Plus fleas, flechazo, and tangrams.
FEBRUARY 11, 2023
Before I really got into cooking, I remember seeing mortar and pestles at friends’ homes and thinking, “Hm, that seems like a lot of extra work.” After all, spices come pre-ground and in jars with convenient little holes at the top. But over the years, as I’ve come to fully appreciate the superiority of fresh spices and chiles (this is not to say store-bought ones are bad, because they’re not, despite what Alton Brown or whoever might tell you), I realized I needed a proper tool. My coffee grinder wasn’t really cutting it anymore, and my coffee too often tasted like cumin or fennel seeds. So when I was recently gifted a proper molcajete made by Masienda and Don Enrique of San Salvador El Seco, Puebla, I was in heaven. Is it too big for my New York City kitchen? Probably. Does it look great anyway? I think so. Is it insanely heavy and when I dropped it on my foot one time did my partner laugh hysterically? Definitely. Needless to say, it’s also perfect for making guacamole and fresh salsa. Honestly, this thing feels like a future family heirloom. -DW
Allow me to introduce you to Tangram, a magazine dedicated to exploring curiosity in print form. Each volume—there are four to date—is organized around a different theme, and features puzzles, interactive illusions, easter eggs, and interviews with creatives and eccentrics who embrace “the art of play.” You’ll want to have at least some of your wits about you because these puzzles are not easy (and also involve sharp objects like scissors), so pair it with a high CBD strain like Pure Beauty’s Terry T and your Sunday is set. -VvP
In case you missed last week’s edition, the inaugural NADA Flea—an art community market featuring everything from vintage clothing and collectibles to exclusive zines—will be back again this weekend and next at 311 Broadway in Manhattan. I plan to stop by Project Art Distribution’s booth to see new work by my friend, artist Georgica Pettus, as well as to finally try on one of these adorable bonnets. Add it to your calendar if your walls have been feeling a little bare lately. -PR
Gossamer contributor and Conversation subject Pia Riverola has a new book out and it’s stunning. A love letter to Mexico (where Riverola splits her time), Flechazo pulls images from the 10 years she spent traveling the country and the scenes, natural beauty, and people she encountered. Her Conversation with us is also one of my favorites, so I also highly recommend that. -DW
If you have even a passing interest in magic, get yourself a ticket to this show. Asi Wind’s Inner Circle is an extremely intimate, tightly run 75 minutes of close-up magic and card tricks that had me smiling the entire time. If you can swing a spot at the table, it’s worth it, but know that there is not a bad seat in the house. I don’t really know how to write about a magic show without spoiling it, so I’ll leave it at that. -VvP
In case you’re pinched for time to grab a Valentine’s Day gift (and couldn’t manage to pick one up at the NADA Flea), the Bronx Zoo is once again offering up naming privileges for their cockroaches at a small cost. It’s sure to be memorable, and, if you’re really feeling it, you can even set up a time to video chat with your pick. I can’t believe that’s a thing, but I can see myself waking up to an appointment confirmation email after taking a couple edibles. -PR