Fashion
Whether or not you’re feeling patriotic this Independence Day, I think we can agree that supporting brands that manufacture in the USA is always a good move. Here’s my personal edit of Maison Rogue favorites made in the USA (if you know me, you know I wear the key and heart earrings nearly every. single. day. Bonus points: they’re currently on sale):

TV
After the virality of the hilarious and idiotic ‘Mommy/Mamacita’ moment, I caved and started the new season of Love Island. And I’m mad at myself for it. This show is a commitment. Now that I’m caught up, I’ve made a deal with myself that I can only watch while walking on the treadmill. Too much brainrot otherwise. I do appreciate that the cast of this show isn’t pretending to be there for lifelong love, unlike the delusional theater over on The Bachelor & other dating shows (of which I don’t watch, but you know what I mean). At least no one’s lying about wanting to be wifed up by the finale. We all know the endgame is brand deals, followers, and maybe a Shein discount code. The casting is…confusing. I wouldn’t kiss a single one of these dudes, which makes the constant tongue-heavy kissing happening on screen all the more baffling. But I guess it takes a certain type of person to sign up for this experience (that would be…not my type). The fact that it’s being filmed in real time really adds another layer of madness. I don’t have any favorites yet - maybe that’ll change now that the chaos is ramping up - but right now I can barely remember anyone’s name. Just as I start to get a grasp on who’s who, they throw in ten new people. It would be a total toxic mindfuck to be in there. And the prize money isn’t even lucrative enough for the mental anguish (I suspect it’s because they’re spending 99% of the budget on music).
Watching And Just Like That continues to feel like an act of self-inflicted emotional harm. I wish they’d just pull the plug, let the franchise rest in peace, and we can all agree to collectively forget it ever happened. I do know that I have free will and don’t need to be watching it, but it’s a slow motion trainwreck I can’t look away from so long as it’s airing. Please, HBO, Max, HBOMax, whoever the hell you are - put me out of my misery.
On a slightly more refined note: The Gilded Age is finally back. My favorite low-stakes drama with high-budget hats. Things already feel more intense this season, and we’re only one episode in. I’m especially curious to see the shift in dynamic between Ada and Agnes this season - because let’s be honest, that bitch Agnes has needed to be checked. Things aren’t looking too hot for Peggy, Gladys, or Marian, but here’s hoping they find a way to embrace this “new age” and shake up the tired norms. Also praying we still get plenty of screen time for our beloved Railroad Daddy while he’s off growing his empire.
Food
Demo is a really solid neighborhood spot that I think flies way under the radar for how good it is. Fresh, flavorful food and an interesting wine list. We ordered: spring peas in toasted chickpea broth, chopped radicchio salad, mushroom arroz a la plancha, fluke. And copious amounts of crisp white wine. Perfect for a low-key night that still feels special.
12 Matcha really is that bitch.Unsweetened matcha made perfectly (that grassy green excellence), and the matcha Basque cheesecake is a must - closer in texture to a classic NY-style than traditional Basque, but the flavor is spot on. Not too sweet, with the matcha shining through. If you’re choosing between the ice cream scoops, get the hoijcha. It has that perfectly deep toasty flavor, and balances the other items. I tried to buy a whole cheesecake to take home and was politely denied. I asked them to reconsider before my birthday in August. We’ll see.
I spent a long weekend in Austin last week and ate very well:
Justine’s: classic french brasserie with a cool vibe and very chic outdoor dining setup for those days when it isn’t unbearably hot; Swedish Hill: Their signature Swedish Iced Coffee was actually life changing. A spot I wish existed in my neighborhood, though my bank account is probably grateful that it doesn’t. Great breakfast sandwich & matcha chia pudding; Garage + Here Nor There: Austin’s speakeasy game is strong. Both had great, thoughtful cocktails (the latter had a menu full of cocktails inspired by The Odyssey), mood lighting, and just enough mystery; Comedor: A truly stellar meal. Sleek space, thoughtful food, and unexpectedly, some of the best meatballs I’ve ever had (albondigas en chipotle - don’t skip them). Other standouts: empanada veracruzana, organic half chicken served two ways, and grilled carrots that held their own. Bonus: our server casually mentioned Pedro Pascal had been in the week before. Say less.
Current Obsession
I came across the below article recently - Taste Is the New Intelligence - and it was such a good read. It inspired me to pick up Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being, which I’ll share thoughts on once I’ve finished.
It’s a refreshing reminder that thoughtful curation and individuality are quietly becoming the sharpest tools in the toolkit. In a time when everything is starting to look and sound the same, it hit a nerve. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the homogeneity of style and opinion lately - and the more I see people going one way, I want to go the other (maybe that’s an issue for therapy, but I digress). It’s a good reminder to stay sharp, stay discerning, and resist the herd mentality that’s quietly taken over so much of culture.
On My Radar
Salt Hank’s, the new spot on Bleecker serving only two things on the menu: a prime rib french dip + (extra crispy looking) fries
The Six Bells Countryside Inn, the latest aesthetic upstate inn from Audrey Gelman
Tank Air pop-up June 27-July 2 (260 Bowery)
Fini Patio Bar, a new waterfront location in Brooklyn Heights from Fini Pizza
Pantry, the LA-based cafe pop-up from Madhappy (207 Mulberry St)
Virgin, Lorde’s new album
Until next week -
xo
Lo
You already know that Love Island is my jam and can do no wrong. But… they gotta get back to the old ways. Bring me people with 600 followers. This season is too much playing to “Win”. I need messiness. I need couples mixing up sneaking around the villa. Too safe. Too vanilla and voting out any threat that might have a better shot at “winning”.
Let’s hope the CASA shake up bring some more dirt.
I’m voting for us to just stop discussing AJLT…if we don’t talk about it then maybe it won’t exist!