Read, Eat, Go: “Blue Sisters,” Halloumi Tacos, and Jackson Hole

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. I was today years old when I discovered my future home needs to have a slumber party room (thank you, Jennifer Garner, for showing us how it’s done) and Cinnamon Toast Crunch-flavored bacon is a thing that exists, which, I’ll admit, I’m into. That’s also true of the “full-on funeral” Simone Biles held for her hardest skill (truly, a perfect 10). Meanwhile, some things I’m not on board with: The return of Victorian-era bloomers — even if they’re allegedly “not your great-great-grandmother’s undergarments.” And press-on pedicures, which may save time and money, but are simply too weird to get past. But perhaps even weirder? Benny Blanco’s intricate, Persian rug-inspired toenail art. Tassels are involved, and I’m deeply sorry in advance.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

Level Up Your Dinner Game With These Easy Halloumi Tacos

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As far as we’re concerned, every food can and should be a vehicle for consuming large quantities of cheese — which is why Dishing Out Health’s Halloumi Tacos are a no-brainer. Stuffed with chunks of salty halloumi cheese, zesty corn salad, and a creamy cilantro sauce, every bite is bursting with bright, bold flavor. And while these tacos are ideal for the final days of summer corn season, they’re also so easy that we wouldn’t be surprised if they joined your weeknight dinner rotation year-round.

The Time Commitment: Thirty-five minutes is all it takes to make this very cheesy, very satisfying meal. But if that’s too much time, you can prep the corn salad and cilantro sauce up to two days in advance.

Key Tip: Fair warning, the creamy cilantro sauce is so delicious, you’ll want to eat it on everything. So Jamie Vespa (aka Dishing Out Health) highly recommends doubling the sauce recipe to enjoy throughout the week as a dip or drizzled over meats and veggies.

Other Takes: Looking for other vegetarian tacos? These Cauliflower Tacos take just 30 minutes, so they’re perfect for Taco Tuesday — or really, any day of the week. That’s also true of these Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce, which are made largely from pantry staples and can be frozen for future dinners and emergency snacks. Or, try these smoky, spicy, and deeply tomato-y Jackfruit Tinga Tacos and these Stuffed Pepper Tacos, which are a reminder that you don’t need a ton of ingredients for a meal everyone will love. And for something even more unique, these Brussels Sprout Tacos with Spicy Peanut Butter make for a “surprising but winning” combo.

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

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If you loved Little Women or Ann Napolitano’s Hello Beautiful, consider putting Coco Mellors’s Blue Sisters at the top of your reading list. The family drama follows, you guessed it, sisters. Specifically Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky Blue, who are shocked to learn that their parents are selling their childhood home just a year after their sister Nicky’s tragic death. Now, they have to face their grief by cleaning out the family’s Upper West Side apartment, where Nicky lived in adulthood. Expect bingeable, alternating chapters and a well-rounded perspective on grief, addiction, and complicated family dynamics. We asked Mellors — known for her debut novel Cleopatra and Frankenstein — a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s one thing everyone needs to watch?

Mellors: There’s a video of Stevie Nicks singing a demo of “Wild Heart” in a butter yellow dress while getting her makeup done for a photoshoot that is so celestially beautiful I could watch it on repeat for days.

Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence?

Mellors: Whipped cream. Not on or with anything — just whipped cream for whipped cream’s sake.

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

Mellors: Naps are not that refreshing and actually kind of depressing? It’s nighttime sleep only for me.

This Popular Wyoming Ski Destination Is Just as Charming in the Fall

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Sure, we may be two or three months ahead of ski season — but now is the perfect time to book a trip to Jackson Hole, WY. Hear us out: While the Western mountain town may be most popular for its impressive ski terrain and idyllic summer months, an off-season getaway means fewer crowds, lower prices, and Goldilocks-esque (as in, not too hot, not too cold) weather. Perhaps that explains why some have called fall the “best-kept secret” for exploring the cowboy-cool area, known for its natural beauty (think: world-famous mountain peaks, shimmering lakes, an abundance of wildlife), exceptional food scene, and rustic Old West charm. Giddy up.

🛏 Live out your Schitt’s Creek fantasies — but in a far more, uh, elevated way — at The Virginian Lodge. Each of the spacious rooms at the revamped 1960s motor lodge are equal parts campy (expect plaid carpeting and wood-paneled walls) and contemporary (see: mid-century modern furniture and Pendleton blankets). Plus, the affordably priced property offers a wide variety of entertainment, including a legendary saloon, lawn games, karaoke and open mic nights, and several communal fire pits. Complimentary s’mores, anyone?

⛰️ While it’s certainly worth the two-hour drive to Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is equally spectacular and only 45 minutes away. There, you can: explore the park’s 250-plus miles of hiking trails (Taggart Lake is a popular, less intense option); kayak across its crystal-clear lakes (we’re partial to Jenny Lake); admire the particularly perfect views at Schwabacher Landing (a go-to spot for capturing the Teton mountains’ magical water reflections) and Snake River Overlook (which Ansel Adams famously photographed); and spot moose, elk, and bison on a sunrise safari tour. Or, you can take in the park’s beauty at night via a stargazing tour.

🎨 Need a break from all the outdoor activities? The town of Jackson is brimming with art galleries (make sure to stop at Gallery Wild and Wilcox Gallery) and charming boutiques. Some favorites include: Womenfolk for Western-inspired vintage and designer clothing, JW Bennett for handcrafted hats, and MADE for artisanal mugs, locally-roasted coffee, and more gifts. Once you’re done, walk over to Jackson Hole Town Square (famously marked by four gigantic elk antler arches), before driving to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, where you can view works from artists like Georgia O’Keefe and Andy Warhol and look out at the 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge.

🍴 A cinnamon brioche at Persephone may be the sweetest way to start your day, but Nora’s Fish Creek Inn is a local institution that serves exceptional huevos rancheros and plate-sized pancakes. For dinner, check out another Jackson establishment: Snake River Grill, known for its inventive dishes, like steak tartare pizza, and log cabin-like interiors. Or, if you’re looking for something more laidback, family-run Teton Thai and Hand Fire Pizza are both great options. Whatever you decide, end the night at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, an iconic watering hole with horse saddle bar seats, an extensive whiskey collection, and live country acts.

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

Q: On a recent flight, a man asked me to swap seats so he could sit with his wife and child. I declined because it felt like a downgrade. Was I in the wrong?

“It’s perfectly acceptable not to move … The person who [wants] to be reseated shouldn’t wait until [they] get on the plane to ask a passenger to switch. The time to [make that request] is before the boarding process begins, with a gate agent.    

… [Therefore], it’s within your right to say, ‘No, thank you. I have paid for this particular seat.’ Especially, if [you paid more to be in] economy comfort versus something with less legroom. That’s even more of a reason to say no.”

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.