A Friday Buffet
No. 024 And the date is 03-24! Couldn't skip this one.
Hi, hello, and welcome. Thank you for being here and kindly subscribing to this tiny corner of the big, enormous internet. I write about gluten free food, great restaurants, my not-so-secret sneaker obsession, a splash of reality, and the weekly Buffet, which features a handful of articles and items I’ve found interesting during my own “scrolling” of the web. I do not include affiliate links and, for the moment, this publication continues to be free. Enjoy!
Somehow here without subscribing? Here you go.
Hello!
Honestly, I had considered skipping the newsletter this week. It has been a busy handful of days and I wasn’t entirely sure what to say (writer’s block happens). However, I glanced at the calendar and realized today’s newsletter, Number 24 (!) lands on the 24th day of March. Now, I don’t always believe in fate, but you know…how could I not write the 24th newsletter on March 24?! Agreed. It had to be done.
But here’s even more truth: this will be brief! A quick life update, a few comments, a few meals, and our weekly Buffet. That’s it! I’m racing to the weekend just like you and the plan to unwind, relax, and disconnect is extremely enticing. So, let’s get to it.
In our ever-present search for a new pet, I had a dream last night that we got an orange and white cat that liked to sit next to the ovens. Random! I’m still walking the tightrope of if/when to get a puppy and while the idea of having something cute and fluffy wandering around the house is ridiculously appealing, it is not a low-effort decision. Puppies are so cute. So cute! But they are a lot of work to get them to the well-behaved, “Instagram-ready” pets we all see when scrolling. TBD on the final decision but at the moment I’m putting the puppy plan on pause. Or paws. ;)
Separately from our pet debates, we celebrated Seth’s birthday this week! I love a birthday and it was so fun to celebrate together at one of our favorite restaurants (details below). Seth and I met in 2011 when he was 27 and now he’s on the brink of another new, big decade. Where does time go?! It feels like we just celebrated each other’s 30th birthdays and yet it has been a while since that joyful time.
Not to say that we haven’t been having a great time since then, but wow. A lot has happened! And somehow I don’t feel a day over 28. ;) All of this to say: enjoy every day and appreciate every year. Birthdays are important and fun and should be a celebratory occasion despite the wide-eye realization that time keeps passing at an alarming rate. I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Seth! Cheers to a fantastic year ahead. :)
Spring Style File
I’ve been seeing high-rise, wide-leg, not-cropped jeans everywhere for the spring/summer season and I must admit I’ve jumped on the comfy-fashion bandwagon. Wide-leg jeans are so comfortable! My knees can breathe and it’s not an ordeal to pull them on every morning. I am a fan of this trend! And the fact that the full-length look is back makes it even easier! I have cut the length of many pairs of jeans with scissors because I am short. However, the full-length look is here and that makes things much simpler. Rejoice! Today I’m wearing this pair from Mother and they are extremely comfy.
As you know, sneakers reign supreme in my closet and I have nothing to hide. I love shoes! Sneakers always, Birkenstocks for summer, and the occasional mule for when I want to feel a bit more “dressed up.” This spring you’ll see me wearing Converse most of the time, New Balance or Nike for the longer walks, and Birkenstocks (Arizona or Boston) for casual outings.
Freda Salvador’s Fisherman style has made its way into my summer plans and I am saving the sparkly Golden Goose for my late-summer birthday. I love shoes because they can easily define an outfit or remain (comfortably) in the background - versatility is key.
Spring style seems to be focusing squarely on comfort: wide-leg pants, casual tops, sneakers and/or sandals, and a very laid-back vibe in general. Perfect! Warm weather clothing should not be complicated and I’m thrilled that the not-fitted, not-too-tight outfits are being featured front and center. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to re-organize my shoes and toss all of the skinny jeans.
For Inquiring [Foodie] Minds…
Woods Hill Table - We love this charming, cozy spot in West Concord! This is where we celebrated Seth’s birthday and where I would recommend you go ASAP. The food is incredible (all from their own farm and local farms in MA), the space is charming, plenty of GF options, and the overall atmosphere is delightful. It does get quite busy on weekends, so I’d encourage reservations, but there is a great bar, or visit during the week when it’s not as packed. We cannot wait to go back!
Faccia a Faccia - I will always recommend this one! Fantastic Italian food on Newbury Street and the GF options are plentiful. It’s hard not to order half the menu; don’t skip the GF mozzarella sticks with caviar, stuffed olives, fried artichokes, or any of the house-made GF pasta dishes. Too good!
Latina Kitchen & Bar - Ever since we visited this Needham Center spot months ago, I’ve wanted to go back. It was such a great space with a really friendly staff and a warm, welcoming vibe. The majority of the menu is gluten free (!) and everything is delicious! I loved the yucca fries and carnitas empanadas. :)
A Buffet for Today: 3/24/2023
A guide to the best hair straighteners is something I found useful. Yes, I still use mine almost daily.
Reviewing all of the other characters on ‘Succession’ before the final season’s premiere this Sunday night. And by other characters I mean the assistants!
Do you know someone having a baby in the near future? This ‘Ultimate Baby Registry’ could be helpful for you and them!
There is nothing here up for debate: chips and dip is the best party snack.
Speaking of, this roasted onion dip looks pretty delicious.
And I wouldn’t mind trying roasted chili pepper guacamole for a spring get together.
I have been a longtime fan of Alison Roman’s recipes and general, no-nonsense (very cool) persona. I am looking forward to her new book, Sweet Enough, available on March 28!
Friendly reminder that AYR's The Sno Cone tee is one of my favorites for layering or on its own during the warm weather. And they’re 20% off if you buy 2 or more.
Sezane’s spring collection is great if you haven’t yet browsed through it. I love their striped cotton tops, sweatshirts, and fuzzy sweaters (for when it’s cold).
I love a mix of older classics and new, fun designs when it comes to sneakers. It may be time to add the always-in-casual-style Vans Old Skool to my collection. ;)
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
