Flavor Buffet: 9/10/2021

Monstera shadows in the sunshine. This guy needs a name!

Monstera shadows in the sunshine. This guy needs a name!

Hello! Happy Friday.

It’s a beautiful morning here in the Northeast, the rain has finally passed, and it’s actually a pretty comfortable temperature. Not quite weather for long-sleeves yet (totally OK), but it’s not blistering heat or humidity which is a major win.

I’m looking forward to a sunny, September weekend filled with plenty of time outside and maybe an “adventure” or two. Adventures look different for everyone so ours may include a visit to a special ice cream shop or a stroll around a nearby town. As I always say, it’s the little things that matter most! I’ve been seeing a lot of vacations on social media recently and while I’d love to skip town and take a little trip to Positano or Santorini, it’s just not happening right now. Someday!

I mentioned this on my IG stories, but please know there is a slight change in the Flavor Buffet lineup. I have decided to replace the Dine section. If you would like restaurant reviews and recommendations, then please go to the Dining section on the website where my Bar Bites dining guides (local and beyond) are stored. There is plenty there to choose from if you’re in the mood to go out!

What’s going in its place? I am replacing Dine with Watch! Each week I’ll be sharing a few of my favorites TV shows to watch or ones I’ve seen recently and strongly recommend. I hope you find this new section helpful!

OK. Enough of my chatter. It’s too sunny! Let’s get to the Buffet and enjoy the weekend. :)

READ

Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. I distinctly remember where I was on that day and in that moment. Do you?

Hi there, please get vaccinated. It’s really very important. Thank you.

Because this will always be helpful, here’s a guide to the best natural deodorants. I’m a fan of the ones by Native!

A great hummus recipe and a cute story to go along with it.

Someday I’d like to be someone who can offer their guests high-quality espresso drinks right in my own kitchen (I have unique goals). I’m saving this piece for reference until it’s time to invest.

There’s a lot of good TV returning this fall, but a personal weekend favorite is SNL which premieres for season 47 (!) on October 2.

I am hoping to tackle the “renovation” or redesign of our primary closet before the end of the year. I’m going to pay close attention to these closet design tips when we finally begin the project. I can’t wait!

COOK

This week I’m sharing a roundup of meatless meals!

Roasted Carrots and Chickpeas with Herby Cashew Cream - This looks delicious! Working hard to increase our number of meatless nights each week.

Riced Cauliflower Veggie Burrito Bowl - A healthier alternative that will definitely be part of the dinner rotation.

Tomato Confit Pasta Salad - Strongly considering this one before (local) tomato season says “until next year…”

Sheet Pan Cheesy Poblano Corn Enchiladas - I’m drooling looking at this recipe. May need to make it for dinner tonight.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette - A perfect dinner for the somewhat-cool evenings this month.

Streusel Coffee Cake - This needs to be the fall I begin to bake coffee cake. I love it! And I’m so excited for Sarah Kieffer’s new cookbook (all about baking for the holidays) which includes this recipe.

WATCH

The Morning Show (Apple TV+) - I’m late to the game on this one but we finally watched the first season and I was blown away. One of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. Excellent cast, gripping storyline, and a show I finished in less than a week (which never happens).

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) - What a fun show! We watched the first three episodes and I’m hooked. It’s funny and serious and surprising all at once. Awesome cast (Steve Martin and Martin Short) and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Succession (HBO) - Anxiously waiting for the new season to premiere in October. We watched the first two seasons last year; incredible! Have you seen it?

Cooking with Paris (Netflix) - When you need something truly mindless and silly, tune in to this ridiculousness and feel way better about your own cooking skills immediately (I did). It’s entertaining enough and it makes all of the guests seem far more talented than I assumed they would be. It’s definitely a unique “cooking” show.

SHOP

The New Balance 327 sneakers arrived this week! So glad they are comfy and fit well. Many colors available. Yes, I ordered two. #noshame.

Cute product alert! Just discovered La Fermiere French yogurt and Petit Pot desserts (both gluten free) at Whole Foods last week. Adorable, re-usable packaging was a big selling point for me and they are both delicious. Highly recommend!

I’m loving the button-back crewneck sweater from Alex Mill. It can be worn as a cardigan, too, so it’s basically two sweaters in one! Win win.

I can’t quite yet talk about coats, but I do love a good vest. I have my eye on this fleece one from Tory Sport.

I’m starting to look into a few Tata Harper Skincare products as a few of my “usuals” are about to run out (specifically a cleanser and a new weekly mask). I’ve had my eye on this brand for a while (VT-based!), but I haven’t placed an order. Stay tuned…

Have a great weekend and enjoy!

Mollie