Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the stuff our editors have been digging on recently.
Bruno Toaster Grill
The Japanese offspring of a George Foreman grill and a toaster oven, the tabletop Bruno is a great option for any kitchen lacking for counter space (read: my Brooklyn apartment). But let’s be honest: we’ve mostly cottoned to this brave little appliance for its modish, midcentury-inspired good looks. If you own (or covet, but cannot afford) a Smeg refrigerator, Bruno will complement it perfectly. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
Alday Denim
If you prefer your jeans stiff, scratchy and abrasive to the skin, Alday will disappoint you dearly. Their open-knit fabric jeans, currently funding on Kickstarter, are as flexible as a car-dealership inflatable and will hug the thighs like your softest PJs. They weigh 10 oz. less than traditional denim, come in a couple different hues and just might have you excited for your commute. Take advantage of an Early Bird special, stat. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor
Black Ember Citadel Modular Pack
I like a backpack I can beat up, which normally means sacrificing style. Then I got my hands on the modular version of Black Ember’s Citadel pack. The blacked-out, IPX6 waterproof-rated bag looks like it was nabbed off the set of Mission: Impossible and has the futuristic magnetic accessories to match. We touted their wares back in January during their Kickstarter, but for those (rightfully) wary of backing projects, I’m happy to say this bag is out of the crowdfunding gauntlet and ready to ship. — Alex Lauer, Senior Editor
Onsen Bath Bundle
A towel set goes a very long way in a man’s quest of establishing himself as a functioning adult. While there’s something to be said for purposeful and tasteful decor juxtaposition, towels for the most part don’t fall into that category. And if I’m being even more candid, I’d say that most of you probably don’t wash them enough. So why not have an exact replica in rotation to ease the stress of not having a towel ready until aforementioned towel #1 is washed? Which is a convoluted way of saying that the Onsen bundle comes with two bath, hand and face towels, all currently at a discount. — Eli London, Director of Partnerships and User Acquisition
Post-It Extreme Notes
At first, I thought these were a joke, some terrible ‘90s flashback when every product was seemingly hopped up on Mountain Dew. Terrible “X-treme!” decade associations aside, these weather-resistant adhesives can apparently can stick to concrete, brick and painted wood. Given that actual Post-Its can’t seem to stick to anything, I’m game. Couple of passive-aggressive reminders comin’ your way, world, weather be damned. — Kirk Miller, Nation Editor/Managing Editor
Lucky Brand Triumph Embroidery Sweatshirt
Listen, had you told me when I went to my cousin’s wedding last week that I would wind up walking into a Lucky Brand store and buying something, I would have called you a liar and perhaps put up my dukes. But dammit if they didn’t snag me as I walked past with this handsome embroidered joint, part of their ongoing collab with British motorcycle mavens Triumph. I like heather grey sweatshirts, I like Triumph motorcycles, and now, apparently, I like Lucky Brand as well. Who knew. — Danny Agnew, Creative Director
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
Midtown New York has a dearth of great cocktail bars, but Lantern’s Keep, hidden within The Iroquois Hotel New York, proudly emulates the pre-Prohibition style of the late, great Sasha Petraske (the guru behind Milk & Honey and pretty much every great cocktail bar of the last decade). Alongside a secret menu, the speakeasy just unveiled a quarterly cocktail class for guests. We got to try it out and successfully mixed up a Night Train, a gin cocktail shaken with honey, cream and raspberries (which, fun fact, don’t need muddling, because the ice’ll crush ’em during the shaking). If you’re staying in NYC, you can book the 45-minute class on a first-come, first-serve basis through the hotel’s concierge.
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