Based on the success of the Outpost shoe guide last year, I’ve wanted to do another guide, hoping to have a working doc for each facet of men’s clothing — shoes, pants, shirts, and so on.

So, in lieu of a traditional fall guide that folks proliferate around the columns, I’ve decided to drill into the one thing that I think is most important as the leaves change and the temps drop: PANTS.

The honest truth is I struggle with pants myself — too baggy, too tight, hugging you in the wrong places. Pants are damn hard, as Lyndon B. Johnson said:

“And another thing — the crotch, down where your nuts hang — is always a little too tight.”

That is a real quote on a recorded line. Kid not - It’s worth a read.

Read the LBJ quote here

All is to say, pants are hard. I am actively trying to right-size the weakness in my closet, but let’s take a stab at it together…

I present to you the Outpost Pant Guide in the five categories I deem necessary.

Levi 501 - Every man should own a 501. They cost next to nothing and have more heritage than perhaps any other article of clothing. The hardest part about buying a 501 is figuring out the right wash… this is the right one. Go get it.

Iron Heart 888 - An old friend suggested these. I’ve never been able to pull the trigger on the THICK BOI denim, fearing I’ll have to start smoking cigarettes after purchase, but I think it’s time to invest in one pair.

APC - A classic from the French. Love the stitching on these bad boys.

Octobre Barkley Jeans - Another brand out of France, Octobre is where I get a lot of my pants. These jeans are so comfy — a touch baggy but not too far gone.

Rag & Bone Slim - I’ve owned two pairs of these for the last ten years, always swapping ’em out for the next man up after an inevitable tear. They are definitely a slimmer jean, but I dig ’em. Perfect stretch and a color that Rag & Bone made famous and no one else can seem to replicate.

Quick Note on Slacks - Slacks kind of drive me nuts. Generally, I don’t find them very comfortable, but they undoubtedly look great. A good pair of slacks with a white shirt and a mixed-color blazer is a strong look from the boardroom to the startup. Here are a few I dig.

Suit Supply - Say what you want about Suit Supply, but they make decent stuff. Affordable, clean, straight lines. I’d add these navy staples to the cart without thinking twice.

Octobre - Octobre again. I own both of these wool pants. As you can see from the model sporting sneakers, these look great dressed up or down. Loafers to sneakers doesn’t matter.

Carl Trouser

Bergame

Incotex - On the higher end of cost, but these slacks from Incotex are fantastic.

Informale T10 Easy Trouser - This is the perfect price point. Great pants, incredible fit and quality. I love the pair I own.

Informale Linen Drawstring Trouser - Do you have the brass to pull off the drawstring linen at the office? I think you do.

Slim Straight Sid Mashburn - Is my favorite pant on this list, full stop. They are incredibly durable, elegant, and, in my mind, the perfect shade of khaki. It was how I was introduced to the brand ten years ago and one I come back to every season.

Pro tip: size up one. These bad boys have a touch of the LBJ effect.

J.Crew Straight Slim - For $98, I’d argue every guy should own these in a color or two. I have both the stone and the khaki for when I want a baggier fitting. Perfect to pair with an Oxford and some loafers — feels like the khaki pant I used to have in high school from Vineyard Vines. Remember those?

AG 5 Pocket - Speaking of memory lane remember the dads that always had a clean AG pant on — grey, khaki, stone, white? They had ’em all and the hot wife to match. Is this memory just me? Regardless, I think a good 5-pocket from AG is a staple.

Brooks Brothers Cord - Generally, I think Brooks Brothers is royally dropping the ball as other heritage brands like Ralph Lauren and J.Crew have roared back from the morgue. But I do think they make one of the best cords out there. Even though it seems they aren’t making these as much anymore? WTF, BB.

My toxic trait is I think I could turn this brand around in a year — call me.

Ralph Cord - Speaking of Ralph Lauren, I think they make a tremendous cord as well. Nice and stiff, the lines aren’t too thick. Good one.

Amundsen Cord - Lastly, and a bit of a curveball, I have the short version of this pant equipped to be paired with a boot, and I will be getting these this year. I love Amundsen.

KÜHL - A buddy of mine who is a dying breed of guys who wear workwear to actually… work swears by these. Who are we to judge?

Carhartt - It’s a funny world we live in that Carhartt probably sells more in their SoHo store to hipsters than those who actually work in workwear, but who am I to judge? For $50 you should own a pair of Carhartts.

Rivay Garment Pant - I love these damn pants. They have an energy that makes ya want to wear ’em barefoot at the beach or in the country. I have ’em in white. Will be getting ’em in olive for the fall.

White

Olive

Imogene + Willie - I wish I owned every single item on their website — these pants included.

Imperfects - I get more compliments on these pants than perhaps anything else.

Alex Crane - These linen pants are so comfy. I love ’em in the summer, but the navy pair in nice, crisp fall weather bliss.

Gramicci Gadget Pant - A friend of mine suggested these. Already ordered ’em.

Service Works - Another suggestion from a friend, a guy that used to work in the kitchen growing up. These work on and off the line.

Studio Baker Pants - Why are all pants olive these days? This brand and website rocks.

AYR Ginza - Instagram suggests these pants every single day and eventually I’ll bite the bullet. Love the belt strap.

G/FORE - I feel that this list wouldn’t be complete without a golf pant. I reach for the brand for all things golf.

And that’s all for today, plus a few more mentioned on Outpost. Let me know what you think. What’d we miss? What doesn’t deserve to be on here? What do you think about everything being backlinked to Outpost? Let’s hear it.

The piece is really important to me for 2 reasons. One, it was a gift from my mother that I’ll have for the rest of my life. Two, I find the image deeply relatable.

Now, by no means am I comparing myself to arguably the biggest rockstar in the world, but I can certainly relate to the the image. In the chaos of it all, all Mick can do is yell, with a bit of a smirk.

That’s how I feel a bit these days — with a full-time job, Outpost, dating, friendships, family, content, the list goes on life feels hectic but I am undoubtedly having fun and trying to keep a Mick type smile.

So I figured, let’s give a little State of the Union to the Outpost community on what we’re working on, where we’re headed and how I’m feeling. A behind-the-scenes look into how I’m thinking about things for our paid members. If nothing more it’ll be somewhat therapeutic and keep us accountable.

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Welcome to your pulse check on the food and hospitality scene in New York.

We are in that part of summer that New Yorkers resist (e.g., Ryan just published that he escapes the city in August to wander about Fairfield County’s farmers markets and wind across the Northeast for roadside eateries).

But if you aren’t leaving, then stay, lean in, eat it up.

Late summer produce is at its most succulent. The last few tomato martinis beckon. Figs are full and buoyant and blanketed on almond cake. The parks are all perched with people. It’s still hot and slick out there. Thirst, thirst!

This is summer’s last stand, so stand with it.

P.S. for Outpost readers! I’m Kayleigh, a food, restaurant, and culture writer based in New York. I cover New York’s restaurant scene with this very series, Food & Hospitality Things I’m Into, alongside writing for publications like Food & Wine and Eater.

Here, you’ll read about restaurants that persist past the news cycle, food that is craveable and curious, and people who are committed to the art of welcoming others.

This is what’s on my mind in the food + hospitality world right now, as we head into this weekend and toward the home stretch of this border month.

