Life, Love, and the Secret Sauce: The Couple Behind What’s Gaby Cooking
Discover how Gaby Dalkin and Thomas Dalkin blend food, love, and travel into a life deliciously lived—with secrets to effortless entertaining and the perfect burrito.
Meet the Dynamic Duo: Gaby and Thomas Dalkin
If you’ve ever dreamed about living in a sun-soaked California kitchen, filled with vibrant produce, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of something delicious crisping on the stove, Gaby Dalkin and her husband Thomas are already living that fantasy. Together, they are the heart, soul, and taste buds behind the famed brand and blog What’s Gaby Cooking, inspiring millions to embrace the simple, joyful pleasures of fresh food and carefree entertaining.
This is the story of the couple whose kitchen table is an invitation, whose travels fuel the next recipe, and whose life philosophy is as warm and unfussy as their signature guacamole. Here, they share their paths to partnership—in work and love—their hosting secrets, and yes, how to create the perfect burrito.
How It All Began: Food, Family, and a Leap of Faith
Gaby’s journey into the world of food isn’t a tale of generations-old culinary lineage, but of curiosity that blossomed into passion. After graduating from college, she dove into culinary school with little more than a love for flavors, sunlight, and a belief in hospitality. What began as a creative outlet became a business, a brand, and a tight-knit community that would define her life and career.
- Thomas’ Influence: Thomas may have come with a keen business acumen and a willingness to eat everything Gaby made, but what cemented their bond was an unshakeable mutual respect and an ease in each other’s company.
- Building the Brand Together: The couple consciously grew What’s Gaby Cooking not as a monologue, but a conversation—with each other and with their fans. As Gaby’s star rose, Thomas stepped into a pivotal role behind the scenes, managing logistics, travel, and strategic partnerships, turning their dream into a sustainable venture.
This partnership is about far more than Instagrammable breakfasts—it’s a commitment to each other, and to their growing community.
The Philosophy: Living Life Deliciously
Central to Gaby and Thomas’s ethos is the belief that food is more than fuel—it’s the connective tissue that binds families, builds friendships, and creates memories. Their California lifestyle is as much about an abundant farmer’s market salad as it is about sun streaming through the windows, laughter floating over the table, and welcoming everyone—friends or strangers—who happens by at dinnertime.
- Joyful Entertaining: Entertaining isn’t rarefied or stressful in the Dalkin household. It’s casual, impromptu, centered on relaxed hospitality and ample, seasonal food.
- Balance: You’ll find kale salads and gooey brownies on the same menu. For Gaby, food is about joy, not guilt, and dinner is as much about connection as calories.
- Discovery: Their travels serve up inspiration as much as pleasure—nearly every destination plants the seed for a new recipe, flavor combination, or hosting ritual.
Partnership in the Spotlight: Stronger Together
In a world where work and life can blur at the expense of both, Gaby and Thomas insist that their partnership—equal parts professional and personal—is their biggest asset. They believe that their business flourishes because their relationship does and vice versa.
- Different Strengths: Gaby’s creative vision and culinary instincts drive the brand’s content, while Thomas’ operational focus ensures everything runs smoothly, from shoot schedules to digital strategy.
- Shared Values: Unwavering loyalty, humor, respect, and open communication undergird even the busiest days and most intense deadlines.
For couples balancing ambition and intimacy, the Dalkins’ advice is clear: celebrate your differences, champion one another’s wins, and never underestimate the power of home-cooked tacos at the end of a long week.
Their Advice for Working (and Living) Well as a Couple
- Define roles clearly to leverage each partner’s strengths.
- Prioritize time together that isn’t about work—whether it’s a date night in, or a walk around the neighborhood.
- Keep communication honest, regular, and respectful—even when conversations are hard.
- Celebrate small victories, from the perfect new salsa to a well-run event.
- Share meals and laughs often—food is their daily reset button.
A Day in Their Life: From Studio to Supper
No two days look quite the same for Gaby and Thomas, but a typical workday often revolves around their sun-drenched kitchen studio. Here’s how the magic happens:
- Mornings: Sourcing the freshest ingredients from local markets, prepping recipes, and setting up the photo shoot.
- Midday: Photographing, filming, and taste-testing up to a dozen dishes—sometimes with impromptu dance breaks and plenty of kitchen banter.
- Afternoon: Editing, responding to followers, brainstorming the next travel-inspired creation, and collaborating on brand projects.
- Evening: Wrapping up in time for a relaxed dinner for two (or a spontaneous group of friends) at home.
For Gaby, a dish qualifies as Instagram-worthy if it sparks an immediate urge to dig in. For Thomas, it’s all about the flavors living up to the visuals.
Signature Recipes & The Art of the Perfect Burrito
What’s Gaby Cooking fans know that Gaby’s approach is all about bold flavor, beautiful presentation, and fuss-free execution. Whether it’s tacos, salads brimming with farmer’s market produce, or her infamous guacamole, her recipes are homages to the California coast and its bounty. But for Gaby and Thomas, nothing is more symbolic of their cooking philosophy than the burrito—a bundle of everything good, wrapped up and ready to share.
Secrets to the Ultimate Burrito
- The foundation is a warm, perfectly pliable tortilla—no cracking or crumbling allowed.
