Samantha M. Lopez 1/10/25 Samantha M. Lopez 1/10/25

Winter Solstice, “Holidaze” and the Thrill of a New Year

December begins and suddenly life is going fast-forward straight to New Years Eve, to the end of the year when we’re all toasting to making it over the imaginary finish line. This year I promised myself to stay organized and avoid the holiday rush, the stress. I finished almost all of my Christmas shopping weeks before the 24th, met all my deadlines and thankfully kept all of my social commitments despite a couple of curveballs. My life and home have been in a state of positive disruption ever since the month got started. I spent the second weekend in December purging more than half of my closet and decided to look closely at how much unnecessary I was living with and rid myself of the non-essentials. A lot of Doechii, a lot of Grupo Niche. I was preparing to welcome the new year with a clean and tidy home and lots of positivity.

Sunset on the Empire State while I realize I’m in front of the church from that one Sex in the City episode.

Leo cozied up in his blanket by the tree.

Leo, my sister’s yorkie-poo, wasn’t feeling his usual self since arriving in New York, and after a hectic couple of days rushing him back and forth to vets and hospitals, we were all so happy to hear his sonogram was completely normal.

Saturday was the official winter solstice, and the streets were just blanketed with several inches of snow early that morning. The first snow of the season on the first day of winter felt romantic to me, a bit of whimsy on my commute to the city to go see the Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy exhibit inside The Shed at Hudson Yards. It was recently extended through February 23rd, and it was a pretty visually thrilling way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Kenny Scharf’s Painted Chair Swing Ride.

Just a few steps away from below freezing temperatures of the city outside, Luna Luna’s a warm and welcoming showcase of the world’s first art amusement park — a large scale installation featuring attractions and carnival rides by visionary artists of the 20th century including Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Sonia Delaunay, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and more. André Heller, the Austrian artist and mastermind behind Luna Luna first unveiled this exhibition in Hamburg, Germany in 1987.

For over three decades the rides’ disassembled parts sat sealed away and forgotten in 44 separate shipping containers in Texas, and now they have come alive again in New York City, rich with history and captivating stories displayed throughout the space. The soundtrack was exceptional, featuring music from André 3000, David Byrne and Mark Pritchard. A carousel, a mirror room, interactive playground, ferris wheel, and a real wedding chapel where you can get married or attend a service, Luna Luna is a multi-sensory experience with a lot to explore.

On our way out we stopped by LA Colombe for some refreshing seltzer and hot coffees to keep us warm on our walk and get us ready for homemade pasta at Pasta Eater on 17th. But not before stopping by the highline on 30th Street and 10th Avenue to take a better photo of Iván Argote’s colossal pigeon sculpture called “Dinosaur” that has quickly become my favorite neighborhood landmark.

Perched over the intersection observing passerby’s on the street below, the 21-foot tall sculpture references the pigeon’s ancestors who millions of years ago dominated the globe, as humans do today. The name serves as a reference to extinction, and is meant to be a reminder none of us are exempt from mortality.

“Dinosaur” on the highline, 30th Street and 10th Avenue.

The night before Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), I finished wrapping all of the gifts and prepared the requested tiramisu to sit and perfect overnight in the fridge. Years ago I would have waited until day-of to do everything and wonder why it felt like so much pressure. In the morning, I sipped my coffee as I looked out my window at the snow covered street, grateful for these moments that I get to be together with my family. We shared a meal made by all: my dad made a mix of roasted golden potatoes and sweet potatoes, my mom made perfectly roasted chicken, Charles and I made spinach rice, buttery green beans with toasted almonds, and of course, a salad. My brother in law made regular and spicy spoonbread that was super flavorful. And for dessert, the tiramisu I made the night before and a classic flan my parents made.

Sunday night the city was buzzing with energy and distracted tourists. New Years Eve only three days away, I had spent most of Christmas break trying to catch up to my to-do list. On the bright side, Leo’s bloodwork improved and his vet gave him a clean bill of health. I was in Midtown picking up last-minute things for New Years Eve and freezing my face off. I accidentally wound up on fifth avenue, surrounded by LED party-pedicabs and wide-eyes allured by retail holiday decorations. It was too cold to walk around, especially slowed down at half the usual “city” speed. Making it back to Queens, the air was so crisp and still I could hear the train rolling from miles away. I couldn’t wait to be home, shedding layers upon layers, scarves, gloves and a big fluffy scarf, dropping all my bags - I felt so much relief to escape the brutal cold.

This year I wanted to make a drink we could all share together - something like a mocktail since not everyone can drink but would allow for the addition of some sparking wine or a clear spirit for those of us that do, too. I made decorative ice cubes with pomegranate seeds and small rosemary sprigs as a festive garnish, and brought along seltzer water, cranberry juice, and Agarena Cava Rosé Brut.

My New Years Eve cocktail: cranberry juice and seltzer with Agarena Cava Rosé Brut, plus decorative ice.

I usually disagree with my Spotify Wrapped but my 2024 was definitely big on Morad’s.

Spectacularly flavorful rib roast after several hours of roasting.