New York Food and Hospitality Things I’m Into Right Now:

• The burger and martini, baby. You’ve heard it before: A burger + martini is my favorite celebrity wedding this summer. And the fall and winter and spring. Here’s my current trusty rotation:

  • Raoul’s. Be willing to wait in line, but trust that the 12 — yes, only 12 — burgers available are worth it. You can only order them at the bar.

  • Lord’s. There are ALSO only 12 burgers each weekday evening at this fan-fav English bistro. Hard-to-get works, I guess. The soft, pillowy pretzel bun glistens, the Welsh rarebit cheese punches, the white onion bites. It’s sexy and intimidating.

  • Milly’s. This is my new neighborhood haunt in Bed-Stuy with a pickled pepper sauce burger. Mwah.

  • Emmett’s on Grove. If you really want the best deal here, go for the happy (and a half) hour for the $9 martini. Magic! But you can only sit at the bar for the deal. The Emmett’s burger comes ready with relish, peppers, ketchup, and tomato — all decked-out and dressed up how I like it.

• Speaking of martinis, if you haven’t had a tomato martini this summer, speak now or forever hold your peace. Don’t expect a tomato martini to bite like a dirty martini. It’ll be smoother and rounder, with a blend of savory, saline, and vegetal components. Ask your bartender how they concocted it; they’ll nerd out. Here’s where:

  • At Chez Fifi, the uptown French bistro, get the olive-oil washed tomato martini.

  • At The Wooly in Nolita, run the clarified caprese martini.

  • At Cote in Flatiron, pair the tomato martini with the Butcher’s Feast.

• Stars, the 12-seat, walk-in-only wine bar your chef-adjacent friends are lining up for. It obviously has a spectacular wine program, but earlier this summer, the team launched a coffee program with a custom-made blend from Maru Coffee and cutie beignets in a box! Plus, an espresso martini at night ;)

• Katie Parla’s Rome cookbook and Popina’s backyard. I got lucky and got to eat dishes straight from the cookbook at Popina’s event a few weeks ago. Popina’s back patio is next-level, and James hosts rotating events there all of the time. Keep an eye out.

  

• The allure of the perfect shuck. My friend dates an oyster shucker and she’s never been happier. It might be time to learn a new skill, fellas. Also, all the oyster shucking scenes from the new Bourdain movie, Tony, have me in a bit of an oyster spiral. Watch, learn, and slurp here:

  • Zig Zag Oyster Bar — I’m so ready for Brooklyn’s brand new oyster bar, from the team behind two of my favorites in the city, Eel Bar and Cervo’s.

  • Dean’s — The Guinness x oyster shooter combo here is a must, must.

  • Baby Oyster at Frog Wine bar — The last summer oyster pop-up here is this Sunday, August 23rd. Baby Oyster, a roaming seafood pop up, brings a distinct blend of Peruvian, Mexican, and Japanese flair to ceviche and oysters.

• Slushy, soft serve, repeat. On Saturday, August 22nd, Spring Bar is hosting a 4-course icy treat tasting, with Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Egyptian flavors.

  • If you can’t snag a $28 ticket, just swing around the corner to the relatively new Lai Rai for a Vietnamese natural wine bar x ice cream parlor. There’s corn, banana leaf, and fish sauce caramel ice cream.

• The cabbage rolls at Thai Diner. Yes, they’re turkey-stuffed AND the best dish there. Who would’ve thought turkey would be so glam? They’re even better dining alone with a good book, too.

  

• Gjelina’s second floor in NoHo. I have a soft spot for Gjelina — it was one of the first “cool” (what’s cool?) restaurants in Los Angeles I went to when I was 18. Its NYC outpost is on Bond St, offering guests two gorgeous, sweeping floors. Ask for the second-floor table near the windows. Order two hidden hard-hitters: a glass of Mencia and the small plate of mushrooms. It’s a good place to go when you don’t know where to go.

• The Nolita x Chinatown corridor with some of the best cafes in the city right now. If you know me, you know I love Milkweed, a warm, homey Australian cafe in Chinatown. Josh, Sam, and Jacob make a semi-touristy area feel like home.

  • But in that same little Nolita/Chinatown arena, you have Park at Kims, the new Frenchette, the (over)hyped Caffe Paradiso, the backgammon cafe 7 Spring, Madhappy’s Pantry, and Cafe Integral. When you don’t feel like drinking, do a coffee tour here.

Off-Menu Hospitality Things I’m Into Right Now:

• Artists-in-residence at hotels. I recently interviewed the general manager of the new Airelles Palladio Venice, and he told me this exquisite luxury hotel has an artist in residence. At this Venetian palace, her name is Costanza Alvarez de Castro. Into it!

• Open-mic readings + gatherings.

  • Elizabeth Street Garden hosts Sunday poetry readings.

  • On August 26th, Dream Baby Press is hosting a party, PLUS a live reading in collaboration with the Seaport Museum. It’s not just any live reading though; you’ll hear from Jemima Kirke (swoon!!).

    

• One Love Community Fridge. This food-centered nonprofit places community fridges across cities to provide fresh food + nourish communities at no cost. You can see a map of community fridges all around New York here. They’re collaborating with The Little Grenjai for a Summer Block Party later this month to raise funds.

• Cutting the minimalism and getting eclectic. I recently heard Audrey Gelman, the owner of Hudson Valley’s countryside escape The Six Bells Inn, speak about her obsession with little miniatures. Her inn is a patchwork dollhouse. I’m in awe of people’s whimsy, people’s innate curiosity being the actual fuel for their hospitality concept. From a small food pop-up to a whole hotel, hospitality is an extension of our weirdest, most eclectic selves. It’s timeless because it’s trend-less.

Talk soon + eat well <3

Kayleigh

Wyatt Fowler is hoping to change that image.

Fowler and his business partner, Ashley Gahagan, are the founders of GAMMN, a portable backgammon set made to be played on a boat, the beach, or anywhere else you can carry it. Their mission is to inject a youthful, mobile energy into this classic game, all while delivering their product in a simple, yet aesthetically pleasing, package.

1. For those who don’t know you, tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Wyatt Fowler, and I am 36 years old. Vermont is home but I’ve moved around a good bit and have always loved getting to know new places and people along the way. A few of my favorite things to do are working on old cars (specifically Volkswagens), working on my farmhouse, and if time allows, surfing and skiing. And, of course, a bit of backgammon. I’ve always been interested in how things work, and equally, why something stopped working, which has led me to a variety of different career paths, and far too many hobbies. From tech to farming, or just living in a van down by the beach, my adult life has been pretty dang fun. My wife and I love to host friends and family, and we end up on-the-go a good amount.

2. Let’s start from the beginning: how did Gammn come into being?

One of my biggest passions is surfing, and at the time, I was living in San Francisco. I had a camper van, so surfing up and down the coast on weekends was the routine. Backgammon, a game I learned as a kid, became our crews go-to when we were waiting for the tide or wind to change, or just kicking it around the campfire. The issue was that space in a campervan is tight, and most boards were bulky or poorly made. Not fit for our adventures. Looking further into what boards were available, the biggest thing I noticed was how snootily backgammon sets were marketed. A board for “real players” with deep pockets was the vibe. So we set out to make a board that could travel, didn’t hurt travel budget, and encouraged new people to learn the game. Several months of design work later and a successful kickstarter, we had a pretty fun little business taking shape.

