Daly voted YES on 50!
From Jamie’s Desk:
As of late, it’s been difficult for me to feel proud to be an American, and I know I’m not alone in that sentiment. Even other countries are losing respect for us. A recent Ipsos poll found that America’s standing dropped in 26 out of 29 countries surveyed. Once seen as the gold standard of democracy, we’re starting to resemble the nations we were warned about in history class–a place where votes don’t count, freedom of speech is stifled, the press is silenced, and the courts serve political ends.
This week, between the election and the first day of the oral arguments on Trump’s tariffs, that sinking feeling shifted. Democracy, while bruised, proved it’s still breathing. Like any elite athlete, it’s fighting its way back. The victory America earned on election day, by holding a free and fair election where people’s voices were heard, was a win for all of us. Regardless of party affiliation (although those on the left are likely a bit happier today), it was a good day for democracy.
This week was a win for moderate Democrats. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, a navy veteran, former federal prosecutor and one of Congress’s most bipartisan members, defeated election denier Jack Ciattarelli. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA agent and Congresswoman, defeated conservative candidate Winsome Earle-Sears by the largest margin in the state since JFK.
On the home front, Governor Gavin Newsom’s bold move to put Prop 50 on the ballot not only paid off, but was also one of the highest turnouts for a special election in California history. This was a clear sign that voters won’t stand by while Trump’s abuses of power continue to spread in places like Texas, North Carolina, Missouri and Ohio.
Gerrymandering is not ideal and should be removed completely, but this was a critical, temporary fix to help us course-correct in 2026 and 2028. The wins go on and on–from Pennsylvania judgeships to Georgia’s Public Service Commission to school board races in Bucks County, PA. It was a day that reminded us who we are. We showed up in huge numbers and still believe in the power of the ballot. However, this isn’t permission to rest on our laurels. We must keep that energy alive by supporting those affected by the government shutdown while backing candidates and causes that defend democracy.
And then there’s New York. While I wasn't a Zohran Mamdami supporter, I wish him luck. He now leads one of the most influential cities in the world–the job ahead is monumental. As many of you know, I have recently rediscovered my love of NYC, but I can also acknowledge that it’s deeply in need of repair. I am skeptical his plans will fix it, but I’d love to be proven wrong. For the almost 50% of New Yorkers who didn't vote for him, now’s the time to help him succeed. And if he isn’t up for the job, then it’s on you to make sure you have someone who can beat him in the next election. That’s democracy in action.
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Discussed in this issue: Election Day wins, Senator John Fetterman’s upcoming Lunch With Jamie live event, the Baby2Baby auction, and where to eat in LA, NJ, NOLA, and NYC.
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🗓️ Subscribers and Members can register to join our virtual Lunch With Jamie conversation with Bete O’Rourke, on 11/12 at 1 PT/4 ET. As a reminder, only members will have the chance to ask questions.
🍼 For those who can’t make it to the Baby2Baby Gala, you can still take part by bidding on amazing auction items to help raise much needed funds for Baby2Baby’s mission—providing diapers, formula, food, and basic essentials to more than one million children in need across the country. This year’s lineup is truly priceless: an exclusive omakase dinner for up to 16 hosted by Chef Peter Park of Sushi Park (either at the restaurant or in your home), a private John Legend concert in your living room for up to 20, a Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami bag, and even the chance to throw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium.
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Photo by Jamie Patricof
📍Los Angeles: Henry’s Cuisine
Cuisine: Chinese
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Alex Tse, Andy Wang, Anthony Jacobson, Ben Hundreds, David Nathanson, Kate Burr, Matt Karatz, Max Winkler, Michelin Guide, Time Out, The Infatuation
Good For: Large Groups
Pro Tip: Make sure to call in advance and ask to speak to Henry (tell him you’re a friend of mine). I’d recommend asking for some of the special dishes, especially the crispy chicken skin wrap stuffed with shrimp.
What to Order: Vietnamese Filet Mignon, Orange Chicken, Honey Garlic Pork Chop, Beef Chow Fun or Chow Mein, House Special Tiger Prawn with Glass Noodle, Shrimp with Vermicelli, House Special Vietnamese Lobster (add Glass Noodles), Salted Egg Fried Shrimp, Garlic Pea Tips, for those a little more adventurous try the Deep Fried Salted Pig Feet (I swear it isn't as scary as it sounds)
Notes: At this point, I have eaten at most of the San Gabriel Valley restaurants made famous by Jonathan Gold, The LA Times, Eater, etc. Still, one managed to elude me for many years: Henry’s Cuisine. I finally had the chance to try it out earlier this year, and wow, I’ve been missing out. This place is special. I’ve now been there a few times, and it's without a doubt one of my favorite restaurants in LA. This food is Cantonese at its core, but Henry is Vietnamese, so similar to Newport Seafood, there are lots of Vietnamese influences woven throughout. The menu is massive, and my “what to order” list is long–but for good reason. Everything we had was a hit, and I strongly encourage you to go ASAP. Bring your friends, your family, stop on the way to Palm Springs, or swing by after one of those days your kids have a soccer tournament in the area. It’s a true gem.
