Booker, Benito, and Burnt Ends

Discussed in this issue: The World Cup continues — here’s where to eat in four of the host cities this week. Plus, Matū goes west, a life-changing Bad Bunny concert experience, and I sat down with Senator Cory Booker and told him the surprising tattoo I’m considering.

From Jamie’s Desk:

After seeing the Bad Bunny halftime show, like many people, I was hooked. I had obviously known about him, but it took a football game (and ridiculous controversy) for me to understand the obsession. I am embarrassed to say that I even saw him at Coachella in 2023, but I just didn't focus. What a miss. Sometimes, you just need a little push when it comes to an artist. I pride myself on not always being first but being early. I can thank my kids but with Bad Bunny, it feels like I just missed the train altogether.

However, when the first images of Juan Jamon appeared (IYKYK) after his legendary run of a Puerto Rico residency, SNL gig, plus the Caught Stealing acting performance, I knew this guy was special. Then, the Super Bowl halftime show absolutely put it over the top for me. I was in – and I was so excited for the tour. But then, Benito did the unthinkable and announced he would not be playing any US dates.

From my research, this actually is an unprecedented move (if you find otherwise, please let me know). The reason, which he stated himself, was fear of ICE showing up to his shows, where the audience skews Latino. While it’s a bummer for American fans, I commend him for that stance – safety is critical. And of course, that just meant I had to be creative on my quest to see him.

Luckily, I had a summer trip to Europe planned, and my time in London lined up perfectly with his Tottenham shows. Like I do for all concerts, I started my prep early, listening to Bad Bunny in the car, at the gym, and whenever I could. But I hit one major hurdle: Bad Bunny mostly sings in Spanish – and I didn’t speak any Spanish. I know, I know – after living in LA for 20 years, I should’ve gotten past the basic stage. But I figured there’s no time like the present to beef up my vocabulary. I quickly learned that speaking Spanish and understanding Bad Bunny lyrics are two different things. After using my new favorite website, Preply, with a knowledgeable tutor in Venezuela, I learned the choruses for about 10 songs and was on my way to not embarrassing myself at the show.

Because I was able to call in a few favors, I scored prime seats, and from the moment I arrived, I could feel how special the night was going to be. But what pleasantly surprised me was the diversity of the crowd at the show. Young people, old people, Spanish-speakers, and non-Spanish speaking people, all there to enjoy the music and revel in community. I quickly realized that even for those who don’t understand the lyrics or the language, the concert was equally as incredible. It was just a stadium of people, smiling, singing and dancing to Benito and his amazing crew.

At this point, unless you can get to Stockholm, Warsaw, Milan or Brussels in the next two weeks, you’re gonna miss out on this tour. But if fate allows it, you should go. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that highlighted the power of music, and the ways it brings people together regardless of language, race, or religion. It was a beautiful night that I wish I could relive over and over.

The next day, I was at Wimbledon – and as Novak Djokvic’s match started, Bad Bunny walked in and sat in his box. The crowd instantly had a buzz about it, but what really solidified the impact was when a British woman next to me, in her 60s, started taking photos of him. She told me she loved him, and would have traded her Wimbledon tickets in a heartbeat to be at the show. She didn’t speak a word of Spanish, and didn't understand one lyric – but loved every song. She showed me her phone, and her background was literally Bad Bunny. I didn’t catch her name – and not to generalize, but her being a Bad Bunny superfan was pleasantly surprising and showed the impact his music has worldwide.

It seems like he’s gearing up to announce another Puerto Rico residency to end his tour, but that isn’t the easiest place to get to either. I hope he reconsiders and plays some dates in America soon, or even better, the political climate will change so that his fans aren’t at risk. Thankfully, 2026 and 2028 are coming – and I have hope that after that, Benito will grace American stages again. When he does – you need to see him in concert.

Thank you to Bad Bunny and the entire team that makes this tour happen. And a special shoutout to my friends Nigel, Jbeau, Paula, and Fabiana – who made my concert experience an unforgettable one.

Have a restaurant rec, cultural gem, can’t-miss event, or a hot sauce that changed your life? Send it my way: [email protected]

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In honor of the World Cup continuing, here are the best spots to eat in some of the host cities. As always, thanks to the crew for their recommendations!

