Good afternoon! It's finally Friday, and by the time you're reading this, your weekend is probably very close to beginning. Maybe you've even poured yourself a drink already? Let us give you something to read as you wind things down. You deserve it.

• Hit the grill this weekend: We've got a five-ingredient BBQ sauce recipe straight out of West Tennessee.
• How to pair Sake: Specifically, with non-Japanese dishes.
• Dan Hurley isn't done yet: He's looking to repeat as a national champ with the Huskies...again.

A BBQ Sauce Recipe That’s Designed Not to Steal the Show

An unincorporated community in Chester County at the nexus of Highway 100E and Highway 22A, Jacks Creek is the approximate halfway point between the West Tennessee whole-hog BBQ hubs of Henderson and Lexington. It’s also the name (with an added apostrophe) that Memphis-born BBQ pitmaster Pat Martin, who has namesake restaurants in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and South Carolina and is the star of Outdoor Channel‘s new 10-part series Life of Fire, chose for the vinegar-based sauce he uses on his ribs, pulled pork and chicken thighs.

Made with just five ingredients, Jack’s Creek is emblematic of Martin’s previously stated belief that sauce should be a supporting actor as opposed to a star. But, according to him, it’s even bigger than that.

COCKTAIL RECIPE: The Negroni

The Negroni is a classic aperitivo that’s easy to make because it’s all equal parts. Amanda shows us how it’s done. 🤌

Yesterday you told us all about your favorite tequilas right now. A whole lot of you said Clase Azul and Don Julio, some of you said Lalo and Patron, and one respondent held court, you might say:

"Anything without additives that doesn't use diffusers and tastes like actual tequila and not vegetable glycerin and vanilla extract. Good: Tequila Ocho, G4, El Tesoro, Siembra Valles, Fortaleza, Don Fulano, Cascahuin, etc. Bad: Casamigos, big brands."

How to Pair Sake With Non-Japanese Dishes

While sushi dinners, steaming bowls of ramen and omakase practically demand copious cups of sake, drinking Japan’s iconic spirit with other cuisines spurs a twinge of cognitive dissonance. Sure, the joys of washing down sashimi or nigiri with sake are undeniable — a fortiori bombing shots of it into foamy glasses of Sapporo — but pairing rice spirits with pasta, foie gras or pizza? The combination seems odd at first. But like fried chicken and Champagne, sake with French or Italian cuisine is a strange marriage that works beautifully.

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Dan Hurley and March Madness Champs UConn Aren’t Done Dancing

Entering UConn’s initial Final Four matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide in early April, it had been 383 days since the Huskies trailed in the second half of an NCAA tournament game, That was in the second round of the 2023 edition of March Madness when the Huskies fell behind by one point against Saint Mary’s. The lead lasted for 38 seconds. UConn went on to beat the Gaels 70-55, and the Huskies have never trailed after halftime and never failed to win by more than double digits in their 10 tournament game since.

During that reign of dominance, which has accounted for 12 straight tournament wins overall and back-to-back NCAA national championships for the Huskies, UConn head coach Dan Hurley has been the one yelling “mush.” Well, maybe not “mush” exactly, but the 51-year-old has certainly been yelling, in between sips of the caffeine-infused Bai WonderWater he endorses.

War Photographer Gabriele Micalizzi on Close Calls, Embedding With Russians and the Worst Moment of His Life

The celebrated photojournalist, who recently opened his first solo exhibition in Milan, has been on the front lines of conflicts from Gaza to Ukraine.

The Most Stunning Ocean View Restaurants in LA

There are many perks that come with living in Los Angeles — one being the Pacific Ocean. Plan your next outing at one of these oceanview restaurants with sparkling vistas. While many of these spots dot PCH, there are some with pretty views on rooftops with good vibes. Adding to the mix this summer is the Shore Hotel’s new restaurant Shoreside with dining and a side of breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking for a spot to sip cocktails and watch the sunset or a more romantic vibe to cozy up on a date, we’ve got you covered with the best ocean view restaurants in L.A.