How do you feed the munchies? 

Chefs Randi Howry and Kelly Ijichi 

Mom’s, Chicago

The duo behind Mom’s, a stand in Chicago’s Politan Row food hall, offer a take on Japanese comfort food with a nod toward Hawaii, serving dishes such as fried Spam musubi and the Insta-friendly fluffy pork katsu sandwich.

What’s your preferred method of getting high?

Randi: We’re all about rolling it and smoking it. 

What do you cook for yourselves when you’re high?

Kelly: Something quick and easy like instant ramen with whatever’s in the fridge, or a big snack plate. Like a stoner charcuterie tray. Meat, cheese, fruits, nuts, jam and of course, candy. Specifically, pineapple gummy bears.

What do you serve to people who are new to getting high?

Kelly: I don’t typically have a lot going on in my fridge, but I always keep breakfast staples on hand. I survive on things I can make quickly (eggs, cheese, tortillas). I would likely make a pile of breakfast tacos. Eggs, chorizo, lots of cheese and my entire pantry of hot sauce; or a stack of pancakes and bacon—sweet and salty is always a good combo. 

Randi: Typically my fridge is full of odds and ends from our local Asian grocery store. So when it’s time to cook for someone who is new to getting high, it is easy to pull together a feast with lots of different things. Bulgogi, pickles, kimchi, rice and whatever new (to me) condiment I found this week.

What do you do on your day off?

Kelly: It’s usually split between obligations (laundry, cleaning, emails) and eating. Day off meals are not to be wasted or messed with. You have to go hard every time. 

Randi: Days off are special! I spend mine eating well and cooking well for myself and my fiance. 

What do you like to eat when you’re high?

Randi: The first thing that I always want to eat is fried shrimp. There’s a local spot that I can’t get enough of. So I start there and just like to see where the cravings take me. Why limit myself? 

Kelly: Well, the first time I got high, I remember completely destroying a 4-pack of Snack Pack chocolate pudding. That was heaven. I’m all about candy, ice cream, chocolate, walking to the gas station for an M&M’s cookie ice cream sandwich or the classic Frosty and french fry combo, a la Wendy’s.

What’s your soundtrack when you’re cooking and/or high?

Randi: If it’s not Lady Gaga, it’s our Galentine’s Day Brunch Playlist on Spotify: “Hot Boyz” by Missy Elliot, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” by Angie Stone and “Stand Back” by Stevie Nicks. Look it up.

What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever eaten while high?

Kelly: Though it wasn’t me, I once watched someone stuff an entire pint of ice cream into an unsliced loaf of bread and destroy it. No utensils. I’m very proud of them to this day. You know who you are.

Randi: I’m sad to admit that I ate cold hot dogs and a cold-ass can of beans from a campfire that we couldn’t light.

—Dennis Lee

Portrait image by Nastasia Mora