Playlist #16: Late Summer

No matter how many barbecues we host, picnics we pack, jort-centric outfits we wear or berries we pick, the end of summer always comes at us fast. This year, we’re writing our intentions down to help hold ourselves accountable to wrap up the season with the same level of anticipation and giddiness we entered it with.

By: Kourtney Paranteau

1. Hometown Hero 

While Sarah Minnick’s now-legendary pizza/scoop shop, Lovely's FiftyFifty, likely doesn’t need any more help achieving maximum hype (you might remember their 2022 appearance on Netflix’s Chef’s Table), Portland newcomers and travelers should know that the often daunting line to dine in is worth the wait. 

Always hyper-local, Minnick’s pies aren’t the indulgent hit of cheesy hypnosis we would usually seek out, but are rather thoughtfully tailored pies fit for celebratory dinners, date nights and bragging rights when hosting out-of-towners. Don’t skip Lovely’s non-pizza offerings too, which often end up being the highlight of the meal, especially when any kind of chilled soup or bean-laden dish is on the menu—and never not order house-made ranch to dip your crusts in.

2. Long Distance Crush

What is the internet for if you’re not lusting after foods from faraway places? Lately, we’ve been hitting the “like” button with our pinkies out every time we see a new post from the Chicago-based, Michelin-starred restaurant, Elske (which means “to love” in Danish).

Scandinavian-leaning and technique-driven, this creation of husband and wife duo David and Nina Posey balances modern plating with instantly craveable components that have us at a near Challengers-level of desire. 

Watch for the restaurant’s cameo on everyone’s favorite kitchen dramedy, The Bear, for one of Season 3’s high points (the other being *spoiler alert* Josh Harnett’s brief appearance — Hi Josh!) if you’d like to drool over Elske along with us.

3. Beverage Pairing

Brat green has been trending this summer so it’s only fitting that our beverages also color-coordinate. 

Matcha Freak’s matcha is ethically sourced from Ise, Japan (green flag!) and is currently whisked into sip-worthy masterpieces at beloved Portland establishments such as Dear Sandy, Bastian and Deadstock Coffee. But don’t let the “matcha” label lead you to solely sip your freak,  we’ve been thinking outside the glass and sprinkling Matcha Freak into everything from mignonette to mousse.

You can find their products locally at Whole Foods Market, Wellspent, and Goodies Snack Shop — or shop directly online at matchafreak.com. 

Through October 1, 2024, use promo code "SALT20" to get 20% off your entire purchase at matchafreak.com!

4. Pantry Pal

Continuing the Brat theme of our summer, we’re opting to not only drink our green but also eat it. In comes the latest nut butter on the scene—pistachio, a la Pistakio! 

Made from five simple ingredients, the team behind Pistakio sought out a way to maintain the humble pistachio’s natural flavor without overbaking the little green wonder. The result is a sweet substitute that’s ready to spread and drizzle on basic PB&J sandwiches, often Nutella-topped desserts and otherwise ordinary grain bowls. 

And you can drink it too! Enjoy it in coffee and shakes or double up with a Matcha Freak x Pistakio treat.

5. Reading Material

If you’re like us, there are two shelves in our home that won’t stop growing: our bookcase and our pantry. We’d stop overloading each if the market wasn’t so ripe with vibrant produce, snacks, stories and styles of cooking. 

We enter food writer Khushbu Shah’s debut cookbook as our primary exhibit of evidence. Inspired by foods of the diaspora, Amrikan intertwines Indian flavors effortlessly with Euro-centric dishes such as saag paneer lasagna, masala chai cheesecake and over 100 more approachable and innovative meals, sweets and cocktails that’ll flex both your creative muscles and spice rack selection.

6. Equipment

The only downside to these reusable metal skewers is that they won’t kill a vampire. So, unless you’re patrolling the city like our hero Buffy, we suggest saving yourself the hassle of checking every drawer in your kitchen for their wooden counterparts and saying “bye-bye” to splinters and pre-soaking. Instead, slide these sustainable skewers into your silverware drawer and throw some garlic on the grill in case the bloodsuckers show up. 

7. Entertainment

While we’re still a month away from October, we love planning ahead—especially since that month can be a bit of a wallflower moment for the sunnier set. Thanks to Delia Tethong and Jenna Winkler, the team behind Roux, we have something to look forward to as we come to terms with autumn's arrival. 

An ode to the voices of women and those underrepresented in the food and beverage industry, Roux will once again deliver thought-provoking panels, makers markets and experiences worth pining for. Like a mix of summer camp and thesis workshops, Roux’s well-rounded meal manages to balance nourishment for our minds and stomachs. 

Mark your calendars for October 11-17; tickets for the whole line-up and individual events are now live on Roux’s website.

8. Food Merch

We strongly believe that there’s still time for one last trip to the coast before we officially say sayonara to summertime. When you go, leave the sand on a high note and swaddle yourselves in this extra-cozy, oversized beach towel from ice cream icon, Mister Softee, featuring his soft-serve head we all know and love.

9. One of Our Own

Ever dream about the cool girl in school asking to sit by you at lunch? Well, ever since we launched our collaboration with the folks at Fishwife, we’ve been feeling incredibly fetch to be able to say we’ve worked with the brand that left big bite marks on Shark Tank. The Fishwife x JSC Lemon Zest Slide Tin is not only the cutest item in our tote bag, but now we can covertly sprinkle under-seasoned dishes with a pop of bright lemon zest and sea salt without offending the chef.