Order, fire, pickup
WORK • Thursday Routine
GABRIEL ORNELAS • founder • Studio Ornelas
Neighborhoods you work in: Marina del Rey
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Most of my days start around 5:15 am. I do a 20–30 minute meditation, some light stretching, and yin yoga. Since we changed the clocks, it's still dark when I wake up, so I turn on all the lights in my studio to activate my brain. Then I check my WhatsApp, emails, texts, and social media, usually in that order. I work from my home studio, which doubles as an office, podcast studio, and event space for the numerous dinners I curate.
What’s on the agenda for today?
First, a pour-over or French press (depending on the day), with freshly ground Café San Alberto beans, which I discovered last year while in Cartagena. Then, several hours of client calls.
Thursday mid-mornings are usually reserved for recording the High Tea episodes of On The Pass, the weekly series we release every Monday afternoon with people who move food and beverage culture. After recording, I head to a late morning breakfast meeting, usually at Gjusta or Lodge Bread Co. I reserve lunchtime for a midday yoga class, then, it’s back into calls, planning for upcoming podcast episodes and branded experiences. I just recently hosted a collaboration dinner with chef Palak Patel, and I’m planning for my next dinner series in collaboration with Equiano Rum.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
A chef friend and I have been craving a port and tonic to reminisce about our recent trip to northern Portugal and the Douro Valley. The area’s mesmerizing blend of natural landscapes and centuries-old human creations makes it one of the most distinctive wine regions globally. So we made a reservation at Barra Santos, the tiny Portuguese restaurant in Cypress Park.
I have out-of-town friends coming in this weekend, so we’ll most likely be back on the Westside at Gjusta in the mornings for coffee and pastries. And you’ll definitely find me at Burgette, a Parisian-inspired restaurant with hamburgers, small plates, cured meats, and cheeses, just opened by my dear friend, the chef Sean MacDonald (who also owns Bar Monette in Santa Monica).
How about a little leisure or culture?
I love to go dancing whenever possible. My friend Liz Lira is a ballroom dancing champion from Bolivia, and she hosts a salsa night at The Warehouse in Marina Del Rey. All levels are welcome, and it’s just a great energy. I’m also an avid backgammon player, and on weekends, I get to catch up with friends at a coffee shop or local bar and play a few games. My friend Ben and I have a tally over the last 10 years of wins and losses. I’m up this month and feeling lucky.
Any weekend getaways?
We’re extremely lucky to live in a part of the country with access to incredible nature within an hour or two. I often head north to Ojai or the Santa Ynez Valley to take advantage of the breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and delicious food and wine. I tend to make Ojai Valley Inn a base or even The Funk Zone in Downtown Santa Barbara, where I stay at Palihouse. Be sure to check out all the incredible bars and restaurants from Acme Hospitality. I recently had their founder as a guest of On The Pass.
What was your last great vacation?
Ecuador with República Del Cacao. It was both a work trip and a holiday adventure. I explored the Amazon region with local indigenous communities, learned about organic dairy production in the Andes Mountains, and made new friends. The experience sparked an emotional response that I’ll never forget.