From Jamie’s Desk:
It’s hard to believe we’ve already made it to December—and that 2026 is less than a month away. As I look back on the year, one thing that brings me great joy is how many members of this community released truly great books. Some I tore through the moment they came out, and others are stacked on my nightstand waiting to be read over the holidays.
I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few standouts that are worth gifting, reading, and recommending. And if you’re planning to buy books this season, please support your local independent bookstore. For me, that’s Chevalier’s, my neighborhood shop and the oldest independent bookstore in Los Angeles. Do yourself a favor and make a trip to your own local bookstore this month. There’s nothing quite like it, especially during the holidays.
Scott Galloway: Notes on Being a Man
The crisis facing young men today is shocking once you look at the data. In Notes on Being a Man, Scott weaves his own story with a clear-eyed look at this growing epidemic, offering a book that’s both deeply personal and urgently important. This book is for everyone—if you are a man, married to a man, raising a man, know a man, then this book is for you.
Kristina O Neill and Laura Brown: All the Cool Girls Get Fired: How to Let Go of Being Let Go and Come Back on Top
I realize I’m not the target audience here, but I dove in anyway—and I’m glad I did. This book is sharp, fun and instructive. The honesty and candor from Kristina and Laura, along with voices like Oprah, Katie Couric and Carol Burnett, make it an energizing read about resilience, reinvention, and not taking yourself too seriously.
Mark Ronson: Night People: How To Be A DJ in ‘90s New York City
Full transparency: I was a year behind Mark at Collegiate (before I left for Fieldston), so I’ve essentially known him my whole life. Reading this felt like flipping through a photo album—half memoir, half time capsule. I was at the parties he writes about, and the bars where his band played. But even if you didn’t grow up in that world, this is a must-read, and a quick one. Of course Jeremy Kleiner (who was also around during those days) snatched up the rights for this Saturday Night Fever-esque story to be turned into a movie for his Plan B company.
Nicholas Thompson: The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports
This memoir from the CEO of The Atlantic is just fantastic. I’ll defer to my friend Jeff Berman, who reads more books than almost anyone I know, and summed it up perfectly: “The most un-put-down-able memoir I have read this year. If you are resisting because you are not into running, get over it.”
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Discussed in this issue: Where to eat during Miami Art Basel, LA’s newest neighborhood restaurant, a Netflix must-watch, what to read (and gift).
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I sadly didn’t make it to Miami for Art Basel this week. But for those of you lucky enough to be there for the fairs, the Miami go-to’s still apply: True Loaf, Boia De, Zak the Baker, Joe’s, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, El Bagel, Sanguich. That said, I wanted to share out a couple additional spots you may not have hit yet.
Photo Credit: Major Food Group
📍Miami: Chateau ZZ’s
Cuisine: Mexican
Crew: Martha Patricof, Andy Wang, Eater, Time Out, The Infatuation
Good For: Big Groups, Date Night, Business Dinner, Special Occasion
Pro Tip: Go with a minimum of 4 people, though no number would be too large, as dining with a big group allows you to order almost everything on the menu.
What to Order: Spicy Tuna Tostada, Lobster & Jalapeño Tostada, Mexican Caesar Salad, Squash Blossom Rellenos, Albondigas Diavolo, Grilled Chicken Verde, Wagyu Al Pastor, Rice, Roasted Poblanos, Dressed Avocado, Rancho Gordo Beans, Lobster Garza
Notes: The guys from Major Food Group are operating on another level. At this point, everyone in the world has eaten at (or tried to eat at) Carbone, The Grill, Torrisi and ZZ’s; but very few of you have been to their spot in Miami: Chateau ZZ’s. It’s a bit confusing, but this is a Mexican concept in a French Chateau that has nothing to do with the sushi restaurant called ZZ’s, which is also in Miami. Never mind that puzzle, because this place is just fantastic. Tostadas, ceviches, tacos, and churros are all on the menu. The bottom line is, the next time you’re in Miami, beg to get a reservation. You won’t be disappointed.
Photo Credit: The Infatuation
📍Miami: Ball & Chain (reviewed by Karim Sabet, Director of Luxury Real Estate, Sabet Realty)
Cuisine: Cuban
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Eater, Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, The Infatuation,
Good For: Date Night, Dinner With Friends, Good Drinks
Pro Tip: Live music and DJs seven nights a week, but Monday Night Mambo is the one locals whisper about. Also special mention to Jamie’s List member and current owner Zack Bush.
What to Order: Mojito (have one… then have another), Media Noche Sandwich, Garlic Mojo Fried Pork, Tres Leches (as good as your abuelito makes)
Notes: Originally opened in 1935 and later revived by local Miami owners committed to preserving its cultural heartbeat, Ball & Chain is the epicenter of Little Havana. This is where Miami’s Cuban heritage comes alive—live salsa bands spilling onto the sidewalk, dancers twirling beneath the neon sign, locals and travelers blending into one unforgettable rhythm. It’s the perfect spot to immerse guests in the music, energy, and flavor of Miami’s Cuban soul. Parking is notoriously tricky on Calle Ocho and the nights here run long. Come ready to dance, hydrate as much as you cocktail, and absolutely plan to ride-share so you can enjoy the full experience without stress.
