Giada De Laurentiis, the celebrated chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur, has built an impressive career that spans television, cookbooks, and now, a thriving grocery startup. Based in Los Angeles, the Emmy Award-winning chef shares insights into her daily life, revealing how she maintains a balance between her professional endeavors and family time.
With a background that includes studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and working as a chef and food stylist, De Laurentiis’s journey to stardom began with her Food Network show, Everyday Italian which premiered in 2003. Today, she is a multifaceted entrepreneur, managing her grocery startup, Giadzy, while also overseeing her restaurants and spending quality time with her family.
Morning Routine and Fitness
De Laurentiis’s day typically starts at 6:30 a.m., although her dogs often wake her up earlier. Her morning routine includes a 10-minute session of Transcendental Meditation to keep her anxiety at bay and start the day grounded. Following this, she engages in a fitness regimen that includes a 10- to 15-minute walk on the treadmill and an hour of yoga, which incorporates strength training and weights. Her trainer, whom she has worked with for about 10 years, comes to her house, and their routine has evolved over time to include stretching, breath work, weights, and mat Pilates.
Her fitness goals include hitting 12,000 steps a day, a target she achieves through a combination of treadmill walks and outdoor activities with her dogs. This structured morning routine sets the tone for her busy day ahead.
Managing Giadzy and Professional Commitments
De Laurentiis’s professional life is centered around her grocery startup, Giadzy, which began as a direct-to-consumer business importing Italian goods. The company is now expanding into retail, with products available in several grocery stores in Southern California. Her day is filled with Zoom calls and meetings focused on importing, inventory, marketing, and finance, reflecting the dynamic nature of her business.
In addition to Giadzy, De Laurentiis oversees her restaurants, which include locations in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Scottsdale. She travels about twice a month to visit these restaurants, adding to the complexity of her schedule. Despite her hectic travel schedule, she tries to maintain a structured routine when she is home, ensuring that she has time for both work and family.
Culinary Creations and Meal Prep
De Laurentiis’s love for cooking extends beyond her professional life. She enjoys preparing meals for her family, viewing it as a way to decompress. Her dinner menu often includes a balanced mix of protein, greens, and carbohydrates, with dishes like pan-seared, panko-crusted salmon and sheet pan lasagna being family favorites. She also dedicates Sundays to meal prep, creating unseasoned lentils and various salads that she can mix and match for quick lunches during the week.
Her culinary expertise extends to creating innovative recipes, such as her Sicilian pesto which she has been making on repeat this summer. This red pesto, made with fresh tomatoes, almonds, basil, and Calabrian chili, is incredibly versatile and can be used as a pasta sauce, spread on crostini, or added to a cheese board. De Laurentiis’s recipes are a testament to her ability to bring Italian flavors and traditions into home kitchens.
Emotional Journey of Parenthood
As her daughter, Jade, prepares to leave for college at NYU in New York City, De Laurentiis is navigating the emotional complexities of this significant life change. She describes having both sad days and happy days as she comes to terms with her daughter’s impending departure. The emotional rollercoaster is a common experience for parents, and De Laurentiis finds comfort in talking to other parents who are going through similar situations.
Despite the sadness, De Laurentiis is also excited about the new chapter that lies ahead for both herself and her daughter. She acknowledges the need to mourn the end of an era but also looks forward to the increased freedom that comes with her daughter’s independence. This emotional journey is a poignant reminder of the challenges and joys of parenthood.
In addition to her entrepreneurial and family commitments, De Laurentiis is also involved in various brand partnerships. She recently collaborated with Peroni Nastro Azzurro to bring the Italian tradition of aperitivo to life through Peroni Portals, a coast-to-coast pop-up experience. This initiative allows people to enjoy an ice-cold Peroni alongside an exclusive Pane di Peroni focaccia created by De Laurentiis, offering a taste of Italian culture without leaving the United States.
De Laurentiis’s ability to balance her professional and personal life is a testament to her dedication and passion. Whether she is managing her grocery startup, cooking for her family, or navigating the emotional journey of parenthood, she approaches each aspect of her life with grace and determination. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and parents alike.
