mary giuliani
op·ti·mism ~ hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something
Oh Mary, you had me at Giuliani, not because you mistakenly get confused as related to the one we don’t speak of (mayor rudy G.) but because of our like-minded sicilian, forgetta ‘bout it roots, shared love of food, delusional optimism (as you call it) and dreamer like ways.
Mary Giuliani is someone I like to call a friend. But if we’re being honest, that’s me overstating our relationship a touch. REGARDLESS, we crossed paths in New Orleans many moons ago while attending an epic Big Easy event hosted by my boss at the time, the BAM Chef himself, Emeril Lagasse. It was a who's who of the chef + foodie world, Grace Potter was the headliner musical act (who I became instantly obsessed with). And I recall Mary being this free spirit of a human dancing away to her friend Grace’s performance (because obviously they are actual friends). In my mind this is where Mary and I became friends.
Our actual connection happened maybe a year after when a mutual friend put us in touch for work stuff. We serendipitously had many overlaps professionally. And personally, well, we look a little bit related, we both talk a lot and speak with an uncanny similar wanderlust approach to life. So we basically are the SAME. Except a few minor differences…She’s built a ginormously successful catering company--the kind that only all the coolest celebs, studios and tv makers hire. She’s a published author of two books. One of which is currently being made into a sitcom pilot. She’s a regular on the Rachael Ray Show. Appeared on Billions. She pals around with people like Ina Garten. The list goes on…
But it’s not those flashy, glamorous pieces that make her shine. Mary has this magnetic personality that one instantly feels drawn to. And despite her incredible movie-like life, it’s her down-to-earth, humble and happy humanNESS that sets her apart. She’s an old soul with childlike wonder. She’s Fran Lebowitz and Liza Minnelli meets Betty Draper and Janis Joplin (with a sprinkle of Ralph Macchio). She’s rainbows + unicorns all while continuing to make IT all happen. She embodies the kind of New Yorker that keeps this city’s heart beating while simultaneously swelling it up with love.
And yet even tho she has that special sauce of authentic, true-blue New Yorker, this past year tested her (like ALL OF US), she contemplated a throw-in-the-towel pause and leaving her city. And ya know what? Her love prevailed. She found her way back, fell in love all over again with her beloved city. She shifted her company, burst into more writing and embraced her next ACT, including moving UPTOWN. She rebirthed herself while becoming more solid in who she is. She is undoubtedly what New York is all about. Her relentless hopeful outlook...it’s so pure but it’s her true north, embracing life way that makes Mary, well Mary. She says delusional optimist, I say infectious optimist. Tomato, tomATO... xop
the picks
give
Girls Inc Ulster + Dutchess County. ($25) Mary is a GIVER --- and is involved in countless organizations (food bank, etc). But it’s this YWCA Chapter she most recently joined the advisory board of and would love us to support. She’s going to be helping young girls with writing and cooking workshops. Lucky GIRLS. Why this local community?Oh because Mary and her husband have a home in Woodstock, NY and are avid contributors to this community through little things like owning a hotel and restaurant there. (weekend getaway recommended)
watch
Evening with Earl at The Carlyle (Tuesdays @6pm/Insta Live Piano Concert/30 mins) - Mary is ALL IN on the nostalgia of NYC. And nothing says old, ritzy New York quite like the Carlyle Hotel and Earl Rose, their legendary pianist for 25 years. Mary has been watching Earl’s insta live concerts weekly. (Think of where Bill Murray’s character stops off from On the Rocks - a must watch movie - btw)
read
Moving On, A love Story (New Yorker Article/10 Mins) Among Mary’s full falling-in-love-with-NYC-again feels, all things Nora Ephron tops her list. Have to say this 2006 article says it all in NYC living, love and life.
listen
Every Heartbeat (GRACE POTTER/4 min song) I mentioned Mary has LOTS of very awesome friends. Grace is one and this is Mary’s current fave of hers (and a great intro) Having seen Grace live a couple of times, I can attest she's a gifted, awesome artist. Oh and also adding a current podcast Mary loves from another friend, Mindy Cohn of FACTS OF LIFE.
try
Cascatelli Pasta (4 boxes/$17.99) Now, what real italian doesn’t put on a PASTA to try. Not any pasta mind you, one that was invented during covid to achieve the three things all pasta shapes should: sauceability, forkability, toothsinkability. WARNING: Next batch comes in 12 weeks, but you can pre-order. All good things come to those who wait?
