TBTAM Digest – May 26, 2024

I can’t believe it’s been a little over a year since we moved home to Philly. We’re loving our life here, and believe it or not, don’t miss NYC. Maybe it’s because we get up to the Big Apple frequently enough to satisfy the urge, but truth be told, Philly has everything this girl needs to be happy. And now that we’re settled in, time is opening up to reboot the newsletter. Now for a few links…

Health news worth knowing

• Measure your weekly exercise goals in time spent (> 150 mins) or steps taken (>7,000) – both goals, if reached, have been found to lower mortality in post-menopausal women.

What I’ve been watching

• Midsummer Night. A lovely, addictive and quick binge series from Norway. Carina (mom) gathers her family together at their waterfront home ostensibly to celebrate a Norwegian Midsummer. In reality, she’s got some big news to break to them. And they’ve all got their own secrets that no one is talking about. Until they do. Choose between subtitles and dubbing.
• A Gentleman in Moscow. I love this so much that I’m using it to get me to the gym, since I’m only allowing myself to watch it while I’m working out, and then only during my 15 minute warm up and cool down. I also read the book and have found the series to be an entirely different and equally wonderful experience.
• Pelosi in the House. I’ll admit, this documentary from Pelosi’s filmmaker daughter is not the best in its genre. I’m sure it was not made any easier for the filmmaker by the fact that her mom is rarely if ever off message. But its subject is fascinating, and the jaunt through our shared recent history riveting.
• Anatomy of a Fall. Deserving of every single Academy Award for which it was nominated this year. Did she do it or not?….
• Poldark – Think Downton Abby, but darker and a century earlier. I loved every single episode in this 5 season PBS series, and was so sad when it ended. I hear another season, however, is in the works.
• All Creatures Great and Small – Another wonderful PBS series that I wish could go on forever. Small town vet in England around the time of WW II. You love every character. Another season is coming soon!

What I’ve been reading

• Table for Two – Hmm… This is a tough one. Until now, I’ve loved everything Amor Towles has written, and as an example of great writing, this new collection of short stories and a novella is no exception. This guy can write and he knows how to tell a story. I’m just wondering if his nostalgic and loving look back at Manhattan and Hollywood society isn’t a bit past its time, and I’m not so sure I really care about these folks anymore. Let’s see what else he can come up with…
• The Hunter – The latest from Tana French, whose crime novels set in Ireland are smart, rich in both character and plot, and with a few exceptions, incredibly readable. The Audible version is a fun listen if, like me, you love the Irish accent.
• The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store – Set in Pottstown, Pa (outside of Philly), James McBride’s latest novel at first glance is a murder mystery, but really it is the story of Jewish immigrants and Blacks struggling and co-existing in early 20th Century America. Racial and ethnic tensions are ever present, but so are deep connection and salvation. Makes me want to read his first book, The Color of Water, a memoir and tribute to his mother.
• Master Slave Husband Wife. Though not great literature, this true story of a married slave couple who escaped North from Georgia disguised as a white male slaveowner (the wife) and his manservant (her husband) is riveting. Would make a great mini-series.

Where I’ve been eating

I’m so enjoying re-discovering the vibrant food scene in my hometown Philadelphia, and have created a Philly Restaurant Recommendations page on the blog. As I discover new places to love, I’ll add them there. Feel free to make suggestions of places for me to try. Here’s just a few I recently added. Head to the blog for more!

• Kalaya – Award-winning Thai. Airy, bright, plant-filled, loud but warm atmosphere. Open kitchen. Chef-owner Nok Suntaranon is on premises most nights and will stop by your table to chat. It’s one of our favorite places to bring out of town guests.
• Laser Wolf – An Israeli grill, think of it as Zahav’s little sister, who in some ways outshines her older sib. The hummus and pita alone are worth the trip. The menu is simple – everyone shares a big Mezze platter, and you each order your own items from the grill. Don’t worry if you can’t finish it all – they have the most adorable little compartmentalized take away containers. Drinks are also great. If you’re in Brooklyn, they have an outpost there as well.
• Monk’s Cafe – With over 200 beers to choose from and 25 on tap at a given time, Monk’s is an internationally-renowned beer lover’s destination. Happily, the food is also good. Our pre- or post-orchestra concert go to restaurant, and a great place to take out-of-towners.
• Parc – Steven Starr’s French brasserie on Rittenhouse Square. Never fails. And OMG, the bread.
• Vedge – (Very) High-priced vegan fare in a historic brownstone. Inventive, delicious. My husband, the meat lover, was not impressed, but I went gaga over the Gold Bar Squash and Summer Corn “elotes”, Portabella Carpaccio and Piri-piri Grilled Tofu on Lentils. I even tried (unsuccessfully but not badly) to recreate the lentil dish myself. Thankfully, they have a cookbook.

What I’ve been doing

• Visiting the Brandywine Museum of Art – A wonderful day trip from Philly. Nice cafe, nearby walks or canoe rides along the River. A visit to the Wyeth studio is a must.

• Visiting Eastern State Penitentary – A must-see for Philly visitors. The self-guided audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi is fabulous, and if you can get onto a guided tour of the medical wing you should do it as well. The restored prison synagogue is also a must see, as are the exhibits on the American prison system.

• Strolling through The Sculpture Garden behind the Phila Museum of Art – A bit hidden above and behind the parking garage. Fun!

• Riding the Schuylkill River Trail – I can’t wait till the footbridge connecting the southern end to Bartram’s Gardens is finished.

• Visiting the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. Another great day trip from Philly or NYC. The whimsical sculptures of Seward Johnson, while the centerpiece of the collection, are just part of a marvelous assemblage of outdoor sculpture set in a most beautiful and fun to explore garden setting. Nice cafe, gift shop and restaurant too.
• Making Bread, of course

Thanks for reading TBTAM Digest! Have a great holiday weekend!