Welcome to the second installment of this series! If you need a refresher on the origin - ‘Dinner and a Movie’ aired on TBS from the 90’s to early 2000’s. It’s funny how something so niche from your childhood can leave an indelible imprint yet the details are hazy at best. From what I remember, in between the airing of a movie, there was a kitchen set up where hosts and a chef would make a dinner inspired by the film. For example, when screening ‘A Few Good Men’ they would make a Cuban soup called “You can’t handle the soup!” or with ‘Gladiator’, “Russell’s Mussels.” So so cringe, and yet food and film have remained inextricably linked in my subconscious ever since.

The first Meal + Movie was The Way We Were, as a tribute to the late and forever great Robert Redford which you can check out here. And today is another film featured in my Letterboxed Four, with the theme of 3/4 being - strong female lead in an unconventional romance. You could say I have a type. It’s been so nice to have both Letterboxed and Substack to wax poetic about film. Even though I studied film history in school and have remained an avid movie goer and Criterion watcher, I haven’t really had an outlet to share my thoughts, feelings, and as always - recommendations.

Bringing Up Baby is a frequent rewatch. Directed by Howard Hawks and released Valentine’s Weekend of 1938, this screwball rom com is a frothy yet heartfelt romp through the Connecticut countryside starring Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and a leopard, Baby. Baby loves the song “I can’t give you anything but love… baby.” Which you’ll surely be singing long after the credits role. Both actors are at their peak humor and charm. Cary Grant plays David Huxley, a quixotic paleontologist set to marry his dutiful and dour assistant. Before a series of maybe intentional mix ups leads him to a near breakdown, chasing a terrier for a misplaced dinosaur bone, and into the arms of Susan Vance, played by Hepburn. The 1930’s dresses alone are worth the watch. She floats on screen and into her vaseline close ups, vacillating between the perfect transatlantic ingenue and wonderfully deranged. Doing anything to keep David’s attention.

So here is a very 1930’s inspired menu that I don’t think David or Susan could manage to sit down long enough to consume, but maybe Baby would. An imagined curation from restaurant dishes, cookbooks, and my own recipes.

Bringing Up Baby Menu

Oysters with rhubarb mignonette + 50/50 Martinis. There’s a scene where Hepburn is learning a bar trick of catching olives in her mouth. Of course the olives fall to the ground where Grant ends up slipping on them and onto his top hat. My martini preference these days is a 50/50 with an olive and a twist. Half gin half vermouth. The best version I’ve had is at Cervos in the LES. For the rhubarb mignonette -

12 freshly shucked oysters

1/2 stick rhubarb, finely chopped

2 shallots, finely chopped

80ml red wine vinegar

Pinch of sugar or honey

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1. Combine all ingredients except the oysters in a small bowl

2. Leave for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop

3. When ready to serve, spoon rhubarb mignonette over oysters

Steak Tartare from the Waldorf Astoria Cookbook for the pounds of raw meat bought for Baby from a very confused butcher.

Stuffed Celery with Roquefort Mousse ala Musso & Franks. Rich and decadent just like the high society that this film inhabits.

Glazed Short Ribs, Polenta, and Horseradish Salsa Verde from Ben Lippett for the intercostal clavicle that is the final piece in completing David’s Brontosaurus.

Ile Flottante or Floating Island. For the way that Hepburn’s head is in the clouds and a little bit for the negligee that Grant is stuck in when he proclaims “Because I just went gay all of a sudden!” This is a simple and elegant dessert of meringue floating on a sea of crème anglaise. I had a version last summer at Petit Grill Chez Maya in Saint Jean de Luz that brought tears to my eyes. I recommend this deep dive recipe from Serious Eats that falls somewhere between Julia Child’s and Dorie Greenspan’s recipe.

I hope you watch, dine, and enjoy xx

So today I officially booked 10 days between London and Marseille. It’s been over a decade since my last jaunt across the pond and I have a plethora of restaurants and bakeries on my list. Not to mention Mudlarking! A rabbit hole I fall down on instagram frequently, watching adorable British people uncover Victorian treasures from the Thames. When it came to the last leg of the trip I was torn between an adventure to Abergavenny and a stay at Little Mill, the most quaint cottage that you could possibly imagine and that Bea and I have poured over the interiors of. But driving on the other side of the road for the first time sounded less than ideal solo and the rates were sadly too steep so that will have to wait for another time.. Marseille on the other hand is only a $60 Ryanair flight away and I’ve already made two lunch reservations at Tuba Club, a restaurant nestled in the sea like a pearl in an oyster. With a stay at Southway Pavilion, an artist residency with rooms for like minded creatives.

It’s wild how much my mood improves when I have a trip to look forward to, and how it motivates me to lock in with work before going OOO. But if you are in Los Angeles for the remainder might I suggest the following…

PRS is doing a monthlong series “Yesterday LA” filled with screenings and lectures on all things Los Angeles. I’ll be there for the Minnie and Moscowitz viewing of course, and my former Cal Arts professor, Harry Gamboa Jr. who founded the chicano performance art collective ASCO will be doing a talk as well. He taught me everything I know about the rich history of Boyle Heights! Glassell Park Pool is $4 and always hits whether you’re swimming laps or recreating a 90’s summer sunning in the shallow end. For something a little more refined, I keep seeing the Virginia Robinson Gardens pop up on my feed, an estate in Beverly Hills built in 1911 with Botanical Gardens that you can book a 90 minute tour of. Who wants to go?? Similarly, maybe this will be the summer I finally make it to wine nights at Barnsdall Art Park. They used to sell out in seconds, but I’m seeing available tickets through September. And you can add on a tour of the Hollyhock House if you’re interested.. Lastly, I met up with angel sisters Malka + Stella at the Topanga Farmers market followed by a breakfast at Malka’s Topanga abode. I had no idea how lovely and above the clouds their market was with way more than produce (Hasie Bread and ferments galore) and an impressive vintage market inside.

For bites I had maybe the best meal of the year so far at Da Prato. A supper club pop up downtown that I hope will stay for a very long time. I’m still salivating over the orange watermelon and stone fruit, briny rockfish pasta, and succulent savory lamb chops. Betsy has been my most recommended spot day or night. I’m relishing in the return to Altadena and they make it a very warm welcome with comforting and seasonal fare. I’m also trying to make it to a Bruce Pop Up, they’re doing one the 8th/9th at Cafe Tondo, to fill the Horses shaped whole in my heart. And thinking back to past summer cravings, a few summers ago I had a korean cold noodle + raw marinated crab fixation. Nothing is better on a hot as hell day. My two favorite spots were Chosun Galbee and Surawon Tofu House. At home I’ve been experimenting with my new ice cream maker, and will be sharing some recipes soon. My first attempt was a Malted + Roasted Strawberry that tasted like how Nancy Sinatra’s version of Summer Wine sounds. Stay tuned as well for an August Maiden Grains pop up at Pinyon! And maybe another Pasta Night at Buddy’s with Andrea when we recover from the last one.

I’ll finish off with some of my favorite LA Films for inspiration and feel free to follow me on Letterboxed - The aforementioned Minnie and Moscowitz, but really most Cassavetes films. The Long Goodbye, Chinatown, Swingers, In a Lonely Place, Shampoo, The Graduate, Tangerine, Boogie Nights, Somewhere, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood xx

The best bite of the trip hands down was a crab toast made by my new pal Pi. She has a dream cottage in Blue Hill that I’ve been wanting to stay at for ages. We had the perfect afternoon visiting her tiny chickens, freshly shorn sheep, and a failed attempt at catching alewives. But the crab toast was divine. A simple lump crab salad of cucumbers, chives from the garden, finely diced rhubarb (I love rhubarb in savory applications), and lovage, in a simple lemon dressing. The salad was then piled on thinly sliced toasty bread smothered in homemade aoili. We served it with cider and so should you.

My favorite bite that I made on the trip was a tie between the spiced stone fruit, rhubarb, and blood orange compote for Maiden Grains pop up at Grazie! And the lilac ice cream from the utter abundance of fragrant lilac trees using this recipe from one of my favorite Instagram follows ‘butterhomesandgardens’. Calder has always been my most enthusiastic kitchen helper and we infused the lilacs in cream before making a luscious custard. And after all that hard work… he hated it! But the rest of us thankfully approved. It was subtly spicy without being too soapy. I also added a generous pinch of salt and vanilla to bring out those heady intoxicating aromas.