None of us have had ribs this good in years! The gravy took everything over the top.

My dad made roasted golden and sweet potatoes, Charles made an amazing rib roast with an intense gravy, and I made a salad and toasted almond green beans again (too good not to repeat). I later quickly put together a batch of Nutella pastry swirls that were ready as soon as midnight crept up on us.

A very sweet New Years Eve. And the start of another year to come. As much as I’m over winter already and ready for Spring, I do love these months when the house sparkles.

Flowers for my parents 51st Wedding Anniversary

For now, I’ve approached January as I always have, with optimism and as much excitement as possible, but his time with less of the unnecessary, the extra that can burden. And as it should be! Have less. Savor more.

Samantha M. Lopez 1/3/25 Samantha M. Lopez 1/3/25

Recipe: The Perfect Tiramisu

Likely my family’s favorite dessert, Tiramisu is the one I’ve practiced making most of all, and I like to believe I’ve perfected the recipe that my family loves so much. As a New Yorker, and Colombian coffee enthusiast, this dessert expertly covers the textures and flavors that I so love.

COURSE // Dessert

Prep Time: 45 minutes Servings: 9

Ingredients:

6 egg yolks
1 cup sugar, divided
1 cup heavy cream, cold from the fridge
8 ounces of mascarapone cheese (usually 1 package)
1 cup boiling water
3 tablespoons of dark roast coffee (for brewing) or 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 packages of ladyfingers or Savoiardi in Italian (this time I substituted with 2 packages of Stella D'oro Margherite Chocolate & Vanilla Cookies in lieu of spongey lady fingers and it worked out wonderfully)
2 ounces of bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate for grating

Instructions: 

Prepare Tiramisu

Set aside a 9×9-inch baking pan or dish. (Preferably glass or ceramic)
Make 1 cup of strong coffee and pour into a wide, shallow bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of sugar to coffee and stir until the sugar dissolves. Set the bowl aside. Optional: add 2 tablespoons of marsala wine (my loved ones and I are not fans)
You will need a double boiler. If you have one, use it. If you’re like me and don’t, find a heat-safe bowl that fits over a small saucepan. Fill the saucepan with an inch or two of water and place over medium-low heat. Bring the water to a simmer.
With the heat-safe bowl still on the counter, add the egg yolks and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Beat with a handheld electric mixer at medium speed until frothy, 20 to 30 seconds.
Place the bowl over the simmering water, and continue to beat on medium using an electric hand mixer until the mixture has tripled in volume, looks pale yellow, and the beaters leave distinct tracks as you move them through it, 5 to 7 minutes. Every recipe I’ve seen says 10 minutes but I find it’s much closer to half that amount and have made the mistake of over-beating only because I was trying to follow directions. Don’t be like me!
(Look for a thin ribbon that falls from the beaters when lifted from the bowl.) Do not stop beating until you do, and keep the water below at a low simmer during this step (otherwise, you risk scrambling the eggs). 
Remove the bowl from the heat, and while it is still hot, beat in the mascarpone cheese until just combined. Set aside to cool. 
In a clean bowl with clean beaters, whip the cream (still cold from the fridge) until it reaches medium-firm peaks. As you pull the beaters away, the peaks will hold for a bit and then slowly fall back - that’s when it’s perfect.   
Use a spatula to delicately fold half of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Then, repeat with the remaining whipped cream. The whipped cream will slightly deflate, but the mixture should be light and airy.

Assemble Tiramisu

Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee for a few seconds and line the bottom of the dish. Depending on the shape of your dish, you might need to break a few into pieces to fit.
Spoon half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers and spread into an even layer. Grate half of the chocolate over the filling.
Dip the remaining ladyfingers into the coffee and arrange a second layer over the grated chocolate.
Spoon the remaining mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, and finish by grating more chocolate to cover the top completely.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, add more grated chocolate and leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Slice into squares and serve.

Samantha M. Lopez 12/7/24 Samantha M. Lopez 12/7/24

November: Apples, Cinnamon and Gratitude

A drought warning was declared for New York City for the first time in two decades and it has been unusually warm for weeks. Novembers in New York are significantly less frigid now, but everyone is still fighting the urge to play Mariah Carey and jokes about pumpkin spice lattes abound. There’s no fighting the holiday hum. Everything seems to go in warped speed after November 1st, until I catch my breath on December 31st and hope for the best in the coming year. This time, I wanted to enjoy these moments worth remembering while they happen. One of my dearest friends offered to host a Friendsgiving at her place which was an amazing opportunity to spend time with my girlfriends. I’ve made it a goal to make more time to see my friends, all of them — especially those that have been in my life for so many years. Twenty years of friendship, baby! I love these girls like family. But first up, was Thanksgiving with my family.

It was only the four of us this year, as my sister and brother-in-law would be celebrating from their home in Colorado this year. However small and intimate our dinner, we never miss an opportunity to make something special for each other. We decided to skip the turkey and roast a chicken marinated in citrus and herbs instead, a swap all of us agreed with and preferred.

