DRAFTING W/ GIO LUCIANO
Giovanni “Gio” Luciano took one of the city’s most overlooked jobs — line cook — and made it viral. Posting what he actually eats between shifts, his “line snack” videos are quick, candid and honest, an internet presence that made Gio instantly beloved on people’s timelines. That rhythm pushed him beyond the kitchen, into modeling for the likes of Versace, DJing and a kind of visibility that runs parallel to the reality of clocking in every day.
Now, the creator’s extending that same instinct into Marshland, his first acting role — a short film set in rural Oregon where he plays Sprague, a trans man attempting to connect to a place that makes it easy to feel like an outsider. Directed by Ray Chambers and far from the city that made him recognizable, it feels like an exciting shift for the creator.
With non-slip clogs on his feet and ’80s French coldwave in his ears, Gio lets us into his life a bit more through DRAFTING.
Birkenstock non-slip clogs. Always. Essential for when I’m in the kitchen.
Marshland, my first debut acting. It’s a short film based in rural Oregon about a trans man, Sprague, trying to figure out community in the town he’s moved into. It was a really wonderful time filming. I got to stay out in rural Oregon surrounded by beautiful nature and people. Directed by my good friend Ray Chambers.
Rhubarb soufflé. Soufflés were my introduction to a more technical dish. I just love the texture of it. Also, obsessed with rhubarb.
“Sadness Forces” by Trisomie 21. Obsessed with this 1980s French coldwave group. Listen to them on every bike ride I’m on right now. Go check them out.
Pioneer CDJ’s. Like every other person in Bushwick, I also DJ. I love my small controller at home, but nothing beats a proper deck. Too expensive for a New York cook right now.
Throwing a techno rave where you have to find the spot via coordinates or a hotline.
Fortnite-inspired pop-up — a food pop-up with recipes inspired by the game Fortnite. Very fried concept, but very excited to feed this food to people. My friend Grace (one-half of Rotten Mother) is collaborating with the pop-up, as well. Date TBD.
Line Hopping — A YouTube series where I work on different kitchen lines for a night. Shot on DV Tape and a fisheye lens, usually. I had this idea for a while, but I’m finally getting the ball rolling with it. Trying to tap into old MTV, old YouTube nostalgia. Highlights chefs and restaurants in the NYC culinary scene. Super excited to try more kitchens and learn from some very talented people. Shot by my best friend Shane Roberts.
