I’ve been sitting on this rec for more than a year now because I haven’t been able to find anywhere online that I feel comfortable linking to for purchase. I first discovered these artisanal rice crackers by Japanese brand Senbei Brothers courtesy of my sister, who spotted them at Aburi Market in my hometown of Vancouver. I’ve since tried them in three flavors: classic soy, spicy sesame, and ume plum. I’d be hard-pressed to choose a favorite, though the ume plum is definitely the most special and unique. I found a couple links for them here and here, but my best suggestion is to just keep an eye out in person, or maybe ask at your local Japanese market and see if they’d be willing to order them for you. -VvP |
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Like many (especially those who saw Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers back in 2005), I’m a fan of Ethiopian jazz. I’m also, like many people, a big fan of clever t-shirts. So, I was tickled when I saw this NBA-inspired merch from record label Awesome Tapes from Africa (which, if you’re not already familiar, lives up to its name). The first run sold out in two hours, but now they’re back with both white and black versions in a number of sizes. Pre-order now for shipping starting December 16th. -DW |
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In case you missed it, home chef and food world personality Molly Baz launched her own brand of mayos a couple weeks back. Somewhat cheekily named Ayoh, the lineup includes a tangy take on the classic, as well as three flavored versions full of bits and bobs like dill and crunchy pickles, dijon mustard and cornichons, and pickled vegetables and calabrian chilis. I’ve been working my way through the set and can officially endorse them all, though I think the Dill Pickle Mayo is probably my favorite. While most are sold out right now, these would make a great anytime gift for the sandwich lover in your life—or yourself. Maybe pre-order the set now so that you can make yourself some joyful, at-home lunches during the post-holiday doldrums of January. -VvP |
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For the person in your life who wants even more cold, dark, and bare things this winter, look no further than Zupagrafika’s Brutal Kits. The independent publishers/authors/photographers first started releasing these architecture model kits back in 2017, but they continue to amuse. With the Brutal East, you can reconstruct miniature versions of “the most controversial brutalist edifices erected behind the Iron Curtain and in the former Yugoslavia,” or you can branch out with Brutal London and Paris Brut. Zupagrafika also makes kits with modern (but still oppressive) buildings, like the new-ish Concrete Hong Kong, should that be more your speed. You can find all these and more in their shop, but also on Amazon and other places, if you need by Christmas. -DW |
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There’s a new upscale dispensary in town. Charlie Fox, a 3-story, 6,000-square-foot boutique, opened yesterday on the corner of 48th Street and 7th Avenue in Times Square. While I haven’t had a chance to try their house line yet, the space is worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood or know some theatergoers who will be. It’s impressively quiet, considering the location, and features a sumptuous second-floor lounge for one-on-one appointments. -VvP |
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The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual light show is back and seemingly better than ever. A very fun evening activity, even when the temperatures drop, Lightscape features all sorts of intricately pulsating, beaming, and illuminated light installations throughout the garden. There are specific 21+ times for those who don’t want to go with a bunch of kids, but it’s a big enough space that adults should feel free to attend at any time. Needless to say, it’s even more engaging with some products from our shop. -DW |
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