A Conversation with Gail Simmons
Photographer:
Shana Trajanoska
Chef, author, and television personality Gail Simmons has spent her career bringing people together around the table. As a longtime judge on Top Chef, culinary expert, and food writer, she’s celebrated for her ability to make food feel both elevated and approachable. Born and raised in Toronto and now based in New York, Gail is a mom of two who finds joy in simple meals, slow mornings, and connection through cooking. In this edition of The Comfort Series, she opens up about what comfort means to her, the rituals that ground her, and the importance of slowing down to savour life’s moments.
We’re excited to bring you this Q&A with Gail Simmons!
Comfort is central to This is J’s brand. What does comfort mean to you, in this season of your life?
Comfort, for me right now, is about feeling truly good in my own skin. It’s about being not just okay with who I am and how I look, but genuinely great with it — even as I continue to change and evolve. It means having the freedom to move, to be active, and to live fully without worrying about being perfect. Comfort is giving myself permission to show up as I am, embracing ease rather than pressure, and finding confidence in authenticity.
You’ve built a career around food and hospitality — two things that naturally connect people. How do comfort and connection intersect for you?
Eating is such a universal human experience — it sits at the very core of who we are. Cooking and sharing food is what civilized us as human beings; it’s what brings us together across cultures, homes, and histories. Around the table, people show love, exchange perspectives, and connect in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Even though the ingredients or flavours we grow up with may differ depending on where we’re from, the act of gathering to eat is a beautiful common denominator. For me, the table and the kitchen are sacred spaces. They’re places where we can slow down, be present with one another, and find real comfort — especially in a world where we’re constantly overscheduled and tethered to our phones. Sitting comfortably with others, sharing a meal, and engaging in meaningful conversation is one of life’s greatest joys. Food is truly integral to our human relationships, and I feel strongest and most connected in those moments.
What are some rituals or moments in your day that help you slow down and reset?
My mornings and evenings have very intentional rituals that help me reset. In the mornings, I make my coffee at home exactly the way I like it and enjoy it quietly after getting my kids off to school. This small, mindful moment allows me to gather my thoughts and start the day peacefully, rather than rushing straight into work or obligations. At night, bedtime reading with my children is my favorite way to wind down. With my son, we have a special “cozy corner” built into his room, lined with books and pillows. We cuddle up in our pajamas, read together, and fully unplug — phones away, lights soft, and the outside world shut out. Even with my teen daughter, I guide her bedtime routine, which still involves quiet moments together. These rituals — morning coffee and bedtime stories — are my anchors, helping me slow down, be present, and reconnect with what matters most.
Describe your ideal moment of downtime — where are you, what are you wearing, and what’s around you?
I have two dream scenarios for downtime. One is lounging on a beach, wrapped in a super comfortable, caftan style outfit [big, flowy outfit], reading a book and sipping a cocktail. The other is cozying up in a cabin in the woods, enjoying the same rhythm — reading, a glass of wine or my perfect morning coffee, and watching the snowfall outside. Both moments are quiet, slow, and completely unplugged. For me, comfort in downtime is all about peace, stillness, and savouring the little luxuries of life.
Gail Simmons 1.Photograph by Sloane G. Bartley for S Magazine. 2.Top Chef 2024 photograph by Bravo:NBCU 3. Photograph by Kevin J. Miyazaki for Midwest Living Magazine.
You juggle so many roles — chef, author, TV personality, and mom. How do you carve out time to recharge amidst it all?
Carving out time for myself is increasingly challenging, and it’s easy for it to fall to the bottom of the list, especially for parents. I carry responsibilities that are impossible to step away from, but I’ve learned that setting boundaries is essential — with my kids, my work, and even my friends. I’ve had to accept that I can’t do everything or attend every event, no matter how tempting. For me, it’s about prioritizing what truly matters: family, my personal well-being, and meaningful connections with friends. I feel fortunate to have a supportive network, and I make time to nurture those relationships because they’re vital. Saying “no” to some invitations and letting go of FOMO has been a mental shift, but it’s allowed me to focus on what matters most without guilt. I’m setting an example for my children that it’s okay to care for yourself, balance your commitments, and embrace the juggle of life.
Are there dishes, scents, or ingredients that instantly bring you a sense of home or nostalgia?
Scents and flavours are incredibly evocative for me — they’re deeply tied to memory and a sense of place. The smell of chicken soup with dill, for example, immediately transports me back to home and family. Baking chocolate, warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, or smoky, woodsy scents reminiscent of a campfire all give me a profound sense of comfort and nostalgia. Even fragrances like sandalwood or gardenia feel grounding and familiar. These sensory experiences connect me to my past, my upbringing, and the moments that shaped who I am
Let’s talk pajamas! What makes the perfect pair for you?
For me, the perfect pajamas are all about balance — not too tight, not too loose, breathable, and easy to move in. I avoid oversized flares that flop around or pants that ride up while I sleep. I’ve always loved a crisp, cool cotton — it reminds me of the poplin pajamas my father wore, and they’re timeless and comfortable. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate fabrics that are breathable, soft, and allow me to feel relaxed without restricting me. This is J’s pajamas check all those boxes: breathable, thoughtfully designed, and luxuriously soft without feeling heavy or constricting. They give me that perfect mix of ease, style, and comfort, which makes lounging or sleeping feel effortless — just what I need after a busy day.
