Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the things our editors have been digging on recently.
Sabahs
If you’ve followed the musings of this website for more than a few months, you probably already know our stance on sandals: unless you are a man on a beach, pool deck or Jesus of Nazareth, put those dogs away. “But what the heck am I supposed to wear when it’s 90 degrees out?” you ask. And the answer is always Sabahs. These Turkish leather slippers fit like a glove, feel like a second skin and offer surprising support and durability — my first pair has lasted me three years of near-daily summertime wear. Just beware: The first 2-3 wears are brutally uncomfortable. But don’t give up. Once they’re broken in, supreme comfort awaits. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
Brooklyn Walnut End Grain Butcher Block
Like cast iron, nice wood blocks require special (though not difficult) treatment. But it’s worth it: beyond functionality, these blocks look great as a serving tray or charcuterie board for get-togethers. Bonus: they’re local (to me). Here’s to no more scratched-to-hell plastic cutting boards, ever. — Athena Wisotsky, Senior Editor
Baxter of California Tortoise Shell Comb
My current comb has been a loyal companion for a decade now, but it’s time to say goodbye. One tooth is bent at a sinister angle, and as I drag it through my hair in the morning, eyes still crusty and heavy, it’s a toss-up whether I remember to use the proper side. This comb from Baxter’s is a handsome solution to that painful problem, and an easy call at just 20 bucks. Check out their hair products, too, if you’re running low. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor
Proof Nomad Pant
If you’re looking for a technical commuter pant, this is a great option that’s available in a variety of office-appropriate colors. Stretchy and comfortable with standard hip pockets that house covert zip-up pockets, and they’re also virtually stainproof. — Eli London, Director of Partnerships and User Acquisition
Creative Quest by Questlove
There is no shortage of books on creativity these days, but Questlove — the drummer, DJ and Late Night bandleader — takes a different approach from the genre’s typical self-help sensibility. From Bjork to David Byrne, Creative Quest is a look inside the mind of one of our generation’s most enigmatic but surprisingly down-to-earth minds. — Michael Nolledo, Deputy Editor/Chicago Editor
Eco at Heart Reusable Metal Straws
Did you all catch our State of Planet Earth round-table last week? The number of high-quality, grade-A, [Italian chef’s kiss] tidbits on living an Earth-friendly life therein could fill an ocean. Problem is, our plastic pollution already has that taken care of. So grab my hand, then together we’ll score these food-grade, rust-proof, smoothie-capable reusable metal straws and start cutting down on the 500 million plastic sippers we use each day in the U.S. — Alex Lauer, Associate Editor
Mugsy Jeans
I wore raw denim all winter, hoping it would break in. Nope: Still stiff and scratchy. Meanwhile, I threw on a pair of Mugsy Studio Blues last week while traveling and pretty much never took ‘em off. Incredibly flexible while still looking svelte, these jeans held up over myriad locations, a lot of spotty weather and a few spilled drinks. Denim purists be damned. — Kirk Miller, Managing Editor/Nation Editor
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
A cold brew liqueur from Australia, the just-released Mr. Black (possibly more of a Simpsons reference than a Reservoir Dogs nod) is produced from 100% Arabica coffees and tastes fantastic neat — honestly, like a good cold brew with a bit more kick. Not syrupy or too sweet, it also makes for some fantastic cocktails, including espresso martinis, coffee Negronis and “White Mike” Russians (try it with Macadamia milk — seriously).
But we know our crowd: here’s a riff on the Old Fashioned, now with a caffeine buzz.
COLD FASHIONED
45ml Mr. Black
30ml rye whiskey
Dash of orange bitters
Stir. Rocks. Garnish with an orange twist.
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