Photo Credit: Jamie Patricof
📍Los Angeles: Max and Helen’s
Cuisine: Diner
Crew: Kate Burr, Ben Hundreds, Max Winkler, Chris Rice, Eli Meyer, Jordan Okun, David Nathanson, James Ponsoldt, The Infatuation, Eater
Good For: Dining With Friends, Casual, No Reservations, Solo Dining, Business Breakfast/Lunch
Pro Tip: The patio will open the week of Dec 8th, so that will help with some of the wait times, but still be prepared and patient.
What to Order: The Hot Chocolate and Waffle are the top items on the menu for good reason. Other hits include Courage Sesame Bagel, Larchmont Special, Tuna Melt and the Meatloaf plate.
Notes: Larchmont has been in dire need of more dining options for a while now, so honestly we would’ve taken anything. But a diner from Nancy Silverton felt almost too good to be true. The idea started when Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, star of Somebody Feed Phil, and most importantly, a Jamie’s List member, visited a diner in Maine on his show and couldn’t shake the dream of opening one in LA. He brought the idea to Nancy, and together the vision for Max & Helen’s was born. It’s safe to say they not only delivered on that original plan, but they surpassed it. The space is beautifully and thoughtfully designed. The food is everything you want from a diner and then some with the best versions of classic dishes. Nancy Silverton of Mozza fame crafted the recipes, and Mason Royal, the CDC, executes them perfectly. Lily Rosenthal—Phil’s daughter and Mason’s wife—is there day and night with a smile, making sure everyone gets their food and helping run a very tight ship. If you’re in LA and lucky enough to snag a spot, you’ll likely see Phil himself greeting diners. Named after his parents, Max & Helen’s already feels like a true neighborhood gem, and I have no doubt they’re smiling down on their eponymous diner. They just opened, so expect long lines—put your name down and do some shopping on Larchmont while you wait.
Photo Credit: The Infatuation
📍Los Angeles: Roasted Duck by Pa Ord (reviewed by Andy Wang, Founder of Industry Only and co-host of Industry Only at The Cheese Store podcast. Named as one of “The Most Important People in Nightlife & Dining” by Observer in 2024.)
Cuisine: Thai
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Joe Varet, Jordan Okun, James Ponsoldt, Paul Zucker, Kate Burr, Ben Hundreds, Eater, The Infatuation, LA Times, NY Times
Good For: Dinner With Friends, Solo Dining, Take-Out
Pro Tip: Inside, the largest table snugly seats three so the smaller the group the better. Navigating the tiny Thai Town parking lot is an expert level of Frogger that makes going to Trader Joe’s feel like a spa day.
What to Order: The perfectly roasted duck over rice or noodles is expertly deboned with luscious meat and soft chewy skin and fat in every bite. The skin-and-fat-on duck meat is also used for a fragrant and beautifully balanced pad grapow (spicy basil stir-fry) and a fierce no-holds-barred curry. If you want bones, order the soul-warming duck stew with noodles.
Notes: The brightly colored, borderline psychedelic, sign above this restaurant is almost as big as the restaurant. But understand this: prolific proprietor Lawan Bhanduram and chef Bob Vongfanikul’s Roasted Duck by Pa Ord is the most delightful, comforting and efficient new restaurant we visited in 2024. How efficient? A friend showed up 30 minutes late for lunch (he lives on the Westside, of course). We didn’t wait to order. Instead, we just had lunch there twice in one hour. The precision and technique, for entrees that are less than $20 but taste luxurious, is impeccable.
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🎬 A House of Dynamite from Academy Award® Winning Director Kathryn Bigelow. For Your Awards Consideration.
The Jamie’s List 2025 Book Guide continued:
📕 Ezra Klein’s Abundance: No book has shaped the political conversation this year more than Abundance. Ezra and Derek managed to crack open a reality that has been hiding in plain sight for years, and the result is nothing short of a MUST read. It’s clear and compelling. I’ll let a former President take it from here, but I’ll add this: the book isn’t just for progressives—it’s for anyone who cares about how government can actually work: “A must-read for progressives who want a blueprint for reforming government so it can deliver for working people.” - Barack Obama
📘 Andrew Ross Sorkin’s 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation: This is one I have not read yet but can’t wait to. My father just said he finished it over a weekend and couldn’t put it down (yes he was one of the few Jamie’s List members who was born at the tail end of this time in history). This story is all too familiar, and from what I have heard, is scarily relevant today.
📗 Fareed Zakaria’s The Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present: One of my favorite Lunch With Jamie conversations this year was with Fareed Zakaria—arguably the most essential voice in cable news today and the only one I never miss. His new book is a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of the polarized, unstable moment we’re living through. Fareed traces centuries of upheaval to show how we arrived here, offering the kind of clarity and historical grounding we desperately need right now.
🎂 Happy birthday to Elgin James, Peter Friedland, Brian McGinn, Jay Z and Russ Axelrod!
Did you release a book this year and we missed it? Reply to this email to let me know!
Osteria Georgi with Alan Patricof and Riley; BADMAASH with Nora Halpern, Danika Lam, David McCallum, Anicka Delgado and Dwayne Jones; Bombolo with Dan Levy and Riley; Jitlada with Team Hunting Lane; Purple Bowl with Susan Kerner, Lily Rosenthal and Riley; Max & Helen’s with Neal Moritz, Jordan Okun and Phil Rosenthal; and Sutton’s with Alan Patricof.
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