A Hot Chocolate To Go
Movies, cocoa, and winter meals
I can’t believe this year is almost over, which means we have traditions around here! Next week’s issue will be our best meals of 2023 issue. If you’d like to share a memorable meal from the year, either one from a restaurant or cooked at home, please reply to this email. I love reading all of your replies and can’t wait to share.
On Thursday, I’ll be sharing a controversial (?) etiquette opinion around parties! Stay tuned.
Now, let’s dive in.
Something to cook:
I went to the grocery store! I made pasta with mushrooms, kale, chickpeas, and parmesan black pepper butter from Churn (client).
I made breakfast! It was nothing fancy but tortillas, eggs, veggies, avocado, and a little cheese is a great way to start the day.
I also am hosting friends for dinner this week and brainstorming what to make for a cozy night.
Something to order:
We had a lovely team holiday party at Thief, which has transformed into a Christmas bar (I stick to more classic drinks).
I took a walk after work to return a library book and wound up swinging by Three Decker Diner for a grilled cheese (served with a pickle and coleslaw). For the bus ride home, I got a hot chocolate to go, a solid choice.
Natalie and Andy are in town and we had a classic NYC dinner with Oset and Michael at Mimi’s Piano Bar. The vibes are great, the wine is well priced, the food is unremarkable (stick to classics like eggplant parmesan and stuffed shells). I love a piano bar in the winter and love supporting a place that’s been around since 1956.
We headed to Jersey City on Saturday to celebrate Manny’s birthday at a brewery. Afterwards, we got dinner at Frankie, a cute Australian spot with a very good housemade veggie burger that was served with slaw and pickles (and of course, fries).
Then I returned to Brooklyn to celebrate the one and only Frida’s birthday at Sisters. Their back room is great for a party and the kitchen is open late for any snacking needs.
On Sunday, I met Jeanette and India for hot chocolate at Mah-Ze-Dar in the West Village and then saw the new Hunger Games with Julia and Sam (very good).
Afterwards, we got dinner at Montesacro and split a pinsa with stratchiatella and cherry tomatoes, artichokes with salsa verde, and cacio e pepe. A wonderful dinner especially on a rainy day.
Something to read:
I read Delia Ephron’s memoir Left on Tenth in just a few days. It’s about grief, falling in love and friendship (and is a love letter to New York).
How to welcome disabled folks during the holidays (and year round)
I haven’t been using Open Table much lately but this interview with their CEO from
was interesting—they’re leaning into being the best platform for restaurants and trusting customers will follow (Resy feels like it’s the opposite approach)Faccia Brutto is all over Brooklyn (including in my home bar)
Chobani bought La Colombe, which started in Philly. I remember when their drip coffee was $2!
The tyranny of getting ready from
Will read any and all Zac Efron profiles and I love how he speaks about High School Musical.
Why are so many TikToks filmed in cars?
Planning a trip to Japan? Julia and Hillary have suggestions!
The children of Gaza, more than 7,000 have been killed.
Related: keep calling your representatives for a ceasefire.
Cakes with book covers are cool
I’m thinking of my Pop Pop today, who died a year ago. Need to eat some ice cream in his honor.
Take care!
xo, Abigail
This was my absolutely best recipe find of the year. https://wapo.st/3v3ywlh
I halved it, and then made five individual focaccia (using about 105 grams of dough at a time) with various toppings over two weeks, following the general directions. The individual ones, baked on a piece of aluminum foil, take about 20-25 minutes. A baking stone helps, but if you don’t have one, preheat a baking sheet when the oven’s preheating. Then place the foil and dough on top.
I think the link I’ve supplied should be shareable, but let me know if not.