You see it in the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit signs along the highway, the backyard pits that come out on weekends, the smokehouses that have been around for decades, and the restaurants where the smokers are going long before the dining room opens, with a smell that lingers for blocks on end. You grow up smoking meats takes time, that the person running the pit matters, and that people can have very strong opinions about how barbecue should be done.

That familiarity also comes with a sense of regional identity. Texas has brisket. The Carolinas have their own traditions. Memphis has its ribs, Kansas City its sauces and burnt ends. Each region has developed its own vocabulary around smoke, meat, wood, seasoning, and technique.

But the boundaries of American barbecue have never been as fixed as they can sometimes seem.

Across the country, a new group of chefs and pitmasters is bringing the food they grew up with to the barbecue pit. Ethiopian spices are being paired with Texas-style smoked meats. Vietnamese ingredients are finding their way into brisket and sausages. Indonesian, Dominican, Cantonese, and Puerto Rican flavors are being incorporated into established barbecue techniques.

The result isn’t necessarily a departure from barbecue tradition. In many cases, it’s another chapter in our country’s culinary history that has always been shaped by different cultures and regional influences.

In his seminal book about the history of this style of cooking in America, Black Smoke, historian Adrian Miller traces barbecue to cooking techniques developed by Indigenous people in the Caribbean that encountered European ingredients brought by colonists. Black cooks then developed and refined the cuisine, helping establish the traditions that would eventually spread throughout the American South and beyond.

Those traditions continued to change as barbecue moved through different regions and communities. The restaurants below are part of that ongoing evolution, using familiar techniques while bringing something distinctly their own to the pit.

1. Smoke ’n Ash BBQ

Arlington, Texas

At Smoke ’N Ash BBQ in Arlington, just outside Dallas, Fasicka Hicks combines Ethiopian flavors with the Southern barbecue her husband, Patrick, grew up eating.

Berbere spice and awaze make their way into the restaurant’s smoked meats, creating a style that draws from both Ethiopian and Texas traditions without trying to make either one disappear.

What to Order

• The Tex-Ethiopian Platter: Smoked doro wat (chicken stew), awaze brisket, awaze pork ribs, pork rib tips, Texas toast, injera or rice pilaf, and two sides such as misir wat (red lentil stew), berbere mac and cheese, or beefy collard greens.

The combination also reflects the personal nature of the restaurant. The Ethiopian influence isn’t “fusion”, but a part of the continuation of the relationship between the people behind the food as witnessed.

2. Khói Barbecue

Houston, Texas

Texas barbecue already carries the influence of immigrant communities, particularly the Czech and German traditions that became part of the state’s barbecue culture. At Khói Barbecue in Houston, brothers Don and Theo Nguyen add their own family history to that story.

Fish sauce, lemongrass, and other Vietnamese ingredients appear alongside Texas-style smoked meats.

What to Order

• The Viet-Tex Trinity: Phú Quốc pepper brisket, Saigon spares, and bò lá lốt sausages.

Khói’s approach makes sense within Houston’s broader food culture, where Vietnamese cooking has been part of the city’s identity for generations. Here, those flavors are being applied to a distinctly Texas format.

3. Fikscue Craft BBQ

San Francisco / Alameda, California

At Fikscue Craft BBQ in Alameda, married couple Fik and Reka Saleh bring Indonesian flavors into the world of American barbecue.

Smoked brisket is used in beef rendang, while the restaurant’s slaw combines cabbage, cucumber, and pineapple with a peanut-based dressing. Last year, the couple expanded with a second location at San Francisco’s Chase Center, bringing the combination of Austin-style barbecue and Jakarta-inspired flavors to game-day crowds.

What to Order

• Smoked Brisket: Used in dishes such as the Rendang Plate, where it is served in spiced coconut milk.

• Rujak Slaw: Shredded cabbage, cucumber, and pineapple with a tangy peanut sauce.

• Macaroni Goreng: Pasta mixed with ground beef, peppers, eggs, green onions, fried shallots, and cheese.

The restaurant’s food is recognizable as barbecue, but the Indonesian influence reigns supreme without overpowering it or changing the dishes around it.

4. Bark Barbecue

Brooklyn, New York

In Brooklyn, Ruben Santana runs Bark Barbecue, a Dominican-Texas-style barbecue restaurant that draws from both sides of his culinary background.

The team grinds, cures, and smokes its own longaniza sausage. Smoked pork belly is deep-fried for chicharrones, while the Tres Golpes sandwich combines sweet plantain, pulled pork, and Dominican fried cheese on a potato roll.

What to Order

• Dominican-Style Carnitas: Smoked and confited brisket trimmings with green sauce on a tostone.

• Chicharron: Skin-on smoked pork belly, fried to order.

• Longaniza Sausage: Seasoned with sofrito, sour orange, oregano, and garlic.

At Bark, Santana has found a way to let Texas barbecue speak with a Dominican accent. The restaurant draws on the Dominican tradition of spit-roasting pork over live fire, folding that familiarity with smoke and fire into Texas-style barbecue and the flavors of Santana’s upbringing. The result feels less like a fusion exercise than a natural extension of two traditions built around the same elemental idea: cooking meat over fire.

5. King BBQ

Charleston, South Carolina

At King BBQ in Charleston, chef Shuai Wang brings Cantonese barbecue into a restaurant shaped by the food traditions of the American South.

The ribs are smoked before being finished with the red lacquer associated with Cantonese barbecue. They’re served alongside Szechuan peppercorn-spiced collards and dan dan noodles, creating a menu that moves between Chinese and Southern cooking without treating either tradition as a novelty.

What to Order

• Shrimp Toast Sliders: Fried shrimp cakes with American cheese and dilly pickles on a King’s Hawaiian roll.

• Chinese BBQ Spare Ribs: Sticky pork ribs with Chinese five-spice and char siu glaze.

• Szechuan Collards: Collard greens with soy, ginger, scallion, chile crisp, and chopped pork.

Char siu meets the flavors of the South. Carolina BBQ has a lot of Gullah Geechee history behind it, and they do it justice.

6. Palmira Barbecue

Charleston, South Carolina

In Charleston’s West Ashley neighborhood, Palmira Barbecue brings Puerto Rican influence to the barbecue pit.

Owner Hector Gárate uses sofrito and pique, a spicy vinegar sauce, to give the restaurant’s smoked meats a distinctly Puerto Rican character. The menu includes familiar barbecue preparations alongside dishes that draw directly from Puerto Rican cooking.

What to Order

• Smoked Beef Cheeks: Smoked and then confited in beef tallow.

• Hash and Rice: Shredded smoked hog head served over rice.

• Pernil: Slow-roasted pulled Duroc pork.

• Arroz con Gandules: Medium-grain rice cooked with beer and pigeon peas.

That balance — maintaining the techniques that define barbecue while making room for a Puerto Rican culinary perspective — is visible throughout Palmira’s menu.

The Future of “New American” BBQ

What makes these restaurants interesting isn’t just taking spices, recipes, and techniques from another cuisine and putting them through a barbecue lens. It’s that each pit tells a different story about how people eat.

For some of these cooks, barbecue is something they grew up with; for others, it’s a technique they’ve taken on and made their own. Ethiopian spices, Vietnamese fish sauce, Indonesian rendang, Dominican sofrito, Cantonese barbecue, Puerto Rican pique all present a unique palate to draw from and a different set of flavors and memories to a cuisine already shaped by migration and exchange.

That makes the idea of a single American barbecue tradition difficult to pin down. Much like the country’s demographics, traditions, and food, barbecue is shaped by a mix of different influences and histories.

Barbecue has never traveled in a straight line. It has moved from one region to another, absorbed local ingredients and techniques, and changed in the hands of the people cooking it. Texas brisket, Memphis ribs, Carolina whole hog— each is the product of a particular place and the people who made that food there.

The pits haven’t changed much. There is still wood, smoke, time, and the patience required to know when a piece of meat is ready. What’s different is what cooks are bringing to the fire with them: the flavors they grew up with, the dishes they remember, and the traditions they want to carry forward.

Perhaps that’s the better way to understand where American barbecue is headed. Not as a cuisine moving away from its roots, but as one still accumulating them and making it stronger, akin to quirky regional accents and traditions.

It’s what happens when you give a pitmaster room to make it their own without dogmatic rules. It’s punk rock in some way, or an empty easel for an artist to conjure up a masterpiece. Hey, maybe I take a sumac/coffee rub, pomegranate molasses sauce, and saffron dirty rice here, and I may take my stab at it.

For the first six months, it often felt like every Friday came and went without the album, the instant classic everyone could rally around. Unlike recent years, there hasn’t been a universally beloved indie record, no metal album that completely reset the conversation, no electronic release that dominated clubs and message boards alike, and no pop blockbuster that felt truly inescapable. Instead, this has been a year that has rewarded curiosity more than consensus.

The best records of 2026 haven’t necessarily been the loudest. They’ve been hiding in Bandcamp recommendations, SoundCloud “Id?” replies, late-night RateYourMusic rabbit holes, and opening sets from bands playing to 40 people. It’s been the kind of year where you have to dig a little deeper than usual—and where repeat listens reveal far more than first impressions ever could.

Thankfully, July has started to change that. The release schedule has finally accelerated, long-awaited records have begun arriving one after another, and suddenly the year feels much more alive. Whether the second half delivers the instant smashes we’ve been waiting for remains to be seen, but there are already dozens of records worth spending time with.

Below are my favorite releases of 2026 so far. I haven’t ranked them—that can wait until December—but taken together they paint a fascinating picture of a year that’s been less about consensus and more about discovery. From towering legacy acts to grungegaze newcomers, from crushing sludge metal to ecstatic hyperpop, these are the albums I’ve kept coming back to.

American Football — LP4

It still feels surreal that American Football have become one of the defining guitar bands of the last decade rather than simply the band behind one beloved cult classic. LP4 doesn’t attempt to recreate the magic of 1999, nor should it. Instead, it continues the quiet evolution that began on LP3, leaning into patient songwriting, richer arrangements, and the kind of emotional subtlety that only comes from musicians who’ve aged gracefully alongside their audience.

The hooks arrive gradually rather than immediately, revealing themselves after several listens instead of announcing themselves outright. Mike Kinsella’s voice remains wonderfully understated, carrying melodies that feel conversational without ever becoming ordinary. Every guitar figure seems carefully placed, every drum fill purposeful. Few bands understand negative space as well as American Football, and LP4 may be their most spacious record yet.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Owen • The Appleseed Cast • The Hotelier • Mineral • 40-year old guy who works at Trader Joe’s Slowcore

Aya Nakamura — Destinée Supremacy

Aya Nakamura has spent years proving that global pop doesn’t need to conform to Anglo-American expectations, and Destinée Supremacy continues that streak with remarkable confidence. Rather than chasing trends, she bends them around herself, effortlessly moving between Afropop, R&B, French pop, and sleek club production without making any of it feel forced.

The album’s greatest strength is how natural everything sounds. Hooks emerge almost casually, melodies linger for days, and the production feels luxurious without ever overwhelming the songs themselves. Even at its most polished, Destinée Supremacy never loses the personality that has made Nakamura one of the most compelling international pop stars of the decade.

It’s another reminder that some of the most exciting mainstream pop music continues to happen outside the traditional English-speaking market.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Tyla • Tems • Amaarae • Fine Ladies in Sundresses

Basement — Wired

There’s something refreshing about hearing Basement return without trying to relive their youth. Wired isn’t interested in recreating Colourmeinkindness or chasing the emotional peaks of Promise Everything. Instead, it sounds like a band embracing experience—older, heavier, and considerably more patient.

The guitars remain enormous, but there’s a clarity here that wasn’t always present before. Instead of burying every emotion beneath distortion, Basement let their melodies breathe, making the explosive moments land even harder. The record balances post-hardcore urgency with alternative rock songwriting, reminding listeners why the band has remained so influential despite long stretches of inactivity.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Balance and Composure • Citizen • Title Fight • Superheaven • Narrow Head

Boards of Canada — Inferno

More than a decade removed from their last full-length, Boards of Canada somehow return sounding exactly like themselves and completely transformed at the same time.

Inferno doesn’t reinvent the duo’s hazy analog aesthetic so much as deepen it. The familiar tape hiss, detuned synths, and half-remembered melodies remain, but there’s an unsettling darkness running underneath nearly every track. It feels less nostalgic than previous records, replacing childhood memories with something stranger—like revisiting places you once loved only to discover they’ve quietly disappeared.

As always, the details matter. Tiny textures emerge after repeated listens, melodies dissolve before fully revealing themselves, and rhythms drift in and out like radio stations barely coming into focus. Few electronic artists reward patient listening as consistently as Boards of Canada.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Autechre • Casino Versus Japan • Bibio • The Black Dog • Aphex Twin

Boundaries — Yearning: The Unbeautiful After

Yearning: The Unbeautiful After builds naturally on the foundation of Death Is Little More, refining Boundaries’ mix of metallic hardcore, melodic metalcore, and emotionally raw lyricism. The band continues to balance crushing riffs with memorable melodies, giving the album a sense of weight without sacrificing replayability. While it doesn’t drastically reinvent their sound, it’s a confident, well-written follow-up that reinforces why Boundaries have become one of the more consistent bands in modern metalcore.

Favorite Track:

RIYL: Counterparts • Foreign Hands • Dying Wish • Misery Signals • Balmora

Bridgette Calls Me Baby — Irreversible

One of the biggest surprises of the year, Irreversible somehow expands Bridgette Calls Me Baby’s already outsized sense of melody without sacrificing any of the theatrical charm that made them stand out in the first place. The band’s gift for writing songs that feel simultaneously timeless and unmistakably modern remains intact, but there’s noticeably more confidence here.

Rather than leaning too heavily on comparisons to Morrissey or Roy Orbison, Irreversible establishes an identity all its own. The songwriting is sharper, the arrangements richer, and every chorus feels built to echo through packed clubs. It’s dramatic without becoming melodramatic—a difficult balance that few young bands manage to achieve.

If their debut introduced them as one of indie rock’s most promising new voices, this feels like the record that confirms they belong in the conversation for years to come.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: The Smiths • The Killers • Suede • The National • Roy Orbison

Brutalismus 3000 — Harmony

Brutalismus 3000 continue to blur the line between hard techno, gabber, electroclash, and industrial music, but what’s remarkable is how much fun they’re having while doing it. Every track sounds like it’s threatening to spiral completely out of control before snapping perfectly back into place. The production is massive without becoming sterile, abrasive without becoming exhausting.

For all its intensity, Harmony understands the importance of release. Hooks appear exactly when they need to, vocal performances inject personality into the machine-like production, and every drop feels earned rather than obligatory.

Few records this year demand to be played louder.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: COBRAH • VTSS • 2hollis • Prospa • Gesaffelstein, Chugging a Ghost and Driving 100+ on the highway

Casket Cassette — Reducer

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Darkwave, lo-fi beats to be sad to

Chanel Beads — Your Day Will Come

Chanel Beads’ new record is a noticeable step up from their self-titled debut, with stronger songwriting and a more refined sonic palette. While the album is consistently immersive, I think there’s still room for the band to push further with texture and dynamics. Many of the tracks explore variations of the same hazy atmosphere, making the record feel somewhat monochromatic at times. Even so, that cohesive mood is part of its appeal—the album is intriguing, hypnotic, and quietly addictive, leaving a lasting impression long after it ends.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Cindy Lee • ML Buch • Grouper • Dean Blunt • Spirit of the Beehive

Charli XCX — Music, Fashion, Film

This is easily one of the most divisive albums I’ve heard all year. I really like its darker, more introspective direction, but the songwriting rarely reaches the standard Charli has set on previous releases. It plays like a slow burn—one that I could easily see myself appreciating much more in a few years.

It’s obvious this album is driven more by experimentation than accessibility, and I admire that ambition even if the execution is inconsistent. At its best, it’s haunting, vulnerable, and surprisingly personal, capturing a sense of emotional disillusionment unlike anything else in her catalog. At its worst, though, it feels underwritten, juvenile, and overly reliant on shock value, with a few tracks that never quite come together.

It’s far from a mediocre record—in fact, I like it more than I don’t—but for now it sits among the weaker entries in Charli’s discography. I have a feeling it’s the kind of album that will age better than my first impression, already growing on me.

Favorite Track:

RIYL: Millennial Hole, Dry Cleaning

CQ Wrestling — Resistance

Resistance marks a powerful reinvention for CQ Wrestling. Born from grief, burnout, and a near-breakup, the album trades the band’s Britpop leanings for a heavier, more emotionally charged sound rooted in shoegaze and alt-rock. The songwriting feels raw and cathartic, balancing explosive moments with introspective lyricism. While its themes of loss and resilience are deeply personal, the record’s intensity and conviction make it universally compelling. It’s an ambitious reset that proves CQ Wrestling emerged from adversity stronger than ever.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Maximo Park - Mid 2000s NME “Bands to Watch for”

Converge — Love Is Not Enough / Hum of Hurt

Converge somehow managed to release two albums in one year without either feeling redundant. Love Is Not Enough is a lean, emotionally devastating barrage that refines the band’s signature blend of metalcore and hardcore, while Hum of Hurt leans further into noise rock and atmosphere, embracing a harsher, more experimental edge. Together, they showcase every side of Converge’s sound—furious, vulnerable, chaotic, and meticulously crafted. Nearly four decades into their career, the band remains one of heavy music’s most vital and uncompromising forces.

Favorite Track:

RIYL: Botch • The Dillinger Escape Plan • Cave In • Ken Mode • Chat Pile

Crooked Man — Crooked Stile

On Crooked Stile, Richard Barratt (aka Crooked Man) proves he’s lost none of his creative spark. Blending house, acid, disco, and techno, the album balances inventive originals with bold reworks of classics. Highlights include the sprawling, irresistible “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” the hypnotic “Projection” featuring Róisín Murphy, and the acid-fueled “Big Love.” It’s a confident, sophisticated dance record that shows experience can be just as exciting as youthful energy.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Grown and sexy night at Fabric London, Baxter Drury, Dancing at the local chippie

Danny Earle — Cerulean

Not to sound like a Pitchfork writer, but Cerulean feels like what I’d call “post-trance.” It takes the core elements of trance and reshapes them into something unmistakably Danny L Harle—minimal, playful, and endlessly inventive. Much of the album is built from little more than vocals, kick drums, and bass, yet every new synth, percussion hit, or glitch feels exciting and purposeful.

Harle balances camp with genuine compositional brilliance, effortlessly shifting from quirky, off-kilter melodies to soaring progressive climaxes. The result is a record that feels both cosmic and deeply human, pairing shimmering digital textures with grounded, tactile production. Whether or not it’s technically his debut, Cerulean is easily his most cohesive and fully realized solo work to date

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Okou, MNEK, Caroline Polachek

FCKERS — O

For a band that thrives on immediacy, O is surprisingly patient. FCKERS still make dance-punk that feels wired directly into New York’s nightlife, but instead of constantly sprinting toward the next hook, they let grooves simmer. The result is an album that’s less about explosive moments than sustained momentum—a record that feels just as comfortable blasting from warehouse speakers at 2 a.m. as it does through headphones on the subway ride home.

There’s an effortless cool to these songs that never crosses into self-seriousness. Every bassline seems to lock into place instinctively, every synth line adds just enough color without crowding the mix, and the vocals carry themselves with the confidence of a band that’s stopped worrying about proving anything. It recalls the DFA boom of the early 2000s without feeling nostalgic for it, finding fresh energy in dance music’s cyclical nature.

Not every experiment lands, but even the messier moments contribute to the album’s charm. O succeeds because it trusts listeners to find their own way inside it.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: LCD Soundsystem • The Dare • !!! •

Fiddlehead — Baby I’ll Change (EP)

This is the most melodic Fiddlehead have sounded yet, and it’s a direction that suits them well. The jangly hooks give the songs a refreshing lift, while Pat Flynn’s earnest vocal delivery remains the emotional centerpiece. The opener is a standout—an explosive, instantly memorable track that sets a high bar—while the title track closes things on another strong note with some of the band’s best melodies. Although the hazier middle section doesn’t hit quite as hard, the EP is consistently engaging and leaves a strong impression. More than anything, it feels like an exciting glimpse of where Fiddlehead could go next.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Drug Church • Have Heart • Anxious • Koyo • Touché Amoré

Frost Children — Tweaker Poem (EP)

Few artists capture the internet’s overwhelming pace quite like Frost Children. Tweaker Poem somehow manages to sound overstimulated and emotionally sincere at the same time, jumping between hyperpop, indie rock, EDM, emo, and glitchy experimentation without ever feeling random, all while being incredibly catchy.

Favorite Tracks: “,” “,” “_____”

RIYL: underscores • Jane Remover • 100 gecs • Food House • quannnic

Helado Tropical — Helado Tropical

The collaboration between Helado Negro and Reyna Tropical feels remarkably natural, blending dreamy indie pop, Latin folk, and understated electronic textures into a warm, transportive listen. The songwriting favors atmosphere over immediacy, but the duo’s chemistry and restrained production make every moment feel inviting. It’s a quietly beautiful record that rewards sinking into its hazy, sun-drenched world.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Helado Negro • Devendra Banhart • Khruangbin • Mild High Club • Little Joy

HEKT — Forever

Forever channels the euphoric spirit of 2010s EDM through a distinctly modern lens, blending progressive house, hyperpop, and trance into a collection of emotionally charged club tracks. Hekt balances massive hooks with sleek, detailed production, making even the most familiar sounds feel fresh. It’s an effortlessly fun dance record that never loses sight of its emotional core, pairing club euphoria with a lingering sense of longing.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Hudson Mohawke • Smerz • A. G. Cook • Four Tet

Isaiah Rashad — It’s Been Awful

Isaiah Rashad delivers another deeply personal and introspective record, tackling sexuality, depression, and addiction with striking honesty. The mellow, melodic production—occasionally accented by dusty soul samples—pairs perfectly with his laid-back yet rhythmically engaging flow. While the album could benefit from more of the urgency and intensity found on some of his earlier work, its understated approach gives the confessional songwriting room to breathe. It may not reach the highs of his best material, but it’s another strong reminder that Rashad remains one of hip-hop’s most underrated voices. .

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Saba • Mick Jenkins • Smino • Vince Staples • Kendrick Lamar (Mr. Morale)

Joyce Manor — I Used to Go to This Bar

Joyce Manor have spent nearly fifteen years perfecting the art of saying everything they need to say in under three minutes, and I Used to Go to This Bar continues that tradition beautifully.

The songs remain concise without ever feeling rushed. Hooks arrive almost immediately, choruses stick after one listen, and Barry Johnson continues writing lyrics that somehow feel both hyper-specific and universally relatable. The band’s knack for balancing pop-punk immediacy with genuine emotional weight remains virtually unmatched.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: The Menzingers • Tigers Jaw • Oso Oso • Prince Daddy & the Hyena • Modern Baseball

Jump Source — Fold

This is the kind of electronic record that begs to be replayed the moment it ends. It leans more toward house with techno instincts than a true hybrid, pairing bouncy synths and playful melodies with hypnotic, evolving rhythms and deep, buzzing basslines. The occasional detours into dub keep things fresh, while the guest features slot in seamlessly, adding memorable vocal hooks without disrupting the flow. More than anything, the album nails a specific mood: warm evenings, cooling pavement, and the last light of the day. Melancholy without wallowing, clinical without feeling cold, it’s a consistently infectious listen that only gets better with repeat plays.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Rinse FM mixes, Jacques Greene, Skin on Skin

Kelela — new avatar

Ethereal, sensual, atmospheric, and deeply nocturnal, this is one of the most captivating alternative R&B records of the year. Kelela effortlessly blends R&B, dream pop, and touches of trip-hop into a sound that also recalls the hazy experimentalism of Jai Paul. Her vocals rarely dominate the mix, instead melting into the lush production as another carefully woven texture. The result is an immersive, intoxicating album whose adventurous production and understated performances reward repeat listens.

My AOTY so far.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Tirzah • FKA twigs • Oklou • Sega Bodega •

Koyo — Barely Here

Koyo continue proving that melodic hardcore doesn’t have to choose between sincerity and singalongs. Barely Here pushes the band’s songwriting further than ever, balancing massive choruses with the kind of emotional specificity that gives those hooks real weight.

The guitars are bigger, the production cleaner, but the heart of the band hasn’t changed. These songs still feel rooted in Long Island hardcore while reaching toward something broader—equal parts basement show catharsis and festival-ready anthem.

It’s easy to imagine these tracks becoming fan favorites for years, not because they’re louder or faster than before, but because they’re simply better written.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Fiddlehead • Anxious • One Step Closer • No Pressure • The Story So Far

Leroy — Status Update Music

I love how Status Update Music fuses sugary dance-pop instincts with abrasive, glitch-ridden production. Plenty of artists have explored this space, but Leroy’s execution feels uniquely fluid, constantly shifting between euphoric pop and overwhelming digital chaos without ever settling. Even with lyrics built almost entirely from sampled pop vocals, the album conveys a remarkably personal emotional arc through sound alone. Its restless, unstable energy resonates in a way that’s both deeply specific and surprisingly universal, making it one of the most distinctive electronic records I’ve heard in a long time.

Favorite Track:

RIYL: Jane Remover • underscores • quannnic • 8485 • Frost Children

Lip Critic — Theft World

Lip Critic somehow make complete sensory overload feel meticulously organized. Industrial percussion collides with dance-punk grooves, blown-out synths interrupt themselves mid-song, and every track seems to threaten total collapse before revealing another perfectly constructed hook underneath the wreckage.

A headphone listen, a blow out your Sonos listen. Very fresh.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Model/Actriz • Gilla Band • The Armed • Machine Girl • Black MIDI

Loukeman — SD-3

Sd-3 is an exciting return for Loukeman, packed with some of his strangest and most richly textured music to date. Rather than chasing cohesion, the album thrives on variety, exploring a wide range of downtempo styles while maintaining an incredible level of detail throughout its 46-minute runtime. Every track introduces new sounds and ideas, making the record feel endlessly rewarding to explore.

My electronic AOTY thus far.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Outsider house, texture, campfires

Madonna — Confessions 2

Late stage Madonna still better than 95% of modern pop. She’s still on her game.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Kylie Minogue • Jessie Ware • Roísín Murphy • Pet Shop Boys • Confessions on a Dance Floor

Namesenda — Limbo

Limbo may not have as many instant earworms as Unlimited Ammo, but it’s a more cohesive and consistent record. Namasenda’s voice isn’t especially showy, yet its smooth, understated delivery suits the album’s cold blend of hyperpop, dream pop, and Eurodance perfectly. Her knack for melody and phrasing keeps the hooks lingering long after the songs end, even if the occasionally vocal-heavy mix buries some of the production’s finer details. It’s a confident debut that proves her appeal extends well beyond the PC Music era.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: PC Music, FKA Twigs

Neurosis — An Undying Love for a Burning World

After a fifteen plus year hiatus, Neurosis return with An Undying Love for a Burning World, an album that’s crushing without relying solely on heaviness. The band’s greatest strength has always been atmosphere, and that remains true here. Every riff feels tectonic, every crescendo carefully earned, and every quiet passage exists only to make the next eruption even more devastating. Decades into their career, Neurosis still understand that true heaviness comes from tension rather than volume.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Amenra • Cult of Luna • ISIS • YOB • Sumac

Nia Archives — Emotional Junglist

This strikes a sweet spot between jungle and pop that feels tailor-made for my tastes. It may be too polished for jungle purists and too rhythm-focused for pop listeners, but Nia Archives continues to blend both worlds with confidence. I do wish she’d occasionally step outside the pop structure and let these ideas breathe into longer, wilder tracks, but it’s hard to complain when the songwriting is this consistently enjoyable. It’s an effortlessly replayable record from start to finish.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: PinkPantheress • Sherelle • Sully • DJ ADHD • LTJ Bukem

Nine Inch Noize — Nine Inch Noize

A surprisingly fun and engaging remix collection that reimagines familiar material through a harsh industrial lens. Grinding rhythms, blown-out synths, and mechanical textures create a cold, hostile atmosphere while still leaving plenty of room for memorable hooks to shine through. A few tracks overstay their welcome through repetition, but the album remains focused, cohesive, and consistently enjoyable.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Gesaffelstein • HEALTH • The Prodigy • Boys Noize • Perturbator

Nirosta Steel — My Skyscraper

My Skyscraper is a sprawling adventure through Steven Hall’s life’s work. On its 17 tracks, it effortlessly blends through a number of genres, from lo-fi to disco, folk, post-rock, and more. The album has a hypnotizing quality. The combination of Hall’s vocal delivery and the mechanical nature of the songs often leaves the listener in a trance. Overall, an addicting, great album.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Arthur Russell, Velvet Underground

Prospa — Free Your Mind

Similar to Kettama’s Archangel of 2025, a very cohesive collection of tracks from the Prospa boys. Always nice to see dance acts put together a strong body of work instead of just churning out singles.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Bicep • Overmono • DJ Seinfeld • Ross From Friends • Fred again..