For sides my mom and dad made plátano con queso, mashed papas criollas (or Andean potatoes), and I made toasted almond green beans, Korean sweet potatoes in spicy brown butter pistachio sauce, navel orange and cranberry sauce, and a cucumber, tomato and shaved carrot salad in French vinaigrette.

Korean batata in spicy brown butter pistachio sauce

Gathered pan drippings for intensely delicious gravy

I also experimented with a savory twist on a puff pastry recipe I frequently go-to and was pleasantly surprised with how well it complimented everything on our plate. Everything but the bagel seasoning has been such an excellent contribution to society.

For dessert I made an apple streusel loaf with a vanilla glaze that’s good enough to put on everything. As much as I tried to fool myself into thinking the recipe was simple, it took all of the mixing bowls I had and a lot of triple checking for accuracy, but I thoroughly enjoyed the step by step crawl toward apple and cinnamon-flavored perfection. I was so thrilled to be able to share it with my loved ones.

Preparing ingredients for the apple streusel loaf and glaze

Apple streusel loaf with vanilla glaze topping

Friendsgiving got postponed to the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which meant a lot of us were still unsure of what to make or bring but I don’t think anything could stop us from having fun together, especially when we realize how much we still share in common so many years later. Cracking up like we did in the middle of that lunchroom cafeteria, we had to take a moment and reflect on how beautiful it is to still know each other, and still love each other too. Our host did a spectacular job as host, her home is gorgeous and filled with so much warmth.

Charcuterie, olives, cheese, crackers and positivity

Pastries, chocolate covered strawberries and grapes, pineapple and orange, homemade coquito

We munched on delightful charcuterie, cheeses and fruit, patisserie and chocolate covered fruit. Drank seltzer in abundance, as well as homemade coquito and wine. These are the girls that I grew up with, we became women together - seeing ourselves succeed and struggle throughout different points in our lives but always rooting for each other. I admire these girls more than they will ever know.

Samantha M. Lopez 10/21/24 Samantha M. Lopez 10/21/24

October, My Muse and Moment of Magic

October has always been my favorite month, not just because it’s my birth month, but because it feels like everything aligns perfectly: the crisp air, golden light, the scent of cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin weaving through every bakery and cafe. New York City thrives wrapped in the warmth of autumn. Halloween’s creeping closer, it’s peak farmers market season and there’s that sense of joyful anticipation in the air.

I prefer to keep my birthday plans simple, understated. I find applying less pressure on having fun actually turns out to be more joyful for me. So I figured the best way to kick off the month would be with one of my favorite things: an outdoor show, surrounded by my best friends. The show promised the kind of electric energy I was craving, and it didn’t disappoint. Kaytranada, Channel Tres, and Sam Gellaitry put together a 4-hour DJ set that was an electric collaborative dance party. The music flowed through the crowd like an unstoppable current, pulling everyone in, bodies moving in rhythm together synced to the pulse of the universe. Losing myself in the music, in the atmosphere, in the joy of being there with the people I love most, I felt grateful for life and another year around the sun.

I’d be lying if I said that I don’t routinely look forward to being taken out to dinner for my birthday. I am lucky to be married someone so thoughtful he researches restaurants until narrowing down options I’ll find interesting, menus filled with plenty of things I’ll love, and then excitedly say, “I knew that was for you” when I order precisely what he predicted. This year, the cuisine was southern Italian and the drinks were aromatic. Everything on Pasta Louise’s menu is made entirely from scratch - the sauces, breads, desserts, and of course, pasta. They feature a different shape of fresh pasta daily, which adds to the communal experience. Or at least I like to think so, since as it turned out, John Turturro was sitting at the table right behind us.

We ordered a chicken parmigiana starter, first time seeing that on a list of appetizers so it was practically a no-brainer, along with a farro salad with delicata squash, kale, pomegranate, ricotta salata, sunflower seeds and lemon vinaigrette that I am still thinking about to this day. So similar to something we make at home, I’m going to have to recreate this dish at home very soon. The pasta shape of the day was rigatoni, and for our mains my husband had a Creamy Wild Mushroom pasta with five different wild mushrooms while I had to try their Spicy Red Pesto. Both of us added cannellini beans, crispy prosciutto and arugula. Mine accidentally came with burrata but I was certainly not disappointed about that. Lasting thoughts, cannellini beans are extremely underrated and crispy prosciutto is my favorite version of prosciutto ever.

This month, I also discovered that Mariah Carey had released an expansive collection of House music remixes of her songs from the 1990’s through the 2000’s. She re-recorded vocals and added new melodies, building on multiple layers in her songs. A complete change of sound from the music that we already knew and loved. Daydream and Butterfly were tremendously influential to me as a child and a (secretly) aspiring singer. I remember sitting on the floor directly in front of the stereo, eagerly adding my CD to the rotating mix and flipping through the album booklet as it played, taking in the lyrics and rehearsing the highest notes.

