The influencers are not okay

Good morning and happy August! The last real month of summer, and let’s savor it. We’re at the time of year where I’m telling myself that if I eat one tomato a day from my garden, I won’t have too many tomatoes. Wish me luck.

Sohla did a great piece about how to use tomatoes this week, but there’s also the Tamari Heirloom Tomatoes recipe from my debut cookbook that has been a lifesaver to eat alongside tuna on rice. Last night I grated a tomato, threw in some chickpeas and some pasta straight from the pasta water and topped it with garlic, basil and Calabrian chili paste that I fried up together. For being a thrown-together tomato option, it was way better than it should have been.

It kind of flew over my head to be offended by this Nantucket “No Influencers” news cycle. I am more interested in the illusive, rich-but-rustic attitude of Nantucket, Cape Cod and the like. Although I’ve heard, like most places inundated with outsiders during summer, they are dreamy.

The influencer drama I am interested in is the new “Influencer Issue” from Vittles, the UK food magazine that has a pretty good pulse on the London food scene. You can see their teaser here that piqued my interest. London is one of the prime scenes for food influencers, so I’m especially intrigued by how they shape their coverage of it.

GOODIES LA IS FINALY OFF OF AMAZON!! Meaning I can link this flower plate, flower bowl, and rimmed dinner bowl in peace (I don’t demonize Amazon use if you need it, I just never link to them if I can help it). All their items are under $25 and they have the most beautiful ceramics. The marble collection is sold out (sad but not shocking) and most things sell out quickly here, just to warn you.

And in continuing my UK theme, my Fellow Kettle was mentioned in a UK debate about how Americans don’t have electric kettles. So I’d like to say I do!! And I’m obsessed with it!! Mostly because it boils water in under a minute so I can use it to soak my cashews.

I’m in a big sprint period for my cookbook (that’s out in 2028, how ridiculous is that?) but since the book is seasonal, we have to shoot half of it in October, meaning I need 75 recipes done and dusted by then. So currently I’m the queen of “there’s food at home.”

But to give an honorable mention for drinks, Soft Bar, the no-alcohol bar and cafe (of Summer House fame), is actually quite great on the cafe side. And I think that’s a first for Bravo.

Fried Fish with Chili Tomato Salad - Between all the cookbook testing, this summer meal has been our go-to. It takes 15 minutes, plus you can throw whatever summer veg you have into the salad and it will still be fresh and delicious. Big plates of salty, fried things are forgiving that way.

And this week on Supper Club, Zucchini Lasagna!! - The love of my life. The mean, green machine that I love to make for many, many people. The full video for this will be up tomorrow, but you can either slice into this lasagna right away for a silky noodle and gooey cheese, or let it rest for clean, green, and sliceable layers. In either scenario, the moisture from the zucchini becomes the sauce. Meaning the only big work you have to do for this is whip up some basil oil, which is a treat unto itself.

I listened to Caro Claire Burke’s podcast before Yesteryear was what it is, and now watching her ride the wave of being a global best seller has been fascinating. It’s interesting to watch a piece of work with such a strong point of view be consumed by, well, everyone. I enjoy her Instagram.

Until next week, xoxo,

Justine