At the Very Least, Stay Hydrated

How 13 cool people take their water.

I don’t have to tell you things are an absolute disaster ~out there~.

As I’ve said from the very beginning, the intention behind Gatekeeping has always and will remain to be a moment to yourself amid the chaos. Just writing it, talking to guests, finding new favorites—it’s been that for me. But tbh, that’s becoming increasingly harder.

But there is hope—and I’m inspired by those fighting the good fight in LA, NYC, and everywhere coast to coast (and beyond). If you’re looking for a way to get involved, I found this recap helpful. And NYC friends, you BETTER BE VOTING in the primary on June 24! Send me a pic of your sticker and I’ll comp you a 3-month paid subscription.

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Today, I’m here to remind you that no matter what goes on, you simply have to stay hydrated.

Early on in the history of Gatekeeping, I noticed a trend: People are particular about their water. Sparkling or not, how it’s filtered and served, the temperature, you get it. So I started asking guests a simple question: How do you take your water? The results are below.

My hope is it’s a refreshing (ha) distraction, where “ice” means literal frozen water. Enjoy <3

Us rn.

Thu Pham Buser: I am a chronic dehydrated mess because I move so fast and almost never take a break when I am working. So my favorite thing to do is fill up a giant chef's quart cup with any type of seltzer water, squeeze a lime into it, drop ice, and keep filling it up throughout the day. Honestly, I can barely take a break to sit so I've learned to do with what I can when on marathon shoots. Staying hydrated is so important!

Rosie Johnston: I like my water filtered and ice cold—the colder, the better. Nugget ice is my ultimate favorite. I love tons of it so I can sip and chew at the same time—pure satisfaction!

Sonia Gaillis Delepine: 33 cl¹ can of Perrier, marinated in the fridge until it’s glistening. Served in a glass coupe with a fresh squeeze of lemon—and the carcass stays in.

Ochuko Akpovbovbo: I take it from the tap and from my water bottle always. Drinking from cups or mugs or plastic things give me the ick. Dont ask me why, it just does!

Eric Williams: Brita filtered water! LA water tastes nasty so we keep our Brita in the fridge and she gets the job done.

MacKenzie Kassab: Frozen raspberries, a squeeze of lime, and fresh mint. I can’t cook but I can make a mean glass of water.

Lola Gonzalez: 50% ice, 50% already cold water, in a Hydro Flask with 3-4 scoops of unflavored Armra.

Madeline Hill: Gerolsteiner sparkling water is my favorite forever and ever.

Tembe Denton-Hurst: Brita filtered in a double-wall insulated tumbler my wife's cousin got at a work conference. It's slate blue and says Hope, Florida on the side, wherever that is.