Always Scrolling is PAPER's spotlight on our favorite TikTokers in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more. Keep reading to discover this week's viral sensation: Pierce Abernathy.
Pierce Abernathy is a recipe developer who focuses on seasonal, plant-forward food with approachable recipes to his more than half a million followers, with the goal of inspiring people to cook more, waste less and directly support farms.
Abernathy's food philosophy comes to life through pop-ups, kitchen takeovers and other events. As a part of Aerthship, a collective focused on fusing ecological values with cultural values, he recently ran a series of five pop-ups around New York City that put ingredients from some of his favorite farmers and purveyors onto the plates of more than 600 diners. Together, they partnered with local restaurants and chefs to create thoughtful menus and raised money for the Armenian Relief Society, Oko Farms and Palestinian mutual aid funds.
Abernathy has also recently partnered with brands like Häagen-Dazs, who support these events and help him bring food stories to more people. He tells PAPER: "I'm looking forward to developing new ways to blend cultural exploration with sustainable cooking practices, creating dishes inspired by my recent travels and my Armenian heritage to blend tradition, innovation and environmental mindfulness."
PAPER caught up with Abernathy about empowering people and communities with food, ear wax removal videos and his favorite restaurants in NYC right now.
@pierzza Over 30 pounds of Armenian string cheese later, Spring Tour is officially over– what a ride. The team crushed 5 pop-ups around NYC over the last month– it was a beautiful coming together of community, intention, and delicious bites. So grateful to our partners and everyone who came out to support– thank you! We had a blast, but it feels great to get some rest– and I think we earned our @Häagen-Dazs mini vanilla milk chocolate ice cream bars. The perfect bite to end an incredible tour. #thatsdazs #dazspartner
What do you love about what you do?
Food has always been the greatest way I can connect and share a part of myself with others. I'm grateful that my work allows me to do that, all while deepening my own relationship with how and what I eat and giving me the space to elevate some really incredible people and businesses that are intentionally working to create better food systems. I also love making creative recipes that are not only delicious and focused on seasonality, but are also approachable enough to inspire people to make them at home.
Who is another TikToker that you love right now?
I’ve been obsessed with @massivefart420. The name is as incredible as their videos. In the span of about 30 seconds you are blessed with life updates, words of wisdom, a therapy session and positive affirmations.
Craziest comment you’ve received on a post?
I don’t know if this is the craziest, but someone commented, “Bro made some salads, and look what happened.” And honestly, I feel this comment to my core.
@pierzza As much as I love sharing recipes online, there's no better feeling than cooking for a group. Events can be a big undertaking and, for me, it's all about the team. Before an event kicks off sometimes you need to take a break and enjoy one of the new @Häagen-Dazs Dulce de Leche bars with the team! #ThatsDazs #DazsPartner
What’s one of your favorite recipes you’ve posted?
One of my favorite recipes I recently worked on was an ice cream sandwich made with the new Häagen-Dazs New York strawberry cheesecake ice cream, graham cracker cookies and a fresh strawberry jam made with strawberries from one of my favorite stands at the Union Square farmer's market, Lani’s. It was so fun to mix nostalgia with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and, of course, it was a delight to eat.
What’s a trend that you love right now?
I wouldn’t necessarily call this a trend and have no idea how to describe this, but there’s a guy on TikTok (@thetarlov) that basically makes videos of him walking around the city and doing something random like getting his haircut or bowling. His aesthetic is iconic and fueled mostly by nostalgic rock songs of the '90s and 2000s that play over his videos.
One that you hate?
I hate that I love these ear wax removal videos. I don’t know how they ended up on my FYP, but now I am doomed to watching endless clips of people getting the grossest gunk out of their ears. These videos should be banned from TikTok, please and thank you.
@pierzza Weekly Farmers Market Pilgrimage #farmersmarket
What would you never wear?
A popped-collar polo. I grew up in Kentucky, and the visual takes me back to middle school mixers and bullies. Also, I wore too many pairs of skinny jeans in high school to ever revisit that phase of my life.
Favorite fashion brand right now?
I really love Lemaire. All of their silhouettes are effortlessly cool and timeless. Their jeans are my favorite thing I own.
What’s a good book you’ve read recently?
After reading What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, I became really interested in Murakami. I’m now reading Norwegian Wood. His writing feels so effortless.
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
This is an impossible question. A few I’m loving now are Agi’s Counter, Hart’s and Abuqir.
Favorite club in NYC?
I have no idea. Can’t remember the last club I’ve been to. The dinner party is the best party in my opinion.
What are three songs you have on repeat right now?
"Eu Pensei" by Pedro Mizutani, "Always On Time" by Ja Rule and Ashanti and "Oh! Tengo Suerte" by Masayoshi Takanaka.
Photography: Matthew Leifheit
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