To Do: Watch and Listen
Watch: Chef’s Table, Massimo Bottura
Yes, obviously it’s about food — delicious, inventive, and poetic. Massimo gets emotional while opening a wheel of parmigiano reggiano. (rightfully so) But it’s also about love, about a muse. It’s about Lara.
“The day that Lara decided to come with us, something changed because Massimo was free to open his mind. I think that Lara is the most important part of the success of Osteria Francescana.” — Giuseppe Palmieri, Manager + Somm
This episode of Chef’s Table is a New York / Italian romance — to be enjoyed eating a big bowl of pesto the Massimo way, with breadcrumbs of course.
Read: Mating in Captivity, by Esther Perel
Esther shares deeply personal stories from her decades as a couple’s therapist — and let me tell you, the tea is hot. Surprisingly, these case studies helped me dig into the complexity of my own relationship. Mating in Captivity helped me grieve + process breakups. It’s an exciting read, but also a thought provoking one.
“In this explosively original book, Perel explains that our cultural penchant for equality, togetherness, and absolute candor is antithetical to erotic desire for both men and women.
Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a couples therapist, Perel examines the complexities of sustaining desire. Through case studies and lively discussion, Perel demonstrates how more exciting, playful, and even poetic sex is possible in long-term relationships. Wise, witty, and as revelatory as it is straightforward, Mating in Captivity is a sensational book that will transform the way you live and love.”
I’m currently reading her second book, The State of Affairs now.
Listen: Wine Face, Wine + Chocolate with Valerie Confections
Helen Johannesen of Helen’s Wines + Valerie (of Valerie Confections) together cured my period cramps. Just such a fun, feel good listen… And who doesn’t love chocolate and wine around Valentine’s Day —
“Chocolate GURU Valerie Gordon of Valerie Confections stopped by with some very special treats. Valentine’s Day is next week and you deserve it all! All the love, but especially some killer chocolates & wine. We taste through a very romantic box of chocolates, get the 411 on liquid caramel, make some wine & chocolate pairing magic, & taste a new chocolate she made with crispy rice that is so insanely good! Oh, and I come out about my love of milk chocolate...did I mention that she makes our Jon & Vinny's/Helen's chocolate bars? Get ready to indulge!!”
*I super enjoyed her podcast with Pia Baroncini that aired last week too.
Listen: Masculinity & Meat: Re-Defining What Makes a “Real Man”
Back in 2015, listening to Kathleen’s podcast was like chatting with my rebellious granola auntie. While this episode is super dated, (8 years) I still find myself thinking about it and bringing it up in conversations.
“There is a prevailing myth in our culture, played out in our language and in marketing, that meat is masculine and plant foods are for wimps. Meat is a metaphor for strength, virility, and manliness, while vegetarianism/veganism is feminine, effeminate, and even emasculating.
"Real Men Eat Meat" and "Tofu is Gay Meat" are just two examples of advertisements that perpetuate this myth and secure it in our consciousness. Studies show it's working. Join me for a meaty episode that will shake you out of your vegetative state. If you don't want to be a fruit, learn how you can be a beefcake.”
*If you choose to listen, do yourself a favor and skip to 4:20 (she loves long intros).
Food for Thought Podcast with Kathleen Patrick-Goudreau