Since returning home, I’ve been seeking more simplified weekly recipes that I won’t get sick of. That includes a chia pudding with a puddle of stewed fruit, herby turkey meatballs with beef gelatin and bone broth added for extra collagen, bone broth rice, and zucchinis on a bed of lemony ricotta with a pistachio pea pesto. I’ve also been a FREAK for chicken salad lately and made my favorite one yet - a green goddess caesar situation with celery and using rotisserie chicken finely mixed in a stand mixer (the recipe I linked is roughly the one I used but adding dill, parsley, and tarragon mustard. Replacing the cabbage with finely chopped celery). I’ve been eating it out of the deli container with Firehook’s rosemary + salt crackers.

Chia Pudding - One can of coconut milk, 1 cup of yogurt, 1/2 cup milk off choice, 1/2 cup chia seeds, 2 servings Ballerina Farm maple cinnamon protein powder, extra cinnamon, a glop of vanilla paste, 1 tsp salt. Whisked to combine and left in the fridge overnight to alchemize.

Stewed fruit - 2 pints fruit of choice (I love strawberries and raspberries/boysenberries), a couple squeezes of honey, zest and juice of one lemon, 1 tbsp Tart ‘True Romance’ vinegar, glob of vanilla paste, 1 tsp of salt. Stew on medium till 75% of the liquid has reduced. Let cool overnight and it will continue to thicken.

Saffron + Apricot Upside Down Cake -

I’ve been particularly drawn to apricots this season. Keeping one in my purse or a handful in the fridge. Using it to make quick compotes for chia pudding, pancakes, or savoring on its own. But this cake allows the apricot to really shine. Its not so fleshy as a peach where it will fall apart upon contact. Nor as sweet as a nectarine. But rather floral, velvety and acidic. The warmth of the saffron brings out these notes while the zest of the lemon highlights its tartness. I’m not sure why but the cornmeal just makes it taste like summer with a slightly al dente bite and the ricotta will keep it nice and tender.

Read more

Thankfully/not thankfully I was on my way to Seattle when I ate it in the LAX parking lot. I think I was fully in shock, and wasn’t about to miss my flight, so I didn’t realize how quickly my hand was swelling and it’s new blue hue until I got to my gate. I had never broken anything before - so minimized the event to both my dad, assuring him I could still take the light rail upon arrival, and friend Andrea who I was supposed to cohost a pasta pop up with the following week (I’m sure it’ll be fine! Probably just badly bruised!). I had them fill the barf bag on my flight with ice and ordered an array of remedies to be delivered to my dad’s, but after 24 hours it was very evidently time for a visit to the Swedish Hospital Emergency Room. Even though I haven’t seen The Pitt, after 3 hours there I felt like I could be on an episode. Waiting for the x-rays with the tattoo’ed and tongue pierced nurse while patients were rolled in experiencing heart attacks and psychotic breaks. “Well, it’s broken. Actually.. a lot is broken” the doctor revealed. I sighed deeply but surprisingly didn’t crumple. Two things I’ve learned about myself through this is 1. I have an incredibly high pain tolerance 2. I felt more shame in letting people down and having to relinquish control over my self reliant tendencies than the news itself. The nurse secured my temporary cast and that was that (until the exorbitant medical bill arrived via text a few weeks later). My dad was there to greet me and assured me that in a few months this would all be behind me. It felt deeply comforting to know that all these years later, my dad was there to help me when I fell down. Honestly maybe more now and in less literal ways than when I was a kid. Especially since as the eldest daughter, I’ve always been generally cautious and risk adverse compared to my brother.

It wasn’t until I got back to the parking lot at LAX that I cried. I documented the spot where I fell and noticed a gash in the rubber surge protector that either my suitcase or foot had got caught on and managed to very carefully drive home, only triggering my windshield wipers unintentionally whenever I moved my right hand. If it had been my left I would’ve been completely out of commission. “A lucky break” many people have echoed back to me. Part mantra part reassurance.

So in the month since I’ve had wonderful friends come through to cut my food for me at restaurants, bring me home cooked meatballs and bone broth, help me pack Maiden Grains when an opportunity from Doen came through to feature it in their Mother’s Day gifting, and pick me up for walks around the Hollywood Reservoir and AMC movies. When I switched from the temporary cast to the brace (thankfully no surgery necessary) Cameron adorned it in botanicals including mulberry leaves and cowboy cologne. I watched my brother break down the side of a pig after getting my cast off and the flesh looked similar. Striations of blues and yellows where pink should be. I had just started a rewatch of the Sopranos and told myself that when I finished the series I would be healed. I could take the brace off when I showered and would smother my numb fingers in comfrey salve while listening to “healing” binaural beats. I started the breakthrough course on the Chani app. I told myself when I healed I’d play tennis, take a horseback riding lesson. All in time! I didn’t wear makeup for a month and I can’t tell if my skin is the better for it. I spent time in Santa Paula watching Andrea tend to her garden. Another thing I’ve learned is that “slowing down” for me is not a full stop. More like the SUV that slowly rolls over Phil’s head in The Sopranos?I had to schedule in reminders on my notes app to rest. It felt like COVID in a way and a reminder that I do relish in a slower pace, even if it’s forced.

Food that comforted me/made me forget about my injury - The green curry from Honey Hi, Seaweed + Beef Soup from Namsan Korean Restaurant, A late night craving for the cereal milk soft serve from Milk Bar that I haven’t consumed since 2014, Chicken Kalguksu + kimbap from Matna in Ventura, a stunning mother’s day meal at Little Mountain in Santa Barbara, Roma Market pink paper sandwich (add peperoncinis), The half chicken and seasonal artichoke from Pinyon, homemade coconut chia pudding with Ballerina Farm Maple Cinnamon Protein Powder and a stewed strawberries, homemade chicken salad with firehook rosemary crackers, meatballs from Malka with bone broth rice and asparagus, homemade saffron + turmeric pastina cooked in bone broth, ordering Thin Mints from lgbtq/trans girl scout troops, dark chocolate cherry tru frus, A few lovely meals at Bar Betsy + Betsy, the sesame millet bread from Roan Mills with radishes/butter/cottage cheese, the hot bar at LA Grocery including their Hazelnut Coffee Shake and my favorite combo - the steelhead trout w/ Japanese sweet potatoes and beets.

Media that comforted me/made me forget about my injury - The Sopranos, Listening to Yesteryear and currently Famesick, The Testaments, Hacks, Good Hang, So True, Season 2 of Euphoria, Neighbors, The Chronology of Water, Lorne, Days of Heaven, Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie, Gone Girls - The Long Island Serial Killer, Clockwatchers, The Drama, The Parent Trap screening with Rec League, Urchin

Misc things that comforted me/made me forget about my injury - the vibration plate I finally caved and bought, using my walking pad for the first time in months while consuming above media, planning summer travel, a trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo for mother’s day, thrift finds from Out West in Ventura, meeting Cam + Jer’s new pup Mina, picking mulberries from Cam’s tree + healing baths in her backyard, attending In Todo market featuring BIPOC makers, walks around Beachwood, watching the planes take off from the Santa Paula airport, helping out with cooking for a Nithya Raman fundraiser, dinners al fresco at Annie’s, attending my first Quinceañera!!

Will be back here with more regularity now that I’m in PT and on the mend. Thanks for your patience and for being here xx

Similarly, my female friends ranging from their late 20’s to early 40’s have pantries that look like a shelf at Cookbook. Tinned fish, chocolate covered dates, flavored supplements from gummies to powders, digestive teas, French salted butter, bone broth, and we can’t forget beans of course. One Instagram ad away from adding to the collection. Feeling seen by the memes that call out our predilections and the source of mysterious income that allows us to consume this way. I’m certainly not above this, but I’ve become weary of being sold to. And have enough of a foundation in holistic nutrition to know that simply protein isn’t the answer to all of our problems.

Introducing Maiden Grains - A functional baking mix made to bring intentional indulgence for an abundant life to your home kitchen. Combining whole and holistic ingredients to integrate into your every day, each baking mix includes essential macronutrients including protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrates to provide energy and satiety. Each mix is formulated with adaptogens, herbs, and spices to impart additional targeted benefits.

The first offering will be Spiced Maple Collagen Pancakes. These fluffy buttermilk pancakes with lacy edges, made with a blend of whole grain and buckwheat flours, will make any morning more nourishing. Collagen is added for glowing skin, bone & joint support, and gut health. Cinnamon is added for warming flavor, but is also a potent anti-inflammatory antioxidant that aids in heart health and blood sugar regulation. Crafted with maple sugar for a subtle sweetness that’s refined sugar free.

