Nadia “G” Giosia grew up in a kitchen full of women with big personalities. Her raucous upbringing in Montreal’s St. Léonard neighbourhood inspired Bitchin’ Kitchen, an irreverent cooking show – think “dysfunctional family pizza night” – now in its second season on Food Network Canada. And with a new cookbook under her belt, Nadia has a lot on her plate. Where better than NYC for a foodie to blow off some steam?

Scrunch, Roll, Fold or Stuff?
I lay down the jackets first so they retain their shape. Then the dresses, folded in half, with pieces of delicate jewellery in between. The stuff closest to the top, meaning closest to the makeup kit, is the least important. And I use socks to fill in the holes. But how do you roll a studded dress?

Do You Have any Packing Tips?
I’m extremely Type A – I quadruple-bag my nail polish remover.

What Can't You Travel Without?
Metallic shoes. Gold and silver match everything.

What's on the Agenda for NYC?
We always go to Pomodoro Pizza, which has this fantastic vodka pizza. The slices are like the size of my forearm.

How Important is Food on the Road?
Before I went to Hawaii, I knew where I would be eating every day. Five-star chefs are always getting props – which they deserve – but I’d pit my grandma against a three-star Michelin chef any day of the week.

What's in Nadia G.'s Carry-on?

01 Books
Getting to a hotel at night and snuggling into that awesome bed with nice crisp sheets and a good book is the greatest. I love Chuck Palahniuk.

02 Heels
I travel in flats and slap on my heels at the last minute. You can make a bitchin’ entrance without suffering for hours in transit.

03 Bitchin’ Kitchen Items
I bring stickers and pins to hand out in the event someone says, “Oh, hey!”

04 Jewellery
I wear certain pieces of jewellery, or put them in my carry-on, that I know I can’t live without.

05 Little Bird
Sometimes it’s nice to bring a little bit of home with you when you travel. This little fluff butt is my home.

06 Laptop and Travel Purse
I’m never without my computer or this purse. It has an expandable gusset and a secure zip pocket for my passport.

07 Cat Pillow
It’s the perfect travel pillow: a cat minus the litter box and allergies.

08 Makeup
When I land, I like to freshen up quickly. Carmex is a must because it’s so good for dry lips.

09 Glasses
Sunglasses are key so I can avoid the hordes of screaming fans and paparazzi. Wait, that’s Lady Gaga, not me.

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