Happy Saturday. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you discover what may be the most bonkers Zillow Gone Wild of all time. (Did the property really need the 32,000-square-foot “barn”? Or, that decor?) But that’s not the only thing doing the most: As if the existence of the hot dog martini wasn’t enough, pickle cupcakes (yes, you read that right) are a thing. And in fashion: Overalls are back and supposedly “look devastatingly chic” (I’ll let you be the judge of that). While Margot Robbie stepped out in mesh heels so offensive, they make mesh flats look cute. To heal my eyes, I’ll investigate whether King Charles and Princess Charlotte have matching friendship bracelets. And I’ll rewatch this video of Sporty Spice doing the “Stop” dance with a flight attendant — which has me reconsidering my childhood stance on Ginger being the best.
— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC
All This and More by Peng Shepherd
theSkimm
If you could go back in time and alter your life choices, would you? Marsh definitely would. The protagonist of Peng Shepherd’s stunningly inventive new novel, All This and More, is recently divorced, pursuing an uninspired career as a paralegal, and is approaching middle age saddled with regrets. Then, she gets the chance to participate in a futuristic reality show called All This and More, in which players relive past events, make different choices, and alter their present memories to match — via quantum technology. The premise alone is wildly original, but Shepherd takes the immersiveness a step further by using a “Choose Your Own Adventure” format, in which the reader can decide which path Marsh takes. We asked Shepherd a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Q: What’s one thing that’s made you 10% happier?
Shepherd: I finally gave up skinny jeans. It really is better on the other side. And so much more comfortable.
Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?
Shepherd: Yaks. As in the big furry animal. I think they’re adorable. I’ve even traveled to Tibet and Mongolia to see them. OK, not just to see them — but it was a highlight of those trips.
Q: What’s an unpopular opinion you stand by?
Shepherd: Walking distances should always be quoted in miles, not minutes. Don’t tell me it’s a seven-minute walk, tell me it’s half a mile away.
The Simple, Summery Pasta All Other Pastas Should Aspire To
theSkimm
According to Instagram, it’s that time of year where seemingly everyone is sipping on Aperol spritzes in Italy. But if a trip to the Amalfi Coast isn’t in the cards this summer, this take on Spaghetti alla Nerano from Platings + Pairings is the next best thing. Perfect for summer squash season (for those who aren’t regulars at their local market, that’s now), the legendary Italian dish has just two main ingredients: al dente spaghetti and crispy slices of zucchini. Add in fresh basil and nutty parmesan and you get something so light, creamy, and satisfying that even Stanley Tucci, the internet’s favorite Italian food connoisseur, called it “life-changing.” Need we say more?
The Time Commitment: All it takes is 30 minutes and seven ingredients to make this seriously simple recipe.
Key Tips: When shopping, look for zucchini that are small (around 6 inches), deep green, and firm. “These are all tell-tale signs that the vegetable was picked before maturity, meaning it will taste sweeter and contain less water and seeds,” said Erin Lynch (aka Platings + Pairings). And for extra crunch, top the finished dish with a sprinkle of homemade or store-bought breadcrumbs.
Other Takes: For more summery pasta dishes that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation, consider this classic Linguine with Clam Sauce(apologies to purists, but canned clams work just fine) or this Spaghetti al Limone, which is exactly what you should make when life (or the supermarket) gives you lemons. Prefer a red sauce? Eggplant and basil — both of which are in season — are the stars of this Pasta Alla Norma, while this Pesto Calabrese with Pasta is made with a slightly spicy red pepper pesto that you can enjoy hot, cold, or even spread on bruschetta. All of which should be paired, of course, with a refreshing Limoncello Spritz.
This Canadian City Has (Almost) Everything Paris Does — Without the Hours-Long Flight
theSkimm
Another way to experience a European summer without crossing the Atlantic? Say bonjour to Québec City. Packed with old-world charm, small cobblestone streets, storybook-esque stone buildings, rich cultural attractions, lush parks and gardens, and lively outdoor cafes, Québec’s eponymous capital is often touted as a Paris dupe — minus the hordes of tourists and exorbitant prices. (Particularly important given the whole Olympics thing.) Not to mention, you can enjoy a world-class croissant without leaving the continent.
🛏 There’s no stay more iconic than the castle-like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which is perched above Old Québec (aka Vieux-Québec) and dates back to 1893. While the hotel has maintained many of its original features — including wooden paneling and stenciled ceilings — the guest rooms have more contemporary vibes, thanks to simple furnishings and shades of gray and cream. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth dropping by for afternoon tea.
👟 Whether you join a walking tour or do your own thing, Vieux-Québec — a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only walled city north of Mexico — is best explored by foot. Make sure to stop at: Citadelle of Québec (a British-built fortress that offers spectacular views of the city); Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral (a 7th-century cathedral known for its beautiful neo-Baroque interior); and Place Royale, the precise location where the city was founded in 1608. And save some time for strolling through Quartier Petit Champlain, one of North America’s oldest shopping streets.
🌳 With highs in the 70s, summer is the ideal time to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. That includes Montmorency Falls, less than a 15-minute drive from downtown. Admire the park’s majestic 272-foot-high waterfall (fun fact: it’s taller than Niagara Falls), hit up the hiking trails, or zipline in front of the cascading waterfall if you’re feeling extra adventurous. Another great option if you need a break from the city is a day trip to Île d’Orléans, a picturesque island where you can visit wineries (make sure to try the exceptional whites at family-owned Vignoble Ste-Pétronille), wander the six gardens at La Seigneurie de l’île d’Orléans, and sample the first type of cheese made in North America at Fromages de l’isle d’Orléans.
🍴 Visiting Québec City without trying poutine is like visiting NYC without trying a bagel. It’s Canada’s national dish and a must try. Specifically, at Chez Gaston, a no-frills spot in trendy Saint-Roch (basically, the Canadian equivalent of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg). Also in the neighborhood? Parisian-inspired bistro Le Clocher Penché, beloved by locals for its sophisticated seasonal dishes. Or, head to Nina Pizza Napolitaine, which uses a wood-fired oven imported from Italy to make its chewy, perfectly blistered Neapolitan pies.
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
Q: I’m at an acquaintance’s house and I need to poop. Is there a way to ask to use a more remote bathroom — without making it totally awkward?
“Depending on the degree of intimacy, you can make it into a joke … However, in situations where you don’t know people well, you can just say something like, ‘May I use a bathroom that’s more private?’
Another option is to say, ‘My stomach is very unsettled. [Do you have a more] private bathroom?’ We’re not being graphic. We’re leaving it up to the host’s discretion to understand we need a little bit of extra care here … Of course, there may be situations where there is only one bathroom or the host doesn’t feel comfortable having you use their private bathroom. [In this case] you can always take them aside and ask, ‘Do you have a box of matches or air freshener?’ [At the end of the day], this is a normal human function. It’s not something you need to feel embarrassed about.”
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Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.
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Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them here.
Skimm’d by: Taylor Trudon, Alex Carr, Melissa Goldberg, and Margaret Wheeler Johnson
Photos by William Morrow, Platings + Pairings, Pgiam via iStock, Steven_Kriemadis via Getty Images, South_agency via Getty Images, courtesy of Carla Marie Manly, Brand Partners