3. With all the existing games and products out there, why try to reinvent backgammon?

Backgammon has always been a super fun game to play with friends and family, especially for me growing up. What’s great is you can teach someone to play in five minutes, yet it takes a lifetime to master. Games are quick so it’s not a huge commitment and the level of chance and skill makes it highly competitive for a wide range of players. It’s known as one of the oldest board games in the world, so there’s a reason it remained so popular.

4. What is unique about how these boards are made?

Our boards are made via injection molding, making them light and durable with minimal wasted space. We still have a cork rolling surface, which not only looks great, but creates a great surface for rolling dice and moving checkers. We also have a shoulder strap and set up dots which are amazing for those learning the game, as setting up the board is nearly the only thing you need to remember.

5. Do you have any memorable customer anecdotes or feedback that stood out to your team?

We’ve had tons of positive feedback from customers’ travels, whether it’s a honeymoon or various camping adventures. It’s awesome to see our boards all over the world. That said, some of the most memorable feedback has been from kids rekindling their parents’ love of the game or even just hearing that backgammon has become a staple in their family. With all of life and technological distractions, spending some time just playing a simple game and chatting is sometimes the break people need to realize how good they’ve got it.

6. Do you have plans to create more custom boards for colleges, country clubs, etc?

Totally, we’re finally figuring out our manufacturing, which has been challenging for a small business. We’ve done boards for weddings, clubs, events, restaurants, hotels, teams, and hope to continue to expand for more custom options as we grow.

7. Where can people find these boards? Primarily online or do you sell in brick-and-mortar stores?

While we primarily sell online, we are in about twenty-five brick and mortar stores around the US, and even one in the UK. We love supporting other small businesses and spotlighting what they have to offer. We’ve realized that if a store is willing to carry a backgammon board, they are typically pretty cool, so that’s been super fun.

8. Ok, enough serious stuff. If you could bring three things to a deserted island (including GAMMN, of course) what would you bring?

Well you do need two people to play the game, so of course my wife would be on the top of the list. Issue is she’d insist on bringing our dogs so we’d quickly starve and Gammn would get a nice feature when the rescue crew finds what’s left of us.

9. Pick one: Surfing or Skiing?

Tough question but surfing is the source.

10. I know you restore vintage cars in your free time, what has been your favorite project so far?

I had an old ‘76 Land Rover I drove from Costa Rica to California after quitting my job down there. Living out of that car for four months and surfing was really special. If the current owners are out there and reading this, please let me know if Ol’ Bessie is alive and well.

11. What are you the most excited about with GAMMN moving forward?

I’m most excited to keep working with fun people, it’s a game after all, so keeping things light and focused on the experience is always our goal. Huge thanks to all the supporters out there, and if you don’t have a board, or don’t even know what backgammon is, check us out and we’ll get you rolling!

Restaurants and travel have long been synonymous - even the Michelin Guide draws its roots from the road.

One Star: A very good restaurant in its category, worth a stop along your route. Two Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour off your main path Three Stars: Worth a special journey…

Here are my spots worth pulling over for. The places on the hotbed routes up and down the coast

Quaker Diner — West Hartford

I-84 — Exit 43

Driving to a wedding in Mass from New York with a buddy, Hankering for eggs and perhaps slightly hungover from the night before, I typed “diner” in one of those fortuitous moments of restaurant discovery that I think we’re losing to AI — Quaker Diner popped up. This, and I’m not kidding, is probably one of the top ten best meals I’ve ever had… eggs, bacon, even got a chocolate milk for the nostalgia of it all.

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But as thrifting gained popularity, things changed for the worse. Old polo shirts and classic barn coats that used to sell for $20 at the downtown Goodwill were suddenly being displayed on mannequins for $400. Go to any “thrift” store in the East Village or LES today and try finding something worth buying for under $100. Spoiler: you can’t. Even the competition got worse. My biggest enemy in 2015 was the local high school production of Newsies shopping for tweed blazers. Nowadays, I can’t even buy a band tee without being bullied by a gang of tweens.

Thankfully, the art of thrifting hasn’t died out, it’s just retreated into the folds of the internet. More specifically, ebay. Now I know what you’re thinking: John, ebay is a place to buy porcelain tchotchkes and rare Pokémon cards. What does it have to do with clothing?

Well, my fashionable friends, ebay is likely one of the last places to source affordable, timeless clothing, be it vintage Brooks Brothers button-downs, Patagonia fleeces, or Woolrich jackets. You name it, ebay has it. You can even narrow your preferences down by color, size, and fit before you ever hit checkout. While a local thrifty might only produce one or two hidden gems among the racks, eBay is an endless treasure trove waiting to be plundered.

Lastly, with today’s fast-fashion epidemic, purchasing “up-cycled” clothing not only makes your wallet happy, but your conscience, too.

I won’t bore you with the details of how to peruse ebay; the site itself is intuitive enough. Instead, I’ll proudly display some items I’m currently watching, and you can be the judge of whether or not ebay “has it going on,” as us kids in college would say.

Just don’t outbid me…

LL Bean Blue Chamois Shirt

Long Island Corduroy Hat

Brooks Brothers Striped Oxford

Woolrich Barncoat Blanket Interior

G.H. Bass Weejuns

J. Press Blue Viyella Cotton Button-Up

J. Crew Lambswool Sweater

Broken Promises Barbed Wire Skate Cords

Woolrich Flannel

More often than not, shelter is found in refuge at my loving mother’s, who still lives in the same town I grew up in, about an hour outside the city.

Being brought up in the bubble of Fairfield County, I would describe my upbringing as a lot of things: fortunate, blessed, a bubble, sure, but I’ve never thought of Fairfield County as “cool.” The hedge fund guys that made the town what it is today certainly have their pros and cons. Many are impressive titans of industry and almost all of them a fun time on a bar stool, no doubt, but having caddied for a good deal of them growing up, I can’t say many of these guys were trendsetters or on the cutting edge of what’s hot.

But this last weekend home, I’m starting to see a change. A change in the stores that line the street, the activities at your disposal, and the people shaping these places…

Thursday

For whatever reason, despite my deep love for the country, as Paul McCartney would call it, it takes the jaws of life to pull me out. One of my tried-and-true ways of getting out is packing a bag, bringing it to a dinner, and catching a train afterwards. It’s kind of time travel.

Pulling into town, I shot an old coworker who’s gone on to become Editor in Chief at InsideHook and moved to the suburbs somewhat simultaneously.

He was at our local watering hole with two other guys in creative industries. I tossed my bag in a bush and headed down for a couple beers. We spoke about production, video, writing, and anything but finance — likely a first for those walls.

His latest piece on “An Italian August” is a must read

Friday

After a 3-mile run to shake off “the ride in” and a few hours of work, I set off to Bedford, New York, to visit the folks over at Rivay with the hopes of scooping up a vintage Italian necklace they had recently gotten in.

St. Christopher, the protector of travelers.

Katie and Jon started Rivay 7 years ago out of John’s trunk, pulling up to places like the Odeon in Tribeca and slinging shirts out of the trunk. Fast forward nearly a decade, and two storefronts later, a brand that could hold its own against any store in New York has landed on a corner lot in Bedford, New York, preferring the country, where they can arrive at the office and showroom in one of their spectacular cars rather than by subway.

Be on the lookout for a potential Outpost x Rivay dinner this fall.

Pulling out of Bedford, I got a text from Jeff Parrott, purveyor of J. Earl & Sons: “Swing by this afternoon.”

