No Reservations

Nancy Meyers has my number.

What is it about a Nancy Meyers movie that completely undoes me?? We watched Father of the Bride 2 (obviously, the original is the best, but something about both the mother and daughter being pregnant at the same time thrills the girls) and I feel a deep—and wildly unreasonable—longing for that picture-perfect house with its green shutters and roses on trellises and a banister that the girls can slide down for every memorable moment. That kitchen with the big island and the copper pots. Soft lighting in every corner. A basketball hoop in the back for late night pick-up games.

I was ten when the first movie came out and it quickly became my grown-up fantasy. I assumed that, as an adult, there would be a cool vintage convertible in the driveway and salads served with silver tongs on real china. We’d wear pleated khakis and button down shirts to bed. There would be multiple bathrobes and LL Bean slippers. Slipcovered couches with thin striped throw pillows.

It doesn’t matter that it’s not even necessarily my aesthetic—if we’re talking dream Nancy Meyers homes, give me the It’s Complicated house any day. Left to my own devices, I wouldn’t have that dark wood dining table or the rose patterned knickknacks on display. It’s the feeling that I’m after. The coziness. The warmth.

And I’m not alone, my husband and kids feel it too. We talk wistfully about bedrooms and outdoor dining sets and Hank & Frank. Maybe we should have another baby!! And I think, get a hold of yourself lady!! Oh Nancy, you stir so much up.

• A very Doen-feeling top for a decidedly non-Doen price.

• The absolutely gorgeous new cookbook from Colu Henry has me writing grocery lists a mile long because I simply cannot decide what to make first. Rosy Roasted Cod and Potatoes with Punchy Sauce?? How about a Chickpea Fennel Stew with Swiss Chard and Fried Lemon for when the heatwave finally passes? Or Lamb Chops with Dates, Toasted Garlic, Walnuts and Parsley would be just the thing to serve to some friends this weekend.

• How great are these shiny burgundy flip flops?? Slim straps, arch support, 100% vegan, under $60.

• Rooster is officially my new favorite TV show — I am a sucker for any story involving professors at a charming private college. It’s funny and relatable and Steve Carell is looking hotter than ever.

• The heatwave continues in Napa — please, dear god, let it end soon because I cannot handle triple digits in March — and this sweet set is all I want to wear.

The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman

The first line on the inside of the book jacket reads: “For fans of The Bear, Elizabeth Strout, and Jennifer Egan.” So, naturally, a copy immediately came home with me because I love all three of those things (people) enormously. Food writing is my favorite writing — give me all of the delectable descriptions of ice cold oysters and a caramelized crème brûlée — and I absolutely judged this book by its cover with its onion and tomato salad and a plate of chicken bones.

That being said, this is not a novel about food, but about the characters who make up a restaurant staff. It was a bit of a slow burn for me. Each chapter is dedicated to a different staffer, from the pastry chef to the servers to the prep cook. The Reservation is set over the course of a single, strange day. A bunch of steaks go missing from the walk-in and everyone’s already in a frenzy because a reservation for the John Grisham is on the books that night.

By the end, I fell for each quirky character and their backstories, but it took me a second to get there. I absolutely wanted more descriptions of the food, but enough are sprinkled throughout, along with excellent scenes wiping down stainless steel countertops and polishing wineglasses to feel like I was happily immersed in the restaurant world. If we’re comparing it to The Bear, it was more like season 2 with each episode focusing on a character’s personal story when all I wanted was Carmy being intense in the kitchen. Still, those episodes were pretty great.

1. With their wide legs and high elastic waistband, these extra soft non-sweatpant sweatpants would be perfect to throw on to and from your shift. Even better with the matching top.

2. I know there are sexier knives out there, but I am a Global fan for life. Once upon a time I dated a chef who gave me my first ever Global and I’ve never looked back. The weight, the shape, the fact it so rarely needs to be sharpened. Perfection.

3. The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman

4. An easy tinted lip balm says polished without being a try-hard. The color fades really nicely too — no weird outline.

5. Technically from the men’s department, this cobalt blue windbreaker would be just the thing to throw on for the walk home from the restaurant.

6. A perfect little dress with a twist for Julia, the hostess. Also comes in black which would be more practical, but it’s so special in white.

7. Comfortable, sturdy pants are key in the kitchen and this Roucha denim pair is one of my favorites. There’s an internal drawstring so you can make them fit however you want. Impossibly comfy.

8. Obviously, these are not kitchen safe. But they do feel kitchen clog-adjacent and I love the Dr. Scholl’s vibe.

9. Cool girl earrings for everyone working front of house.

10. Those hands are going to need some extra love, especially after the dishwasher goes out and everyone jumps in to hand wash. This moisturizer is excellent.

Hope you’re reading something good 💚