I grew up making Saturday morning pancakes with my dad from that big yellow box of Bisquick. I remember sitting on the counter and meticulously adding smiley face chocolate chips. Pouring maple syrup from the cabin shaped tin. With Maiden Grains, I’ve taken that nostalgia and integrated my work as a professional baker and recipe developer with how I’ve found balance in nourishing myself at home. After years of trying to manage my PCOS - going gluten free, cutting out dairy, low inflammation diets, protein-maxxing, intermittent fasting, the list goes on… I realized that it wasn’t about excluding, but rather including the essentials (and highest quality ingredients) in harmony with each other. I also saw my friends on a quest to feed their kids something they would eat and love that was packed with as much goodness as possible. After years of dreaming, testing, collaborating, consulting with other founders, and business planning, I’m now adding the final ingredient.. YOU!! I can’t wait for you to create memories in your kitchen and around your tables with this mix. To add your favorite seasonal fruit and toppings, have breakfast for dinner, recreate your favorite diner grand slam but… better!

I have to take a moment to thank my incredible community for encouraging me during this process. I’m someone who loves to ideate and isn’t always as focused on a timeline, rather feeling things out and following my intuition. Not exactly how modern capitalism works. First my dad who has yet to see a business plan from me, but whose reminders and check ins have been invaluable. Next is Annie Balto, the queen of nourishment and founder of Nour. Who may be younger, but is light-years ahead of me in CPG time. And has shown me a real path forward where I don’t have to be a cringey millenial girlboss. And for letting me borrow her perfect butter yellow kitchen for the first photoshoot. Finally (for now) I would not be launching in this moment if it weren’t for Andrea Leigh and Ryan Lawhon who turned my unhinged Pinterest board into beautifully thoughtful branding and packaging. I swear I’ll pay you back soon! Maiden Grains has existed in my head for so long now, it wasn’t until I started speaking it into existence with friends and now collaborators that it started to feel real. Here’s a little peak at some of the early mood boards..

More details to come on where you can get your hands and forks on Maiden Grains very soon 🥞🧺🌾

My singular warning is if you choose to rent a car in Sicily. I am a very skilled, on the verge of aggressive, driver and it was still incredibly overwhelming. They also gave us an SUV that was way too big for the tiny Italian corridors (although nice for longer stretches) with about 1000 sensors, so even when I sneezed it gave me a warning to keep my eyes on the road. Always park outside of the city center and get an international permit at least two weeks before your trip. And give yourself more than an hour to return the car if you don’t want to have a minor panic attack before catching a flight.

Andiamo!

Palermo

Within an hour of arriving in Palermo we were drinking at a natural wine bar and had already passed by Antica Focacceria San Francesco where Anthony Bourdain once snacked on a spleen sandwich. We stayed in an apartment on Via Alloro which was rectified in the Middle Ages and maintains its esoteric charm with impossibly high ceilings, ornate tile, and balconies to take in the views of nonnas doing laundry and old churches. We walked everywhere, even though I made the crucial mistake of wearing a size too small plasticana’s on the first day. Palermo was a blur in the best way.

We started strong our first full day, visiting a bakery in a church from the 1300’s. You could pick your own cannoli toppings (pistachio and cherries w/ candied citrus for me) and they had every marzipan shaped fruit you could imagine. Everything more or less tasted like sugar and almond paste but it was still worth it. And paired perfectly with a very strong espresso. Then it was off to Ballaro Market for tiny fried fish, plums and cherries, and seltz limone e sale for the electrolytes. I wish we had tried more arancini but honestly it was too dang hot. We continued onto the antique markets before a tour of the Teatro Massimo Opera House. We took a much needed afternoon rest and legs on the wall before dinner at Corona Trattoria. This place was highly recommended but like most places we encountered the reservation process was enigmatic. We ended up dining here twice and befriending the owner Ori, so it was well worth any ambiguity. I just love a place that’s self aware and intentional. It’s easy to get caught up in the twinkly light tourist traps, but Corona is more of a neighborhood haunt. With deceivingly simple dishes like steamed greens and pasta with mussels. We finished our dinners there with homemade Finocchietto - a fennel digestif and semifreddo of course.

- Cefalu. Take the train from Palermo for a day of swimming, seafood, and traversing megalithic trails. The heat and salt and windy cobblestone pathways almost put you in a trance like state. Upon arriving we followed the crowds to the nearest beach and beelined across some very hot sand to the sea. Saline to the point of floating we had to pry ourselves from the gentle waves to continue exploring. I found my dream coral cornicello necklace and consumed the most fragrant saffron pasta in a SEAFOOD JAM from Triscele Restaurant. After lunch we ascended into the hills to experience the massive Cyclopean stone walls built between the 4th and 5th centuries BC. This being only two days into our trip I immediately teared up in sheer awe and it finally hitting that we were really here. Before catching the train back we grabbed a strawberry and fior di latte gelato.

On our way out of Palermo I wanted to stop by one of my favorite favorite wine makers Alessandro Viola’s tasting room. Except surprise, the tasting room turned out to be an abandoned building. In the biggest side quest of the trip this sweet old man, seeing that we were clearly lost, brought us to his son who we followed on his vespa… to Alessandro’s home. We apologized profusely and thankfully I do have connections to his California importers through Pinyon, so his wife and son (who was more interested in his pokemon cards) gave us a tour before sharing a glass looking out at the vineyards. Alessandro (who has a distinct Oscar Isaac vibe and has never left his small town) graced us with his presence and we bought 2 bottles each as an attempt to win him over. Apparently the abandoned building is where his old apartment was and if anyone makes the effort to track him down they get a tour!

Trapani

A few friends warned against staying in Trapani, but it was more of a jumping off point for day trips. It is definitely out there and a lot more stark than Palermo, but the goal was authenticity. I loved Villa Angelina , where we stayed, at the foot of Mount Erice. We had a massive pool and hot tub practically to ourselves where we drank peroni’s and finally pulled out our vacation reads between dips. You’ll also feel the connection between North Africa and Sicilian cuisine with seafood tagines, glossy caponata, and aromatic saffron infused dishes.

- Egadi Islands. Book with Egadi boating for a day of Island hopping with the tannest Sicilian men who will feed you yellow plums and play Shakira. I swear I’m not lying. I’m always trepidatious of a tour, and some of our fellow boat mates definitely drank too many spritzes, but this was hands down one of the most breathtaking days. My pisces moon was very happy swimming to massive caves, mermaiding around various lagoons, and a long lunch on Favignana for tuna any way you could imagine. The tonnara fisheries are long closed, but they dot the shoreline as a reminder of the past. Pick up a couple cans for souvenirs.

- Scopello. Speaking of tonnara’s, I found Tonnara di Scopello early on in my research and was determined to go there. Even though a stay is $1000+ a night, they have day passes for $50 that I highly highly recommend. It’s luxe and you can drink pina coladas and eat octopus literal steps from the ocean. The Big Sur of Sicily, the drive in does not disappoint. We stopped at the Temple of Segesta on the way in to really ground into the history of the place, pulling over for wild blackberries on the winding roads.

Before our last leg of the trip, we made it a point to stop at the salt pans in Marsala and a quick lunch in Sciaccia. This was the only point of the trip where I was complimented on my Italian, when selecting the various salts I wanted to bring home.

Palazzolo Acriede

This Bed + Breakfast was truly out of a fairytale. Run by a mother daughter duo who have been restoring the property for the past 20 years. There are very friendly cats and dogs and horses. The espresso for breakfast was served in the biggest Moka pot I’ve ever seen along with local mozarella, tomatoes, melon, and more - including a saltwater pool that I wish we’d had more time to luxuriate in. It is truly off the beaten path but that path led us to fields of wheat under a pink sunset that brought literal tears to our eyes. It was definitely a vibe shift from the washed out beaches of Trapani and the islands, but worth it for the baroque architecture of Modica and Noto.

- Modica. We only saw it by night, but as we descended into the deep valley the whole city, known as the city of a hundred bells and a hundred churches, lit up in this emanating light. The baroque buildings tower around you, but in more of a majestic than foreboding way. I had a great dinner rec from my friend Sammy (of Sammy’s Deluxe in Maine) to go to Osteria dei Sapori Perduti. Much more moorish than the lighter seafood we’d had on our trip. The stewed pork and sausage in tomato sauce, tripe, and fava bean pasta e fagiole was incredibly comforting and unctuous.

