This week is a free post. I’m sharing everything I’ve devoured lately, a little catch-up from Opal’s birthday, and a roundup of the best French pharmacy products for keeping summer skin silky. If you’re new here, subscribe and come join us.
G’day!
It was Opal’s birthday last week, so she had some friends out to Fire Island and I cooked up a storm. Lots of grilling on a grill that wasn’t working. Eventually, I took the cooking inside, made a mess of the kitchen, and then realized I just needed to change the gas bottle.
I had buttermilk in the fridge, so I started craving some kind of simple buttermilk and browned butter birthday cake. Surely there was a recipe with that flavor combination. Then I cracked open my faded beach copy of Alison Roman’s, Dining In and there it was. The cake I didn’t need to create.
Guys, this cake is so good I made it twice last week. It’s a Simple Cake kind of cake: two bowls and a whisk. Opal loved it.
I’ve started reading Elizabeth Strout’s new book, The Things We Never Say. It made Obama’s annual summer reading list. (Love how he does that.) Has anyone read it?
David Shrigley has a new book, Creative Writing. Love this Turner Prize-winning British artist’s wit with all my heart. If I lived in London, I’d definitely go to one of his events.
Stumbled across Sauces. Marinades. Dressings: Recipes to Elevate Your Everyday Meals by Emily Berntsen at my local bookstore, Books Are Magic. It’s a clever concept. No time to cook after work? No prob. If you have a few flavor-packed sauces, marinades or dressings in the fridge ready to slather on grilled meat or toss through a salad, you can quickly transform dinner. I’ve got a giveaway coming up for DEVOUR subscribers, so stay tuned.
What are you reading that we should all know about?
Anyone looking to buy a 400-year-old Tuscan estate?
Dior Creative Director Jonathan Anderson is returning to his Irish roots for the 2027 collection. I find this man’s work so inspiring. The invitation illustration is so simple and beautiful.
Armchair travel to Costa Paradiso, Sardinia, where the Scalesciani House by architect Alberto Ponis sits embedded in granite. My lord.
Found this Fire Island home on Pinterest. The simplicity speaks to me.
The Financial Times’ “14 Ways to Eat A Peach” is bang on time. Max Rocha’s grilled pork coppa steak (cut from the shoulder and fattier)with grilled peaches and fresh borlotti beans sounds delicious. One day I’ll make it to his restaurant, Cafe Cecila in London. In the meantime, I’ll be making this at home. Love the fried sage finish.
Hank on set. 🐾 Recipe video coming next week.
The Instagram Archodose has become my daily dose of design and architecture inspiration. This kitchen, for example. Copper, stainless steel, concrete, and stone. Noted.
Swimming in Fire Island after filming. Photo: McGuire McManus.
If you want to know more about my Brooklyn kitchen, Sarah Copeland made me feel seen in this interview for Edible Living :)
I’m dying to see The Odyssey. IMO, Matt Damon just gets better with age. Can you imagine working on a project like that? A once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m a little bit jealous. Loved this interview with Damon and Amy Poehler on Good Hang. Driving back from Fire Island, I listened to The Odyssey Retold: Circe, Monsters and Myth on The Book Club podcast exploring a re-work of Greek mythology through women’s perspectives. This weekend I’ll read Emily Wilson’s much talked about pan of Nolan’s The Odyssey, in London Review of Books. I haven’t read it yet, but feels like a strategy for book and movie sales. Thoughts?
If you enjoyed this post, would you do me favor, tap the ❤️ button at the top left or bottom left of the newsletter? Or share with a friend who’d enjoy the recommendations. Even Substack has an algorithm of sorts—it helps spread the word about DEVOUR, and selfishly, it makes my day.
I cannot take any credit for this fabulous skincare lineup. My friend Katie, who helps out with Devour, is responsible. I know nothing about skincare. Katie on the other hand, is our resident beauty expert.
“If there’s one beauty secret I’ll always stand by, it’s that the French know skincare. No trip to Paris feels complete without wandering through a neighborhood pharmacy, filling my basket with affordable, effective products made with simple, quality ingredients.”
I’m listening Katie. My skin needs hydration. Please refresh and replenish.
“If a trip to France isn’t on your calendar anytime soon, don’t worry. I’ve rounded up my favorite French pharmacy staples that you can shop from home.”
Browse the full list here.
Merci Katie.
A313 Vitamin A Pommade. This Vitamin A cream has a cult following among French women, who swear by it as a gentler alternative to retinol. It helps soften the look of fine lines while leaving skin looking fresh, plump, and well-rested.
Lipikar Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil is a moisturizing oil-to-foam body and face cleanser designed for dry to extra dry, sensitive skin.
While the Youth-Boost Peptide Serum by Goop is an American product, I added it to the list because it contains ingredients that are popular in French skincare philosophy-hydrating and barrier-supporting.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 has been a staple in French medicine cabinets for years.
A French pharmacy icon for good reason, this vitamin- and antioxidant-rich moisturizer by Embryolisse has been a makeup artist favorite for decades. It deeply hydrates dry skin while creating the perfect smooth, radiant base under makeup.
Violette_FR C’est La Cream is a lightweight moisturizer that hydrates, plumps, and leaves skin with a healthy glow.
Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil for ALL over the body.
I don't usually reach for sheet masks, but the Filorga Lift Mask is the exception.
Nuxe Paris Very Rose Micellar Water for makeup removal without irritating my skin.
This one feels like the ultimate luxury. A deep cleansing shampoo scrub by Christophe Robin for that once a week “everything shower”.
The Caudalie Beauty Elixir for setting my makeup or as a refresh throughout the day.
For that French girl hair, Klorane Dry Shampoo is my go to between washes.
To set the mood, Katie found a playlist to accompany your French skincare routine. Press play, smoother on your favorite products, and take a few well-deserved moments to look after yourself. Listen here.
Have the most wonderful week. See you next Thursday! If you enjoyed today’s post, subscribe so you never miss your weekly dispatch to make life more delicious.
(If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission or have a sponsored relationship with the brand, at no cost to you. I recommend only products I genuinely like. Thank you so much.)
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