Eat, Read, Go: Peperoncino-Feta Turkey Meatballs, "Julie Chan Is Dead," and Lake Tahoe

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. Blame it on my childhood obsession with Harriet the Spy, but I love a good investigation. Lucky for me, the internet provided plenty of things to delve into:

• Another week, another round of is-Sydney-Sweeney-dating-her-costar rumors — but, spoiler, it’s not Glen Powell. (Also, who knew she was such a Creed fan?)

• Some men are trimming — even shaving off — their eyelashes (the reason why is, naturally, perplexing).

• Has the internet found the chicest dad at the playground? Introducing “the only dad in New York wearing Comme at the kiddy park.” 

• Airport lounges are apparently replacing dating apps. (Something tells me this isn’t the case at the “country’s saddest airport lounge,” which is as bleak as it sounds).

• Forget pimple patches — itty-bitty vitamin patches are the next wellness trend your group chat will be talking about. That is, if it isn’t already.

• Finally, is the unexpectedly chic crochet shoe the “easiest way to elevate any summer outfit,” as Elle boldly declared? My vote is absolutely yes.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

These Mediterranean-Inspired Meatballs Deserve a Standing Ovation

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In our experience, turkey meatballs tend to be the culinary equivalent of a LinkedIn status update: bland, dry, and easily forgotten. Not these. Dishing Out Health’s Peperoncino-Feta Turkey Meatballs are bold, bright, and impossibly good — thanks to tangy peperoncini, salty feta, fresh dill, and nutrient-rich flaxseed. You could absolutely eat them straight off the pan (we’ve done it), but we highly recommend serving them as intended: over garlic-za’atar rice with chopped cucumbers, pickled red onions, and a generous scoop of hummus or tzatziki. Plus, the leftovers (should any survive) are excellent for lunch the next day.

The Time Commitment: About 40 minutes. But if you do yourself a favor and prep the meatballs in advance (they last up to 24 hours in the fridge), you can have dinner in 25.

Key Tips: Bowl-ed out? Jamie Vespa (aka Dishing Out Health) says you can also put the meatballs in a wrap or pita (just add hummus, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, and thinly sliced cucumber) or turn them into turkey burger patties. And while you might be tempted to buy pre-crumbled feta, Vespa firmly believes that a block is superior — since it tends to be fresher, creamier, and more flavorful.

Other Takes: To keep the meatball party going, try…

• These perfectly golden and surprisingly versatile Thai Meatballs — honestly worth making just for the elevated store-bought sweet chili dipping sauce. 

• Supremely springy Chimichurri Meatballs, in which the lively sauce is used in two ways: It’s added to the ground-beef-and-pork mixture and served on the side. 

• Sweet, savory, and protein-packed Cilantro Chicken Meatballs in Mango Coconut Sauce — which are ready in 45 minutes and are guaranteed to “knock your socks off.”

Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang

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Cross The Parent Trap with Gone Girl and you get Liann Zhang’s Julie Chan Is Dead. The twisty thriller tells the story of Julie Chan and Chloe VanHuusen, identical twins separated at a young age. Fast forward some 20 years, and the sisters’ lives couldn’t be more different: Julie, sent to live with their grouchy aunt, is now clocking hours at the supermarket, while Chloe, adopted by a wealthy New York City family, is a lifestyle influencer with millions of followers. But when Julie discovers Chloe’s lifeless body, she steps into her sister’s picture-perfect life — and quickly realizes it was all a facade. We asked Zhang a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence?

Zhang: Every type of bread. But Chinese/Hong Kong-style breads have a special place in my heart since I worked in a Chinese bakery throughout high school.

Q: What’s a corner of the internet you recently discovered?

Zhang: There’s a British lady on TikTok, who cooks for her family and says “BISH BASH BOSH.” I’m obsessed with her.  

Q: What should be required reading for every human being?

Zhang: East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

If This Magical Mountain Town Isn’t on Your Summer Bucket List, You’re Doing It Wrong

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Already planning your summer travel? Gold star for you. Then allow us to make the case for Lake Tahoe. Sure, it’s a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders — but here’s the not-so-secret secret: The absurdly scenic mountain town is (maybe even more) magical in the summer. Whether you’re staying in laidback North Tahoe (book at room at The Incline Lodge) or livelier South Tahoe (check out the Desolation Hotel’s Scandinavian-meets-Japanese design), expect striking blue-green waters, top-notch dining and shopping, and an all-you-can-explore buffet of outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, you name it). In short, Tahoe’s got range.

🛶 Once the snow melts, Lake Tahoe — which is the largest alpine lake in North America — and its see-to-the-bottom cerulean waters become the main character. Spend the day at some of the dozens of stunning beaches, like uber-popular Sand Harbor (it’s one of the area’s most photographed spots, thanks to its enormous boulders and golden shores) or lesser-known Kiva Beach. Or, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail — a 72-mile route that’s basically a front-row seat to the Sierra Mountains. You can also book a private boat tour or a sunset cruise to picture-perfect Emerald Bay, correctly known as the crown jewel of Tahoe.

🥾 Need a break from the water? The mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe are home to all sorts of hikes, from the family-friendly, 1.3-mile Cascade Falls Trail (it leads to an impressive 200-foot waterfall) to the 10-mile Mount Tallac Trail (we promise, the views are worth it). More of a biker? Cruise the Tahoe East Shore Trail, dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway.” Or, take a day trip to Truckee, a historic logging town filled with colorful Wild West charm, cool coffee shops (fuel up at Pacific Crest Coffee Co.), and indie boutiques, like Lorien Powers (known for one-of-a-kind jewelry) and Bespoke + Atelier (perfect for artsy gifts).

🍴 If you’re staying in South Tahoe, start your day at Heidi’s Pancake House, a beloved local staple serving up towering stacks of fluffy pancakes for over 60 years. Later, swing by Base Camp Pizza Co. for inventive pies (think: Thai Chicken Curry, Pear & Gorgonzola) with a side of live music. Up north? Don’t skip West Shore Market, ideal for grabbing gourmet sandwiches and picnic supplies before a day outdoors. For something more elevated, try Smoke Door, a Japanese-inspired hotspot where the menu includes a wagyu katsu sandwich and seasonal donabe rice (the burnt miso soft serve for dessert is non-negotiable).

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.

From your aunt who’s basically a second mom, to the MIL you have on speed dial, or the neighbor who you can always count on for extra baby wipes (and wine) — she deserves a card that says, “I appreciate you.” Hallmark’s Mother’s Day collection celebrates all the people on your team and in your corner. Go ahead, give love back.*

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

Q: Whenever I vent to my partner, they immediately try to problem-solve and then get mad when I don’t like their advice — so we both wind up frustrated. What’s the best way to navigate this?

“Communicate directly what you need. Say to your partner, ‘ I just need to vent right now. I don’t want any solutions, but I would love if you could hear and validate me’  … Often, when you’re venting, partners feel a responsibility to fix it and make you happy.  So you can ease that burden by explaining, ‘This is a venting moment, not a brainstorming moment’  … Then, the partner who’s a ‘fixer’ [should do three things]: 

1. They need to reflect back. Something like, ‘This is what I hear you saying. Am I getting it right?’

2. Instead of asking a question that’s designed to lead to solutions, they should pose a deepening question, which gets at the emotion behind whatever’s bothering you. For example, ‘Tell me more about how that felt?’ 

3. Finally, they need to validate you … [regardless of if they] agree … [It can be as simple as] saying something like, ‘I see how that would make you feel frustrated.’”

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.