Quiet Light — Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2

Hazy guitar layers and slow moving melodies create a dreamy atmosphere that values texture over immediacy. The production has a pleasing sense of space, though several songs struggle to distinguish themselves. Consistent mood and strong sonic detail keep it afloat. Glitch Enya, have it.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Chilling on your porch on a 67 degree day, Enya, ML Buch

Ratboys — Singin’ to an Empty Chair

This year’s indie alt-country banger. Crack one open for some twangy, breezy jams.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Wednesday • Hovvdy • Waxahatchee • MJ Lenderman • Pinegrove

Roman Candle — Unadulterated

Las Vegas’ finest and adding to an impressive roster of female-fronted metalcore and hardcore bands, and Roman Candle are among the genre’sstrongest emerging acts. Their debut album is a clear step up from 2022’s Discount Fireworks, pairing sharp songwriting with production that stays heavy and emotional without feeling overpolished. Piper Ferrari is the obvious standout—her raw, mid-range howl recalls Christina Michelle of Gouge Away and gives the album much of its urgency and character. Combined with thoughtful storytelling and consistently engaging performances, this is a confident debut that cements Roman Candle as one of the most exciting new bands in the scene.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: 7 Angels 7 Plagues, Gouge Away, Commitment

Slayyyter — WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA

‘Cuz sometimes you just wanna feel like a bad bitch.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Feeling like a bad bitch

Soft Curse — Liminal Ritual

Liminal Ritual expands on Soft Curse’s blend of doom, post-metal, and shoegaze with a heavier, more immersive sound. The band calls it’s sound “gloom metal” and rightfully so. A hell of a listen.

My metal AOTY thus far.

Favorite Track:

RIYL: Holy Fawn • Planning for Burial • Deafheaven • Oathbreaker • State Faults

Static Dress — Injury Episode

If Rouge Carpet Disaster introduced Static Dress as one of post-hardcore’s most exciting young bands, Injury Episode proves they were never interested in simply becoming scene favorites. This record is bigger, stranger, and considerably more ambitious, stretching the band’s blend of post-hardcore, nu-metal, shoegaze, and industrial textures into something that feels increasingly difficult to categorize.

Their best album to date. The mallcore I grew up on. AOTY contender.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Loathe • Deftones • Underoath • Fleshwater • Glassjaw

The Silver — Looking Glass Hymnal Blue

With Looking Glass Hymnal Blue, The Silver continue pushing black metal into adventurous new territory. Blending progressive metal, gothic flourishes, and feral black metal, the band crafts a sound that’s both technically intricate and emotionally resonant. The songwriting constantly shifts between soaring melodies, surgical blast beats, and theatrical clean vocals, creating an album that’s unpredictable yet remarkably cohesive. It’s a bold, cathartic release that balances experimentation with genuine emotional weight.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Alt metal for people who don’t like alt metal, Katatonia

Thistle — Backflip (EP)

Algo cooked this one up. 2000’s metalcore revival is so back baby.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Ferret Records circa 2006

Tiffany Day — HALO

Watch this:

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Underscores • Ninajirachi • Tove Lo

Truck Violence — The Weathervane Is My Body

Something is the waters in Oklahoma City. If it means more bands like this and Chat Pile, I’m all for it.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Chat Pile • Sprain • Greet Death • Kowloon Walled City • Unwound

Two Shell — Infinite Now+

I think you see a trend in the sub-genre of electronic I’ve been into the most this year. Fair play.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Joy Orbison • Overmono • Skee Mask • Bicep

underscores — U

U feels like pop music distilled to its purest form. It pulls from decades of influences—girl groups, Europop, alternative R&B, hyperpop, and more—but filters them through underscores’ unmistakable production style, creating something that feels both familiar and entirely her own. Rather than chasing trends, she reshapes them into an album that’s loud, emotional, and endlessly inventive. Its brevity leaves you wanting more, but that’s a minor complaint against one of the year’s most vibrant and forward-thinking pop records.

My pop/indie AOTY thus far.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Jane Remover • Frost Children • gecs • Porter Robinson • brakence

WU LYF — A Wave That Will Never Break

Fifteen years after their landmark debut, WU LYF return with a comeback that feels remarkably natural. A Wave That Will Never Break expands on the emotional indie rock, post-rock, and dream pop that made the band so beloved, while introducing fresh touches of math rock, gothic atmosphere, and richer arrangements. The songwriting is varied without losing cohesion, balancing soaring anthems with quieter, meditative moments. Rather than living in the shadow of Go Tell Fire to the Mountain, this feels like a worthy continuation—proof that WU LYF still have plenty left to say.

Favorite Tracks:

RIYL: Black Country, New Road • The Walkmen • Frightened Rabbit • Ought • Early Arcade Fire

Closing Thoughts

If the first half of 2026 has taught us anything, it’s that consensus isn’t everything.

While previous years seemed to produce an obvious Album of the Year contender by spring, this year has rewarded listeners willing to wander a little further off the beaten path. Some of the biggest names delivered exactly what fans hoped for, others surprised us entirely, and many of the year’s most rewarding records arrived with little fanfare beyond a handful of devoted listeners championing them online.

Maybe that’s what makes 2026 so exciting. Instead of one album dominating every conversation, we’ve been given dozens of records capable of becoming somebody’s favorite. The boundaries between scenes continue to blur, legacy artists are making some of the strongest music of their careers, and underground communities remain as vibrant as ever.

And if July is any indication, we’re only getting started.

We’ll revisit these rankings in December. Until then, happy digging.

I’m sure I’ve missed some, feel free to leave a comment below.

Playlist Below!

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Prince, my dog, recently experienced a health scare that I am still struggling to process.

It reminded me of a lesson I’ve learned several times in the past from the loss of my dogs, a lesson that, for my part, needs to be reiterated from time to time.

I can’t pinpoint it, but I have felt a lack of spirit within myself lately. I’ve found a lack of wanting to socialize, participate in surface-level interactions, etc. What I have done to inspire myself is read ancient philosophy. Whether Rumi or Stoic teaching, such ancient wisdom has resonated with me during these times of anhedonia. When I first read the following words of Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, I assumed that the trials of his childhood as a slave had given him cause to rid himself of all emotion; that in order to escape the possibility of even more suffering, he numbed himself to the fate of others. But as with everything Epictetus, there are multiple layers more subtle than a first impression allows for.

“What harm is there if you whisper to yourself, at the very moment you are kissing your child, and say, ‘Tomorrow you will die?’”
— Epictetus, Discourses 3.24.88

What then did this ancient teacher mean?

On Saturday night, Prince was completely normal.

This picture speaks volumes.

He was jumping up and down in the kitchen while we fed ribs, as he always does, convinced that persistence and enthusiasm would somehow result in an extra bite. He ate. He drank. He sat with us until the wee hours of the morning. The ultimate companion and north star. There was nothing unusual about him.

The next morning, I watched him have a seizure.

One moment, he was cooling off, lying on his usual spot on the tile. The next, he collapsed.

His body stiffened. His legs locked. His eyes seemed distant and unfamiliar. I remember freezing for a split second because my mind could not comprehend what I was seeing. Then panic arrived.

We thought he was dying.

There is a particular kind of helplessness that comes from watching someone you love suffer while being completely unable to help. There was no command to give, no solution to implement, no action I could take that would stop what was unfolding in front of me.

For several seconds that felt much longer, he looked dead.

Then, slowly, he began to return. A blink. A movement. His cute smile and laugh returned, but in reality, he was just panting hard.

Life reappeared in fragments.

I remember looking at him afterward and realizing how quickly everything can change. Less than twelve hours earlier, I had been laughing at him for begging for ribs. Now I was sitting beside him, wondering whether he would survive the day.

I was reminded once again of how easily our time on this earth can be taken for granted and how quickly lessons of past hardship can be forgotten. I went from an ordinary Saturday night to confronting the possibility of losing a companion who has been woven into the fabric of my daily life.

Our baseline for contentment is not fixed. The more we contemplate mortality, the more we appreciate what lies before us.

What then would I be grasping for if Prince hadn’t seized that morning?

What was I missing out on?

Music? What is listening to music compared to Prince?

Worthless.

Eating? Worthless.

The endless stream of tasks and obligations that normally occupy my attention? Worthless.

Looking back years from now, would I trade an hour spent doing any of those things for an hour sitting beside Prince, or taking him for a walk, a time where life truly stands still whenever we partake.

No.

There was nothing else on earth that mattered more than being beside him. Nothing more enjoyable. Nothing purer.

I wondered what I would say to someone else in this situation to ease their pain.

“What matters is the time you were able to give him.”

Or perhaps, “If you loved him, then you can know you did right by him no matter what happens.”

Yet when I said these things to myself, the words fell flat. It is ironic how easy it is to give advice to others while failing to heed it ourselves. This makes me wonder if those few individuals we call wise are simply those who have mastered the difficult art of obeying their own counsel.

When my eyes settled on Prince, I looked at him as if I were seeing him for the first time. That one day, almost ten years to the date, when we saw him amidst a playpen of ten other dogs, sticking out like a peacock—full of energy, glee. Love at first sight. The funny thing is, we did not even come to adopt him, but were immediately drawn to his aura.

My eyes had always looked at him, but they had failed to see what lay beneath the concrete evidence of his existence: impermanence. A time span. A before-he-was-born and an after-he-is-no-more.

I had thought about these truths before, but it took the prospect of his death to clear my eyes of what they wanted to see in order to see him for what he actually is.

What then is Prince?

Is he the smell that changes depending on whether you bury your face in the top of his head, his ears, or his paws?

Is he the sound of his claws clicking across the hardwood floor as he follows me from room to room?

Is he the ears that perk whenever you squeeze one of his toys?

Is he the way he positions himself so that he can always keep one eye on me, even while pretending to be asleep?

Is he the excitement that overtakes him whenever food is involved, the confidence with which he approaches every day, or the look he gives me when he wants to play?

He is all of these things and more.

He is the presence I have grown accustomed to and the absence I will one day feel.

He is the future pain in my stomach when he is no longer here.

He is all of these things, which taken together, mean he is whatever he happens to be in this precise second in time.

What then is the answer?

Prince has taught me that a moment is no longer merely another moment in the flow of time.

With him, a moment becomes something to savor. A thing to be shared. A sense of we-are-living-this-second-of-life-together.

A walk to the kitchen is no longer just a walk to the kitchen. It becomes a foot-and-paw race to see who gets there first. Or a reminder that even this ten-meter journey for a glass of water is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This, right here, will never happen again.

The dog presents us with a divine dilemma.

If I end up successful beyond my wildest imagination—if I can honestly say I left the world better than I found it—I will want Prince beside me.

And if I end up broke, alone, forgotten, and a complete failure, I will still want Prince beside me.

What then?

What more could I possibly need?

But another question follows.

What will happen when Prince is no longer beside me?

Do we make ourselves vulnerable by devoting so much of ourselves to our dogs?

Circling back, what would the ancient texts say?

Philosophy has taught us that we first encounter an external thing. In this case, Prince. Then we experience a value judgment.

In this case: invaluable.

And from that judgment emerges an impression:

Prince is invaluable to me.

According to Epictetus, we then have three choices. We may assent. We may dissent. Or we may withhold judgment.

I choose to assent.

I can almost see myself amidst a council of Greek philosophers shouting from two thousand years away, calling me a fool, warning me that Prince will not live forever, and that I am setting myself up for pain.

Still, I give in.

I may get an “F” in Stoicism, but my gut tells me they would understand.

Why?

Because I suspect philosophy is the refuge of the over-alive. Those who have felt so deeply that they needed words for what they found. Those who have stared long enough at joy and suffering to realize neither can be escaped.

I do not believe Stoicism sets us up to become machines. I believe they wanted us to remain awake and to never take for granted those we love.

To understand that mortality is not a reason to love less, but a reason to love more.

So I assent.

I can see how insignificant I am—a speck of an ape on a rock hurtling through space with a little white-furred companion at my side.

Still, I assent.

I can reduce both of us to atoms. I can explain away our lives as a brief swirl of biology and chemistry coming together by chance.

Still, I assent.

It has been a few days since his incident, and through the power of love and the grace of “God,” he was eating, pooping, and a little more astute than normal. Since then, I am at the mercy of notifications on my phone; what was once an exciting tone is now one of dread, scared shitless that my brother or mom gives me an unwanted update on his deteriorating health.

I am starting to hesitantly imagine the day when he is no longer here. I can imagine walking into a room, shrieking out “HI PRINCE” in a high-pitched tone, and not seeing him. I can imagine never hearing his paws on the floor again. Never feeling him curl up beside me. Never watching him jump for a “tweet” on a Saturday night.

Can I or can’t I? Maybe the latter, but I can imagine the grief.

And still, I assent.

Because I would rather endure that future pain than never experience this love at all.

he shortness of life, if we remain aware of it, encourages us to notice the beautiful moments while we can.

And perhaps that is what Prince’s situation reminded me of.

Not that life is fragile. I already knew that. Every philosophy book on my shelf has, in one way or another, attempted to teach me the same lesson. Every funeral, every loss, every scar earned through living has pointed toward the same truth.

What Prince reminded me of was something far simpler and far easier to forget: life is fragile today.

Not someday.

Not in some distant future when age finally catches up to those we love.

Today.

That realization transforms ordinary moments. The walk around the neighborhood is no longer merely a walk. The afternoon nap on the couch is no longer merely another way to pass an hour. A meal, a car ride, a quiet evening spent in the same room—things so common that they normally escape our attention—suddenly reveal themselves for what they are: temporary gifts.

This walk matters.

This nap matters.

This meal matters.

This ordinary afternoon matters.

This heartbeat matters.

This breath matters.

This dog matters.

The past is dead. The future is an if. This moment is all that will ever truly exist.

Each second may be Prince’s last. That reality sounds grim until you realize what it asks of me. It asks me to choose. Am I present with him or am I not? Am I attentive or distracted? Caring or careless? Awake to what is in front of me, or lost in thoughts about what has already happened or what might happen tomorrow?

Every second offers the same choice.

I can focus or I can drift.

I can shut the phone off or continue surrendering my attention to things that will not matter in a year, a month, or even an hour. I can drive across town, make sacrifices, and be more with those I love.

I can kneel beside him while he is still here, scratch behind his ears, meet his eyes, and share this brief slice of existence together—or I can postpone that attention for some imagined future that is not guaranteed to either of us.

Prince’s seizure reminded me that life is not measured in years but in moments. And if that is true, then the quality of a life depends less on how many moments we are given than on whether we were actually present for the ones that mattered.

I want Prince to stand as long as the ancient Persian aqueducts, but no amount of wishing will make it so. They are stone and moss, while he is blood and fur. Their stones can carry water for two thousand years, while his bones can harbor life for fifteen, if we are lucky.

Whatever higher power you believe in, and I do believe there is one, has set limits on the gift of life.

Figs have a season.

Persimmons have a season.

Prince has a season.

You, I, and all those we care for have a season.

“Tomorrow you will die,” was Epictetus’s reminder for us to use mortality as a means to more deeply consider those we care for—dog, friend, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, father, mother, and self.

It is not unimaginable that the reminder of mortality we feel when we lock eyes with those we love is what makes love possible in the first place.

I now ask myself a simple question: If he doesn’t wake up tomorrow, will I know that today I gave him my time? My attention? My focus?

A moment here and there is all it seems to take.

Until you realize one day, those moments are all you will have left.

I hit publish with a heavy heart, a lump in my throat, and a racing mind, doing my best to keep it together. I’ll leave you with the chorus from Incubus’ Drive—a song that has long served as a mantra for me:

“Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there
With open arms and open eyes.”

After years of qualifying matches, international tournaments, managerial changes, and endless debates about who should and shouldn’t be on each roster, the World Cup is just a few days away from kicking off across North America.

This preview is focused entirely on the group stage—how the teams match up against one another, where I think the value lies, and which nations are best positioned to advance.

One thing worth mentioning before we get started: the expansion to 48 teams has changed the dynamic of the group stage. With more teams advancing to the knockout rounds, the margin for error is much larger than it used to be. That’s good news for the tournament favorites, but it also means there are fewer true “groups of death” than we’ve seen in previous World Cups.

To break things down, I’ve placed each team into one of four categories within its group: Favorite, Contender, Underdog, and No Chance. These labels apply only to the group stage—not the tournament as a whole.

Favorite: The team I expect to win the group.

Contender: A team capable of winning the group if things break its way and, at minimum, should be in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds.

Underdog: A long shot to win the group, but one that could still make things interesting and potentially sneak into the knockout stage.

No Chance: A team I don’t realistically see winning the group and one that faces an uphill battle just to advance.

Let’s get it.

Group A

Favorite: Mexico

Mexico gets a huge boost here because all three group matches are being played at home. In a group that doesn’t have a true powerhouse, that advantage matters.

What I like about this Mexican team is that they can win matches in different ways. If they’re facing weaker opposition, they’ll dominate possession and pin teams back. If they get in front, they’re perfectly comfortable sitting deeper and making life miserable for opponents trying to chase the game.

The talent level isn’t quite what we’ve seen from some of the stronger Mexican generations, and there aren’t many players starring at the biggest clubs in Europe. But under Javier Aguirre they’ve been incredibly difficult to beat, and when you combine that with home-field advantage, I think they’re the team to beat in Group A.

Contender: Czech Republic

If this tournament wasn’t being played in Mexico, I’d probably have the Czech Republic as the group favorite.

They’re the biggest and most physical team in the group, and they know exactly how they want to play. Everything is built around getting the ball wide and finding Patrik Schick in dangerous areas.

My concern is that they’re a little one-dimensional. When they’re playing with a lead, they’re tough to handle. When they fall behind and have to dictate the game, things get a lot less comfortable.

They’re absolutely capable of winning the group, but I trust Mexico’s versatility a little more.

Contender: South Korea

South Korea’s numbers since the last World Cup have been excellent, but context matters.

Most of that success came against opposition that simply isn’t on the level of what they’ll face here. When they stepped up in class during friendlies, the performances were a lot less convincing.

They want to build from the back and play through teams, which can look great when it works. The problem is that Mexico and the Czech Republic are both bigger, stronger, and much more physical.

If South Korea wins this group, it’ll be because they pass their way through opponents. If they get dragged into a physical battle, I think they’ll struggle.

Underdog: South Africa

Honestly, South Africa couldn’t have asked for a better draw.

They’re clearly the least talented team in the group, but unlike some of the other underdogs in this tournament, they at least have a path.

They’ll try to dominate possession and play their usual patient buildup style, but the big question is whether they can actually create enough chances against defenses this organized.

I think they’re a long shot, but they’re probably one upset away from making things really interesting.

Group B

Favorite: Switzerland

This might be the weakest group in the entire tournament, which is great news for Switzerland.

They aren’t loaded with superstars, but they may be one of the most reliable tournament teams in the world. They know exactly who they are, they’re tactically flexible, and they rarely beat themselves.

Whether they need to control possession or sit deeper and counterattack, Switzerland is comfortable doing either.

Honestly, I’d be shocked if they don’t finish first.

Contender: Canada

Canada might be one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament.

Jesse Marsch has fully committed them to chaos. They press aggressively, play at a ridiculous pace, and turn games into track meets whenever possible.

The upside is obvious. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin can punish teams in transition, and Canada can overwhelm opponents when things are clicking.

The downside is that they leave themselves exposed defensively. Sometimes one pass can completely bypass the press and suddenly they’re scrambling.

Still, this is a favorable group, and I like their chances of advancing.

Underdog: Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bosnia took the scenic route to get here, but they’re back at the World Cup.

They’re old-school in a lot of ways. Direct football, lots of crosses, lots of set pieces, lots of trying to win physical battles.

The problem is that they don’t create enough chances consistently.

They’ll be tough to break down and could absolutely frustrate teams, but I’m not convinced they have enough attacking quality to finish above Switzerland or Canada.

No Chance: Qatar

I don’t see a path here for Qatar.

They struggled badly in qualifying, most of the squad still plays domestically, and I’m not convinced the current tactical approach fits the players.

Trying to build out from the back against teams that are bigger, faster, and more athletic feels like a recipe for disaster.

Maybe they steal a result somewhere, but over three matches I’d be stunned if they finish anywhere other than fourth.

Group C

Favorite: Brazil

Brazil is still the clear favorite here, but this isn’t one of those vintage Brazilian squads that arrives at the World Cup looking unbeatable.

To be honest, they were pretty underwhelming during qualifying. South American qualifying is brutal, so some context is needed, but averaging just 1.22 expected goals per match with this level of attacking talent is not exactly inspiring.

That’s a big reason why the federation brought in Carlo Ancelotti before the final stretch of qualifying, and the early returns have been encouraging. Brazil looks far more comfortable now. Instead of being locked into a rigid tactical system, they’re playing with a bit more freedom and creativity, which is exactly what you want from a Brazilian team.

What stands out most to me is how they build attacks. They’ll often drop six or seven players deep, create overloads, and use quick combinations to play through pressure before releasing their attackers into space.

The big question in this group isn’t really about Brazil’s defense. In fact, I’d be shocked if they give up many quality chances at all. Outside of a meaningless final qualifier against Bolivia, they allowed just 12.14 expected goals across 17 qualifying matches.

For me, the biggest thing to watch is whether their wingers can consistently win 1-v-1 battles. Every team in this group is likely to defend deep, and breaking down those low blocks will be the key to topping the group comfortably.

Contender: Morocco

I think Morocco is clearly the second-best team in this group, but I have more concerns about them than most people seem to.

On the surface, reaching the AFCON final looks impressive. When you dig into the performances, though, things become a little less convincing. Morocco only created more than one expected goal from open play twice during that run, while several of their goals came from penalties and set pieces.

Then there’s the coaching situation.

After AFCON, long-time manager Walid Regragui stepped down, and Morocco promoted Mohamed Ouahbi from the U23 setup. Maybe it works out, but asking someone with no senior-level managerial experience to lead a team into a World Cup is a huge gamble.

The bigger concern for me is stylistic. Morocco struggled against low blocks at AFCON, and that’s exactly what Scotland and Haiti are going to throw at them.

I still expect them to qualify comfortably, but I don’t see them pushing Brazil for first place.

Underdog: Scotland

Scotland is one of the harder teams in the tournament to figure out.

On one hand, they deserve credit for getting here after upsetting Denmark in qualifying. On the other hand, their overall performances haven’t exactly inspired confidence.

They’re one of the few teams entering the tournament with a negative expected goal differential since the 2022 World Cup, and their attack remains a major concern. At Euro 2024 they scored twice but created only 0.9 expected goals throughout the entire tournament. That’s astonishingly low.

Even during qualifying, Scotland averaged just 1.56 expected goals per match, ranking near the bottom among European nations.

The way they play is pretty straightforward. They want to get the ball wide, send crosses into the box, and hope Scott McTominay can make something happen.

The problem is that strategy probably isn’t going to work against Brazil or Morocco.

Their World Cup could very well come down to one match against Haiti. Win that, and they probably have a shot at advancing. Lose it, and they’re likely heading home.

No Chance: Haiti

First off, it’s a fantastic story that Haiti qualified for the World Cup.

That said, this feels like a really tough draw for them.

The biggest issue is that they’re stepping up several levels in competition. Against smaller CONCACAF nations, their style can work. Against teams like Brazil and Morocco, it’s a completely different challenge.

One thing that worries me is that Haiti insists on trying to play out from the back despite repeatedly showing they struggle under pressure. In two matches against Costa Rica, they turned the ball over 40 times in their own defensive third.

If that happens against Brazil, things could get ugly in a hurry.

Defensively, they usually fall into a 4-4-2 shape, but they also tend to leave space behind the back line, which is dangerous against the quality of attackers they’ll face in this group.

Unless they pull off a surprise result against Scotland, I think they’re destined to finish fourth.

Group D

Favorite: United States

The United States should win this group.

They’re playing at home, they’re the most talented team in the group, and if they don’t finish first, it’ll be viewed as a disappointment.

That doesn’t mean this is going to be easy.

Paraguay and Australia are two of the most physical teams in the tournament, and neither is going to make life comfortable for the Americans. The good news is the U.S. has already beaten both sides in friendlies leading up to the World Cup, and for the most part they’ve looked pretty strong against comparable opposition.

The biggest question for me is how well they break down deep defensive blocks.

We know this team can press. We know they can defend in transition. We know they can punish teams when the game opens up.

But what happens when opponents put ten men behind the ball?

The last time we saw the U.S. face that kind of challenge in a meaningful match was against Panama in the Nations League semifinals, and they couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Expect to see a lot of patient possession, switches of play, and attempts to create overloads out wide because there simply won’t be much space available through the middle.

If the U.S. can match the physicality of Paraguay and Australia, they should top the group.

Contender: Paraguay

If you’re looking for a dark horse team that nobody wants to face, Paraguay is near the top of the list.

After a disastrous Copa America campaign, they turned things around completely under Gustavo Alfaro.

Since he took over, Paraguay has become one of the most organized defensive teams in the world. They’ve beaten Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay while playing arguably the toughest schedule of any team entering the tournament.

The formula is simple.

Defend aggressively, stay compact, counterattack quickly, and punish opponents on set pieces.

They don’t allow anything through the middle and force teams into uncomfortable areas of the field.

Since Alfaro took over, Paraguay has allowed just 1.00 expected goal per match while facing elite competition.

If the United States doesn’t win this group, I think Paraguay is the most likely reason why.

Contender: Turkey

This group is fascinating because after the U.S., you could make a case for almost anyone finishing second.

Turkey probably has the most talent outside of the Americans, but they’re also one of the hardest teams to trust.

Their defensive record against top competition is concerning. Spain completely dismantled them during qualifying, and they were one of the weakest defensive teams at Euro 2024.

That said, this group sets up nicely for them.

Turkey will likely control possession against Paraguay and Australia, and when they have the ball, they have enough talent to create problems for anyone.

For me, everything comes down to Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız.

Güler is the most gifted playmaker in the group, while Yıldız is arguably the best dribbler. If those two are firing, Turkey can absolutely challenge for first place.

The talent is there.

The question is whether the consistency is.

Contender: Australia

Every World Cup there’s a team people underestimate because the roster doesn’t look particularly impressive on paper.

This year, that team might be Australia.

The Socceroos are one of the most physical sides in the tournament and they know exactly how they want to play.

They’re direct, aggressive, and perfectly happy turning matches into a battle.

They don’t want long spells of possession. They want to get the ball forward as quickly as possible, attack in transition, and create chaos through set pieces.

The concern is that they’re no longer facing teams that they’ll overwhelm physically.

The United States and Paraguay can match them in that department, while Turkey has more technical quality than almost anyone they’ll face in Asia.

Australia can absolutely grind out results and make this group uncomfortable for everyone, but I still have them slightly behind Paraguay and Turkey.

Group E

Favorite: Germany

This is one of the clearest favorites in the entire tournament.

Germany should win this group, and honestly, they should do it comfortably.

Julian Nagelsmann has built one of the most complete teams in world football. Germany can dominate possession, press aggressively, or sit back and punish teams on the counter.

That’s what makes them so dangerous.

Most of the teams in this group are going to defend deep and try to frustrate them. Germany has already dealt with that throughout qualifying and eventually figured it out after an early stumble against Slovakia.

From that point forward they looked like a machine, winning their final five qualifiers by a combined score of 16-1.

The Ivory Coast might give them a few uncomfortable moments, but I’d be shocked if Germany doesn’t finish first.

Contender: Ecuador

Ecuador might have the best defensive spine in the group.

When you have Moisés Caicedo sitting in front of Piero Hincapié and William Pacho, you’re going to be incredibly difficult to break down.

The problem is the attack.

At some point, relying on a 38-year-old Enner Valencia becomes a concern, especially against better opposition.

Ecuador also plays very directly, which can make it difficult for them to control matches.

What makes them interesting is that their defense alone gives them a chance against anyone.

My concern is that they may have overachieved a bit during qualifying. Conceding only five goals sounds amazing, but the underlying numbers suggest they gave up far more chances than that.

They’re probably the favorite for second place, but I wouldn’t be stunned if they ended up in a fight with the Ivory Coast.

Contender: Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast feels like one of the biggest wild cards in the tournament.

On talent alone, they have enough quality to challenge for first place.

Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo give them two dangerous attackers out wide, and their ability to create chances from crosses and wide play makes them extremely difficult to defend.

