From Jamie’s Desk:
As we were getting ready to send this newsletter out, I realized I can’t in good faith ignore the attacks on free speech that are playing out in our country. The murder of Charlie Kirk was not only tragic but fundamentally wrong—violence can never be the answer to political disagreement. And now, in the same breath, we’re learning about Jimmy Kimmel being pulled from ABC. It’s a dark day when the response to ideas we dislike is either silencing or eliminating them. Comedians, journalists and individuals should be able to speak their minds and rightfully criticize those in power without fear. To my friends and colleagues who are in the industry—especially at these larger corporations, now is not the time to be silent. And to my friend Jimmy, keep fighting.
This week, the third annual CNBC x Boardroom Game Plan conference was held in Santa Monica. It’s one of the few events I look forward to every year because it doesn’t just put sports, business, and culture on the same stage—it shows how inseparable they’ve become. The conference, created by CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin and Boardroom’s Rich Kleiman, has always understood something obvious but rarely acknowledged: these industries don’t just overlap, they fuel each other.
That’s why it makes sense that one minute you’re hearing from Josh Harris (co-founder of Apollo Global Management) and the next from Travis Scott. Ownership, branding, media, sneakers, streaming, music—they’re all part of the same ecosystem. And if you want to see where the next decade is headed—how athletes become CEOs, how fashion becomes strategy, how fans shape billion-dollar industries—you’ll want to catch it firsthand. Unfortunately, there aren’t many clips or replays from the panels, so the only way to experience it is in the room. Consider this your nudge to become a member of Boardroom if you get the invite next year.
Some of the highlights for me were:
The Commissioner's Conversation: Everyone who reads this newsletter knows I love college sports, so having the commissioners from the Big East, ACC, and Big 12 on the same stage was a dream lineup. They talked about why protecting Olympic sports has to stay part of the college ecosystem, and why they believe volleyball and softball are the next big growth areas (can you say Athletes Unlimited Softball?). Special shoutout to Big East’s Val Ackerman who is a legend in women’s sports.
Boardroom co-founders (and Jamie’s List members) Rich Kleiman and Kevin Durant talked about their partnership, how Kevin first learned about Bitcoin from watching Youtube, and how they’ve built Boardroom into what it is today.
NFL Fashion Editor Kyle Smith led a panel on the evolution of NFL athlete style. His dream is to have an NFL themed MET Gala. Not sure how soon that will happen, but when you hear that NFL players made up the largest group of pro athletes at this year’s Gala, suddenly it doesn’t sound so crazy.
Jamie’s List member Constance Schwartz-Morini shared some insider tips about her work with Coach Prime, and how she sold 1 million sunglasses the first week they were on sale. She also spoke about her client Michael Strahan’s transition from football to morning TV as a GMA host, and the nuances of working with retired athletes versus those still in the game.
Cody Campbell, founder of Saving College Sports, shared his vision to completely reimagine the college sports business model. It definitely turned some heads, but if it means more support for sports like field hockey, sign me up.
Ted Leonsis, another Jamie’s List member, spoke about the role sports play in shaping community, and shared that he hopes to add the Nationals and D.C. United to his portfolio, which already includes the Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics.
Finally, Travis Scott and David Stromberg discussed how their Cactus Jack partnership works, and the fact that Travis can bring the same energy to his shows (which is second to none) as he does to having breakfast with his toddler. He also shared that it’s his dream to be the first non-athlete to have his own building at Nike.
If you’re not subscribed to Boardroom, you’re missing out. They truly are at the epicenter of sports, business and culture—and with their new members club (I went to the first LA event), they’re only just getting started.
Have a friend who’s into food, culture, and politics?
Discussed in this issue: Boardroom Conference, Restaurants in NY, LA + PA, Kara Swisher, Charlie Sheen
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Photo by Infatuation
Cuisine: Taiwanese-American
Crew: Aaron Stern, Adam Saper, David Nathanson, Eli Meyer, Kate Burr, Ben Hundreds, Andy Wang, Infatuation, Eater, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, NY Times, Michelin Guide, Time Out
Good For: Casual, Takeout, Big Group
Pro Tip: They take reservations for parties of 6-9 and offer a special menu for groups of 10 or more, making it a great spot for parties. Plus, they open at 8am making it the perfect stop on the way to the airport.
What to Order: Scallion Pancake, Pork Fan Tuan, Mochi Donuts, Zhejiang Mian, Pea Shoots, Fried Chicken
Notes: Win Son is one of those places where you think you’ll just grab a quick bite, and then you end up staying for an hour, trying everything on the menu. You’ll definitely find yourself texting all of your friends that they have to go. Fortunately for my Manhattan friends then no longer have to trek into Brooklyn to get this gem. There’s almost always a line, but the food is incredible, so it’s worth it. I just love this place.
