Eat, Read, Go: Whipped Feta Dip, “El Dorado Drive,” and St. Ives

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. I’m still recovering from the historic heatwave that hit NYC this week (it appears Hailey Bieber was somehow unbothered, based on this truly chaotic — albeit chic — outfit). While I took shelter indoors, here’s a few things I stumbled upon: 

• The Marissa Cooper Effect is real, as evidenced by the outfit formula all the cool girls are following this summer (*cues Phantom Planet’s “California”*). 

• Apparently, the scent of the season isn’t sunscreen or sea salt. It’s gelato — specifically, this highly unexpected flavor. 

• Water shoes have been rebranded as regular shoes (I repeat, regular shoes). 

• A Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star went into labor mid-mani and had her cervix checked on the salon floor. Yes, really.

• Forget the Maldives — newlyweds are heading to these surprising stateside destinations instead (your wallet can exhale).  

• A Princess Diana superfan had a full-on meltdown after winning one of the late royal’s dresses at auction. The tears? Immediate. The recovery? Unlikely.

— Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY

We’re in Our Dip-as-Dinner Era — and This Creamy, Crunchy Bowl of Goodness Is Why 

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Propaganda we are absolutely falling for? The dip-for-dinner movement. Especially when said spread looks — and tastes — like The Original Dish’s Whipped Feta Dip With Cucumber Salad. Located at the irresistible intersection of bright and refreshing, this no-cook recipe only requires a food processor, a handful of ingredients, and a reverence for free will: Salty feta and tangy Greek yogurt blend into a creamy, protein-packed base, then get topped with an herby, lemony cucumber salad. Serve it with colorful crudité, fluffy pita, or crackly chips — and don’t let anyone tell you it’s not a meal.

The Time Commitment: This delightfully hands-off recipe takes about 40 minutes — but that’s because the cucumber salad marinates for almost all of that time.

Key Tips: When making the whipped feta, be careful not to overprocess. Otherwise, according to Kayla Howey (aka The Original Dish), the mixture may become thin and watery. (If that happens, add more feta.) Also, the leftovers — should any survive — are perfect to jazz up a sandwich, spread on toast, or eat for dinner the next night.

Other Takes: Ready to double down on the dip-as-dinner agenda? Try…

• Muhammara. Made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, it’s the holy trifecta of sweet, spicy, and smoky.

• Cherry Tomato Labneh Dip, in which thick yogurt-cheese + tomatoes simmered in olive oil = a simple, summery dream come true.

• This 20-minute Lemony White Bean Dip. One bite of this nutty, zesty, and garlicky spread — and you may never purchase store-bought hummus again.

El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott

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Sisterhood is powerful. And sometimes? Straight-up criminal. Megan Abbott’s latest novel, El Dorado Drive, follows the three Bishop sisters, who grew up cushioned by wealth and privilege in suburban Detroit — until the collapse of the auto industry stripped it all away. So when the youngest, Harper, returns home after evading a debt collector, she’s surprised to find her sisters, Pam and Debra, flush with cash, fresh highlights, and suspiciously nice cars. Enter: the Wheel — a so-called women’s club that’s definitely giving pyramid scheme. Harper’s older sibs are already in deep — and it doesn’t take long for her to get pulled in, too. What starts as a money-making opportunity quickly spirals into something darker, riskier, and a lot harder to walk away from. We asked “the queen of charged atmospheres” a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about?

Abbott: The Ripley series by Patricia Highsmith. I marvel at how Highsmith sneakily makes us identify with the criminal. Somehow, we’re rooting for him.

Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence?

Abbott: Sneaking off to a movie in the middle of the day. Preferably horror.

Q: What’s one recipe everyone should make?

Abbott: Eric Kim’s Gochujang Caramel Cookies or Katharine Hepburn’s Brownies.

This Charming Seaside Town Might Make You Move Across the Pond

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We’re willing to bet that when it comes to dreamy beach vacations, Cornwall isn’t the first — or 10th — destination that comes to mind. But England’s southwestern tip is dotted with rugged cliffs, largely unspoiled shores, sparkling blue water, and picturesque seaside towns — including St. Ives, often dubbed the area’s crown jewel. The appeal is obvious: At least seven breathtaking beaches, cozy coastal retreats (stay at the Lifeboat Inn), charming cobblestone streets lined with cottages and boutiques, impressive museums and galleries, and next-level seafood. Whatever you do, don’t leave without eating a piping hot Cornish pasty.