Defensively, they’ve been arguably the best team in Africa over the last few years.

My hesitation comes from the level of competition.

They simply haven’t been tested consistently against top opponents.

At AFCON they dominated possession and controlled matches. Against Germany, that won’t happen.

The question becomes whether they can stay organized defensively and be effective on the counter.

If they can, they have a real chance to surprise people.

No Chance: Curaçao

I love seeing smaller nations make the World Cup, but this draw is brutal.

The gap in talent between Curaçao and the other three teams is simply too large.

They’ve had success playing direct football and attacking from wide areas, but that approach relies heavily on winning individual battles.

That’s going to be incredibly difficult against Germany, Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast.

They’re going to compete and they’ll probably have a few moments, but over three matches it’s hard to see them keeping pace.

I’d be surprised if they finish anywhere but fourth.

Group F

Favorite: Netherlands

I have the Netherlands winning this group, but I don’t feel great about it.

In fact, this might be the favorite I’m least confident in across the entire tournament.

The Dutch have plenty of talent, but Ronald Koeman’s tactical setup continues to raise questions.

Defensively, they often sit passive on the front line while simultaneously trying to maintain a high defensive line.

That’s a dangerous combination.

We’ve already seen Austria expose those weaknesses, and Japan is more than capable of doing the same thing.

Going forward, the Netherlands are still very dangerous. They overload central areas, combine quickly through midfield, and create chances through runners attacking behind the defense.

That should be enough against Sweden and Tunisia.

The match against Japan, though, could decide the entire group.

Contender: Japan

If you’re looking for a team that can pull off an upset and win its group, Japan is near the top of my list.

Since the 2022 World Cup they’ve been the best team in Asia by a considerable margin.

The numbers are ridiculous.

They’re aggressive without the ball, aggressive with the ball, and they’re one of the most uncomfortable teams in the tournament to play against.

What I love about Japan is their flexibility.

They can win the ball high up the pitch and create instant chances, or they can patiently build from deeper areas and play through pressure.

Most importantly, they’ve proven they aren’t intimidated by bigger names.

They’ve beaten top teams in friendlies and topped a World Cup group containing Germany and Spain in 2022.

That’s why I think they’re fully capable of finishing above the Netherlands.

Underdog: Sweden

Sweden might be the hardest team in this group to predict.

The reality is they probably shouldn’t even be here after finishing bottom of their qualifying group, but they took advantage of the Nations League pathway and made the most of it.

The talent is there.

If Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak click together, Sweden suddenly becomes a very dangerous team.

The problem is we haven’t consistently seen that happen.

There’s also the Graham Potter factor.

At club level he’s known for tactical flexibility and constant adjustments. International football doesn’t always give managers enough time to implement those ideas effectively.

Sweden has upside, but there are far more questions than answers right now.

No Chance: Tunisia

Tunisia’s numbers look good until you look at who they were playing.

They cruised through qualifying and didn’t concede a goal, but the second they faced elite competition at AFCON, things fell apart quickly.

Nigeria exposed them physically and showed the gap between dominating weaker opponents and competing with top teams.

Now they’re entering a World Cup with a new manager who has only been in charge for a few months.

That’s not ideal.

The talent level simply isn’t comparable to the Netherlands, Japan, or even Sweden.

I think they’ll compete and stay organized, but it’s hard to see them finding enough goals to avoid finishing fourth.

Group G

Favorite: Belgium

Belgium may not be the same team that entered the 2018 World Cup as a legitimate title contender, but they’re still the clear favorite in this group.

The golden generation is mostly gone, but there is still enough quality here to comfortably finish first. Kevin De Bruyne remains one of the best midfielders of his generation, Romelu Lukaku is still a proven goal scorer, and Jeremy Doku might be the player who ultimately determines how far this team can go.

Honestly, Doku is the key to everything.

Belgium has plenty of experienced players who can control matches and keep possession, but Doku is the one player capable of consistently creating something out of nothing. His ability to beat defenders 1-v-1 gives Belgium a dimension that none of the other teams in this group can really match.

The biggest concern is whether Belgium has enough high-end talent around him compared to some of the true contenders in this tournament. But in this group, they shouldn’t need to be perfect.

I expect Belgium to control possession in all three matches and ultimately finish top of the group.

Contender: Egypt

Egypt feels like one of the more interesting teams in the tournament because they have the talent to cause problems, but there are still major questions about whether they can put it all together.

Let’s start with the obvious.

Any team featuring Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush is going to be dangerous.

Salah remains one of the most productive attackers in world football, while Marmoush has developed into a legitimate game-changing forward in his own right. If those two get space to run at defenses, Egypt can hurt anybody.

The concern is everything behind them.

Egypt’s attack is World Cup quality. The defense is far less convincing.

That makes their match against Belgium fascinating. I don’t think they have enough defensively to win the group, but they absolutely have enough firepower to secure second place and potentially make life uncomfortable for the Belgians.

If the back line holds up, Egypt should advance.

Underdog: New Zealand

New Zealand probably won’t get much attention heading into this tournament, but I actually think they have a decent opportunity here.

The biggest reason is Chris Wood.

He’s one of the most underrated strikers in international football and remains the focal point of everything New Zealand does going forward. If they’re going to pull off an upset, it’s almost certainly going to come through Wood finding a way to score.

Beyond him, this is a team that will likely rely on organization, discipline, and set pieces rather than trying to outplay opponents.

Fortunately for New Zealand, the draw could have been much worse.

Their match against Iran feels absolutely massive. Win that game and suddenly a path to the knockout rounds becomes very realistic.

I don’t think they have enough quality to challenge Belgium or Egypt over three matches, but they’re definitely capable of finishing third and maybe sneaking into the next round depending on how results elsewhere shake out.

No Chance: Iran

Iran has consistently been one of Asia’s strongest teams over the past decade, but this feels like a difficult group for them.

There are still some talented players here, particularly in attack, but compared to previous Iranian squads, this roster feels a little limited.

The biggest issue is that they don’t really have a clear advantage over anyone in the group.

Belgium has more talent.

Egypt has more game-breaking attackers.

New Zealand has the more favorable matchup in what could become a direct battle for third.

Iran is certainly capable of grinding out results and making games ugly, but I struggle to see where the goals are going to come from consistently enough to advance.

Maybe they steal a draw somewhere and make things interesting, but I think they’re heading for a fourth-place finish.

Group H

Favorite: Spain

Spain is my pick to win this World Cup, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I have them comfortably winning this group.

Honestly, this might be one of the most complete squads in the entire tournament.

They have elite defenders, arguably the best midfield in the competition, and two game-changing wingers in Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. When you combine that talent with Luis de la Fuente’s system, Spain becomes incredibly difficult to play against.

What separates this Spanish team from some of the possession-heavy sides of the past is that they aren’t just interested in keeping the ball for the sake of it. They can dominate possession, but they’re also much more direct and aggressive once they get into dangerous areas.

And then there’s Lamine Yamal.

At this point, he’s already one of the best attacking players in world football, and it feels like every time Spain needs a moment of magic, he’s capable of providing it.

The scary thing for the rest of the group is that Spain doesn’t really have an obvious weakness. They’re better than every team here in possession, they’re better defensively, and they have more match-winners.

I think they win the group fairly comfortably.

Contender: Uruguay

If there’s one team that can make Spain uncomfortable, it’s Uruguay.

Marcelo Bielsa’s teams are never boring, and this group should be no exception.

Uruguay will press relentlessly, play with an insane amount of intensity, and try to turn every match into chaos. That’s what makes them dangerous.

The problem is I have absolutely no idea where the goals are consistently going to come from.

Darwin Núñez remains one of the most frustrating players in international football. One game he looks unstoppable, the next he couldn’t finish a chance if his life depended on it.

The good news is that Uruguay’s midfield is loaded. Federico Valverde remains one of the best all-around midfielders in the world, Manuel Ugarte gives them steel in the middle, and Bielsa’s system creates chances regardless of who is playing up front.

I don’t think they have enough attacking quality to challenge Spain for first place, but they should have enough to finish second.

Underdog: Cape Verde

Every World Cup seems to have one team that neutrals completely fall in love with.

Cape Verde might be that team this year.

This is their first World Cup appearance, they’re one of the smallest nations in the entire field, and honestly, they aren’t a bad team.

They’re organized, athletic, and have several players competing in respectable European leagues. Logan Costa gives them a legitimate presence at the back, while Kevin Pina and Jamiro Monteiro provide quality in midfield.

The problem is talent.

Against Spain and Uruguay, they’re going to be facing players from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. That’s a massive jump in class.

Still, if they can grab a result against Saudi Arabia, they could make things interesting in the battle for third place.

I don’t think they’re advancing, but I do think they’ll earn plenty of fans along the way.

No Chance: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia deserves credit for consistently qualifying for World Cups, but this feels like a really difficult draw.

The memory of beating Argentina in 2022 will always be one of the greatest World Cup upsets ever, but this is a very different situation.

This squad still relies heavily on players from the Saudi Pro League, and while there are some quality pieces here—particularly Salem Al Dawsari and Firas Al-Buraikan—there simply isn’t enough overall talent compared to the rest of the group.

The bigger concern is that I don’t really see a path to points.

Spain will dominate possession.

Uruguay will overwhelm them physically.

Even Cape Verde feels like a difficult matchup because of the athleticism and defensive organization they bring.

Saudi Arabia will work hard and stay competitive, but I struggle to see where the goals come from or how they consistently create chances against these opponents.

For me, they’re the clear favorites to finish fourth.

Group I

Favorite: France

France is the most talented team in the world.

Whether they’re the best team is up for debate, but from a pure talent perspective, nobody can match the depth Didier Deschamps has at his disposal.

You could argue that France has world-class players at every position and, in some cases, two or three of them.

Just look at the attack.

Kylian Mbappé is still one of the most terrifying players in football. Ousmane Dembélé is coming off arguably the best season of his career. Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki have emerged as elite creators, while Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué provide even more attacking depth.

It’s honestly ridiculous.

The only real question with France is the same one we’ve been asking for years: can all of that talent consistently function as a team?

Sometimes France looks unstoppable. Other times they can become overly reliant on individual brilliance.

The good news for them is that this group probably won’t force them into too many uncomfortable situations.

I think France tops the group comfortably and should be considered one of the favorites to win the entire tournament.

Contender: Norway

If you’re looking for a team that could make some noise in the knockout rounds, keep an eye on Norway.

For years we’ve talked about Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard carrying a generation of Norwegian talent, but this is probably the deepest squad Norway has brought to a major tournament in decades.

And let’s start with the obvious.

Any team with Erling Haaland always has a chance.

He’s already one of the greatest goal scorers of his generation, and if he gets hot during a World Cup, things can get scary very quickly.

But this team isn’t just Haaland anymore.

Ødegaard remains one of the best playmakers in Europe, Antonio Nusa continues to develop into a dangerous attacking threat, and Alexander Sørloth and Jørgen Strand Larsen give Norway multiple options up front.

The concern is experience.

Norway hasn’t been on this stage very often, and their defense isn’t nearly as impressive as their attack.

Still, I think they have enough firepower to finish second and potentially make life difficult for France when the two teams meet.

Contender: Senegal

Senegal feels like one of the toughest teams in the tournament to evaluate.

On paper, there’s a lot to like.

Kalidou Koulibaly still anchors the defense, Sadio Mané remains the emotional leader of the squad, and players like Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr, and Lamine Camara provide plenty of athleticism and attacking quality.

The problem is that this doesn’t feel quite as strong as the Senegal team that won AFCON and reached the knockout rounds in Qatar.

They’re still dangerous, but the margin for error in this group is small.

The match against Norway is probably one of the most important games in the entire group stage. Win that and second place becomes very realistic. Lose it and things get much more complicated.

I still think Senegal is good enough to advance as one of the better third-place teams, but I have a hard time putting them ahead of Norway right now.

No Chance: Iraq

Just qualifying for this tournament is a massive achievement for Iraq.

The problem is the draw.

France is arguably the most talented team in the world.

Norway has one of the best attacking duos in the tournament.

Senegal brings a level of athleticism and experience that Iraq simply can’t match.

There are some interesting players here. Ahmed Qasem has developed into a quality MLS contributor, and Marko Farji is a player worth watching. But when you compare the overall talent level across the squads, Iraq is clearly a step below everyone else in the group.

The good news is that they’ll compete.

The bad news is that I struggle to see where the points come from.

Maybe they can frustrate someone and steal a draw, but over three matches it’s difficult to see them avoiding fourth place.

Group J

Favorite: Argentina

At some point, we’re going to stop doubting Argentina.

Every tournament it feels like people look at the squad, point out a few weaknesses, talk about the aging core, and wonder if this is finally the moment they fall off.

And every tournament they just keep winning.

The biggest storyline here is obviously Lionel Messi. This will almost certainly be his final World Cup, and somehow he’s still one of the best players in the world. The question isn’t whether Messi can perform—it’s whether Argentina has enough around him to make one last run.

I think they do.

The thing people often overlook about this team is that it’s no longer completely dependent on Messi. Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez give them one of the deepest striker groups in the tournament, while Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Rodrigo De Paul continue to form one of the best midfield units in international football.

Defensively they’re still loaded too. Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Emi Martínez give them a backbone that very few teams can match.

The squad is older than it was in Qatar, but experience matters at World Cups.

I think Argentina wins the group, but unlike some people, I don’t think it’s going to be a walk in the park.

Contender: Austria

If there’s one team that can challenge Argentina for first place, it’s Austria.

Honestly, I think Austria is one of the most underrated teams in the entire tournament.

Ralf Rangnick has completely transformed this side into one of the most aggressive pressing teams in international football. They’re organized, relentless, and capable of making even elite teams uncomfortable.

Just ask the Netherlands.

Austria embarrassed the Dutch at Euro 2024 by completely overwhelming them with their press, and they’ve continued to improve since then.

The biggest strength of this team is that there aren’t many weaknesses. David Alaba brings leadership and quality at the back, Konrad Laimer is a machine in midfield, and Christoph Baumgartner continues to be one of the most underrated attacking midfielders in Europe.

The one concern is finishing.

Austria creates plenty of chances, but they don’t have a true world-class striker capable of turning half chances into goals.

Still, I think they’re comfortably the second-best team in this group and could absolutely steal first place if they get a result against Argentina.

Underdog: Algeria

Algeria is probably the toughest team in this group to figure out.

There is a lot of talent here.

Riyad Mahrez still has plenty left in the tank, Amine Gouiri is coming off some strong club performances, and Ibrahim Maza looks like one of the brightest young players in African football.

The problem is consistency.

When Algeria is playing well, they look capable of competing with almost anyone. When things go wrong, they can completely disappear for long stretches.

That’s why their match against Austria is so important.

I don’t think they’re good enough to finish ahead of Argentina, but if they can get a result against Austria, suddenly second place becomes realistic.

For me, they’re the clear third team in the group, but they’re talented enough to make things interesting.

No Chance: Jordan

First of all, just qualifying for the World Cup is an incredible achievement for Jordan.

They’ve been one of the great stories of Asian football over the last few years, and getting here is something their supporters will remember forever.

The problem is that this group is absolutely brutal.

Argentina is the defending world champion.

Austria is one of the most organized teams in the tournament.

Algeria has significantly more talent across the squad.

Jordan does have a couple of players capable of creating moments. Musa Al Taamari remains one of the best attacking players in Asia, and Ali Olwan has proven he can score goals at the international level.

But over three matches, it’s difficult to see them consistently generating enough chances against opponents of this quality.

I think they’ll compete hard and probably have a few moments that make life uncomfortable for someone, but avoiding fourth place would be a major surprise.

Group K

Favorite: Portugal

Portugal might have the most frustratingly talented squad in the tournament.

When you look at the roster, it’s hard not to dream about how good this team could be. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias, Rafael Leão—the talent level is absurd.

The question is whether Roberto Martinez can get the most out of it.

We’ve seen this story before. Portugal often looks incredible on paper and then spends large portions of tournaments playing well below its talent level. Sometimes it feels like they’re trying to be too careful instead of simply letting their stars take over games.

Then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

At 41, he’s no longer the player who can carry a team through a tournament by himself. But he’s still one of the greatest goal scorers the sport has ever seen and remains capable of producing huge moments.

The challenge for Portugal is making sure the team doesn’t become all about Ronaldo.

When this side is flowing through Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, and the wide attackers, they’re capable of beating anybody in the world.

I think they’re the best team in the group, but I don’t trust them quite enough to say they’ll cruise through it.

Contender: Colombia

Colombia feels like the team nobody wants to play.

They may not have the star power of some of the favorites, but they’re incredibly balanced and consistently find ways to win matches.

Luis Díaz remains the headliner. Every time Colombia needs a breakthrough, he’s usually involved. His ability to beat defenders and create chances out of nothing gives Colombia a weapon that few teams outside the elite tier possess.

What’s impressed me most over the last few years, though, is how complete they’ve become.

This isn’t just a team that sits back and counters. They can dominate possession, press aggressively, or play a more direct style depending on the opponent.

And somehow James Rodríguez keeps showing up.

Every tournament people assume his best days are behind him, and every tournament he seems to find another gear when he puts on the national team shirt.

I don’t think Colombia has quite enough quality to finish above Portugal, but I think they’re comfortably the second-best team in the group and could absolutely make a run once the knockout rounds begin.

Underdog: Congo

Congo might be one of the most underrated teams in the tournament.

There’s a lot more talent here than casual fans probably realize.

Yoane Wissa is coming off some outstanding club seasons, Chancel Mbemba remains one of Africa’s most reliable defenders, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka adds quality and experience to the back line.

What I like most about Congo is the balance of the squad.

They have players competing in strong European leagues at every level of the field, which isn’t always the case for teams ranked outside the world’s top 40.

The issue is the draw.

Portugal and Colombia are simply better teams on paper, and it’s hard to see Congo consistently creating enough chances against opponents of that caliber.

Still, if there’s a team in this group capable of springing an upset, it’s Congo.

I wouldn’t be shocked if they take points off somebody.

No Chance: Uzbekistan

Just getting to the World Cup is an incredible achievement for Uzbekistan.

For years they’ve been one of Asia’s nearly-men, always close to qualifying but never quite getting over the line. Finally making it here is a huge moment for the country.

And to be fair, there are some players worth watching.

Abdukodir Khusanov has already established himself as one of the best young defenders in Asia, while Eldor Shomurodov remains one of the most important players in the country’s football history.

The problem is that this group is brutal.

Portugal has world-class talent all over the field.

Colombia is deeper and more experienced.

Even Congo has significantly more high-end talent.

Uzbekistan will likely be organized and competitive, but I don’t see enough attacking quality to consistently threaten the other teams in the group.

Maybe they grab a result somewhere, but advancing would be a massive surprise.

Group L

Favorite: England

England might be the hardest true contender in the tournament to evaluate.

On one hand, the talent is undeniable. Jude Bellingham is already one of the best midfielders in the world. Declan Rice continues to get better every year. Bukayo Saka remains one of the most dangerous wide players in football. And Harry Kane is still Harry Kane.

That’s a pretty good starting point.

On the other hand, England always seems to find a way to make things more complicated than they need to be.

The good news is that Thomas Tuchel is now in charge.

If there’s one thing Tuchel does well, it’s organizing talented squads and making them difficult to beat. England should be more aggressive, more tactically flexible, and frankly more entertaining than they were under Gareth Southgate.

The biggest question is whether they have enough creativity against elite opposition.

Against weaker teams, England usually dominates. Against the very best sides, they’ve often struggled to create clear chances.

Fortunately, they won’t have to worry about that too much in this group.

I expect England to win it, although Croatia should make them work for it.

Contender: Croatia

At some point we need to stop being surprised by Croatia.

Every tournament people point to the country’s small population and assume this is finally the year they fall off.

And every tournament they find another generation of elite players.

Luka Modrić somehow refuses to age. Joško Gvardiol is already one of the best defenders in the world. Mateo Kovačić remains one of the most underrated midfielders in international football.

The talent pipeline just keeps producing.

The thing I love most about Croatia is that they know exactly who they are.

They’re patient, technically brilliant, and almost never beat themselves. While other teams panic in big moments, Croatia seems to get calmer.

The concern is that this might not be quite as talented as some of their recent World Cup teams.

They also don’t have the kind of game-changing attacking talent that England possesses.

Still, if the England match ends in a draw, I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Croatia found a way to win the group.

Underdog: Ghana

Ghana is one of the more interesting underdogs in the tournament.

There’s actually quite a bit of talent here.

Thomas Partey still anchors the midfield, Antoine Semenyo is coming off some excellent club form, and players like Kamaldeen Sulemana and Abdul Fatawu give them genuine pace and creativity in wide areas.

The issue is goals.

For all the athleticism and talent Ghana possesses, they don’t really have a proven international goal scorer that strikes fear into opponents.

That’s a problem when you’re facing teams as organized as England and Croatia.

The good news is that the path to third place feels very realistic.

Their opening match against Panama is enormous. Win that game and they’ll be in a strong position heading into the final group match against Croatia.

I don’t see them advancing ahead of England or Croatia, but I think they’ll be competitive.

No Chance: Panama

This feels harsh because Panama is actually a pretty good team.

The problem is that somebody has to finish fourth, and this group is deeper than people realize.

Panama has consistently been one of the strongest teams in CONCACAF over the last few years. Adalberto Carrasquilla remains one of the most underrated midfielders in the region, and Thomas Christiansen has done an excellent job building a side that’s organized, disciplined, and difficult to break down.

The problem is the draw.

England has significantly more talent.

Croatia has far more tournament experience.

Even Ghana probably has a higher ceiling athletically.

That doesn’t mean Panama can’t pull off an upset. In fact, of all the fourth-place teams in the tournament, they’re probably one of the most dangerous.

But over three matches, I think the lack of elite attacking talent ultimately catches up to them.

Predictions:

Group Stage:

Group A

1. Mexico 🇲🇽

2. Korea Republic 🇰🇷

3. South Africa 🇿🇦 (Advanced as 3rd Place)

4. Czechia 🇨🇿

Group B

1. Switzerland 🇨🇭

2. Canada 🇨🇦

3. Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦 (Advanced as 3rd Place)

4. Qatar 🇶🇦

Group C

1. Brazil 🇧🇷

2. Morocco 🇲🇦

3. Scotland 🏴

4. Haiti 🇭🇹

Group D

1. Türkiye 🇹🇷

2. USA 🇺🇸

3. Paraguay 🇵🇾 (Advanced as 3rd Place)

4. Australia 🇦🇺

Group E

1. Germany 🇩🇪

2. Ecuador 🇪🇨

3. Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 (Advanced as 3rd Place)

4. Curaçao 🇨🇼

Group F

1. Netherlands 🇳🇱

2. Japan 🇯🇵

3. Sweden 🇸🇪 (Advanced as 3rd Place)

4. Tunisia 🇹🇳

Group G

1. Belgium 🇧🇪

2. Egypt 🇪🇬

3. Iran 🇮🇷

4. New Zealand 🇳🇿

Group H

1. Spain 🇪🇸

2. Uruguay 🇺🇾

3. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

4. Cabo Verde 🇨🇻

Group I

1. France 🇫🇷

2. Senegal 🇸🇳

3. Norway 🇳🇴 (Advanced as 3rd Place)

4. Iraq 🇮🇶

Group J

1. Argentina 🇦🇷

2. Austria 🇦🇹

3. Algeria 🇩🇿 (Advanced as 3rd Place)

4. Jordan 🇯🇴

Group K

1. Portugal 🇵🇹

2. Colombia 🇨🇴

3. Uzbekistan 🇺🇿

4. DR Congo 🇨🇩

Group L

1. England 🏴

2. Croatia 🇭🇷

3. Ghana 🇬🇭 (Advanced as 3rd Place)

4. Panama 🇵🇦

Best Third-Place Teams to Advance

1. Algeria 🇩🇿

2. Norway 🇳🇴

3. Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮

4. Sweden 🇸🇪

5. Paraguay 🇵🇾

6. South Africa 🇿🇦

7. Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦

8. Ghana 🇬🇭

Knockout Stage

Quarterfinals

France 🇫🇷 def. Germany 🇩🇪

Netherlands 🇳🇱 def. Canada 🇨🇦

Spain 🇪🇸 def. Colombia 🇨🇴

Belgium 🇧🇪 def. Türkiye 🇹🇷

Argentina 🇦🇷 def. Portugal 🇵🇹

England 🏴 def. Brazil 🇧🇷

Semifinals

France 🇫🇷 def. Netherlands 🇳🇱

Spain 🇪🇸 def. Belgium 🇧🇪

England 🏴 def. Argentina 🇦🇷

Final

Spain 🇪🇸 def. England 🏴

2026 FIFA World Cup Champion: Spain 🇪🇸

So when it was announced last July that Noma would be bringing its next residency to Los Angeles following the end of regular restaurant operations in late 2024, the level of anticipation was understandably immense. In preparation for the project, much of the team spent the latter half of 2025 in California, researching, experimenting, familiarizing themselves with the state’s landscapes, ingredients, and history, while also building relationships with local purveyors and members of the food community.

The goal was to combine those experiences with the Noma team’s creative sensibilities and Nordic perspective, with the resulting work ultimately presented to guests throughout the residency. Alongside the pop-up, a temporary Noma Projects Shop would open in Silver Lake, with additional collaborations planned alongside several Los Angeles restaurants.

It was eventually revealed that Noma LA would run from March 11th through June 26th, and when reservations were released at the end of January, they disappeared within minutes. Like many others, I initially failed to secure a booking. However, shortly before the residency began, allegations surrounding Redzepi’s past workplace behavior surfaced publicly, leading the chef to step away from his role at the restaurant.

As a result, the original question—“What would Noma look like in Los Angeles?”—suddenly came paired with another: “What would Noma look like without René?” It felt worth seeing firsthand, so when a last-minute reservation for a solo seat at a shared table appeared on Tock, I decided to take the plunge.

The residency took place at the Paramour Estate—also known as the Crestmount Estate or the Canfield-Moreno Estate—a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Located in the affluent Moreno Highlands neighborhood of Silver Lake, the mansion was originally built in 1923 in the Mediterranean Revival style. For 25 years, the property was owned by interior designer and restaurateur Dana Hollister (4100 Bar, Bordello, Brite Spot, Cliff’s Edge, One-Eyed Gypsy, Villains Tavern) before eventually being sold to fellow designer Ken Fulk in 2023.

Although complimentary valet parking was available onsite, I opted to park on the street instead—apparently a bit too far downhill, as the walk back up Micheltorena ended up being a fairly steep climb. Pictured above is the view just beyond the entrance gates.

Perched high atop a hill, the estate offered a striking view from the motor court, overlooking Franklin Hills, Los Feliz, and the surrounding stretch of Los Angeles beyond.

From the vantage point above, turn around, go past the inflatable mushrooms, and you’ll find a path...

...Leading to the swimming pool courtyard, where guests were asked to assemble.

Shortly after arriving, I was handed a cup of hojicha-inspired lemon leaf infusion. Alongside the expected citrusy and herbaceous qualities, there was also an almost corn-like note that felt oddly familiar. Light, refreshing, and easy to drink—I ended up going back for a second serving.

After about twenty minutes or so, a group of us from the first seating at the shared table were escorted away. We made our way around the southern edge of the estate, catching intermittent views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline off in the distance.

At the western end of the property, the Noma crew had constructed a greenhouse-style kitchen on the mansion’s lawn. We moved past the kitchen entrance to be greeted by the back-of-the-house staff…

...Before eventually being led east through the main dining room, a repurposed ballroom that served as the centerpiece of the residency. The team did an impressive job with the space, recreating much of the atmosphere and aesthetic language of the København restaurant while adapting it with a distinctly Southern California sensibility.

However, our shared table wasn’t located in the main dining area, but instead a lovely eight-seater private dining room (the repurposed sunroom) located at the northern extremity of the building.

Shown above is the menu presented at the conclusion of the evening. The experience was priced at $1,500 per person, inclusive of tax, gratuity, and beverages. Also included was a wine pairing built around natural-leaning Californian producers, though a non-alcoholic pairing featuring housemade infusions, kombuchas, juices, and similar preparations was available as well—an option I ultimately skipped.

Guests were also given the opportunity to purchase bottles from the wine list, which interestingly contrasted heavily with the pairing selections themselves: far more classical in style, predominantly French, and considerably more expensive. Additionally, for a $150 corkage fee, diners could open bottles brought from home if desired.

The place setting awaited the eight of us at the table. It was an eclectic mix of diners, to put it lightly.

A chilled, wetted hand towel soon made an appearance A much-appreciated touch that I’d like to see more often in haute cuisine.

