— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC
Liars by Sarah Manguso
theSkimm
Jane and John seem like a perfect match. Both are creatives who want the same things, including a happy, fulfilling life together. But over the course of their 14-year marriage, motherhood and domestic duties force Jane’s successful writing career to take a backseat — all while John’s filmmaking aspirations propel forward. When their marriage collapses, John seems like the obvious culprit, but as the title of Sarah Manguso’s sharp and “beautifully wrought” novel implies, Liars is about two people. Meaning, there’s more than one side to the story. We asked Manguso a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Q: What’s an unpopular opinion you stand by?
Manguso: Brunch is bad.
Q: What’s your most prized possession?
Manguso: My divorce ring, which is a rainbow moonstone set in gold by Lola Brooks. She also made my engagement ring, but this one’s better.
Q: What’s your shortcut to relaxation?
Manguso: A bath, as long as the tub isn’t too rectilinear. An ovoid tub pleases me, but a squarish one I find depressing.
A Supremely Good Summer Steak Salad to End All Other Salads
theSkimm
Not that anybody asked, but we’ve officially declared it Steak Salad Summer. Now, to be clear, we’re not talking about salads with overcooked meat and wilted greens. We’re talking salads with big, bold personalities, like this Steak & Peach Salad with Sizzled Scallion Chimichurri by Carina Wolff (aka Kale Me Maybe). Featuring perfectly seared steak, grilled peaches, pickled red onions, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and peppery arugula, the recipe bursts with flavor and texture. And that’s before you add the real star: an herby dressing that’s part Chinese scallion sauce, part Argentine chimichurri, and altogether delicious.
The Time Commitment: About 35 minutes, according to Wolff. That includes 15 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking.
Key Tips: If the idea of searing steak sounds like a job better suited for Ina Garten (or literally anyone else) we get it. Our advice? Invest in a decent instant read thermometer (we like this one), which will eliminate any guesswork. Also, if you don’t own a grill pan, you can use a skillet instead.
Other Takes: As we mentioned, we’re all about steak salads doing the most — in the best way possible. Just take this Thai Beef Salad, which can be made in under 30 minutes and is sweet, spicy, and above all, zingy. And this Loaded Grilled Steak Salad, which combines all the seasonal produce (peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and corn) for what tastes like summer in a bowl. Plus, this Grilled Steak Panzanella Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette is a reminder that any salad largely made of bread is one you should make ASAP. Same goes for these Gorgonzola Steak Lettuce Cups with Herby Vinaigrette— which are, essentially, handheld salads.
What's new in food & home:
We can’t believe we’re saying this: a compelling case for…banana ketchup.
This Charming Wine Town Is California’s Best Kept Secret
theSkimm
Santa Barbara may get all the glory when it comes to getaways on California’s Central Coast. But there’s a lesser-known destination that’s, dare we say, even cooler and more magical than where the “Princess of Montecito” resides. Located about 45 minutes inland, Los Olivos is a charming small town in the increasingly popular Santa Ynez Valley. And while it may not have beaches, it has renowned restaurants, Old West charm, plenty of ways to take in the pure pastoral setting (think: biking, hiking, horseback riding), and a tasting room every .01 square mile. Really.
🛏 You could rent one of the adorable (and affordable) Airbnbs in and around Los Olivos. Or, you could stay at the family-run Fess Parker Wine Country Inn. In addition to the boutique hotel’s heated pool, library, and fantastic on-site restaurant, each of the 19 rooms feature cozy fireplaces, high-quality bedding, and spa-inspired amenities.
🍷 The “new Napa” is home to dozens of wineries — many of which have tasting rooms downtown in Los Olivos. Start at Stolpman Vineyards, popular for its small-batch natural wines (worth noting: its Fresh Garage Patio has more experimental offerings). Then head across the street to Liquid Farm (known for its chardonnay and pinot noir), before visiting the female-owned Story of Soil for spectacular gamay. When you need a break from sipping, pop into nearby boutiques like Los Olivos General Store (for chic candles and kitchen accouterments) and Global Eye Shop & Studio (for homemade tableware and decor).
🛍️ In addition to Los Olivos, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to five other equally picturesque towns — all of which are within a 15- to 20-minute drive. So it’s easy to do a day trip to one or more. We recommend stopping in Santa Ynez, a “sophisticated cowboy town,” to shop for everything from custom hats to designer clothes, learn more about the local history, and listen to live music at an old-school saloon. And don’t miss Solvang, an excessively whimsical Danish village that looks straight out of a fairytale. (Pro tip: Before leaving, pick up a kringle from 50-plus-year-old Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery.)
🍴 Los Olivos is surrounded by farms, so make sure to stock up on fresh produce and other tasty souvenirs at one of the local stands (Finley Farms and Summerset Farm are both excellent choices). Then for something more substantial, check out Nella Kitchen & Bar, where any of the five pinsas (think: pizza but with light, fluffy bread) are a must-order. And you can’t go wrong with a reservation at Bar Le Côte. The French-inspired, California cool seafood spot is “the crown jewel in the town’s dining scene.”
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
Q: I never know when it’s acceptable to send an email thank you note instead of a handwritten one. Does it still matter in 2024 as long as you’re expressing your appreciation?
“It really depends on [the recipient], their age group, and the industry [or situation]. Let’s say you had an interview in tech or finance. Usually, you want a thank you [to be received] within 24 hours. But if you handwrite one, it’s going to be a couple days [until they get it]. Also, for those industries, handwritten notes are considered outdated.
… Weddings are more traditional, so for gifts from someone older, I would handwrite. But if it’s a friend or someone younger, then it’s acceptable to call or text. Birthdays are less traditional than weddings, so sending a digital thank you is acceptable … And of course, if it’s a personal meeting — let’s say you met an old family friend or your grandma treated you to a lovely meal — then you can write a thank you note. It doesn’t matter if it arrives a little late.”
I love hosting parties, but I hate when guests won’t leave — even after I’ve dropped hints. Is there an effective but polite way to tell people they need to go home?
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Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.
Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them here.
Skimm’d by: Taylor Trudon, Alex Carr, Melissa Goldberg, and Margaret Wheeler Johnson
Photos by Hogarth, Carina Wolff, S. Greg Panosian via Getty Images, George Rose via Getty Images, courtesy of Sara Jane Ho, Jamie Grill via Getty Images, Brand Partners
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