Extra Credit before the back-to-school bell rings

For once in my adult life, I don’t have a fall to-do list. Just a mental list of people I want to see and the reality that my life is very different now, in the best way. I’m a working mom, and balance (as if that even exists) is something I might learn over time.

But for now, my self-imposed maternity leave coming to an end, and I actually feel pretty good about it. It feels like summer break is ending. Not in a depressing cram in summer reading and say goodbye to camp friends way. It’s more of a buy school supplies and pick out an outfit for the first day of school vibe.

As a kid in Atlanta, we always started school in August and ended in May. But New York kids don’t go back to school until September, so in my neck of the woods, summer is still alive and well.

Here’s some Extra Credit, before the bell rings.

Opening later this year: Long Lane in the UK (West Sussex, to be exact), an alcohol-free 55-acre country estate that will function as a private members club and hotel. I’m heading to Copenhagen with my husband and daughter in a few months for our big fall trip, but once Long Lane opens, it’s on the top of my list. Some people are calling it “Soho House without the hangover.” I feel like it’s more aligned with a British Canyon Ranch, but read on and decide for yourself.

The property includes:

• The main house, built in the mid 1800s, will serve as “a home from home, with spaces for work, rest & socialising.”

• The coach house, nestled on the edge of an ancient woodland, is a “performance, longevity and recovery optimisation space” featuring a gym, a studio, contrast and longevity areas.

• The farm, a working regenerative farm, will also have a spa garden and natural pool, with panoramic views across the South Downs.

• The woodland, exactly what it sounds like, has trails that "wind through ancient trees for walking and running,” leading to meditation pods, hidden saunas and fire pits. Woodland dining and seasonal foraging experiences are available for members.

In other news: The Hotel Monroe in Monroe, Louisiana, was recently recognized as the first 100% gluten-free, full-service hotel in the U.S. by the Gluten-Free Food Program. The certification was endorsed by the National Celiac Association.

Admittedly, frozen yogurt isn’t seasonal for me. I’m happy to eat it any time of year, but I know not everyone feels that way, and fro yo culture understandably thrives in the summer. And you already know how much I’ve been loving Myka in Montauk. I went four times in a week if that’s any indication of my obsession. Trying to enjoy it as much as I can before I get back to the city in September because I am definitely not waiting in a 50+ person line.

On my bucket list before fall arrives: The heirloom tomato fro yo from Lisbonata in Crown Heights + the corn and blueberry fro yo from Leo in Williamsburg.

• Daniel Calvert is opening his first independent restaurant, Chez Calvert, in October. Located in Tokyo in Azabudai Hills, a massive mixed-use “modern urban village.” French cuisine with seasonal ingredients sourced from across Japan.

• Spike Lee is teaming up with Clara Wu Tsai, owner of the New York Liberty and the Brooklyn Nets, to launch Playback: The Brooklyn Watch Party, a two-day film festival happening on November 6-7 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).

• Noriya Handroll Bar in Williamsburg immediately jumped to the top of my must-try restaurant list when I found out they do unlimited hand rolls and soft serve for $60 a person. Unreal. Will report back.

• I was invited to a book launch for the new Pierce Abernathy cookbook, “Every Leaf, Every Stem.” Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it next week, but I’m stoked to dive into the book. It officially publishes on August 18th.

• Brooklyn Heights, known for going to bed before the rest of the borough, is getting a late-night pizza spot, Frenzie, from the same team behind Confidant. I’ve been keeping an eye on the construction this summer, and I’m excited to actually try the food. According to Oset Babür-Winter, wine and pizza will be served until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. I’m excited and curious to see how busy it is after 9 p.m.

Thanks for being here. I love writing this newsletter.

xx