- Noto. Our last full day was spent in Noto. A city featured in both L’Avventura and The White Lotus. If it wasn’t fore Cafe Sicilia, I think I would’ve succumbed to heat stroke and definitely got a little lightheaded and grumpy walking around the incredible open air vintage markets (sorry Dharna). We tried to find some air in the churches but no luck there. Cafe Sicilia is futuristic and inventive both in their culinary offerings and decor. The menu feels like something out of a NY themed restaurant from the 90’s. We kept it simple with the classic granita and brioche for breakfast but when we returned later in the day for Negronis we snacked on some spiced crackers unlike anything I’d tried before. I could’ve stayed there all day if it weren’t for a reservation at Manna Noto. Definitely our most fine dining experience of the trip, Manna is elegant if not a little dated with various foams and gastriques. The courtyard is lovely and worth it for the crispy saffron risotto.

Already thinking about when I can return tbh. And I should mention that we did all of this in 8 days! In exchange for making this post free to all subscribers I’m going to be offering my complete Google Map for this trip as well as the 36 hours I spent in Rome for $12 via venmo @almondmilkmaiden (just put your email in the subject line). It includes the above recs and many many more including restaurants, markets, shops, historical sights, cafes, wine bars, beaches and more. Or if you’re inspired to become a paid subscriber, message me and I’ll send it along for free.

Ciao bellas xx

Including my yearly Valentine’s soundtrack to add to the ambience. And if you are in LA I’ll be popping up at Noto Botanics 2/15 with a dreamy collection of Almond Milkmaiden inspired wares made by my friend Jenny.

The Shakespeare Bridge - Every time I cross the Shakespeare Bridge I close my eyes (momentarily) and make a wish. I think these wishes are particularly impactful at sunset. I love the care that goes into tending for the bridge, adorning the turrets for holidays and announcing community events. If my future husband is reading this I’ve always wanted to get engaged here.

The Camelia Garden at the Huntington - The Rose Garden can move over when it’s Camelia season at the Huntington (which happens to be at it’s peak in February). Camelia petals blanket the grounds and sculptures in hues of pink and white. The last time I was there someone had written out “I Love You” in petals. The paths are just private enough to sneak in a couple kisses between allegories.

The Gamble House - Take a tour of the majestic craftsman built in 1908, with it’s dark wood built-ins and stained glass windows, but stay for the luscious lawn shaded in oak trees with squirrels running rampant (I love squirrels so this is a plus for me). Perfect for a picnic where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Seurat painting.

Barnsdall Art Park - Another great picnic spot with a house tour if you’re into it. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House was built between 1918-1921 as an ode to California’s freedom and natural beauty. I haven’t made it to the wine night’s but tbh you can bring your own and enjoy the sunset and view of the Observatory and Hollywood Sign. Someone once asked me to be their girlfriend there so it evokes strong feelings!

Altadena Mausoleum - If you were the kind of teenager who had dates at your local cemetery, this one’s for you. There’s flowers, fountains, and flowers which are just as romantic as they are morose. Let the ghosts of lovers past guide you into the arms of your fated paramour.

Chung King Road - There are few things more sensual than Chinatown at night. Especially in the rain, with the red lanterns glowing and incense wafting through the air. From Now Instant, Cafe Triste (across the street), late nights at Melody Lounge and Grand Star Jazz Club, to souvenirs at the Import Bazaar and hole in the wall galleries, you’ll feel like you’re the main character in a Wong Kar-wai film.

The Self Realization Center, Mount Washington - Is there anything more attractive than a self realized partner?? I can’t promise this will happen at the center but why not start with a meditation in the temple of leaves in this supremely serene setting?

The Vista Theatre - I spent my youth making out in many a midnight movie, and I don’t think there’s anything better than holding hands with a crush between handfuls of popcorn. How many couples past and present have met for a movie and left as more? Only the Egyptian Revival walls of this historic single screen theater know for sure. And maybe Tarantino after taking it over.

Charles + Ray Eames House - Another house! What can I say. This one however is located with a view of PCH and the love story of Charles and Ray Eames endures through their boxy abode. If I was partnered I’d certainly drop a hint or two about attending their Valentine’s picnic on the lawn, which you can get tickets to here .

Fosters Freeze - Like something out of a John Mellencamp song or the Drive-in scene in Grease, the nostalgic simplicity of the Fosters Freeze on Eagle Rock Blvd. will make you wanna go steady over a swirled soft serve. I particularly recommend it at dusk before a screening at Vidiots or negroni at Capri Club.

This is how I spent my 34th birthday. Starting in Sausalito with an unforgettable sojourn to Chez Panisse then backtracking along the 1 to Point Reyes. Losing service, passing more and more cows, a nervous moment of driving on empty with no gas station in sight. My last three birthdays somehow fell during some serious natural disasters. The Eaton and Palisades fire, mudslides and flooding the two years before. Even with king tides in Marin, things thankfully subsided as I rolled into town. Some years I crave communion, to be with friends and family, and some years entirely alone. I don’t like to wait for plans to form so I tend to set out on my own. Often to Big Sur, but I’ve also spent solo Saturn returns in New York, Joshua Tree, New Orleans, etc… This trip was a welcome balance, staying with my friend Ambrea then meeting up with a friend for lunch in Tomales on my birthday. And finally meeting Mary of Blooms End, I love an internet to irl moment! Thank you to Lauren of Wooden Spoon Herbs and Alyssa Julian for guiding me with recommendations, neither steered me wrong! I like to have a saved list via google maps to reference and a couple ideas for how I want to structure my day between driving and sight seeing, but nothing too rigid.

Read more

I know eventually I will get a table at Max and Helen’s and probably love it. But lately I’ve been giving a new restaurant a few months to settle in and for the hype to die down because I simply won’t wait four hours for a waffle. But I am a lifetime diner devotee. From 2016-2018 I had a breakfast club with a few girlfriend’s called “Diner Dames,” (we even had matching silky bomber jackets) so I would love to share some of my favorites in Los Angeles as well as my diner philosophy.

Breakfast - Diner Breakfast is more noble than brunch. No insane prices and inane mashup dishes. My ideal is to split one savory and one sweet dish. But no whipped cream, I want real blueberries and butter and maple syrup! The pancakes must be buttermilk. The french toast ideally is challah. For eggs I like a spinach, mushroom, and swiss cheese omelette with hot sauce, or if I’m doing a combo - soft scrambled or poached. The bacon and hash browns must be crispy! If I’m getting sausage I prefer links to patties. In the south I got really into grits and pork chops for breakfast. It’s the one time I put creamer in my coffee. I always think of that scene from Coffee and Cigarettes.

Lunch/Dinner - My favorite tuna melts sadly exist in New York, at S&P Lunch and Agi’s Counter, but Clark Street’s is decadent and fulfills the craving. My brother loves a CLUB (chicken, lettuce, under bacon if you didn’t know) and there must be a third piece of toasted bread cut into thirds. If I’m at a Jewish Deli I do a COLD half pastrami, lots of brown mustard add coleslaw separately, with matzo ball soup. I always add shredded chicken and carrots. A salad rarely hits at a diner. I only want a BLT in the summer with heirloom tomatoes, add avocado. I only want pickles and cheese on my burger! Cassell’s used to make my favorite but it’s been awhile.

Late Night - Fries and a Diet Coke Float or Malted Milkshake. An Egg Cream if I’m at Canters. A slice of Pie to share. Banana Cream or Apple with cheddar melted on top. A grilled cheese if I’m feeling picky or anticipating a hangover.

1. Clark Street Diner (has served as a diner in some capacity since 1928) - I’ve been going since it was the 101 Cafe. I miss the late nights, but they make up for it in better quality food. And that it’s down the street from me. They have the nicest staff and the people watching is unmatched. From their breakfast burrito to their Patty Melt you can’t go wrong.

