10 Things I've Been Obsessed With

as of late

Ahh the end of summer. I don’t like it at all. With the last of the brutal heat waves and nasty rainstorms come waves of regret and an intense desire to make the best of what’s left. In an effort to combat this overwhelming season, I’m reflecting on the things I’ve been enjoying.
Ok. Enjoy.

1. Long Walks

   Ok hear me out. I know there’s a trend of “Hot Girl Walks” or whatever where one embarks on some self care driven journey in athleisure and affirmations in your ears. This is not that. This is a Long Walk - opening yourself up to potential chaos and conversations with others and possibilities. I like to take the L to 8th Ave and walk either north or south from there. Stop for a cry on the West Side Highway? A drink with a stranger at Minetta Tavern? A pious moment in an open church? A frantic Google rabbit hole of a cool looking old building? Let it happen and allow curiosity to lead. It might sound obvious, but so many of us are quick to wave away awe with cynicism. These Long Walks have helped me keep Awe around.

2. Vichy Catalan
   It’s a Catalan mineral water that tastes ever so slightly salinic. You can taste the minerals. It’s delicious and properly satisfying. I discovered it because the bar I work at here in Brooklyn sells it, but I had a field day in Spain as it’s less than 2 euro for a big glass bottle there. In the States you can expect to pay anywhere from $7 - $8 for a 12 ounce bottle. Ouch. But top your $8 water with a lime wedge on a hot day and you’ll be transported to a Mediterranean beach with one sip. Delicious.

3. Looking at Boats on Facebook Marketplace

   A recent obsession. Specifically sailboats. I know nothing about sailing, or boats for that matter, other than the fact that I like them and it was a childhood dream of mine to live on a sailboat. I don’t understand how some of them are $15,000, and some of them are $500,000. Maybe by next summer I’ll be docked under the Pulaski Bridge on my $15,000 sailboat, with a roll of duct tape and a dream.

4. The Ravioli Du Dauphine at Cafe Chelsea
   If you know me at all (online, not online) you know I am at The Chelsea fairly often, to say the least. The newest restaurant at the hotel is an all-day French American bistro called Cafe Chelsea, and honestly the most beautiful restaurant I’ve ever seen. The star of the menu is the ravioli du dauphine - a sheet of tiny house made ravioli dressed simply, in oil, a dusting of comte, and a crack of black pepper. It’s a delightful way to start the meal, and a perfect excuse to play with your food.

5. A Divina Comédia Ou Ando Meio Desligado by Os Mutantes
   A wild sonic experience. My friend Savannah (a fantastic writer - give her a follow) picked this up as we were perusing a record shop the other day and said “you MUST listen to this.” So I did. And now it’s haunting me. I’ve heard Os Mutantes mentioned twice within the past 3 days. This record is a culmination of gnarly psych rock with bossa nova beats. It’s self aware and cheeky, but also a riot.

6. Kefir
   I have about 8 ounces of this shit a day. I drink it out of a coupe a la Breakfast At Tiffany’s to feel fancy. I was having weird stomach problems for a while and this helped me tremendously.
   

7. “The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell” by Mark Kurlansky

   A wonderful exploration of the importance of the oyster in New York City’s history. This city is basically built on oysters, literally and figuratively (oyster shells are a lot stronger than you’d think), as the first settlers ate them straight out of the harbor, cheaply and often. Kurlansky knows his shit as a culture and history writer, but weaves in philosophy and jokes with his readers with a wink. I was surprised to learn that he does not have a culinary background, as he also published several other books on food. A well-researched writer with a non-pretentious voice will always engage and inspire me. I’m into it.

8. Saying “This is Just Like That One Episode of Sex And The City”
   Brilliant, intelligent, HOT, corporate ladder climbing friend dating a shitty bartender? Mr. Big type fling being squirrely? X rated conversations over a plate of eggs? I’m in my late 20’s. It’s only a matter of time before this becomes “This is Just Like That Episode of Seinfeld.” A girl can dream!

9. Sensory Deprivation
   I’ve only done it twice. But I had two very different experiences both times. Yes, you lay fully nude in a salty tub in a dark room in total silence (or listen to a bangin’ ambient track - which is what I did) for an hour. The first time, I felt whole and cleansed - invigorrated. The second time caused a quite traumatizing memory to resurface, but I was strangely able to handle it. I felt vulnerable for days, but it needed to happen. Highly recommend if you need to pause for a few. Go to Vessel Floats for a luxurious experience (they use Le Labo products) and shut up.

10. Marrakech by Aesop

    My new scent for fall. It’s spicy and woodsy, finishing with floral notes to ease it up a bit. It’s intense and absolutely divine.