Coffee in hand, I popped in for an afternoon chat — where my ADD was tempted by some of the best coffee table books, whiskey bottles, and barware in their collection. We spoke about where social media is going, how we can work together on different things in the fall, and everything in between.

Saturday

Saturday was one of those days filled to the brim but relaxing in the same vein.

A walk to the farmers market with Mom, loading up on all that the local farms have to offer: heirlooms, lettuce, broccolini, onion, garlic, potatoes, juices, bread, coffee, bacon — all ya need.

Loaded up with provisions for the weekend, I went down to the beach club with a bunch of reading to catch up on, notably a copy of the print edition from Michael Williams and David Coggins.

A quick note on the print edition: and are names you likely know. In the off chance you don’t, you should. They are some of the OG guys to write about men’s lifestyle in the many ways you’ve seen it done today, myself included.

Earlier in the year, they launched the print edition, a physical edition of some of the best writers in their quiver. Out of convenience, or perhaps a dash of jealousy, I was trying to wrangle my own beast that is a physical Outpost edition. I never got to reading one until Saturday, when the folks at Rivay gave me one on the house.

Upon turning the last page, I audibly shouted, “BUMMER” every piece is better than the next. I look forward to reading the many variations that come out and perhaps contributing one day or mimicking in some capacity. Greatest form of flattery after all!

Sunday

But back to the schedule. It’s now Sunday. I went for yet another run through the park, made a BLT with 100% of the produce locally sourced from the market, and am gearing up for yet another BBQ with family and friends.

Whether it’s my age and interests changing, or the place I was raised changing alongside me as well, or likely a little bit of both, the relationship with the city and the country continues to evolve.

In the words of John Lennon:
‘Don’t you miss the big time boy, you’re no longer on the ball?’”

Finding a balance between taking a breath outside of New York and moments of stillness in the country is likely the ticket, and I feel very optimistic to be surrounded by other folks with common interests in the place I once called home.

Have a great week folks,

I didn’t really know what to expect, only that it would be different from the regular bars my friends and I rotate through every weekend. I’m not a part of NYC’s art scene but this seemed like a good excuse to break out of our nightly routine. Plus, who doesn’t like dinner and a show?

Entering Pinky Swear, there’s a bar to your right as you walk in, and a laid back host welcoming people. We sat among abstract art on the walls, on the tables, and even on our waiter’s body. The servers were clad in translucent jackets with neon outlines.

We paused our own colorful conversation to order chicken tenders and lemon bucatini from their menu then resumed our routine chatter.

We talked about all sorts of things—why the men in our lives choose to spend more nights with their financial models than us. Also, how they pinky swear they’re looking for something serious but go cold when the weather gets hot.

I figured that we would have an easier time interpreting the art around us rather than our boyfriends, so with perfect timing, our server gifted us tokens to play with Pinky Swear’s immersive exhibits. We got up, spilling our pastel colored martinis and followed each other into the back room.

We passed through a curtain into a room with a DJ spinning vinyls which then to an outdoor zen garden. The zen garden had a carousel ride with a production sized fan and light that made us roar with laughter when one of us climbed on.

We approached a lit up phone booth.

One by one, we took turns going inside and dropping our tokens into the coin slot.

“Once you pick up the phone,” Our server explained “dial the number that is assigned to your zodiac sign and listen”.

I picked up the clunky phone and pushed 5 with an unexplainable hopefulness in my heart. I won’t reveal what the woman on the other side of the phone said, but what I can tell you is that I was glowing from what she whispered… or maybe that feeling was from my pink martini.

Attempting to find the bathroom, I walked through mirrored walls and was reminded of why I stood in line at the fair’s fun house every summer as a kid.

Pinky Swear is ideal to break up your regular routine or to see the silly side of your date. We finally left when we were all out of tokens, but I’ll be back for more …I pinky swear…

Opportunities to cook with other folks, whether it's Mo Scariano or Half Batch Baking, seem to be what's exciting me most these days.

Compounded by the fact that I'm growing tired of eating out at restaurants, spending the money to do so, and perpetuating a lifestyle centered around it, it all feels a bit blah.

When I set out to create content, I had always envisioned it being in the cooking world. Not as a chef, but more so as an Ina, Tucci, or even —folks who don’t necessarily show you the right way to do things, but their way of doing them. Hosting, cooking, drinking, gathering friends around a table, and making entertaining feel approachable. That’s always been the kind of content I wanted to make.

Over COVID, while I was furloughed and looking for something to do other than Peloton and drink, I started writing a cookbook—or at least the beginnings of one. It was a collection of recipes mixed with funny excerpts and stories from my life. One day, maybe I’ll have the opportunity to actually write that book. A cookbook has always been a dream.

Until then, here are two recipes I’ve cooked recently. I hope you enjoy them.

Don’t Jerk your friends Chicken

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If I could have sex with one month, it would definitely be August—the epitome of Wet Hot American Summer.

The Tour de France is cruising through Paris as we speak. Farmers markets are literally overflowing with produce. Get out there. Jump in the water. Bite into an heirloom tomato. Ask out that girl you see in the elevator.

It’s the dog days, folks. SEIZE IT.

After a few weeks of guides and such, we’re going to kick it back to the mean. A quick welcome to all of you who are new to Outpost—many of whom came from the recommendation of .

So, without further ado: Need, Wrote, Read, Ate.

Need: Winter Prep

There’s a ton of great new stuff on Outpostnyc.co.

First: this North Face bib is on sale right now. It’s hard to shop for winter gear while you’re in shorts and headed for the beach, but the ski sales right now are incredible. I may stock up on a full kit. I want 20 days on piste this year.

North Face Bib

Second—and more fitting for the season—I stumbled upon these while watching Huckberry’s YouTube series Dirt. (I’m putting together a roadmap for a similar Outpost series called Provisions. More on that this fall.)

Anyways, Rancourt is one of the last bastions of American shoemaking, holding it down in Lewiston, Maine. Each moccasin is hand-stitched.

Available on Outpost.

I love the moccasin. So much history. The idea of a house moc sounds great—something to throw on with a good wool sock as you fetch firewood or mess around in the kitchen.

Wrote: Book Club

The other day, I asked folks for book suggestions on Instagram. The weather dictates loading up a tote with a bunch of hardcovers and hitting the beach.

For our paid subscribers, here’s what we’re reaching for. This list is all-time.

Read: Comedy

John’s satirical post is hysterical give it a go.

Outpost

An American’s Guide to Paris

Ah Paris... The mere mention of it brings to mind baguettes and berets, charming boulevards and dogs with hats. Even the most slack-jawed, uncultured simpletons know it is a place of class and elegance—and I am no exception…

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a month ago · 3 likes · John Sargent

Ate: In the Park

Out of an abundance of intention, I didn’t eat out once this week and it was amazing.

Actually, that’s not true. I went to Wild on Tuesday, but that was for a brand video. Performative. Doesn’t count. Finding myself a bit burnt out by restaurants. Perhaps it’s just the time of year.

On Friday, I packed a cooler of beers, grabbed two pies from the local pizza joint, and hit Sheep Meadow in Central Park. Hard to beat that.

That said, fall is right around the corner, and I’m sure I’ll find myself at a table or bar seat in no time.

