The hidden hideaways calling your name
Okay maybe not yours, but they're definitely calling ours
Well, well, well, fancy seeing you here. We’re glad you’ve stuck around.
In the debrief this week: a collapsible water bottle we’re obsessed with, the protein bars we’re eyeing, and the hidden gems you should consider escaping to on PTO.
Let’s hop to it…
👀 S.C.O.U.T
We’ve done the work for you—our top recommendations for the week.
Seeing | The Bear—the Emmy award-winning show comes back for season 4 on June 25. Here is your sign to catch up now so you’re ready to dive in.
Consuming | Rafael—this Upper East Side gem is our new favorite mediterranean spot. Get the mezes, spinach and feta bourekas, and the branzino. Chef’s kiss.
On The Way Out | Tangled Cords—Dominique here. I currently keep my cords in a drawstring pouch that candles (or Aesop) typically come in, so I’m upgrading to this tech pouch from Peak Design. It’s utilitarian, but organized.
Unearthing | Hydrapak Water Bottle—these may be all of the rage in the running community, but they seem made for those with tiny purses. It’s a lightweight, collapsible water bottle that will keep you hydrated on the go.
Trying | David Protein Bars—it’s Lexi. I’m off on a 2-week road trip in California next week, so I ordered this variety pack of bars where 75% of the calories come from protein. Hoping they’ll be perfect when I get snacky along the way. Will report back.
What are you trying or obsessing over this week?
❤️🔥 In The Spotlight
Our analysis on fascinating brand moves and what’s happening in culture.
Where to vacation beyond the obvious.
When we started this newsletter, we said we’d explain why we’d vacation in the Dolomites over the Amalfi Coast. Partly because Amalfi is overrun and we’re not ones to follow the pack, but mostly because there are better, quieter gems waiting to be found.
So let’s play a game of This Not That to put you on to the good stuff.
Not the Amalfi Coast but…The Dolomites or Ischia
Not Nice but…Antibes
Not Mallorca but…Menorca or Costa Brava
Not Corsica but…Ile D’Yeu
Not St. Barths but…Anguilla
Not Nassau but…Eleuthera
Not Mexico City but..San Miguel de Allende
Not Seychelles but…Mauritius
Debate us. Drop a comment below.
😎 This & That
Quick hits, notable reads, and the cultural news worth indulging.
Food & Drink »
Move over Granola Moms, it’s time for the Crunchy Teen.
Arts & Entertainment »
The 2026 Golden Globes will add ‘Best Podcast Award’.
HBO Max continues its identity crisis.
Hudson Valley’s Storm King Art Center reopens after a facelift.
The art world is booming, despite recession woes.
Fashion & Beauty »
Crown Affair is building luxury clout with D.S. & Durga.
We’re eyeing this Reformation x Jimmy Fairly collab.
What’s The Row’s next act, as interest in quiet luxury wanes?
Travel »
United upgrades business class with a redesign and caviar service.
Airbnb is in mid-life crisis mode.
What do Rosé, Jay Chou, and Lewis Hamilton have in common? Suitcase Stickers.
Design & Brand Moves »
A look inside the living rooms of notable New Yorkers.
Hinge is romancing Gen Z with love stories on substack.
Dua Lipa’s book club paired wines with books and called it a book tasting.
Sixpenny’s biggest annual sale kicks off this weekend.
That’s all for today’s debrief. If you made it this far—we are so grateful for your support. Please drop us a line in the comments and say hello. And, as always, if you like what you’re reading, please share with a friend and hit the heart button on this post. 💌