French onion soup is just French lasagne

Happy June.

The months seem to be flying by at a pace I can’t keep up with.

It’s hard to feel summer-ready when A) the Knicks lost, and B) it’s fifty degrees on the first day of June. I don’t love the heat, but I’d love for this wind to stop being so difficult. Any neighborhood on either river are miserable to be in at the moment. No use in doing your hair, that’s for sure.

This past week kicked off with my first visit to Balthazar. As you know if you’ve been reading this letter the past three weeks, I’ve been reading Keith McNally’s memoir. I highly recommend doing so before you go to one of his restaurants again, specifically The Odeon, Pastis, or Balthazar, since those are the builds he goes most in-depth on. It was a wonderful read in general, I gave it five-stars on Goodreads. I rarely relate to male memoirs and honestly don’t remember the last one I read besides Andy Cohen’s Daddy Diaries. McNally took such a raw approach to his storytelling, letting us in on all of his secrets, and making us laugh through the darkness.

My mom and I were just going to have dinner together and watch the Knicks game, but I wanted to look nice for my outing. I got these Halston Heritage pants from The Real Real a while ago and had to get them tailored, and then once I got them tailored never bothered to actually wear them. Printed pants are fantastic because they make the entire outfit. Toss on a basic tee and a basic shoe in between to neutralize things and you’re golden. These have a bit of a weirdly tight fit, but I think they’ll be great for this summer nonetheless. I paired them with a vintage oversized white buttondown, my Tabi Ballerinas, and a post-work ponytail that I couldn’t bother touching.

The experience at Balthazar was just as I’d hoped it would be—chic. I paid extra attention to our waitress, listening in for the script McNally primes all of his staff with that was written out on paper for us to read. She was amazing, they had blue cheese olives for my martini, and I had French onion soup. The next night, I went to dinner with my friends, where one ordered lasagne. This made me realize that French onion soup is basically French lasagne. Think about it, and get back to me. I polished off my meal with a glass of champagne and crème brûlée, before we headed off to Broome Street Bar for a nightcap near a TV.

Next on my list to read is something a little lighter and quicker. I feel obligated to read Tinx’s latest book, Hotter in the Hamptons, so that I can provide a review for you all. Stay tuned, I downloaded it to start tonight, and I heard it’s a pretty quick read, so I might have something for you by next week. I like to alternate every-other book with one dense or intense, and one light and fluffy. Joan Didion, Kindle Unlimited romance novel, Keith McNally memoir, Hotter in the Hamptons. You get the gist.

Considering my apartment has some pretty incredible viewing options, from my adorable living room to my cozy projector in my bedroom, I’ve clocked into TV this week. I watched all three Knicks games and am devastated there won’t be any more, The Pitt in its totality, the first part of the Summer House reunion, and the new Sherri Papini docuseries on Max. I could talk for hours about The Pitt. To distract myself during a blood test on Monday, I asked the nurse if she had seen it, and when she said she hadn’t, I said that I suppose she wanted to leave work at work. She did not laugh. She really should watch it, however, because it was one of the most captivating shows I’ve seen in a while. This was also a learning experience for me that I don’t get grossed out by graphic medical scenes. The Pitt was just about as graphic as it gets, but Dr. Robby alone makes it all worth it. If you watched, please talk to me.

When I wasn’t holed up in my apartment binge-watching my weekly TV schedule, I spent back to back evenings at Forgetmenot in Dimes Square, followed by Clandestino. Yes, both nights, both places. Dimes Square is alive and ready for the season, people. We tried to get a table for two at Le Dive and they turned us away without even taking our names for a slight chance. On the first night, I wore a vintage slip top, some jeans I’ve had from Urban Outfitters for many years, and some Tory Burch flip flops. To watch the Knicks, I paired my new Cou Cou intimates henley with vintage Ralph Lauren jeans, Tabis, and my coveted Knicks 2024-2025 Playoffs hat.

I ended my weekend in an amazing way, which was redeeming a spa gift card from Christmas at Hotel Chelsea for a facial. My favorite place in the city. I got there early to read and relax in the sauna, wind down in the living room, and sip hot tea, before a wonderful esthetician named Lena performed one of the most wonderful facials I’ve ever had. Every weekend in June is booked and busy for me, so I wanted to look my best. I’ve definitely been overdue, but my new glow is for real. They do a foot ritual in the beginning of every treatment where your therapist or esthetician will wash your feet in a gorgeous foot bath, and I could just have that done for an hour straight. I think I might’ve even fallen asleep while she was massaging my face.

These little oyster dishes in the spa I was obsessed with, and my glow.

Since June is going to be so hectic, I’ll have lots to talk about in the coming weeks. I plan on visiting the Cou Cou popup in Williamsburg this week since it’s just a stones-throw from my office. I tried visiting on Friday during lunch, but there was already a line wrapped around the block 15 minutes after opening. I have the advantage of being in Williamsburg all week, so I don’t have to be like everyone who waited an hour to get their pointelle and summer linen. It is worth the wait, though.

I have a great feeling that this summer is going to be wonderful. I’m very excited to go on some trips with my best friends, celebrate birthdays (including my own) and enjoy the sun when it finally starts to show. I’m waiting, sun.