2. Langers/Canters/Nate n’ Als - I’m putting all the Jewish ones together, but they all serve different purposes. Langers has the best pastrami, matzo ball soup and pickles. Canters is best for late night. I once experience an earthquake at the Kibbitz Room with Andy Dick. I used to go with my grandma to Nate n’ Als where we’d rub shoulders with Larry King and Peggy Lipton. When I go now I watch the old Jewish women with their grand daughters and tear up. They’ve also changed owners and raised their prices sigh

3. Cindys (1948) - First of all RIP to Foxes in Altadena. But I’m so grateful Cindy’s is standing strong after getting smashed into by a semi a few years back. Cindy’s is not only adorable but has legitimately good southern inspired fare. I love their crab omelette (this might be seasonal), gumbo, and shrimp and grits. Everything here is packed with flavor and I find myself called there on rainy afternoons. Always get the sweet potato fries.

4. Colonial Kitchen (1933) - A Mad Men filming location in San Marino where Sally utters “I’m so many people.” It’s moody with hunter green booths and many odes to Elvis. Their blue plate specials, waffles, and home fries hit. Also RIP to another Mad Men filming location, Rod’s in Arcadia, where Don derides Megan in the turquoise booths, “I know I’m terrible, making you eat ice cream.”

5. Pie n’ Burger (1963) - I’m counting this as a diner because it’s open all day and they serve more than burgers. I love their tuna melt, onion rings, and their ridiculously creamy custardy ice cream for floats and milkshakes. I admire their commitment to making everything homemade and the vibe is unbeatable.

6. The Apple Pan (1947) - I used to go here with my dad and grandpa. The plaid walls! My favorite diner pie on this list is their banana cream! They also have a great tuna melt and the sweetest service. I would say their plateware makes it feel like the classic that it is, and deserving of their moniker “Quality Forever.”

7. Pann’s Coffee Shop (1958) - I had a real Googie Architecture phase in my early 20’s and Pann’s personifies the mid century space age feel - featuring bold angles, boomerang shapes, and neon signs. I had some pals who had radio shows on KXLU so we’d go after or I’d swing through after arriving at LAX. Their fried chicken is insane and I appreciate the southern influence with po’ boys, catfish, and country fried steak.

8. Nicks Cafe (1948) - my first LA boyfriend was a Chicano Anarchist who lived in El Sereno. He’d take me to Nicks and talk shit about the cops who frequented. It does feature many pig motifs. But I do love that Nicks welcomes all walks of life. Go for the Mexican breakfast and grilled muffins. But be ready to pay in cash and eat quick.

9. Astro Family Restaurant (1958) - A 24 hour stalwart. I love the orange seats and wood paneled walls. I wouldn’t say the food is memorable but it gets the job done and they have a pretty expansive menu that you typically only find on the East Coast.

10. The Fountain Coffee Room (1949) - the bougiest diner on the list. You will spend more than $50 for breakfast but you can’t help but be transported back to the romance of the Hollywood Regency era. Imagining Marilyn Monroe eating cottage cheese and tomatoes between dips in the pool. Their juice is very good. Here I would go bougie for bougie with Eggs Benedict or a simple scoop of chicken or tuna salad on mixed greens.

Honorable Mentions - Franks Coffee Shop was my ultimate and most frequented diner RIP, The Original Pantry Cafe which I hope reopens soon under new management, The Dennys under the freeway in DTLA where I went on a life changing date while they were blasting the 2012 London Summer Olympics at 1 00 am, Pat + Lorraines for a similar reason and the ode to Reservoir Dogs. Bub and Grandma’s is my favorite diner style joint with crazy good sandwiches from breakfast to lunch, pie, and donuts. Their Monday Jazz Nights are a vibe too. Bob’s Big Boy and Twedes Cafe in North Bend, WA for David Lynch xx

I’ve been craving a trip back to London, the last time I was there was in 2013 after studying abroad in Florence. My aunt was living there at the time and we went to the holiday markets, thrifted in Camden, and I went to Bleached London where they dyed half my hair peach. So I’m due for a return and to try the many many restaurants in my saved folder. One of them, Henri, has been making a version of these madeleines. Since I couldn’t get a ticket I decided to give them a go myself. And they were approved by one of my favorite brits !

Sticky Toffee Date Madeleines w/ Salty Vanilla Toffee Sauce

Makes approx 12-16 cookies.

For the Madeleines -

Ingredients -

100g pitted dates

120 ml brewed Rooibos Tea (I like Flowerhead Tea’s Mrs. Rooiboson)

½ tsp baking soda

100 g butter, melted + cooled slightly

2 large eggs

90 g dark brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla paste

120 g flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp fine salt

1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

1 tbsp grated orange zest

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp cardamom

Recipe -

For the date puree, place pitted dates in a bowl. Cover with brewed tea, baking soda, and let soften for 10 minutes. Blend into a smooth paste.

In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, orange zest, and ginger until pale, thick and doubled in volume.Whisk in vanilla paste and cooled melted butter.

In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom together.

Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula. Fold in the cooled date purée until just combined.

Transfer to a deli container or tupperware and refrigerate overnight to yield best bump rise.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350. Brush madeleine moulds with melted butter or baking spray. Freeze moulds for 10 minutes while oven is preheating. The shock of the cold pan when it hits the oven will also assist with the rise.

Spoon or pipe batter into moulds, filling ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and domed. Let cool for 5 minutes before using an offset spatula to transfer onto a rack.

For the Toffee Sauce -

Ingredients -

75 g dark brown sugar

50 g butter

60 ml heavy cream

2 tsp vanilla paste

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1/2 tsp cardamom (optional)

Recipe -

Combine all ingredients in a medium pot and heat together on medium-high until emulsified and bubbling. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Pour the warm toffee. sauce over your madeleines and finish with an optional dollop of creme fraiche and flaky salt. Enjoy and happy holidays xx

There have been two external points of reflection that have come up in the midst of this. I’m listening to the book “Waiting for Britney Spears,” about pop culture in the early 2000’s. Aside from the flashbacks of begging my family to take me to Kitson where Britney frequented and the subsequent trauma of getting stuck with a dress over my head, the beaded curtains I had as an ode to the cover ‘Oops!… I Did It Again’ and attending the Slave 4 U tour, it’s the lyric “my loneliness is killing me..” that has been echoing through my mind. Permeating as I go about my day. I think it’s the tangibility of the line. That a feeling can have such a causal effect. But that’s also my Capricorn way of intellectualizing pain. And unfortunately just because I’m able to assign it meaning doesn’t make it any less dire. Just like the ball python Britney dances with, she has become an Ouroboros, her rise and fall akin to a modern day prophet or mythical figure. Societies collective projection of virginity and womanhood, good and evil.

Read more

This was the first year however where I intentionally didn’t take on as much as humanly possible, maxing out my preorders, saying yes to every holiday pop up, and telling myself that it’s my “busy season” so it’s ok to run myself into the ground. Thankfully I have enough of a consistent baking routine where that isn’t necessary, and I’m focusing more on long term projects that hopefully won’t be as seasonally dependent or physically demanding. I even went to a pilates class this morning and made myself breakfast! I think that’s what they call *growth*.

Every year I tweak my recipes, changing a technique here or an ingredient there, so I figured it was time to shift my approach to the season as well. With these extra moments before I start chopping many many apples I thought I’d share my recipe for pie dough and salty passionfruit honey pie with ya’ll, which I opted to make this year instead of my classic pumpkin maple. I promise it’ll be a welcome change.

My grandma’s hands making pie in my cousin’s kitchen in San Francisco, 2013

Whole Wheat Pie Dough (makes two, 9” crusts)

Ingredients -

295 g all purpose flour

75 g whole wheat (can use buckwheat or rye as well) flour

226 g unsalted butter, frozen

110 g ice water

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (can use white too)

2 tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

Egg Wash -

1 egg yolk

2 tbsp heavy cream

Recipe -

Fill a measuring cup with cold water and vinegar, set in the freezer until ready to use.

Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Grate in frozen butter, toss to coat in flour, then rub the mixture between your fingers until incorporated.

Remove the water from the freezer. Start drizzling the water into the butter and flour mixture, tossing to hydrate, then squeezing the dough between your hands. Once it takes on the shape of a uniform dough, rather than a shaggy mass, knead it against the bowl a few times until it comes together.

Cut in half and using the heel of your palm flatten onto a lightly floured cutting board into a rough rectangle, then fold in half. Repeat once more to create layers before shaping into a circular disk. Cover in plastic wrap and flatten slightly.

Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. Before you roll out your fough, prepare the egg wash by whisking together an egg yolk and few tablespoons heavy cream in a small bowl.