Hearing so many of my favorite songs beautifully reimagined has made my month, maybe my year. It has been my soundtrack for this entire month and likely the rest of the year. I feel like everyone needs to know, I lived these many years completely unaware! Which brings up something else I feel strongly about, why are contemporary songs so short now? Successful albums and singles (ones I love too) barely include songs past the three minute mark anymore. Chugging along life to ten minute House remixes of songs from 1995 really makes the distinction. Honestly, we need to bring the genre back.

I’ll be clinging onto this moment for as long as I can. After Halloween is over, it’s Election week and before we know it the next couple of months race by at lightning speed. Holiday season is stressful of course, but for now I’ll just focus on getting to reunite and spend time with my sister again, as she always comes back to New York City to spend Christmas with all of us together. November, I’m ready for you.

Samantha M. Lopez 10/9/24 Samantha M. Lopez 10/9/24

KAYTRANADA Timeless Tour 2024, with Channel Tres, Sam Gellaitry @Forest Hills Stadium

I had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to see KAYTRANADA live since at least 2016 when 99% dropped. I thought it finally was the right time four years ago, until the Corona virus happened and the tour was canceled. Which is why as soon as I saw he was doing a Timeless tour and performing at one of my favorite small stadiums in NYC, I had to buy tickets immediately. Sold out back-to-back Friday and Saturday nights’ shows, I knew we were in for a very good time.

It seemed like the perfect way to kick off my birthday celebrations this year, so I invited a couple of my best friends and their partners and we all got ready to dance and have a good time. The show started on the early side which was nice for a change. Doors opened at 5, giving us a moment to grab drinks and a bite to eat before Scottish DJ Sam Gellaitry opened with his set. I wasn’t familiar with his music except for his collab with PinkPantheress which was easily one of my favorite songs from 2022. My friend from LA was thrilled for me when I mentioned his name, letting me know his time with Soulection cemented a devoted fan base on the West, so I looked forward to checking out his live set. It seemed like most of the crowd didn’t know him well either. He played a lot of unreleased music as well as some Charli XCX and a 2006 Teriyaki Boyz throwback to get people moving while everyone made it inside and the stadium slowly filled up.

Channel Tres
Photo Credit: Samantha M. Lopez

Next was Channel Tres. The Compton rapper and producer has a very distinct voice and sound I was excited to hear live. But it was his stage presence that set him apart. He didn’t DJ, instead he and his backup dancers had perfected choreography for each song he played.

This was a headliner worthy set and show. Performing my favorites including “Controller,” “Cactus Water,” “I’ve Been in Love,” “6am” and of course “Topdown” — we were having an incredible time watching the sun set in the background dancing to the rhythm.

KAYTRANADA
Photo Credit: Samantha M. Lopez

At 8pm sharp, KAYTRANADA made it to the stage. Setting up a stemmed glass of white wine right above his mixing board, the Hatian-Canadian producer opened with his album opening track “Pressure” before going into his set, which mostly consisted of his three main albums, 99%, BUBBA, and Timeless, as well as songs from Intimidated and At All.

Taking breaks to sip from his glass, he also played some of his biggest produced songs including GoldLink’s Meditation, and Victoria Monét’s Alright. The transitions between songs were seamless, the baseline vibrating through the crowd with dazzling pyrotechnics illuminating the swaying crowd. Everyone was moving, it was impossible not to.

KAYTRANADA matched the energy and playful spirit of his songs, singing along to his tracks and doing his signature drop during “Be Your Girl.” Ethereal visuals during Witchy, striking poses during “Dance Dance Dance Dance,” the crowd feeling every bit of the contagious energy. It was a perfect set, divided into two halves: the first half of the show was upbeat, the second slower and smoother.

“This ain’t no concert man, this is a party!” he exclaimed toward the end of his set, and he certainly delivered an electric, visually stunning dance party. An ode to his catalogue, it was obvious that the overwhelming theme and feeling of levity was his ability to entertain and foster an environment that feels divine, and brings thousands of people together.

Samantha M. Lopez 9/2/24 Samantha M. Lopez 9/2/24

Summer of Mulberry, Bettica Jugíto de Mora

There are few things I’ve enjoyed as much as I have re-watching the original worldwide success that was Betty La Fea. Growing up in the 2000’s, there was no escaping the show since it went on to be adapted in close to 20 different countries, each using the basic set up: an “ugly” but brilliantly intelligent woman succeeding in a beauty-driven industry, as a springboard to tell decidedly local stories to each country. It was relatable, funny, and best of all original. When the USA adapted an American version produced by Salma Hayak for ABC, I excitedly tried to watch only to see the nuances lost in the adaptation as well as translation.

Since Betty La Fea made its debut before TV shows became only a short 8 episode ride, for 169 episodes you see multiple storylines and witness real character development. But probably the most relatable thing about Betty for me is her love of mora, also known as mulberry. Throughout the show, she is often seen ordering mulberry juice she endearingly calls “jugíto de mora,” sometimes in bars and restaurants we would understand don’t serve juice. She doesn’t enjoy drinking alcohol or feeling drunk, and orders juice every time. Although I don’t abstain from alcohol, I don’t exactly look forward to drinking during the week or weekends like I used to anymore. Where I used to make myself drinks at home regularly, I’ve lately preferred a coffee or sparkling water instead.

