Meet Our THATCH Muse

Part bon vivant, part California bombshell, part food curator… She inspires with every plate. Meet Coree Costa, La Jolla personal chef and lifestyle visionary. Whether she’s cold plunging the sea in mid February, tending to her garden in her charming Spanish style cottage, or dazzling her clients with her crudités, cheeseboards & beautifully catered dinner parties, she is one to watch, learn from, and be inspired by. After all, you don’t become Alicia Keys personal chef by sheer luck alone. Her talent, vision, and pure sunshine energy are enough to uplift just about anyone around her. We are lucky to call her a friend and very lucky to have had her turn small bites into artful displays for various events at our studio. Join us in welcoming our very first muse for Journal Volume 12, and be sure to follow her on IG for daily delights & nutritional inspirations @the_juiciest_fruit.

How did you end up becoming The Juiciest Fruit?

Quite simply, aesthetics. I love perusing a farmers market. I love fruit, citrus and herbs to line my countertops. I love a fridge full of glass containers with snacking options, a pantry of mason jars filled with ancient grains and nuts. When I started living this love poem, my food choices nourished me in a way that felt medicinal. I was proud of the effort I was putting into mySelf, and the lifestyle became what I shared. I developed a business that could guide others into a “vote with your plate” mentality by promoting local and seasonal eating, and nutritional density became the baseline of my catering. The Juiciest Fruit was a play on nurturing growth, the acknowledgement of suppleness being the byproduct of watering, and tending to one's own garden, outer radiance from inner alignment.

A vibrant spread of farmers market produce, Breakfast parfaits with fresh peaches and blueberries, Coree in her happy place — the ocean

Tell us about a typical day for you, we want all the details.

I rise early. It’s when I’m most productive. I open the front door and let the breeze blow through, fill a glass pitcher with water and add a sprig of basil from the garden, seeing it on the counter reminds me to drink from it more often. I aim to sweat every day, stretching and meditation are also non-negotiables. I’m a strong cup of black coffee type of gal, I find joy in the routine of my pour over. An effective tip is to start your day with greens and protein, for me that’s typically 2 soft boiled eggs with arugula, maybe a couple spoonfuls of cottage cheese. I’m a huge fan of collecting plateware that you truly adore, curating snacks becomes an art project, how many colors and minerals can I pile in? Does this need something fermented, or maybe up the fiber with some hemp seeds? Every meal is like that for me, how many vegetables can I sneak in, which protein have I not had in awhile — variety is our friend when it comes to meal planning. If it’s a dream day I’ve also made it into the ocean, it’s where I reflect and refresh, I think having moments of awe fuels the creativity in my work. Each day is different with clients and timing so I do my best to commit to these things that bring me joy, then I can show up for everyone as my best Self, it’s a ripple effect.

Coree's beautiful kitchen interior, Coree enjoying the sunshine on Tavarua, Freshly sliced honeydew melon and a bowl of peaches

We love the way your cooking is healthy, yet non-depriving. What’s your best advice to women looking to clean up their eating styles?

Everything is romantic. Treat each meal as an opportunity to serve your temple. I think each of us already kind of knows what to avoid, so instead of playing diet games, aim for the consistency of quality fresh ingredients. Don’t focus on what needs to be taken out, but what can be added in. Getting educated about your individual needs is far more effective than following trends, understanding your symptoms and how food choices can improve or worsen them. Sit down to eat, have a favorite bowl to eat from, chew more and with gratitude.

How do you find work/life balance?

Planning the day with “I get to do this” in relation to both. Gratitude for what I’m saying yes to makes it much easier to know when and how to say No.

Coree taking a dive into the Pacific, Sashimi salad with fresh tomatoes, radishes, and herbs

Dinner party playlist?

I like to have guests choose records to play while we dine, I’ve got a pretty solid collection of vinyl. The record I choose most is an album curated by my friend Kasseem, Long Live Jazz. It’s epically smooth. Music is on all day while I cook. I’m an addict. I think the food tastes better if I’m dancing through a recipe.

Favorite restaurant or hidden gem in San Diego?

Most frequented gem for dining (and shopping for clients) is our local fish market, El Pescador. They’ve been in business for over 50 years & never fail me. Newest addition to our list is La Corriente, also down the street here in La Jolla. And a hidden treat outside of my hood is LeuLeu Leucadia, they’re doing special things.

What’s next for you? Any big plans you can share with us?

Well we’ve finally started piecing together the outdoor dining space at the casita, and I’m thrilled to start hosting private parties for clients back there. It’s such a charming little escape for a candlelit meal. Also, I’m saying it here to hold myself accountable, but I’d like to offer cooking class nights for small groups who’d like to learn & eat, like a group of 5 with wine and music and me sharing my secrets, right?!

La Corriente restaurant in La Jolla, A blooming candlelit dinner spread, Coree adding finishing touches to her creations, Fresh fish bowls with sliced avocado via El Pescador Fish Market

What’s in your purse/beach bag/carry on? We love a "What’s In Your Bag" series.

I’ve always got a luscious lip balm, right now it's the Honey one by Activist Manuka. I need my hydrosol spritz throughout the day, I’m currently hooked on Rose Petal by Evan Healy. I’m endlessly rehydrating my dish hands, so constantly massaging them with some version of a Living Libations oil. I wasn’t a gum gal until I tried this energy & focus brand Nuero, and now have it on hand for pick me ups. And most importantly I suppose is the thing that really pulls me together, a color balm for cheeks and lips, the shade Soft Berry by Merit makes me feel gorgeous.

Go-to cocktail or beverage?

Just got back from Portugal and loving a Gin & Tonic with lots of ribboned cucumber.

Favorite book or podcast?

The Four Agreements was biblical when I read it almost 30 years ago. The Omnivore's Dilemma was transitional for my career. The Guide to Becoming Alive most recently tickled my fancy. Richard of The Flamingo Estate is doing so many things right.

What is your favorite way to style your latest THATCH pieces? Which piece is your favorite?

I’m so so so in love with my little Jade Fortuna. She was the theme of my Euro summer, typically amongst a pearl and other charms hanging from a long chain or the choker. It was amazing being able to switch them up with my necklines for each outfit. The hearts were a major mood for me (I got engaged on this trip so maybe they set the tone). The Jade Malene and matching Isabel earrings set was the first time I’d felt kind of royal in jewelry. They were true stunners. My real day-to-day is probably the Allegra Lariat though, it offers a little edge to my basic tee and jeans uniform. I’m a chunky chain gal at my core.

What is your mantra to live by?

Find the Beauty.

Morning swims at Coree's favorite local beach, Coree in the Delphin Green Choker with added beads and a Colette Pearl, Coree and fiancé Nate beaming, Coree wearing Malene Jade on the Mini Bowie Rope Necklace