A few places I’m itching to try:

The team behind Hart’s and Cervo’s is opening a new joint in Crown Heights on Tuesday. I think I’ll try to pop in before a work dinner at Kaew Jao Jorm in Brooklyn.

Zig Zag Oyster Bar

I was listening to Andrew Tarlow’s episode with Matt Rodbard on the This Is TASTE podcast. If you don’t know Andrew, that’s somewhat by design. The restaurateur helped shape what New York dining is today with Diner and eventually the since-shuttered Marlow & Sons.

Despite the accolades, he keeps a relatively low profile. But the man is RAD and seems to have knocked it out of the park again with Borgo.

He also spoke about the famous pho shops on Baxter Street in Chinatown, specifically Thái Sơn. I had never heard this lore and don’t really think of pho when debating where to eat in Chinatown, but hearing him speak about traditional tripe pho in Chinatown got me fired up.

Borgo

Thái Sơn

Have a great Sunday, folks.

We asked, and you delivered. When we put out a call for summer reading picks, the replies poured in — memoirs, thrillers, travel writing, a few classics, and one very fresh release from a legendary New York restaurateur. Here’s the full stack.

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Unfortunately, as an American, I have come to learn that our ilk has fallen out of vogue in the City of Lights. Sure, maybe a hundred years ago it was fashionable to be an American in Paris, back when great minds such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald would stop at cafes to drink Riesling, discuss literature, and kiss (they were an item, yes?)

Today’s Americans don’t have the same luxury. We are about as identifiable as a pimple on a forehead, spotted a mile away by our athleisure and fuller frames. Our best attempts at French are met with derisive looks followed by an immediate response in english. Even the dogs in hats turn their snouts up at us.

Thankfully, after hours of meticulous research and days spent in the field, I have compiled a list of the trendiest, coolest places that Paris has to offer. Places so French that a single visit will have you dying to pick up smoking. Enjoy.

5. Historic Home in the French Countryside

First on my list is a charming piece of lesser known French History. Originally a humble abode to French aristocracy, this simple yet elegant homestead is always empty, and is the perfect place for a day trip.

Pronunciation is key to blending in, so repeat after me: “VER-SAIL”.

Remember to hit that “L” harder than a baseball!

Famous for it’s art collections, weirdly big beds, and lack of crowds, be sure to check out the Hall of Mirrors, where French nobility would play games such as “Bloody Mary” and “Do I have escargot in my teeth?”

4. One of The Art World’s Best Kept Secrets

Speaking of art, next up is a daring, underground (literally) Parisian gallery. Forget the Musée D’Orsay or the Musée Rodin, those tepid tourist traps are nothing compared to this gonzo bunker that houses some of the world’s most twisted art. Entry requires sneaking through a shabby glass pyramid located at the center of a bustling city square, and once inside, you are encouraged to touch as much of the art as possible, as the entire collection is interactive.

This painting, which remains nameless, depicts a woman with an inscrutable expression. Some say she is snickering at the painter (who is a total nobody) others say she is about to sneeze. Fascinating.

This monstrosity, “Winged Victory at Samothrace”, is straight out of a haunted house. What sick bastard would sculpt a decapitated bird-woman on purpose? This is truly a museum of the insane.

3. Cathedral with American Roots

If the previous two destinations were a bit trendy, allow me to placate your weak American palate. This next hidden gem is a quaint church that only sees a handful of tourists each year. Named after the famous Indiana based university known for football and notable graduates such as Condaleeza Rice and Regis Philbin, Notre Dame is the perfect place to escape the crowds and relax. Go Fighting Irish!

2. The Best Shopping Experience Un-known to Man

On three, let’s both say the one thing we hate about shopping in New York… Ready?

1… 2… 3…

GETTING MADE FUN OF!

Exactly right, everyone knows that New York does nothing but crush your fashion-minded spirit whenever you try to shop. Do you know how many times I’ve been laughed out of the Times Square Forever 21 before it closed? Twice. That’s two too many times.

Thankfully, given that Paris is the fashion capitol of the world, it is awash in niche, boutique brands, many of which are located on a single tucked away side street called Champs-Élysées.

Now I know what you are thinking, and YES, it is affiliated with Champs Sports, but the city likes to keep that detail on the hush hush.

Here, you can find several trendy and unheard of brands to browse. Weird little names such as Chanel (pronounced like “Hey man, change the CHANNEL to C-SPAN”), St. Laurent, and Louis Vuitton. To be honest, I don’t know what kind of clothing they carry, as I am pretty loyal to GAP, but it’s gotta be trendy with those french names.

1. Sort of a Boring but Cool Tower

I chose this location for the number one spot because it was so underwhelming and empty that it has to be popular amongst Parisians. It’s a tower of some sort (possibly radio?) and occasionally at night it will light up like its having a seizure, which is honestly pretty annoying. Anyway, get a bottle of wine and sit near it and smoke? That feels pretty French…

Boring right?

In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed this list, and if you ever need any recommendations of where to eat in Paris, hit me up, I hear they have a McDonald’s!

As a result of my office being remote for the month, I took the opportunity to rent a flat in Notting Hill, London, for 10 days. I’ve been to London more times than I can count at this point, often staying at a hotel or the cots in the basement of an old Pall Mall club my New York counterpart has reciprocity with when money is tight.

This trip was different. Given the length of the stay and having to work the entire week, I wanted to lay roots. I wanted to have a local pub (Pelican) and a morning coffee spot (Hagen). A spot where I could really feel as if I lived in London, as I toy with the idea of doing so.

I worked from my kitchen table, I left my phone at home and navigated to the same coffee spot every morning, I limed everywhere and took the Tube only once. I, for a week, lived in London.

The result? I think I have a pretty good handle on one little pocket of the great island. I’d like to return soon and try out Kensington or Chelsea. Perhaps head east, though I fear I’m likely not hip enough for that crowd.

So for now, I give you an extensive guide on Notting Hill, with a few of my favorite other spots in biking distance.

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The Basque coast still feels slightly undiscovered and, in a word, cool. San Sebastian’s raw beauty and exquisite gastronomy and Biarritz’s world class waves make for a fantastic mix of nature and culture. Below, I included my entire itinerary along with some of film photos of my time. Enjoy.

Madrid

I had not been to Madrid since I was studying abroad where my priorities consisted of going to the club, eating cheap food, doing tourist sightseeing, and hitting club. Wash, rinse, repeat. It was really nice to rediscover the city at the age of thirty. I always associated Madrid as “mid”, and lo and behold, it’s exactly the opposite. There’s fabulous boutique shopping, cozy hidden bars, and incredible restaurants. I wish I had more than one night but I truly got enough steps in to claim a longer stay.

I started my trip with an amazing solo lunch at Casa Clavel, ordering a glass of natural orange and the best tapenade I’ve ever had.

Stay: Hotel Unico - featured on the Michelin Guide and in the heart of the Salamanca neighborhood. 11/10 location, staff, rooms, boutique gym, and garden breakfast. I will be staying here next time I’m in Madrid.

Salamanca has some of the best boutique shopping I’ve ever seen, selling unique, high fashion clothing. I could have spent two full days wandering the streets and popping into shops.

Mercado Central Salamanca is a must, filled with produce stations and small restaurants. The most amazing mortadella sandwich loading….

Dinner: De Mil Amores. Also in the Salamanca neighborhood.

