Skip to Content
Features

Chef’s Day Off: AJ Capella of Summit House in New Jersey

AJ Capella, executive chef at Summit House, shares how he recharges outside the kitchen—from city food crawls to outdoor fire cooking and quiet nights in.

Chef AJ Capella seated in apron and hat, relaxing with a glass of wine.

Chef AJ Capella unwinds with a quiet moment and a glass of wine.

Helming the kitchen at Summit House in Summit, NJ, Executive Chef AJ Capella is known as one of the state’s brightest culinary talents. A Culinary Institute of America graduate (Class of 2010), AJ has spent time in some of the region’s most revered kitchens, including The Ryland Inn and The Aviary. His style—a mix of refined technique, global influence, and deep local roots—earned him recognition as the Garden State Culinary Arts Foundation’s Rising Star Chef in 2017.

At Summit House, AJ creates menus that reflect the restaurant’s mission of “Community Through Cuisine,” weaving in the best of New Jersey’s seasonal bounty with creativity, care, and intention. When he gets a rare day off, he heads outdoors, seeks out bold new flavors, and tries—if only briefly—to unplug.

He enjoys Sundays or Monday off when possible, spending time with his girlfriend and relaxing at home.

Appetito Magazine caught up with Chef Capella to learn more about how he unwinds, what inspires him outside the kitchen, and where he’s eating when he’s off the clock.

Morning: Time with my Girlfriend and Food Crawls

I usually wake up at the same time everyday around 9 a.m. Sometimes a little earlier or later. Sundays are a little busy since it’s the one day both my girlfriend and I have off. We’ll go see a Yankee game or do something outdoors. We’ll head into the city—usually Queens to grab food. I gravitate toward Asian food, especially stuff I don’t cook myself. Dumplings, noodles, and foods like that.

Afternoons: Cooking Outdoors and Hiking

I’m happiest when I’m outside. Whether it’s hiking, cooking outdoors or going to the Delaware to float around on a raft. I love the outdoors and outdoor cooking— we build teepee-style structures in the woods where I hang grills and cook over open fire. I like hiking a lot. My favorite hike in New Jersey is the Stairway to Heaven trail in Sussex, up by High Point.

On his day off, Chef Capella enjoys outdoor cooking and time in nature.

Evening: Wine, TV, and Unplugging

If we stay out late in the city, we might grab a hotel, but if we don’t go far we’ll head home. Nights are quiet. We open up a bottle of wine, maybe watch some TV or a movie to decompress. 

On Mondays, if I actually get to be alone and keep the calendar clear, I lean into doing nothing. Literally. No alarms, no plans. I eat lunch. I eat dinner. That’s about it. It’s not too exciting but I decompress.

Follow Chef Capella on Instagram or check out the Summit House website for more information.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Serie A: Napoli-Inter Title Fight and Cannoli-Fueled Clashes

Soccer columnist Justin Patulli selects key Serie A matches for the coming weekend and suggests Italian snacks for pairing.

May 15, 2025

Italian Roots Run Deep at Paso Wine Fest in CA

Paso Wine Fest returns May 16–18 with over 100 wineries, but it’s the rise of Italian varietals—from Sangiovese to Nebbiolo—that has us paying extra attention.

Some Chicken Parm Recs for a NY Yankees Star

Two NYC eateries that specialize in chicken parmesan are recommended to Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe for professional purposes.

May 14, 2025

Paffuto Brings a Variety of Italian Tastes to South Philly

Three friends run Paffuto in South Philly with an array of Italian offerings from breakfast through dinner.

May 14, 2025
See all posts