Eat, Read, Go: Pappardelle With Peas and Prosciutto, “Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One,” and European Waterfront Towns

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. Just when I thought my Fearless Fashion Leader Katie Holmes could do no wrong, I discovered her perplexing take on the peep-toe revival (I feel sorry for her toes). But that’s not the only thing that had me questioning…everything this week. So did:

• Sydney Sweeney reportedly calling off her wedding (her Instagram is doing a lot).

• The exceptionally concerning rise of Jessica Simpson-esque edible perfume (I have many questions, but number one: How do you even eat perfume?).

• Gladiator sandals making a comeback — and they’re somehow louder and more strappy than ever.

• And, finally, the arrival of the Frankenshoe’s equally chaotic cousin: “the Frankentrench” (naturally, Kendall Jenner has already cosigned the trend).

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

This Creamy, Cheesy, Zesty Pappardelle Tastes Just Like Spring

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Listen, we’re not in the business of misleading people, but if you want to trick your friends (or even yourself) into thinking you’re an amateur chef, you should 100% serve this Pappardelle, Peas, and Prosciutto recipe from Diane Morrisey’s new cookbook, You Got This! Inspired by a childhood staple, the deceptively easy dish features wide ribbons of pasta, crispy crumbles of salty prosciutto, velvety sweet peas, and a wonderfully creamy, cheesy, and zesty sauce. Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano — and you’ve basically got spring incarnate.

The Time Commitment: About 20 minutes — meaning, you’ll have more than enough time to whip up a simple, lemony side salad. Because, balance.

Key Tips: No prosciutto? According to Morrisey, you can use bacon or salami instead (“just brown them in a skillet”). If you can’t find pappardelle, Morrisey says any flat noodle, like fettuccine or egg noodles, would be a great substitute.

Other Takes: The New York Times recently argued that pasta is spring’s “perfect food,” and we’d have to agree — just look at this Baked Spanakopita Pasta With Greens and Feta, which “might be the best way to eat your greens.” Though, that title could also go to this very vibrant, very weeknight-friendly Spinach Pesto Gnocchi, loaded with generous globs of melty burrata. Equally bright? This Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Crispy Shallot Vinaigrette holds up for days, making it ideal for any card-carrying members of Team Meal Prep. And this One-Pan Tuna Pasta turns capers, olives, and more pantry staples into a bowl of carby, tomatoey goodness — with minimal effort and cleanup required.

Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One by Kristen Arnett

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Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, Kristen Arnett’s new novel is about a clown — but not the scary, nightmare-inducing kind. Instead, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One follows Cherry Hendricks, a part-time aquarium-store employee who dreams of working full-time as her clown alter ego, Bunko. The problem(s)? In addition to being broke, Cherry’s grappling with complicated family dynamics, a messy love life (she has a thing for “sleeping with people’s moms”), and the unexpected loss of her brother. But everything seems to change when she meets and falls for Margot the Magnificent — a successful, older magician — in this “wild, luxurious, and absurd” story. We asked Arnett 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?

Arnett: Alligator Tears by Edgar Gomez, another Orlando writer. [It’s] a collection of incredible Central Florida essays.

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

Arnett: On Instagram, a bulldog named Pancake. I’m obsessed.

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only eat one thing, what would it be?

Arnett: Multiple kinds of chips in one bowl — I call this “chip salad.”

These Bucket List-Worthy Destinations Are Best Experienced by Car

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Sure, flying might seem like the most efficient way to get around Europe, but some destinations warrant a road trip. Case in point: These bustling waterfront towns in France, Switzerland, and Italy are all within driving distance of each other and offer the perfect mix of historical charm and postcard-worthy views. Our advice? Hop into an Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV and get on your way. Buon viaggio.

🏛️ Begin your journey in Lyon, France’s third largest city, which sits at the intersection of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. The city’s full of Renaissance architecture and public art — including Le Mur des Canuts, one of the largest murals in Europe. Given Lyon was once dubbed the "World Capital of Gastronomy," a food tour is a must. End the French portion of your trip with a visit to Fourvière Hill for a panoramic view of this idyllic city.

🚤 About two and a half hours north of Lyon sits Lausanne, Switzerland, a hillside city set on the embankment of Lake Geneva. Stop by the Olympic Museum, which pays homage to the games with interactive exhibits and centuries-old memorabilia like medals and flags. Then, hop on a cruise to admire the Lavaux wine region’s terraced vineyards. Just don’t leave without indulging in traditional fondue at Pinte Besson, the city’s oldest restaurant. 

🏞️ Head five hours east and you’ll arrive in Bellagio, a charming village on Lake Como in Italy known for its alpine views, majestic villas, and cobblestone streets. Get lost among the azaleas, centuries-old trees, and rare plants surrounding the enchanting Villa Melzi. Then, grab a mouthwatering piadina at a local bakery like Da Franco Piadineria Panetteria before exploring the shops in the town center’s narrow, colorful alleyways. When you’re ready to take a load off, head to Terrazza Darsena at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni for an Aperol Spritz and a dreamy sunset.

No matter where your travels take you, an Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV will make your journey just as thrilling (and luxurious) as each destination. See what we mean.*

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

Q: My mother-in-law routinely comments on how much I eat, which makes me feel self-conscious. How can I address it with her?

“This is a boundary issue … and if you want to have a healthy, long-term relationship with your mother-in-law, it’s important to stand in your truth. Say something like, ‘I understand you’re concerned about my eating behavior, but I ask that you not comment on how much or what I eat because it’s my right to make personal choices.’ 

… If your mother-in-law does it again, [reiterate the message] in a simple, straightforward way: ‘You’re crossing a personal boundary. I don’t want you to comment on my food intake or choices’ … If that still doesn’t work, consider asking your spouse: ‘Can you please talk to her? Or reinforce what I’m saying?’ … [If she continues to bring it up after that, you might take a time-out from family gatherings].”

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.