NV Solera Rose No.2 - Gina Giugni, San Luis Obispo, Central Coast

To accompany the meal, guests were poured seven wines throughout the evening, with refills offered fairly generously. The first pairing was a sparkling rosé from San Luis Obispo producer Lady of the Sunshine. Made from Pinot Noir, the wine consisted of roughly one-quarter 2025 vintage juice blended with a solera base incorporating wines from 2023 and 2024.

On the nose, it showed bright aromas of underripe orchard fruit, minerality, and subtle yeasty character. The palate leaned crisp and energetic, driven by tart apple notes layered with hints of stone fruit, mineral, and a slight astringency. Overall, it worked very well as an opening apéritif.

1: Pink Pepper Dungeness Crab:

The opening course showcased Dungeness crab, whose natural sweetness was complemented nicely by the smokier, deeper notes imparted from the barbecuing process, along with a restrained brightness from local pink peppercorns. Texturally, the crab landed exactly where I wanted it to—tender, delicate, and satisfying even on its own. Still, dragging each bite through the accompanying pink pepper butter sauce added another layer entirely, introducing lingering savory richness, nuttiness, and subtle sweet spice notes that rounded out the dish beautifully.

A moistened napkin was soon provided, which was quite welcomed given the hands-on nature of the preceding course.

2: Daylily Crab Dumpling:

A second Dungeness crab preparation featured meat from the body of the crustacean stuffed into a steamed day lily flower and finished with rose oil. I ended up preferring this course even more, largely because the sweet salinity of the crab integrated surprisingly naturally with the blossom’s floral, herbaceous qualities. Meanwhile, the crisp vegetal buds of the plant had been injected with concentrated crab broth, adding an extra burst of savory depth and another layer of texture to explore throughout the dish.

Another wet napkin quickly appeared.

2022 God Moving Over the Face of the Waters - Pete Bloomberg, Oakland, San Francisco

The evening’s second wine was a Chardonnay from producer Llewelyn, made using fruit sourced from Lolonis Vineyard in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County. The wine was produced from a barrel that remained untopped throughout aging, allowing it to mature sous voile and develop oxidative characteristics reminiscent of Jura wines.

On the nose, it leaned intensely nutty and funky in a way that immediately called that region to mind. The palate, however, moved in a brighter direction, showing sweeter citrus and orchard fruit notes alongside grassy undertones and a touch of barnyard character.

3: Chilled Lobster Broth

A lobster shell was repurposed into a drinking vessel, with guests instructed to pull out the center portion of the tail before sipping the broth inside—a preparation combining lobster with elderflower and bergamot. The result was more nuanced and unexpected than I initially anticipated, as the floral elements added an entirely different dimension to the crustacean’s naturally savory, saline character rather than overpowering it.

4: Spot Prawn Cooked with Matcha

Santa Barbara spot prawn was cooked à la minute, its sweet, oceany flavors matching up cleverly with the grassy, vegetal bitterness of green tea. Filled with a tangy dried tomato paste, the shrimp’s even headier head was also a treat, so be sure to give it a suck (pause).

A third and final wetted napkin was now provided.

2022 Palomino Fino - Mikey Giugni, San Luis Obispo, Central Coast

Next to imbibe was an old vine Palomino Fino from Scar of the Sea, a producer that happens to be run by the husband of the winemaker of the evening’s first pairing. Made with grapes from Galleano Ranch in Cucamonga Valley (planted in the 1920s), this was reportedly aged three years in old oak barrels, non-ouillé. This made for a funky, oxidative style of wine.

5: Sea Urchin Custard and Braised Acorns

Pacific sea urchin appeared here in both custard and tongue form, accompanied by caviar, hoja santa oil, and unexpectedly tender pieces of acorn. Acorn, apparently, had become a point of fascination for the kitchen due to its historical importance within the diets of local Native American communities, with the team treating the ingredient somewhat similarly to the pine cones used back in Copenhagen.

For me, the acorn ended up serving as the centerpiece of the dish, providing an earthy, nutty counterbalance to the sweeter and more saline flavors of the uni and caviar. Meanwhile, the peppery aromatics of the yerba santa tied everything together surprisingly elegantly. The bowl itself also deserves mention—it was actually an emu eggshell, repurposed after the kitchen had reportedly been experimenting with incorporating emu into the menu, given that the birds are farmed locally in California.

2024 Verso - Caleb Leisure, Sebastopol, Sonoma

The following three courses were paired with a 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Caleb Leisure, produced using fruit sourced from Mendocino’s Yorkville Highlands AVA. Drawing inspiration from traditional Georgian winemaking techniques, the wine was aged in kvevri—large amphora-like earthenware vessels that contributed a distinctive texture and character to the final product.

Aromatically, it came across quite intense, loaded with funky, almost cheese-like notes. On the palate, however, the wine felt energetic and vibrant, balancing grassy and tropical flavors with pronounced minerality and a pleasant tannic structure.

6: Cactus with Mezcal

I’ve never been particularly fond of nopales, but the preparation here genuinely surprised me. Tacinga cactus pads were nixtamalized, compressed with mezcal and white sage tea, then finished with honeypot ants for seasoning. The nixtamalization process seemed especially crucial, transforming the cactus into something slick and supple while still retaining a satisfying density and structure—without much of the mucilaginous texture typically associated with nopal.

Flavor-wise, the dish leaned bright and vibrant overall, driven by sour, vegetal notes punctuated with subtle bursts of acidity and spice from the ants.

7: Ragout of Californian Botanicals

A botanical-style ragoût featuring California mussels, green tomatillo cooked with amaro, English peas, and a salad of nasturtium flowers, asparagus tips, and ice plant quickly became a favorite at the table—and understandably so. Despite the number of components involved, the dish felt remarkably cohesive, bringing together an array of bright, vegetal “green” flavors alongside smokier, deeply umami-driven elements, all subtly underscored by spice.

8: SoCal Seaweed and Clam

A carefully arranged assortment of Southern Californian seaweeds—kelp, sea lettuce, dulse, and others—was paired with clam and a concentrated clam broth. The dish tasted unapologetically oceanic, a full-force combination of salinity and savoriness that one of my dining companions aptly compared to the sensation of scuba diving. I also appreciated the range of textures throughout the course, particularly the contrast provided by the firm, meaty clams.

2024 Orb - Devin Alexander Myers, Elk Ridge, Mendocino

The evening’s first red wine came from Dorsal, and was made solely of Grenache from the Sierra Foothills, macerated for three days. This was definitely done in a lighter, more vivacious style, one with loads of high-toned red fruit and perky tannins, alongside a bouquet of cherry and barnyard.

9: Tuna Neck

The first of two tuna head preparations featured a molded crêpe made from barley and rice dough inoculated with koji spores, stuffed with rich, umami-heavy cubes of tuna neck and forehead, then topped with brittle shards of dehydrated and compressed chicken broth. What stood out most, however, was the texture of the “bao” itself, which carried a distinctly fuzzy, almost leathery quality that some at the table found slightly unsettling. Even so, the unusual texture helped temper the intensity of the tuna, and I have to give the kitchen credit for creating a mouthfeel unlike anything I can recall experiencing before.

10: Tuna Eye

Another first for me arrived in the form of a collagen-rich portion of tuna eye, designed to be consumed almost like an oyster shot from within a banana flower. I was surprisingly taken by the interplay between the eye’s delicate, subtly oceanic quality and the sharper accents of bergamot juice and pungent horseradish, which helped brighten and frame the ingredient rather elegantly.

11: Black Pearl Rice Steamed with Avocado lLaf

Our first warm course featured California black forbidden rice paired with pistachio cream and surrounded by California macadamia nuts. While I appreciated the rice’s warmth, comforting texture, and properly sticky consistency, the dish overall came across noticeably more subdued than many of the preceding courses. The flavors felt fairly restrained—almost bland at points—with the nutty crunch of the macadamias and richness of the pistachio cream doing much of the heavy lifting against what ultimately tasted like relatively straightforward forbidden rice.

12: King Oyster and Morel Mushrooms with Habanero and Yuzu

A mushroom duo arrived atop a bed of turkey tails, seasoned with a habanero-based variation of yuzukoshō. For me, the most interesting aspect of the dish was the contrast in texture between the two mushrooms. I started with the morel, which delivered its characteristic sponginess and succulence, while the thinly scored eryngi leaned much slicker and more supple in comparison.

That said, despite the textural intrigue, the course ended up feeling somewhat underwhelming overall. Compared to the stronger and more conceptually cohesive dishes earlier in the meal, the flavors here came across flatter than expected, making the preparation feel more academically interesting than genuinely exciting to eat.

13: Seasonal Greens and Grilled Artichoke in a Spiced Kelp Mole

For the final savory course of the evening, a pentagonal plate arrived carrying an assortment of vegetation: one-year-old agave shoots, zucchini blossom, unripe cherimoya, chayote, kogomi, and fig leaf shoots, all accompanied by a sauce built from seaweed and chilies. I was impressed by how effectively the dish conveyed such a wide range of flavors—bright, bitter, smoky, sweet, and vegetal—while still remaining cohesive. Much of that cohesion came from the savory depth of the accompanying “mole,” which tied the components together beautifully (and was excellent mopped up with the accompanying floppy tortillas).

A few minutes later, the second half of the course arrived: a grilled artichoke dressed with masa butter and presented almost like a flower, with the outer leaves intentionally left attached to function as a handle. I’m generally not much of an artichoke person, but this was easily one of the stronger preparations of the ingredient I’ve had.

2025 Pasi - Riley O’Neill Latta, Pasadena, Los Angeles

To accompany dessert, we were poured a cider created specifically for the residency. Made from Northern California apples and refermented with passion fruit picked from the cidermaker’s grandparents’ backyard, the result was lively and effervescent, layered with tropical yellow fruit notes, sour beer-like funk, and a subtle barnyard quality.

14: Dessert of Cherimoya and Lemongrass

The first dessert featured cherimoya ice cream seasoned with lemongrass, piped into a cactus-shaped matcha shell and placed atop a sauce of plum wine and saffron. I’m always impressed when a restaurant manages to make cherimoya compelling—normally one of my least favorite fruits (the textural equivalent of green sperm)—and this ended up being a genuinely lovely one-biter. The interplay between the earthy bitterness of the matcha and the gingery brightness of the lemongrass worked especially well against the fruit’s tropical custard-like base.

15: Macadamia Milk Custard and Pistachio

A custard made from macadamia and vanilla was topped with pistachio sauce and elderflower, resulting in a dessert that felt sweet, nutty, and quietly restrained. Alongside it came an exceptionally juicy loquat poached in oxidized wine, and it was really that poaching process—the wine’s deep nuttiness—that elevated the fruit so successfully. I’ve had plenty of loquat over the years, both fresh from my aunt’s backyard and store-bought, but this may very well have been the best single piece of the fruit I’ve eaten.

16: Silver Lake Fortune Cookie

The final course arrived disguised as a miniature tree, with guests instructed to use a pair of pruning shears to cut the string binding the branches together. Inside was a savory-sweet fortune cookie composed of fruit leather, chocolate mousse, and dried strawberries, finished with bee larvae and agave worms for an extra layer of texture and earthiness.

We had a choice of three herbal teas, and I ended up with this cozy lemon balm and white sage infusion.

Word.

Coffee service.

Post-dinner retirement to the salon to water the head.

As a parting gift, I received a signed copy of the newly-released The Noma Guide to Building Flavour, which, to me, beats the cliched bag of granola or seasoning.

Attempting to create an LA version of Noma was already an inherently difficult proposition even before the controversy surrounding the residency entered the picture. Translating one of the most influential restaurants of the modern era into an entirely different ecosystem, culture, and ingredient landscape was always going to carry enormous expectations. And yet, somewhat to my surprise, the team largely managed to pull it off. They succeeded in capturing much of the original restaurant’s ethos while reshaping it to fit Southern California’s climate, produce, and overall sensibility. Much of the food aligned fairly closely with what I’d imagine “Noma in Los Angeles” should look like.

That said, the evening also reinforced the feeling that Noma may have lost a bit of its fastball. There were certainly moments of brilliance and intellectual curiosity throughout the meal, but there were also stretches where the experience drifted toward style over substance—where conceptual framing, unusual vessels, or textural experimentation occasionally felt more compelling on paper than in actual execution. Some dishes carried the unmistakable feeling of a team still trying very hard to be “Noma,” which at times bordered on self-parody in a way the original restaurant never quite did at its peak. You could occasionally sense the machinery behind the magic.

Still, I think the current wave of backlash toward the restaurant has become somewhat overstated. The internet now talks about Noma as though it were some washed-up relic surviving purely on reputation, and I don’t think that’s entirely fair either. Even in a slightly diminished state, there remains an enormous amount of creativity, technical precision, and organizational discipline on display here. Plenty of restaurants would kill to execute at this level while supposedly “past their prime.”

Following Redzepi’s departure, I have to imagine the staff endured a fair amount of uncertainty and emotional whiplash during those early weeks of service. By now though, the operation appears to have stabilized, perhaps even evolved into something more collaborative and decentralized. That probably shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Noma has existed for over twenty years at this point, and organizations of that scale typically develop the infrastructure, personnel, and institutional knowledge necessary to survive turbulence.

Noma LA wraps up at the end of June, and after everything surrounding the residency, I’m left wondering what exactly comes next for the brand. How does the team continue forward and establish an identity that can exist beyond Redzepi’s shadow—both his influence and now his notoriety? Especially considering that Noma no longer really functions as a traditional restaurant anymore, instead operating more as a culinary R&D lab, product incubator, and traveling residency concept. There are some genuinely difficult questions hanging over the future of the organization, and I’m not entirely sure anyone—including Noma itself—fully knows the answers yet.

Amidst a haze of Reddit posts, getaway day MLB.TV at 11:00 A.M., I came across this.

I was stimulated. It was an article about Japanese philosophy—Kaizen, Ikigai —concepts I had never encountered before. I ended up reading the entire thing under the desk while my boss was eerily leering over my shoulder, and somewhere during those few minutes, something subtly shifted in me. Quietly. Almost imperceptibly. The kind of shift that changes the trajectory of your thinking before you even realize it’s happening.

From there, I started digging deeper. One article turned into another. One idea led to an entirely different framework. Before long, I found myself immersed in philosophies that people in Japan had been practicing for centuries. The more I read, the more I realized these weren’t abstract ideas meant only for scholars or monks. They were deeply practical principles for living. Timeless observations about discipline, meaning, purpose, identity, and growth. More importantly, they were immediately applicable to the exact things I was dealing with at the time.

This isn’t a breakdown of every Japanese philosophy I’ve come across, but rather the handful that fundamentally changed the way I operate.

As I write this, it’s 11:35 a.m. Black coffee is steaming on the desk beside me. Before I even take a sip, the smell hits first—that familiar warmth that quietly signals to the brain that the day has begun, albeit a watered-down version as the office cup pails in comparison to that Sunday morning one. The sun is coming through the window. Birds Construction trucks are making noise outside. Nature’s version of an alarm clock.

So let’s get into it.

KAIZEN — 改善

“Beginning is easy, continuing is hard.” — Japanese proverb

Kaizen translates to continuous improvement.

Simple in theory, profound in practice.

At its core, the philosophy revolves around the idea of improving by just 1% every single day. You’ve probably seen the mathematics before: 1.01 raised to the power of 365 equals roughly 37.8. Nearly thirty-eight times better over the course of a year through small, incremental progress. Meanwhile, 1.00 raised to the power of 365 remains exactly one. No growth. No compounding. Just stagnation disguised as stability.

And stagnation rarely announces itself dramatically. It creeps in quietly. One unchanged day at a time until eventually you wake up and realize the person standing in the mirror is almost identical to who you were years ago.

Kaizen can completely reshape the way you approach growth because it aligns so naturally with how the brain actually changes. Neuroscience refers to this through neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to strengthen and reorganize neural pathways through repetition. Small, repeated actions gradually become automatic behaviors. Over time, those repeated behaviors stop feeling like effort and start becoming identity.

The issue is that most people drastically overestimate how quickly transformation should happen while simultaneously underestimating the long-term power of consistency.

Take reading as an example. Someone decides they want to become a reader, so they immediately commit to a chapter a day because it sounds ambitious and productive. In reality, that target is often too aggressive for someone building the habit from zero.

What works far better is starting absurdly small. One page a day. Genuinely.

Because the goal during the first week isn’t to consume information—it’s to create the identity of someone who returns to the book every day. One page becomes two. Two becomes three. Months later, the person reading a few pages consistently surpasses the person who sprinted toward an unrealistic target and burned out almost immediately.

The same principle exists in fitness through progressive overload. The body adapts gradually. You increase the weight or volume slowly as the current load becomes manageable. Human behavior operates the same way.

Apply this concept everywhere: writing, fitness, business, relationships, learning, and discipline.

Small. Consistent. Compounding.

That’s how transformation actually happens.

IKIGAI — 生き甲斐

Ikigai roughly translates to “a reason for living.”

The framework sits at the intersection of four questions:

What do you love?
What are you good at?
What does the world need?
What can you be paid for?

Where those four things overlap is your Ikigai—your reason for being.

Psychologically, human beings are not wired purely for consumption. We need meaning. We need contribution. We need the feeling that our existence creates something valuable outside of ourselves.

Research surrounding purpose and fulfillment consistently points toward the same conclusions: people with a strong sense of meaning tend to experience greater life satisfaction, lower rates of depression and anxiety, stronger resilience, and even improved longevity.

There’s a reason Okinawa, Japan—home to one of the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world—is so frequently studied in relation to Ikigai. People who possess a clear sense of purpose often remain psychologically and physically healthier for longer.

Recently, I have been teetering on the idea of what I truly want in life. The only thing I knew with certainty was that the traditional path—the 9-5, working corporate ladder, the repetitive trade of time for money—felt deeply misaligned with who I was. With so much to do, so many places to see, why limit myself to the shackles of Vegas?

But knowing what you don’t want only gives you half the answer.

Ikigai helped me compartmentalize these thoughts.

When I sat honestly with those four questions, patterns began emerging.

I loved learning. Challenges. Diving deeply into ideas until they transformed the way I understood myself and the world around me.

I was naturally good at discovering new concepts and translating them into something understandable.

The world clearly needed people capable of creating and disseminating taste with a cultured world view.

And eventually I am realizing that teaching and communicating those ideas could also become financially viable (still working on it).

The important thing, though, is that not every answer appears immediately. Some have to be built over time rather than discovered instantly. Ikigai isn’t something most people magically stumble upon one afternoon. It’s something constructed through experimentation, iteration, and self-awareness.

If you don’t know your Ikigai yet, start with what genuinely excites you and what comes naturally to you. The rest tends to reveal itself gradually.

SEIRI & SEITON — 整理 と 整頓

“When you tidy your space, you also tidy your mind.” — Marie Kondo

Seiri and Seiton are the first two principles within the Japanese 5S organizational system.

Seiri means removing what no longer belongs.
Seiton means organizing what remains.

What fascinated me most about these ideas was not the organizational aspect itself, but the neurological impact of physical environment on mental clarity.

Your surroundings are not neutral.

A cluttered room creates what neuroscientists refer to as environmental visual noise. Even when you aren’t consciously paying attention to it, your brain is continuously processing the unfinished tasks, misplaced objects, and disorganization surrounding you.

That constant low-level cognitive processing drains the same mental resources required for focus, creativity, and sustained attention.

Research consistently shows that cluttered spaces elevate cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone. Over time, elevated cortisol contributes to anxiety, impaired cognition, and mental fatigue.

A clean environment creates the opposite effect.

Your nervous system relaxes. Your brain stops wasting energy processing disorder.

Personally, I started implementing this through extremely simple habits. Wiping down my entire kitchen counter every night and putting up dishes. Mopping my space every Sunday.

These practices sound basic because they are basic. But foundational habits are often embarrassingly simple.

Clean your room. Put things back where they belong. Remove unnecessary visual chaos.

Then sit quietly in the space afterward.

You’ll feel the difference almost immediately.

KINTSUGI — 金継ぎ

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold.

Instead of hiding the cracks, the cracks are emphasized. Highlighted. Turned into part of the object’s beauty.

Most people spend enormous amounts of energy attempting to hide their flaws, failures, and fractures. Kintsugi suggests the opposite: the broken parts are often the most meaningful parts.

Psychologically, perfectionism is often misunderstood as discipline or high standards, when in reality it’s usually rooted in fear. Fear of failure. Fear of judgment. Fear of imperfection.

Ironically, perfectionism frequently leads to procrastination, anxiety, and lower performance because people become paralyzed waiting for ideal conditions.

I used to approach my routines this way constantly. If one part of my schedule fell apart, I mentally discarded the entire day. Miss my 5’oclock sauna session? Suddenly the whole routine felt out of wack.

Which, looking back, is a form of stubbornness that is conditioned in me that I have tried to change.

Missing one step doesn’t destroy progress. Deciding that progress is destroyed does.

Kintsugi is closest to Buddhist ideals and in recognizing that imperfect continuation is infinitely more valuable than perfect abandonment.

The scuffed kicks still function. It still is a house for your feeet.

And often, the creases and lived-in elements of the shoe become the most beautiful part of the piece.

WABI-SABI — 侘び寂び

“Even monkeys fall from trees.” — Japanese proverb

Wabi-sabi is the acceptance of imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness.

Still need these Wabi-Sabi Air Maxes

Where Kintsugi finds beauty in brokenness, Wabi-sabi finds beauty in unfinishedness.

The rough edge. The fading paint. The unresolved process.

Its practical application is simple but uncomfortable:

Start before you feel ready.

The perfect moment does not exist. The perfect conditions are not arriving. The perfect version of yourself isn’t going to suddenly appear one morning fully prepared to begin.What exists is the present moment and whatever tools, knowledge, and energy you currently possess.

Action changes the brain in ways planning never can. Neurologically, movement creates learning. Execution creates clarity. Endless overthinking does not. The imperfect beginning builds the groundwork that the perfect plan only fantasizes about.

Start now. Start incomplete. Start imperfectly, risk it for the biscuit.

That’s how momentum is created.

Putting It All Together

What makes these philosophies so powerful is that they align with human nature rather than fighting against it.

Kaizen teaches consistent improvement.
Ikigai teaches meaningful direction.
Seiri and Seiton teach environmental clarity.
Kintsugi teaches acceptance of fracture.
Wabi-sabi teaches the beauty of imperfection.

Ancient frameworks. Simple concepts. Surprisingly difficult to practice consistently.

There’s another Japanese concept called Shu-Ha-Ri, the three stages of mastery:

Shu — follow the rule.
Ha — break the rule.
Ri — become the rule.

And a Chinese concept of 天地人:

天 (Heaven): Mastering Timing

Life follows power law distributions—most of your efforts will lead nowhere, while a small percentage create disproportionate impact. You don’t need to be right all the time. You just need a few shots to hit massively.

The challenge is that timing is nearly impossible to predict logically. The best opportunities tend to feel like they’re pulling you forward. Your intuition says yes before your mind can explain why. Momentum becomes obvious. Energy compounds daily. Success in that moment also creates leverage, opening doors to larger opportunities later.

When timing aligns, you stop forcing things. The momentum becomes contagious.

地 (Earth): Being in the Right Environment

While you can’t fully control timing, you can control positioning.

Your environment determines what opportunities you can even see. Geography, industry, and ecosystem matter because they place you closer to emerging waves before everyone else notices them.

That’s why innovation hubs and high-growth industries tend to produce outsized opportunities. The same idea executed in the right environment can create completely different outcomes.

But even if you’re not in the ideal place yet, momentum still matters. Small experiments, relationships, and consistent action create leverage over time. The “red paperclip principle” proves you can often trade your way into bigger opportunities through persistence and momentum alone.

The periods between major opportunities matter just as much as the opportunities themselves. Use them to build relationships, sharpen skills, and position yourself for when the next wave arrives.

And when the rocket ship finally shows up, you don’t hesitate over whether you’re fully prepared—you just get on.

人 (Person): Building with People

An average team can succeed with the right timing and market, while an exceptional team can fail solving the wrong problem at the wrong time.

That doesn’t mean people don’t matter. Great teams are simply better at adapting, recognizing shifts, and creating opportunities through persistence and vision.

If you can only optimize two of the three—timing, place, or people—prioritize timing and place first.

Still, culture matters. You don’t need the smartest team in the world, but you do want people with conviction, adaptability, and good energy around you.

Ultimately, skills and relationships matter because they improve your ability to recognize the right moment and execute when it finally arrives.

At first, these philosophies feel external. You consciously practice them. You remind yourself to implement them.

But eventually, if practiced long enough, they stop feeling like philosophies at all.

They simply become the way you operate.

There’s a reason why these ancient texts (along with Greek Stoicism) resonate so deeply in today’s muddled society. They are ideas that work and relate to the modern man/woman.

4 Things:

1. Vegas is Cool(er) Now?

After more than two years of living in Vegas, I feel like I’ve finally turned a corner in appreciating all of its strange quirks and eccentricities. Being guest-listed nightly and getting into electronic shows for free certainly doesn’t hurt either. In no other city I’ve lived in can a night out feel like such a proverbial dice roll.

The randomness of the people you meet, the spontaneous conversations, the hookups, the bizarre interactions—all of it feels impossible to predict (which can admittedly be both a blessing and a detriment).

Take last Friday night, for example. Before grabbing sushi, I had an interaction with this guy:

Keep Austin Weird? Not a proper slogan. Keep Vegas odd.

2. Two Must-Try Recipes:

Rabbit holes. Speaking of rabbit holes. During the process of cooking up this article I ventured to my pantry to find not one but three bottles of different chili crisp, and adjacent to these bottles was a brick of halva. The intersection of Middle Eastern desserts, Eastern philosophies and chili crisp made me want to create a Sichuan Hot Honey Baklava. Recipe is as follows:

Sichuan Hot Honey Baklava:

Baklava

• 120 g unsalted cashews

• 50 g black sesame seeds

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder

• 8 oz phyllo sheets (half of 16oz package) thawed

• 85 g butter (6 tbsp) melted

Syrup

• 100 g honey

• 120 g sugar

• 90 mL water

• 1 tsp chili flakes preferrably er jing tiao

• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns use 1/2 tsp and skip toasting if using powder

Instructions

• Heat oven to 375F. Brush an eighth sheet pan (6.5” x 9.5”) or 8” round pan with melted butter.

• To make the filling, add 120 g unsalted cashews, 50 g black sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder to a blender or food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Alternatively, use a knife to finely chop cashews and stir together with remaining filling ingredients.

• Work with one phyllo sheet at a time, and cover remaining sheets with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

  Completely unfold one phyllo sheet and brush with melted butter. Fold in half along long edge (hamburger style) and brush top of folded sheet with more butter.

• Lay a skewer or chopstick 2 inches from top of phyllo sheet and place 3 Tbsp of filling below skewer. Use the skewer to fold top of the phyllo sheet around filling and roll downwards. Once rolled, scrunch the roll towards the center of the skewer to create ridges.

  Slide the skewer out and place rolled baklava into the prepared pan. Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling until the pan is full.

• Brush the top of the rolls in the pan with butter. Use a paring knife to cut baklava into 1-2” segments. Bake at 375F for 25 minutes.

• In the meantime, prepare the syrup. Add 1 tsp chili flakes and 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns to a small saucepot. Dry toast over medium heat for 3 minutes, until fragrant.

• Add 100 g honey, 120 g sugar, and 90 mL water to toasted spices. Bring to a boil then simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain hot honey syrup through a fine mesh sieve.

• Once the baklava is done baking, remove from the oven and immediately pour syrup evenly over the rolls. Allow the baklava to rest until completely cool, ideally overnight, before consuming.

  Store baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Protein Persian Saffron Ice Cream

It’s officially Ninja Creami szn. I dusted off the old bowl, and now that I actually have space in my freezer, can start churning out pints again. One of my go-tos has been this Persian Bastani Sonati riff—one of, if not, my favorite flavor of ice cream.

Ingredients

325 mL lite coconut cream
450 mL Alexandria A2 4% milk
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
Monkfruit sweetener, to taste (adjust to preferred sweetness)
30 g skim milk powder
0.1 g saffron (~15 threads, crushed)
2 tsp rosewater
15 g cornstarch (1.5 tbsp)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
60 g roasted pistachios, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

In a small bowl, place the saffron over a small ice cube to bloom the saffron. Allow the ice to melt completely.

In another small bowl, whisk together about 50 mL of the Alexandria A2 milk with the cornstarch until completely smooth. Set aside.

Prepare an ice bath with equal parts ice and water and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine the saffron water, remaining Alexandria A2 milk, lite coconut cream, vanilla protein powder, monkfruit sweetener, skim milk powder, and kosher salt.

Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to simmer. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the saucepan while whisking continuously.

Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and returns to a gentle simmer.

Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof container. Place the container into the ice bath and cool completely.

Once cooled, stir in the rosewater. Cover and refrigerate overnight, ideally at least 8 hours, to fully develop the flavor and texture.

Freeze the chopped pistachios overnight in a separate container.

Pour the chilled base into a Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for 24 hours until completely solid.

Spin using the “Lite Ice Cream” setting on the Ninja Creami.

After the first spin, create a small hole in the center, add the frozen pistachios, and process using the “Mix-In” function.

3. Best Songs of the Week:

4. Found This Amusing (Via Reddit):

Sad, but true.

Have a blessed week and party hardy this Memorial Day weekend, y’all.

Also pray for my Spurs to stay up on Sunday.

Full disclosure—I’ve had this post sitting in my drafts for months. Not because it wasn’t finished, but because I was hesitant to share it. I have a “modest” following—and I use that word loosely because, as anyone in the content creation space knows (a term I’m not particularly fond of, much like “foodie”), your audience constantly ebbs and flows.

Ironically, one of my least serious posts comparing NFL teams to foods was copied by Yahoo Sports (I see your email/location in my subs, Mr. Schwab)

For those whose income depends on creating reels, writing, vlogs, or influencing, it’s easy to get caught up in the metrics. Every post becomes something to analyze. You start second-guessing everything—was that story after two Negronis a mistake? Should I really be posting everything I ate on vacation? At a certain point, it turns into projecting your own insecurities outward.

That said, I’m trying to take a more relaxed approach to sharing my personal life online, while still expressing my thoughts and ideas more freely. There will always be eyes ready to judge, but sometimes you just have to put your words out into the ether—and let them be.

My friendships exist in silos, and that’s mostly by design.

Each one exists in its own lane. A coffee with one person here, a quick drink with someone else there, maybe a conversation that’s half catching up and half problem-solving. There’s rarely overlap between them, and I’ve never felt much motivation to merge those circles. The idea of maintaining some interconnected web of friendships—group chats buzzing constantly, inside jokes, everyone knowing everyone—feels less attainable as you get older, or it might be just Vegas.

Part of that is probably because I’ve never had much interest in putting in the energy to find the kind of male friendships that tend to form those groups. Too often, they revolve around a shared performance of identity: the same hobbies, the same jokes, the same cadence of conversation. A lot of it feels like a copy-and-paste version of each other, where everyone subtly mirrors everyone else.

Instead, my social life is smaller and more compartmentalized. A handful of friends, most of whom I see individually, and a much stronger focus on family. I’d rather invest time in people who are genuinely important to me than spend energy maintaining a broad social network. Independence has always come naturally to me, and the idea of needing a group for emotional reinforcement feels unnecessary.

Still, the cultural messaging around friendship makes you question this sometimes. Groups of friends appear everywhere—on social media, in sitcoms, in the background of restaurants and bars. The archetype is familiar: six or seven people constantly orbiting each other’s lives, sharing dinners, vacations, group texts. It’s presented as the default structure of adulthood.

I miss late 90’s/early Aughts network sitcoms

You see it and wonder whether that’s what you’re supposed to want.

But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized that the desire for a “friend group” is often less about genuine need and more about social optics. People like the idea of belonging to a visible collective. It signals that you’re socially successful, that you have a network, that you’re part of something. Social proof is still a key driver in dating I feel, but a pack mindset that was common in grade school is less necessary as you age.

In reality, adult friendships rarely function that way.

Research on friendship patterns suggests that most adults maintain a small number of close relationships—often around five—and that these relationships don’t necessarily exist within a single cohesive group. Anthropologists who have studied social networks extensively argue that humans simply don’t have the cognitive bandwidth to maintain a large number of meaningful relationships simultaneously.

What often looks like a friend group from the outside is actually a loose association of people who share an activity or environment: coworkers, teammates, cohorts at the gym, classmates, neighbors. Remove that context and the group tends to dissolve.

That makes sense to me.

Most of the friendships I see among guys in my demo or older are built around shared “clubs”—sports, work, hobbies, drinking, and gyms. The connection is less about who someone is as a person and more about what they participate in. I see this at work constantly, where I stick out like a sore thumb because I don’t relate to the cultural north star of Star Wars or Pokémon. Evolutionary psychologists have pointed out that male friendships historically developed around collective activity rather than individual emotional exchange.

Which explains why so many male (and female?) friend groups feel interchangeable.

Swap out one person, and the dynamic doesn’t change much.

That’s not something I’ve ever found particularly meaningful. I’d rather have a small number of relationships where the connection is specific and intentional, even if those relationships exist separately from one another.

Another reason I’ve never chased friend groups in my 30’s is that friendships, at least in adulthood, inevitably contain a transactional element. People provide value to each other—conversation, advice, professional connections, shared experiences. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that. It’s simply how adult relationships operate once the randomness of childhood proximity disappears.

Acknowledging that reality makes friendships easier to understand. They serve a role in your life, just like you serve a role in theirs.

But I’ve never felt the need for those roles to overlap into some kind of social ecosystem.

Family and some romantic relationships fill most of the space that a large friend group might otherwise occupy. These relationships tend to have a depth and permanence that friendships often lack, and they don’t require constant maintenance in the same way. When you grow up close to your family, the urge to construct a surrogate “community” through friends becomes much weaker.

The modern conversation around loneliness often assumes that people without large social networks must be missing something fundamental. Surveys about loneliness frequently include questions about whether someone “feels part of a group of friends,” as if that structure is the baseline for social belonging.

But loneliness and social structure are not the same thing.

You can be surrounded by people and still feel disconnected. You can also live a fairly independent life with a small number of relationships and feel perfectly content.

The loneliness people experience often comes less from the absence of relationships and more from the belief that their lives are supposed to look like someone else’s.

Social media amplifies this effect. Friend groups appear constantly—birthday dinners, vacations, weddings, group selfies. It creates the impression that everyone else is operating inside these tight-knit circles of connection.

In reality, many of those groups are situational or temporary.

People move cities. Jobs change. Relationships shift. The group slowly fragments.

Independence has always felt more stable than social architecture. A few close relationships, strong family ties, and the ability to move through life without relying on a collective identity—that structure works well for me.

Friend groups might offer certain benefits: built-in social plans, shared experiences, a sense of community. But they also come with obligations, expectations, and a certain level of conformity.

And for some people, those trade-offs simply aren’t worth it.

I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything essential. I’ve never needed a crew, a pod, or a group chat to feel grounded.

A handful of meaningful relationships—and the freedom to live independently—has always been enough.

I’ll post this maybe once on socials, and if the numbers suck I could care less. It was either this or ‘tHe teN diShes yoU havE to TrY thiS spRing” for this week’s post. I’ll leave with this little quote:

What I’ve Been Digging Lately:

Why am I just now listening to this crazy-slept on shoegaze band from the 90’s?

You can take the boy out of Texas, but you can’t take Texas out of the boy.

I don’t know what to call this genre of music—abrasive-post-punk-core? Model/Actriz, Ditz, and Lip Critic’s sound is equivalent to having a nervous breakdown. No other bands executing this level of creativity right now.

Best Songs of the Week:

So instead of just predicting who each team will take, let’s go further—pair every pick with the most exciting restaurant in that market right now.

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Frankly, this pick could have been made in January as soon as Mendoza won the national title and declared. Everything starts here.

Side-bar: This is a step up

from this:

Where to Eat: Amador Cocina Fina
Amador is the most compelling off-Strip dining experience in Las Vegas right now—and it comes without the sticker shock. A more relaxed, Latin-leaning evolution of the beloved EDO, it sits in a crowded Chinatown strip mall that feels miles away from the Strip’s excess. The room is brighter, the energy looser, but the cooking is just as precise. Every table is set with five house-made salsas—served with tiny spoons and droppers—that invite you to tinker with dishes like roasted beet tartare, which deepens dramatically with a touch of smoky cacahuete. It’s playful, confident, and quietly one of the best meals in the city.

2. New York Jets

David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

I’ve had Bailey going to the Jets for the past month, and I have no further intel telling me any differently. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese is a great player, but I’m sticking with Bailey. New York needs his instant production (14.5 sacks last season) for its lackluster pass rush.

Where to Eat: Double Knot
Double Knot operates on multiple levels—literally and conceptually. Downstairs, it leans into sushi and sashimi, with clean cuts of toro, yellowtail, and uni presented with restraint. Upstairs, the robata grill anchors the menu, turning out skewers of miso-glazed eggplant and charred wagyu that feel both indulgent and balanced. The range is wide, but the throughline is precision.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

This could be a trade-down spot, and I believe Arizona is listening. Teams like the Chiefs and Saints could have interest in getting into position to take Reese. But I also think the Cardinals could just take Love. Again, forget about positional value this year—most people see him as the top player in the draft, and he could be a jolt to the Cards’ offense.

Where to Eat: Alden
At Alden, the setting inside the Phoenix Art Museum shapes the experience: light-filled, composed, and quietly deliberate. Dishes like burrata with stone fruit and pistachio or calamari paired with chile jam and peanut sauce show a kitchen that understands contrast—rich against bright, crisp against soft—without overcomplicating the plate.

4. Tennessee Titans

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

It would be hard for the Titans to not take Reese if he’s still available, considering their need at edge rusher. But it’d also be hard for coach Robert Saleh to leave Styles on the board. He is seen as a near guarantee with exciting traits.

Where to Eat: Sho Pizza Bar (Nashville)
Sho Pizza Bar reimagines pizza through a Japanese lens. The crust is airy and blistered, topped with combinations like country ham with charred onion cream or a Caesar salad finished with shaved katsuobushi. It’s unexpected, but the flavors land cleanly, never gimmicky.

5. New York Giants

Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

I haven’t seen many mock drafts having Reese slip this far, and maybe he won’t. But I also remember Leonard Williams inexplicably falling out of the top five. These things happen.

Where to Eat: Corima
Corima is what happens when Northern Mexican flavors get pushed through a fine-dining lens—sometimes brilliant, sometimes a little overworked.

Dishes like the kampachi crudo with leche de tigre and the dry-aged duck with mole are sharp, punchy, and memorable. Others, like the much-hyped tortilla course, feel more conceptual than satisfying.

Skip the pricey à la carte and go for the tasting menu—around $100 and easily the best value here. It’s where the experience actually clicks. You won’t love every bite, but you also won’t be bored, which feels like the point.

6. Cleveland Browns

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Browns are certainly in the trade-back conversation as they look to add more draft capital.

Where to Eat: Cordelia
Cordelia is the kind of restaurant that makes Midwestern comfort food feel new again—nostalgic at its core, but constantly tweaked with sharper technique and global influence.

The menu leans shareable and a little chaotic (in a good way): things like the burger box with its crispy cheese skirt, jammy eggs with ajvar, and sausage-stuffed squash blossom potstickers all remix familiar flavors into something more playful. Bigger dishes—like pork belly with sarsaparilla beurre blanc or corned lamb shank—bring the same “modern grandma” energy, just richer and more dialed-in.

This isn’t precious dining. It’s loud, nostalgic, a little weird, and very intentional—like someone took every comfort food memory they had and decided to make it better.

7. Washington Commanders

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Washington has to help Jayden Daniels and get this offense back on track.

Where to Eat: Elmina
Elmina brings Ghanaian cuisine into D.C.’s fine dining conversation with clarity and ambition. Dishes like scallop crudo with coconut broth and cucumber granita open the meal with precision before giving way to braised goat served with fufu and a deeply spiced peanut stew poured tableside. The cooking is rooted in West African tradition but presented with modern structure, resulting in a restaurant that feels both culturally specific and expansive.

8. New Orleans Saints

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

New Orleans needs a receiver, but it also lost a lot of talent on defense this offseason.

Where to Eat: Charmant
Charmant brings a lighter, more refined sensibility to Mid-City. The menu moves comfortably between classic French technique and regional familiarity, with dishes like porcini-dusted trout and shrimp with grits and grillades that feel thoughtful without becoming precious.

9. Dallas Cowboys (Trade with Chiefs)

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Dallas has to get one of the top defensive prospects. It’s a necessity.

Where to Eat: Hinoki
Hinoki strips sushi back to its essentials: high-quality fish, disciplined technique, and a format that invites repeat visits. Expect pristine slices of otoro, kinmedai, and uni served simply, where the focus stays on sourcing, rice, and balance.

10. New York Giants

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

General manager Joe Schoen had dinner with Tyson last week. With Nabers oft-injured, would be a smash spot to get arguably the best WR in the draft.

Where to Eat: Cocotazo
Cocotazo is the kind of place that reminds you how good simple food can be when it’s done with care. A tiny East Harlem counter serving deeply comforting Puerto Rican classics—nothing flashy, just a lot of heart.

The guava BBQ ribs with arroz con gandules are the standout: sticky, sweet, and worth building a meal around. Pernil plates, alcapurrias, and pastelón lean more traditional—rich, satisfying, and very much “someone’s abuela made this.” Even the Mallorca sandwich and flan feel like they belong here, soft and nostalgic.

It’s also one of the better value meals in the city—most dishes land in the $10–$20 range, and portions are generous enough to feel like a full reset rather than a tasting exercise.

11. Miami Dolphins

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Despite injury concerns, he’s an immediate starter.

Where to Eat: Slim’s
A modern steakhouse with swagger, Slim’s leans into richness—wagyu steaks, foie gras-topped bites, and layered indulgence—while keeping the room lively and unpretentious. It’s built for celebration, even on a random Tuesday.

12. Kansas City Chiefs (Trade with Cowboys)

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

Moving back and still landing a top edge rusher would be a huge win.

Where to Eat: Chewology
Chewology delivers a creative take on Asian street food, combining bold flavors with refined technique. Dumplings, noodles, and small plates are packed with flavor but executed with precision, making it as satisfying as it is energetic.

13. Detroit Lions (Trade with Rams)

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

A massive presence at left tackle.

Where to Eat: Vecino
Vecino brings a lighter, more contemporary approach to Mexican cuisine, focusing on clean flavors and thoughtful plating. Tuna tostadas arrive bright and precise, while grilled meats and vegetable-forward dishes show a balance between tradition and modernity.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

The Ravens have always had great success drafting offensive linemen in the first round. And they can lighten the loss of one of those successes by taking the best guard on many boards around the league.

Where to Eat: The Duchess
The Duchess blends English pub roots with unexpected global influence. The result is a menu that feels familiar at first glance but reveals layers of creativity the deeper you go—fish and chips alongside tuna tartare, and dishes that pull from broader global flavors while still feeling cohesive.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

Yes, he’s 25 years old. Yes, he has an injury history. But Mesidor produces in a massive way and is at his best in the biggest games.

Where to Eat: Predalina
Predalina introduces a Mediterranean perspective to Tampa’s dining scene—grilled fish, herb-forward salads, and dishes built around olive oil, citrus, and fire. The flavors stay bright and direct, with a focus on clean execution over excess.

16. New York Jets (via IND)

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

If things fall this way, that means the Jets walk away with both an elite pass rusher and a star receiver.

Where to Eat: Baohaus
Baohaus is back on St. Marks, and it mostly feels like a grown-up version of the original—same energy, louder flavors, slightly higher prices.

The menu leans into Taiwanese comfort food: stir-fried pork, vegetarian mapo tofu, oyster-sauce eggplant, and things like tuna tataki that feel a little more modern than nostalgic. The famous baos aren’t even the focus at dinner (yet), which says a lot about how much this version is trying to expand.

Not everything stands out—there’s a sameness to the sauces and formats—but it’s still fun, especially with cheapish beers and a late-night vibe that’s increasingly rare.

17. Los Angeles Rams (Trade with Lions)

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

There’s a lot of Sadiq intrigue in the Rams’ building. Double-down on offense.

Where to Eat: Perse
Perse channels Persian cooking through a contemporary lens, with a menu rooted in memory but presented with clarity. Expect dishes like fesenjoon with its signature sour-sweet walnut and pomegranate profile, alongside perfectly charred kebabs and herb-laced rice that define the experience.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The whole industry has been putting Thieneman with Minnesota here for weeks. It makes sense. Plug and play Harrison Smith replacement.

Where to Eat: Fallow Kin
Fallow Kin leans into seasonal New England cooking with a modern sensibility—vegetable-forward dishes, delicate seafood preparations, and a rotating tasting menu that highlights local ingredients with precision and restraint.

19. Houston Texans (Trade with Panthers)

Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Miller is steady. And after another OL remake for the Texans, that’s what they need.

Where to Eat: Star Rover
Star Rover captures the current Houston moment: ambitious, slightly irreverent, and deeply ingredient-driven. The menu moves between comfort and experimentation, grounded in strong technique whether it’s composed seafood, roasted meats, or vegetable-forward plates.

20. Kansas City Chiefs (Trade with Cowboys)

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

This would be an A-plus first round for the Chiefs.

Where to Eat: Anjin
Anjin is the kind of place that makes Kansas City feel like a real dining city—tiny, hard to book, and completely worth planning around.

It’s a 20-seat izakaya built around the counter, where you’re basically watching your meal come together in real time. Start with skewers (the chicken hearts are unexpectedly great), then move into the more composed stuff: a puffed rice–dusted beet salad, eggplant with snap peas, and a pork collar sandwich with miso egg salad on milk bread that’s already in the city’s top tier. Finish with soft serve—maybe matcha or ginger pear—loaded with nostalgic toppings.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The expectation is Aaron Rodgers will be back. Pittsburgh has to make sure the protection is right.

Where to Eat: Fish Nor Fowl
A polished Italian-inspired restaurant that balances technique with approachability. Handmade pasta anchors the menu, paired with sauces that balance richness and acidity, supported by simple, well-executed dishes.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

Don’t let the two sacks of last season fool you. Faulk can play.

Where to Eat: Lielle
Lielle is the kind of fine dining spot that tries to make luxury feel relaxed—and mostly pulls it off.

It’s a $150 four-course tasting menu in a moody, almost cave-like room, where dishes like aged squab with fermented yuzu and a rum-soaked sticky bun (cut with gold scissors) land as the kind of theatrical, high-skill cooking you actually remember. There’s also the temptation to add things like sea urchin spaghetti, which pushes the bill up fast.

The food is consistently impressive, but the real pitch is trust—the menu changes constantly, and you’re here to ride it out rather than chase specific dishes.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Considering he is still growing and learning, this could be a home run for the Eagles if they are patient.

Where to Eat: Emilia
Emilia is a study in restraint. Pastas like tortellini in brodo arrive delicate and precise, while rigatoni in ragu bianco offers depth without heaviness. The entire menu reflects a kitchen comfortable letting simplicity carry the experience.

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Browns could go with a big-bodied receiver here.

Where to Eat: Amba
Amba stands out with bold, spice-driven Indian cooking presented in a vibrant, modern setting. Curries build intensity gradually, breads arrive fresh and blistered, and every dish is designed to layer flavor across the meal.

25. Chicago Bears

T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson

Edge is a big need for Chicago.

Where to Eat: Deliz
Deliz leans into the modern Italian steakhouse format with confidence—rich cuts of beef, bold sauces, and pastas designed to match that intensity, all served in a polished but energetic dining room.

26. Buffalo Bills

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Buffalo was 30th against the run last season.

Where to Eat: Waxlight Bar a Vin
Waxlight blends wine bar energy with serious cooking. The menu is seasonal and thoughtful, built around small plates featuring produce-driven dishes, clean proteins, and careful seasoning.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Strengthening the offensive line has to be a priority.

Where to Eat: Lobalita
Lobalita brings a fresh, coastal energy to the Marina. The menu is bright and shareable—shrimp aguachile with citrus and heat, albondigas for depth, and smaller plates that keep the table moving.

28. Carolina Panthers (Trade with Texans)

KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

A do-it-all receiver to complement an offense on the upswing.

Where to Eat: Seaboy
Seaboy feels personal. The menu focuses on seafood and thoughtful small plates—oysters, yellowfin crudo, sablefish—handled with restraint and a clear sense of intention.

29. Dallas Cowboys (Trade with Chiefs)

Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF

Lawrence has quietly risen the board over the past two months.

Where to Eat: The Chumley House
Chumley House opened in Fort Worth in November, delivering a steakhouse with a distinctly European, almost London-inspired feel. The over-the-top style and buttoned-up service carry through a menu of steaks, meat pies, and a proper Sunday roast—all set inside an opulent dining room that leans more Mayfair than Cowtown.

30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN)

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The concerns around McCoy’s knee are real, but the upside is there.

Where to Eat: Slim’s
A modern steakhouse with swagger, Slim’s leans into indulgence—wagyu, foie gras, layered richness—while keeping the room lively and unpretentious.

31. New England Patriots

Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

Here’s another late-rising edge rusher who should go in Round 1.

Where to Eat: Fallow Kin
Fallow Kin leans into seasonal New England cooking with a modern sensibility—vegetable-forward dishes, composed seafood, and a tasting format that prioritizes clarity and balance.

32. Arizona Cardinals (Trade with Seahawks)

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Yes, I have Simpson going in Round 1. Sue me.

Where to Eat: Alden
At Alden, the setting inside the Phoenix Art Museum shapes the experience: light-filled, composed, and quietly deliberate. Dishes balance richness and brightness—like burrata with stone fruit or calamari with chile jam—without ever overworking the plate.

Final Thoughts

The draft is about potential. Restaurants are about execution.

Some hit immediately. Some take time. Some never quite land.

But in both cases, you usually know early.

Best Songs of the Week:

Abuse in restaurant kitchens is real. It has been normalized for decades, and it deserves to be exposed, challenged, and eliminated. On that, there should be no disagreement. But where the conversation often goes next is where things begin to lose clarity. The critique expands beyond exposing abuse into something broader: that fine dining itself is fundamentally broken, that the pursuit of precision, perfection, and prestige is inherently tied to exploitation, and perhaps that fine dining isn’t necessary at all. It’s a powerful argument—but it’s also too absolute.

The idea that every high-end kitchen is built on harm simply isn’t accurate. There are kitchens operating at the highest levels today that are structured, demanding, and disciplined without being abusive. These things can and do coexist. The problem is not structure—it’s leadership. The brigade system, often blamed as the root of toxicity, is simply a way to organize complexity. High-level kitchens require coordination, clarity, and consistency. Without structure, they fall apart. The issue isn’t hierarchy, but how people behave within it.

Noma has become the focal point of this conversation, and understandably so. Its influence on modern fine dining is undeniable, and when a restaurant of that stature faces allegations of toxic culture, it warrants scrutiny. But using one restaurant—even one as important as Noma—to define an entire category is where the argument begins to slip. Failures in leadership should be addressed directly, not used to justify dismantling an entire form of culinary expression. That leap feels less like analysis and more like frustration searching for a larger target.

The question of whether we need fine dining assumes that necessity is the measure of value. We don’t need fine dining—but we also don’t need films, paintings, or music. And yet, life would feel diminished without them. Fine dining exists in that same space. It is not about necessity, but about expression.

At its best, it preserves culture, advances technique, and creates experiences that extend beyond sustenance. It tells stories, explores identity, and elevates ingredients in ways that wouldn’t exist otherwise. That doesn’t excuse its failures, but it does make the argument for its elimination feel overly simplistic.

There is truth in the critique that fine dining can become self-referential—overly cerebral and disconnected from pleasure. Many diners have experienced meals that feel more like performances than something to be enjoyed. But reducing the entire format to ego ignores the range that exists within it. There are chefs using tasting menus to explore identity, culture, and memory in ways that are thoughtful and grounded:

• Jon Yao (Kato), presenting Taiwanese cuisine through a deeply personal and nostalgic lens

• Brandon Go (Hayato), bringing years of kaiseki discipline into a quiet, focused experience

• Aitor Zabala (Somni), translating memory into refined but still deeply enjoyable food

• Marcus Jernmark (Lielle), making high-level technique feel approachable and fun

These are not exercises in ego. They are expressions of perspective that actually resonate. The problem isn’t the format—it’s what people choose to do with it.

At its core, fine dining is about focus. One dish at a time. No distractions. A deliberate pace that forces attention—to flavor, texture, and detail. When done right, it creates an experience where you are fully engaged with what you’re eating. It’s not about theatrics, but intention: taking something simple and refining it just enough to make it memorable without losing what made it good in the first place. That version of fine dining is real—it’s just not universal.

The claim that fine dining is often not enjoyable ultimately comes down to personal experience. There are meals at this level that fail, sometimes badly. There are also meals that are deeply satisfying—technically, emotionally, and sensorially. Both things are true. If someone leaves a tasting menu unsatisfied, that reflects a failure of execution, not necessarily a failure of the format itself.

There is also a valid tension between precision and waste in high-end kitchens. The pursuit of perfection can lead to inefficiencies—trimmed vegetables, discarded components, a push for uniformity that ignores the natural variability of food. That deserves scrutiny. But the conversation is more complex. Many of the most progressive ideas around sustainability—seasonality, preservation, hyper-local sourcing—have come from the same fine dining world being criticized. And scale matters. There are relatively few fine dining restaurants globally, while fast food systems serve hundreds of millions of meals daily, producing waste at a scale that far exceeds anything happening in tasting menu kitchens. If the conversation is about environmental impact, it should reflect that reality. At the same time, sustainability must include people. A restaurant cannot claim to be sustainable if it neglects the well-being of its staff.

Fine dining is expensive, and it is inaccessible to many. That is true. It is also one of the most difficult restaurant models to sustain. Margins are thin, labor is intensive, and financial upside is often limited, which complicates the idea that this is purely about ego or indulgence. For many chefs, it is a pursuit of craft, not profit.

There are restaurants where fine dining loses its way—places where technique overshadows taste, where the experience feels dated, performative, or disconnected from enjoyment, functioning more like museums than places to eat. These critiques are valid. But they represent a version of fine dining that has drifted too far from its purpose.

When it works, however, it becomes something entirely different. Restaurants like Asador Etxebarri, Desde 1911, OSA, and Maison Sota demonstrate restraint, product, and clarity. Omakase counters, both in Japan and California, strip away excess until only purity remains. Others—Frantzén, Alchemist, Kadeau, Cocina Hermanos Torres, Harbor House Inn, Somni, Kato, Addison—approach it from different philosophies but share a common goal: to create something real. Not perfection for appearance, but something that actually makes you feel.

The frustration behind critiques of fine dining is understandable. Abuse, waste, and detachment from reality are serious issues. But collapsing the entire category into its worst tendencies doesn’t move the conversation forward. It flattens something that is, in reality, far more nuanced. There are kitchens doing this the wrong way, and there are kitchens doing it thoughtfully, responsibly, and at a very high level. If the goal is to improve restaurant culture, the focus should be on accountability, not elimination.

Call out what shouldn’t exist. Demand better. But understand what you’re arguing against before deciding it shouldn’t exist at all.

3 Things:

1. The Marketing Team at Samsung Needs Some Help:

Maybe it’s my inner cynic talking but this “privacy screen” feature that Samsung is centering its marketing efforts on is really dumb. Phone releases are equivalent new sports franchise video game releases to me—a rehashing of previous models with a few minor upgrades all masked up and paraded as something you must have.

Yet, an entire rollout where you focus on creating a phone that hides your screen from nosy onlookers seems awfully gimmicky to me. I, for one, do not care about you or anyone else’s phone consumption. Whether you’re mindlessly scrolling TikTok, or watching Twitter porn (more common than you would think— don’t tap the screen and have sound come on!), someone else’s phone is their own business.

Samsung is assuming we are all insecure girlfriends in this equation and praying on this “Big Brother is Watching You” era we live in. Kinda sad.

2. I Love Rory McIlroy’s Master’s Dinner Menu:

I’ve always had a soft spot for themed dinner parties and cookouts, so it’s no surprise I was especially drawn to Rory McIlroy’s Masters Dinner.

For those unfamiliar, the Masters Dinner—officially known as the Champions Dinner—is a long-standing Augusta National tradition where the previous year’s winner curates a personalized menu for fellow past champions.

It’s a rare glimpse into a golfer’s personality, heritage, and tastes, often blending comfort, culture, and a bit of storytelling through food. Most years have a hodgepodge of derivative “elevated” menu staples like white truffle Cacio Pepe or seared duck in some remoulade, but this menu is one I can envision cooking. I will attempt at recreating this on Sunday, watching (and betting) on Rory to repeat—or maybe throwing on the Coachella live feed. Probably the latter.

3. Best Songs of the Week:

Read more

There’s one quintessential dining neighborhood in Las Vegas—Chinatown.

Not only is it the most densely packed dining hub in the desert, but it also stands as one of the best Chinatowns in the country.

