April 22, 2021

Apropos of nothing—except everything!—I keep thinking about how this last year has been a rite of passage for all of us in some way or another. Truly, can anyone say they haven’t been transformed by the circumstances of the last 14 months? Perhaps it’s compounded by the fact that spring is such a transitional season of its own, but I feel as if I’m about to graduate college and head out into the world—endless possibilities await. Of course that sense comes with a swell of other feelings: inescapable nostalgia, a tinge of sadness and longing too, but mostly a tremendous sense of renewal.

Then again, if you’ve been experiencing a pretty sustained form of “meh,” lately, there’s a term for that: languishing, as described by Adam Grant (whose new book, Think Again, is at the top of my reading list).

Anyways, a lot of good stuff to share below, from the River Cafe’s new online emporium to some BIG news for sweet-toothed food snobs.

1.

I’m completely dismayed over the disparity of accessibility to Covid vaccines, both worldwide and also here in the US. As of now, every adult American should be eligible in any state for their shot, yet I know plenty of people who are still having trouble getting theirs on the books (comparatively, my own experience at my local pharmacy last weekend felt like white-glove service). I found this recent article outlining the steps for helping others get the vaccine helpful and inspiring (note: it’s mostly Pennsylvania-specific, but there are also some national options).

Another form of volunteering I feel strongly about is SafeWalks NYC, which provides pedestrian escorts to those who feel threatened or vulnerable to violence, especially throughout the city’s Asian communities right now. It’s easy, it’s outdoors, it’s exercise, it’s a no-brainer here.

2.

I had one of the best meals of my life with my sister at the River Cafe three years ago. We had two days together in London—just us, no kids— there was a heatwave going on at the time, and we managed to nab an outdoor table for lunch. I can’t recall every single dish, yet I remember that every bite made us swoon and hold our breaths for the next one. Given our blissful moods, we could have eaten sandwiches in the park and still had a grand time, but River Cafe, with its stellar service, understated vibe, and impeccable, unfussy take on Italian cuisine sent us over the top. I’ll never forget it that feeling. As co-founder Ruth Rogers said in a recent interview, “I think it’s the kind of place where you walk in and it makes customers feel that the emphasis is on them.” She nailed it. I’m a fan for life.

When the restaurant closed (for only the second time, ever!) at the onset of the pandemic last year, Rogers and her team pivoted, bringing the River Cafe to its patrons in the form of jarred sauces, pantry items and meal kits, all of which could be ordered online—and delivered worldwide. Even more exciting, the shop has since evolved into a full-blown design emporium, featuring some of the chicest homewares for livening up one’s dining table, coffee table, bar cart…even desktops.

3.

IMMERSE YOURSELVES, GENTS: I love a good, long soak in the tub, but I can’t say I know a lot of men who feel the same way (or at least not as vocally). In the latest issue of Esquire, Garrett Munce masterfully lays out the therapeutic benefits of bathing, both mental and physical. Honestly, there are a lot of things we could all be doing to maintain or improve their mental health these days, but this one is such an easy no-brainer, it shouldn’t demand a “defense” (as the title suggests).

4.

It’s impossible to read Alex Dimitrov’s Love and Other Poems and not feel a surge of adoration for New York City. When he writes, “How again after months there is awe. The most personal moment of the day appears unannounced. People wear leather. People refuse to die. These are strangers who look like they could know your name,” is it with these post-pandemic times in mind? Or am I just interpreting between the lines? It could be New York anytime, really, this changeable place where anyone can be lonely, but hardly alone simply by standing on a street corner. Dimitrov’s New York is a setting and a character, a lover and an ex; it’s a muse and the pulsing heartbeat that dictates the cadence of this entire collection. It’s no wonder Dimitrov thanks it in his acknowledgements.

5.

This one’s a twofer—and both are biggies. Can candy bars get Michelin stars? I’ve been satisfying my sweet tooth with the new lineup of bars from Gigantic!, which have all the retro-inspired trappings and packaging of old-school chocolate-coated classics like Snickers and Baby Ruth, only spun into nouveau flavors including Hazelnut Cafe, Salted Peanut, and Almond Horchata. I don’t know if there’s really such a thing as ‘healthy candy’ but each bar contains only 7g of sugar, which is downright virtuous compared to others (including what many of us consider “nutrition” bars, FYI).

I no longer have an excuse for not stocking up on mini ginger shots for my mornings now that Monfefo’s gone large-format with its signature ginger and turmeric blends. Each bottle has 16 servings, which saves me having to buy those petite single-serving bottles…well, sixteen times. Just don’t chug the ginger, unless you enjoy commencing your day with a literal fire in your belly.

PS: A further note to my intro - I’ve also been thinking a lot about the relief of time passing, and eventually finding ourselves at a point when we won’t be using the phrase, “the last year…” in such a collectively shared and knowing way. #Soon

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