Photo by Café Telegrama
Cuisine: American Cafe
Crew: Rachel Halilej, Ben Hundreds, Kate Burr, Jordan Okun, Eater, Infatuation, LA Times
Good For: Casual, Takeout, No Reservations
Pro Tip: Make sure to plan to check out some of the art galleries on Western before or after your meal.
What to Order: Chopped Salad, Tuna Sandwich, Pancakes, Burger (weekday only)
Notes: Tucked behind Etra is one of LA’s rare gems: a truly great daytime café with both indoor and outdoor seating. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or a laid-back brunch. The menu has something for everyone.
Photo by Quarter Sheets
📍Quarter Sheets (reviewed by Jordan Okun, Writer, Producer, and Host of Air Jordan: A Food Podcast)
Cuisine: Pizza & Dessert
Crew: Eli Meyer, Chad Gutstein, Kate Burr, Andy Wang, Chris Rice, Ben Hundreds, David Nathanson, Lloyd Sacks, Max Shapiro, James Ponsoldt, Rachel Halilej, Infatuation, Michelin Guide, Eater
Good For: Dinner with Friends, Casual, Takeout
Pro Tip: On Wednesdays & Sundays they serve their version of the bar pie, a thin and crunchy sauce and cheese to the edges pizza often drizzled with hot oil or dotted with sausage or sprinkled with black olives if you’re me.
What to Order: The quarter sheet pan baked pizzas are unsurprisingly one of the stars of the Quarter Sheets menu. Order the pepperoni, anything with a sesame seeded crust, the occasional clam pie; but before that, you’ll need their simple salad and an order of meatballs with garlic bread. Then comes the co-star of the meal: dessert, featuring slices of marzipan and cream stuffed princess cake, and a rotating seasonally playful lineup of sundaes, cobblers, pies, and yeah, more cake.
Notes: Echo Park isn’t the easiest hood for parking, so go early, don’t stress, use another nearby restaurant’s valet or maybe get some steps in before this calorie cascade and park in the Rite Aid a few long blocks away.
In honor of The Pitt taking home three Primetime Emmys—Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor, and Supporting Actress—plus two Creative Arts Emmys for Guest Actor and Casting, I’m highlighting a Pittsburgh restaurant that’s definitely worth the trip.
Photo by Pamela’s Diner
Cuisine: Diner
Crew: David Nathanson, Kate Burr, Eater
Good For: Breakfast, Groups
Pro Tip: If you’re an ambitious eater, pair a stop at Pamela’s with a visit to PA’s most famous sandwich shop, Primanti Bros. If you’re short on time you can still grab their sandwiches at the airport.
What to Order: Pancakes, Pancakes, Pancakes
Notes: When I was flying into Pittsburgh at the beginning of the summer, I realized I’d have a few hours for one meal. I reached out to a couple of people I knew who had spent time there—from Kate Burr to David Nathanson to Governor Josh Shapiro—and they all said the same thing: You have to go to Pamela’s.
When I asked the Governor where to eat in Pittsburgh, he didn’t hesitate: “Pamela’s. Strip District. Best pancakes in America.” That’s a bold statement, so Pamela’s was pretty much set up for failure before I even walked in the door.
I went solo, put my name down, and there was still a wait—which surprised me—but if these were truly the best pancakes in America, then a little wait seemed fair. After a short while I sat down, ordered, and patiently waited.
When the pancakes arrived, they looked great. But how did they taste? Let’s just say Josh not only knows how to be a Governor, but he also knows his pancakes. Are they the best in America? All I can say is I don’t think I’ve had any that are better.
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Kara Swisher wants to run over what??
As anyone who listens to Kara Swisher knows—she’s never afraid to speak her mind. It’s what makes her so personable with audiences. From her banter (and occasional bickering) with Scott Galloway on Pivot, to her in-depth exploration of topics on On with Kara Swisher, and her no-holds barred interviews with tech leaders—she’s made a career of being blunt, investigative, and wildly entertaining.
Her appearance on Lunch With Jamie was no different.
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Kurry Pinch with Howard Altman; Din Tai Fung with Sawyer; American Beauty with Chris and Kristi Bender; Hillstone with Rich Kleiman, Eric Fishman, Sam Radlovic, and Sawyer; Kismet Rotisserie with Rachel Halilej, Michaela Sullivan, Stazy Mazo, and Kuya Lord with Nico Mizrahi; and Dan Tana’s with Rich Kleiman.
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