FMG Newsletter: Chicago Sandwiches, Among Other Things
...like Paige Bueckers and the book I'm reading
Hi from 30! In case you missed/ignored my post about my milestone birthday, please feel free to redeem yourself by reading it here.
Palm Springs!!!: While I detailed the many anxieties I had during my trip in the aforementioned post, I did NOT share enough about the amazing things I did while I was in PS last week. See below for my highlights:
Norma’s for dinner (Don’t bother making a reservation, it’s a major hassle and not necessary; for a big group, request the horseshoe table in the back); It’s in the BEYOND stunning Parker hotel, and staying there is now on my bucket list; Bonus: the fries taste like McDonald’s but fancier
Cheeky’s for brunch (Get the bacon flight but don’t expect much from the truffle one)
Andreas Canyon for a truly STUNNING hike (But make sure your Uber driver has the appropriate Uber sticker, otherwise he WILL have to drop you off at the entrance and you WILL have to walk 3 miles just to get to the trailhead)
Low Desert for the best post-hike margs, very good guac, and a happy hour that begins at the iconic time of 2 p.m.
Canopy Wine Lounge for a cheeky bevy and free matches + pens
Basketball: I did think that my obsession with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and their respective teams would end when March Madness did, but no such luck. I’ve spent the past several days and weeks lamenting the fact that I quit basketball after eighth grade, then subsequently reminding myself that the reasons I quit were 1. I was average at best, 2. I maxed out at a measly 5’ 7 1/2” (the same height as Beyoncé, slay), and 3. When I discovered that if you fouled out they physically could not put you back in the game, and I then began fouling out every every third quarter like clockwork. Caitlin Clark I am not!!!!
Books: I’m currently reading The Club, which I thought was new but I very humblingly was told is a book that everyone read several years ago. In case you are like me and are NOT in the book in-crowd, it’s about a murder at the opening of a club (basically Soho House) on a private island. Loving it.
Sandwiches: My friend/coworker (that’s listed in order of importance, FYI) Spoorthi and I have begun a quest to satisfy our lunchtime sandwich cravings at places other than the Jimmy John’s that’s two blocks from our office (not that we don’t love it, we simply go there too much), and we have a few spots we both highly recommend:
We had pressed Cuban sandwiches from Cafecito just this week and I can’t recommend it enough. I had the La Costa, Spoorthi had the Jardin, and only one of us was smart enough to get chips.
We tried Lotus Banh Mi last week and have both been thinking about the Veggiecado ever since.
We are #blessed to work right by XOCO, which makes the most amazing tortas. I like the Milanesa, but I’m going to try the Smoky Pork Belly next.
Remember that if you had a bad week, it’s all going to be okay because it’s the last full one before we get to hear The Tortured Poets Department. I, like all Swifties, am counting down the hours while simultaneously fearing for the emotional rollercoaster to come. Speaking of Taylor Swift, this is in the top 3 best TikToks I’ve ever seen and I can’t believe I wasn’t the one to make it. Cheers to Friday!
XO, Gail
And as a reminder (I know this disclaimer is getting old but it’s only getting more and more important!!!!!):
It’s an election year, and it is my duty to remind you that while newsletters like this are crucial for maintaining sanity and levity, I am not a news source and am in no way a replacement for staying informed. For every newsletter you read that makes you smile, I hope you also read an informed take on politics, world events, and social issues (then fact check it!) — and for every heavy piece of news you take in, I hope you also consume and/or create a piece of art that promotes light, laughter, and joy.