hey there

updates, recipes, photos

Things are happening at BM HQ. Paint is going up on the walls. Dirt is coming off of the floors. Hair is coming out of my head, tears are coming out of my eyes. Since I received the keys on August 1st, the meatball rolling down the hill has gained unbelievable momentum with each passing day. 

Brothmonger’s first Little Italy Days experience was a whirlwind. Seven days of a sleep deprived blur. My dad came into town for the weekend to help me with the festival and start priming at BM HQ. On Saturday, a slew of generous friends and neighbors volunteered their time to pick up a paint brush and hang out with my dad for the afternoon. A new friend joined me in the restaurant to help with the register and came packed to the brim with moral support all weekend. Many friends, neighbors and regulars braved the festival just to come support us. Every person who came up to order could not have been more kind. So many people congratulated me and inquired about the new space. At the end of the night on Saturday, after 15 hours of work, I sat down on a stool and cried. I was completely overwhelmed by the love in my life. I felt so lucky. Looking out the window at Liberty Avenue and seeing the street packed with people was chaotic but heartwarming and beautiful. 

Over the last two months, the newsletter has gained a lot of new subscribers. To those who are new here - welcome and thank you. In this issue, I would like to highlight some of my favorite issues from the past and know that someday I'll have the time to write recipes again. 

My favorite things I’ve written (in no particular ranking order)

What Can I Get For You - my most recent published newsletter where I share my restaurant experiences. The good, the bad, and the ugly. A Personal Essay On Friendship - a tandem piece about women who are in love with each other. The partner essay is An Acrostic Essay On Friendship by Kelsey Swintek of Lucky Rigatoni. What's Next - the first stream of consciousness I ever published. The first issue that was personal to me and didn’t include a recipe. It was shockingly well received and related with and it meant so much to me at a time when I felt very alone. Lentil & Burnished Onions - this one bridges the gap between favorite writing and favorite recipes but it’s mostly just about how much I love Taco Bell.

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My favorite recipes

Braised Green Beans - a great recipe and also a little bit about how much I love dating Ryan. Seriously, if you make these could you drop some off?

Mama Renee’s Chili - a recipe that, until now, was for paid subscribers only.

Golden Chicken Noodle - a recipe that I worked on for a year.

Sausage Tortellini - it wouldn’t be a recap without the OG.

Thank you for subscribing to the brothmailer. Your support means everything to me. Things are moving faster than expected at the brothel, which is great. I have full confidence that we will be operational by the fall. Here are some photos of what’s been going on over there -

Thank you
I love you
-the BMer