Although we unfortunately don’t have mulberries in America, thankfully plenty is imported so that I’ve been able to make my own, or find it at Colombian/Latin American restaurants. My friends come over and I can’t wait to offer them a chilled glass. Like Betty, I’ve grown even more fond of the intensely tart and sweet unique flavor of mora, and last week my photo album proved it to me.

Samantha M. Lopez 9/1/24 Samantha M. Lopez 9/1/24

Virginia is for Lovers (And Memories)

After couple of years before we got married, my husband and I took a long weekend trip to Virginia Beach. It was a random day trip even back then, but it’s a coastal city that has always been dear to me. This summer, it seemed daunting trying to land on a destination to celebrate our Anniversary. We always agree that we should have considered getting married during any other month but August. August is hot, muggy, and uncomfortable. August is peak hurricane season, and everything is booked everywhere and everyone is busy there. It’s the crunch right before summer ends and all of us are desperate to enjoy the last sliver that remains. Thirteen years ago, the last week of August was the only time that fit into our busy schedules dominated by school, work and more work — we naively didn’t plan on that being our Anniversary date for the rest of our lives. Some things you just don’t consider as a young adult so excited to get married.

For the drive, we rented a regular mid-size sedan, and upon arrival were offered a free upgrade to a convertible Mustang. Did they know we were planning a road trip? Not too a far drive from New York, we left the city at 8:30am and arrived just about fifteen minutes before check-in to our hotel right before 3:00pm. As soon as we arrived, we pretty much dropped everything and made a beeline toward the oceanfront balcony, setting our sights on the Atlantic brightly reflecting the sun toward every direction. It’s where we gravitated to the entire time we stayed. The sound of the ocean truly one of the most comforting and gratifying sounds.

On the beach, grieving the sunglasses I lost to a massive wave while swimming in the ocean

On the evening of our Anniversary, after spending the day under the sun, on the beach and cruising around, we had dinner at Quemar, a Wood-Fired Mexican and Latin American Restaurant that was surprisingly close by. Everything on the menu sounded fresh and inspired. To start, we ordered a margarita flight, an elote inspired dish of grilled corn and crema, as well as the grilled carrots starter.

Quemar Margarita Flight — Margarita flight: piña colada, raspberry paloma, peach

“Always order a grilled carrot plate when you see it,” my husband said and he was absolutely right. Grilled carrot with a cherry-raisin gastrique, arugula almond pesto and almond puree that tasted like halva. We’re insisting on making our own version at home since we haven’t stopped bringing it up. I asked for the chicken al pastor tacos, my husband the short rib burrito. For dessert we ordered the churros with both caramel rum and chocolate sauce. The perfect bite after such a lovely meal.

Churros with caramel rum & chocolate sauces

The next day we went on a dolphin watching tour, explored the Virginia Aquarium and went to Azar's Mediterranean Grill for lunch. Spanakopita, beef kibbi, chicken kebab and the comfort of a perfect peasant salad is always comforting but especially away from home. After spending the rest of the day exploring the shops and drinking way too much coffee, we picked up some dinner from a nearby pizzeria that had a lot going on. I wasn’t aware of the rise in pizza popularity, but as a New Yorker there were mixed feelings about that for sure.

Aquarium exhibit — Virginia Beach Aquarium

Every night we’d go back to our room, get into comfortable clothes and step out to the balcony to listen to the waves crashing. Around midnight the moon would line up perfectly with our room, peeking in like a friendly visitor. Moonlight reflecting a path through the water so beautiful. In the morning dolphins can be seen swimming and jumping frantically in the background while people swim near the shore and sunbathe on the sand. The boardwalk is alive with tourists, cyclists, and locals trying to navigate around those tourists and cyclists. Slowly the action dissipates and by 9:00pm the beach and boardwalk have slowed down to a lull. People walking their dogs, making their way home, dates coming to a close. The ocean both a steady backdrop and center of it all.

I’ve learned to remind myself to enjoy moments like this and take them in, hold them close for as long as possible. Feeling close to the earth doesn’t have to mean the same thing to everyone, but whatever it does is worth exploring.

‘Til next time, Virginia Beach.

Samantha M. Lopez 8/2/24 Samantha M. Lopez 8/2/24

Old Souls, New Pretzels, and a Whiff of History

Considering the proximity between our cities, I’m surprised the first time I’d actually visit Philadelphia wouldn’t be until this summer. I expected similarities given the endless comparisons between the two, but the history displayed throughout so many parts of the city felt distinct to New York’s. Unique to itself, the bustle between streets above and underground during rush hour felt familiar, but not as much as the smell of burnt pretzels wafting through the streets.