Photo by Eater
📍Los Angeles: Miya Miya (reviewed by Jordan Okun, host of Air Jordan podcast)
Cuisine: Jordanian
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Ben Hundreds, Kate Burr, Matt Karatz, Max Shapiro, Eater, The Infatuation
Good For: Casual, No Reservations
Pro Tip: They’re currently operating as a street vendor pop-up, usually serving just two days a week: Friday nights in West LA and Sundays at Smorgasburg. Expect long lines and wait times, so go early if you can. They almost always sell out.
What to Order: Chicken Shawarma Wrap “Yaz Way”
Notes: Going to Smorgasborg on a Sunday before noon is your best bet for the shortest wait time for these addictively crunchy pickle and garlic laced shaved chicken filled bites. You could easily eat two wraps as a meal, or one wrap with their chicken shawarma loaded fries.
Photo by Razza
📍New Jersey: Razza (reviewed by Kate Burr, partner at The Benjamin)
Cuisine: Pizza / Italian
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Brian McGinn, Matt Karatz, Max Winkler, Eater, The Infatuation, The New York Times, Time Out
Good For: Date Night, Dinner With Friends, Casual
Pro Tip: Best to go with a group so you can order multiple pies. Getting to Razza from the city is super easy! Just take the PATH train to Grove Street and it's a short walk.
What to Order: Bread & Butter, Meatballs, Seasonal Salads, Pizzas: Yellow Margherita, Calabrese, Zucchine, Funghi, Santo, Blueberry Olive Oil Cake
Notes: To know Dan Richer of Razza is to know how much love goes into his food—especially his pizza. His care, precision, and commitment to quality comes through in every pie. One bite, and it’s immediately clear: the fanfare and accolades are more than deserved. The ingredients sing. You taste the brightness of the tomatoes, the freshness of the zucchini, the savory punch of the sausage, the creaminess of the cheese. It’s dream-worthy pizza and proof that Jersey does it right. Dan makes us proud.
Photo by The Kingsway
📍NOLA: The Kingsway
Cuisine: Singaporean
Crew: The Infatuation, Michelin Guide, Eater
Good For: Date Night, Dinner With Friends, Business Dinner, Good Drinks
Pro Tip: Go with four people and order the whole menu. Double up on the salt-baked shrimp and ask for extra seaweed for the tuna.
What to Order: It’s a prix fixe with a rotating menu, but here are a few standouts: Tuna Solera, Crab Brie and Champagne Soup, Salt Baked Shrimp and Chicken, Scallion Lamb, Scallops in Lobster Sauce, Izakaya Steak and Herbed Snapper, All of the Desserts
Notes: From the team behind Saffron, one of my favorite Indian restaurants anywhere, comes Kingsway. It’s always hard to recommend something non-Cajun in New Orleans, but this place is firing on all cylinders. From the drinks to the service to the atmosphere, everything just works. Technically, this is a fusion or pan-Asian restaurant, but I hate those terms. The chef described it best: Singapore is the city where all Asian flavors meet–and that’s exactly the ethos Kingsway captures.
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Some exciting news: we’re doing another live event in LA! On Saturday, 11/15, I’ll be joined by one of the most unique people in Washington, Senator John Fetterman, in Mid City – RSVP for the exact location.
Tickets are available here.
I got a chance to meet the Senator on my last trip to DC, and after we discussed our favorite Cheesesteaks (which he explained the answer was just all Cheesesteaks) and our favorite wings, I convinced him to come hang out with us in person in LA. We’ll kick off the morning at 10:30 am with Courage Bagels (yes, you get Courage Bagels and you don’t even have to wait in line) and Good Neighbor Coffee. At noon, the Senator and I will do a live taping of Lunch With Jamie, where members will have the chance to ask him questions directly. Plus, everyone in attendance will go home with a copy of his new book Unfettered.
There’s limited capacity, so be sure to get your tickets ASAP. This is one you don’t want to miss!
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