May, marked
A weekend in the Catskills, 10 days in France, and a preview of my favorites for summer in NYC
Hi! If you’re new here, I recently started a personal monthly recap on Marked: what I actually did, ate, bought, and read. May was a lot. I went to the Catskills, I went to France, I attended a gas outage dinner party, and I am slightly behind on everything. Here’s what I marked.
This month
Kicked off the month with my best friend’s bachelorette at Piaule in the Catskills, which was a kind decision on her part – it’s somewhere I’d have wanted to go regardless of the occasion. We had dinner at Casa Susanna, which is a must if you haven’t been, modern Mexican that specializes in masa dishes. Had a lot of spa time, a big hike to Inspiration Point, and an unexpected night out. We stopped on the way up for bagels at Fantzye in Kingston (the bride introduced me to this spot, best bagels upstate) and on the way home for breakfast burritos at Rosie General, also in Kingston. A perfect trip.
Tried the new Spencer’s Spa in Williamsburg. If you haven’t been to their SoHo original, they’re known for stunning interiors – always a different sculptural floral arrangement – and I’ve never gotten a bad massage there. Right on the heels of that, I got to go to the opening party for the new Bathhouse on Atlantic Ave – so happy that my favorite institutions keep opening closer to me in Brooklyn.
Did a really fun partnership with The Hoxton Williamsburg and got to film a summer itinerary in the neighborhood with them: a workout at Vital, a vegan banana whip at Happy Zoe, and dinner at Laser Wolf on their rooftop. A meal of pita and many spreads. There is nothing better.
Had a dinner party at the only apartment in our friend group that could possibly seat 12. Shoutout to Gabby and Dillon for hosting even after their gas unexpectedly shut off the day before – we pivoted to pies from L’Industrie, which could never be a bad outcome.
Caught a Monday showing of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at the tiny Cobble Hill Cinema. Heartwarming and nostalgic, especially surreal knowing I’d watched them filming scenes down the street at Long Island Bar last year. Had happy hour with friends at Le Dive, which is all the evidence I needed that summer is here. Sezane invited me into their Nolita store to pick out pieces for my France trip – I left with these flats and this white top that are now in permanent rotation. Caught up with my friend Lindsay over dinner at Westville, which I used to go to almost weekly when I first moved to the city 10 years ago. Their market plate remains one of my go-to dinner orders.
Then: 10 days in France. Paris first, then Normandy. I already wrote a full guide on the Paris leg – all my favorite cafes, wine bars, shops, and dinner spots are there, go read it.
Finally made it back to Piscator. The backyard branzino pop-up is back for the season and it is absolutely making my niche NYC summer bucket list (full list coming very soon).
As always, hot yoga sculpt at Hot 8 is a constant. But I think I’m also joining a regular gym this summer – sometimes you just don’t want to be in a 110-degree room.
This month on Marked
Jackson Hole, marked · Dumbo, marked · Euro summer packing list · Paris, marked
On my nightstand
Like seemingly everyone with an internet connection, I read Yesteryear this month. We’re in a genuinely special era where the whole internet is reading the same book at the same time, and the accidental collective book club energy has been so fun. All Fours by Miranda July was an insane read – I think I liked it, but I needed to take a reading break immediately after.
In my ears
It’s rare I add something new to my podcast rotation, so I have to shout out Dianna Cohen’s (Crown Affair founder – dream partnership of mine, for the record) new show Take Your Time. I started with the episode where she interviews her personal mentor, and I had so many takeaways during what has been a strange time in my own life (more on that soon). A few things that stayed with me: that anxiety often means you’re not listening to your own knowing. That you should feel nourished by what you’re consuming and creating, and should not always just be optimizing for an algorithm. That doing something thoughtfully requires trusting yourself.
In my cart (and on my body)
Obsessed with my Leset ringer tee – retro but casual, a fun riff on a white tee. These black Peche kitten heel sandals are a dupe for a pair from Acne Studios and have such a cool shape. Restocked my favorite long denim shorts from last season in a black wash. Was gifted a tomato-scented perfume and I am genuinely obsessed – would repurchase. Needed a new summer bag and love this raffia Cos bag (~$100!). Made some very exciting purchases in Paris: a red sleeveless sweater from Parisian brand Surprise, a custom Louise Carmen Roadbook, and custom butter and cheese knives from Sabre.
People inspiring me
I started following Melisse recently and she’s just launched a bag brand, Melisse – it feels like all the cool NYC girls are already carrying these. I got a colorful bag from her last drop that I’m obsessed with. She just launched a new collection with Moda Operandi and it will sell out fast. This is my favorite bag from the new collection.
Every time I plan a trip, I consume a lot of content and listen to trusted internet friends. Paris was no different. I have to shout out Kaitlyn Lavery, who I deeply trust for all things food, and whose review pushed me toward La Renommée (by the same group behind 4 Charles). Melissa Male, who seemingly goes to Paris once a quarter and was right about the amazing Merlo Caffè. And my close friend Sabina – who also designed all the branding for this Substack! – sent me a hefty list of her favorite spots, including my favorite pastry of the entire trip from an unassuming cafe near Canal Saint-Martin called Perlant. I promised myself I’d keep that one under the paywall of the Paris guide, but I’m feeling generous.
Coming up
It’s officially NYC summer. Lots coming: local trips to the Catskills, the Hamptons, and the North Fork. My best friend is getting married in Brooklyn next week. I want to be outside as much as possible and check off every good thing about summer in this city. Let me know what you want to see from me on Substack.
That’s May. See you in June.
— Morgan