Some of my favorite moments:

Spring Garden Street Tunnel under Philadelphia Museum of Art — **Spring Garden Street Tunnel under the Philadelphia Museum of Art**

Philadelphia City Center West — **City Center West: Government of the People and Municipal Services Building Jacques Lipchitz, 1975**
A tribute to democracy, the piece depicts human figures spiraling upward. A family at the bottom represents the wellspring of life. A the top, a man and woman raise a shop symbolizing the banner of Philadelphia. The interweaving forms suggest the complex effort and mutual reliance needed to sustain a democratic government.

Liberty Place — **Downtown Philadelphia**

Samantha M. Lopez 7/30/24 Samantha M. Lopez 7/30/24

Beyond the Skyline: New York City’s Beautiful Beaches

Summer in New York is in a league of its own. A scoop of Ralph’s Italian ices walking on the boardwalk, walking through Central Park, and of course, the obligatory beach day. New York beaches have a bad rap because there are simply so many better beaches everywhere else. But that doesn’t mean that there’s anything so repugnant about beaches on the East Coast. This summer, after years of not making the time to go, I finally said “let’s go to the beach this weekend.” And so we did.

In our typical fashion, my husband made big deli-style sandwiches and pulled snacks from our pantry while I cut up fruit and packed all other essentials: hydroflask filled with ice water, sunblock spray, comfortable/waterproof surface to lay on and a small portable speaker. Headed to Nassau County’s Long Beach Barrier Island to hang out with the sun for a couple of hours. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder since I saw the beach in a new way this time. Appreciating how warm and clean the sand was, the peacefulness of it all.

Samantha M. Lopez 5/14/24 Samantha M. Lopez 5/14/24

An Enemy of the People @Circle in the Square Theatre

Adapted and reconceptualized by couple Amy Herzog (playwright) and Sam Gold (theater director), Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s classic 1882 play is a visceral, emotional and honest look at how society deals with politically inconvenient truths and community pressure. The play concerns Dr. Thomas Stockmann (Jeremy Strong), a widowed physician who has moved back to his hometown with his daughter Petra (Victoria Pedretti) as appointed medical director of the new Baths which are set to open in warmer weather as a booming business for the town. After discovering through secretly carried out tests that the water supply for the baths is polluted by the runoff from local tanneries and is teaming with bacteria, he feels a duty to public safety and his hometown to inform before it’s too late. When he notifies the local newspaper, its editor Hovstad and local printer Aslaksen who are representative of the town’s middle class and majority of voters, initially appreciate the doctor’s noble discovery and laude him a local hero before eagerly agreeing to publish the truth in The People’s Messenger. However, when his brother Peter Stockmann (Michael Imperioli), the Mayor and Chairman of the Baths, gets wind of the news he is enraged with his brother for not consulting him first and seeks to keep this information suppressed.

He as well as stockholders would inevitably be blamed for the oversight, as well as the exorbitant cost and time it would take to repair and restore. Though initially supportive of Dr. Stockmann’s urgency to inform the town about the upcoming health crisis, the Mayor quickly turns Hovstad and Aslaksen against the doctor when he threatens that the town will have to pay to fix the mistakes of the baths’ design through taxes. It will take at least three years to change the water supply too, during which time baths will have to be shut down, completely destroying what was set to be prosperous enterprise for the town. In that moment, the doctor turned whistleblower goes from hero to pariah, deemed an “enemy of the people” for his truth. Strong and Imperioli (also in his Broadway debut) are well-matched. Their flashes of youthful brotherly antagonism are quite fun, giving the play some solid laughs.

Several changes were made to the original play, modernizing the language, removing characters and reducing others to a mention, toning down Dr. Stockmann’s manic-depressive episodes, and most notably combining key characters Katherine and Petra into one. Petra’s character comes across stronger this way, a progressive thinker willing to defend her father while still trapped in her limited choices. This adaptation resonates today, since it reminds us of the nature of people and how they often disregard the common good for their own welfare. Individualism, self-interest, and mob mentality have always been popular. Politics then as politics now.

Circle in the Square theater is a small, intimate venue with an oblong stage in the center, running the length and width of the floor. Interludes set the tone and mood, characters singing Norwegian songs with changes of scenes, props removed and pieces set directly before us. The subtle stage lighting enhanced by natural candles and lamps periodically lit and put out again, pulling the audience toward the stage, focusing your attention.

Midway through the play, a full bar is lowered from the ceiling inviting the audience to come to the stage for a free shot of Aquavit. Lines formed between aisles as the crowd mingled with the cast on stage and chatted amongst one another while listening to Norwegian folk music (sung beautifully by Katie Broad) — characters spontaneously weaving the action into an exciting town hall scene.

As the play suggests and the theater works to prove, the space between performers and spectators is quickly, assertively blurred. All of us are in this together, always, regardless of whether we choose to acknowledge the fact.

Herzog chose to deviate from Ibsen’s original iconic ending when Dr. Stockmann declares “the strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone” to a less individualistic message, conscious of the limits of personal strength and signaling hope for a future that blossoms after devastation. His last words echoing the present day we live in, “We just have to imagine that the water will be clean and safe and the truth will be valued. We just have to imagine.”