La Rioja

We rented a car in Madrid and drove three hours to the small town of Briones. If you have an AmEx Platinum, I highly recommend booking through them for the insurance benefits. We then stopped at the Burgos Cathedral along the way, which is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, and famously the only cathedral in Spain that’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stay: Santa Maria Briones

This boutique hotel was next level. This is on the Michelin Guide and exceeded any expectations we had. It’s sixteen rooms and tucked inside a 16th century manor in a stunning medieval hilltop town. Think high end contemporary luxury meets original stone walls with ancient defensive architecture.

Dinner: Allegar. Super nice restaurant within the hotel with a great wine list. Make reservations in advance, it’s a bit on the fancier side.

We ended up eating at the hotel both nights because the heat wave was so intense (up to 42 degrees celsius) it was hard to even walk around. We sat in the courtyard and enjoyed snacks off the menu, which was perfect.

Wineries: Bodegas Muga

La Rioja is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, famous for its Tempranillo and Garnacha varietals. There are plenty of wineries you can tour within Rioja, but Muga stood out to me because their winemaking processes are very traditional and it’s family owned. We enjoyed the experience but it’s certainly not the most commercial or highest end. Although, their wines and cheese bites were delectable.

Bodega Ysios - Such beautiful architecture and the most commercial experience and vineyard. While, we never did a tour here, we stopped to see the wine shop and building. You will find other Americans here.

After visiting both wineries we did a half day in LaGuardia, a stunning medieval town less than thirty minutes from Briones. LaGuardia is pedestrian only because the ground beneath the cobblestone streets is apparently like Swiss cheese. It is packed with over two-hundred ancient underground wine tunnels and cellars built in the Middle Ages, many of which you can still tour and taste wine in. We were there on St. John’s Eve which is a nationwide summer solstice celebration in Spain. It was really cool to experience but we quickly parked ourselves indoors for one of the best lunches of the trip, Gastro Bar Dona Blanca (the photos don’t do it justice).

Gastro Bar Dona Blanca

San Sebastián

The drive from Briones to San Sebastian was seamless, and only an hour and a half. We had some beautiful sneak peeks of the Pyrenees mountains as well.

Stay: Villa Soro is a dreamy boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet, residential neighborhood just a short walk from downtown. It’s set inside a restored 19th century villa surrounded by private gardens, which makes it feel like a peaceful hideaway from busy downtown. Think sophisticated residential with historic architectural details, contemporary decor and a ton of natural light.

The outdoor patio and breakfast/china deserve a gallery of its own

Gros neighborhood

We had our first pintxo and dinner out in the Gros neighborhood, which is the local area of San Sebastian. The photo on the left below are two pintxo’s from Bar Zabaleta, a tortilla (Spanish omelette) and shrimp dish, the photo on the right is our dessert from Lua Bistro, where we went to dinner. Lua Bistro felt very local yet slightly high end.

(L-R) Bar Zabaleta & Lua Bistro

Downtown San Sebastian

• Pintxo Bar Crawl

  • Pintxo’s are the heart and soul of San Sebastian’s food scene. For those that have never heard of them, a pintxo is a small plate home to Basque Country. The play is to bar hop and order 1-2 pintxo’s per bar, a glass of cider, stand at a high top table, eat, chat with whoever is next to you and move on. While the pintxo bar options are overwhelming, Substack author Charlie Brown from The Sauce summed it up perfectly here: A Field Guide to San Sebastian’s Pintxo Bars.

  • My mom and I hit these three pintxo bars: Sirimiri Gastroleku, Borda Berri and Bar Sport, and they did not disappoint. Borda Berri was my favorite (get the meat pintxo). Here are some photos of what we ordered:

(L-R) Bar Sport, Borda Berri

• Dinner

  • We ate at Portuetxe one night which was recommended by the staff at Villa Soro. Sophisticated wine line and perfectly cooked steak but a bit touristy.

  • I’d be shocked if this is the first time you read this but San Sebastian has the second-highest density of Michelin stars per capita in the world, narrowly trailing behind Kyoto, Japan. Some of the famous Michelin spots include: Elkano, Kokotxa & Akelarre.

• Beaches

  • I spent one afternoon at Beach of La Concha which is directly next to downtown, literally a five or ten minute walk from your pintxo bar crawl. It’ll be busy but it’s so stunning and convenient.

Natural Winery: Ameztoi Txakolin

The highlight of San Sebastian, no doubt. If you go to the Basque Country you must stop here for a drink. The tour was below par lol but the view and scenery were breathtaking. I could not recommend this more. We were beside ourselves during the twenty minute coastal drive from downtown San Sebastian, so stunning.

Michelin Star Lunch: Restaurante Itzuli

We had to visit at least one Michelin star restaurant while we were in town. Unfortunately, our top choices were closed due to the time of year / summer holiday. Make sure you look into restaurant availability before you plan your trip if your goal is to eat at Michelin restaurants.

The service and food at Itzuli were terrific but the setting was nothing to rave over.

Shopping: There is fun boutique shopping here as well, the highlight was Nomada, a rug store which is directly downtown.

Saint-Jean-De-Luz

After getting rear ended by a Swiss-German couple at the toll booth minutes before entering France we spent a half day in Saint-Jean-De-Luz, a pit stop on our one hour drive from from San Sebastian to Biarritz. I spent a whole week in Saint-Jean-De-Luz two summers ago and it’s incredible. Think quaint, zero Americans, and pristine white sand beaches. Similar to San Sebastian, there is a beach directly next to downtown. You can also hike and climb to several remote albeit ~rocky~ beaches in the area. I took a bunch of film here which will give you a visual understanding of the town vibe. I recommend spending at least one night in Saint-Jean-De-Luz, if not more. I’ll be back!

Lunch: We grabbed a quick lunch at Alcalde, just a three minute walk from the beach, which offered amazing olives, white flaky fish and grilled artichokes. Don’t skip the gelato place just across the street!

Artists in the street on film:

Biarritz, Biarritz, Biarritz!

One of the top surfing destinations in the world. I love this city. We unfortunately only had twenty-four hours here but we made the most of it. I was given the reins on our destinations so obviously we ended up in a bar crawl in hopes of discovering locals. First things first, though: our hotel, Hotel Beaumanoir, was amazing.

Stay: Hotel Beaumanoir

The owner, Fred, bought the boutique hotel in the early 2000s and decorated it himself. We spent so much of our time chatting with Fred, understanding where he sourced all of the decor and furniture, it’s top notch. The photos speak volumes!

The Hotel Beaumanoir details

Bars: Le Carlos, Etxola Bibi Biarritz, Olatua

Le Carlos left, Olatua center and right

Les Halles de Biarritz / Morning market:

You must stop by Les Halles de Biarritz (open every day 7:30-14:00). They have all sorts of farmers market type booths and brick and mortar retail shops just outside. The produce and food inside is to die for too. A must see!

Biarritz film highlights by yours truly!

Adios and au revoir!

The curtains are pulled, the fans are whirring, and the heat is shimmering outside my window. I’m trying to find my inner Grace Kelly, reminding myself that I’m a sophisticated writer rather than someone who just walked outside with immediate regrets. My silk dress is clinging to me like a desperate ex. I’m fairly certain Grace Kelly never had silk stick to her skin.

