Ever wondered how a world-renowned chef spends her weekends? Monica Galetti’s Saturdays are a fascinating blend of faith, family, and unexpected adventures—from shark diving to antique hunting. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite her culinary fame, she admits to cringing at the sight of herself on TV. Let’s dive into her day, shall we?
Monica Galetti first graced our screens in 2009 as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, alongside her mentor Michel Roux Jr. Her journey began at Le Gavroche, where she rose from commis chef to head chef, eventually launching Le Gavroche des Tropiques in Mauritius. Born in Samoa and raised in Wellington, New Zealand, Galetti’s life has been a whirlwind of flavors and cultures. In 2017, she opened Mere with her husband, sommelier David, though it closed last year. Now, the couple enjoys life in Surrey with their 19-year-old daughter, Anais, who’s recently started university at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).
7:30 AM: A Furry Wake-Up Call
Her day begins with her dogs, Harry (a boxer) and Cole (a Frenchie), who greet her by enthusiastically whacking her with toys. It’s a chaotic start, but one she clearly adores.
7:45 AM: Faith and Gratitude
Before anything else, Galetti prays. ‘I pray first thing in the morning and last thing at night,’ she shares. Her prayers are directed to God and Jesus, expressing gratitude for life. Afterward, she feeds her dogs, brews a flat white using her fancy coffee machine, and reads the Bible aloud—a practice she finds deeply connecting. This ritual can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, setting a serene tone for her day.
8:30 AM: Gym Time
Next, it’s off to the gym for weight training. When asked if she could beat her husband in an arm wrestle, she laughs, ‘Only if I cheated.’
9:30 AM: Family and Food
Post-workout, she enjoys another coffee with David and Anais—though the latter’s absence at university has left a noticeable void. Saturdays often feature pancakes or homemade sourdough bread topped with avocado or poached eggs. ‘Cooking at home is so much more relaxing than at work,’ she notes, adding that baking is her ultimate stress reliever.
10:00 AM: A Walk and a Visit
After breakfast, she takes her dogs for a walk, followed by a visit to her retired neighbors in their eighties. One neighbor, who has dementia, repeatedly compliments Galetti’s tan, mistaking her Samoan heritage for a recent vacation. It’s a heartwarming interaction that Galetti cherishes.
11:00 AM: Antique Adventures
Every third Saturday, Banstead Village hosts an antiques fair, and Galetti is a self-proclaimed addict. Her collection includes 15 old pottery jugs and two vintage flat irons, which she uses for both cooking and as doorstops. ‘I’m addicted to buying things I don’t need,’ she admits with a laugh.
12:30 PM: Light Lunch
Lunch is typically light, like Itsu noodles, as she prefers a bigger dinner. Fun fact: Galetti recently collaborated with Itsu to develop a new noodles and broth range.
2:00 PM: Travel Planning
An avid traveler, Galetti spends Saturdays planning her next adventure. One of her most memorable trips was shark diving in Vanuatu, though her husband, with a perforated eardrum, can’t join her underwater anymore.
3:30 PM: Massage Time
After a busy week, she indulges in an intense Thai massage. ‘They walk all over me, and I love it,’ she says, proving even chefs need downtime.
4:50 PM: Wine O’Clock
As 5 PM approaches, Galetti starts itching for her first glass of wine. With a sommelier husband, their choices are always interesting. Recently, they savored a 1992 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay, though she jokes, ‘We’ve grown up a bit—one bottle doesn’t turn into four anymore.’
6:30 PM: Reflection and Nostalgia
Saturdays are also for reflection. Galetti often thinks about her journey from Samoa and New Zealand to London, recalling her late father’s pride—and his hilarious mix-up of Michel Roux with Mohamed Al Fayed.
7:00 PM: Cooking with Love
Dinner is a family affair. If friends are over, they make pizzas from scratch, topped with chicken, artichokes, or three cheeses. On quieter nights, it’s pork loin and baked sweet potatoes—a dish Anais now avoids after years of repetition.
9:00 PM: Movie Night
After dinner, Galetti enjoys herbal tea while taking turns picking movies with David. She avoids cooking shows, especially those featuring herself. ‘I can’t stand the sound of my own voice,’ she admits.
10:00 PM: Games and Gardening
If friends are over, they play Suipi, a competitive Samoan card game. It’s also when Galetti plans her gardening projects—a passion her family finds less than thrilling. ‘If I mention gardening, they run for the hills,’ she jokes, recalling how she tamed their overgrown property in Limoges with a chainsaw.
11:00 PM: Goodnight Rituals
The day ends with the dogs on the sofa (though they often try to join her upstairs) and a final prayer. Her last conversation is with David, who usually falls asleep first.
And this is the part most people miss: Galetti’s life, despite its glamour, is deeply rooted in simplicity and gratitude. But here’s a thought-provoking question: In a world obsessed with perfection, is her discomfort with seeing herself on TV a reflection of her humility—or something more complex? Let us know in the comments!