🎨 The light in St. Ives hits different — and has been drawing artists for decades. At the heart of this creative enclave is Tate St. Ives, an outpost of that Tate, featuring pieces by local artists, rotating international exhibitions, and dazzling views of Porthmeor Beach. Continue your art tour at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden (for a peek into the modernist sculptor’s leafy former studio) and the Leach Pottery (a working studio renowned for its blend of British and Japanese traditions). Then, hit the town’s gallery-lined Fore Street, where you’ll find paintings, sculptures, and jewelry from established and emerging talent at the New Craftsman Gallery and more contemporary pieces at Porthminster Gallery.

👟 Cornwall is filled with dozens of other small villages and towns, many of which are within driving distance of St. Ives. Head to Penzance, a historic port known for its thriving food scene, art deco Jubilee Pool, and close proximity to St. Michael’s Mount (an ancient tidal island with a straight-from-a-storybook castle). You could also go down the coast to Porthcurno, home to one of Cornwall’s most unforgettable beaches and the open-air Minack Theatre — which is dramatically perched on a cliffside and hosts over 200 live performances a year. Finally, adventurous types shouldn’t miss St. Agnes, a popular North Coast surfing spot where, by law, you must try Chapel Porth Beach Café’s Hedgehog ice cream. 

🍴 If you’re also a pastry connoisseur, start at St. Ives Bakery to pick up traditional Cornish pasties, sourdough bread, and jam-packed cruffins (that’s right, a croissant-muffin hybrid). For fresh seafood with a side of sublime ocean views, try the tapas-style plates at Porthmeor Beach Café (the fried sea bass is a nonnegotiable) or Porthminster Beach Café’s elevated Asian- and Mediterranean-inspired menu, which includes garlic-butter king prawns, locally caught squid, and yes, fish and chips. Or, return to Fore Street to enjoy Ardor’s standout Spanish-accented dishes, like crispy salt cod or rotisserie porchetta with chimichurri.

You know what they say: The best travel companions come in lightweight, wrinkle-resistant packages. At least, that’s the philosophy behind Vuori’s goes-with-everything travel wardrobe. These summer suitcase staples are made with performance stretch fabric that moves with you — and keeps you looking polished no matter how many time zones you cross. Our fave pieces include sophisticated, silk-like shorts that pack light, an easy-wearing romper with pockets for your essentials, and wide-leg pants that look effortlessly chic. Go ahead, make room in your carry-on.*

Can you really call yourself a pro traveler if you don’t have CLEAR+?

We think not. It’s a fast, easy way to verify your identity so you can get to your gate faster. Enroll now to get two months free of CLEAR+. Or, sign up for $169 per year — that’s $30 off. Less time waiting in line = more time at the MAC kiosk at duty free.

We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:

Q: Whenever our favorite couple friends invite my partner and I to hang out, they always bring their young children. Is there a way to tell them we want to see them without their kids? Or, is that rude?

“Timing is key. Don’t bring it up while the kids are around, and approach this with curiosity, not judgment. There might be reasons they always bring their kids — from childcare logistics to finances to anxiety — that you don’t know about. 

[You might also need to ditch] the all-or-nothing mindset. Asking for kid-free hangs every time may not be realistic, so be clear about what you’re actually hoping for. And, most importantly, don’t frame it like the kids are the problem. You could say something like: ‘Hey, do you and John get enough kid-free time?’ or ‘What does kid-free time look like for you guys? I’m asking because I sometimes feel like I can’t totally lean in when the kids are around — and I don’t want to be inappropriate. Is there a night when the four of us can hang?’ Or, for a more playful angle: ‘Who can we tap to watch the kids? I’ve got some things to share that are definitely not kid-friendly.’ At the end of the day, make it about their self-care too. You want them to feel relaxed, and you want the freedom to speak freely.”

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.