Roll out into an even, 1/8 of an inch circle. Sprinkling with flour as needed. Roll your dough onto a rolling pin to transfer to the pie tin. Cut off any extreme overhang. Tuck the extra dough along the edge. I like to make a scalloped edge for this pie by squeezing the dough between my two pointer fingers and repeating. Chill in the freezer while making the filling.

Salty Passionfruit Honey Pie

Ingredients -

113 g unsalted butter, melted

100 g granulated sugar

15 g cornmeal

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla bean paste

255 g local honey

115 g passionfruit juice (strained) or passionfruit curd

3 large eggs

120 g heavy cream

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1-2 generous pinches of flaky sea salt

Recipe -

Preheat your oven to 350. Start by whisking together melted butter, sugar, cornmeal, vanilla and salt in a large bowl.

Whisk in honey and passionfruit juice/curd.

Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking to combine which will emulsify and thicken the mixture slightly.

Lastly, whisk in heavy cream and vinegar for a richness and tanginess.

After pouring in the filling I like to gently tap the pie on the counter a few times to knock out any air bubbles.

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The glowing amber custard puffs up like a lava flow then settles into a topography resembling the sun.

Allow the pie to rest for 4 hours. You can rest while you wait too.

Sprinkle with a generous amount of sea salt and serve at room temperature or cold based on your preference xx

Ritual + Movement

If you’re like me and prefer ritual to routine, I can’t recommend FOLM Studio in Melrose Hill enough. After years of mostly home workouts, I was looking for a pilates studio that offered both reformer and mat classes that was convenient for my schedule (otherwise I simply won’t go!) They have such a dynamic and positive approach with classes geared toward phases of your cycle. Plus the amenities pop off, with curated skincare products to use after classes, steamy showers, and an infrared sauna where they’ll put on SATC. It’s also right down the street from Cafe Telegrama and LA Grocery + Cafe, so I can swing by after for coffee and/or groceries.

When my skin is in need of some extra hydration with the change of seasons I turn to Julia Barna. We first met when she was at Ricari Studios (which I do love for lymphatic drainage but can only afford to go about twice a year) but her dedicated studio is so cozy and you’ll leave with a luminously snatched face, a pour of tea for the road, and generally feeling better about life with her sweet demeanor and grounding outlook. For a quicker fix, I also enjoy Formula Fig for a quick but effective facial.

I’m also back on my bath bs and already need to restock this Hinoki Bath Soak. I’ve been winding down with a bath and the Tart Cherry Magic Magnesium from Wooden Spoon Herbs. You can use my code EMILYA10 for a lil discount.

Watching + Wearing

I can’t remember what led me to an afternoon viewing of The Sandpiper, but this 1965 drama directed by Vincente Minnelli and Starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is a Beatnik, Big Sur epic I didn’t know I was missing. I can’t name another movie that captures the grandeur of the California Coastline so intimately, and they really made it a point to work with locals to showcase that feeling. But what really got me was Taylor’s wardrobe, which started my antique moss and plum obsession! Here are some stills as well as a ShopMy collection to channel this fall. Hot minister sadly not included.

I’ve been going to a lot of solo movies too including One Battle After Another at the Vista, and have Hamnet, The Mastermind, and Frankenstein on my list.

Rest + Digest

I think fall is for becoming a regular at your neighborhood restaurant, cooking at home, and candlelit catch ups with your nearest and dearest. I’ve been frequenting All Time for their Farmer’s Hash and Cinnamon Roll, pregaming at Cafe Triste before Cafe Tondo for a screening of Chinatown and a glass of Gamay, flambeing steak au poivre at my friend Andrea’s ranch, and I can’t wait to try Wilde’s and Chainsaw (soft opening 11/9). I’ll be working my way through my preordered copy of The King Cookbook once it arrives, and have already made their decadent chocolate cake for a Halloween party this weekend.

I’m going to toot my own horn for a minute and let ya’ll know that it has been a year of making tiramisu for Capri Club in Eagle Rock. It went from a pop up to officially on the menu! I drop it off 3x a week for the freshest slice of creamy, dreamy, mascarpone goodness. I took the tiramisu on the road for a lil ‘Tiramisu Tour’ in both Maine at Luce Spirits in September and Lockhart, Texas at The Case Room in October. Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed!

Finally, I’m back to making chai 2x a week at Flowers Finest and dropping baked goods on Fridays. Right now it’s a sweet almond financier topped with seasonal fruit and a savory spicy cheddar + scallion biscuit. I’m not sure how many pop ups I’ll be doing before the holidays so this is where you can find my wares to enjoy.

I hope you’ll find something in this roundup that resonates or inspires you to cultivate your own idea of nourishment this season. Here’s a playlist to set the mood. Lets remember to go slow and be kind to ourselves and each other xx

I’ll dedicate another post (or many) to food films themselves - Heart Burn, Big Night, The Taste of Things, Julie + Julia, Phantom Thread, Jeanne Dielman, etc… But today’s first menu is dedicated to my spiritual husband Robert Redford. I’ve been mourning and reflecting on his storied legacy and rugged charm since he passed almost a month ago, gazing at the photo I’ve had of him as my phone background for years now - sitting on the porch of a log cabin wearing a cowboy hat, cowichan sweater, and white cowboy boots. In a perfectly fitted pair of denim and holding a beer with his signature cheeky grin. Sandy hair tousled as ever. Since his passing I’ve watched All the President’s Men, Three Days of the Condor, The Sting, Barefoot in the Park, and The Great Gatsby, but I knew The Way We Were would break me. It was the first film I saw of his, screened in a college dorm room my freshman year at Sarah Lawrence. We came for Barbara, but by the end of it I was a puddle for Hubbell. Completely enamored. Completely heartbroken. The Sex and the City call back, “hello, c-c-c-curly!” I recently watched an interview with SJP gushing over Robert Redford and recalling how when he smiles the light flashes off of his front tooth. It’s true.

I was lucky enough to attend a tribute screening at Vidiots a few weekends ago. I went alone, ready to cry. But was so heartened to see the theater filled with not only inconsolable women, but those who admired him from what he built with Sundance, college students seeing it for the first time, and lots of moms + daughters. It remains incredibly relevant today, especially with censorship in media and the never ending fight against fascism. As Katie says, “people are their principles!” One of my favorite scenes has always been when Hubbell takes Katie up on her offer to stay “if he can’t find a hotel,” and she rushes off make him an elaborate meal. They run into each other as he’s leaving her place and well, I’ll just leave the scene here -

So here is what I would make Hubbell if he were coming to dinner. An imagined curation of restaurant dishes, cookbooks, and my own recipes.

The Way We Were Menu

Chloe Cooks’ Tuna Crudo, inspired by the one at Barra Santos. Chloe is the dinner party queen, and I think a crudo is a very sensual way to start off a meal. It’s briny and zesty like Katie, with a Spanish call back to the peace strikes she organized in college against Franco. Also an ode to the cured and smoked fish I think she’d be accustomed to as a nice Jewish girl living in New York.

Alison Roman’s Anchovy Butter Chicken. This has become my go to for dinner parties and throwing together a last minute meal to impress. I’ve been known to replace the croutons with boiled + smashed potatoes depending on the mood and I also spatchcock the chicken for more even browning. It’s deceivingly simple, just like the ease in which Hubbell moves through the world.

Delicata + Radicchio Harvest Salad. The perfect mix of bitter and sweet, I’ve been making a riff of this salad for years based off this Bon Appetit recipe but going a step further and adding the squash to a bed of radicchio, shaved fennel, ricotta salata, and pomegranate arils. Using the agrodolce as a dressing.

And finally, my own recipe for Apple Tarte Tatin topped with vanilla ice cream. Like an elevated all American Apple Pie and an ode to his novel “A Country Made of Ice Cream” with some Euro-Communist influence. A perfect confluence of ideals, just like Hubbell and Katie in their misty watercolored memories..

Apple Tarte Tatin

Ingredients

14 oz. puff pastry (I prefer Dufour)

6-8 small to medium apples, cored and halved

200g cane sugar

1/4 cup water

50g butter (room temp)

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp vanilla paste

1 tbsp tart ‘true romance’ vinegar (can also use ACV)

Recipe

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To make the caramel, add sugar and water to a 10” cast iron skillet and swirl to combine. Place over medium heat and cook until the sugar is dissolved, but don’t further agitate the skillet otherwise your caramel will crystalize. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until your caramel turns a deep amber. Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in your butter, salt, vanilla paste, and vinegar until smooth.