📍Los Angeles: Chi Spacca
Cuisine: Italian
Crew: Alex Tse, Ben Hundreds, Chris Rice, David Nathanson, Eli Meyer, Jordan Okun, Joseph Varet, Kate Burr, Matt Karatz, Max Shapiro, Eater, Goop, Infatuation, LA Times, Michelin Guide, NY Times, Time Out
Good For: Small Groups, Date Night, Good Cocktails
Pro Tip: Go sit at the bar on Monday and Tuesday nights to get their famous Spacca Burger.
What to Order: Focaccia di Recco, Harissa Shrimp Skewer, Grilled Octopus, Glazed Lamb Ribs, any of the salads, Tomahawk Pork Chop, Pollo Alla Diavola Su Crostone, Creamed Corn, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, Costata Alla Fiorentina, Beef & Bone Marrow Pie
Notes: Nancy Silverton is one of the most important (if not the most important) chefs in Los Angeles. She is truly our North Star, and the Mozzaplex, as it is commonly called, is always on the list of best restaurants in LA. For most people, they usually hit up Osteria Mozza or Pizzeria Mozza and forget about what might be my favorite of the bunch: Chi Spacca. As a real carnivore, I am always excited for any place that serves amazing meat, and this place is just that. To the regular customer, you are coming to Chi Spacca for the steak, but there are some other dishes that you can’t miss – mainly the Focaccia di Recco, the Tomahawk pork chop and the chicken. I am always a sucker for an open fire, and Chi Spacca has an awesome one. 

📍Miami: Fiorito (reviewed by Karim Sabet)
Cuisine: Argentine
Crew: Eli Meyer, Eater, Infatuation, Time Out
Good For: Casual, Small Groups, Great Cocktails
Pro Tip: For the true insider move, finish dinner and stroll next door to the legendary Churchill’s Bar for a pint of Guinness. One of Miami’s most historic live-music venues (Fun fact: it’s owned by Jessica Fuentes, the same family behind Café Avanti.)
What to Order: Empanadas de Carne, Empanada de Choclo, Chorizo/Morcilla/Parrillera Sampler, Churrasco de Entraña
Notes: Opened in 2012 by brothers Maximiliano and Cristian Alvarez, Fiorito is a hidden gem tucked into the evolving streets of Little Haiti. The neighborhood has seen major investment and transformation over the last five years, but Fiorito remains refreshingly unpretentious — known for high-quality meats, relaxed service, and a welcoming, local crowd. Pair your meal with a bottle of Argentine wine for the full experience.

I say this about every podcast – but this episode of Lunch With Jamie was special. It’s not often that I get the chance to sit across from a good friend who I’ve known for more than two decades. It made everything feel easier: no nerves, no formality, and no holding back when I had a thought on what he said.

I met Cory Booker when he was running for mayor of Newark in 2006, and we became fast friends. Since then, he’s become a US Senator, and after his 2025 speech that broke the record for longest at 25 hours, a household name. He was one of my first guests on Lunch With Jamie in 2020, and has been following the community closely since.

We started where we always do – food. He’s a vegan, and I’m as far opposite as you can get. So the natural common denominator was a classic New Jersey diner. We also spoke about his life as a newlywed, his book Stand, and the surprising tattoo I might get. 

There are two quotes from Cory that I often find myself repeating: if America hasn’t broken your heart, you don’t love her enough and never let your inability to do everything undermine your ability to do something. I was lucky enough that he said them both – and you’ll be moved and inspired by the context. 

Overall, I left this conversation feeling more hopeful than when I came in. The Senator acknowledged that America is in a dark place–and things may get worse before they get better. But it’s critical to never lose faith in the promise of our great nation. I hope that if you get anything out of this episode, that’s what you take away.

You can listen to the full conversation on Youtube, or as a podcast on Apple or Spotify.

Aaron Michaelson, Aaron Stern, Adam Saper, Adam Smith, Alex Tse, Andy Wang, Anthony Jacobson, Ashley Sawyer, Ben Hundreds, Blake Lively, Bobby Kim, Brian McGinn, Chad Colby, Chad Gutstein, Chris Rice, Condé Nast Traveler, David Gelb, David Katzenberg, David Nathanson, Evan Funke, Eater, Eli Meyer, Food & Wine, Goop, Kristina O’Neill, Iman Dakhil, Infatuation, James Beard Award, Jason Spivak, Jerry Greenberg, Jeremy Smith, Jerrold Son, Jessica Alba, Joe Varet, Jon Buscemi, Jon Alagem, Jon Shook, Jordan Okun, James Ponsoldt, Kate Burr, Katie McNeill, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, The LA Times, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lloyd Sacks, Marc Rose, Marc Mezvinsky, Martha Patricof, Matt Haimes, Matt Karatz, Max Chow, Max Shapiro, Max Winkler, Michael Kives, Michelin Guide, Nicole Richie, Neal Moritz, The NY Times, Paul Zucker, Peter Goldwyn, Phil Rosenthal, Phill Ettinger, Rachel Halilej, Riley Patricof, Sawyer Patricof, Shu Chowdhury, Todd Steinman, The Hungry Tourist, The Infatuation, Vinny Dotolo.

Today’s email was brought to you by: Jamie Patricof and Michaela Sullivan