You would think that Hollywood actresses spend their free time on a luxury yacht somewhere in Maui, or lounging on a hammock at overpriced beaches. Surprisingly, this isn’t the case for Piper Perabo. Now you might recognise this gorgeous blonde from movies such as Coyote Ugly, Looper and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. If you’re a fan of the small screen, Piper’s also starred in her fair share of TV series’ such as Notorious and Covert Affairs.
At surface level, Piper is an all around Hollywood darling! Yet, there’s much more than meets the eye here. The actress’ love for takeout and all things related to food has led her down a road less travelled with celebrities –opening a small restaurant in New York.
THE HISTORY
The restaurant was called Jack’s Wife Freda, and it kicked off when Piper initially made friends with restaurant maître d Dean and his girlfriend Maya, when they were working at a restaurant nearby Piper’s house. After lengthy conversations about their passions for the food business, the trio decided to try their own hand at opening up a restaurant!
The inspiration behind the naming of Jack’s Wife Freda also has humble roots. According to Dean Jankelowitz -co founder of the restaurant- the name was inspired by his grandmother Freda and his grandfather Jack.
From right to left; Maya and Dean Jankelowitz, Piper Perabo
What’s surprising enough is that Jack’s Wife Freda wasn’t Piper’s first foodie venture. The dazzling actress is also an investor at Employee’s Only; another bar/restaurant located in West Village. Despite already having two food businesses to flaunt, Piper still insists that she isn’t that great around the kitchen. It’s all good however, because her love of eating out at a restaurant called Schiller’s was what led her to meet Dean and Maya!
When asked about the success of Jack’s Wife Freda, Piper also noted that the restaurant is all about catering to those who want home cooked, comfort and soul food; but have no time to cook it themselves. The vibes of family, friends and personal connection are after all the values that Jack’s Wife Freda was built on.
ABOUT JACK’S WIFE FREDA
Jack’s Wife Freda isn’t just about being in business to make a quick buck. When first starting the business, Piper was there almost every week to meet restaurant patrons, check in on the kitchen and even try her hand at making new menu items.
The interior of Jack’s Wife Freda
She wanted the restaurant to be much more than a place, but instead a second home to all those who wanted to be welcome somewhere. She wanted waiters to be able to remember their patrons, greeting them with a smile, a hearty laugh and recommending new dishes. Piper also mentioned that during her filming of Covert Affairs, she had hardly enough time to cook food herself. This led her to discover a restaurant called Schiller’s, and said that her warm experience there was made even the food taste better than any other 5-star cuisine could.
THE FOOD
Hungry yet? Jack’s Wife Freda has tantalising menu options from those with all palettes, tastes and preferences to choose from. You’ve got rosewater waffles, Greek shakshuka, grilled eggplant, burgers and everything else to whet your appetite. Their menus even come in this gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing design that brings the entire experience together; a perfect marriage of humble roots meets modern taste.
Some of the food items over at Jack’s Wife Freda
If you want Piper’s opinion however, she’d always give you a heads up on what to order. Piper urges everyone to try out the “Rose” which is a pastry with a chocolate gooey centre. Yum! If that doesn’t sell you, Piper also says that you can ask the barista to put leftover steamed milk from your morning cappuccino onto the Rose; which then turns it into this delicious, warm puff guaranteed to make your day.
You could tell that Jack’s Wife Freda is ultimately different from many restaurants on Lafayette St. It’s warm, cozy and decorated with old fashion mirrors and furniture. Yet, Piper insisted on having a modern luxe feel to it, which also was great in attracting the younger and much more vibrant crowd to visit their stores.
Piper Perabo photographed sampling menu items in Jack’s Wife Freda
Jack’s Wife Freda also recently just opened a second branch on 50 Carmine St, New York. If you’re ever in the area, you definitely have to pop in and check it out. Who knows? If you’re lucky, you might even catch Piper at the table next to you!