White gazpacho, 7 recipes (well, 8 actually), an online writing course, a superb mojito (plus a superb upgrade on that cold Mexican beer), an excellent playlist (well, two actually) and more
You’re the best of what this platform is all about, Mark - helping support and promote little people like me to share their writing with a wider community, and it’s so appreciated. Thank you 🙏🏻
The best of life (and Substack!) is when we share others' brilliance in the hope it enriches people's lives as it has ours. Thank you again for your wonderful words
Fab collection of goodies, Mark. I make ajo blanco regularly and you've just prompted me to make it for the first time this early summer. So many good recommendations - thank you
Slave to the Rhythm and Vanishing Point are wonderful Sunday morning listens... the latter would almost certainly be in my Top 5 New Order/Joy Division songs. That May Relax list will be one to sink into more slowly this afternoon as I edit the last of the week's pictures. Love the Paulie sketch... possibly the most I've thought about shoelaces since reading Nicholson Baker's miniature epic some 25/30 years ago... https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/jul/24/the-mezzanine-nicholson-baker-review
Thank you Matt! I totally agree about Vanishing Point - the perfect partnership of dance music with a hint of their new wave beginnings. And I’ve just ordered The Mezzanine on the strength of that review - it sounds right up my street, thank you
Ah, that makes me happy that you might enjoy The Mezzanine: I’d love more people to know about it. It’s his first novel, and a beautifully miniaturist work. Baker’s oeuvre is a strange one — he has a few bits of erotica among his output which didn’t really appeal to me! — but you might especially enjoy his later book, A Box Of Matches, which is close to the Mezzanine in style, but more pathos and speaks to the process of ageing, and those matters that haunt your heart and mine. I think you might also enjoy Charles Lambert’s With A Zero At Its Heart: yet more compact than Baker in some ways, and cleverly constructed around those same themes as above (and a beautiful Vaughan Oliver cover to boot). https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/with-a-zero-at-its-heart-charles-lambert?variant=40027226800206
Thank you for the quiet playlist Mark. Playing it now in Bologna, after returning from a 30 degree hot day visiting museums and churches. Chilling with a glass of Pignoletto Frizzante, before heading out for dinner. The adverts on Spotify in between songs are Italian, which are quite novel and exotic in a way.
Looking forward to trying your white gazpacho recipe when I return to the UK.
I am thoroughly enjoying this format Mark, albeit I am a bit behind with my reading, at least they don’t disappear, so when I get a quiet moment I shall devour them all.
I visited Granada when I was 21 and was introduced to ajo blanco there - I think I had it at least once a day as a starter and can still remember how gloriously refreshing and punchy it was - I have made it here several times but it's not the same as being served it in a glazed terracotta bowl while sitting under an awning in the blazing Spanish heat.
Turkish rocket also makes me think of holidays - my husband and I honeymooned in Kusadasi and every seafront restaurant served freshly caught grilled fish with a very simple salad of Turkish rocket, olive oil and a wedge of lemon. Wonderful.
Sadly, although I was signed up, I couldn't make this evening's abundance course at the new time. Is there somewhere to sign up for next month ? You said in the original post that you would release new booking on the day of the each session for the following month - but I can't spot anything new. Expect I'm missing something v v obvious!!
I love love love Molly Wizenberg's books - all of them -, but A homemade Life is the one that really left an indelible mark on my soul, both as a read and as a writer.
A delightful post, the recipes, the links to the playlists and other lovely reads. But for me, today, the icing on the cake was the clip from the Sopranos!! I loved all the group meals, the cooking (especially when Clemenza made those meatballs!). And the line " leave the gun, take the cannoli". 😊
I like the louder playlist the best. Andalucia is a beautiful place. If, or should I say, when, you should definitely have Cordoba and Seville on your list.
I actually thought of you as I posted it thinking ‘I know at least SOMEONE who will like it’. And I’m taking that as an official invitation, like it or not
You’re the best of what this platform is all about, Mark - helping support and promote little people like me to share their writing with a wider community, and it’s so appreciated. Thank you 🙏🏻
The best of life (and Substack!) is when we share others' brilliance in the hope it enriches people's lives as it has ours. Thank you again for your wonderful words
Another very enjoyable collection Mark. The salad looks almost too good to eat. Loved last night’s gathering, thank you for that.
