The best make-ahead plan I have ever seen, what to do when your friend’s a cheapskate, and a crushable, low abv cocktail, and a really important question. Four ways to a better weekend
Fun read! We just did a vermouth testing at the Slow Food conference in the land of vermouth. I was surprised that I preferred the darker sweeter vermouths to the original!
How fun! I love all my children, of course, but Torino is currently a fave. I also add a healthy glug of dry Vermouth to caramelizing onions when making French Onion soup and it’s a very good edition!
About cheapskate friends- up till covid hit us one could exchange these cheap wines at the LCBO without a receipt and thats what I did. Now you cant do that.😖 So your idea of asking such a friend to bring some food for the party is best I guess.
I generally – and genuinely! – don’t expect gifts when inviting people for dinner, but he was such a frequent visitor, the situation became a little absurd. A simple basket of in season peaches, or a bouquet of rosemary would be just as welcome, and cost even less than a cheap bottle of wine.
I love your advice columns! This should be a regular thing; please make it so. :) Also, I'm jealous of folks who get to attend your tree-trimming party and hang out with you.
As for substacks vs. NYT, I would say the following: The NYT may offer more volume, but it will never be able to match the way Substack writers build relationships with their readers. I recognize everyone who comments on my posts and shows up in my feed. I remember who they are, what's important to them, and I value them as people.
Also, do you think the NYT does a happy dance when someone subscribes? Nope, they don't even notice. However, I can guarantee you that Substack writers notice and feel grateful for every single paid subscription. I know I do.
I also feel like the NYT already has enough wealth vs. most writers, who struggle to make ends meet. :)
Fun read! We just did a vermouth testing at the Slow Food conference in the land of vermouth. I was surprised that I preferred the darker sweeter vermouths to the original!
How fun! I love all my children, of course, but Torino is currently a fave. I also add a healthy glug of dry Vermouth to caramelizing onions when making French Onion soup and it’s a very good edition!
Oh hello deliciousness!
About cheapskate friends- up till covid hit us one could exchange these cheap wines at the LCBO without a receipt and thats what I did. Now you cant do that.😖 So your idea of asking such a friend to bring some food for the party is best I guess.
Cheers Laila Winedinetravel
I generally – and genuinely! – don’t expect gifts when inviting people for dinner, but he was such a frequent visitor, the situation became a little absurd. A simple basket of in season peaches, or a bouquet of rosemary would be just as welcome, and cost even less than a cheap bottle of wine.
I love your advice columns! This should be a regular thing; please make it so. :) Also, I'm jealous of folks who get to attend your tree-trimming party and hang out with you.
As for substacks vs. NYT, I would say the following: The NYT may offer more volume, but it will never be able to match the way Substack writers build relationships with their readers. I recognize everyone who comments on my posts and shows up in my feed. I remember who they are, what's important to them, and I value them as people.
Also, do you think the NYT does a happy dance when someone subscribes? Nope, they don't even notice. However, I can guarantee you that Substack writers notice and feel grateful for every single paid subscription. I know I do.
I also feel like the NYT already has enough wealth vs. most writers, who struggle to make ends meet. :)
First of all, you are welcome anytime! Toronto is just a hop, skip, and border crossing away! 😂
Also, re: NYT vs Substack. Absolutely. There’s a relationship here that they can’t match.
Hope you had a fab one. Love all your January ideas. X
Thank you! I love the merry frenzy this time of year. ✨
Have a great party!
I shall give it my most valiant effort! 🥂
🫡