Gail Simmons: 10 Things I Can’t Live Without This Summer

July 1, 2013

Come summer there are a few things I can’t live without. Here’s what’s on the top of my must-have list.

Sunblock: I wear 30 or above because I have super sensitive skin. I love Neutrogena.
Popsicles: I like making my own at home with a classic old school popsicle maker. One of my favorites is made with puréed watermelon, lime juice and a little sugar.
A nice big floppy sun hat: A must when I go to the beach.
A good pair of sunglasses: I recently lost a pair of Jason Wu sunglasses and I’m not over it! So recently I’ve been wearing a pair of Carolina Herrera ones, which I also like a lot.
A good mindless beach read: I love books that don’t make you think too much come summer. My Name is Memory is a beautiful love story with a little bit of time travel. It’s great for the beach.
Sundresses: I love Splendid’s easy, comfortable sun dresses when it gets warm.
Cover-ups: Lemlem, which was started by model Liya Kebede, has great scarves and cover-ups.
Outdoor entertaining: I love getting those striped, tapered old fashion disposable straws for outdoor cocktail parties with friends.
Beach bag: I always look for something with a lot of pockets when I’m shopping for a beach bag and it has to fit over my arm, be lightweight and easy to wash.
Kai: I love this scent for summer – it’s nice and flowery. I put it on my pressure points (neck and inside of my wrists).

Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and dynamic television personality. Since the show’s inception in 2006, she has lent her extensive expertise as a permanent judge on Bravo’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef. Now entering its eleventh successful season, Top Chef is rated the #1 food show on cable television. Gail is also the new head critic on Top Chef Masters, airing this summer, and was previously host of Top Chef Just Desserts, Bravo’s pastry-focused spin-off of the Top Chef franchise.

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Gail moved to New York City in 1999 to attend culinary school at what is now the Institute of Culinary Education. She then trained in the kitchens of legendary Le Cirque 2000 and groundbreaking Vong restaurants, and worked for esteemed food critic Jeffrey Steingarten at Vogue. Gail joined Food & Wine in 2004 and directs special projects for the magazine, acting as liaison between the marketing and editorial teams on magazine events and chef-related initiatives, working closely with the country’s top culinary talent.

| The best piece of advice I ever got was: keep your mouth shut so you learn how to listen, but open it enough so you learn how to taste.