The Round Up: September 2025
Food:
We’ve discovered a handful of North Shore (and North Shore–adjacent) spots we’re excited to explore. First up on our little food tour was Kouzina in Peabody, MA. The Greek food was absolutely delicious, and it’s definitely earned a spot in our regular dinner rotation.
I just cooked my first recipe from Dan Pelosi’s new book Let’s Party! When I spotted the grilled zucchini caprese, I knew it would be the perfect end-of-summer dish—and it did not disappoint. Easy to make, fresh, and absolutely delicious!
We had a fantastic date night at Nine Elm in Danvers, MA. This cozy local spot serves up outstanding New England–inspired cuisine. The highlight was the lobster ravioli, paired with the most incredible corn sauce I’ve ever tasted. Every dish we tried was perfectly prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients—an experience we’ll definitely be going back for.
We took some friends to try Noah’s Kitchen, and it did not disappoint! The food was absolutely incredible, with so many tempting options on the menu. I’d recommend stepping a little outside your comfort zone and trying some of the more traditional dishes—you’ll thank me later.
This month, I had the honor of working with Petrusco Caviar, and it was such a treat. The delivery was seamless, and the flavor was outstanding. I prepared it two ways: first, in my classic style with finely diced white onion, hard-boiled egg, crème fraîche, and chives; and second, in a more playful twist—served on McDonald’s chicken nuggets with crème fraîche and chives. Both were delicious, and I loved the contrast between the timeless and the unexpected. (https://www.petruscocaviar.com/GRACIE51030)
I didn’t get a picture, but this month I finally had the chance to try Conmole in Charlottesville, VA—and it was absolutely delicious. The food was fantastic, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier.
Obviously, if I’m in Charlottesville, VA, a stop at Cou Cou Rachou for pastries and coffee is a must. They’re doing everything right—10/10 for aesthetic, technique, and flavor. Zero complaints. If you’re within an hour of Charlottesville, do yourself a favor and swing by. And don’t leave without grabbing a pack of their homemade English muffins for your freezer—you’ll thank me later.
I finally made it to Dorchester, MA to try the beloved Comfort Kitchen, and the meal was truly stunning. Their approach to global comfort cuisine is no joke. We started with some inventive cocktails, then shared the okra, eggplant, pork chops, fish chowder, and rhubarb tiramisu. Every dish was thoughtful, unique, and absolutely delicious. That fish chowder, in particular, is one I’ll be dreaming about for a long time.
I recently came across Cabbages World’s Charred Cabbage Caesar, and it’s easily one of the best recipes I’ve made in a while. It reminds me of the incredible cabbage dish at Lutèce in Washington, DC—restaurant-quality flavor, yet surprisingly simple to put together.
September also means it’s Jewish High Holiday season! For Rosh Hashanah this year, we celebrated at my in-laws’ house, and I brought dessert and challah. I made Sivan’s Kitchen Honey Cake, which was a huge hit—it reminded me of a Jewish gingerbread loaf, as well as some chewy almond cookies. And of course, I baked my famous, perfect challah.
I had a very random craving for Allison Roman’s caramelized shallot pasta so I had to made it! I served it with a simple side salad of shaved fennel and arugula to cut the richness. This recipe is so good and was such a recipe of the COVID times.
Other:
I attended Dan Pelosi’s book tour for his new cookbook Let’s Party, and the event was such a delight. Dan and Gus were so welcoming and genuinely took the time to say hello and chat with everyone there. I can’t wait to dive into this cookbook—the recipes look both delicious and approachable, and I love that each chapter is designed as a complete menu for a dinner party.
I finished The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon this month and absolutely loved it. The story follows Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer in rural Maine in the 1780’s, as she becomes entangled in a shocking murder case while facing the threat of being displaced by a newly arrived male physician.
September means Fall time is upon us, and Fall means darker nail colors. I have recently purchased and used Essie’s Boho Rodeo. Talk about the perfect Fall nail color!
I have been going for facials at Estrela Skincare and I have found that when my esthetician uses the high frequency wand on my breakouts, it really helps. So I actually found one to have at home (from Luvia) and it has been game changing!
Lenny:
