S2E7: Keeping It Simple with Ali Rosen

Parties

Aug 1

In Episode 7, we had the opportunity to speak with Ali Rosen from Potluck with Ali about keeping things simple while entertaining. The conversation takes a few turns, but there are some great tips throughout about avoiding party tension, setting yourself up for success, pre-party preparation tips, and tips to keep things simple. You'll also hear about that time Ali cooked for a bunch of fancy chefs, another version of the bakers vs. cooks debate, and a breakdown of prioritizing relationships for staying in touch. We're excited for you to take a listen!

Ali Rosen is the founder and host of Potluck with Ali Rosen, a television show, and website dedicated to sharing the best and brightest in food. Potluck airs on NYC Life and its videos have appeared on HuffPost, Edible, and People. She is also the author of Bring It!: Tried and True Recipes for Potlucks and Entertaining. Ali was named as one of Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 for Food & Drink. She has also written for sites including Bon Appétit, Epicurious, Fodor's, and Refinery 29. Potluck was nominated for an Emmy as well as two IACP awards and Thrillist said Ali had one of the coolest jobs in food (she agrees). She is from Charleston, South Carolina, but currently lives in New York City.

Show Notes:

Meet Ali Rosen
- How Jessica found out about Ali
- How she got into food & entertaining
- The metaphor (& literal definition) of "potluck"
Jessica and Ali bond over hating baking
What Ali brings to potlucks
- Recipe testing
- The "this might not be good"self-deprecating tactic
Cooks vs. bakers
Party tension
- If you are calm (as the host), it's going to be a great party
- Jessica's friend's gender reveal party story
- Surprise parties
- Removing as many potential obstacles as possible
Setting yourself up for success
- Helping people help themselves
- Spending money on party help
- Finding party help
  - Facebook it
  - Local colleges
  - Care.com
  - Urbansitter
  - Task rabbit
- Spending money where it serves you best
Pre-party preparation tips
- Plan hour-by-hour (and using excel)
- Have dishes that are all served at room temperature
  - Pasta (anchovy and pistachio pasta from Bring It)
  - An interesting salad (roasted corn, tomato, feta, and basil salad from Bring It)
  - Meat (with the right amount of sauce, and the right amount of flavor)
- Do as much ahead of time as possible
Tips to keep things simple
- Buying pre-cut things
- Buy pre-peeled garlic (not pre-minced)
- Have the right equipment on hand (strawberry huller)
- Buy things pre-made
That time Ali cooked for a bunch of fancy chefs
- Ask for help
- Take it back to your roots
- Make sure you feel comfortable
Advice for nervous hosts:
- Have fun.
- If you look over a recipe and it looks daunting to you, skip it.
- Cook something that you love and you're excited about.
What's going on in your kitchen?
- Jessica: Grilling
- Ali: Summer produce (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- Chrystina: Clean floors
What are you planning right now?
- Chrystina: Living that travel life
- Ali: Rhode Island blueberry pies
- Jessica: Husband's birthday, camping trips
How are you staying in touch?
- Chrystina's blog post: Balancing staying in touch and self-care
- Doubling down on close friends
- Prioritizing friendships
- Social media blackouts
- Community Made podcast episode: Prioritizing relationships
- If they wanted to keep in touch with you, they could be
What are you into right now?
- Chrystina: TJMaxx shopping sprees
- Ali: Crop tops
- Jessica: Revamping blogs & painting murals
Find us online:
- Ali Rosen