- Bright, zingy salsa is a must—preferably homemade and packed with lime, cilantro, and a touch of heat.
- Well-seasoned rice for starch, black or pinto beans for substance, grilled meats for that smoky note, and a layer of cheese that melts upon rolling everything together.
- Finish with fresh avocado or a dollop of guacamole—and don’t be afraid to add something pickled for zing.
Above all, Gaby maintains: Don’t overfill, and roll tightly for that satisfying bite every time.
Fan-Favorite Entertaining Dishes
- Southwestern Roasted Vegetable Salad with Crispy Quinoa: Colorful, crunchy, packed with plant-based protein and flavor.
- Crudité Platters with Mixed Dips: Showcases peak-season produce, paired with dips ranging from classic hummus to spicy salsas.
- Marinated Grilled Chicken: Smoky, juicy, a perfect main for gatherings.
- Seasonal Cobb Salads: Avocado, bacon, grilled corn, strawberries when in season, and a zesty vinaigrette.
- Margaritas and Wine: The unofficial start to every great party.
Travel, Inspiration, and Their Ever-Growing Community
For the Dalkins, travel isn’t just a break from cooking—it’s essential to their creative process. Every trip is a treasure hunt for tastes and experiences to bring home and share with their audience. From the seafood of the Mediterranean to street tacos in Mexico City, inspiration is everywhere.
- Global Flavors: Recipes often feature spices, sauces, or techniques discovered during their travels.
- Community Connection: Followers become friends, DM conversations often translate to recipe requests, and Gaby and Thomas pride themselves on making their content feel like a two-way conversation.
Secrets to Effortless Entertaining
Despite her chef credentials, Gaby approaches entertaining with a relaxed, open-door spirit. Her secret? Planning just enough to allow for spontaneity, relying on fresh, standout ingredients, and curating an atmosphere where guests feel instantly at ease.
- Be a Laid-Back Host: Stay calm and unhurried—your attitude sets the tone. Focus on your guests, not perfection.
- Have a Great Playlist: Music is the invisible guest that keeps the energy up.
- Over-Prepare Food: More is more. Leftovers are a blessing.
- Signature Cocktail or Wine: Offer guests something festive the moment they walk in the door.
- Let Go of the Rules: Mix paper plates and fine glassware, let people help themselves, do what makes you happy.
Favorite Dinner Guests and Dream Party
When asked who from history or celebrity they’d most love to have for dinner, Gaby’s answer is refreshingly real: her friends. The greatest reward of entertaining for the Dalkins isn’t impressing the world—it’s gathering their favorite people for simple, delicious evenings full of talk, laughter, and shared stories. But, if President Obama ever came knocking, she wouldn’t mind that either.
How They Live Life “Like They Mean It”
Live Life Like You Mean It is more than just an interview tagline for Gaby and Thomas—it’s their lived reality. Every day, they choose to bring joy, authenticity, and gratitude to their work and relationships, remembering that even the most ordinary moments can be made special with good food and an open heart.
- They seek adventure, even at home—trying new ingredients, recipes, and rhythms for their daily lives.
- They make time for each other and for their community, understanding that love expands when shared.
- They savor every meal—not just the perfectly styled ones, but the simple burrito eaten standing at the kitchen island after a long shoot day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What inspired Gaby to start ‘What’s Gaby Cooking’?
A: Gaby’s blog began as a way to document her culinary journey and share approachable, vibrant California-inspired recipes with people seeking joy and connection through food.
Q: How do Gaby and Thomas split their professional roles?
A: Gaby leads the brand’s creative and culinary direction, while Thomas manages strategy, operations, and logistics, ensuring the business runs smoothly and sustainably.
Q: What’s Gaby’s secret to a great party?
A: According to Gaby, the keys are a relaxed host, a killer playlist, abundant good food, and an authentic, openhearted vibe where guests feel at home.
Q: Do Gaby and Thomas ever disagree about food?
A: Naturally! Thomas has his preferences (he’s rumored to be a guacamole superfan), but their different tastes often spark new ideas and keep things fun in the kitchen.
Q: Can anyone master Gaby’s signature burrito?
A: Absolutely. Gaby believes the best burritos are all about balance—flavorful fillings, a soft tortilla, and just enough confidence to wrap it all up tight.
Conclusion: More Than a Brand—An Invitation
The story of Gaby and Thomas Dalkin is about more than recipes or hosting tips. It’s an open invitation to find joy in the everyday, to gather with intention, and to create memories around the table—no matter who’s seated around it, or what you’re serving. In their world, every meal is an opportunity for connection, and every day holds the promise of something delicious.
References
- https://whatsgabycooking.com/about-2/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F79-5PZR5RI
- https://camillestyles.com/entertaining/gaby-dalkin-of-whats-gaby-cooking/
- https://camillestyles.com/entertaining/the-couple-behind-whats-gaby-cooking-on-life-love-that-perfect-burrito/
- https://camillestyles.com/entertaining/tastemakers-ep-5-gaby-dalkin-is-my-the-ultimate-california-girl/
- https://camillestyles.com/author/camille-styles/page/32/
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/7-books-on-my-spring-reading-list/
- https://camillestyles.com/author/camille-styles/page/18/
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/7-ways-to-choose-joy-during-uncertain-times/
