Canvas Tote Hierarchy, A Perfect Bird & Silver Champagne Coups
Pre-summer vibes, right this way…
Hi again! The reception for last week’s newsletter was really positive and affirming, so thank you all!
I am starting to feel summer’s imminent arrival in my bones. There’s always one weekend that lets you know, and for those of us in NYC, it just happened.
On Saturday, a festive outdoor birthday party in Williamsburg led to sidewalk drinks in Greenpoint which led to dinner at the bar at Hearth in the East Village and finally walking home around 11:30 pm. Then on Sunday, a ferry ride over to Brooklyn for lunch led to running into pals having drinks at a sidewalk table, eating a delicious deli sandwich at said sidewalk table, more friends arriving for more drinks, and taking the L train home at sunset.
Those kinds of days, the ones where the weather and the universe conspire to deliver catalyst plans that spontaneously evolve into a whole day and night of revelry, are what make summer in the city so damn fun. I can’t wait for another one.
Now, Let’s jump right into what has me excited today…
1. THE CANVAS TOTE OLYMPICS
Which big ol’ bag gets your gold medal?
Tis’ the season for toting your whole life around — from the beach to the airport, the office and the farmer’s market. The best (and only) vessel that can do all of these things perfectly is, in my eyes, a sturdy canvas tote.
So here’s my extremely scientific, highly researched, deeply biased ranking of canvas tote bags, in case you are in need! If you have a brand or bag I have missed, drop a comment on this post!
GOLD: L.L.Bean Zip-Top Boat and Tote, $30 and up
Classic for a reason. Timeless, durable and superior for their simplicity. I use my extra-large zip-top as a carry-on, my medium zip-top for summer workdays and the mini just for funsies. (I also stan the extra-large Hunter’s Tote as an ideal car bag!) Get a fun monogram or word embroidered and call it a day!
SILVER: Land’s End 5-Pocket Canvas Tote, $30 and up
Okay so for me, Land’s End is the Diet Pepsi to L.L.Bean’s Diet Coke, you know what I mean? It’s just how I feel. But for the same price, these bags include an outside pocket (perfect for keys or a phone) as well as inside pockets. You can pick your strap length and opt for a zip-top. Do with this information what you will!
BRONZE: Steele Canvas Everyday Zip-Top Tote, $109
Chic, and so many pockets! These made-in-Massachusetts bags are on the more expensive side, but you get a more streamlined, less beach-y look. Steele’s tote is lined around the bottom with vinyl for added durability and it comes in just two colors — natural and black. Practical and cool, I could see this as a great addition to my tote podium.
Honorable mentions:
Alex Mill’s The Perfect Weekend Tote ($195) is a fantastic bag. The double straps are smart, the rivets add a bit of interest, and it has both a laptop compartment and a zip pocket inside. Just note it’s pricey for canvas, and adding personalization tacks on an additional $100.
A.S.L, a Parisian architecture firm had Steele create custom canvas bags for their shop. I love the zip-top version ($180) which also has exterior pockets and handles long enough to go over your shoulder. Plus, they’ll add iron-on patches for free!
2. I’M NO SPRING CHICKEN, BUT…
This recipe from Bon Appétit is very much in-season
I simply must insist that you make this roast chicken tonight! For someone you love, with someone you love — family, friends, lovers, yourself.
I would never claim to be an excellent cook, but I am getting better, and I am great at following instructions. Bon Appétit calls this recipe “foolproof,” and thanks to videos embedded in the instructions, a simple process and minimal ingredients, I have to agree.
No mater where you rank your cheffing skills, this chicken should be in your wheelhouse. It never flops! Tender not-dry meat, crispy skin, and pan juices to die for!
Pop by Trader Joe’s for a chicken, some butter, a lemon and a head of garlic. Toss in a few sprigs of thyme if you’re feeling festive. That’s it!
And how about to go along with your succulent roast bird? Spring vegetables and…
3. A STUNNING WHITE WINE FROM ITALY
Say bonjourno to Monte del Fra Ca del Magro Custoza Superiore 2021
As I mentioned at the beginning of this letter, last Saturday was a rollicking evolution from spritzes in Brooklyn to wine in the East Village. We shimmied up to the bar, and as we chattered away, glass after glass was poured, topped off, and topped off again. (Lucky us!)
Now, I understand that this opinion was formed after a long and spirited day of consumption, but the wine we were enjoying was so perfect, I feel I must let the people know.
It’s called Ca del Margo, and it is a dry, medium-bodied white wine with a very rich yellow hue. I found it dangerously, infinitely drinkable! Upon looking it up to share here, I found this quote, which explains the flavor and experience better than I ever could.
“It’s almost difficult to describe just how beautiful this wine is … A delicate range of ripe pear, white blossom, and mangoes meet juicy acidity and a minerally underpinning that you will "feel at the top of your spine." A must try!”
The best part? You can find a bottle to try for yourself for around $15. Cheers to that!
4. SILVER CHAMPAGNE COUPS & DESSERT CUPS
For cocktail party snacks, candies, dessert…
Okay, this is kind of a niche obsession of the moment, but hear me out! When you go to a rich-feeling, clubhouse-y bar in New York like Bemelemans or the Polo Bar, you’ll get a little serving of olives, chips and nuts in a silver dessert coup or similar little dish.
Plucking a briney olive or salty little cashew from one of these dainty silver dishes is just a superior experience to any other vessel. I’m keen to replicate the experience at home for my next dinner party!
I did some Etsy shopping on all our behalves for some fun vintage champagne coups and dessert cups so we can all live this dream.
Here are a few favorites:
Set of 6, $176 (monogrammed with “H.R.”)
Mixed options, starting at $13 (eclectic vibes)
Set of 2, $20 (from the 1960s, shipping from Australia for $37)
Set of 6, $99 (ship from Spain, extra $30)
5. THE FOUNTAIN IN STUYVESANT TOWN
For when you need “a good sit”
One of my favorite Instagram follows, Tinx, was recently talking about the concept of “a sit.” This is when you just need to take a break, maybe have some scrolling time while you enjoy an iced beverage, or catch up with your mom on the phone. You need a good, comfortable spot to just be.
Last weekend, while walking around and contemplating my life, I remembered this fountain, the oval of benches that surround it, and all those leafy trees. I found my way there, cued up my audiobook (When the Going Was Good by Graydon Carter) and proceeded to have an absolutely epic sit in the late morning sun.
It’s such a peaceful spot, and feels hidden away from the rest of the city. I can’t really explain how to get there (I always get turned around in Stuyvesant Town) but here’s a pin on Google Maps.
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That’s all for this week! Stay tuned for next week’s special edition of The EvangeList — live from London!