DISHING with Gluten Free Goddess, Nicole Cogan of NoBread (@nobread)

It’s likely you’ve encountered Nicole Cogan before. Either by glimpsing her mouth-watering Insta photos (@nobread) or on taxi T.V. or in any of the bazillions of magazines that have interviewed her about where to get the best gluten free food, booze, and treats. If you haven’t encountered her, we’ll fill you in: Nicole is an ultimate #girlboss who founded her site nobread.com after learning that she was allergic to gluten. The site now is an invaluable resource, with guides to food and restaurants in four cities (NYC, LA, DC, and SF) which we use all the damn time. But what we wanted to know about Nicole wasn’t just what her fave GF bakery in NYC was (although we did have to ask her that), but more how she likes to let loose, and what she likes to serve when she’s not out and about at the country’s best restos.

You basically have the best job in the world: eating food. Where do you like the food better – New York or LA?

Ah it’s so hard! The food is pretty even, especially now that my favorite NYC restaurants are opening in LA! But when it comes down to it, nothing beats the ambiance of LA restaurants. Dining on large open patios or in adorable alleys is pretty remarkable and makes the experience all the better.

We’re sure that all the yumminess you’re exposed to influences what you make at home – what do you like to serve when you’ve got friends coming over?

When friends come over I like to make “healthy with a side of not so much,” like a beautiful salmon entrée with roasted vegetables, accompanied with peanut butter chocolate chip cookies or some sort of chocolatey treat!

Any appetizer or snack recipes to share?

Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cheerios Marshmallow Bars

How would you describe your entertaining style?

Very casual. There is no need to dress up, come as you are. I always have good music playing and aim to have a diverse group of awesome people. I love when friends become friends!

What’s your favorite cocktail to serve or be served?

I’ve always been a vodka girl, and now that Stoli has a gluten-free vodka the majority of my drinks revolve around it. I use fruit to make my own simple syrups, and combine it with the GF vodka! I also love drinking Tequila straight.

What kind of music complements your entertaining style?

COUNTRY. It’s fun and carefree. I don’t know how it happened, but all I do is listen to country right now. Every time I have guests over, they are apprehensive to listen to country tunes all night, but by the time the night’s over, everyone’s addicted.

What do you like to wear when you host?

I’m a very “what you see is what you get” kind of girl. If the mood is sweatpants, I’ll be in sweats. But if it’s a girly kind of day and the girls and I want to dress up, I’ll put on my latest and greatest outfit.

Three things that are always in your fridge?

Eggs, Avocado, Sparkling Water

Is there a food that you’ve NEVER been able to find a great gluten free version of? Lizzie, for example, is also gluten free and is always on the hunt for GF fried calamari and GF Babka.

I have yet to find a gluten-free lasagna, and I would LOVE to find one.

Gluten free desserts can be hard to find: Any great places we can buy some to bring to our next party?

Erin McKenna’s Bakery is one of my favorites! By Chloe also has the most amazing gluten-free and vegan baked goods!

Can you list 3 of your fave GF dishes from NYC restaurants?

1. The roasted brussels sprouts and roasted carrots from Chalk Point Kitchen
2. The spinach and pumpkin salad at Ruby’s with a side of brussels sprouts and sweet potato fries.
3. ANY of the salads at By Chloe with a chocolate chip cookie on the side!

Where in NYC do you go to let loose?

I love the Bowery Hotel for drinks with friends. I also love rooftops and outdoor spaces, so Mr. Purple is super fun right now.

If you could party with one person – living or dead – who would it be?

I would love to party with my mom, but the 27-year-old version of her. How cool would that be?

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