july 2023 - Wanderlogue

07.2023

“brb sweating” would have been an appropriate slack status for the entirety of July. Summer kicked in hard this month. ACs worked overtime. Every minute spent outside meant another layer of stickiness and sweatiness, so much so that the drips of water from window units along the sidewalk almost feel nice.

The days are long, the sun strong. Humidity made the air thick and time move slower. Lightweight but heavy duty sunscreen was the real MVP. Lots and lots of iced drinks were consumed. And somehow summer is halfway over.

fun thing of the month

A long weekend getaway to Rhode Island to visit a friend seemed like a good idea. An easy summer trip that required minimal planning but checked off the box of going somewhere closer to the water as one is meant to do on this coast in this season. It was novel enough, cute. Quaint, quiet. A change of pace for sure.

(above) first time in moynihan, checked in on the providence place mall which has upgraded to have not one but two boba shops since the last time I was here (ahem, 18 years ago), views of downtown architecture, and apparently the one thing to do on a friday night: waterfire.

We opted to travel by train, and in turn learned the hard way that the Amtrak is not like other train systems in the world. Got to Providence on Friday afternoon, spent Saturday being sticky and uncomfortable in Newport, got rained out on Sunday, and then spent an unpleasant amount of time waiting for a very very delayed train on Monday afternoon.

Newport was sweaty but cute, the cliff walk delivered on the views, the mansions were as opulent as ever.

No matter where I go, I aim to eat well.

— ice cream, at three sisters

— brewery day drinking at bayberry

— nostalgic ice cream sandwichees at tricycle

— brunch at little sister

— rainy evening ramen at pickerel

— breakfast at white electric

— one more coffee at sydney

— banh mi’s to go from asian bakery & fast food

culture fix

perhaps even more chaotic than promised

love a hollywood epic

finally got around to it

has marvel lost its touch?

oddly enjoyable

can’t beat the original but scratches the itch

NEW FIND

I’ve loved the idea of a flat hand sanitizer for a long time, ever since I was given one as merch. Noshinku checks off all the boxes: slim and sleek design, refillable, and excellent scents. This is going to be an easy everyday essential.

current obsession: BRIGHTON BEACH

Is Brighton Beach my new favorite neighborhood? Ok maybe that is a bit dramatic, but after one day there, I am hooked. Perhaps it’s because it feels so exotic compared to the Brooklyn I live in, like a foreign country where you feel just uncomfortable enough to keep things interesting.

Tashkent Supermarket was everything I dreamed of and more, and made for an excellent beach day picnic (apparently pilaf is exactly what I never knew I wanted as beach food). And La Brioche was the no frills bakery that is the key to my heart.

NEIGHBORHOOD HAUNTS

Speaking of neighborhoods, I am still obsessed with the ones close by. Warm days with no plans and a strong avoidance of the disgusting summer subway platforms. Old favorites and new finds in every direction. North Williamsburg is popping with new businesses on every block. East Williamsburg has gems to discover and long time mainstays stronger than ever.

And then there’s Greenpoint. Oh Greenpoint. Probably actually my favorite neighborhood in all of New York. From the old school Peter Pan to the new kid on the block Radio Bakery (instant classic) to the annoyingly aesthetic Rhythm Zero.

And so many shops to round out a day of aimless wandering. From kitschy gift shops to well curated thrift shops to high end home goods and antique furniture that is as good as you’d find in any flea market.