Magic and the Real,
Amazon, $13.60
I found this book after someone left it on a bench in Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s a real gift of multiple voices and viewpoints in feminist literature from the 1980s.
This story originally appeared in the summer 2018 issue with the headline “10 Things That Make Me Happy.”