I’ve been devoted to Chinatown since visiting Vegas in 90’s. To understand why, you have to remember that thirty years ago, the local restaurant scenes in many towns—such as they were—were dominated by strip-mall Italian spots and uninspired steakhouses where a double-stuffed baked potato passed for excitement. Regional Chinese cooking was virtually nonexistent, and Spring Mountain Road was known more for potholes than for food.

Then came Chinatown Plaza, introducing a range of dining experiences—from Chinese BBQ at Sam Woo’s to Shanghai dumplings and live seafood tanks. For years, it was seen more as a curiosity than a true culinary destination. Still, in a city hungry for something different, locals and visitors alike embraced it immediately. Vegas’ connection to Chinatown runs deep, built over decades of exploration and appreciation.

Today, that same curiosity has evolved into something more ambitious. My 2026 Chinatown Crawl is an attempt to take stock of the area’s remarkable growth. Over the past month, I’ve taken inventory of every stretch of Spring Mountain Road and its surrounding streets, counting and evaluating the restaurants that define this ever-changing neighborhood.

A few notes on my methodology, results, and observations:

Chinatown.com recently published its own census, counting 248 food service outlets. Our total differs slightly, likely due to recent closures and a few smaller venues that may have been missed on either side.

As of March 1, 2026, I’ve identified 239 food service outlets, of which 169 qualify as full-service restaurants spanning six Asian cuisines. A handful of notable non-Asian establishments—such as Partage, Sparrow + Wolf, and Amador—have also contributed to the neighborhood’s growing culinary reputation. Regardless of the exact count, the growth has been significant, more than doubling over the past decade.

However, not all growth has been equal. A considerable portion has been driven by quantity rather than quality, with a proliferation of tea shops and similar concepts that follow familiar formulas. Additionally, the rise of casual seafood spots and entertainment-driven venues has shifted parts of the area away from its original culinary focus.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

At the same time, large-scale development has introduced more corporate-backed plazas and recognizable brands, many of which cater to established markets. While this has increased visibility and accessibility, it has also made it more challenging to identify the smaller, independently owned restaurants that continue to offer the most authentic and rewarding experiences.

Despite these changes, the best dining options in Chinatown are still largely locally owned. Finding them often requires experience, attention to detail, and a willingness to explore beyond the most visible storefronts.

One notable shift in the culinary landscape is the dominance of Japanese cuisine, which now accounts for the largest share of restaurants, followed by Chinese and Korean establishments. Vietnamese and Thai cuisines maintain a smaller but steady presence, while others are less represented.

Of the 239 establishments counted—including dessert and tea shops—I’ve surveyed 139, representing a significant portion of the neighborhood’s offerings.

Ultimately, the numbers provide useful context, but the real value lies in the experience. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a comprehensive and carefully considered ranking of the top dining options along Spring Mountain Road.

For those interested in a deeper breakdown, the full list is organized by cuisine, along with our top recommendations in each category.

Three rice bowls: (13)

Excellent. Highly recommended. Often at a price:

Aburiya Raku – The izikaya standard. One of the top-5 most recommended spots in town whenever visitors ask.

Amador – Oscar Amador Edo’s take on Spanish-Latin fusion is casual, intimate, and a blast of fun and flavor.

China Mama (original location) – The OG of Chinese pastries is still the best, and we’ve never had anything on the rest of the menu that you can’t love.

8 Ounce Korean Steakhouse – The proper, top-shelf antidote to all the bargain basement beef that has infected the boulevard.

Endo – Exclusive (six seats/twice nightly), very expensive, and magnificent.

Kaiseki Sanga – Dinner and a show, aimed at those who eat by Instagram, but even serious sushi hounds will find plenty to love.

Kaiseki Yuzu – Elegant, subdued, refined, like a small slice of Shinjuku tucked away where only the aficionados can find it.

Kame – Serious stuff at a serious price, not advised for anyone allergic to truffles, caviar, or gold leaf with their fish.

Le Club by Partage – Casual, champagne-focused adjunct to its epicurean sibling next door, serving slices and sips of France before or after your sushi.

Partage – We’re so over tasting menus, but there’s no denying Yuri Szarzewski’s seasonal menus are some of the tastiest in town.

Shanghai Taste – Everyone claims the best xiao long bao, but these reign supreme.

Sparrow + Wolf – No one thought a gastronomic, non-Asian restaurant could succeed in Chinatown. Simply stunning Asian-inflected, Euro-American bistro cooking, also with one of the best steaks in Vegas.

Yui Edomae Sushi – If pristine, Tokyo-style fish on rice is your thing (without the pyrotechnics and cartwheels of its competition), then locate this demure door off of Arville Ave. and enter a world of sushi like it’s supposed to be.

Two rice bowls: (28)

Very good, authentic, often something of a bargain:

Asian BBQ & Noodle (closed Fridays! Umm…ok)

Casa de Raku

Chengdu Taste

China Mama (Shanghai Plaza)

Dan Noodle (in SF Market)

Double Zero Pizza

Hachi Izakaya

Hashi Ramen

Izakaya Go

Jin Jin

Jipata

Kabuto

Lamaii

Le Café Central

Monta Noodles

Nakamura-Ya

New Asian BBQ

Palette Tea Lounge

Pho Saigonese

Rincon Buenos Aires (a slice of Argentine beef, wildly popular with fans of massive amounts of beef and Lionel Messi)

S K Seafood

Special Noodle

Weera Thai

Xiang Wei Xuan

Yen Viet Kitchen

Yi’s Traditional Korean Beef Soup

Yunnan Tasty Garden

Zen Japanese Curry

One rice bowl: (33)

Good. Much better than average, the best of the “cheap eats” options.

85°C Bakery Café

88 Noodle Papa

Banchan (take-out only, but our Korean friends swear by it)

BBQ King

Capital Seafood

Cō Anh

Crown Bakery

Fuku Burger

Gabi Coffee

Gyu Sandos

Hobak Korean BBQ

Honey Pig

Ichiza

It’s Izakaya

Kare Japanese Curry

Kung Fu Thai & Chinese

Moobongri Soondae

Noodlehead

Oonigiri Okinawa

Pho Kim Long

Q Bistro

Ramen Show

Ramen Sora

Ramen Tatsu

Roma Deli (only if you insist upon eating Italian in an Asian neighborhood)

POP! Café

Shigotonin

Shinjuku Ramen

Silver Lake Ramen

Taiwan Deli

Tang Tang Tang

Ten Seconds Yunan Rice Noodle

Xiao Long Dumpling

Regarding everything else — from the endless bags of seafood slop to prepackaged sushi to non-stop hot pots — proceed at your own risk. Asian food has always had a certain bargain basement appeal to those seeking sustenance (and variety) at a slender tariff, and if you don’t care where your food comes from, Chinatown Las Vegas will fill you up more efficiently (and effulgently) than any fast food in America. Just don’t blame us if your shabu shabu is tough, the shrimp are mushy, and the vegetables are akin to a petri dish.

Despite these drawbacks, Spring Mountain Road remains Las Vegas’s most dynamic gastronomic neighborhood. As I’ve stated many times on here, The Strip is out of ideas (and one big corporate gouge factory), downtown may be over-exposing itself as its bar-centric vibe is finite in scope and appeal, but Spring Mountain Road and its feeder streets have the location, the space, and international crowds aplenty to keep it booming for generations to come.

Japanese Restaurants

Top 5:

Aburiya Raku

Endo

Kaiseki Yuzu

888 Japanese BBQ Premium AYCE

Biwon

Chamon

Chubby Cattle A.Y.C.E. Japanese BBQ

Chubby Skewers

EKI Ramen

Gyu Sandos

Hachi Izakaya

Hanare Ichiza

Hashi Ramen

Ichiza

Imperial Sushi Seafood Buffet

It’s Izakaya

It’s Sushi

Izakaya Go

Kabuto

Kame

Kare Japanese Curry

Kaya Sushi

Kura Sushi

Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House

Miu Japanese BBQ

Monta Noodles

Nabe Hot Pot

Nakamura-Ya

Neko AYCE Sushi & Massage

Neko Supremo

Nisei Bar & Grill – Gastro Pub

Oden Spicy Hot Pot

Oonigiri Okinawa

Pepper Lunch

PokeMan

Raku Izakaya

Ramen Boys

Ramen Show

Ramen Sora

Ramen Tatsu

Sakura Sushi

Samurai Japanese BBQ

Sanga Kaiseki

Sapporo Revolving Sushi

Shabu Rokka

Shabuya

Shigotonin

Shinjuku Ramen

Shin-Sen-Gumi

Shokku Ramen

Silver Lake Ramen

Sumo A.Y.C.E. Sushi

Sushi Time

Taru Sushi

Ton Shou Katsu & Izakaya

Tora Japanese Katsu 7 Curry

Yama Sushi

Yohama Noodles

Yui Edomae Sushi

Zen Japanese Curry

Chinese Restaurants

Top 3:

China MaMa (Original location)

New Asian BBQ

Palette Tea Lounge

88 Noodle Papa

All Seasons

Asian BBQ & Noodle

BBQ Garden Chinese Kitchen

BBQ King

Bowl of Fortune

Capital Seafood

Chengdu Taste

Chubby Cattle Mongolian Hot Pot

Dan Noodle

Dim Sumlicious

Fish With You

Fortune

Hong Kong Garden

Hong Lou

Hot Point Malatang Hot Pot

Hunan Rice Noodle

Malatown

Noodle Pot

Noodlehead

Pot Master

Pot On Fire

Rice To-Go

S K Seafood

Shanghai Taste

Special Noodle

Taiwan Deli

Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle

The Noodle Man

Xiang Wei Xuan

Xiao Long Dumpling

Yunnan Tasty Garden

Korean Restaurants

Top 3:

8 Ounce Korean Steakhouse

Tang Tang Tang

Yi’s Traditional Korean Beef Soup

777 Korean Restaurant

888 Korean BBQ A.Y.C.E.

Banchan

BBQ Chicken

Bul & Gogi Korean BBQ

Captain 6 Hot Pot & AYCE Korean BBQ

ChoJang Korean Hot Pot

CrunCheese

Doya Korean Pancake

Garionban Korean Restaurant

Hobak Korean BBQ

Honey Pig

Hot Tofu

Hwaro 2 Korean AYCE

Hwaro Korean AYCE

Jin Jin

Jinju Gomtang Korean

Jjamppong Zizon

K Chicken

Korean Garden

Lee’s Korean BBQ

Master Kim’s Korean

Moobongri Soondae’

Mr. BBQ Korean P.A.Y.C.E.

Mr. Tofu

Nalsoo Korean BBQ

Q Bistro

Seoul Korean Restaurant

Seoul Tofu

Tang Korean

Tofu Hut

Vietnamese Restaurants:

Top 3:

Pho Saigonese

Yen Viet Kitchen

Cð Ahn

Baguette Factory & Euro-Asian Sandwiches

Lee’s Sandwiches

Pho Beyond
Pho Thanh
Viet Noodle Bar
Pho 79 DC
Pho & More
Pho 90
Pho Vietnam
Pho Kim Long
Pho Bac Bac
Pho Concept (Pho So 1)
Pho 7
Dan Han Banh Mi

Thai Restaurants:

Top 3:

Jipata

Lamaii

Weera Thai (Shanghai Plaza)

Bangkok Street Food

Kao Gang Thai Food

Kung Fu Thai & Chinese

Lulla Bar Thai Fusion

There you have it—bookmark it, stamp it, and save yourself a trip overseas for all the flavors you can savor here in the desert.

3 Things:

1. Is it all really this simple?

Whether or not you believe that what this guy is saying is based off an AI script or he stole it from somewhere (the skeptic in all of us), his point is valid:

2. The Eternal Sanctuary:

I’ve been toying around with creating a coffee table book of sorts with little parables, or tweet-esque thoughts of mine and here’s one I wrote about the value of home:

3. Best Songs of the Week / Best Things I Ate (or Keep Eating):

It’s 97 degrees here in Vegas today and it’s only the second day of Spring. Spring conjures up images of crudos, light seafood dishes, grilling, tangy-savory salads and lighter dishes, but I’m gonna recommend doing a 180—and having a full-fledged breakfast for dinner night weekly.

We’re talking omelets, pancakes, fresh fruit, PB&J sandwiches, bacon, milk and cereal in a full buffet style spread.

Add in and your golden:

You’ve got the “flavor-of-the-month” HYROX circuits, circus-act WODs, bro body-part split bodybuilding, and the eternal cardio bunny. I’ve seen it all. No shade—showing up and putting in work takes discipline, and I respect the effort.

But there’s one exercise I almost never see people do: sprint.

In a world obsessed with optimization—perfect morning routines, dialed-in macros, recovery gadgets, and “high-performance” everything—people go hunting for the minimal effective dose and the highest ROI workout. That search sends them down endless rabbit holes: bootcamp classes, shockwave therapy, complicated programming.

Meanwhile, the answer is staring them in the face.

All it requires is space and your own body.

Sprinting has been a cornerstone of legendary athletes’ training for decades. Barry Sanders. Jerry Rice. Walter Payton—who famously ran hills all offseason and skipped the weight room entirely.

No gimmicks. No gadgets.

Just sprint.

Long runs, Zone 2 training, and endurance routines that keep stress hormones elevated for hours. The result? Frail physiques, declining bone density, and faster aging than most people realize.

Meanwhile, there’s an activity our ancestors relied on that can completely shift your physiology and brain chemistry.

Most people avoid it because it’s uncomfortable. It’s intense, it burns, and it forces you to confront your limits.

But that discomfort is exactly why it’s so powerful.

Sprinting demands full effort. It tells your body to build strength, maintain muscle, and stay resilient instead of slowly breaking down.

Here’s what happens when you start sprinting regularly:

1. Improved Physical Appearance

Modern lifestyles make it surprisingly easy to neglect physical vitality. Long hours indoors, chronic stress, limited sunlight exposure, and sedentary habits can affect posture, skin quality, energy levels, and overall presence.

Regular sprinting can improve many of these factors simultaneously.

Here are a few of the physiological reasons why:

Growth hormone increases significantly.
Sprinting can spike growth hormone levels by up to 200% for hours after you finish. This is not only beneficial for muscle development, but growth hormone is also one of the body’s primary anti-aging hormones. It supports skin health, recovery, fat metabolism, and overall vitality (and call also accelerate body hair growth in males *sigh*)

Your face becomes more defined through lymphatic drainage.
Sprinting is one of the few activities that strongly stimulates lymphatic circulation throughout the body. The lymphatic system relies on physical movement to function properly. Personally, I noticed that the puffy, bloated appearance I used to carry disappeared fairly quickly once I began sprinting regularly. Even once per week can produce noticeable changes.

Blood flow improves dramatically.
High-intensity exercise forces blood through even the smallest capillaries in the body. This increased circulation delivers nutrients and oxygen to the skin and tissues, often resulting in healthier skin tone and a natural glow.

You become more present in social settings.
High-intensity exercise helps regulate the nervous system by burning off excess adrenaline stored in the body. The result is a calmer, more grounded confidence afterward. In my experience, people notice this immediately. Aura-maxxing at it’s finest.

2. Mental Clarity and Reduced Anxiety (GABA Response)

Many people experience constant mental noise—racing thoughts, background stress, and difficulty focusing.

High-intensity exercise can help interrupt this cycle.

One reason is the increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate brain activity and calm the nervous system.

GABA acts as a braking system for excessive neural activity. When levels increase, mental overactivity and anxiety often decrease.

Brain scans show that high-intensity exercise performed above roughly 80% of maximum heart rate can significantly increase GABA activity. The effect can last up to 48 hours, shifting the brain from a state of noise toward one of focus and calm.

Your nervous system also begins to learn the difference between genuine threats and everyday stress.

Each sprint session effectively resets your stress response.

You become harder to shake emotionally, and maintaining focus becomes easier.

That background anxiety many people assume is simply part of “being an adult” often decreases dramatically.

This is one of the reasons I find sprinting so powerful.

Many people spend significant amounts of money on supps and adaptogens hoping to achieve the same effects, when a short session of intense movement can often produce similar results.

No thanks jefe.

3. Natural Testosterone Support

Short bursts of intense exercise can also support healthy hormone production.

Research suggests sprinting and high-intensity training may temporarily increase testosterone levels, particularly when combined with outdoor activity and sunlight exposure.

Sunlight exposure triggers biological processes that influence hormone signaling through the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. When intense exercise is paired with time outdoors, the body may experience favorable hormonal responses related to energy, recovery, and muscle maintenance.

Studies on soccer players have shown that even short periods of intense training combined with sun exposure can significantly elevate testosterone levels.

This combination of high-intensity movement and sunlight can be a powerful natural stimulus for overall hormonal health.

4. Improved Stress Resilience

Sprinting exposes the body to short, controlled stress.

During a sprint, the sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” response) activates rapidly. Heart rate increases, adrenaline rises, and energy is mobilized.

However, once the sprint ends, the body quickly returns to baseline.

This rapid rise and recovery trains the nervous system to manage stress more efficiently.

In contrast, very long endurance sessions can maintain elevated stress hormones for extended periods of time.

Short, intense training teaches the body to respond strongly to challenges and then recover quickly. Over time, this improves resilience and helps the nervous system transition more easily back into a calm, regulated state.

This can translate into better emotional regulation, faster recovery from stressful events, and improved overall well-being.

Consider this example:

You’re in a heated argument with a neighbor or dealing with a stressful work situation. Instead of remaining frustrated for hours, you’re able to regain clarity and emotional control much more quickly.

That stressful email that would normally trigger a strong stress response barely registers, because your body has become accustomed to handling and recovering from much more intense physical stress.

This has been one of the most noticeable benefits for me personally.

When I intentionally seek out controlled physical discomfort, the other challenges in my life become much easier to handle.

5. Brain Health and Neuroplasticity

Sprinting outdoors can also support brain health.

Research shows that intense exercise can stimulate growth in the hippocampus—the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

The hippocampus can literally increase in volume through regular physical activity.

This realization was significant for me personally because I had spent years engaging in habits that tend to reduce grey matter: chronic stress, excessive screen time, drinking and other unhealthy routines.

One of the best ways to reduce the appeal of negative habits is by creating new neural pathways. High-intensity exercise can also support brain health.

Research shows that demanding physical activity can stimulate the growth of grey matter in areas of the brain associated with memory, learning, and decision-making.

The hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory and learning, appears particularly responsive to exercise.

Physical activity also increases levels of neurotransmitters and growth factors that promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt. Sunlight exposure may further support these processes through biological pathways related to mood regulation and neurotransmitter production.

And contrary to common belief, the brain remains capable of change throughout life.

Neuroplasticity continues well beyond age 25.

Regular intense exercise can actively shape that plasticity over time.

6. Multiple Benefits From a Short Activity

One of the most remarkable aspects of sprinting is how many systems it influences at once.

A brief sprint session—often less than twenty minutes including rest—can contribute to:

• Improved physical appearance through increased circulation and muscle activation

• Better mood and mental clarity through neurotransmitter regulation

• Healthier hormone balance

• Improved stress resilience through nervous system training

• Enhanced brain health and neuroplasticity

• Increased energy and overall vitality

And the process is very simple.

No apps.
No complex optimization.
No subscriptions.

How I Like to Program Them:

• Beginning of a workout on the treadmill: 1 min on 6, 20 seconds on 10, then 15-30 seconds on 6, 20 seconds on 10 and repeat until you hit 6 minutes. Then—set incline to 5 and repeat the protocol for 2 more minutes.

• Tail end of a workout: Besides all the core training that I written about doing in previous posts, I recommend doing one of those “Athlean-X abs videos”—essentially 10-minute ground based direct ab training.

  The gym often closes by the time I want to fit this into my training so I go to a park with a track/hill close by and hit these outdoors then immediately do a full on 100 yard dash back and forth.

  This is when you’re the most “primed” to sprint in my opinion and puts a cherry on top of your workout.

• On Sundays: No science behind this, but the lord’s day feels right to sprint. 6 x 100 yard dashes back and forth then go for a 3-lap run (the equivalent on a track).

What I’ve Been Cooking Lately:

I’ve been cooking a lot of Iranian recipes these days. Some traditional, some not so traditional, but always rooted in the flavors of the diaspora. With the war happening at the moment, cooking has become a way for me to reflect while also offering an escape from my phone and social media—a place where I’m overwhelmed daily by the news and the anxiety of seeing things like this:

On the more positive side of the internet, I recently came across the plebeian trend of “smash burger tacos,” which essentially involves spreading ground beef onto a tortilla, cooking it like a smash burger, then topping it with all the classic burger fixings (special sauce, cheese, pickles, etc.). It’s a clever idea, and it got me thinking about adding my own twist.

Koobideh is a popular street food in Iran. It’s double-ground beef or lamb that’s formed onto wide, flat skewers and grilled over charcoal. It’s truly delicious and typically served with grilled tomatoes on lavash. Turning it into a “taco” of sorts felt like a no-brainer, so here it is.

You don’t have to use double-ground beef for this—even though I went with The Butcher’s Block Steak Burger blend, regular old 80/20 ground beef will work just fine. I also usually add baking soda to help tenderize the meat (the word koobideh comes from the Persian word koobidan and means “slamming,” referring to the way the meat is traditionally prepared). Since we’re not really SLAMMING our meat around here, you could skip that step if you want—but I do recommend using it since you’re working the meat directly onto a tortilla.

Topping these bad boys is the best part. I like piling on a ton of herbs, walnuts (for texture—even though I’m not really a nuts guy *pause*), feta, and labneh. Plus extra sumac and a squeeze of lime juice really set it off.

And don’t forget the Persian cucumbers (or watermelon radishes if you enjoy the finer things like me).

I also brush some anchovy butter on them once they’re off the skillet for extra flavor, but you can skip that if you like vanilla sex.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium yellow onion, peeled
1 pound | 454 grams double-ground ground beef
1¾ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1½ teaspoons sumac, plus more for serving
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon harissa
⅔ cup | 160 grams labneh
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 flour tortillas
3 tablespoons olive oil, as needed
3 tablespoons Fishwife anchovy butter (optional)
2 ounces | 56 grams crumbled feta cheese
2 ounces | 56 grams toasted and chopped walnuts
3 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
A handful each fresh dill, Italian flat-leaf parsley, pickles, and Persian basil, to taste
Lime wedges, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Grate the onion into a large bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible, discarding the liquid. Add the beef, salt, sumac, baking soda, and harissa, and mix until well incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour (though you can use it right away if you’re short on time).

Season the labneh with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you’d like, you can mix in some grated cucumber (just be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid first) or finely diced red onion. Or keep it simple with just salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Divide the meat into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion directly onto a tortilla, spreading the meat evenly all the way to the edges.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place a tortilla meat-side down into the skillet and press it firmly (I like using the flat side of a potato masher) until the meat is charred and crisp, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Add more oil as needed depending on how fatty the beef is.

To serve, brush the beef with a little room temp anchovy butter (optional) and spread with a generous smear of labneh. Top with feta, walnuts, sliced cucumbers, and fresh herbs. Finish with an extra sprinkle of sumac and a squeeze of lime juice. Fold like a taco and serve immediately.

Favorite Songs of the Week:

Been feeling kind of:

See the normal me would have known this word, but brain dead

But these Rinse.FM mixes have been getting me through the day (namely the Mall Grab, Jacques Greene, X.Club and Skin on Skin ones):

Just stay ten toes down and grounded. Have a great week y’all.

Here are the facts. Cortisol is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands. Its levels are highest in the body in the morning, before you wake up, and decrease over the day. Cortisol, which helps regulate blood pressure and glucose digestion, among other bodily functions, is also released during stress. It’s these stress “spikes” that concern the wellness commentariat, but the levels themselves are not something we want to erase. Really, you want your cortisol to be in balance. Not enough cortisol and you may lose appetite, or feel constantly tired; too high a level for too long and you may feel constantly stressed, gain weight, or experience other symptoms, such as muscle loss, high blood pressure, and bone weakness.

High cortisol is not simply a marker for morning stress; it is an all-encompassing enemy, the new, obscure explanation for high rates of depression, heart disease, and anxiety, and an example of how most of us don’t discuss—or treat—these afflictions the right way. In that world, morning stress can be quickly cut down through some mundane ‘beginner biohacker’ habits—sunlight in your eyes, a short walk, meditation, maybe some lemon water.

OD

For dark nutrition heads, these analog methods aren’t just seed-oil-type buzzwords, but effective, no-downside tricks that might also be backed up by science. Studies have demonstrated that low-calorie dieting and strenuous exercise—which we tend to expose ourselves to (especially personally, as someone who fasts and trains to a hypoclemic state)—as well as blue light exposure, may lead to high cortisol. The idea is to moderate these high-intensity health activities or complement them with some low-intensity ones and hope that reduces our levels.

Some scientists have argued that the high cortisol we see in the mornings is a relic of an earlier era of humanity, when the heightened reflexes and quicker breathing and blood flow that cortisol triggers would have allowed a hunter-gatherer who woke up next to a, say, saber-toothed tiger to notice it and escape. But since we don’t live in caves anymore, too much cortisol is no longer adaptive. And so, the thinking goes, it’s a destructive vestige of a cruder time that, with minute adjustments, we can maybe shake off later in the day.

While studies don’t necessarily support these broad claims, the cutting-edge wellness guy is now pointing out anecdotal “evidence” of other people’s high cortisol levels—by, say, looking at their faces. And what better way for a next-gen nutrition influencer to poke some holes into the tapestry of fluorescent-lit aggro gyms and calorie cutting than by undercutting a balding bodybuilder with dark circles under his eyes or a jittery-looking yoga practitioner as “high cortisol”?

@itsbrookeelleI literally dont even recognize myself WHAT 🫠 #cortisolface #cortisol #cortisollevels #cortisolimbalance #glowup #howtoglowup #faceglowup #faceslimming #facetransformation #lensbuddy

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The original moon-face (my 90’s babies know)

But this name-calling does more than just separate the older, aggro ways of fitness from the new. It casts doubt over the whole concept of tough exercise (and I’m talking about actual tough exercise—no doomscrolling, actually getting your heart rate up, and training with intent). Do you have a long-term mystery ailment, thinning hair, or high body fat despite years of a clean diet and regular exercise? Do you feel stressed every morning, even though you get decent sleep? Well, it’s high cortisol, which may be a feature of even the most common diet and exercise routines. Labeling a gym rat “high cortisol” is ultimately no different than what one writer calls the pressure to “post physique,” or the idea that to establish the bona fides of your ideas, you need to show the results they have had on your body. At the same time, it may also be folks in the fitness space finally admitting that doing extreme things to get healthy (or just skinny) can sometimes make people look like shit.

When I first tapped into the cortisol discourse a few years ago, I went overboard with bro-science habits to tamp my levels down. I’d wake up, stay off my screen all morning, stand under red-light chicken lamps in the sauna (and get one for the home), and then spend 15 minutes outside, grounding myself. I swapped my cheap red-light sunglasses for prescription grade Chrome Hearts ones for watching movies at night, and I stopped going on my phone an hour before bed.

Over time, this all helped, though it’s hard to say which single behavior did what—I instituted all these habits at the same time I started lifting differently, dialing in my diet with mostly meat/fruit/veggies/full fat dairy, and attempting to get better sleep. (Not to mention that because cortisol varies so much throughout the day, taking an accurate single reading can be difficult. Normal ranges from a blood test taken at 8 a.m. will be higher than the highest normal range taken during midafternoon, and that’s without taking stress into account. Oxidative stress, stress from fasting, self-induced stress from drinking, etc. Plus, experts don’t even agree on what the ideal cortisol numbers are anyway.

The chill cortisol-slashing approaches are very different from the ways strength and health have been explained—and achieved—online, especially over the past several years. Research promoting caloric restriction’s longevity benefits has given scientific credence to what I call the “permanent diet,” or eating at a calorie deficit over the long term—a (very bad) habit that other studies have shown can, among other things, increase cortisol. And over the past two decades, as serious lifters, then many others, experimented with keto and other low-carb diets—which may raise cortisol levels—cutting out major, specific foods has become more accepted.

These restrictive diets are often paired with brutal workouts. Someone who drives to the office, works sitting down, and is concerned with their long-term health might want to add muscle to increase their longevity. Or maybe they just want to lose weight. They may do that through tough, heavy workouts, which are efficient, or through an intense class. And while these habits are good ways to pack on muscle and lose fat, they are less about movement than intensity—and if you keep them up for long enough, and don’t walk off your soreness, your stress builds.

