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KRISTEN OLSZEWSKI • Nomadica • Bar di Bello

WORK • Thursday Routine

KRISTEN OLSZEWSKI • founder/CEO, Nomadica • partner, Bar di Bello
Neighborhood you work in: Everywhere (wine sales, lol) and restaurant project in Silver Lake
Neighborhood you live in: Hancock Park

It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I like to front-load my week, so Monday through Wednesday is always stacked with meetings, and I usually end up working late. Thursdays, I religiously protect for deep work and in-person meetings. (Okay, fine, I have one stand-up call Thursday morning, but one meeting doesn’t count). Nomadica is a sustainable wine company focused on bringing the next generation of consumers to the category. We have a line of canned and boxed wines and recently launched a rose yuzu spritz. I started it after working as a wine director and sommelier in Michelin restaurants for over a decade.

The above photo is in my old office. We used to live in Malibu, and we lost our home in the Palisades Fire. I used to love my old office because it felt like a treehouse. We had great light, it was perfect for filming content and generally feeling calm. I’m currently feeling so lucky because a dear friend/mentor/guardian angel is renting us a place in Hancock Park, and my new office has that same treehouse feel. Getting to look at nature while I work is something I never take for granted. It helps my creative process and overall stress levels.

What’s on the agenda for today?
We’re doubling our business this year and have a series of launches planned, so lately, much of my energy has gone towards those marketing plans and our product roadmap. I’m also in the process of opening up a restaurant in Silver Lake, Bar di Bello, at the new Sunset Row. I’ve partnered with Michael Kassar (Wexler’s, Sua, Organic Oren), Alex Wilmot (Gigi’s), and Julius Son (ICC Hospitality). We’re in the construction phase and opening this year. Italian wine and food has always been my passion and I’m excited to bring the style of hospitality I came up with to Silver Lake (without the price tag associated with a tasting menu or stars).

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Having cut my teeth in hospitality, there’s nothing to me like a great restaurant experience. Losing our home in the fire has been difficult, but my husband and I are really enjoying eating at some of our favorite restaurants. It always feels like coming home, even as we haven’t had ours. Where you’ll routinely find us:

• Barra Santos, arguably one of the most interesting wine programs in the city, and amazing food

• Pizzeria Sei, best pizza in the city, in my opinion

• Lonzos/Ceviche Stop, incredible Peruvian food

• Formosa Cafe, it feels like oldschool Hollywood; the Nomadica orange wine on the menu paired with a scallion pancake

• Tabula Rasa, great wine — and I always feel younger and cooler

• Yang’s Kitchen, omg, the food

• Annapurna, I lived in India for a year and crave this place

• Willie Mae’s, fried chicken (and crystal hot sauce, the best)

• Ye Rustic, Buffalo wings and karaoke

• Surawon Tofu House, my favorite soon tofu since Beverly Soon Tofu closed during the pandemic

Any weekend getaways?
In the summer, Trestles Beach in San Clemente is heaven. Soon!