By: tkonter
Bits & Bites, Uncategorized, , ,

The Roundup vol. 5

It’s been a few months, which means it’s time for another Roundup of all my food and fun recommendations. What’s she eating? What’s she doing? Well, read on to find out. (And review my last curated selection in Vol. 4 for additional inspo.) I’ve had some good finds lately and excited to share with this tiny corner of the world.

Activities

  • Cooking/Recipes/Restaurants:
    • The Bon Appétit 56: I learned about this list on Bon App’s Dinner SOS podcast (more on that further down this post). Basically, it’s the 56 recipes they think you absolutely MUST make this year. I’ve got my eye on the peanut butter braised chicken and greens and the halal cart chicken salad (and, honestly, so many more).
    • Cheese Gal’s take on elevating ceasar-salad-in-a-bag got me thinking. I don’t think you need to buy the bagged salad because, based on the rest of the hack it’ll just be cheaper to buy straight romaine lettuce BUT the crouton crumb is an idea I’m taking to the bank. To make storebought caesar so much better, use romaine lettuce + your fave bottled dressing…and then add a squeeze of fresh lemon, fresh ground black pepper, a pinch of flaky salt, your own fresh grated/shaved parm (vs. pre-shredded), and then take storebought croutons and pound them into crumbs. It honestly doesn’t take much more time but I can already tell there’s just going to be something about it.
    • Din Tai Fung is finally coming to NYC! I’ve been hearing about this spot for years and can’t wait to try. It’s a Taiwanese chain but it’s got a Michelin star and the dumplings are legendary.
    • The dirty martini chip is my new TikTok recipe obsession. I can’t wait to snack on these on a Friday night…with a side of an actual cocktail.
    • One of my [very few] food avesions is cottage cheese…and yet TikTok is trying to sway my feelings. (Yes, that’s my third TikTok food mention in this roundup.) Am I crazy or does this toast not look half bad? I think the biggest trick is to use that fancy Good Culture brand. And while I can’t get behind the trend from last summer of dipping sausage/hearts of palm/egg/veggies in cottage cheese and mustard, there might be something there when it comes to spicing it up and using it as a dip for something crunchy. I’ve never been into just eating a bowl of much and need to chew on something so I won’t be mixing cottage cheese with berries, honey, and almond butter for breakfast (same reason you won’t find me eating yogurt or oatmeal unless there’s a ton of granola in it), but maybe I dip my toe in the toast.
  • Other Activities:
    • Play Street Museum: This interactive space just opened (in a very convenient area for us) and I can’t wait to take Finn. This type of play is right up his alley.
    • Harlem Renaissance at The Met: Might be time to plan another after-hours date night. As Harlem residents, I’m excited to see this exhibit get the center stage treatment.
    • Polène Custom Wallet: I love European leather and anything custom. Also, I desperately need a new slim wallet. Might need to get myself to Polène. (Side note: I’m really digging the structural elegance of Polène bags and the price point is great for a designer piece.)

Content

  • Books:
    • I love handing out book recommendations (especially when given niche guardrails) as much if not more than restaurant recommendations. NYT thinks they’ve got it figured out and this list aims to help you find your next book.
    • Amazon First Reads: You can get early access to editors’ picks for $0 – $2 each month.
  • Movies:
    • The Idea of You: This book kept popping up on my bookstagram/booktok but it felt too chick-lit-y for me. As a romcom, however, I’m in. (Prime)
    • Anyone But You: After an adorable meet-cute and night together, a misunderstanding leads two people in hate with each other…too bad their forever linked by their best friends/siblings who are set to get married in a destination Australia wedding. Didn’t think they had the best chemistry (maybe I just didn’t love Sydney Sweeney’s acting here?) but thought it was a very cute romcom. (Netflix)
  • TV:
    • One Day: I read this book back when it first came out and really enjoyed it, largely due to the literary device. I didn’t think the movie version was all that great but absolutely devoured this new limited series. I think it better captures the book and found myself bawling even when I knew what was coming. (Netflix)
    • Geek Girl: A high school girl is plucked from obscurity (and bullying) to become the new face of fashion. Very sweet with an Emily in Paris feel. (Netflix)
    • Nine Perfect Strangers: Nine people convene at a wellness retreat to escape their problems under the guidance of a Russian guru with highly questionable methods. (Apple)
  • Podcasts:
    • Dinner SOS: Each episode tackles a cooking dilemma. Past episodes include a group trip meal (when it’s “your night” to cook for the group on vacay) and French food for a French husband with an allium intolerance. Foodie podcasts can be boring, but this one is to-the-point and includes actionable ideas – all in 30-40 minutes – so I remain engaged the whole time.
    • Popcorn Psychology: You’ll never look at movies the same again after these three licensed therapists analyze them through their professional lens(es). It’s funny and wildly interesting. (Never Been Kissed, for example, is messed up on sooo many levels and could never be made today.)
    • The One Recipe: Everyone has that one recipe they can always turn to. Whether you need to impress a date, show your parents you’re a grownup, need a no-fail weeknight supper, or want to plan a dinner party with a picky guest, you’ve got something in your back pocket. These super short episodes (15 min or less) will ensure you’ve got way more than just one recipe to work with in the future.
    • Scumbags of History: Turns out some of the most famous and beloved historical icons were closet a-holes. This pod doesn’t cover the obvious. Like, we know Mussolini wasn’t a good dude…but did you realize Dr. Seuss was kinda awful? Each episode shares what we might not already know about historical figures and then ranks their scumminess.
    • Hang Up: I didn’t think I’d like a dating show that plays out on a podcast, but it turns out I very much do. It’s set up sorta like The Dating Game (from the 70s), where one person is matched with six potential loves. Names are changed so nobody can sleuth over social media and they recognize sexual preferences aren’t so cut and dry. They potential matches date over a series of phone calls and at the end of each episode, one is eliminated. In the end, the last dater standing can choose “yes! I like you too!” and take an all-expenses-paid vacation together OR say no thanks and take a cash prize instead.