IGNACIO MATTOS
IGNACIO MATTOS is wearing the Salvo no.003. He is a chef and restaurant owner of Estela, Altro Paradiso and Caffe Lodi living in New York City.
What do you treasure most in your neighborhood or city?
I treasure the access to a vast range of culture and museums. I love the parks, bike lanes, paths and the ways to get to all the boroughs. Really enjoy that we are surrounded by water.
Can you share some daily rituals?
There's a stretching moment, apple cider vinegar, coffee, shower and go.
Who are your ideal guests?
My ideal guests are those who are down for a good time, not too loud and pleasant.
Do you have a soundtrack to your life?
I would say Sun Ra Springtime again it's one of those blissing beats.
Where would you find your doppelgänger?
My assistant, Josey.
What is good design?
Unassuming and well thought out design definitely could be considered good. I like accidental design, that either comes from years of layering, or is just an accident.
What should we be reading?
I Ching, a good read for pretty much anyone at any time.
What does your house smell like?
It depends on the time of the day. Right now, it's a mix of winter greens, leeks and chickpea soup.
What does your house sound like?
Today, Tom Ze.
What does progression mean to you?
Improving whatever I did the day before.
What is a rule that should never be broken?
Entering a space and acknowledging people, always saying good morning. I like that one rule that my parents taught me.
What is a rule that should always be broken?
Never say talk to strangers, I guess that it was something I was taught.
What is a perfect meal?
Simple and carefully done.
What is your favorite word in any language?
Thank you.
What is most difficult to find in contemporary culture?
Time.
What do you find most exciting in contemporary culture?
Definitely the speed.
What do you collect?
There's random things l like to be surrounded by, yet I really don't like to. I don’t hold onto many things.
The best arthouse film(s)?
Ikuru, the Seventh Seal, and Rashomon.
What do you still wish to learn?
Japanese and carpentry.
What is still a mystery?
Nature for sure. Surprises me every day.
What is your favorite representation of simplicity?
An apple.
What is your favorite representation of complexity?
The 2020 covid-19 saga.
Where is happiness found?
Sparse and usually quite ordinary moments, like cooking, riding my bike, spending time with people I love.
What makes you nostalgic?
I like to say that I'm not nostalgic at all, or not that fond of the idea that everything was better before. But, summer 2019 was quite special in many ways.
What do you find humorous?
Fanaticism is quite humorous.
What is your favorite slogan?
“What else?”
The most important ingredient?
Olive oil.
What stands the test of time?
Time itself.
What are you working on at the moment?
A new space in Rockefeller center. It's a beautiful corner on 49th st, where we will be doing an all-day caffe, aperitivi bar with delicious simple bites. Oh, and we will have a bakery too.
Any last words?
Support small business as much as you can.