Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1) James by Percival Everett
This is truly a genius novel. Somehow Everett is able to weave a gripping, readable, entertaining story together with incisive perspective and poignant insights without being preachy or clunky. His economy of words is incredible. And the character development, even for bit characters, is as good as any novel I have read. Everett takes the traditional tale of Huck Finn and tells it through the perspective of Jim. And that perspective is rich and deep and brilliant. As all great novels do, this one tells the truth wrapped in story. It doesn’t preach, but it does declare. It doesn’t explain, but it does reveal. And in all of this it grips and entertains and thrills.
2) ’47 Brand Hats
If given the choice I would wear a baseball hat every day. If given an unlimited budget, I would have a closet full of hats. As it stands, neither of these things is the case, but I do wear hats most days and they do take up a disproportionate amount of space in my closet. Of those many hats I own, ’47 brand hats are the most represented. They are the most comfortable combined with the cleanest, classic designs. ’47 doesn’t do official team gear (like New Era or Majestic), but specializes in simple, clean, well-crafted hats that aren’t fashion statements. Their designs lean retro and traditional. They’ve collaborated with brands like Carhartt to do workman quality team hats (which are awesome). They do the low profile dad hat that so many guys like (myself excluded). And they do more structured, mid profile hats that feel a little less “old man.” If you are a hat person, check these out.
3) The Cuban Sandwich
I have been to Cuba and eaten a week’s worth of meals there, and I never encountered a Cuban sandwich. However, when you find one of these state side, they are magnificent. What makes up this delicacy? Crusty, baguette-like bread, roasted pork (typically marinated in a citrus and garlic mixture called mojo), thin sliced ham, Swiss cheese, pickles (one of the few appropriate uses of pickles), mustard, and butter to give the bread a proper toasty crunch when it’s pressed. These are simple ingredients, but when care has been given to the quality of the bread and the pork, and when the sandwich has been pressed/toasted just right, a basic deli sandwich becomes a memorable culinary experience. (The best I have had in Nashville is at Bare Bones Butcher in the Nations.) If you’re reading this prior to lunch time I suggest rearranging your plans, finding a local deli, and availing yourself of their services in pursuit of this delightful dish.
