The Sunday Sanctuary With Anne Becerra
A weekly series that profiles the most fabulous, hard-working, 24/7 hustlers, and how they spend their Sundays.
Anne Becerra has a very strong passion for craft beer and the community that surrounds it. She was the first woman in New York City to become a Certified Cicerone -- or beer sommelier -- and has worked at the helm of the biggest beer bars in Manhattan for the last six years, including Blind Tiger, The Ginger Man, and The Pony Bar. She was named one of the "Heroes of the Craft Beer Movement" by Vanberg and DeWulf imports, has helped organize major beer festivals, and was asked to be part of the New York tasting panel with Riedel and Spiegelau that helped create the first ever IPA beer glass. Anne has been a beer judge several years in a row for multiple competitions and was one of the few people to represent the beer industry at the 2014 Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Anne loves spreading the word about great craft beer almost as much as drinking it. She has been featured in multiple media spots including recurring appearances on NBC, Fox and Friends, TIME magazine, Heritage Network's Beer Sessions Radio, New York Daily News, El Diario, Metro NY, AM New York, and Ale Street News. She's also a regular contributor to Serious Eats and Thrillist.
Q: What time do you wake up or does the alarm go off?
A: During the week, I set my alarm for 6:20 & snooze for 20-30 minutes, but on Sunday I don’t set it unless I have something to do. I still wake up around the same time naturally but tend to lay in bed a lot longer, sometimes a couple of hours.
Q: What is your morning routine (specifically the first 15)
A: The first thing I do when I wake up is think about everything I’m thankful for. I started doing this years ago and I can’t recommend it enough as a way to start the day. I’m naturally a morning person & don’t like to rush so I wake up early, put on music in the kitchen and make breakfast and coffee right away. Then I sit and watch either a corny detective show or a sitcom when I’m having my breakfast and waking up, and then I can officially function.
Q: What is your Sunday mantra?
A: Gratitude.
Q: What’s your go-to breakfast/brunch?
A: I eat as soon as I wake up & breakfast is my favorite meal, but during the week it’s usually simple & healthy. Sundays I like to double breakfast, fruit, greek yogurt and granola or something along those lines first thing, then second breakfast around 11-12. I almost wish I had never had the bacon, egg and cheese from Daily Provisions because now it’s all I think about, but besides that- a big, hearty breakfast that involves poached eggs is one of my favorite things on the planet.
Q: Do you give yourself any Sunday self-care treatments?
A: I try to do face masks and manicures on Sunday night. The only thing I really like going to a salon or spa for is massage so I usually try and do everything else myself.
Q: What song is a good representation of your Sunday?
A: Dennis Brown records
Q: How has your Sunday routine changed over the years?
A: Luckily I’m not waking up with hangovers anymore (or verrrrry rarely at least) so I wake up feeling good and recharged. Plus day drinking is way more fun when you feel good.
Q: Do you exercise?
A: I exercise 5-6 times a week but in ways I enjoy. It’s never out of guilt, or to try and “lose weight.” I just like taking that time for myself and feeling healthy and energized.
Q: Do you like to spend your Sunday alone or with family/friends?
A: Either way as long as it’s fun. I don’t feel the need to pack my day in and make plans with a ton of people, but with good friends or family- enjoying the day, great food, drinks, fresh air- I’m happy.
Q: Do you use any apps or products for relaxation?
A: Just the word “app” tends to give me anxiety (I’m not great with technology). But I do love Bach’s floral remedies and sitcom reruns to help with stress.
Q; What is your ideal bedtime?
A: So much has changed since Covid, so these days with a completely different type of social life, I’m so happy to be asleep by 10:30 (not always realistic, but lovely)
Q: What are some of your favorite Sunday activities?
A: If I can be outdoors I’m happy! Little mini-adventures, day trips, hikes, even just walking in the park (then at least one great meal) and I’m good to go.
Q: How do you prepare for the week ahead?
A: I try to figure out my meals, do my hair, laundry, all that jazz- like a little mini reset before heading into the week. Doesn’t always happen, but it’s the thought that counts, right?