The journey of Monica Galetti is a remarkable story of dedication, faith, and passion, but what truly stands out is her unshakable daily routine and her perspective on life’s simple yet profound pleasures. If you think you know her as just a celebrity chef, think again—her mornings are deeply rooted in spirituality, her love for travel fuels her adventurous spirit, and her quiet moments reveal a person much more intricate than her TV persona suggests. And this is the part most people miss—what drives her beyond the spotlight might just inspire you to rethink your own daily rituals.
Monica Galetti first captured public attention in 2009, stepping onto our screens as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, alongside the legendary Michel Roux Jr. Her journey in the culinary world started long before that—starting as a commis chef at the prestigious Le Gavroche, where she quickly worked her way up to become sous-chef, ultimately leading her to open Le Gavroche des Tropiques in Mauritius. Born in Samoa, she moved to Wellington, New Zealand, at the age of eight, carrying with her a rich cultural background that continues to influence her identity. In 2017, she and her husband, a sommelier named David, launched the restaurant Mere, though it closed last year. Today, they live in Surrey with their 19-year-old daughter, Anais. Here, Monica shares her Saturday ritual—an insightful peek into how she nurtures her soul amid a busy life.
7:30 am
My day begins when my dogs, Harry—a spirited boxer—and Cole, my French Bulldog, wake me up—either by gently hitting me with a tennis ball or a rubber toy. It’s their way of saying, 'Good morning, let’s start the day!'
7:45 am
Starting the morning with a moment of spiritual connection is non-negotiable for me. I pray to God and Jesus, expressing gratitude for the gift of life and each new day. Following my prayers, I feed the dogs, prepare a fancy flat white from my premium coffee machine, and then settle into reading the Bible aloud. I find that hearing the words helps me connect more deeply and feel more centered. This routine can last anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour and a half—it's a practice I cherish and believe significantly enriches my life.
8:30 am
Next, I head to the gym for a weight training session. Though I joke that I could beat my husband David in an arm-wrestling match, perhaps only if I resorted to cheating! The workout energizes me and keeps me strong, both physically and mentally.
9:30 am
After my exercise, it’s time for coffee with David and Anais. Since Anais recently started university at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), her absence has made the mornings quieter and more challenging emotionally for us—we’re still adjusting to having an empty nest. On Saturdays, we love enjoying pancakes or making sourdough bread, toasting slices with avocado or a poached egg. Cooking at home relaxes me far more than working in the kitchen does, and baking in particular provides a soothing escape.
10:00 am
I take the dogs for a walk around the neighborhood, which is always refreshing. Afterwards, I visit my elderly neighbors—most in their eighties—who live nearby. One of them has dementia and forgets many things, but her sweetness remains. She often comments on my appearance, saying, “You look incredible. I love your tan. Have you been away?” and then, five minutes later, she asks the same question—it's gentle and amusing, and I find caring for them deeply rewarding.
11 am
Every third Saturday, I indulge in browsing the antiques fair at Banstead Village. I admit, I have a soft spot for collecting unusual items—my collection includes around fifteen vintage pottery jugs and recently, two flat irons from decades past. I love imagining their uses—pressing meat on the barbecue or serving as charming doorstops.
12:30 pm
I prefer a hearty dinner, so often, lunch is something light like a bowl of Itsu noodles—quick, satisfying, and perfect after a busy morning.
2 pm
My passion for travel finds its way into Saturdays through planning my next adventure. I love envisioning trips that push boundaries, with diving with sharks in Vanuatu being one of my most exhilarating experiences. Sadly, my husband cannot join me in that activity due to a perforated eardrum, so shark diving remains a solo thrill.
3:30 pm
Weekends are also when I indulge in a deeply relaxing Thai massage. I’ve been a regular for years—these massages are intense but invigorating, with therapists walking all over me, relieving every knot and tension.
4:50 pm
As five o'clock approaches, my thoughts turn toward the evening’s wine selection. My husband, a sommelier, and I love exploring unique wines. Recently, we enjoyed a rare bottle of 1992 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay—an experience of pure bliss. Now that Covid restrictions are easing, we drink more responsibly, savoring one exceptional bottle instead of overindulging.
6:30 pm
Saturday evenings often invite reflection. I think about how far I’ve come from my childhood in Samoa and New Zealand—how those roots shaped me. I’ll never forget my late father, who used to tell me, “Well done, darling, you’ve done so well in London working alongside the renowned chef Michel Roux.” He was proud, even if his words sometimes misrepresented my journey—yet, I carry that pride with me.
7 pm
Cooking together is one of our favorite ways to unwind. We often make pizza from scratch—chicken and artichoke or classic white cheese varieties—if friends and their children are visiting. When it’s just the two of us, we prefer a simple but hearty meal of roasted pork loin and baked sweet potatoes, a dish our teenage daughter now can’t stand to see, so overused it’s lost its charm!
9 pm
Post-dinner, I wind down with a herbal lemon and ginger tea, then we select movies—sometimes a Dutch film about a terrorist using pesticides, which was quite a disaster, but we love the entertainment. I avoid cooking shows these days, especially the ones I’ve appeared on, because I find hearing my own voice tough to endure. Seeing myself on TV often prompts a mental cringe—“Oh my God, is that really me? Please, turn it off!”
10 pm
If we have friends over, we’ll sit on the sofa playing a lively Samoan card game called Suipi—a game that can get surprisingly competitive. I also spend this time planning my garden projects. I adore gardening, although my family isn’t fans—they tend to leave the room when I mention planting new things. Our property in Limoges was overgrown when we bought it, but I enjoyed transforming it with a chainsaw—an activity I found oddly therapeutic.
11 pm
As the night winds down, the sofa is covered with a blanket for the dogs’ bedtime—although they often ignore it and try to sneak upstairs, especially Cole, the little Frenchie. My final moments are usually spent chatting with David as he drifts off to sleep. I conclude my day with a prayer, grateful for the day’s blessings, and then it’s goodnight.
In summary, Monica’s routine demonstrates how grounding oneself in faith, family, and passions can create a fulfilling life. Whether it’s her morning prayers, her love for travel and collecting antiques, or her quiet reflection at night, her story encourages us to find meaning and joy in everyday moments. But here’s where it gets controversial—do you think such routines are essential for a successful, balanced life, or are they simply a luxury limited to the privileged? Share your thoughts in the comments—are you inspired to create your own meaningful rituals?