Gin and Tonic — Our Gin & Tonic Sippy Cups
Photo Credit: Samantha M. Lopez

Michael Imperioli during audience “Town Hall”
Photo Credit: Samantha M. Lopez

Aquavit Intermission featuring Norwegian Folk Music Sung by Katie Broad

Samantha M. Lopez 10/24/23 Samantha M. Lopez 10/24/23

Depeche Mode Memento Mori World Tour @Barclays Stadium

Depeche Mode’s legacy is a showcase of brilliant discography and lyricism, and getting to watch them play live is unlike anything else. My first concert at Barclays in years, my seat was in a considerably strange bend of the stadium which I only noticed when the man assigned to the seat next to mine arrived and sat only to be facing me instead of the stage. Momentarily fixed on my gin and tonic, the concert began promptly and with a bang — literally. I could feel the music vibrating through my entire body and out of my chest. Depeche Mode’s synth-pop and dark wave sounds resonated deeply with me as far back as elementary school, when my sister first introduced me to so many English bands and artists. I looked around at a crowd as diverse in age as I’ve ever seen in person at any concert, sure that all of us have memories throughout our lives that are connected to these songs and the beautiful feeling they evoke.

The rather recent passing of keyboardist and founding member Andy Fletcher added a layer of emotional gravity to the tour. Discussions on various forums online speculated that this tour might be Depeche Mode’s final, both Dave Gahan and Martin Gore possibly focusing on solo projects. They played all their hits, ensuring that fans from different eras of their career were satisfied. From their latest album “Memento Mori,” tracks like “My Cosmos Is Mine,” and “Wagging Tongue,” and following up with an adrenalizing triple-shot of "Walking in My Shoes," "It's No Good" and "Policy of Truth". Barclays actually got the tour debuts of two songs — “Policy of Truth” and “Black Celebration” which had not been played live since 2018 and 2017, respectively. “World in My Eyes” was dedicated to Andy Fletcher. “Precious”, “Strangelove,” “A Pain that I’m Used To,” Jacques Lu Cont’s incredible remix, and more, all met with screams from the crowd as Gahan swayed his hips and spun around the stage. For the near two hours they were on stage, the 20 songs Depeche Mode played were a musical timeline of their vast body of work. As they’ve done all tour, the encore ended with “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “Never Let Me Down Again” and “Personal Jesus.”

“It’s No Good” by Depeche Mode

Samantha M. Lopez 9/15/23 Samantha M. Lopez 9/15/23

My Best Friend Got Married!

Outdoor therapeutics pools and baths in main outdoor area

Something old, something borrowed, and something so special as the days get closer and closer to my best friend Kelly’s wedding date. It was the bride’s bachelorette party, and fitting to her it would be a day of peace, relaxation, and reflecting at the spa with all the girls. New York City has many options in terms of spas, but we chose to venture across state lines at New Jersey’s SoJo Spa Club. SoJo Spa Club is a multi-level Korean spa and bath house featuring saunas and pools, massages, and a very solid dining hall. We first met up at a deli across the street, where we relished over seeing each other and how excited we were to go inside. Although we went as a group and had an amazing time, I can also see this experience being an excellent solo date or even something to enjoy with just a couple of friends or one other person. But heads up, if your group is co-ed the facility’s locker rooms are separated, and include their own baths in each so you may find yourselves split up for some time.

As soon as you arrive, you are led to a first locker room for shoes, since you will be barefoot the entire time you’re there. This took some getting used to for me but once you’ve gone to the second locker room, given your towel and bathrobe to change into and start trying out the pools, it was remarkably relaxing. It could be because we were celebrating the bride and spectacularly good friend taking a big step forward in her relationship, but something felt particularly serene and warm that day. Admittedly, my favorite pools were in fact in the secluded, separate gender baths both indoors, and outside featuring hot baths, warm baths as well as my favorite — the cold plunge. The cold plunge wasn’t for everyone (in fact there was usually no one in it) but my body loved it and I kept going back.

After checking out the indoor pools we went outside to the main pool area, where we walked along the excruciatingly painful foot massage path I immediately abandoned, and soaked in the carbon-rich bath, hydrotherapy pool, silk bath, and a cedar wood Hinoki Bath that smelled unbelievable. The cedar wood provided a smooth surface and exuded a unique and natural lemony fragrance known as “hinoki thiol,” a natural antibacterial oil that helps tranquilize the body and mind. If I close my eyes I can still remember how this bath smelled and if you can’t tell, it was my favorite outdoor pool. This area was a bit more crowded than expected, considering it was a holiday weekend but we still managed to try out every single pool and sauna (and even signed up for last minute massages) despite the crowds.

We eventually wandered over to the dining hall, where we refueled with water, smoothies, caffeine, and of course, actual lunch. I ordered a Berry Delicious and grilled chicken salad, as well as a coffee for after. My friends ordered sandwiches, ramen, a Margherita pizza, a beef bulgogi that smelled divine, as well as various other smoothies and even soft serve ice cream cones. The dining hall far exceeded our expectations, but most importantly revived us to continue exploring. I knew the spa was multi-level but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer massive size of this facility. This is of course why even though it was an extremely busy day, it never felt crowded.