For those familiar with the 1954 Hitchcock classic Rear Window, you remember the actress’ très chic performance as Lisa Fremont. She was a vision in chiffon, a walking advertisement for how to be glamorous even when you’re melting in a New York City heat wave, but during movie nights with my grandmother growing up, I was always far-more fixated on the woman Jimmy Stewart’s character, L.B. Jeffries, called “Miss Torso.” There she was, a ballet dancer pirouetting through her heat-dazed apartment like she was starring in her own private musical, completely unconcerned by the fact that the entire building was watching. I think she had it more figured out than Kelly’s character; she was certainly having more fun.

In Rear Window, the heat is a character with a grudge. Jimmy Stewart’s character, L.B. Jeffries, sidelined by a broken leg in a cast, turns his apartment into a command center for the best show in town: his neighbors. He spends his days with binoculars pressed to his eyes, picking through the lives of the people just across the courtyard. He doesn’t know any of their names, so he instead makes them into characters, giving each a nickname—the songwriter, the newlyweds, Miss Lonelyhearts, the salesman, and my favorite, “Miss Torso”. While he’s trapped in his apartment recovering, he thinks he’s just watching all these people near him like a movie to pass the time.

It’s a tempting way to live, treating life like a flick you’re merely observing, but we’re all guilty of building our own little projection booths. We spend so much energy curating our private spaces and public personas, putting every hair in place, forgetting that the best part of the show isn’t the decor—it’s the unscripted, window-flung-open reality of city life. Or, at least, that’s how it works in the movies. In the window-shuttered reality of Paris, however, the script changes a bit. Hitchcock couldn’t have set Rear Window in Paris, because here, when the heat rises, those volets slam closed faster than a camera shutter. Secrets stay sealed inside, and the city pulls inward in what can only be described as a cavelike hush. The sun bakes those Hausmannian stone exteriors until the entire city feels like it’s holding its breath, waiting for a breeze that isn’t coming.

New York, on the other hand, can’t keep a window closed to save her life. The city throws itself open with a fevered energy when the heat hits. The clack-hiss of window units melts into the sirens shredding the smog and the subway rumbling through your floorboards. It’s total sensory overload, but oh, doesn’t it make you feel like you’re starring in your own movie? Fire escapes turn into stages. We’re out there draped over the iron railings like cast-off laundry, our lives spilling out into the streets in full display. It’s the first urban reality show, and the heat doesn’t just make us sticky—it makes us look.

In cities like these, we are all normally under a silent, voyeuristic contract. We agree to look, but never to stare; to see, but never to acknowledge. We categorize the neighbors à la Jeffries with a single glance: there’s the hedge-fund shark, here’s the tortured downtown artist, and let’s not forget the girl who tried just a little too hard at brunch. We give them nicknames, turn them into characters in our day, and convince ourselves we’re just the audience. It keeps everything at a very comfortable, very curated arm’s length. However, we’re not just the critics, we’re also the actors.

We’re busy playing the role of “The Perfect Parisian” or “The Untouchable New Yorker” and we forget we’re as stifled as the facades themselves. We aren’t being sophisticated; like those Haussmannian buildings, we don’t breathe and we just bake. It reminds me of the moment Lisa admits to Jeffries, “I wish I was creative… I wish I could do the things you do.” Even in head-to-toe couture, she felt confined in her perfection, desperate for a little reality.

Heat is one heck of a truth serum. When the mercury hits the ceiling, the city’s inhibitions finally drop, and the carefully curated calm starts to curdle. In a city as crowded as Paris, you can try to keep your character arc tight and your buttons fastened up to your chin, but sooner or later, the heat is going to strip you down to the person you are once the credits roll. Suddenly, like the tenants of Jeffries’ courtyard, we are all on full display (and rapidly shedding layers). Heat has a way of making everyone a little sexier, a little sweatier, and just a little bit more liable to lose their minds. The “I’m too busy to notice you” mask finally slips. Your poise? It’s running in rivulets down your spine. That “je ne sais quoi” you’ve spent all year projecting? It just evaporated on a steamy street corner. Collars are unbuttoned, makeup is melted, and the usual rules of city decorum simply liquify. Why stare at your phone when you can share a “can you believe this?” eye-roll—or a lingering, heat-drunk look—with the person next to you?

On the street, you might be able to keep up the devil may care act grâce à your sunglasses and your stride. On the metro, however, bon chance when your shoulder is practically adhered to the person next to you. You can’t look away because there’s nowhere else to look, and you can’t look at your phone because your screen is covered in the same condensation as your forehead. Look around and you’ll see the same story playing out on every face. There’s the man in the sharp blazer who has long since abandoned his dignity, his collar loosened, his eyes fixed on the newspaper as if it’s a ransom note. There’s the girl with the vintage silk scarf that was two stops ago, a chic accessory, but now seems to be clinging to her neck like a life-raft. We’re all voyeurs of each other, too drained to even pretend we’re not suffering. We ride out the heat wave like a slow-burn thriller, waiting for the plot to thicken. It isn’t a rom-com, and it’s not film noir, but it is the most honest this city ever gets. We’re all just trying to avoid melting into a pile of accessories and existential dread before the sun sets.

When you’re standing on a metro platform, feeling like a fondue, you realize the best view in the city isn’t the one you get from behind a camera; it’s the one where you finally stop rehearsing and just start being. I’ll share a secret—that’s the only show in town worth watching anyways.

Frankly, trying to stay perfectly temperature-controlled is a losing game. In this fever dream of a summer, I’ve developed a real fondness for the side of me (and my neighbors) that’s a little undone, a little unscripted, and entirely honest. Maybe we can all take a note from Miss Torso: style is less about holding a perfect silhouette against the heat and much more about being the fullest version of yourself with no regard to who is (or isn’t) watching. She just had the nerve to keep moving and not care how it looked.

Yet, as I step out to another hair-dryer blast of hot air on the pavement, my grandmother’s words are in the back of my mind: ladies never sweat; they glow.

In big part thanks to the generosity of a friend who has been going to Capri for close to 15 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time on the island every summer for the past five years.

The first time I went, I stayed for just two days (one night). I got hypnotized by a magician, saw a beach or two, and left thinking, eh, onto the next one.

Man, was I wrong.

Yes, Capri is bougie. But it’s also, objectively, one of the prettiest places in the world. Dramatic cliffs, impossibly blue water, beautiful Italian women—it has it all.

So here’s my best effort at summarizing my favorite places on the island.

Travel

There are two ways to get to Capri: fly into Rome or Naples.

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I was recently back in the UK for a family celebration and decided to treat myself to an overnight stay at the Anglers Arms in Weldon Bridge, near Morpeth, Northumberland. There are overnight stays... and then there are proper overnight stays. Nestled beside the beautiful River Coquet, it was the sort of place where the scenery encourages long walks, while the cosy pub quietly suggests that another pint would be a perfectly reasonable alternative. Happily, the beer was excellent, making the decision to stay put even easier. Add to that some of the friendliest people and the finest accents anywhere, and it was impossible not to feel completely at home.

Morning arrived with the kind of breakfast that deserves its own fan club: kippers and eggs. Now, kippers can divide opinion, but for those of us who appreciate a breakfast with a bit of character (and a lingering aroma that politely reminds everyone you've eaten well), they are hard to beat. Perfectly cooked, wonderfully smoky, and accompanied by eggs that knew exactly what they were doing, it was a breakfast that made cereal seem like an administrative error.

