With a burgeoning restaurant empire, four cookbooks, a TV show, a cookware line and three kids, Todd English has a lot on his plate…so to speak. How does the celebrity chef and entrepreneur stay cool—and keep sane—during the summer? We asked English for the seven essentials items he can’t live without, and here’s what he said:
The sunglasses:
“These never go out of style and are almost indestructible. Light and easy to pack or tuck into a jacket pocket.”
Aviator Sunglasses, starting at $145, Ray Ban, ray-ban.com
The cookout essential:
“The set comes with an apron that contains all the tools—an oven mitt, meat fork, spatula, tongs and bottle opener—and rolls up to create a carrying bag. The tools are sturdy: they’re made of stainless steel with wood handles.”
6-Piece Barbeque Set, $60, available at Todd English Food Hall, New York
The suit:
“The cut, the fabrics and the fit of Hugo Boss suits are always just right and can go from day to a dinner out.”
Price varies, hugoboss.com
The polo:
“Izod is a classic brand, and I’ve been wearing their polo shirts for years. It’s as easy and stylish under a blazer for dinner as it is alone for the golf course.”
Price varies, izod.com
The playlist:
Snow (Hey Oh) – Red Hot Chili Peppers: “I love these guys. They have such a wide range of musical talent, and this is my favorite song of theirs.”
Come Together – The Beatles: “A positive, upbeat song with a great message—and you can’t really go wrong with the Beatles.”
Satisfaction – Rolling Stones: “The Stones are classic, and this song reminds me of when I was just starting out as a chef and the uphill battle I faced every day.”
Trouble – Coldplay: “This song has a great message about relationships in general, and I feel a lot of people can relate to the message in one way or another.”
Empire State of Mind – Jay Z: “This is todays version of the original Sinatra NYC anthem.”
Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd: “Can you teach an old dog new tricks? This song may be a testament that you cannot! But I love the vocals and rhythm.”
Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: “My son recently showed me this song and I love it! It’s upbeat and motivating, and also has a badass music video.”
Highway to Hell – AC/DC: “It doesn’t get much better then AC/DC. I tend to be on a highway or plane a lot of the time, and this song captures the essence of that.”
Times Like These – Foo Fighters: “One of my favorite feel-good songs. It reminds me to look at my glass as ‘half-full’ and work every day to be a better father and Chef.”
You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves you – Dean Martin: “I think the title says it all. Isn’t it the truth?”
The watch:
“I have been wearing these Breitling watches for years. They feel good, are durable and keep me on time.”
Aeromarine Chrono Superocean, $4,460, Breitling, amazon.com
The grooming product:
“My stylist Vaughn at Mizu Salon in New York recommended this product, and it works really well and manages to keep me styled on the go.”
Rough Luxury Soft Wax, $35, Oribe, oribe.com
