She talks, she writes, she acts: There are few creative pursuits that Jill Kargman can’t master. Beloved by television audiences for her starring role in her Bravo series Odd Mom Out ( based on her bestselling book, Momzillas) Kargman is becoming more of a fixture in the UK these days. In fact this native New Yorker now spends the summer in West London, much to the delight of her many friends and fans. She joined us for a Long Lunch alongside her friend Kiyo Taga-Witkin, the director of the Cartier Women’s Initiative.
Jill, is the Long Lunch a habit or aberration for you?
I go out to lunch about one day a week, usually for a pal’s birthday or when a friend’s in town, but it’s not the norm.
What makes a Long Lunch enjoyable, versus a chore?
Company! I don’t have lunch with any snoozefests unless I absolutely have to for work.
What are the qualities of a superlative lunch companion?
Humour! I love catching up with funny people who see the world in a similar way.
And who joined you at The Park?
My friend Kiyo Taga-Witkin! She has a huge job for Cartier. We were both in London for the summer, and it’s fun to have some girl talk, even though our husbands love each other too.
What did you eat and drink today, and why?
We both got Cobb salads. Generally, London is still catching up to the States in its salad game, but The Park’s is the best I’ve had here.
What will you order on your next Long Lunch at The Park?
I’ll get the same, but I’ll also dive into a bowl of clam chowder if it’s colder outside.
Tell us about your most memorable Long Lunch of all time.
My best friend Vanessa and I did an annual holiday lunch at the now-defunct restaurant La Grenouille, in New York. We would drink wine and chow and just enjoy a chunk of time with our kids and it was such a fun tradition. Now that it’s closed, we pop around, but nothing in Manhattan has the same leisurely decadent atmosphere.
If you could Long-Lunch with absolutely anyone on the planet—no offence to Kiyo—who would it be?
Just my fam. My kids are grown up and I cherish every meal that includes the five of us!
Would you like to review Kiyo’s lunch order? Were you envious?
I rarely get food envy. I’m finicky so I like what I like. Plus we got the same thing.
On the days that you are Long-Lunching, do you dress differently?
Yes! When I’m having lunch out, I’m always in a dress. At home, I can be in pig-mode. To The Park, I wore a long black Ulla Johnson dress with white grosgrain piping.
What is your favourite time of year (or weather) in which to enjoy a Long Lunch?
Dead of winter, somewhere cozy!
The best day of the week for a Long Lunch is….?
Saturday. Then I’ll drink because I have room for a nap!
Any other thoughts?
I always say luncheon is ‘lunch’ plus ‘eon’ — it can feel like a time-suck — but for a special occasion, it’s nice to create a memory with a friend and really have that time face-to-face.
JILL’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: New York City.
Neighbourhood: DURITO: Down Under Roosevelt Island Tram Overpass. I’m Upper East Side adjacent.
“Short” lunch strategy: Scrambled eggs at home.
Cocktail: Extra spicy margarita.
Workout: Walking 20,000 steps a day.
Bookshop: Anything I pass.
Favourite park: Any cute tiny square.
Any recommendations for us? My new movie, Influenced, just came out on digital!
So Kiyo…
Is the Long Lunch a habit or aberration for you?
Aberration, for sure.
What makes a Long Lunch enjoyable, versus a chore?
You are completely off the grid, enjoying the sights and sounds of the restaurant. It’s people-watching at its best.
What are the qualities of a superlative lunch companion?
Laugh-out-loud fun and lots of swearing.
What did you eat and drink?
The best cobb salad in town, which was also extremely photogenic.
Tell us about your favourite Long Lunch of all time.
My lunch date went to the wrong location on the other side of town which was then too far out to meet up, so I decided to stay and dine solo, which turned out to be the best Long Lunch experience. Bill Nighy walked in and was also dining alone, which was just lovely to witness. My server was very sweet and quite chatty so we got to talking; he even brought me a special gluten-and-dairy-free treat for dessert. It was a beautiful and perfect few hours where the world dissolved into slow motion and left me entirely anchored in the moment.
What is your favourite time of year (or weather) in which to enjoy a Long Lunch?
The start of summer…
The best day of the week for a Long Lunch is….?
Friday!
Do you have any other thoughts about Long Lunches that you’d like to share?
Seating is important. A window seat is essential, and a booth is just so cozy, so extra points for that!
KIYO’S DOSSIER
Birthplace: Tokyo.
Neighbourhood: Maida Vale.
“Short” lunch strategy: Review the menu online beforehand so you can order as soon as you sit down, and always let them know you’re in a hurry!
Cocktail: Spicy Bloody Mary.
Bookshop: Japan House London, and they serve delicious matcha.
Favourite park: Rembrandt Gardens.
Any recommendations for us? If you’re planning a trip to Japan, the Ron Mueck exhibition in Tokyo’s Mori Art Museum.