Cool people like cool things, which is why we asked Fabián von Hauske Valtierra to share a taste of his taste on Perfectly Imperfect.

Fabián von Hauske Valtierra is the Mexican-born, New York City-based, Michelin-starred chef and co-owner of beloved and critically acclaimed spots such as Contra, Wildair, and Una Pizza Napoletana. He also opened a great no-bullshit smashburger spot called Mighties which I always hit when I’m near Essex-Delancey and hankering for something greasy & delicious, so…pretty often. Fabián has really made his mark on the restaurant scene in New York City since moving here back in 2013 and I can’t wait to see what he does next. Lucky for us, Fabián is here to tell us what he’s been into.

Without further ado

Fabián von Hauske Valtierra (instagram)

👕👚 Total Luxury Spa

Total Luxury Spa was founded by Daniel Desure and Hassan Rahim in 2014. Based in LA, they work with under-represented artists and give back to the community through grassroots projects. Their t shirts are the comfiest and they are the nicest. Also, people more than once will ask you if its a spa worth going to.

🥾👢 Old School Black Vans

You probably haven't heard of this sneaker brand but it’s truly the only shoe I have worn consistently since I was 15. I still feel very rebellious wearing them, and in my mind there shouldn't be any other sneakers out there. If you add an insole, you can be a cool grownup and still take care of your feet.

👼🎸 Little Jesus

Little Jesus is the best band of all times. I used to play in a band called Rodeo, and my friend Poni decided to quit one day because he wanted to play more like Rilo Kiley and less like Refused and Thrice. I was upset at him for a while, until he started “Little Jesus” If you want to understand what it was like growing up in Mexico City in the 2010s, and then see what that music scene created and what the city is now, you have to listen to them.

📸 Maureen M. Evans Photography

Not only was she part of the most important circle of the Mexican punk rock scene when we were 15, but she is the best photographer of all times. She photographed one of my favorite restaurant’s cookbook, Ikoyi (coming out soon), she takes photos of Natalia Lafourcade, one of my favorite musicians, and she knows all the good chicken soup spots in Mexico City. Give her a follow @maureenme

🇲🇽🎥 Bardo

I am a huge fan of Alejandro Jodorowsky, specially The Dance of Reality which is somewhat of a fictional very out there autobiography and I think Bardo does the same for Alejandro Iñárritu. It also explores a lot of Mexico’s social, historical and political issues that I think everyone should know about. It’s the first time I’ve seen a movie that represents the  story of this one type of person, I can't give too much away but if you've ever been questioned in immigration and  you love the Chapultepec castle and want to understand Mexico a little more while also question your entire existence, this movie is  for you… I literally cannot stop talking about this film. It’s also visually beautiful…give yourself 3 hours to watch it and then ??? to think about it.   

🥃 Forthave Spirits

Daniel and Aaron are some of  the most honest people I know and it shows in the botanical spirits they create at Forthave; everything they do is special to the next level. Do yourself a favor and buy two bottles of any of their products. Keep one for yourself, and give one to someone you love. They base some of their spirits on ancient recipes for remedies, so if you ever catch them in the street go ahead and ask them a million questions about where their inspiration comes from. The answers are good. 

🥔🥬 Salt and Vinegar (or ready salted) Potato chips in your salad.

Buy a bag of chips, open them up and mix the chips up with your caesar salad instead of croutons or whatever else crispy thing you put in your leafy mix of choice. Lays work best.

🍞 C&B

The focaccia here changed my life, that's all I can say. Get the tomato slice, sit in Tompkins Square Park to eat it, and watch the world go by. Top ten New York experience, I think.

🐋🎧 Whale Noises

I love my whales. The whale noises playlist on Spotify is the only thing that puts me to sleep. Give it a go and thank me forever, or just think I've absolutely lost my mind.

🐔🦷 Hen’s Teeth in Dublin

First time I went to Dublin my friend took me to this little design shop called Hen’s Teeth and they had a copy of our “ A very serious cookbook”, so obviously I became a fan immediately. Rosie and Greg have moved into a bigger space since then and they run one of the coolest design stores-cafes-music venues-galleries I know, and it also helps that they are some of the nicest people out there. Go to Dublin, go to Hen’s Teeth and buy Anni a glass of wine.

Follow Fabián on Instagram

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