Five Easy Pieces: September 16
Every Friday I share a quick hit list of 5 things I’m into. They may be wildly outdated or impossibly current. They may be overexposed and well known, or a hidden gem. If there is a product included, it is never sponsored or paid - this is just stuff I like.
1. Ethiopiques collection
At my old cafe St. Alban I loved to play selections from the Ethiopiques collection, a series of albums highlighting Ethiopian music from the 1960’s and 70’s. There are 30 volumes and plenty of good music to choose from. They make incredible dinner party albums - there is an undeniable vibe, but it is unfamiliar and interesting.
My favorites are Volume 21 featuring the music of Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou (one of my favorite rainy day albums) and Volume 4, which showcases the best of jazz from the time.
2. Fridge magnets
We’ve taken to collecting magnets from our travels to adorn the fridge at home. I think people fall squarely into the “clean fridge front” camp or the “tons of pictures and magnets” camp. I am resolutely for maximizing the space on the fridge door.
These magnets are a fun way to reminisce about past travels and remind myself that adventure is never far.
3. Fall cooking
The weather is starting to cool and we are on the other side of Labor Day. I’m leaning into fall cooking and reaching for more squash, beets, Brussels sprouts, and radishes. I love the way you can create a mood by just changing up the palate of your cooking. With these ingredients comes a strong urge to create coziness at home, light some candles, and break out the lighter red wines. Hello, fall.
4. Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap
This soap is a revelation. My parents were visiting recently and my dad bought some bars for the house. I snagged one for our shower and I’m a new convert. The bars are laced with peppermint oil, and the result is a bright, zingy, cooling effect on your skin. A great post-exercise treat.
5. Scribe Verjus
I love the lean, interesting wines of Scribe Winery. We visited the farm earlier this year and I walked away with a real appreciation for the products and the people making them. Beyond the wines I fell in love with their Verjus.
Verjus is the gently pressed juice of unripened grapes, picked and pressed before they’ve developed much residual sugar. The juice is piquant and versatile. Many use it as a vinegar replacement in dressings, but I find it a superior drink on ice, topped with a touch of club soda. It serves as a non-alcoholic White Wine Spritz, which is perhaps the most basic drink in the history of drinking. But, it’s good, and I highly suggest finding some for yourself.