Read, Eat, Go: "Same As It Ever Was," Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos, and San Juan Island

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. It’s been a big week for millennial nostalgia. While I’m deeply skeptical (read: horrified) of most early-aughts fashion trends (see: Katy Perry’s footwear twist on toe rings), Hailey Bieber managed to chic-ify this exceptionally Y2K look in a way that only Hailey Bieber can. And then there was JLo, who stepped out in satin ballet flats and is now making me reconsider my stance on the shoe entirely. Though nothing can compare to Aly & AJ taking selfies in — wait for it — Limited Too apparel. However, when it comes to Y2K resurgences, I have to draw the line somewhere, so crocheted boho cardigans need to stay in 2000 where they belong. 

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

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

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If you’re looking for a summer read that has substance but doesn’t skimp on entertainment value, this book is for you. Just when 57-year-old Julia has settled into middle life, a series of events threaten to upend her newfound peace — especially reconnecting with her former friend Helen, who Julia shockingly betrayed almost two decades earlier. Masterfully constructed and thoughtfully observed, Same As It Ever Was clinches Claire Lombardo’s status as a master of the family drama. We asked Lombardo a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What should be required reading for every human being?

Lombardo: The Trees by Percival Everett. I work part-time as a bookseller, and this is the title I love to shove into the hands of our customers — it’s one of the wildest and most wonderful novels I’ve read in years.

Q: What’s one thing you’re an armchair expert on?

Lombardo: I’m extremely good — too good — at obsessively psychologically deconstructing, down to the punctuation and emoji usage, any text message, from anyone, about anything, no matter how short.

Q: What’s one material thing you’d save if your house was on fire?

Lombardo: Assuming everyone was safe, would I be the person staggering out with her KitchenAid stand mixer?

These Summery Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos Are a Weeknight Must

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Is it even summer if you haven’t casually thrown together a build-your-own taco dinner? How Sweet Eats’s Sheet Pan Roasted Shrimp Tacos combine spiced shrimp, roasted corn, a refreshing cabbage slaw, and a smattering of fancy-seeming toppings (if your taco is so loaded it barely folds, you’re doing it right), all tucked into a warm tortilla. And the best part? Everything is cooked on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.

The Time Commitment: About 30 minutes, as long as you prep the slaw and any garnishes while the corn and shrimp are roasting.

Key Tips: Toppings add even more texture and flavor, so don’t hold back when making this recipe. If you don’t have pickled red onions at the ready, prepare this 5-minute recipe before making the tacos. By the time you’re finished, the onions will be done too. For extra zest, whip up this Cilantro Lime Crema and/or this Salsa Verde. And for the best way to warm your tortillas, skip the microwave and use a skillet on the stove instead.

Other Takes: Tacos are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure food. Exhibit A: These Salmon Tacos with Mango Corn Salsa. Or, swap the salmon for cod or halibut and make these Easy Fish Tacos with Spicy Sauce. If you’re looking for something more traditional, you can’t go wrong with Tacos Dorados — essentially, crispy tortillas filled with a mix of ground beef and potatoes. Same with these show-stopping Birria Tacos. And vegetarians should take note of these Crisp Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Cabbage Slaw, which require minimal cooking.

This Magical Pacific Northwest Island Should Be Your Next Getaway 

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The islands that dot the coast of Washington State are no tropical escape, but regulars say they offer something better. Travel 100 miles north of Seattle and you’ll reach the 172 islands in the San Juan archipelago, known for their tranquility and breathtaking coastal views. While each island has its distinct charms, San Juan — the second largest and most populous — has something for everyone. That includes rich historical sites, peaceful beaches, lively shops and restaurants, and a wide array of outdoor activities. Not to mention, the two other main islands — Orcas and Lopez — are just a short ferry ride away, for easy island hopping.

🛏 Paddleboarding, fishing, tie-dying T-shirts, playing life-size checkers, and chess — the 82-acre Lakedale Resort is like a summer camp for adults, minus the musty old bunks. Instead, you can stay in a cozy lodge room, a light-filled yurt (with your own hot tub), a family- and dog-friendly log cabin, an upscale canvas cottage, or a refurbished 1978 Airstream trailer.

🐋 San Juan Island is home to a variety of wildlife (think: seals, sea lions, and over 200 bird species), but it’s especially known for its majestic whales. Join one of the Western Prince Whale Watching boat tours, and you may spot orcas, as well as humpback, minke, or gray whales. If the idea of cruising the high seas makes you queasy, head to Lime Kiln Point State Park, considered to be one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. While you’re there, you should also check out the century-old Lime Kiln Lighthouse.

🚲 San Juan Island is only 14.5 miles long, so it’s easy to see many main attractions in one day. One of the best ways to do so? The Scenic Byway, which takes visitors — by bike or car — around the entire island. Stop at: the San Juan Island National Historical Park (where the US and Great Britain nearly went to war), the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park (which includes over 150 sculptures and art installations), and Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, where you can stroll among — you guessed it — adorable alpacas. And end your trip at Friday Harbor to browse local boutiques and galleries.

🍴 Start your day with a croissant, cinnamon roll, or “outrageously delicious” carrot muffin from Bakery San Juan (fair warning: you’ll want to return for one of their signature pizzas). And given that there’s no shortage of local seafood, expect to find clams, oysters, and mussels on menus across town — including at Downriggers, where you should grab a table on the waterfront patio. Or, for something more upscale, try Duck Soup, a popular farm-to-table spot that’s been around for almost 50 years.

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

Q: One of my closest work friends recently became my direct report — and she’s repeatedly missed deadlines or shrugged off tasks. How can I address this, without starting a confrontation or making things awkward?

“Optimally, you would have a conversation before things got [to this point, asking questions like]: How are we different in the workplace? How do you like to receive feedback? What feels comfortable given we’re friends and we have this new business relationship? … That said, I would [raise the problem] with your friend and say, ‘We have a close friendship, and now you’re my direct report. How can we best navigate this?’ It’s getting their feedback and acknowledging both sides while you work through the conflict. [You may also want to say], ‘I know we have a close friendship … but in my position as a boss, I have to give you feedback and make sure you meet those expectations.’

...[I’d also add], there’s research that says people are most likely to act to improve negative feedback when you say something like, ‘I know you can rise to this, so that’s why I’m giving you this feedback’ or ‘I really believe in you.’ [And you should make it clear that] even if you have difficult conversations at work, it’s not going to affect [how you feel about them] as a friend.”

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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