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SIP

Vesper Bar


When in London, there are several reasons to drop by the Dorchester, just off Hyde Park. For starters, it’s never a bad idea to book a room there, especially now that the property has undergone an extensive renovation and charming English garden–esque redesign. But it’s the Vesper Bar that is especially worthy of some quality time. Recently redesigned by Martin Brudnizki in the spirit and style of a 1930s speakeasy, it’s the domain of head bartender Lucia Montanelli, who is notorious, in a good way, for her second-to-none martinis and other assorted libations that go down all too easily. (The bar’s name nods to the vesper martini, mixed with dry vermouth and lemon peel, and made famous in the 1953 James Bond novel, Casino Royale.) In the event that changing venues for dinner feels like a chore after a drink or two, just stay put: the bar menu is full of crowd-pleasing dishes such as lobster tempura and rock shrimp. (dorchestercollection.com) —Ashley Baker

Read

The Book of Charlie


When Washington Post opinion columnist David Von Drehle first met his new neighbor, Charles Herbert White, in the suburbs of Kansas City, Missouri, he had no reason to assume the 102-year-old retired anesthesiologist would become a close companion, let alone the subject of his latest book. From 2007 to 2014, when White passed away on his 109th birthday, the pair spent hours chatting in White’s den. Nearly a decade later, Von Drehle has immortalized the lessons and life stories of a man weathered by the tides of the 20th century—the Jazz Age, Great Depression, and World War II. The Book of Charlie recounts the essential personal values learned through a century of adventure, tribulation, uncertainty, and, most of all, living. ($26, amazon) —Jack Sullivan

Sip

Sainte Marguerite en Provence


Until now, it would have been almost impossible to find Sainte Marguerite en Provence’s wines outside of France. A new partnership between the Fayard family, who have owned the vineyard since 1977, and Pernod Ricard is bringing its rosé to the United States. This first launch includes the 2022 Fantastique Rosé, which holds the distinction of being the only organic wine among all the offerings from the 18 Cru Classé–designated vineyards in Côtes de Provence. The pale-pink wine deftly balances subtle notes of zesty citrus and flavors of peach and plum, making it the perfect drink for a warm summer evening. Salut! ($45.99, wine.com) —Paulina Prosnitz

Gift

Especially Puglia


Even Starbucks is all aboard the olive-oil train these days. The concoctions have gotten admittedly a little too creative. (No, I don’t want a drizzle on my soft serve or in my morning latte.) But what I can get behind is the gift of an olive tree. Especially Puglia works with local farmers on the southern coast of Italy to source the finest olive oil. Pick a grove, adopt and name your tree, and, poof, three liters of single-source olive oil and a stunning bottle made by Pugliese artisans will arrive at your doorstep. The product is absolutely delicious and makes for the perfect housewarming gift. ($160, especiallypuglia.com) —Clara Molot

Set

Chefanie


No one has perfected the art of the table-scape like Stephanie Nass, the force behind the oh-so-Instagrammable brand Chefanie. And while she probably already has you covered for all of your basic hosting accoutrements, such as napkins and place mats, she has also cornered the market on the hottest new dinner-party trend: the custom menu. Whether you’re serving steak frites in the West Village or lobsters out East, no table is complete without a bespoke, watercolor bill of fare this summer. (from $400, chefanie.com) —Lucy Horowitz

SPARKLE

Paco Rabanne


It started with the bags, and then the dresses, and now the costume jewelry: our affection for Paco Rabanne (under the creative direction of Julien Dossena) runs deep. This summer, the most hardworking item in our wardrobe is turning out to be this gold-tone-and-enamel charm necklace. Importantly, its length is adjustable, which allows it to work with necklines of all persuasions. And it’s just the thing to turn a basic outfit—a dull button-up and loose Bermuda-style shorts, for example—into something not only interesting but perhaps even directional. Cutout cocktail dresses, striped T-shirts, and even bathing suits are susceptible to its many charms. ($590, net-a-porter.com) —Ashley Baker

Issue No. 207
July 1, 2023
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Issue No. 207
July 1, 2023