Place your caramel sauce back over medium heat and add your apples, cut side up. Don’t worry if it’s a tight fit, they’ll shrink down as they cook. Cover with a lid and cook for 20ish minutes, turning the apples every 5 minutes or so. The apples will start to break down, release their juices, and start to caramelize. Once the liquid is cooked off and the apples are soft, but not falling apart, turn off the heat and arrange cut side up as tightly together as possible.

While the apples are cooking, roll out your pastry and cut into a 10” circle. Once the apples are cooked and the heat is off, drape your pastry over the skillet, tucking neatly into the edges of the pan. With a small paring knife or fork, poke several little slashes on the surface of the pastry to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is nicely burnished.

Carefully remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Flip the Tarte Tatin onto a large plate or serving platter (again carefully). It should cleanly release, but you can always rearrange if you lose an apple or two. Spoon over any remaining caramel, and serve warm with the above mentioned ice cream xx

I so rarely discuss dating on Instagram, outside of the coded meme or close friends story. I’ve been accused of thirst trapping to which I respond, “It’s not a thirst trap it’s just a normal pic of me and I happen to be very sexy and gorgeous.” I resent my follower ratio legitimately going from 98% to 80% female in the past few years. I am quick to restrict, hide my story, or block at the slightest hint of creepiness after some not so fun stalking behavior. I am unapologetic and ultimately for the girlies! But I’m also not above using Instagram as a dating app. I love an internet crush and have had ranging flirtations over the years from a Canadian Fashion Soft Boy, a Portland Chef who asked for feet pics, and a dm slide after a comedy show that led to a two year fling with a now washed up Comedian. I think it stems from those early AIM days, eagerly waiting for my skater boy crush to sign on. But is now a tool in my genuine quest for connection, love, and partnership.

Read more

I never sleep better than in my little upstairs nook, with an endearingly mismatched yet thoughtful set of bedding and towering floral cuttings in a vase from around the property. Always borrowing a Mothfood sweatshirt or worn baseball hat because I never pack quite right. Each evening at dusk I brave the bugs to walk what I like to call the fairy path down to the water. Feet damp and grassy. We’ve been working on a very drawn out cookbook, shooting between babies. Maybe one day it’ll see the light of day. Maybe someday soon I’ll have babies of my own to bring there.

The overwhelming feedback I get from sharing my time there is “why don’t you move there??” and honestly it gets harder and harder to argue why not. One day I’d like to split my time more intentionally (I do have some Zillow alerts set up), but I’ll take what I can get for now. And I’ve gotten so much! Which I’m pleased to now share with you. The only recommendations I don’t have a ton of in this particular guide is where to stay, but I’ll include a few places I’ve heard good things about. And the state is rife with traditional Bed and Breakfasts so you really can’t go wrong. Homespun New England charm abounds.

To Eat

Sammy’s Deluxe, Rockland. I think he would hate me waxing poetically, but without hyperbole there simply isn’t anything I’ve tried at Sammy’s that isn’t executed to perfection. Outside of my brother’s own restaurant, there isn’t anywhere else I crave in the same way. It’s just my kind of food! Highlighting seasonal, local ingredients with subtle yet masterful technique. Highlights over the years include an earthy chanterelle and chicken dish, the brown bread duh, a spicy as hell quesadilla that rivaled one’s I had in Oaxaca, the haddock snackies served simply with shaved white onion, a lemon wedge, and saltines, and a golden mussel escabeche finished romantically with nasturtiums. But the menu changes almost weekly, presented on a hand written chalkboard. The decor and hospitality are just as warm too.

Cafe Grazie, Rockland. Marcie and Marjory are masters of their craft, and I feel like we share a very aligned baking ethos. I’ve followed Marjory since she was in New Mexico, coveting her early cult cookbooks. She singlehandedly changed the way I cook greens. So when I finally got to try her greens pie, I knew I was in for a treat. Chock full of veg and herbs encased in a peppery, burnished crust. Their focaccia is towering, studded with olives. The cardamom buns, the olive oil cake, and Calder’s favorite cookies. They just make everything as it should be imo. I’m so glad they now have a storefront to expound on their classics, but now with beach sandwiches, ice cream, and more Italian leaning fare. Cucina povera that makes you feel very wealthy indeed.

First Fig, Camden. I love posting up at the dark wood bar either before or after dinner at Sammy’s for a glass of natural wine, cider, or amaro and grabbing a bottle for later! Last time I ran into an old pal from college, it’s the kind of gathering place where that tends to happen, with oyster nights, tiramisu nights, and even live music.

Long Grain, Camden. Really comforting Thai food for a cozy night in, elevated with local Maine seafood and produce. Their larb, chicken wings, and mussels are all perfect starters to share and then you have to finish off with one of their noodle/rice dishes. My go to’s are either their Kao Soi Gai or Smoked Trout Fried Rice.

Chases Daily, Belfast. Chases is like the town square of the Mid Coast. You have to navigate their seasonal closures and ever changing hours, but it’s always worth it for a thick slab of pizza, their elegantly dressed salads, punchy smoothies, and soft serve. They even have a weekly mini farmers market I go absolutely feral at, grabbing bunches of greens, tomatoes, and dahlias with abandon.

Rising Tide Co-Op, Damariscotta. The platonic ideal crunchy co-op. Complete with tote bags and an impressive bulk section. But what I come here to stock up on is the most magical yogurt on this planet. I swear it might as well be blessed by nuns. Or maybe a darker witchcraft. Swallowtail Creamery yogurt is impossibly thick. The blueberry is my go to but the salted caramel is transcendent. I have cried upon first bite and have converted many skeptics. I’ve even smuggled it back to LA with me.

The Alna Store, Alna. One of my favorite drives is to the Alna Store, taking windy back roads, crossing old bridges, and passing pastures of cows, sheep, and pigs under dappled light. Their menus, both day and night, are super inventive and indulgent. Try and go when they have their BLT and don’t skip the donut! I also love how many local purveyors they sell at the general store that occupies the back of the joint.

Mcloon’s Lobster Shack, South Thomaston. Really the only lobster roll you need to try in Maine. And the most idyllic, scenic drive to get there. It’s like a postcard from Maine come to life. The lobster rolls are loaded but not obscene. And they come with a pickle, bag of chips, and drink for a complete meal. Aside from the lobster rolls, they do an equally wonderful crab roll, hot dog, and buttered corn. I love eavesdropping on the other families who have found their way there, it’s an incredibly wholesome time.

Round Top Ice Cream, Damariscotta. I have such a fondness for the high school girls working here for the summer, high pony’s and enthusiastic patience as you try every flavor. I like anything with cherry. Calder, Bea’s 3 year old, always gets chocolate. It’s over 100 years old so they’re definitely doing something right.

Glidden Point Oysters, Newcastle. Get a dozen oysters, and shuck them yourself, along with some wine and snacks. Post up at the picnic tables and you have yourself a lovely coastal afternoon.

Tandem Coffee Roasters, Portland. Brianna, Tandem’s pastry chef, is simply a genius. I remember first making mecca for her biscuits and how the tanginess of the cream cheese and heat from the hot pepper jelly cut through her toweringly flaky savory biscuits. The fennel rye chocolate cookie, the supremely moist loaf cake, the sticky buns… I’ll always bring a box to Bea’s filled to the brim, and we not so slowly eat our way through. Taking a half a pastry every couple of hours until you peak in and there’s only crumbs left.

LB Kitchen, Portland. Usually my last stop out of Portland for a healthier bite. Their bowls, toasts, and smoothies all make for a great gab and go before the airport.

Red’s, Wiscasset. The first Red’s lobster roll I had was on a brisk October day, right before they closed for the season, and I viscerally remember how the hot drawn butter solidified as it hit the chunks of lobster. I’m usually a cold mayo lobster roll gal, but I’ll always try the specialty of the house. They have an extensive menu, but I’d recommend keeping it simple. And if the line is too much to endure, the spot across the street will satisfy any cravings without the hub bub.

Tinder Hearth, Blue Hill. Finally made the trek to Blue Hill and was immediately charmed by its offerings. Sandy beaches, bridges, and some truly impressive pizza. Going in September a little after the high season was ideal. You can still enjoy the picnic atmosphere but by the time dusk hits you’re ready to warm up by the fire with a soft serve cone or their more inventive sundaes. And the pizza! We ordered 4. Classic cheese + pepperoni, broccolini w/ almonds and dill, and rich peppery carbonara. Thin thin leopardy crust, really flavorful funky cheese, and the ideal topping distribution. Take a walk through the epic gardens w/ a glass of wine while the kids run themselves ragged.