Thank you JP, great to have you along at the gatherings
Fab collection of goodies, Mark. I make ajo blanco regularly and you've just prompted me to make it for the first time this early summer. So many good recommendations - thank you
Thank you Kāren
Slave to the Rhythm and Vanishing Point are wonderful Sunday morning listens... the latter would almost certainly be in my Top 5 New Order/Joy Division songs. That May Relax list will be one to sink into more slowly this afternoon as I edit the last of the week's pictures. Love the Paulie sketch... possibly the most I've thought about shoelaces since reading Nicholson Baker's miniature epic some 25/30 years ago... https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/jul/24/the-mezzanine-nicholson-baker-review
Lovely compendium.
Thank you Matt! I totally agree about Vanishing Point - the perfect partnership of dance music with a hint of their new wave beginnings. And I’ve just ordered The Mezzanine on the strength of that review - it sounds right up my street, thank you
Ah, that makes me happy that you might enjoy The Mezzanine: I’d love more people to know about it. It’s his first novel, and a beautifully miniaturist work. Baker’s oeuvre is a strange one — he has a few bits of erotica among his output which didn’t really appeal to me! — but you might especially enjoy his later book, A Box Of Matches, which is close to the Mezzanine in style, but more pathos and speaks to the process of ageing, and those matters that haunt your heart and mine. I think you might also enjoy Charles Lambert’s With A Zero At Its Heart: yet more compact than Baker in some ways, and cleverly constructed around those same themes as above (and a beautiful Vaughan Oliver cover to boot). https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/with-a-zero-at-its-heart-charles-lambert?variant=40027226800206
Are you trying to spend all my money?!
I’m spending what money you have as wisely as I can! 😉
You are a kind man
I am late catching up with your June compendium.
Thank you for the quiet playlist Mark. Playing it now in Bologna, after returning from a 30 degree hot day visiting museums and churches. Chilling with a glass of Pignoletto Frizzante, before heading out for dinner. The adverts on Spotify in between songs are Italian, which are quite novel and exotic in a way.
Looking forward to trying your white gazpacho recipe when I return to the UK.
Thank YOU Caroline - I'm delighted you are enjoying the playlist with a glass of wine. I hope you have a great rest of the evening
I am thoroughly enjoying this format Mark, albeit I am a bit behind with my reading, at least they don’t disappear, so when I get a quiet moment I shall devour them all.
I visited Granada when I was 21 and was introduced to ajo blanco there - I think I had it at least once a day as a starter and can still remember how gloriously refreshing and punchy it was - I have made it here several times but it's not the same as being served it in a glazed terracotta bowl while sitting under an awning in the blazing Spanish heat.
Turkish rocket also makes me think of holidays - my husband and I honeymooned in Kusadasi and every seafront restaurant served freshly caught grilled fish with a very simple salad of Turkish rocket, olive oil and a wedge of lemon. Wonderful.
There’s two incredible memories right there! Thank you for sharing them. I haven’t been to Kusadasi since 1988, and I reckon it’s time I went again
Delightful miscellany, Mark
Thank you
I just want to say that sitting and talking to someone's grave is neither silly or pointless, myself and m siblings do it often
Agreed, though of course it is at the same time!
Hi Mark,
Sadly, although I was signed up, I couldn't make this evening's abundance course at the new time. Is there somewhere to sign up for next month ? You said in the original post that you would release new booking on the day of the each session for the following month - but I can't spot anything new. Expect I'm missing something v v obvious!!
Cheers.
I’ll be sending out the link in the next couple of days Stephanie
Thank you, Mark! Can't wait for Umbria --
Me neither
I love love love Molly Wizenberg's books - all of them -, but A homemade Life is the one that really left an indelible mark on my soul, both as a read and as a writer.
So great isn’t it!
A delightful post, the recipes, the links to the playlists and other lovely reads. But for me, today, the icing on the cake was the clip from the Sopranos!! I loved all the group meals, the cooking (especially when Clemenza made those meatballs!). And the line " leave the gun, take the cannoli". 😊
Such a great line! And thank you
Another fantastic collection! That Rhubarb, Radish, Pomegranate and Feta Salad looks and sounds phenomenal- will definitely be giving that one a go.
I can’t make tonight how unfortunately, but beyond excited for this weekend!
You have to have a night off before we tire you out!
Thanks so much for all this abundance!
Thank you Sarah!
I like the louder playlist the best. Andalucia is a beautiful place. If, or should I say, when, you should definitely have Cordoba and Seville on your list.
I actually thought of you as I posted it thinking ‘I know at least SOMEONE who will like it’. And I’m taking that as an official invitation, like it or not
Thanks, I’ll listen to it completely tonight. Always welcome, you can look after Boris the cat while we go on holiday.
DEAL
Believe it or not, Boris is pleased….