Eat, Read, Go: Pine Nut and Preserved Lemon Pasta, "Great Big Beautiful Life," and Boise

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. New York’s pollen levels are currently unhinged, leaving me no choice but to seek refuge indoors — swapping sneezing fits for scrolling time. So far, I’ve watched Penn Badgley do the “anxiety dance” in the Spirit Tunnel a dozen times (he’s got moves), discovered the “toothpick rule” (aka the secret for finding the perfect pair of jeans), investigated the viral cool-girl shoes that have “bridged the Gen Z-millennial fashion gap” (they’re both practical and stylish), and learned my favorite purse from high school is making a comeback. Speaking of, I’ll also rewatch this iconic ’00s rom-com, which is getting the Broadway treatment — you’ll never guess which pop star is co-writing the score.

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

PSA: This Pine Nut and Preserved Lemon Pasta May Cause Flirting at the Dinner Table

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Ever take a bite of pasta so good, it leaves the entire table speechless? Eden Grinshpan’s Pine Nut and Preserved Lemon Pasta, from her new cookbook Tahini Baby, is that pasta. Pine nuts are the game-changer — toasted until golden, they add a deep, nutty flavor that pulls the whole dish together. When combined with spaghetti, tangy preserved lemon, garlic, Parmesan, Aleppo pepper, and plenty of butter, you’ve got a creamy, crave-worthy meal that’s been described as “foreplay on a plate.” Consider yourself warned.

The Time Commitment: About 20 minutes — just enough time to sip a crisp, citrusy sauvignon blanc (a perfect pairing). 

Key Tips: No Aleppo pepper? Red chili flakes will do the trick. And if you’ve never preserved lemons before, this shortcut is ready in minutes — just be sure to let the mixture sit for at least three hours. 

Other Takes: For other springy pastas where nuts are doing the most, try…

• One-pot Buttery Lemon Pasta With Almonds and Arugula that’s zesty, crunchy, and sneakily loaded with greens. 

• Lemon Kale Pesto Pasta features a bright, garlicky sauce you’ll want to drench over every carb in sight.   

• This Pasta With Creamy Crushed Walnut Sauce — topped with fresh herbs, chile oil, and toasted breadcrumbs — is restaurant-quality but with minimal effort.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

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You know how Swifties treat an album drop like a national holiday? That’s how readers feel about a new Emily Henry novel — and the rom-com queen’s latest is no exception. Great Big Beautiful Life (partly inspired by a certain Taylor Swift song), introduces us to Alice Scott, a writer chasing her big break, and Hayden Anderson, a Pulitzer-winning hotshot. The two land on Little Crescent Island for the ultimate gig: writing the biography of reclusive heiress and former tabloid fixture Margaret Ives. When Margaret offers a one-month trial to both writers — where only one person gets the job — the heat is on…in more ways than one. We asked Henry 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?

Henry: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore.

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

Henry: I just found out about letmegooglethat.com.

Q: What’s one unpopular opinion you have?

Henry: Ordering plain vanilla at an ice cream shop is unacceptable.

Believe It or Not, Boise, Idaho Is a Vibe

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We’ll admit it: Boise, Idaho wasn’t exactly on our 2025 travel bingo card — but consider this our official retraction. In recent years, the seemingly quiet Pacific Northwest city has been making some serious commotion. Not only does it boast a lively downtown area, plenty of cultural attractions (all within walking distance), and miles of greenery for those seeking their fresh air fix, it’s also become a launching pad for cool boutique hotels (we’re partial to the Mad Men-esque Modern Hotel) and a culinary hotspot. Boise, we were unfamiliar with your game.

🎨 In the heart of downtown Boise, you’ll find the vibrant Basque Block — home to one of the largest Basque communities in the US. Pop into Basque Market for pintxos and then meander over to Freak Alley, an open-air museum splashed with bold, technicolor murals and graffiti by local artists. Then, weave your way through funky coffee shops (hello, Neckar Coffee), not-so-secret speakeasies (we see you, Press & Pony), and quirky boutiques, like Fancy Pants (think: elevated closet staples), Idaho Made (for handcrafted souvenirs), and Maison Blue (stocked with European antiques and luxe home goods).

🌳 Sure, Boise’s got the hustle and bustle, but it’s also a lush escape for when you want (OK, need) to hit the reset button. One of the best ways to do that? Walk, run, or bike the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile, tree-lined pathway that offers serene riverside views and wildlife sightings. Prefer a slower place? Head to the Idaho Botanical Garden for zen vibes (chill out in the tranquil Meditation Garden), gorgeous native blooms, and live concerts. And if you’re chasing that Leo DiCaprio “I’m king of the world” moment (who isn’t)? Bald Mountain Lookout delivers panoramic views that are 100% worth the climb — and the selfie.

🍴 Start your day the only way that matters: with a gigantic cinnamon roll smothered in cream cheese frosting from the legendary Goldy’s Corner (get there early to beat the line). Around midday, make your way to Fork for farm-to-table comfort food (don’t miss tomato basil fondue and grilled cheese) and fun craft cocktails. For dinner, make a rez at Kin — Boise’s first James Beard Award-winning restaurant — where the seasonal rotating menu serves up inventive dishes like coffee- and gochujang-glazed pork belly.

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

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 Plus. 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: A group of friends is splitting an Airbnb, and I got stuck with the pull-out couch. Is it petty to ask for a discount?

“Resist the urge to assume motive. A lot of times we’ll think, ‘Oh, they’re trying to get one over me’ or ‘They’re trying to be unfair’ and our response becomes accusatory, not exploratory. Instead of making assumptions, raise the issue from a place of curiosity. You might say, ‘I’m so excited for our trip next month — I really need this. Since I’ll be the only one without a room, I was curious how people felt about adjusting the cost to reflect that.’ 

… It’s a dialogue. I’m not using words like ‘It’s unfair’ or ‘It’s messed up’ … Instead, I’m acknowledging that there may be information I don’t know. They might say, ‘Well, we’re the ones paying for the charter boat.’ So instead of coming in hot [and] assuming bad intentions, ready to defend and demand, you’re showing, ‘This is my proposal.’ And at the end of the day, the right people want [to know if you feel there’s an imbalance].”

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.