It’s official, my time in Rome has run out, and my heart told me to return to my city and give life a try there (wish me luck). Being back with no time limit is a new reality for me as I’ve become a very different person since I left three years ago, I don’t know what to expect and there’s a lot of pieces that need to be put together. I’m not going to lie, it’s been a bit rough being thrown into the Boston winter, although I’ve been lucky to have my family and, coincidentally, three of my best friends who have also recently moved back after spending time abroad.
To distract myself from the cold and this major life change, I’ve been trying to keep busy. There’s a lot of effort that goes into making plans in the winter. It’s not as seamless and inexpensive as a bikeride or a picnic in the warmer seasons. When it’s cold out, you need to think a lot harder about what to do and, even more importantly, WHERE to do it.
One of my friends (more like a sister now), Kaela, who I’ve known since elementary school, shares my deep love for good food and sharing meals, so we planned to take this shared passion seriously now that we’re finally both in the same place. Our idea? To meet once a week and cook a meal together. Sounds simple, but the rewards reap numerous benefits.
After grocery shopping, we went right to Kaela’s house and got cooking, catching up on our lives as we chopped vegetables and stirred our stew. The house filled up with delicious smells as we set the table, eager to try what we made together.
Ingredients: 2 cans of butter beans, 1 pound ground beef, 1 carrot, 1 yellow onion, kale, tomato pasta, bouillon, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, lemon, oregano, parsley
Step 1: Sauté chopped onion, carrot, and garlic
Step 2: Add ground beef, cumin, and red pepper flakes, and let cook for a few minutes
Step 3: Add butter beans, cover with water until right above all the ingredients, and then add 2-3 teaspoons of bouillon
Step 4: Add in chopped kale and stir for 5 minutes
Step 5: Add a squeeze of lemon, fresh oregano and parsley to your plate and enjoy!
If you’ve been getting to know me through Substack, you know that dessert is a must. We had vanilla ice cream with blueberries, raspberries, and chocolate chips. As Kaela said, ice cream at home in the winter is tolerable because you can get all cozy to enjoy it, whereas ice cream at a shop in the winter is just miserable. Give ice cream at home a try, we loved it!
This was a perfect example of a wholesome night that warms every part of your body and revives your soul. I felt so at home, so relaxed, so loved, so cared for. Quality time with a friend who has known me for years, cooking a meal, and enjoying it together was exactly what I needed on a cold winter night in Boston. We shared our thoughts and worries without any shame or judgment. We chatted, laughed, watched New Girl (which added even more wholesomeness to the night), and fully relaxed, happy just to be in the same room. These are the types of friendships that make this uncertain time in our lives feel stable. We’re both already so excited for our next cooking night, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Below is a list of things I’ve been doing in Boston since I got back. I hope some of you find it useful or get some other ideas from it! Let me know :)
Gym + Sauna: The sauna has been my hot escape, my muscles finally get to relax here.
Arts & Crafts: Make a 2026 bingo board and vision board, so fun and motivating.
SoWa Market in the South End: The art studios upstairs are so inspiring!
Shabu-Zen in Allston: Nothing better than old hot pot in the winter.
Cook Dinner with Your Family and/or Friends: Hearty stews have been my thing.
Get a Warm Drink at a Cute Coffee Shop: Been liking Cafenation in Brighton for its warm atmosphere, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and ample time to work on your laptop or read.
Go to the Movies or Watch One at Home (with popcorn for the vibes): Marty Supreme and Hamnet were fantastic in theatres.
Beacon Hill Bookstore: Calm vibes and adorable atmosphere, perfect for catching up on your reading.
James Hook & Co for the BEST Lobster Roll: Apparently, this is the best season for lobsters and oysters…
Salsa and Bachata Class at Salsa y Control in Allston: This will lift your spirits no matter how low you are feeling; the energy is electrifying in the dance studio!
Grazie mille and wishing you the best food adventures,
Nadà
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