The Morning Edit
Janet Zuccarini on double espresso with dark chocolate for breakfast, and why she treats time like a rare currency.
In the Pink welcomes Janet Zuccarini, CEO and founder of Gusto 54 — one of the rare women running her own restaurant empire. You likely know her for beloved LA hotspots like Felix in Venice and Stella in West Hollywood, or, if you’re Canadian, for her long-standing reign in Toronto with Trattoria Nervosa and as a judge on Top Chef Canada.
Naturally, we wanted to know: how does this powerhouse spend her mornings — between calls with her bi-coastal teams and her next tennis match — before making the rounds at her celebrity filled dining rooms.
Sponsored by longevity skincare brand Symbiome. Scroll to the end for a give-away! 🧬
What time do you usually wake up — and is that consistent? Alarm or sunlight?
I used to wake up at 7:00 am most days, but lately I’ve been naturally waking up around 5:30 or 6:00 am. I never use an alarm.
How do you feel when you wake up?
For most of my adult life, I was an insomniac - five hours of sleep was my norm. But when I went into menopause, my sleep improved. It’s the opposite of what I expected, but it’s been one of the great surprises of this chapter. I usually wake up feeling well-rested and energized. My Oura ring sleep score is consistently between 85 and 95.
I love the buzz of a strong double espresso and, I’ll admit, I sometimes add a piece or two or three of dark chocolate in the morning. Only one kind: Alter Eco sea salt truffles. I haven’t worn a glucose monitor yet… probably for a reason.
What’s the very first thing you do — before your phone or anyone else gets your attention?
I’ll be honest: I dive into work. A lot comes in from my Toronto team early, so I start with a double espresso and tackle emails. I’m sharp in the morning and like using that window to get things done. I’ll usually hop on a couple of Zooms or calls too. It might sound intense, but I love my work and my team, so it doesn’t feel stressful - just energizing.
Can you take us through your morning routine in order?
I start with my espresso, a liter of water, and my peptides—what I take depends on what my body needs at the time. I’m also on HRT: progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Then I go straight into work mode—emails, calls, Zooms.
Most days I have a physical activity lined up. Doubles tennis is my favorite, but if that’s not happening, I’ll walk at least 10,000 steps and make sure to include hills. I recently started working out with a trainer to build muscle and maintain bone density. I’ll sometimes jump into whatever class I’m feeling - hot yoga, Barry’s, Pilates.
When I get home, I shower, moisturize, and always apply mineral SPF. I’ve gotten more diligent about sun protection since moving to LA from Toronto ten years ago.
When I have more time, I’ll practice guitar- my late husband Robbie gave it to me - and might do red light therapy or a meditation like yoga nidra. I also love listening to podcasts and audiobooks. My schedule is flexible, so the routine adapts, but those are my anchors.
What’s your go-to breakfast? Any coffee or tea rituals?
I usually eat about five hours after waking. Lately I’ve been obsessed with a loaded salad bowl: wild arugula, microgreens, Persian cucumber, shaved carrots, radishes, grape tomatoes, red cabbage, cilantro, basil, Italian parsley, a jammy egg, Good Culture 2% cottage cheese, and lemon vinaigrette. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients and leaves me feeling light but full.
What’s in your supplement stack?
Peptides: I rotate depending on what I need. Right now, I’m taking NAD+ and I’ve definitely noticed a boost in energy. I’m also microdosing tirzepatide - not for weight loss, but for cognitive benefits.
Magnesium glycinate: I take a high dose at night. I used to get severe leg cramps, but this has completely resolved them.
CoQ10: For heart health.
Is there a book, quote, philosophy, or mantra that influences how you approach your mornings or your business?
I love this quote, I believe it’s from Naval Ravikant:
“The most valuable commodity you have is time. Guard it. At the end of your life, you’d trade everything for one more day.”
It’s something I think about when people ask to grab coffee or hop on a call. I’ve learned to say no more often - and to protect my time like the rare currency it is.
How do you start your workday?
I review my calendar the night before. I don’t have a fixed schedule or office routine, but I usually have a few meetings or calls each day—either working on a new restaurant opening or supporting the team at one of our existing spots. I block out 9:00 to 11:00 am daily for movement and mindfulness. That time is sacred to me. Health and wellness are my priorities.
BONUS: What throws off your morning — and how do you reset?
Travel is the biggest disruptor. When I’m in a different time zone, I make it a priority to get outside first thing in the morning and walk in the daylight. It’s the fastest way to reset my internal clock and get back into my rhythm.
PARTING WORDS
“What keeps me grounded is quality time with friends and family. It’s the small things that bring the deepest joy. A hundred years goes fast — I’m trying to slow it down and really live it.
I also need to stress that peptides and HRT have been life-changing for me. I feel better at 59 than I did at 29.”
Follow Janet Zuccarini on Instagram. Read her incredible life story in Toronto Life. Visit Gusto54 Group for more on her award-winning restaurants in Los Angeles and Toronto.
The Morning Edit is an intimate interview series with founders, tastemakers, and high performers offering a peek into the first hours of their day — from the rituals and products that fuel their mornings to the mindset shifts that shape everything that follows.
GIVE-AWAY! 🧬
Introducing Symbiome, known for their regenerative formulations that support the microbiome and address the root cause of aging at the cellular level.
I’m giving away two prizes to two different winners!
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TO ENTER: Like this post and leave a comment below (with your favorite morning ritual). Winners announced on June 18. US and Canada residents only, chosen at random. Must be a subscriber so I have your email address!
Thank you Symbiome for sponsoring Edition 01 of The Morning Edit.
Favorite morning ritual is my morning walk! Just a little fresh air sets up the whole day even if it’s 5 min
Love to aspire to and learn from shared routines! Weekday rituals include coffee (right now, the pistachio Nespresso espresso pod with half A2 2% milk and half organic almond milk is divine), personal emails because I simply cannot tackle them after a long workday, and a 15-minute weighted vest walk.