The Lo Down: 5/28/25

I'm a free bitch, baby...

This is how I felt spending MDW in the city:

For the first time in ages, I’m actually excited to stay in NYC. I’m usually chasing the next trip or adventure, but this summer, I’m leaning into being grounded - and weirdly, it feels kind of amazing. It’s been nearly four years since I’ve spent a summer in the city, and I’m very excited about it. (That being said, I am going away next weekend…but you know what I mean)!

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TV/Movies

I rarely rewatch newer films, but something drew me back to The Worst Person in the World last weekend. It’s a poignant, beautifully shot story about a woman turning 30, toeing the line between self-discovery and self-sabotage. Still hits just as hard - I highly recommend if you haven’t seen it.

On the flip side: Sirens on Netflix. I cannot recommend it. Between the cheesy acting, overdramatic score, and a plot that somehow manages to be both unbelievably chaotic and boring, I am baffled by the positive reviews. I expected more discernment from Julianne Moore than to take this role.

Food

I know I was on my high horse about my diet last week, but when a reservation at Sailor popped up, I caved - hard. I’d never typically order french toast, but theirs had been living rent-free in my head. Imagine banana foster without the bananas: custardy, bread pudding-like toast in a caramel-y maple syrup pool, topped with a not too sweet, slightly salty vanilla bean cream. Best I’ve ever had. The burger was solid (not life-changing), and the green salad was a crisp, refreshing counterpoint.

The french toast to end all other french toasts.

I might by two years late to Ella Funt, but better late than never I suppose. I expected it to be all scene, no flavor - turns out, the food outshined the vibe. The gem salad was fresh and citrusy; shishitos, forgettable; ribs, excellent and well seasoned; cod, not exactly as described but still a hit. The art-filled room was quiet, but at least the kitchen showed up.

I was skeptical about Rhythm Zero’s ‘Coco Americana’ - frothed espresso over iced coconut water - but, shamefully #influenced by TikTok, I gave in. And…it was shockingly good. The natural sweetness of the coconut water balanced the espresso’s bitterness perfectly. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Current Obsession

This Nespresso Milk Frother. I avoided getting one for years because I have a wand attachment on my espresso machine, but boy is this little machine a game changer. It perfectly froths hot milk (without scalding it, unlike the Breville espresso machine attachment), AND it froths cold milk. I think this machine may not be news to anybody but me, but I am amazed by the cold foam setting, and am excited for my at-home matcha and coffee journey.

On My Radar

7 Spring, a chic looking little backgammon cafe

Julia Jean’s, a new ice cream shop opening just in time for summer

Meeting Monday at MoMA PS1 every first Monday of the month from June-October, a special after-hours viewing of James Turrell’s Skyspace, Meeting, an installation that features a multicolored lighting program synchronized to sunset that subtly shifts in color as the sky gradates in tone.

Tacos on my radar two weeks in a row!? I’m just as shocked as you…but a new spot from the restaurateur behind Cosme, Santo Taco, just opened in the corner space next to La Esquina.

Storm King Art Center, one of my favorite day trips from the city, recently reopened after a $53 million makeover.

Until next week -

xo

Lo