TASTE: VIDERI CHOCOLATE FACTORY
So we were just in Raleigh, NC launching our pop-up shop at Raleigh Denim, and little did we know there’d be such a treat just one block away. When asking where the best local coffee was, they simply said Videri. Oh, but it’s so much more than just a damn good cup of coffee (they roast their coffee in house as well). Walking into this gem was not unlike entering a more mature chocolate factory of the famed Mr. Wonka. (We met the owner here, and his name is Sam, not Willie, just FYI. He’s a heck of a nice guy too!) The old brick building was redone to the 9’s, and upon entering your eyes and nose are wonderfully assaulted with all things chocolate (and coffee)! They make their chocolate right there, so you can pass through the cafe’ and watch the entire process - and oh, is it divine! Add a shot of espresso to the ice blended chocolate milk and the cocoa nibs to your oatmeal, and dear morning joy that’s downright heavenly!
LISTEN: LEONARD BERNSTEIN
“The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies and his life just to make sure that one note follows another... and leaves us with the feeling that something is right in the world.” There are more than enough reasons to listen to Leonard Bernstein, but because of the #BernsteinAt100 movement, we wanted to give you another one. “Leonard Bernstein at 100” is the worldwide celebration of the 100th birthday of the composer, conductor, educator, musician, cultural ambassador, and humanitarian. It officially began on August 25, 2017, which was Bernstein’s 99th birthday, and continues through his 100th year until August 25, 2019. On this page you will find resources to help you discover his works in addition to news of events celebrating him around the world. If you’re not overly familiar with his work, then give his catalogue a gander and you’ll realize that the genius of Bernstein has influenced the world around us more than you might know.
READ: A PLACE FOR US - A Novel by Fatima Farheen Mirza
When a book is written this well, it’s so easy to see the humanity in all of us and the relationships we hold no matter what region, religion, or race. This instant New York Times best seller does just that. As an Indian wedding gathers a family back together, it brings two parents to a forced reckoning of the life choices their children have made. An eldest daughter, a middle child and an estranged son are brought together for the first time in three years. It’s a subtly powerful and touching family tale that anyone can identify with by relating to a character in the novel. The book offers an intuitive look at family dynamics and the tender simplicity of bonds and internal interactions. Every family member trying to grow and evolve while being challenged by their own limitations - and a family as a whole - treads between two cultures, seeking to find their place in the world, as well as a path home. A Place for Us is a book for our times, a book descriptive of identity and belonging, and a resonant portrait of what it means to be an American family today. We very highly suggest this read.
IMBIBE: THE LAST STRAW
In its proper part of speech, “the last straw” is a noun defined as: “the last of a succession of irritations, incidents, remarks, etc., that leads to a loss of patience, a disaster, etc.” Well, that couldn’t be any further from the proper way to describe this awesome new bar in downtown Austin. The press is calling it, “A New Tropical Bar That Previews Tiki Cocktails.” They themselves say that they are simply “Serving Vacation by the Hour,” and we couldn’t agree more. This new joint is a powerhouse of sweetness, contrived and built by some of our city’s best, brightest and coolest artists, bar owners and restaurateurs. The design, munchies and beverages bring together some of the funnest jams in the country. Want a staycation and a great time? Go here.
WATCH: LAST CHANCE U
Ok, we know we featured a football show in the Saturday Six a few weeks back, but dang, this Emmy nominated one is so good we just couldn’t pass up the share. Last Chance U is a powerful documentary series about the gigantic culture of high school football and it’s many social, mental, physical and emotional attributes. The strength and power of the game in small towns like Independent, KS, searches hard to find a coach to reconcile them from their horribly tragic losing streak. Through this process, you get to experience the strain, pain and victory that accompanies the coaches, teachers and players who you grow to love and admire. Watch the preview until the end and see when coach Brown tells the team, “There’s no greater thing than doing something nobody expected you to do.”
ADMIRE: STEPHANIE RAGER
Stephanie Rager (aka “A Dapper Line”) is a super force of beauty and talent. Luckily we’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with her personally and watch her create stunning and intrinsic illustrations, mighty murals and traffic stopping signage. While walking in LA, you’re likely to see her golden touches of color hidden like treasures in the sand of the city. You can learn more about her here, and while viewing her work know that (we can attest) she is so very humble, peaceful and kind that it is beyond impressive to see these dynamic creations come from such elegant strength.