I see a lot of similarities in the comfort that our mediums bring —What do you think it is about cooking and pajamas that resonate universally.
I think both cooking and wearing comfortable pajamas provide this universal sense of ease — a moment when your shoulders relax, and you can just be. Eating a comforting meal after a long day, or having dinner with my family around the table, gives me the same fulfillment and sense of calm that slipping into soft, cozy pajamas does. That feeling of ease, warmth, and contentment and being fully present and comfortable in the moment is why I think both cooking and pajamas resonate universally. “Cozy” is a word I use a lot at home, but it really does capture what both of these experiences offer: comfort, relaxation, and a little relief from the busyness of life.
Gail Simmons and her kids cozy at home in their Bamboo Jammers. Wearing Relaxed Long Sleeve + Harem Pant in Heather Grey, Button-Down Set in Dark Navy, and Kids PJ Set in Tie Dye Black. Photographer: Jer Abrams.
To the outside world you live a glamourous life on TV. Is the real you more get glammed up and go out or stay home and be cozy? It’s perfectly acceptable to be both!
I think I’m really both. I’m an extrovert and I do love going out, being with people, and putting on a sparkly dress for a party or event — it’s fun and energizing. But I can’t do it all the time, and my day-to-day life is much more grounded than most people expect. Most days, I’m just a Brooklyn mom — dropping kids at school, walking through my close-knit neighborhood, running errands, and enjoying the little interactions in my community. When I do go out for work or dinner with friends, I’m aware I might be recognized, but I try to just show up and enjoy myself without overthinking it. I focus on who I’m with, what I’m doing, and the experience itself. For me, comfort and coziness are the default, but I embrace glamour in moderation. The balance — or rather, the juggle — of both is what feels authentic to me.
You always have something fun on the go. Can you tell us about anything new and exciting that you’re working on.
I just wrapped filming the 23rd season of Top Chef, which is a huge milestone since it marks our 20th year of making the show. We shot in North and South Carolina, exploring new regions and working with an incredible new crop of chefs — it’s been such a rewarding part of my adult life. I’m also working on a new book, which is a bit different from anything I’ve done before. While it includes recipes, the focus is really on the art of being a guest — how to receive hospitality graciously and enjoy it fully, flipping the usual “how to host” concept on its head. Additionally, I’ve been developing a scripted workplace comedy with NBC that has a food connection. It’s something completely new for me — stepping out of my comfort zone creatively — and I’m thrilled about the process of writing, developing the scripts, and eventually casting. It’s exciting to see projects evolve and to explore new ways to bring food, humor, and storytelling to audiences.
You’ve traveled and eaten all over the world — where have you felt most at peace or inspired by the idea of comfort in another culture?
Traveling has always been a way to step out of my comfort zone and see the world from a new perspective, but there are certain places I return to again and again because they give me a deep sense of comfort. One is Jamaica, where my family has spent nearly every Christmas for the past 13 years. The island’s food, music, and vibrant culture are incredibly layered and comforting. From the smell of jerk cooking on a barbecue to the flavours of curried goat — all of it evokes a sense of home, even when I’m far away. Another is Gloucester, Massachusetts, where my husband’s family has been going for decades and we’ve spent 25 years making it our own family tradition. The beaches, the fishing community, and the local food — like lobster rolls and fried clams — are deeply nostalgic and grounding. Both places represent more than just destinations; they are rituals of connection, culture, and comfort that I return to time and again.
At This is J, we believe in the power of comfort through our designs. What do you love most about our pajamas, and how do they fit into your personal routine?
I love that This is J pajamas are made to be worn — they’re soft, high-quality, and comfortable without being precious or fussy. I don’t have to worry about how I wash them, or if my kids will get them dirty. They move with me and fit seamlessly into my daily life, whether I’m lounging, making breakfast, or running around the house. They’re practical, effortless, and just make me feel good, which is exactly the kind of comfort I need.
Behind the scenes on Top Chef. 1. Gail & fellow Judge Tom
Colicchio. 2. Gail and fellow Canadian Matty Matheson. 3. Gail Simmons on the set of Top Chef.
What advice would you give to women who are learning to prioritize comfort and rest — especially those in demanding, creative careers like yours?
I’ve learned over time that prioritizing yourself is essential. There will always be another email, another party, or another deadline, but it’s important to step back and focus on what truly matters — the moments with family, loved ones, and taking care of my health. Knowing my “why”, the purpose behind my work and my choices, helps me stay grounded. I work because I love what I do, but I also make sure to preserve my well-being so I can fully enjoy life and show up for the people who matter most.
And finally, we know you are a wearer of our Bamboo Jammers, what is your favourite style and why do you love them so much?
I really like the Relaxed Long Sleeve Top and Harem Pant style — they feel relaxed and comfortable. And I love the pants because I find they don’t ride up. I also enjoy the tie-dye sets with buttons, so I have a couple of favorites. My daughter prefers the more traditional button-down sets with open bottoms, which she loves, and I can see why — they’re stylish and comfortable for her age.
Comfort Quickie:
Go-to comfort food: Warm chocolate chip cookies.
Favourite bedtime ritual: I always spray lavender on my pillow before bed.;
Comfort must-have item: Weighty duvet.
Dream comfort destination: The Rock House in Jamaica.
