Despite the NJ Transit strikes this week, Zoila (if you’ve read this newsletter before, you know who she is) and I trekked over on the bus… then the PATH… then the PATH again… to see one of my favorite bands!
We booked the tickets in October when we hardly knew each other. Somehow, we knew we’d be close by May-time. May quickly crept up on us, and off to see Fontaines D.C. we went! I’ve seen them once before, but this time was even better.
Fontaines is an Irish rock band from Dublin (D.C.). They’re wildly popular in Ireland and the UK, especially in the city where I went to university: Manchester. Manchester is known for its thriving music scene, and despite my attempted immersion into the city’s iconic alternative rock musicality, I never got to see Fontaines while I lived there. I’ve only seen them here in NY.
Last time, I saw them at the Brooklyn Paramount. This time, we went to their third show at Hammerstein Ballroom.
We might as well have been in Ireland, though.
The crowd was full of Irishmen who chanted “Olé Olé Olé!” in admiration, and “One more tune!” instead of “Encore!”. I was immediately transported back to Mancunian concert culture. They take “gigs” very seriously across the pond.
I’ve always been a rock lover. I grew up listening to the radio (mostly Q104.3 Classic Rock) with my dad on car rides to school. Being in the Music Capitol of England just solidified that love for me, and I’m so happy I was able to share this with Zoila. Thanks Zoila!
On that note…
I have always been a baker.
From the days of making giant-sized cupcakes from a mold I got off an infomercial in 2010,
I’ve been a lover of mixing unique flavors together.
I was the 7-year-old who dreamed of opening a pie-themed restaurant…
I was the 8 year old who sold cupcakes at school…
The 10-year-old who binge-watched Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss…
The 12-year-old who asked for a whisk for Christmas…
I’ve always been this way.
I am proud of myself for a few things in this life, and one of them is how in touch I am with the aspirations of my childhood self.
She would be proud of me.
I’m still churning out crazy cookies and obsessing over my birthday cake flavor for the year.
It’s a lifelong hyperfixation, this baking thing of mine.
And what I particularly love is that I rarely put pressure on it.
Because I haven’t pursued a career as, say, a pastry chef, I’ve been able to keep the art of baking as a creative release. It’s an outlet, not a job. Food, for me, is fun.
Writing is, of course, also fun…
and I have also always liked it…
but I do put a different type of pressure on myself when writing because it’s what I studied. It’s what I “am”. It’s something I’m always trying to use.
Rarely, other than for parties or small gatherings, do I “use” my baking skills. It’s always for fun or as a gift, hardly ever for a profit.
I’ve kept baking joyous for myself… and mostly private. Even so, I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity to share my long-developed skills at a collaborative baker’s buffet!
Matcha maestro Sharlene (aka @misosleaf on Instagram) is hosting the “Sweet Tooth Social”, a dreamy picnic party filled with lovingly baked goodies and drinks! I’m so excited to be one of the bakers for this event, teamed up with Emma (@ssmiskitchen on Instagram) to bring you marbled miso black sesame cookies and matcha lemon mochi!
The event is at Prospect Park in Brooklyn on June 8th from 1-4PM. 8 desserts and a handcrafted Misosleaf drink are included in your $25 ticket. Click here to get your tickets on Partiful! There are only 100 available spots in total so hurry hurry! I’m so thrilled to collaborate with all these wonderful bakers and creators… and also to share my creations with such a big group!!!!!!
Yippee!!!
See what happens when you embrace what you love? You’ll meet the right people and opportunities will arise!
On that note…
I love cruciferous vegetables.
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to talk about on this Substack! This is one of my favorite things to talk about!
Cruciferous vegetables! Yay!
Get me a bag of Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch and it will be crunched up (in my mouth) and all gone (in my stomach) within a day.
Don’t knock raw cruciferous vegetables ‘til you try them! Shredded Brussels sprouts are incredibly delicious in a salad. They add super toothsome and crunchy texture to your leafy greens, and their crevices are perfect for soaking up dressings. Not only are they crunchy and kinda earthy (in a good way), they’re insanely nutrient-dense and good for your gut. They’re full of fiber, contain minerals and antioxidants, and are much more hearty than your basic romaine or iceberg.
(I’m not knocking romaine or iceberg. I just prefer arugula and crunchy cruciferae. Romaine has its time and place. I love mixing romaine into cruciferous veg.)
The best base for a bowl at Cava is their Supergreens mix. The Supergreens include things like shredded Brussels sprouts and cabbage, which I love. It makes you feel like you’re a rabbit.
Like you’re a rabbit, in a good way.
Being a rabbit is a good thing to me.
If that’s your thing, too… eat cruciferous vegetables.
Cruciferous vegetables are fab raw, as I’ve said, but cooked ones are amazing, toooooo!
I adore broccoli.
Please enjoy the image above.
It is abstract art.
So, first thing… yes.
That is a whole crown of broccoli. I thought it looked like a tree, so I steamed the whole thing and put it on my plate because I have long dreamed of eating a whole head-o-brocc.
Second…
This image is representative of a small island. The mashed potatoes are the sand, the gravy is the ocean water, the giant broccoli is a palm tree, and the chicken breast is a man lost on the island. He is, unfortunately, burnt due to the sun. It is really sad.
Anyways, I loved the broccoli. If you’re ever bored and don’t feel like cutting up your broccoli prior to (or after) steaming/roasting/whatever, just know that it will work and that it is very fun to eat.
Double Dill pickles procured from Sweet Pickle Books
Ice water with lime
Peach Slices Snail Rescue Oil Free Moisturizer
Rewatching New Girl
Long jorts!!!! And overall shorts!!! I embrace them.
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