Suitably fueled, I headed to Alnwick for a pilgrimage to the Hardy Store and Museum. For anyone with even the slightest interest in fishing, it's a bit like stepping into a cathedral—except with considerably more split cane, reels, and tweed. The craftsmanship, history, and stories behind the famous Hardy tackle are fascinating, although I hadn't quite appreciated that the museum experience also included several flights of stairs. By the time I'd reached the top, I felt I'd earned another pint, but the displays made every step worthwhile. Whether you're a lifelong fisherman or simply enjoy beautifully made things, it's well worth the climb.

By the end of the trip, I'd managed to combine great hospitality, spectacular riverside scenery, memorable beer, an unforgettable breakfast, and a healthy dose of angling history—all within a remarkably short distance. The only real disappointment? Discovering that despite visiting the Hardy Museum, admiring the River Coquet, climbing enough stairs to qualify for a hill-walking badge, and eating enough kippers to scent a small village, I still wasn't magically transformed into a better fisherman. Clearly, another visit will be required... if only to see whether the beer, kippers and a little Hardy magic eventually improve my casting.

This week I have been down at a Club in the Bahamas, a picture-perfect place that I was super fortunate to attend. The weekend was a dream— island hopping, hanging by the pool bar, and sweating it out in a world-class gym each morning. Even still, I had to battle FOMO at every turn this weekend. Saying this feels insane or even …

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I spend most of my passing moments thinking about the next place I want to go. There’s something so uniquely satisfying about having things to look forward to. More than that, travel breaks patterns and forces you into new and unexpected places. And for me, that’s the heart of the pleasure.

As I write this, I have recently returned from a week in Italy. The idea of Italy has long existed in my imagination as the platonic ideal of summer. It doesn’t take much for my mind to drift to the alluring aimlessness of Dickie Greenleaf in “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”

Though much of this boils down to cultural fantasy, I have a new appreciation for, and understanding of, what makes Italy occupy an oversized place in my consciousness.

While in Rome, I made time to stop into Keats-Shelley House right at the foot of the Spanish Steps. This is the exact place where John Keats died in 1821 at the age of 25.

I could go on and on about why I love Keats. You were probably forced to read his odes at some point (I promise they’re worth returning to with fresh eyes), but you may not have heard of the phrase “negative capability” that he coined in an 1817 letter to his brothers.

In the letter, he’s trying to describe what it is that makes great writers like Shakespeare truly great. He eventually goes on to ascribe the talent to the ability to exist “ in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.” I want us to keep thinking about this idea of avoiding “any irritable reaching after fact and reason” and consider how it might be contrary to the very way we exist.

Dwelling in experience goes on to play a key role in the aesthetic theory of the nineteenth century, culminating in a movement towards “art for art’s sake”—the belief that art holds intrinsic value in itself without needing to serve a higher moral, political, didactic, or utilitarian purpose.

I bring all of this up because I think it’s exactly this frame of mind that leads to the excellence we identify in Italian products and culture. The Italy I encountered seemed more comfortable with things themselves in a way that felt foreign to me as an American, accustomed as we are to grasping for purpose, process, and efficiency.

For example, how often do you cook just to cook? Maybe you haven’t thought much about it, but so often we cook with some ulterior motive: protein goals, weight loss, convenience, efficiency. It’s far rarer to say I want to make the most delicious pasta dish just for it to be delicious.

In some ways, approaching food as food almost feels indulgent, as if it’s a kind of subversive pleasure that needs to be earned. The more I think about it, the more I’m struck by the way we don’t often make room for pleasures in our daily life.

We swap aperitivo for networking, replace home cooking with quick service concepts, opt to order online instead of shopping in person, and in doing so, we remove ourselves from experiencing many of the things that make life worth living.

Our culture has attuned us to thinking about all the choices we make through the lens of valuation. That might make sense in the office, but when we’re not on the clock it can lead to a sea of utilitarian monotony.

At least in the conversations I had, people seemed less preoccupied with improvement for improvement’s sake. They weren’t trying to do things faster. Instead, there was a deep connection to the past and a commitment to preserving it in the present. What struck me most was how rarely the future entered the conversation at all.

I found myself surrounded by small moments of beauty that seemed to exist for no reason beyond themselves.

To bring it back to Keats, we ought to find ways to resist “any irritable reaching after fact and reason.” Grab that fresh thyme because it does make all the difference or buy a linen shirt that you love just because it’s beautiful. Try not to think about knock-on effects and make room for joy. It might just surprise you.

Eventful week for Outpost. A New England golf course sent us a cease and desist—that was fun—but more importantly we had our first block party. Shout out to the 75+ folks who came out on Thursday.

With the help of Ranger Station we had vinyl, amazing cocktails, a cake from the baker to the stars, Gaby Sclezo , and a whole lot of good people. Even had folks who had never heard of Outpost wander in, grab a cigar, a piece of cake, a cocktail, and hit the road. And that’s cool too. Whatever you need, Outpost is here for ya.

If you couldn’t make it but want to grab a shirt, they’re now live on the website along with just a few of our original sweaters. Those went quick. Email me if you want one of those ($135.00.)

More events to come. We’re working on ironing out sponsorship details for an event in August (Nautical) not to mention a jam-packed fall.

Anyways, today I want to highlight two guys I met in Lisbon: Francisco Appleton and Duarte Foro.

I was fortunate enough to spend an hour or two with this incredible pair at their flagship menswear boutique in Lisbon. Duarte, being the consummate gentleman that he is, wouldn’t let me leave without taking one of their incredible green blazers from the collection. I wear it constantly and have received endless compliments. The bad news is they only sell in-store at the moment. That said, if enough folks are interested, maybe Outpost will get a few of these over the pond for ya.

Email us at info@outpostnyc.co or, as always, feel free to reply directly to this email.

An Outpost on Alphaiate

Walking into Alphaiate, the men’s tailor and boutique that has called Lisbon home for the last 10 years, is like walking into a well-curated home. Leather couches, taxidermy adorned with bow ties, espresso makers humming away, and coffee tables stacked with books from some of the most prolific menswear authors.

Alphaiate is indeed a home—home to world-class Portuguese menswear.

The company was founded by two former rugby players, Francisco Appleton, a law graduate, and Duarte Foro, who studied history. Neither knew much about the world of tailoring. What they did know was they didn’t like the way suits looked, and being absolute units of men, they sure as hell didn’t like the way they fit.

The pair teamed up with master tailor Alfredo. Fortunately for the two rugby players who dreamed up the company in the showers after a match, what they lacked in tailoring knowledge, Mr. Alfredo made up for in spades with more than 50 years of Portuguese suit-making experience.

What the team does have, beyond world-class tailoring, is incredible taste and an attention to detail that comes through in every piece. Made for a younger generation, these clothes are not from your grandfather’s closet.

Their style is distinctly European: muted colors, soft construction, and an absence of heavy lining. Everything from weighty fabrics that I can only imagine get better with age to airy linens delicate enough to keep any discerning man cool in the Portuguese sun. The colors scream European beach vacation, greens, beautiful navy blues, custom morning coats complete with tails, all the way down to cashmere socks on the table that lead me to believe that even the most discerning gentlemen could build his wardrobe, start to finish at Alphaiate.

What started as a journey to better dress themselves has grown into two stores with a third location on the way in Porto.

Excited to see where the brand goes and hope to have these two to New York for an Outpost Trunk Show down the line.

Cheers,

Have a great week,