Camera Roll with Tara Thomas

‘Camera roll’ is a new interview series where we glimpse into the current moment via the mundane and the ordinary; the life lived in this moment of a global pandemic and revolution.

This week we are featuring Tara Thomas, the chef and consultant behind Che at Sincerely Tommy Eat & Stay. Driving a community-based business model she is constantly traveling for inspiration and exploring to pursue depth. Tara seeks to combat social, environmental, and health issues with her culinary art in order to catalyze a change in the perspective of individuals.

Where are you?

I’m at home, located in the neighborhood of Bushwick Brooklyn, New York.

Are you alone?

I’ve been quarantined with my roommates.

Are you working?

I have been working, I’m a hustlaaaaa.

do you struggle with getting into a work mindset, or getting out of work mode?

I have been working for myself and in this state for over a year, I constantly struggle with the mindset. I have to constantly reassess my routine, listen to within, then go from there. Stay present, it makes all the difference.

What does play look like for you right now?

Going to the garden, stoop drinking, picnics, laying on the roof and long bike rides…. Of course cooking in the kitchen. Honestly spending more time with loved ones, literally time. Time is a gift.

Do you try to step outside often?

Yes and no. I can stay in my house for 5 days straight BUT I’m much more at peace when I can leave and interact with space creatively. Lately it’s been the garden being in the dirt. I get there by bike, cascade down the hill back home on my bike.

Where is your face mask from?

I finally bought my first one. I was given one by my friend Asia, another by Iram who made hers. I have a washing routine with them as well as disposable ones. Which is such a no no but it’s the pandemic. I got a cute cow print one from Piehole masks.

Skincare routine while in quarantine?

I’ve been making masks with European clay powder, Brightland olive oil, essential oil, and Spirulina powder. Typically I use Redoux’ Moringa Mallow Energy Balm and Borage Ginseng Active Serum. With these products I can focus on facial massage which I’ve invested my time into -- the hands are a beautiful tool.

What have you been doing during quarantine that you haven't before?

I have implemented the value of investing time into my community. Food security and justice is something I’d like to solve. I’ve been granted this opportunity to join my community garden and combat this issue so tangibly, it’s a blessing.

Places or organizations you're supporting or wish you could support?

Breaking Bread Kitchen is focusing on feeding New Yorkers. In this city of abundance many struggle to eat directly because of oppression on their communities. This organization creates the opportunity for those to invest in solving this problem and bring joy to fellow members of the city through a delicious plant-based meal. The money goes to restaurants that are predominantly Black, Indigenous, People of Color and/or Queer. It’s pretty radical.

Do you have any positive thoughts on what’s happening?

It’s the end of colonial rule through a massive repercussion experience that’s directly catalyzed by exploitation of earth; people, animals, plants, and energy. I’m such a fan of chaos because energy is never lost, we have the power to direct it. There’s so much instability, any amount of strength is valuable.

What can we do to help those suffering the most?

Give. Give what you can, analyze your privilege and what’s in your heart. Don’t reconsider, always give. Think about how it will affect them. See those who you want to turn from, and see them for who they are -- they’re you. See yourself, take responsibility to love one another.

What's been stimulating you?

I love anything new. It’s been the fresh and blooming harvests at the garden, trying new ingredients or items I’ve never experienced fresh. I’ve been able to slow down and really take a look at my community -- how can I break this capitalistic cycle and exercise a sustainable one. Really keen on my local vinegar from Tart and miso from Rice and Miso.

Do you feel sexy and what inspires that feeling to you? What have you been doing to be intimate with yourself?

I do feel sexy. I inspire that to be honest, my boyfriend always inspires me to be sexy, music, and my dreams. I have been taking a lot better care of myself, I feel my best when I look good it’s like a grooming ritual onto myself. Taking nudes too… who doesn’t.

What are you listening to?

I’m constantly downloading albums and finding new jams. My friend Archie made a playlist of special songs to him -- I’ve been enjoying them some are new, and others spark nostalgia. It’s beautiful how you can connect with people through sound.

What are you watching?

Midnight Diner! Oh my goodness this is the best sitcom ever. It’s about a chef with a diner and his patrons -- connecting their stories to food. People cry a lot, but like at the end they eat a nostalgic meal created by him. At the end of each episode they show you how to make it. It’s pure ASMR porn with a bit of comedy. I love!

What are you reading?

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami.

What are you eating?

A mix of things I cook and pick-up. Bread and vegan butter (either Earth Balance or Miyoko), crispy potatoes, seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits that I transform, Roti from Ali’s, Thai Food from Klom Klorm, pop-up meals from friends (Woldy Reyes, Lani Halliday, Diane Chang)

What are you drinking?

Water, vinegar lemonade, and kombucha.

How do you keep active?

I was doing an exercise routine and I got super fit. I stopped because my apartment is too hot for it. So I’ve been cycling, gardening, and going on walks.