Eat, Read, Go: “Long Island Compromise,” Heirloom Tomato Galette, and São Miguel Island

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. Another weekend, another heat wave. To cope, I’ll be scrolling through my discomfort while hunkered inside with the AC. I’ll also be contemplating Selena Gomez’s extremely ‘90s cotton headband, Kylie Jenner’s creepy-crawly manicure (which is surprisingly cute), and Sydney Sweeney’s bandana-as-a-bra look, which I admit I’m not brave enough to try. Same goes for Kim Kardashian’s lace-up leather maxi skirt. But If I muster up the courage to leave my apartment, it’ll be in pursuit of an icy cold McDonald’s Coke, since science confirms it does hit different. I’d also treat myself to an ice cream cone, but the average price for an NYC scoop is apparently $5, making it one of the country’s most expensive. At least we still have $1.50 pizza slices.   

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

Excuse Us While We Inhale This Heirloom Tomato Galette 

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In theory, tomato recipes are best saved for peak tomato season (which, for New Yorkers, is apparently in a couple weeks). But who wants to live like that, especially when you have recipes like this Heirloom Tomato Galette from Meredith Hayden (aka Wishbone Kitchen)? Perhaps the second best thing you can do with cheese, tomatoes, and dough, the surprisingly simple dish combines juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata, basil pesto, tangy lemon zest, and a buttery pie crust. All of which can and should be topped with flaky sea salt and a sprinkle (read: giant heap) of parm.

The Time Commitment: About three hours, if you’re planning to make the pie dough from scratch. (To clarify, there’s only 20 minutes of actual prep; the rest is for chilling the dough and baking the galette). If you don’t have that kind of time, use store-bought dough, and you’ll shave off about two hours.

Key Tips: For tomatoes that taste as tomato-y as possible, it obviously helps if they’re perfectly ripe (follow these tips to pick the best ones). But there’s another secret ingredient: salt. At least 10 minutes before baking, sprinkle tomato slices with a generous serving of salt to help draw out excess water. That’ll intensify the flavor of your tomatoes and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Other Takes: If you went overboard at the market (a great problem to have), consider making Tomato Feta Panzanella, too. The main ingredient is bread, and the recipe includes a ridiculously good basil vinaigrette. Two other great dinner options? This Shrimp and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta and this Tangy Balsamic Pasta With Sungold Tomatoes, which is as delicious when eaten cold. For something even easier, make a Tomato and Fried Provolone Sandwich — essentially, a grown-up version of the Harriet the Spy sandwich. But if two minutes in front of the stove is two minutes too many, this Watermelon Gazpacho requires no cooking whatsoever.

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

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As anyone who has watched an episode of Succession knows, being rich has its perks — but also comes with specific burdens. In Long Island Compromise, Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s highly anticipated second novel, Carl Fletcher’s wealth is the reason he’s kidnapped and held for ransom. But it’s also the reason he safely returns home to his wife and kids less than a week later. The family seemingly moves on — until 40 years later, when the Fletchers realize how much the kidnapping has shaped their lives. We asked Brodesser-Akner a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s an unpopular opinion you stand by?

Brodesser-Akner: Cottage cheese is the best cheese.

Q: What’s the one thing that makes your morning routine complete? 

Brodesser-Akner: I watch TV (a movie, a show) for an hour each morning so that whatever happens in the day, no one can tell me I didn’t do my favorite thing that day.

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

Brodesser-Akner: I’m sorry to say that someone just told me about the Rotten Tomatoes for aggregating book reviews. It’s called Book Marks, and I wish I didn’t know.

This Dreamy Portuguese Island Is Giving Hawaii a Run for Its Money 

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Dramatic volcanic landscapes, verdant valleys, cascading waterfalls — you’d be forgiven for thinking we were describing Hawaii’s Big Island. Actually, though, we’re talking about the Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands that are located halfway between the US and continental Portugal and are aptly nicknamed the “Hawaii of Europe.” Particularly São Miguel, the largest and most populous island. Expect terracotta-topped buildings, black sand beaches, endless scenic viewpoints, and relaxing hot springs — without Europe’s summer crowds. Did we mention it’s just a four-hour flight from the East Coast?

🛏 While you could make São Miguel’s capital, Ponta Delgada, your base (check out the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico), some of the best stays are in the surrounding villages. That includes Octant Furnas, a public bath turned design-focused hotel with cozy rooms (think: teal walls and brown leather accents), both indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a spacious spa, and a highly-rated restaurant.

🌋 São Miguel’s scenic beaches and coves aren’t the only places where you should take a dip. Located in the valley of a volcano, the town of Furnas is particularly popular for hot spring hopping. Start at Poça da Dona Beija (home to six natural thermal pools), then head to Terra Nostra Park, known for its botanical garden and iron-rich thermal baths. (Don’t be alarmed by the reddish-brown color — it’s a result of the minerals.) While you’re there, stop at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel to try cozido, a traditional meat and vegetable stew that’s cooked underground by volcanic rock and heat.

🏞️ Nearly everywhere in São Miguel is Instagram-worthy, but few spots top Sete Cidades. (OK, Lagoa do Fogo may be a close second.) The giant volcanic crater spans three miles and includes twin lakes — Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde — which are separated by a small bridge and, according to Azorean legend, were “formed from the tears of a shepherd and princess who shared a forbidden love.” Soak up the stunning scenery while on one of many hiking trails, like the 7.5-mile loop along the caldera rim. And for the best lookout spots, make sure to visit the Vista do Rei and Boca do Inferno viewpoints.

🍴 Fun fact: The oldest tea plantation in Europe is located in São Miguel. So skip your morning coffee and stop at the 141-year-old Gorreana Tea Factory, where you can watch the still-functioning tea production and, yes, sample some blends. To get your fill of seafood, have lunch at Bar Caloura, a local favorite that serves homemade sangria and freshly caught fish with a side of swoon-worthy ocean views. And for dinner, make a reservation at Tasquinha Vieira. The small menu frequently changes, but always features expertly prepared local cuisine.

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

Q: I have a private Instagram account for friends and family, and my boss recently requested to follow me. I tried to ignore it, but she keeps asking why I haven’t accepted her request. How do I address this without making it awkward?

“Be honest, respectful, [and] acknowledge the request. I’d thank them for wanting to connect, but I’d explain the situation, [saying something like]: ‘My private [life is] separate from my professional [life] and I would like to keep it this way.’

Sometimes, your colleagues or boss may want to see your social media content because you’re getting engaged or married [or you’re about to experience another big life event]. As an alternative, [you could say], ‘I’ll show you the photos after’ or you can email them. You could also offer an alternative platform [to connect] like LinkedIn, which is more appropriate for keeping a professional relationship. [No matter what], assure them that you’re thankful they want to connect, but you want to maintain personal boundaries.”

FEATURED EXPERT:

Kristina Szabova

Certified etiquette coach and founder of Manners with Kristina

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.

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Mental health-related leaves of absence are up 300% since 2017 — and women accounted for 69% of those taken in 2023, according to one analysis.

In a world where it can feel challenging to take control of your mental and physical health, we’ve got you covered. The Skimm Well newsletter gives you expert-backed advice and info to do just that.