Week 39: cold noodles for hot days, best of bourdain, greek dinner parties, and more.
plus, a personal announcement i haven't shared anywhere else.
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June 21, 2024
As I type this, I’m just a few days from getting on a plane to France for a 3-week vacation. Before you get too excited for me — I’m flying with a toddler on my lap, so please send all the thoughts/prayers/tips/toy recs.
The only trips I’ve taken outside the US in the past 4 years (hello, pandemic, and then parenting) have been for a honeymoon and a babymoon — a big change from someone who used to hop a plane 2+ times per month. I’m thrilled to be taking a true vacation (with no Instagramming!) where the only agenda is to relax and explore.
I’m sure I’ll have much to share about the regions we’re visiting. I’m extra excited to do so as I don’t often hear about travelers, let alone families, planning trips to the Dordogne. I’ll be returning to Bordeaux as well. And the Basque coast has been on my travel wishlist for an actual decade. You know I can’t wait to eat.all.the.things.
Since my life made this turn away from frequent travel, I’ve come to luxuriate in the small moments. I’ve made it my mission to bring as much of the mindset I have when traveling to my leisure moments at home.
And for those of you who aren’t traveling this summer, I love this take on “boring girl summer.” She writes, “Somehow the joys and luxuries I am looking for will be found in the simplicity and quiet moments of my unplanned summer.” Love. For me, it often extends lovingly to “boring girl life” and embracing the beauty and seasonality of that.
As for this week…
daydreaming
Being less than a week out from my summer vacation doesn’t stop me from daydreaming about the Greek islands. I’ve now made 3 trips and island-hopped more than advised, so I thought I’d share my five favorites in case you’re also up for some dreaming (or are planning a trip!)
Crete - don’t just plan a few days here! at least a week if possible
Milos (read my guide)
Santorini (yep, I love it - go in the shoulder-season if you can, and always research what days the cruise ships won’t be there)
Paros - a truly fantastic alternative to Mykonos (which personally, I would skip)
Tinos - a favorite because it’s where I saw a completely different, richer side of Greek island culture
Honorable mentions: Hydra and Aegina (both a quick ferry ride and a worthy day trip from Athens!)
On my list: Folegandros, Corfu, Symi, Naxos, Zakynthos, Syros
And since we’re talking about having a life of travel at home, this piece on How to Throw a Greek Summer Party is a fantastic alternative to going IRL.
cooking
Although I continue to be a fan of hot soups in hot weather, this recipe for Cold Rice Noodles with Grilled Chicken and Peanut Sauce continues to be a dish I return to in summer and year-round.
At first, it can appear intimidating but fear not — it’s much easier than it initially seems. It’s mostly about assembling three sauces: a lemongrass-based marinade for the chicken, a tangy dipping sauce, and the peanut sauce. Honestly, I’d recommend this recipe just for one of these sauces alone. I tend to make extra and reuse them in other dishes, too.
As you’ll see in the comments, I found that adding more peanut butter than listed led to better results. (About 1-2 extra tbsp - just add and blend until you get the consistency and flavor you like best.) And don’t fear the amounts of fish sauce or lime juice in either sauce — trust the process, they’re both part of the magic! Enjoy.
watching
Even though I’m headed out on a trip soon, I find myself yearning for an adventure even further across the globe — one with plastic chairs and street foods, crowded markets, and cheap train tickets. It’ll be a bit before I can head out on a longer and more distanced trip, either solo or with kiddos, so, for now, I (re)watch Bourdain.
At times I harken back to his early No Reservations days, but I find myself most repeatedly turning to Parts Unknown. If you have an HBO Max subscription, they’re all there.
Here are some top episodes I recommend, if you too are in the mood for the Bourdain brand of globetrotting and need a place to start:
Masa’s Japan, Cuba, Sicily, any Vietnam episode, Myanmar, Iran, Jerusalem, Asturias (and more!)
P.S. how true is this post
reading
I now present, a variety of links for your Internet reading pleasure.
Brb, adding Maine to my travel list (food-focused, of course)
How a Self-Published Book Broke ‘All the Rules’ and Became a Best Seller
Three-Michelin-Starred Chef Corey Lee’s Favorite San Francisco Restaurants
shopping
Like so many of us who identify as Millenials and/or moms, I LOVE Target. When it comes to their clothes though, I find it can be really hit or miss.
So I was entirely too pleased to find so many great basics on my last trip there. I was in need of some new t-shirts and tanks, especially for summer weather, and they delivered.
Great feel, fit, and price point on these: black and white ribbed tank | short blue and white striped tee | ribbed tee | softest pajamas | woven mules
There is also a new collection of home decor and furniture from Studio McGee, if you’re into that (I so am.)
I also found THE CUTEST dumpling pajamas for littles at Old Navy, if you have one in your life.
and now, a personal announcement
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