To Shop

Curator, Rockland. Having worked in vintage in a past life, I really have a deep appreciation for folks doing it right and at fair prices! They have a great mix of true vintage, designer, and modern independent brands from their resale. I have one of my most treasured pieces of jewelry from there, a citrine + gold necklace that they so generously sent me after not being able to stop thinking about it. I’ve even heard that Chloë Sevigny has frequented the shop, so you know it’s legit.

Post Supply, Portland. These gals and everyone who works at Post Supply are actual angels!! They’ve really made me feel like family, having curated gift guides and attended their holiday pop up in LA last year. It is THE spot for picking up “souveniers” before leaving Maine. I always pick up a chaga maple syrup, something from their ceramics section (usually a Casa Veronica piece), and they’ve turned me on to some great natural skincare brands. They even have the elusive Plasticana’s (you can order from them online too).

Luce Spirits, Rockland. Part bottle shop part tasting room, 100% out of a David Lynch movie vibe wise. Sidle up to the bar and let Nate whip up a botanically inspired concoction. I’m partial to their Black Walnut Liqueur.

Elmer’s Barn, Whitefield. Every side of the road antique barn is worth pulling over for, but Elmer’s has some real treasures. Kitchenware, baskets, books, every tchotchke you could dream of, and furniture too. My favorite find so far has been an enamel shaving station w/ a lil cup.

Morse’s Sauerkraut, Waldoboro. The German restaurant here serving sausages and their famous kraut sadly closed during the pandemic, but you can still buy every german delicacy imaginable, including frozen pierogi. I spent about two hours here just browsing the aisles. I even found a chicory + coffee essence called CAMP from Scotland that I now use in my tiramisu. Get any of their in house pickled offerings, a knob of gouda, rye crackers and you’re all set for girl dinner.

Working Loose, Blue Hill. You know a shop is doing it right when they close from 1-2 for a dog walk and offer you an apple for the road. The perfect combo of homewares, wellness, gifty things, clothes, and jewelry (so much antique silver!). I treated myself to a dead stock striped boat neck tee, some basics from First Rite on sale, and a book on handmade houses in Woodstock. With a rotating gallery zone that really sets it apart. Can’t wait for many more hangs and maybe even a pop up at Em’s sweet spot.

To Visit

Rockland Thursday Farmers Market. There may not be as much variety as California Farmers Markets, but I cherish what Maine has to offer that is singular. Black raspberries, tiny tart blueberries, foraged mushrooms, and the sweetest summer corn. You can find the aforementioned Double Grazie, Luce Spirits, and Mimi’s Oysters. They also offer an adorable children’s reading tent from the local library.

Smithereen Farm, Pembroke. I first discovered Smithereen’s products at Post Supply. The chaga maple syrup, blueberry compote, and mermaid broth seasoning are as whimsical as they are nourishing. Visit their property for a farmstand, u-pick, and events including ecology walks, artist talks, spa days, and chef dinners May-October.

Sheepscot General Store + Farm, Whitefield. Another farm shop, u-pick, and cafe with music series and wine tasting!

Oyster River Winegrowers, Warren. When I think of classic natural wine, Oyster River’s funky carbonic selections come to mind. Stop by the barn, visit with the chickens, cats, and rabbits, and share a bottle in the overgrown garden.

Peaks Island. A quick ferry ride from Portland, perfect for a day or even just afternoon trip. We had a picnic in a cemetery then walked down to the beach, foraging rosehips along the way. Next time I’d rent some bikes and tour around the little cottages.

To Stay

Seawood Sanctuary. My childhood pal and LA to Maine transplant Danielle restored this stunning airbnb as well as sourcing all of the vintage decor. Recently written up by Vogue as one of the best Airbnb’s in Maine.

Sunny Brook Cottage. Pi’s cottage, just a town away from Blue Hill, is reminiscent of Ms. Honey’s home from Matilda. With buttery yellow hues, wildflowers, and a wood stove. The ideal backdrop for an aesthetic stay.

Waldoboro Inn. A restored 19th century inn featuring culinary pop ups, workshops, and artists using the rooms as rotating galleries. If you’ve ever thought “I wish this hotel had a community dye bath” the Waldoboro will check that off your list.

Half Moon Valley Homestead. Their residencies are currently paused, but I’ll be keeping an eye on when they reopen. I’m a sucker for an outdoor bath and sauna, and love the rustic, wabi sabi balance with nature they’ve cultivated.

The Longfellow Hotel, Portland. This place saved me after a delayed flight that turned into a 36 hour detour. It was worth the splurge (and thankfully a partial refund from Jet Blue). I wish I’d been there more than one night to fully take advantage of the luxe bar and spa amenities. Also a bonus that it’s literally right next to Tandem.

In writing this guide it became clear how the people, places, and businesses I admire in Maine care so deeply for their craft. True artisans without the ego. And this is just scratching the surface if you can believe it! There will likely be a part two as there’s always more to discover. Here is the Google Map to see everything laid out. Please let me know if you go and any other recommendations for my next visit xx

This substack will feature travel guides (Sicily! Basque Country! Maine! Central Coast!) navigating Los Angeles by neighborhood and how to curate the perfect day based on mood/intention, sharing esoteric LA lore, recipes both sweet and savory, what I’m wearing/coveting/consuming, rituals, and a glimpse into life behind the scenes including dating, home, and deeper musings than you’ll find elsewhere. More Emily less Almond Milkmaiden.

The origin of the name ‘Come Wander with Me’ is from an old episode of the twilight zone. A popular folk singer persuades a backwoods girl to sing an authentic ballad into his tape recorder and finds the song coming tragically true. It’s haunting and hypnotic, but the phrase has taken on a meaning beyond the source. Sometimes we wander to a far off destination, but how can we apply that sense of awe to our day to day? And beyond that, how can we foster that same exploration within our inner landscapes?

So let me reflect back to you that wandering and taking time for intentional indulgence will only lead you closer to your path. Here’s where mine has led me thus far, with a little recipe as a thank you for following along..

Sungold Olive Oil Upside Down Cake

Sungold tomatoes are adorable, golden little orbs of flavor that are simply begging to be used in a dessert. For this cake I started with an apricot amaro mixture for the base to bring out the sweet, caramely notes, and infused the earthy olive oil cake with lots of citrus for brightness and a tart finish. The sungold’s burst in your mouth with every bite and are nice and jammy without feeling like a tomato sauce. If the idea of tomatoes is too hardcore, feel free to replace with stone fruit or cherries.

For the Jam + Amaro Mixture -

50 g sugar

100 g apricot jam

4 tbsp amaro (can sub for alternative liqueur, lemon, or orange juice)

For the Cake -

1 carton (approx 8 oz.) sungold tomatoes

315 ml extra virgin olive oil

200 g sugar

250 g flour

55 g cornmeal

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt

3 tbsp amaro, grand marnier, or campari (can sub for more citrus juice)

1 tbsp finely grated lemon or orange zest

3 tbsp fresh lemon or orange juice

3 eggs

A few leaves of basil to garnish (optional)

Recipe -

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9” cake tin (make sure it’s one with some depth as this does make a good amount of batter). In a small bowl combine your sugar, jam, and amaro with a spoon until a loose, almost caramel sauce like mixture forms. Pour into the base of your cake tin, coating evenly, then scatter in your tomatoes.

Mix your dry ingredients in a medium bowl - flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Mix your wet ingredients - the amaro and citrus juice in a small bowl. Set aside.

Combine your sugar, citrus zest, and eggs in a large bowl. With a hand mixer or using a whisk, beat together until pale and doubled in volume, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it's ready when you can “ribbon” the mixture, leaving a thick trail of batter between the whisk and bowl before dissolving.

Slowly stream in the olive oil while continuing to whisk. The oil will emulsify and become even thicker and homogeneous. Then we’ll add our dry and wet ingredients. Beginning and ending with the dry in 3 additions. Mix until just combined, giving a few folds with a spatula at the end.

Pour the cake batter into the tin, covering your tomatoes. As soon as you place the cake in the oven, turn the heat down to 350. Bake 45-55 minutes until the cake is golden brown.

Allow to cool for 30 minutes then flip onto a serving vessel, revealing the golden tomato layer beneath. Garnish with basil or enjoy as is xx