We continued on to the highly anticipated infinity pool with views of the New York City skyline while we talked about 90 Day Fiancé and realized we didn’t bring nearly enough sun protection. After some swimming, the bride and other girls went for private massages, while the rest of us continued exploring.

In the relaxation lounge, I rested on hot stone beds facing floor to ceiling windows so you feel the sunlight on your skin while you lay your body on stone beds, traditional Japanese “bedrock bathing.” The white clay sauna, red clay sauna, and charcoal sauna were each completely different, offering various benefits from releasing negative ions, detoxifies, and overall relaxes. The Himalayan salt sauna was easily my favorite, as it was completely constructed with salt bricks that purify the air and refreshes the body’s energetic biorhythms.

We continued going back and forth to different pools and saunas, until later that afternoon when we decided to head out. On our drive back we sang together to songs on the radio, my friend Amanda reminding all of us that although everyone is playing Escape (The Piña Colada Song) to honor Jimmy Buffet, the song is in fact not by him at all.

Five days later, the wedding day was here. We drove to Mt. Kisco, where they would have an intimate ceremony and joyous reception surrounded by friends and family in New York, before getting ready for a second ceremony in New Mexico where more of the groom’s family could be present. Watching friends you love say their vows and commit to each other in front of you is so moving and gratifying. They deserve a life full of joy, happiness and comfort in one another, and I felt so honored to be in the space they chose to welcome all of these things into their future life together. There was a mobile pizza truck serving all kinds of pizza, as well as an array of finger foods, bites and snacks, and a generous self-serve bar. Weddings are always fun but especially so when you love the bride like a sister. To Kelly and Jake, may your love continue to grow stronger with every passing year. Congratulations to two beautiful souls.

Bride and Groom getting ready for photos

Samantha M. Lopez 5/4/23 Samantha M. Lopez 5/4/23

Recipe: Ají (Colombian-Style Fresh Salsa)

Ají as it is called in Colombia, isn’t quite a hot sauce and not quite a salsa. Somewhere in between, it’s a traditional presence in practically every meal, so it was vital I learn how to make it at home and perfect it over time.

Ají is a fantastic condiment to grilled meats and seafood, fried patacones or tostones, and is excellent for dipping. Essentially, Aji is a sauce made from finely chopping or blending aromatics such as tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It's usually spicy, but not always. The resulting sauce is a zesty and bright condiment that adds a punch of flavor and freshness to a variety of dishes.

Aji

COURSE // Dip
Total time: 10 minutes Yield: 1 Quart

Ingredients

2 large tomatoes, core removed and roughly chopped
4 green onions, white and green parts, roughly chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded or not* (see note about heat)
½ cup white vinegar
1 bunch cilantro, washed and de-stemmed*
1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

Notes:

* To adjust the heat level according to your taste, remove the seeds and membrane and limit the amount of pepper you use.

* No need to discard cilantro stems. They are okay to use here! They hold a lot of flavor, as long as they are thin and delicate.

Store the aji in the refrigerator and consume it within 5-7 days.

Instructions

Finely mince all ingredients with a sharp knife.
Or alternatively (though not as traditional) Place all ingredients in a small food processor and pulse about 10 times until all ingredients are chopped roughly the same size.
Refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
Enjoy on everything!

Samantha M. Lopez 2/12/23 Samantha M. Lopez 2/12/23

Recipe: Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

During the winter time, I am perpetually looking forward to my next soup or stew. Obviously, there is comfort in a warm bowl of nutrients when it’s fifteen degrees below freezing outside. But lately, my bones have (literally) been aching for something more. My mom used to make chicken soup with bones for all of the many benefits, but now I’ve focused on getting direct to the point by making bone broth. I realize grocery stores are now beginning to carry broth in their produce/refrigerated sections, but making your own means getting to use scraps in your fridge you might otherwise throw out. And although preventing waste is a great reason to make your own broth, drinking a cup in the mornings helps with digestion, bloating, skin and energy. It’s great for gut health, and an excellent way to get easily digestible protein and collagen first thing in the morning. Although we buy whole chickens and save the bones from there for this recipe, I have seen others purchase a “chicken carcass” at their grocery stores for this purpose.

Chicken Bone Broth

COURSE // Breakfast/Any

Prep Time: 1 hour Servings: 8

Ingredients

Chicken bones
Vegetables of choice - I always include carrots, celery, onion
1 bunch of cilantro (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp Salt
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Roughly chop vegetables and add to pot along with chicken bones.
Add enough water to a 16qt stockpot until 3/4 full.
Add salt and cover with lid.
Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2-3 hours if cooking on stovetop or using a pressure cooker.
Strain thoroughly and put into mason jars.
Optional: pass the broth through a strainer again when pouring into mason jars for a smooth silky broth texture

The broth keeps in the fridge for 5 days or longer if frozen

Prepare Tiramisu

Assemble Tiramisu

Another Year Around the Sun

Aji

Ingredients

Instructions

Chicken Bone Broth

Ingredients

Instructions