Carlos Escola

Recipe: smashed zucchini carta di musica

this weeks recipe, smashed zucchini carta di musica, 2025

greatness

Seeds were planted many months ago in preparation for now, June. I’ve always despised the saying, “summer bodies are made in the winter,” mostly because it’s true. I was going to put out my short story this week, instead I’ve been too inspired by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Cole Escola. June 8th was a huge day for both individuals. Carlos won his fifth tennis slam at the French Open and Cole Escola was awarded a Tony for their portrayal of Mary Todd in the play they wrote, Oh, Mary!

I laid in bed on Monday morning sobbing at both of their victories. I think the tears come from a good place. These two individuals specifically inspire me. Carlos Alcaraz is a remarkable sportsman. He will give away a point if he thinks the wrong call was made. He plays tennis through values passed down to him from his family. Cole Escola has been writing and performing hilarious and complex characters for years. After debuting Oh, Mary! at the Lucille Lortel Theater, it received high praise. When Oh, Mary! went to the Lyceum on Broadway, it only felt right.

I watched Audra McDonald perform at the Tony’s as her iconic character Rose from Gypsy. I was awe struck but the electricity radiating from every fiber in her body. Yet, she didn’t get the Tony. I watched Jannik Sinner give the best match of his career opposite Carlos at the French Open. He won the first two sets and yet, he didn’t get the trophy. Greatness, I believe, is getting up even when you don’t win. It’s about being on the biggest stages and still showing up even if it’s not your turn. Greatness is keeping your head up in the face of adversity.

I fear both are necessary to inspire. The pain of not getting something you’ve worked so hard for is its own cannon shot to the gut. Bouncing back to win is greater when you lose. When you win all the time it can register as a little boring. Historically speaking, look at Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as an example. Roger was THE GUY until Nadal came up through the draw. Together they created a cycle of winning and losing against each other that fed a hunger and a desire to compete at the highest level. They changed men's tennis forever.

Enough with the tennis, back to performing. First time nominees getting awards right away is pretty wild. It certainly creates a moment. We all remember when Leonardo Dicaprio won his Oscar for The Revenant. What a triumphant moment for Leo who had been nominated for well over two decades of work. But what the hell do all the awards mean anyways?

When I ask myself that question, the only thing I can think of is ceremonious moments to give people something to aspire to. A culmination of hard work celebrated upon completion. I love greatness, I love celebrating it, I love supporting it, I love to see someone achieve their flow state. Carlos Alcaraz’ career is just beginning, he could leave it all now if he wanted at 22 years old. Cole Escola has earned one hell of a seat at the table. The heartwarming part in all of this is how much everyone is rooting for these two. Seeing them collect their earned respects feels like a win for us all.

check out my video on instagram @chezchezrobert for what I’d make for Kate Berlant, classic Roman Amatriciana, 2025