The new trend in this culture of intensity—the indulgent and truthfully not really achievable three-hour morning routine—shows how even the strictest fitness influencers are now driven to tamp down their cortisol and chill out. What else is Ashton Hall’s meditation-and-banana routine if not a decompression from his brutal workouts? But the half-monastic, half-deranged, fully epic morning routine is also a sign that the scene has matured. After a decade of low-carb diets and fluorescent-light workouts, the health bros are trying to manage their stress and feel normal, and as a result, are resituating tough workouts in the context of regular life.

But even if we’re recognizing it now, the way we’re talking about cortisol is still not very positive, and in fact, obsessive, much like other wellness concerns/habits of the day. For a person who cares about their health and is just now hearing about cortisol, the vague data points, studies, and assessments can be overwhelming. You can’t keep up with the instructions—to-do lists tucked away in tweets and couched in confusing language—unless you’re assimilating them in real time. Worse, there’s a threat implicit in all the discourse: If you don’t follow our new rules to the letter, the stress will catch up with you down the line, and you’ll be worse off than before.

Which is why I stopped worrying about cortisol. Part of the reason is because I never went keto or carnivore, get decent sunlight, and don’t exclude carbs from my diet. Another reason is that the goal of lowering cortisol is not really new. It’s easy to get stressed out about peptides and supplements, which require real precision to use, but habits like going outside, cutting down on screens, and eating more carbs (especially at night!) are simple and come with few downsides, even if they are anecdotal fixes. And the other things I tried, like meditation, breathwork, lower-impact steady-state cardio, hot yoga, prioritizing recovery after tougher workouts, and adopting an 80/20 approach to dieting, were downright beneficial and relaxing.

And it’s not all or nothing. We’re not trying to banish cortisol—we just want to know what it is, and have a bit less later on in the day. But we also live in an age where it’s hard to completely avoid environmental stress. Why be so hard on ourselves? Plus, some stress might be good—there’s research that says acute stress can be productive and improve cognitive performance. One reason I’m a big proponent of fasting is that you are intentionally increasing cortisol, which can boost focus and help you enter that illustrious flow state.

We’re not going to get to sun god or yogi right away; we’re not all on vacation all the time, and we’re not going to do away with normal morning tension. Instead, we should take what we can get in terms of walks and sunlight and whatever else might help us transcend the all-or-nothing gym attitude and realize strength and health are about more than just muscles. (Even if it’s probably mostly about physique) And once we have arrived at this relatively enlightened state, we can sit in a more normal, achievable version of health—one which includes some laissez-faire eating habits, resting our bodies, and not being under hamster lights 24/7 or lifting until we croak. Punishment isn’t the answer. Regulating our cortisol should complement a well-balanced life.

My Favorite Records of the Year So Far:

• MX Lonely - All Monsters

Grungy, shoe-gazed inflected songs about self-destruction + cool overall aesthetic. Into it.

• Crooked Man - Crooked Stile

My current album of the year.

• Uppermost - Eternal Love

Space traveling, post-Daft-Punk post Justice “sounding like something greater” collection of songs. I think I gave the Spotify heart to 70% of the album (which is a rarity).

• Sophia Stel - How to Win at Solitaire / MGNA Crrrta - Beautiful Disaster

You got any more of that hyper—pop?

• Sofia Kourtesis - “Los Poemas No Siempre Riman”

Big fan of the DJ-Kicks series. Even bigger Sofia Kourtesis fan. Super stoked for this. Here’s a taste.

• Mandy, Indiana - URGH

1:1 album name to sound ratio. What anxiety sounds like. In the most complimentary way possible.

• Draag - Miracle Drug EP

  Buzzy new shoegaze/dream-pop band from the 310. Be on the lookout.

• Chet Faker - A Love for Strangers

  A new Chet Faker album was not something on my bingo card for 2026. Surprisingly refreshing.

• Jill Scott - To Whom This May Concern

  R&B royalty back at it after almost a decade hiatus. She hasn’t missed a step and the album art is fire.

• Mariachi El Bronx - IV

  Former hardcore dudes making gringo mariachi music? You bet.

• Sarah Kinsley - Fleeting EP

  Five ethereal, melancholic standouts that build on a promising debut and signal she has the potential to create a truly generational pop album.

• HANK - Orbital Love

  How does this only have 74 views on Youtube? Don’t sleep.

• Ratboys - Singin’ to an Empty Chair

The alt-country waves doesn’t stop and keeps churning out these ‘sit on your porch and drink’ earworms.

• Blackwater Holylight - Not Here Not Gone

  Black Sabbath meets Chelsea Wolfe. Hell yeah brother.

• Charli XCX - Wurthering Heights OST

  A complete 180 from Brat—moody, introspective, and more of an indie turn from the leading woman in pop.

• Daphni - Butterfly

Another collection of hyper-frenetic, tap your toe electronic jams from the Caribou frontman.

For your playlist pleasure…

Best Songs of Jan-Feb

Read more

This year, there’s an added, plaintive note to the moment, with some people swearing off wine entirely, convinced that even a glass or two will cause their livers and brains to implode. It’s a peculiar tension: appreciating wine and wanting others to enjoy it, while also hoping they do so happily—without excess, and without anxiety about the supposed dire consequences of a single glass. The peer-reviewed science around alcohol consumption remains uncertain. Curiously, there is evidence of lower overall mortality associated with moderate wine consumption, a point Eric Asimov thoughtfully summarized in the New York Times last year in response to comments from former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

On a lighter note, I tend to think that most nostrums are placebos, and that there’s little we can do to eliminate risk entirely. Here in Las Vegas, the everyday act of driving to work carries a nonzero probability of harm. One interesting consideration that emerges from this actuarial calculus is the potential neuroprotective effect of wine—not in the debunked sense that red wine’s anthocyanins provide meaningful antioxidant protection (the quantities present fall far short of clinical significance), but in a more experiential way.

Whenever we taste, smell, and think while taking pleasure in a compelling wine, something interesting happens. I suspect that functional MRI imaging might show that engaging with a thoughtfully made wine—one not engineered through industrial processes or psychographic formulas like boxed cake or frozen dinners—lights up the brain in ways other activities do not. The act of perceiving flavor and aroma, the curious qualia so often celebrated in sommelier lore, is not reserved for professionals alone; it’s available to all of us.

Sorry Clorox, that glass gives me more joy than cleaning my toilet

It’s experiential far more than the blood-brain barrier effects. Drinking natural wine, a term that is coded in pretention as “I’m vegan” or “carnivore,” quite simply leads to a better experience. Boiled down to it’s core it’s wine without or with minimal sulfites.

Fire and brimstone, the stench of hell—this is what sulfur has come to represent for many in the wine world. It’s seen as the mark of the industrial beast, a concession to commercial homogeneity. But is a wine without sulfur truly more virtuous, more honest, or healthier? That question remains hotly debated. While the dogma has softened in recent years, sulfur still functions as a purity test in natural wine circles and a reliable flashpoint for reactionaries on both sides.

To understand why sulfur provokes such strong emotions, we need to step back and look at what it actually does. Since the time of the ancient Romans, sulfur has been wine’s most widely used additive, prized for its ability to preserve and stabilize fermented grape juice, making long-distance transport possible across the empire. When natural winemakers refer to sulfur as a “poison,” they’re typically talking about its effects on microorganisms during fermentation—not on humans.

Sulfur’s role plainly: wine relies on two microbes—yeast and bacteria. Yeast are relatively benign; bacteria are not. They can act quickly and destructively if left unchecked. Sulfur, used sparingly, is an efficient and safe way to control bacteria at the precise moment they’re needed—no more, no less.

Context helps. Wine additives have historically included far more dangerous substances—lead, for instance, was used for centuries, well into the 1800s. By comparison, sulfur is remarkably safe and effective. That doesn’t mean it’s harmless to everyone. Some people are allergic, and even small amounts can cause unpleasant reactions. Still, wine typically contains less sulfur than canned tuna or dried fruit.

The real issue isn’t sulfur itself but scale. Industrial wine production has normalized excessive sulfur use at multiple stages to guarantee stability and predictability. Over the past century, this overuse has altered wine both chemically and aesthetically, prompting an overdue reckoning. But separating chemistry from style is easier said than done.

Complicating matters further, sulfites occur naturally as a byproduct of fermentation. That’s why nearly every bottle of wine reads “contains sulfites,” even when none were added. Fermentation typically produces about 30 parts per million (ppm) of total sulfur, much of which dissipates before bottling, leaving little free sulfur. This distinction—between total and free sulfur—is crucial. Free sulfur is what affects allergies and aging potential; sulfur bound to compounds like acetaldehyde does neither.

Winemakers calculate free sulfur based on a wine’s pH, often needing to add more sulfur to higher-pH wines to achieve the same protective effect as lower-pH ones. These calculations vary by wine and vintage and are difficult for professionals to track, let alone consumers. As a rough guide, most natural wines cap total sulfur around 30 ppm. By contrast, U.S. wines may legally contain up to 350 ppm of free sulfur, and EU organic wines up to 100 ppm—meaning total sulfur levels can be even higher. There’s no labeling to help navigate this range.

For those of us who are sensitive, it’s a real problem. At 30 ppm total, I’m usually fine. Many commercial wines contain ten times that amount. Sweet German Rieslings—can easily hit 200 ppm. Above 30 ppm, symptoms like flushing, itchiness, irritability, and lightheadedness can come on quickly. It’s unpleasant. As a result, I often gravitate toward piquettes recently.

But health concerns probably aren’t the primary driver behind zero-sulfur winemaking. The stereotype of the natural winemaker—chain-smoking, drinking hard, railing against 10 ppm of sulfur—isn’t entirely unfounded. More likely, zero-sulfur wines appeal because they’re risky. They’re the Harley to everyone else’s Corolla.

Are there health benefits? To a degree—but let’s be honest, it’s still alcohol. The real value of zero-sulfur wines is symbolic. Wine has always been a canvas for projection, and sulfur remains a potent symbol. Zero-sulfur wines embrace risk and vulnerability. They’re labor-intensive, economically inefficient, and prone to failure. The rewards lie in the creative process, the communities they foster, and the spirited—mostly friendly—arguments they provoke.

For drinkers, the concept is intuitive and illuminating. Just as sushi sharpens your awareness of the careful chain required to serve raw fish safely, zero-sulfur wines offer a direct connection to the fragility and labor of winemaking. Fortunately, unlike bad sushi, funky wine won’t kill you.

Beyond that, there may be something genuinely protective about sharing a good wine with a friend or two. The ancient Greeks seemed to understand this through their symposia—gatherings where life’s most important matters were discussed, gently lubricated by watered-down wine that softened divisions and encouraged connection.

1. On the Big Game:

Some people measure their lives in seasons. Others measure them in relationships. I measure mine in Super Bowls. I’ve forgotten phone numbers, birthdays, people’s names—entire years—but I’ve never forgotten where I was or how I felt during the Big Game.

There’s the one where I ate caviar and cucumbers in my old house, watching that play.

The one that shoved me headfirst into puberty.

The frozen-in-time image of a doomed touchdown catch. Prince, drenched in literal Purple Rain, shredding a guitar that was anything but subtle. Everyone has their own holiday memories—but here’s the magic of the Super Bowl: love it or hate it, we’re all watching. This Sunday, Patriots vs. Seahawks, together.

In that way, the game is a small miracle—the last gasp of a dying monoculture, one of the few things we still share. It’s our defining holiday, rolling up the most American impulses into one glorious package: violence, consumerism, and overconsumption.

And let’s not forget another great American tradition the Super Bowl delivers: gambling. It’s the star on top of the Christmas tree, the cherry on the sundae, the epilogue to the Great American Novel that is football betting season.

But this year? I’m not most excited about the wagers. I’m excited about throwing down in the kitchen. Incoming: deconstructed teres major carne asada “nachos”.

2. Speaking of Gambling…

This week, the viral prediction market platform Polymarket announced its latest publicity stunt: a completely free grocery store in New York City, operational from February 12 to February 16.

Never to be beaten out, rival prediction market Kalshi preemptively launched its own grocery-themed stunt: the one-day-only, universal $50 grocery stipend at Westside Market on 3rd Ave.

This mimicry prompted one X user to muse: “Kalshi and Polymarket can’t go 24 hours without copying each other on literally everything.”

It may indeed sound strange that Polymarket and Kalshi are trying to out-market each other with free bananas, but it’s only the latest episode in a multi-year blood feud between these two platforms, which boast billions of dollars in weekly trading volume. The business model is basically: people can make outsize returns by betting on the outcomes of innocuous events like whether the US military will seize Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in his athleisure jammies.

Anyway, throughout their short, five-year existence, these two prediction markets have always been competitors, but their rivalry hit a fever pitch in the last two years.

Polymarket, launched in 2020 by NYU dropout Shayne Coplan, is cryptocurrency-based. Bettors purchase “yes” or “no” shares by depositing dollar-equivalent stablecoin USDC on the blockchain Polygon.

Kalshi, meanwhile, was originally almost entirely based in U.S. dollars, with trades and deposits occurring through traditional bank accounts. Since its 2021 launch, it has predominantly focused on sports betting (which amounts to 90 percent of the bets placed on the site), whereas Polymarket targets geopolitics and cultural events, such as wars, conflicts, and elections, even paying U.S. influencers to promote the platform’s political content.

From 2022 through 2025, Polymarket banned U.S. users after facing heavy regulatory pressure from the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (and a $1.4 million fine), essentially giving Kalshi Inc. free rein over American traders for several years. But Polymarket’s return to U.S. operations a few months ago reignited the vicious conflict between the platforms, with skirmishes playing out on X and beyond.

To the delight of the perpetually online, this conflict mainly manifested as “competitive shitposting.”

In the sports scene, this strategy meant parodying sports announcement cards (the kind you might see on the ESPN or FOX Sports account to announce trades, draft selections, or injuries). The markets used attention-grabbing joke headlines to report sports news, such as “DICK IS GROWING,” a Polymarket pun about Toronto Raptors player Gradey Dick gaining weight, and “LOVES RECEIVING BALLS,” Kalshi’s reference to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, expressing that he likes to, you know, receive passes.

But as they each fought for meme-based attention, the tactics got dirtier.

In November 2024, evidence emerged suggesting that Kalshi was attempting to pay influencers — such as former NFL wide receiver and current X personality Antonio Brown — to publish and circulate negative comments about Polymarket. In one case, a journalist was allegedly offered $3,500 to write a hit piece targeting Polymarket (side note: if Solana paid me that much for hit pieces, I’d have Jackie Fielder impeached and removed by Monday).

The influencers Kalshi allegedly paid off had millions of followers, all told. For the last few years, they’ve been trying to chip away at Polymarket’s credibility.

Following this episode, the Trump Administration loosened regulations on prediction markets, allowing Polymarket to come roaring back to America. After months of preparation, the ban on U.S. users was officially lifted in December, and now Polymarket is attempting to claw its way back to a majority market share of on-chain predictions (at present, Kalshi holds the majority after integrating with the Solana blockchain).

One method they’ve identified for expanding notoriety is: reporting news on X. For the past several months, Polymarket and Kalshi have been pitting their timeline-dominant brand accounts against each other, attempting to gain traction through snappy headlines and eye-catching quotes from famous individuals — sometimes at the expense of accuracy or whatever. Recently, Polymarket attributed a false quote to Jeff Bezos and reported drastically exaggerated deportation statistics, while Kalshi made false claims about Greenland acquisition negotiations.

Finally, their feud has overflowed into the physical world and hopefully will continue to result in positive externalities for regular broke Americans like you. But the real point is: between stunts like free groceries and dunking on each other on X, these companies are dominant at getting people to talk about them. No matter what suspicious antics they pull to one-up each other, whether they seem disgustingly shady or strangely charitable, we keep discussing it.

And maybe that’s the point. Kalshi and Polymarket are valued at $11 billion and $9 billion, respectively — and those numbers are going up at breakneck pace. So if the dramatic stunts in this crazy war can get a few hundred more bettors to log on, or a couple more investors to buy in, it’s all worth it. A win-win for the dueling sides, if you can believe it.

3. Best Songs of the Week:

It’s sad the football season is ending, even though this two-week layoff is quite uneventful. It’s a sign of the times, a sign of the seasons, a sign of love coming and leaving with Valentine’s Day on the horizon. This has always been a season of great change for me, and for you, too. From frost-bitten plants to a blooming onion (flower, my mind is always on food). The Super Bowl marks the culmination of Fall and Winter, and the uncertainty and possibilities of a full bloom. Cheers bruvs.

From spice-forward innovation to comfort classics with a modern glow-up, here’s what will dominate menus, grocery carts, and social feeds in 2026.

Trends in Food:

Fruity + Spicy Takes Center Stage

After a year dominated by hot honey and chili crisp, spice is evolving rather than cooling off. Enter “fricy” flavors—a fusion of fruit and heat inspired by global cuisines. Think mango with chili salt, citrus paired with fermented peppers, and salads that balance sweetness, acidity, and fire.

This flavor profile, long embraced in regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia, is moving firmly into the mainstream. Retailers are already seeing increased demand for fricy condiments like chamoy and yuzu kosho, while bars are leaning into “spour” (spicy-sour) cocktails, from updated spicy margaritas to ready-to-drink cans.

At home, cooks are experimenting with fruity chilies such as aji amarillo and scotch bonnets, using spice not just for heat, but for brightness and depth.

Smaller Portions, Less Flavor = Bigger Appeal

The rise of bland food. Thanks, in part, to subsidies for weight-loss drugs that possess not insignificant GI side effects, looming ACA tax credit cuts, and ongoing tariff and trade agreement issues impacting imported spices and food products, there will be a return to frugal cooking methods that prioritize bland foods with little to no spices. Food influencers are already jumping on board, and we’ll likely see a rise in this practice, perhaps enough that it will actually become trendy.

Furthermore, mini versions of foods and drinks are gaining traction, offering indulgence without excess. Retailers are seeing more shoppers replace traditional meals with curated snacks, fueling the rise of “snackification”—thoughtfully crafted, small-format foods that deliver both function and fun.

Butter Has Its Moment—Again

Not all 2026 trends are about wellness. Butter, once sidelined by low-fat alternatives, is reclaiming its place—especially in its browned, nutty form.

Brown butter (beurre noisette) has surged in popularity thanks to viral chef content and a renewed appreciation for simple, high-impact flavors. As concerns grow around ultra-processed foods, butter’s simplicity is winning back fans. Expect to see it featured prominently on menus and in home cooking, from pasta sauces to baked goods and steak basting.

Native, Not Ayurvedic Sweeteners Have a Moment

Making America Healthy Again in our protectionist, inflationary economy pushes our twenty-first-century humoralists (the wellness influencers) toward Native American (tariff-free) ancient remedies as flavors and additives—sweetgrass, sage, cedar, sassafras, etc. Notably, unlike sugar and vaccines, “sassafras sweetens and purifies the blood and juices; and is good in scorbutic, venereal, cachectic, and catarrhal disorders”.

The Baked Potato Gets a Modern Revival

A viral celebrity moment helped reignite interest in the humble jacket potato—but air fryers and social media creativity are doing the heavy lifting. Faster cooking times, low cost, and high fiber content have made baked potatoes a favorite canvas for bold fillings and flavor experimentation.

Creators dedicated entirely to potato content have built massive followings, turning this once-basic comfort food into a global content machine. Expect loaded jackets, global-inspired toppings, and endless variations to remain popular well into 2026.

Cabbage Makes a Comeback

Yes—cabbage. Once overlooked, this humble vegetable is experiencing a renaissance. From dumplings and soups to fermented preparations, cabbage is being rediscovered for its versatility, affordability, and nutritional value.

Search data shows a sharp rise in interest across multiple cabbage-based dishes, and experts predict it will fully cross into the mainstream this year. Whether charred, stewed, or fermented, cabbage is stepping into the spotlight as a modern comfort staple.

@cookingwithdestiny_Viral cabbage boil 🥬🔥

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The End of “Elevated”

Chefs finally admit “elevated” means “expensive”. The word “elevated” will reach its breaking point in 2026 after one too many “$18 elevated tater tots” incidents. The term, which started as shorthand for “we’re using better ingredients and actual technique,” has devolved into “we’re charging you more and hoping you don’t ask why.” A semantic shift will occur. Restaurants will pivot to “intentional,” “considered,” or “chef-driven” (having finally realized that this implies some restaurants are not driven by chefs, which raises uncomfortable questions about who’s running those kitchens).

When you realize that the Michelin rating system started as a marketing gimmick for a tire company, this makes so much more sense. A few brave souls will try “refined” before realizing it just sounds like they’re talking about sugar.

More 2026 Food Trends to Watch

As we head into 2026, food culture continues to move in two directions at once: playful reinvention and grounded practicality. Below are more trends shaping how we cook, eat, shop, and think about food—along with a few things we’re collectively leaving behind.

In: Fresh Spins on Familiar Favorites

Reinvention is the name of the game. Fusion is back, mashups feel exciting again, and the lines between budget and gourmet are increasingly blurred. Classic dishes are being reworked with unexpected ingredients, global influences, and a sense of fun—think hot honey fried catfish subs or nostalgic staples upgraded with bold condiments and clever twists.

In: Pet-Related Dining Experiences

Spending on pets shot up by 76% following COVID-19, with our furry friends quickly being considered as part of the family. Why then do they have separate dining experiences? In 2026, I expect to see fast food enter the canine culinary market.

In: American Food, Revisited

With major global sporting events and a milestone anniversary of U.S. independence on the horizon, American food is stepping into focus—regionally, historically, and through the lens of diaspora. Expect renewed interest in “blue plate” specials, regional desserts, comfort classics, and cross-border influences from Mexico and Canada. Nostalgia, heritage, and storytelling are key.

In: Made-to-Order Everything

Customization continues to grow, driven by Gen Z and diners with specific dietary needs. Food spots that allow guests to choose bases, proteins, sauces, and toppings offer both creative freedom and inclusivity. It’s a win-win: personalization without sacrificing speed or flavor.

In: Casual Solo Dining

Eating alone is no longer an afterthought—it’s a feature. Bars, counters, cozy nooks, and well-designed seating for one are becoming magnets for solo diners. Good lighting, strong Wi-Fi, and thoughtful service are essential as people embrace dining purely for themselves.

In: Bulk Buying via Subscription

From meat and pasta to canned fish and beans, bulk buying through subscriptions is on the rise. Social commerce has made it easier than ever to stock up directly from brands, often at better value than traditional retail. Convenience, savings, and trust in disruptor brands are driving this shift.

In: Deconstructed Dishes

Efficiency meets comfort. Deconstructed classics—like unrolled cabbage rolls, flat dumpling “lasagnes,” or sheet-baked puff pastry—deliver familiar flavors with less time and technical skill. Home cooking in 2026 prioritizes deliciousness and accessibility over perfection.

In: Flavor First

Protein or carb choice is no longer the headline—flavor is. From plant-based carbonara to tempeh fried “chicken,” anticipation and taste drive decisions. The market is booming with flavor boosters like chili crisps, pickle dusts, cured meats, and spice pastes. Nail the seasoning, and the rest follows.

In: Plant Protein (the Less-Processed Kind)

As scrutiny around ultra-processed foods grows, simpler plant proteins like tofu, tempeh, beans, and pulses are taking center stage. Consumers are moving away from powders and bars toward whole-food protein sources that are versatile, affordable, and nutrient-dense.

In: Loaded Dishes

Budget-friendly bases piled high with toppings—nachos, fries, rice bowls, baked potatoes, chickpeas—are everywhere. Layering flavors and textures allows creativity without complexity, whether it’s a tray-bake dinner or a platter-style salad.

In: Fiber Awareness

Fiber is finally getting its due. With most people falling short of recommended intake, 2026 is about practical ways to add more plants, reduce ultra-processed foods, and rethink meals around gut and heart health rather than restriction.

In: Chicken (Everywhere)

From rotisserie to hibachi, tandoor to grill, chicken continues its reign across price points and cuisines. It’s adaptable, familiar, and endlessly customizable—making it a staple of both casual dining and elevated menus.

In: Status-Symbol Packaging

Packaging matters more than ever. Products are designed to look as good on the counter as they taste—evoking joy, emotion, and collectability. Design is part of the experience, especially for pantry staples like olive oil, canned fish, and condiments.

In: Beans, Pulses & Legumes

Affordable, sustainable, and nutritious, beans are the unsung heroes of 2026. Expect them everywhere—from mains to snacks—as consumers prioritize value and planet-friendly eating.

In: “Not Chocolate”

As cocoa prices rise and ethical concerns grow, innovation is filling the gap. Chocolate-adjacent products made without cocoa—using grains or other byproducts—are gaining traction, proving indulgence doesn’t always require traditional ingredients.

In: Thriftiness

Excess is out. Packed lunches, leftovers, imperfect produce, and low-waste habits are in. The cultural shift values practicality over polish and sustainability over aesthetics.

In: Hybrid Flavor Language

Sweet-plus-anything continues to evolve—swicy, swavoury, swalty, and beyond. Contrast drives excitement.

In: Single-Dish Pairings

Simple, iconic combinations endure: one great dish, one great drink. No overthinking required.

What’s Falling Out of Favor

Protein obsession will decrease. Another macronutrient—it’s looking like fiber—will take center stage. (though we’re overdue for a carb-scare re-run).

Out: Tallow on everything – useful, yes, but not universal.
Out: Artificially blue food – style belongs on the table, not the plate.
Out: Over-curated, low-nutrition dishes – substance beats aesthetics.
Out: Pistachio overload – it’s earned a rest.
Out: Gimmicky “functional” drinks with no real benefit.
Out: Gas cooking (long-term) – for environmental and health reasons.
Out: Unethically sourced chocolate – transparency matters.
Out: Purpose-washing – consumers are fact-checking.
Out: Buying lunch every day – thriftiness wins.

Trends in Drink:

1) Alternative Nick & Nora Glassware

Some bartenders argue the Nick & Nora is overused, while others consider it an essential vessel—especially for classic, stirred, brown-spirit drinks. The broader consensus: the Nick & Nora isn’t going anywhere, but bars are increasingly interested in fresh silhouettes and new glass designs (with plenty of debate about what should and shouldn’t be served in it).

2) The Martini “Refrost”

The “refrost”—moving a partially finished Martini into a newly chilled glass—has spread from legacy restaurants to modern cocktail bars. Most see it as a hospitality-forward move that keeps the drink cold and the guest feeling cared for, though some question whether it’s meaningfully better than other chilling methods (and a few point out the extra washing and operational cost). Still, the prevailing view is that it’s a thoughtful touch when done quietly and, ideally, with guest choice.

3) Bar Takeovers & Pop-Ups (All the Time)

Guest shifts aren’t new, but their frequency has reached a point where even proponents admit the format can feel saturated. Many still love the collaborative, social, and affordable aspects—especially when they’re about community rather than branding. Others worry that nonstop pop-ups blur a bar’s identity, overwhelm staff, and frustrate regulars who just want the house menu. The trend isn’t ending, but expectations are shifting: fewer gimmicks, more meaning, better execution.

4) Guinness in Cocktails

Stout is increasingly being used for texture, richness, and chocolatey depth—and opinions are split. Some see Guinness (and beer more broadly) as an underutilized cocktail ingredient with huge pairing potential, while others feel certain high-quality products are best left untouched. The unifying point: if it’s balanced and tastes good, it earns its place.

5) Cocktail Tasting Menus

Cocktail tasting menus continue to pop up, borrowing the prix fixe model from dining. They appeal to adventurous drinkers and can be excellent when executed at a high level. But they’re also difficult to pull off consistently, and some question the long-term viability given labor, ingredient costs, and the reality that many guests still prefer familiar spirit categories. Expect the format to remain, but mostly in places built around it—not as a universal add-on.

6) The Boilerfaker

The “beer-and-a-shot” combo has a new twist: making one component non-alcoholic. For some, it’s a smart moderation tool that keeps the night going without fully opting out. For others, it’s an odd ritual if your goal is simply to drink less. Either way, the underlying theme is clear: more people want flexibility and balance in how they drink.

7) Creamsicle Cocktails

Orange-and-vanilla nostalgia has shown up in Margaritas, aperitifs, and citrus-forward drinks. This trend is divisive—some find it cloying, others see creative potential and a practical use for ingredients like orange juice that can be difficult to integrate well. It’s likely to persist in pockets, especially where menus lean playful or dessert-adjacent.

8) Big Red Wine

After years of chilled reds dominating trend cycles, bold reds—Cabernet, Bordeaux, Merlot—are back in the conversation. For many drinkers, they never left. Fans frame the “big red” return as a shift toward richness and structure, while skeptics prefer lighter, fresher styles. Either way, guests are increasingly asking for fuller-bodied options again.

