A Glimpse into Eric Ripert’s Everyday Essentials
If you’ve ever been curious about what celebrities keep in their shopping carts, you’re not alone. Eric Ripert, the co-owner and chef of Le Bernardin, recently shared his must-have items, ranging from his daily attire to the Peruvian chocolate he loves.
Eric Ripert is passionate about Pétanque, a French version of bocce played with metal balls. He and his son are highly competitive in the sport, even having a court at their Long Island home. They take part in tournaments and even won one on Shelter Island, earning a large bottle of rosé as a prize.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Eric’s grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. At a point when doctors were out of options, one suggested trying royal jelly, a substance with a long history of use in Provence. Although there’s no scientific proof, Eric’s grandfather recovered. Eric has been taking a capsule of royal jelly every morning for over 30 years and claims to rarely fall ill.
Eric’s daily uniform consists of jeans and a black T-shirt. He finds black to be a practical color that doesn’t easily show sweat or stains. He usually buys his T-shirts from Uniqlo, either from the store near Le Bernardin or online.
When traveling, Eric prefers not to check his luggage. He uses a trifold bag that allows him to carry his chef jacket and a suit without them getting wrinkled. The bag also has multiple pockets for other essentials.
Safety is a priority for Eric in the kitchen. He wears a jacket that is soft, light, and safe. The jacket’s buttons are designed to come undone quickly in case of an emergency, like a spill of hot liquid.
Eric walks to and from Le Bernardin every day, carrying a knapsack that holds his essentials. He appreciates that the bag has no visible brand label.
For his culinary needs, Eric prefers MAC chef’s knives. He finds them easy to maintain and perfect in terms of weight and shape.
Reading glasses are another essential for Eric, and he credits Thomas Keller for introducing him to his favorite pair. They are inexpensive, light, and lay flat, making them highly practical.
Eric washes his hair daily due to the greasy environment of the kitchen. He uses a serum recommended by his hairstylist, who has been cutting his hair since 1992, to keep his hair healthy.
Eric is a fan of dark chocolate, particularly a brand from a Philadelphia-based artisan. He enjoys its texture and the right amount of bitterness. He even introduced Anthony Bourdain to this chocolate during a trip to Peru for an episode of Parts Unknown.
Finally, Eric enjoys a single cup of decaf coffee every morning, made using a coffee maker that brews one cup at a time. He pairs his coffee with two squares of his favorite dark chocolate.
