Marissa Hermer Is Someone We Really Like
Image via Marissa Hermer
by The Candidly Team
Marissa Hermer is a restauranteur, mother, British transplant, and wearer of the most beautiful maxi dresses possibly ever. Her Los Angeles-based restaurants— The Draycott and Olivetta— feature locally sourced fresh vegetables, simple but deeply delicious dishes, and one of the best brunch menus we’ve ever seen. For now, during lockdown, we just gaze upon that brunch menu and dream-order our ideal meal 3-12 times a day.
And we occasionally live vicariously through Marissa’s Instagram.
Marissa also started a Go Fund Me that donates meals from her restaurants to COVID-19 first responders, which has raised almost $40,000. And she hand-delivers many of these meals herself.
We like Marissa.
And we wanted to know more. About her cooking. And her life.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. In a word, what is your most compelling quality?
Resilience.
2. In a word, what is your biggest challenge?
Sorry, I can’t say this in one word: the state of the world.
3. What kitchen tool do you use every single day and kind of can’t live without?
Juicer (for celery juice) and wine opener (for life).
4. When do you feel most connected with yourself?
When I’m on a run.
5. Are essential oils anything?
I use CBD essential oils daily. I have zero idea if they do anything.
6. Do you struggle at all with boundaries? How?
Yes, I can put up my own very quickly.
7. How do you dampen self-critical thoughts when they get too loud?
I’m actually not overly critical of myself. I know that I’m doing the best that I can.
8. Describe the most “you” outfit of all time.
Flowered Borgo de Nor dress, Aquazzura Chrissy flats, Anya Hindmarch Eyes crossbody bag, with a bow or a headband and Celine Glasses.
9. What meal can you make the hell out of?
Proper British Sunday Roast with roasted chicken, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, roast vegetables and Eton mess for pudding.
10. What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss.
11. Apart from family, what woman do you deeply admire?
I admire all working mothers – always and especially now – this is an impossible task to work and also raise children, simultaneously.
12. Why does the word “feminist” get people so wound up?
Because it scares people.
13. Do you think social media’s good qualities outweigh the bad?
Yes, generally. But it is important to take a break. I just took one for 5 days and it was wonderful.
14. What quote or phrase has really stayed with you?
Be kind.
15. Do you have a phobia? How do you deal?
No.
16. How do you feel about cilantro?
LOVE.
17. Describe, in detail, your perfect bedtime routine.
Long bath while reading The Week, light a candle, drink a cup of tea, and climb into bed with a good book.
18. What’s your relationship with bangs?
I always love them for the first few days, and then hate them and long for them to grow out.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial.
Lip balm: Beautycounter.
Jeans: Frame.
Robe: Lunya.
Sex product: They ALL work.
Last-minute gift: Anything by Simone LeBlanc.
Bra: Cosabella.
Shampoo: Ouai detox.
Comfortable shoes: Barefoot.
Splurge skincare: Skinesis.
Drugstore skincare: Lava soap.
Everyday bag: Anya Hindmark.
Podcast: The Daily by NYTimes.
Drink: Clase Azul Tequila.
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We have to eat.
