My friend Adam Roberts — a cookbook author with a witty food newsletter — always reminds me of a Disney prince. He exudes charm with his infectious smile and has a talent for playing your favorite songs on the piano. Adam shares his cabin-like home in Brooklyn with his equally delightful filmmaker husband, Craig Johnson. Here’s a glimpse inside…
KITCHEN
Adam on the left; Craig on the right
Adam shared, “We were house-hunting in L.A. when the sudden urge to move back to New York hit me. Being a New York native, I missed the city, so we began our search here. Craig had specific criteria for an L.A. house — nature, ample natural light, etc. — so finding this rental in Brooklyn felt like stumbling upon our dream L.A. home in New York.”
Embracing the changing seasons, Adam expressed his love for the unique features of their home in New York, such as a bedroom surrounded by trees, a porch for growing tomatoes, and a kitchen overlooking a garden. He reminisced about cooking pasta while watching snowfall in winter and baking strawberry-rhubarb pie this spring, all while admiring the pink blooming tree outside.
Sharing his affinity for vintage finds, Adam revealed his passion for collecting vintage plates and platters, often scouring through Etsy and eBay for treasures. He proudly displayed his midcentury flour and sugar canisters, each with its own rich history and character.
Adam’s love for cookbooks knows no bounds, although it sometimes causes playful disagreements with Craig due to the overflowing shelves. He enjoys the element of surprise that cookbooks offer, currently engrossed in “Summer Kitchens” by Olia Hercules, a Ukrainian food writer residing in London. The book resonated with him, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, prompting him to experiment with new recipes like dark rye flour sourdough bread, inspired by the book.
Craig’s favorites from Adam’s culinary repertoire include cavatappi with sun-dried tomatoes and cannellini beans, roast chicken with root vegetables, and seared scallops with citrus risotto. While Craig appreciates savory dishes, Adam’s true passion lies in desserts, with Amanda Hesser’s almond cake and fall apple pie topping his list of favorites.
DINING AREA
Displaying a laid-back approach to entertaining, Adam shared his pre-party rituals to ensure a stress-free dinner experience for all. By preparing desserts and mains ahead of time, and utilizing brining techniques, he creates a relaxed ambiance that enhances the overall dining experience. Adam also emphasized the beauty of slow-cooked stews during winter, which only get tastier with time.
Craig, an avid collector of miniature creatures, adds a whimsical touch to their home. His attention to detail, reminiscent of Kathy Bates’ character in “Misery,” ensures that his cherished trinkets are always arranged just so.
LIVING AREA
Adam and Craig’s living space is a blend of functionality and personality, reflecting their individual tastes. Their collaborative problem-solving skills were put to the test when their couch couldn’t fit through the front door, leading to a creative solution with the help of the Couch Doctor service to disassemble and rebuild the couch inside.
Craig’s passion for film is evident in his love for the Criterion Channel, while Adam finds comfort in watching shows like America’s Test Kitchen and Downton Abbey. Their eclectic record collection and Sunday morning ritual of enjoying music together over coffee symbolize their shared love for creating memorable experiences.
A conversation piece in their home is a painting commissioned from an artist they discovered in Barcelona, featuring quirky anthropomorphized body parts. The playful nature of their interactions adds a touch of humor to their vibrant living room ambiance.
Back Patio
Winston, their beloved rescue dog, holds a special place in their hearts. Initially hesitant about getting a dog, Craig was won over by Winston’s irresistible charm, leading to a heartwarming adoption story that brought them joy and laughter.
Adam and Craig’s love story began in grad school at NYU, with a serendipitous online encounter that sparked an instant connection. Their shared aspirations and values aligned perfectly, setting the foundation for a deep and lasting bond that continues to flourish.
Adam ended our tour by teasing his upcoming novel, “Food Person,” set to release in the summer of 2025. A tantalizing blend of intrigue and culinary delights, the novel promises a captivating journey into the world of food writing and celebrity culture.