9) Celebrity Non-Alcoholic Brands

Celebrity-backed N/A products are multiplying fast. Some see this as an inevitable extension of the zero-proof boom—more options, more normalization, more investment. Others view it as an oversaturated space where marketing outpaces substance. The broader takeaway: N/A is clearly staying; whether celebrity lines add real value is what’s up for debate.

10) Iceless Cocktail Programs

A handful of bars are experimenting with cocktails made without ice, using alternative chilling methods instead. Supporters see it as innovative and potentially cost-saving, and they’re intrigued by the technical challenge. Critics argue ice is foundational to texture, dilution, and the identity of American cocktail culture—and question whether the sustainability claims hold up when other energy-intensive equipment is involved. This one remains a true fault line.

11) Restored Dive Bars

More operators are buying and restoring local dive bar institutions. Most people love the idea—as long as restoration doesn’t polish away the personality. The line between preservation and “theme-park-ification” is thin, and the best versions are the ones that keep the soul intact while fixing only what’s necessary.

12) Shareable Martinis

Oversized Martinis designed for groups (sometimes with straws and maximal garnishes) may be the clearest example of a trend built for social media. Across the board, the concerns are practical: temperature, dilution, and the fact that Martinis are intensely personal. Even those who enjoy the occasional spectacle seem to agree this concept works better as a novelty than as a new norm.

Final Thoughts:

Trends come and go, but real, wholesome food will never go out of fashion. As I am finishing up this article I overheard a coworker talk about how in the Midwest it’s common (and awfully white) to have whole milk as the beverage of choice with a dinner. The office scoffed at that, and I did too, but then went into a diatribe questioning who even drinks whole, cow’s milk anymore?

The irony was apparent. Two people were mowing down Ghost Energy Drinks, one person was having an array of different cookies and washing it down with one of Dutch Brothers’ 50+ g sugar “coffee beverages”. I stated that I enjoy whole milk, and have it everyday.

When did eating a normal diet and not cult-ifying what you consume seem so un-hip?

I digress. Trends are like stocks. Short. Buy the dip. Figuratively and literally.

Oh and by the way the year has started off with some bangers, enjoy:

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and whose populace considers this:

Everything is ironic. Everything is Internet fodder. Everything ebbs on brain rot more than brain growth.

It was not always this way. I was a George Bush-era child.

I was not born yet, but going back in time, I remembered when George H.W. Bush’s vice president, Dan Quayle, corrected a child’s spelling test, marking the child wrong because he had spelled “potato” without a silent “e” at the end. It ruined his credibility and derailed his political ambitions. In 2025, Quayle would just insist he was right, half the country would agree, the dictionary would be added to the banned-books list, and the kid would take a selfie with him for an Instagram carousel post.

We are using our brains less than ever, avoiding real-life interaction even more. Intellectually, we are now less than the sum of our parts, and we know it, and we’re desperate for answers, which is how someone like this can build an entire seven-figure book deal and empire on the premise of “making your bed.”

Kermit is a better role model.

If we’re going to make it to whatever awaits us on the other side of this, we’re going to have to defend what’s left of our brain cells.

Allow me to offer you a few tips to spark your creativity and perhaps even initiate the process of taking back your cerebellum.

Start a Music Club

Book clubs have one tragic flaw: You have to do the reading. Our attention spans will need to be developed to that level. Right now, get a handful of friends, listen to all the new music you can, and pontificate. Crate-digging in the year of our great lord, 2026. Some of my favorite music discoveries are from friends whose tastes I trust, and there is no better way to spend a weekend than opening a nice bottle of Frizzante, cranking up the Sonos, and getting your music critic on with friends.

Find A Lesser Sports League/Team and Follow It Passionately

The big American leagues are only getting bigger, louder, and more extractive: higher salaries, superteams, predictability, longer injury reports, and a sports-betting ecosystem that’s creeping into everything. It’s a lot—financially, culturally, and honestly, emotionally. Following a smaller or non-traditional sport won’t do you like that.

Somewhere right now, a teenager is training like their life depends on it to become the next great EPL menace. There are rankings, divisions, and real stakes in professional cornhole. Niche leagues have their own legends, rivalries, and intensely passionate fan bases—without the nonstop hype machine attached.

Pick something specific. Learn the rules. Know the players. Go deep before it gets swallowed by a lack of parity.

Mindfulness Through Writing

Even if you think you already know the basics, give yourself five minutes to look closely at something small—like where apostrophes actually go. It’s a tiny detail, but it sharpens the way you think. You start noticing structure. Meaning. Precision.

Writing, and more notably, “morning pages” are so effective because they work like a mental reset button—a space where you can clear the noise before the day starts. By writing without filtering, you unload mental clutter, stop thought loops, and make room for clarity. It builds self-awareness fast, helps calm your nervous system, and often unlocks ideas you didn’t know you had. I like to flip the script and do “night pages,” a sort of reverse reset, and I find the nighttime more tranquil than the morning.

Question Everything

These days, people love to go on cable news channels or social media and say something proudly stupid. Too bad people also love to mock up a screenshot that looks like that person said something even dumber and then sit back as countless people share it uncritically. People I know and like will post “you can’t make this up” over a repost of something that someone absolutely, obviously made up. It’s never been more important to work on our media literacy. Look at the screenshots, not even all that closely; you’ll notice fonts Fox News or MS NOW or X does not use. AI is going to make the deepfakes way deeper, and if we can’t train ourselves to spot the obvious shit now, we are cooked like a holiday ham.

Get So-Social

One of the best ways to expand your world is to build friendships with people who aren’t your age, aren’t in your scene, and don’t think the way you do. Make it a habit to show up somewhere outside your bubble—volunteer once a month, join a community group, take a class, or just spend time in places where different generations overlap.

Start small: play a game, ask someone about their life, their photos, their job, their hometown. You’ll get stories that are richer, stranger, and more detailed than anything you’ll hear in your algorithm-fed day-to-day—and you’ll come away with a greater sense of how many ways there are to live a life.

The irony of this being one of the biggest social media accounts is that New York Nico did just this—went outside.

Start a Collection of Anything

Vinyl. Hardcore band t-shirts. Garden gnomes. For me, it’s wine, liqueurs, sneakers, hats, and, more recently, cookbooks/coffee table books. My quest gives me a reason to pull over to niche grocery stores, flea markets, or go on late-night rabbit holes on the web. Keeping an eye out for a new item to add to a growing collection keeps your eyes up. It keeps you searching your surroundings for something other than a new reason to despair, and every second spent on eBay is a second not spent watching the news or doomscrolling. These are wins.

Listen to Popular Music from Right Now

You’re right: Pop music isn’t as good as it was when you were young. There are no gatekeepers, no barriers to entry, and no quality control; young artists’ names increasingly resemble passwords generated by your phone’s auto-fill feature. Anyone can make a song, and not everybody should. But you’re also wrong: When something gets popular with the kids, it’s because it’s speaking to them about their lives in a frequency your ears no longer automatically catch. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try.

If it’s good for you to ponder the Pavement’s relevance in the context of the 1990s, it’s just as healthy to listen to 2Hollis and think about his relevance in the context of now. It’s good for your brain plasticity, and it will teach you to be less stubborn and rigid—one of the worst things you can become as you get older.

Money ≠ Smarts

In this country, we tend to believe that the richest people are also the smartest people. That’s understandable—and wrong. Wealthy people design hideous cars, manufacture robots that fall down, create artificial intelligence that they don’t understand, and then other wealthy people give them more money to keep doing it. They’re not necessarily smarter than us. They just gamble better, or believe in themselves more, or had richer parents. No shade, just facts.

Breath Work

Once a day, take 15 minutes and reset your central nervous system with some breath work. I like this routine:

1. Five box breaths (Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4)

2. Five 4-7-8 breaths (same as above, but for these time lengths)

3. Two sets of Wim Hof breathing

4. Chakra opening breathing

5. Thinking about 10 things you are grateful for while taking 10 exaggerated deep breaths.

This is the cigarette break of the 2020s. There are plenty of apps that will guide you through a session for a subscription fee, but you already have all you need. Plus, is there a more wealth-brained notion than “breath-work subscription service,” or a more empowering move than rejecting it?

Walk

First thing in the morning. Keep your phone on the charger. Attune yourself to the sound of the world around you: the family down the street getting their kids to the school bus, the rustle of the trees, the rumble of the trash truck. Pet a passing stranger’s dog, or let a passing stranger pet yours (or listen to your dog bark at everything). There is beauty in this world, but forces are trying to rob us of the simple joy of seeing and hearing it. Instead, they’re forcing our eyes and ears onto “Sponsored Content”. Do you want to be bought that cheaply?

*Buys home decor once*

Clean Your House

Happy home, happy dome.

Five Things:

1. RIP Bob Weir:

Was never the biggest Grateful Dead fan, but went to their Sphere show last year and I finally got it.

Iconic in not only jam music, but graphic design/branding, and one of the most loyal/cultish fanbases of any music act. Give it up to the OG.

2. Greek Yogurt Wars

I have tried every brand of greek yogurt, dairy-free yogurt, Skyr, creme fraiche, you name it, and this reigns supreme by a country mile. Rich, creamy, and a worthy vessel for any savory or sweet riff that calls for yogurt. The only downside is that the entire $7.99 tub can be downed in two minutes.

3. Best Thing I Drank: Martusciello Gragnano “Otto Uve” DOC 2023

Martusciello Gragnano “Otto Uve” DOC 2023 is a bright, lightly sparkling red from Gragnano, Italy that’s equal parts refreshing and irresistibly crushable. It’s juicy and jammy without feeling heavy, with notes of violets, wild strawberry, and a touch of tart rhubarb, all lifted by soft bubbles and a crisp, dry finish. Best served slightly chilled—an easy, perfect pairing for pizza.

4. Best Thing I Ate: Crab/Cheddar Almond Flour Biscuits

It’s chili szn. Dip and dunk. Add in unflavored collagen powder for that protein cheat code.

5. This Week in Fits: Nike Air Force 1 Low Lil Yachty ‘Concrete Boys’

Inspired by early 2000s fashion, Yachty’s Jamaican background and Bapestas, these are what I call the “Rasta Pasta 1s”.

Not for everyone, and certainly not universally loved, and quite frankly, are a harder shoe to style properly, but that makes me like them even more. Sometimes story and a decent ad campaigns sells an otherwise ‘mid’ shoe, and that might have played a small part here.

Best Songs of the Week:

Riding that good 2026 momentum. Let’s keep it going friends.

My list this year is a culmination of my weekend tradition: pouring a nice glass of wine, lighting a candle, pulling out a blank sheet of paper, and scouring all my music publications to jot down the new albums released each Friday. I come into this process with an open mind—if the band’s name sounds cool or they have cool album art but I’ve never heard of them, I’ll give it a shot, or if it’s an album that’s been discussed in the zeitgeist but not really my jazz, I’ll throw it on too. Everything (well, almost everything, the new Taylor Swift? No mas) deserves a full start-to-finish album listen.

With new music discovery, the older I get, the more I fall into two tropes:

1. Gravitating towards my younger self and looking for music of that era (i.e., melodic hardcore, early Aughts indie).

2. Diving down rabbit holes and recommendations from blogs, artists’ Spotify playlists, etc…

This list is a mix of what are artistically important albums and a mix of my personal favorites. While I do share some sensibilities with the Needle Drops and the Pitchforks of the world, this list is through and through a year’s musical journey, one of the last joys in life that is free and has the highest emotional return.

Agree or disagree, I hope that you can find an artist or a band on here you’ve never heard before and attain that same level of joy I get tossing on a complete unknown and enjoying the everlasting shit out of it.

Here Are My Top Albums of 2025:

1. Deafheaven — Lonely People With Power:

   Deafheaven return to crushing metal intensity while pushing beyond it with dynamic range and texture. Balancing brutality and atmosphere, the album marks a confident resurgence for the blackgaze pioneers. No other album, start to finish, has been a sonically rewarding experience this year than this. It’s easy to make pop music give you goosebumps, but a heavy album that changes your mood, not to punch someone but awakens your third eye with every listen. Blissful.

2. Rosalía — LUX:

   Grand, multilingual, and orchestral, LUX is Rosalía at her most ambitious. For all its scale and spectacle, the album’s true centerpiece is her awe-inspiring vocal command.

3. Clipse — Let God Sort Them Out:

   With Let God Sort ’Em Out, Clipse deliver a comeback unlike any other. For Malice, the album represents more than a return to rap—it traces his full arc, from coke-rap pioneer to religious conversion and eventual reemergence with renewed conviction. For Pusha T, whose post-Clipse career has been marked by constant reinvention, the record is a reminder that his presence hits differently when his older brother is back at his side.

   Produced entirely by Pharrell Williams, the album stands among his strongest work in years, blending the sharp minimalism of Clipse’s Neptunes-era classics with a forward-looking edge. A carefully chosen lineup of guest appearances underscores the group’s lasting influence, with standout verses from Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator that radiate respect and admiration.

   Above all else, Let God Sort ’Em Out succeeds because it’s simply a great rap album—packed with some of the most compelling and addictive songs of the year.

4. Real Lies - We Will Annihilate Our Enemies

We Will Annihilate Our Enemies is the third album from British dance duo Real Lies, and its confrontational title sets the tone for a record that feels both defiant and deeply reflective.

Their approach to progressive house is tinged with melancholy—rave optimism refracted through lived experience. The album carries echoes of dance music’s past, embedded in tough 4/4 and breakbeat rhythms, shimmering synth lines, and bass that rattles the floor. Tracks like “Finding Money” recall the melodic glow of peak-era New Order, while the record as a whole feels steeped in shared memories of a more innocent dancefloor era, before raves became increasingly commercialized.

What once felt like an unrestrained rush toward the future has given way to a quieter, more resilient hope. There’s defiance here, but it grows patiently, like weeds pushing through neglected cracks. The name Real Lies feels fitting for a project that reflects a world shaped by compromise and diminished expectations—yet refuses to fully surrender to them.

Instead, the duo push back with guarded optimism, pairing surging melodies with basslines that pulse with memory and intent. The rhythms feel coiled rather than explosive, holding back just enough to suggest that euphoria is always within reach.

5. Nourished by Time - The Passionate Ones

Marcus Brown explores love at its most volatile, pairing ecstatic synths with lyrics full of obsession and defiance. The Passionate Ones is intense, romantic, and unafraid of emotional extremes.

6. Wednesday - The Bleeds

   Rooted deeply in North Carolina, Bleeds pairs regional detail with raw emotional honesty. Karly Hartzman’s writing finds beauty in damage and meaning in misfortune.

7. Crushed - No Scope

   My most listened to album in this top 10. That in and of itself is something.

8. Geese - Getting Killed

   Wild, funny, and ferociously alive, Getting Killed channels chaos into something thrillingly human. It’s unpredictable guitar music that rejects polish and algorithms in favor of personality and risk.

9. Rochelle Jordan - Through The Wall

   Through the Wall is seductive, hypnotic, and effortlessly groovy, built on breathy vocals, strong hooks, and layered arrangements that invite movement. While it doesn’t reinvent pop or R&B, it avoids feeling derivative, offering polished, nocturnal escapism with a modern pop sheen.

   “Close 2 Me” is a standout gem, and the album’s opening run is especially strong, with moments like the key changes on “Ladida,” “The Boy,” and “Never Enough” shining. With a tighter tracklist, this could’ve been an easy Album of the Year contender.

10. Ethel Cain - Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You

    Very tender and beautifully arranged with warm and nostalgic production. However, I found it a bit too uniform in its pacing throughout and wasn't really impressed by the lyricism. The album still has a very intimate and beautiful feel to it and the closer gives me goosebumps every time.

11. FKA Twigs - EUSEXUA

Twigs has always built music for movement; on EUSEXUA she dives fully into vocal club music. With Koreless and co., she refines decades of dancefloor language into pure flow state, then heightens its charge through her own sensual, receptive lens.

12. Panda Bear- Sinister Grift

    After the fantastic Sonic Boom collaboration Reset in 2022 and the equally essential Reset in Dub with Adrian Sherwood in 2023, Noah Lennox keeps his Panda Bear hot streak going with one of his most satisfying, melodic albums yet. A longtime devotee of Brian Wilson, he again builds from meticulous melodies and layered harmonies to create his own unmistakable sonic universe.

    He’s so dialed into the aesthetic that everything lands, from bouncy opener “Praise” to Cindy Lee collaboration “Defence.” There’s a tropical flair this time — his daughter Nadja adds Portuguese lyrics to “Anywhere But Here” — while a subtle undercurrent of space-echo dub provides just enough “sinister” to keep it grounded.

13. Dijon - Baby

    In the same year that he lent his swag to Justins Bieber and Vernon and convincingly portrayed Leonardo DiCaprio's horny old revolutionary buddy, young R&B explorer Dijon Duendas constructed his own skitter-splatter lo-fi helium-funk opus, seemingly out of spare parts. On Baby, Dijon sings about love and fatherhood and ascendance over a playfully glitched-out soundworld that sounds like what might've happened if Prince fronted Pavement.

14. Chaos in the CBD - A Deeper Life

    Downtempo Balearic beats that pair well with a late night or early morning or a focused heaphone listen.

15. Jane Remover - Revengeseekerz

Explosive and fearless, Revengeseekerz rejects repetition in favor of chaos, humor, and sheer force. Jane Remover swings wildly across styles, landing blow after blow with undeniable confidence.

16. Elias Ronnenfelt - Speak Daggers

    Speak Daggers is a very mellow, atmospheric, and relaxing listen. Elias’ voice and melodies burrow their way underneath your skin and, before you know it, you’ll be humming along to tracks like Mona Lisa and USA Baby in no time. I was quite pleasantly surprised with this one.

17. Dave - The Boy Who Played Harp

Class album from one of the best MCs out of the UK. James Blake on the boards is a good pairing with the mellow, introspective, atmospheric jams.

18. Sudan Archives - The BPM

    Brittney Parks weaves her signature violin into a futuristic techno-pop world, where old textures meet club-ready chaos. Restless, playful, and magnetic, The BPM thrives on constant motion and personality.

19. Deftones - private music

    Deftones show no signs of slowing down, delivering sharp, propulsive alt-rock packed with gritty hooks and emotional weight. From anthemic highs to a brooding finale, private music reaffirms their enduring power.

20. They Are Gutting a Body of Water - LOTTO

    Shoegaze riffs crash like waves on LOTTO, balancing darkness with moments of warmth and clarity. It’s a sweeping, emotionally charged album that thrives on contrast and momentum.

21. Baxter Dury - Allbarone

A tech-synth-pop tale of public tears with drops and risers, sees the protagonist texting and calling the object of his affections in the hope she’ll meet him in a soulless wine bar establishment that now rhymes with Peroni (Allbarone seems to expand throughout the album to become its own state, embodying the corporate hellscape of modern living).

22. Ninajirachi - I Love My Computer

A playful, vulnerable debut that reframes EDM nostalgia through internet-age intimacy. Ninajirachi captures the thrill of creation, connection, and coming of age online with infectious energy and heart.

23. Pulp - More

    There are plenty of expectations attached to a comeback record, and Pulp managed to over-deliver, mixing great new songs with a couple of unused oldies polished to perfection, alongside lots of signature moves — sexy whispering, horny lyrics, disco — and a few surprises.

24. Kettama - Archangel

    This is personal bias coming in. A techno album at 13? Absolutely. Bangers after bangers with a distinct sound that is unapparent in the modern electronic landscape of similar ilk.

25. Messa - The Spin

Messa filter ’80s textures — chorus pedals, gated drums, post-punk bounce, power-ballad drama, and noirish jazz — through their doom-metal core, making familiar sounds unmistakably their own. Four musicians in total lockstep.

26. Daniel Avery - Tremor

The album simultaneously captures the feeling of getting ready to go the club, going to the club, and the after-party. My top 3 song of the year:

27. Model/Actriz - Pirouette

This is their best release yet. It has a noisy and dissonant sound similar to their past works, but still has a certain hopefulness and brightness to it, which hasn’t been seen in any of their past works. Overall, it’s really punchy, neurotic, and angular but also bright in a memorable way.

28. De La Soul - Cabin in the Sky

    Spanning 20 tracks and 70 minutes, De La Soul leave little unexplored on their first album in nine years—and their first since the passing of Dave, aka Trugoy the Dove. His presence is still felt throughout the record, with posthumous verses and production woven into the project.

    The album features production from boom bap legends Pete Rock and DJ Premier, longtime collaborator Supa Dave West, and others, alongside standout guest appearances from Killer Mike, Black Thought, Nas, Common, Slick Rick, and more. Through it all, De La Soul remain firmly rooted in the jazzy, alternative hip-hop sound they helped define in the ’90s, delivering a record that honors their legacy while reaffirming their place in the genre.

29. Bad Bunny - DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

    Bad Bunny’s most expansive album yet draws deeply from Puerto Rican tradition while refining the urbano sound he helped define. Playing like a memory-filled scrapbook, it moves between hazy nostalgia and vivid immediacy, inviting listeners fully into his world.

30. Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist - Alfredo 2

Freddie Gibbs may not be the most consistent rapper, but his strongest work has always come alongside elite producers—first Madlib, then The Alchemist on Alfredo. Alfredo 2 picks up right where its predecessor left off, pairing Gibbs’ metronomic flows with Alchemist’s smooth, refined production.

The beats are among Alchemist’s best of the year, and while expectations were measured, the album ultimately exceeds them thanks to its consistency and standout moments. Tracks like “1995,” “Ensalada” with Anderson .Paak, and “Gold Feet” featuring JID shine, the latter nearly outclassing anything from JID’s own 2025 release. Every so often, Gibbs delivers a reminder not to count him out—this is one of those times.

31. Blood Orange - Essex Honey

Dev Hynes builds a spacious, shifting meditation on grief and memory, shaped by dynamic arrangements and a wide cast of collaborators. Essex Honey is graceful, haunted, and deeply felt.

32. Benjamin Booker - Lower

The music may build a wall of loud fuzzy rock, but somehow Benjamin Booker’s timid voice stands above it by standing down, nonchalantly reflecting on his bleakness as if lost in a daydream.

It's often overlooked in the broader 2025 album landscape, so I'm doing my part by giving it a nudge your way.

33. Snocaps - Snocaps

    Katie and Allison Crutchfield reunite for their first album together in nearly 15 years, and the harmonies are as magnetic as ever. Wiser, warmer, and gently reflective, the record feels breezy yet deeply lived-in, with history humming beneath every intertwining line.

34. HAAi - Humanise

Glitchy, art pop-y, ambient? Humanise blends together many elements into a cohesive package with one of the best closers of the year:

35. DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ - Fantasy

“Pure joy”, as a lyric puts it. I didn’t realize how badly I needed some good old optimism to tie off this year. The lyrics are right on the pulse of what so many of us have been feeling lately - Losing hope, questioning systems, trying to stick to our values, and struggling to live our own lives.

The fun and positive lyrics don’t deny that or distract from reality; they change the lens to a brighter one. That, combined with the smooth heavenly sounds and the subtle, sophisticated melody changes, makes this very worth hearing.

36. Agriculture - The Spiritual Sound

Agriculture blend blast-beat fury with folk, shoegaze, and noise-pop surprises without losing metal’s raw force. Ecstatic, unpredictable, and relentlessly heavy, the album thrives on collision and release.

37. Frost Children - Sister

An absolute blast. It’s not a sound that will click for everyone, but it hits all the right notes for me. The album taps into early-2010s EDM nostalgia, blending that era’s energy with house, noise, and even a fleeting hint of crunkcore on “ELECTRIC.” Loud, abrasive, and chaotic in the best way, no two tracks sound alike. The presence of production and writing credits from Porter Robinson makes perfect sense, highlighting the duo’s strong contemporary influences.

38. Spiritual Cramp - Rude

    Since emerging in 2017, the San Francisco six-piece has earned a devoted following for their forward-thinking punk rock—sharp, energetic, and never overly self-serious. Building on the momentum of their well-received 2023 debut, Rude finds the band moving with confidence and ease, leaning into their most playful instincts yet. It’s a lively, feel-good record that takes the edge off while reaffirming Spiritual Cramp’s growing presence in the modern punk landscape.

TL:DR//Full List

1. Deafheaven — Lonely People With Power

2. Rosalía — LUX

3. Clipse — Let God Sort Them Out

4. Real Lies — We Will Annihilate Our Enemies

5. Nourished by Time — The Passionate Ones

6. Wednesday — The Bleeds

7. Crushed — No Scope

8. Geese — Getting Killed

9. Rochelle Jordan — Through The Wall

10. Ethel Cain — Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You

11. FKA twigs — EUSEXUA

12. Panda Bear — Sinister Grift

13. Dijon — Baby

14. Chaos in the CBD — A Deeper Life

15. Jane Remover — Revengeseekerz

16. Elias Rønnenfelt — Speak Daggers

17. Dave — The Boy Who Played Harp

18. Sudan Archives — The BPM

19. Deftones — private music

20. They Are Gutting a Body of Water — LOTTO

21. Baxter Dury — Allbarone

22. Ninajirachi — I Love My Computer

23. Pulp — More

24. Kettama — Archangel

25. Messa — The Spin

26. Daniel Avery — Tremor

27. Model/Actriz — Pirouette

28. De La Soul — Cabin in the Sky

29. Bad Bunny — DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

30. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist — Alfredo 2

31. Blood Orange — Essex Honey

32. Benjamin Booker — Lower

33. Snocaps — Snocaps

34. HAAi — Humanise

35. DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ — Fantasy

36. Agriculture — The Spiritual Sound

37. Frost Children — Sister

38. Spiritual Cramp — Rude

39. Honningbarna — Soft Spot

40. Bicep — Chroma 000

41. Glaive / 2hollis — star & Y’all

42. Thrice — Horizons / West

43. Mo Lawda & The Humble - Tailing the Ghost

44. PinkPantheress — Fancy That

45. Militarie Gun — God Save the Gun

46. Preoccupations — Ill at Ease

47. Provoker — Mausoleum

48. Larry June & 2 Chainz — Life Is Beautiful

49. Clark — Steep Stims

50. Westerman — A Jackal’s Wedding

51. Leon Vynehall — In Daytona Yellow

52. Home Front — Watch It Die

53. HEALTH — Conflict DFC

54. Destroyer — Dan’s Boogie

55. AFI - Silver Bleeds the Black Sun….

56. SPRINTS — All That Is Over

57. Malibu — Vanities

58. The Tubs — Cotton Crown

59. Slow Crush — Thirst

60. Momma — Welcome To My Blue Sky

61. Turnstile - Never Enough

62. The Belair Lip Bombs — Again

63. Swim — Dear Friend

64. Alex G — Headlights

65. Drain — …Is Your Friend

66. Night Tapes — Portals / Polarities

67. Sanguisugabogg — Hideous Aftermath

68. Miley Cyrus — Something Beautiful

69. The Acacia Strain — You Are Safe from God Here

70. Pictureplane — Sex Distortion

We also saw strong comebacks from longtime favorites alongside exciting breakthroughs from emerging artists. The year was so rich that narrowing this list to 50 felt impossible, so we expanded it to 55 of our favorite albums of 2025. Even then, with additional honorable mentions and genre-specific lists to come, plenty of great records still narrowly missed the cut.

Honorable Mentions:

AFI : Silver Bleeds the Black Sun...

Late stage Davy Havok with a new haircut and fully adopting the darkwave vibe? Let’s go.

Kelly Lee Owens - KELLY EP

The goddess back it. After party vibes meets pre-concert jitters.

Recollection: Vivid Dreams EP

Melodic hardcore is my love language.

Tems: Love Is a Kingdom EP

Momma: Welcome to My Blue Sky

Funny Weather: S/T

Kings of Leon: EP #2

End It: Wrong Side of Heaven

Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea

Social Order: Strangers EP

Here we go…

The Best Albums of 2025:

60. Pictureplane: Sex Distortion

Darkwave vibras. All killer no filler.

59. The Acacia Strain: You Are Safe from God Here

Old school metalcore vibes for the heads with new school production. Felt 19 again.

58. Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful

Just a damn good pop album. What other music critic will have this between the one I have above and the one I have below?

57. Sanguisgabogg: Hideous Aftermath

Only the real heads will recognize the production and the br00tal death metal aspect here… I respect it. Hardest, most brutal album of the year, but sadly, metal will never get the respect it deserves.

56. Night Tapes: Portals/Polarities

Shoegaze fucking rocks. Female fronted bands > No more commentary. Just rocc on.

55. Drain: …Is Your Friend:

The best thrash slash hardcore album this year.

54. Alex G: Headlights

A lot of albums find this trope: Great, great single, then rest of album gets memory-holed.

53. Swim: Dear Friend