From Jamie’s Desk:
It’s August, which means we’re approaching a time that is both sad and exhilarating for parents: back to school. For some, this means the first day of preschool. For others, it is the start of middle school—or the dreaded start of high school.
Having the kids home for the summer is one of the best parts of the year. It’s that rare window when families can be together in a way that isn’t possible during the school year. Sure, it can be exhausting, and there are definitely moments when you’re counting down to September and the return of routine—but it’s still pretty great.
For some, this fall marks your freshman’s first time away from home—an exciting milestone that can be a big shock to the family system (and will definitely lead to some tears). For others, it means moving boxes into an off-campus apartment. And for those with seniors, this year marks the beginning of the end of their college careers, bringing them closer to the next chapter of their lives.
For my family, the biggest change came last year when my daughter started college. Now, as she heads back it’s a little less of a shift—but still a big deal. Personally, I love my trips to Chapel Hill. I get to see my daughter, hang out with her friends, and get a glimpse into her life at college, which currently revolves around the UNC Women’s Field Hockey team (Go Heels!). But I am not going to lie, it is also because it’s a chance to explore a new city and try new restaurants.
With education increasingly under attack and political rhetoric threatening some of our most trusted institutions, it’s more important than ever to protect the value of learning (without turning it into a political battleground). In an age when AI can generate answers in seconds, the real value of college has never been greater. It’s where students learn to think critically, tell their own stories, and develop a voice that no algorithm can imitate.
My own years at Emory in Atlanta were formative in so many ways. The classes mattered, of course, but so did the roommates I learned to live with and the small cultural discoveries I made along the way, like my first introduction to grits and collard greens. So shed some tears, cherish some final family meals, and tell your kids (and yourself) that it’s all going to be okay. Because while this time of year is always bittersweet, it’s an exciting new beginning.
Discussed in this issue: Where to eat during college drop off, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Where I ate in the Hamptons and NYC, Shakespeare in the Park
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 this issue, I checked in with some friends who have kids in school to get their must-eats for college drop-off day.
Photo by Neptune Oyster
📍Emerson College, BU, BC, Harvard, Tufts & more — Boston, Massachusetts
Neptune Oyster (Reviewed by Chris Bender, Film Producer at Good Fear Content and father of a student at Emerson College)
Cuisine: Seafood
Crew: Anthony Jacobson, Adam Saper, Jason Spivak, David Nathanson, Ben Hundreds, Rachel Halilej, Goop, Time Out, Eater, Conde Nast Traveler, James Beard Award, Food & Wine
Good For: Solo Dining, Small Groups, Date Night
Pro Tip: Look for Mario, the best server in Boston. And try to guess which Eastern European country his accent is from. He won’t tell you! Go to The Street Bar at the Newbury at night, whether we’re staying there or not. In addition to serving as the backdrop for that great bar scene in Challengers—the shot from outside looking in—they also have the perfect bar menu: baked in-house wagyu pigs in a blanket, the Old Bay seasoned shrimp cocktail, and delicious house made meatballs.
What to Order: Oysters, Bluefin Crudo, Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll
Notes: During our whirlwind tour up the East Coast for college tours this year, we whipped through Boston for three college visits including seeing our oldest daughter at Emerson College. It also meant going to our favorite North End spot, Neptune Oyster. Opened in 2004 by Jeff and Kelli Nace, Neptune has earned accolades ranging from a James Beard Award semifinalist nod to recognition as one of America’s best oyster bars by Food & Wine. With no reservations and just 37 seats, we always try to time an early dinner or late lunch, and avoid the weekends. There’s always a line out front but that just builds anticipation for the perfect New England meal.
Photo by Zingerman’s
📍University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan
Zingerman’s and Zingerman’s Road House (Reviewed by Toby Emmerich, Film Producer and father of senior at U of M)
Cuisine: American
Crew: Jason Spivak, Jerrold Son, Jamie Patricof, Eater, Conde Nast Traveler, NY Times, Infatuation
Good For: Casual, Take Out
Pro Tip: Their Road House serves fresh pulled pork and really good fried chicken.
What to Order: Bread, Reuben, Pastrami, Fried Chicken, Pulled Pork
Notes: An over the top deli. Their bread has the kind of fans who have it shipped across the country. My favorite item is the Reuben, made with rye fresh from their Bakehouse, local corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. But it’s humongous, I can only eat half.
Photo by The Jefferson Market
📍University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Jefferson Market (Reviewed by Toby Emmerich, Film Producer and father of senior at of U of M)
Cuisine: Market + Deli
Crew: Eater
Good For: Breakfast, Take Out, Casual
Pro Tip: Grab some homemade, all natural ice cream, sorbet and non dairy options at Blank Slate creamery.
What to Order: Eggs, Pancakes, Fruit, Biscuits
Notes: A former corner grocery from the 1920s, it’s now a warm and cozy cafe. A great spot for a hearty family breakfast on a crisp midwestern morning.
Photo by Eater
📍University of Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Bombolo (Reviewed by Jamie Patricof)
Cuisine: Italian
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Eater
Good For: Group Dinner, Date Night, Family Dinner
Pro Tip: No trip to Chapel Hill is complete without a stop for lunch or breakfast at Sutton’s Drug Store, and the best place to stay in town is The Carolina Inn.
What to Order: The menu is always changing, but a couple of musts if they have them are the Pork & Veal Polpette, Nola BBQ Shrimp, NC Heirloom Tomato Salad, Spicy Rigatoni & Nduja, Fried Chicken Set, and Wild Bass Khao Soi
Notes: Most people coming from LA or New York (myself included) carry a little arrogance about our cities. We assume nowhere else can match our level of restaurant sophistication. Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Besides regional spots that stand out, sometimes they have restaurants where a brilliant chef is quietly doing their thing in a city you least expect. That’s Bombolo. I was introduced to this place by Erin Matson, and I’ll admit—my big-city bias had me expecting “fine for here” at best. One bite in, I knew I was wrong. And it just kept getting better. Founded by Top Chef alum Garret Flemming, Bombolo defies categorization. Garret describes it as, “Bombolo is our way of exploring the unique way American restaurants break molds and reject the pigeonholes of Old World restaurants. We aren’t an Italian restaurant. We aren’t a fine-dining restaurant. We’re not even one of those high-concept, chef-focused ‘New American’ gastropubs. We’ve stolen some elements here and there, but to us, we’re just Bombolo. No other labels need apply.” A cute spot in a strip mall about 7 minutes from the heart of campus is now a must for me every time I go.
Photo by Tornado Room
📍University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, Wisconsin
Tornado Room (Reviewed by Nick Grad, Co-President, FX Entertainment and father of University of Wisconsin alum)
Cuisine: Steak House
Crew: Jerrold Son, Max Winkler, Eater
Good For: Date Night, Business Dinner, Small Groups
Pro Tip: While you’re in Madison, head to the Student Union on the lake for a pitcher of Spotted Cow beer and the best ice cream in town at The Daily Scoop.
What to Order: Steak, Coquille St Jacques, Cocktails
Notes: The Tornado Room is one of those classic steak houses that seem to only exist in old movies. But this place is real and it is SPECTACULAR. It is noisy and dark with amazing cocktails, salads, sides, and steaks. And that is what you are here for. After moving your kid into the dorms, you deserve to feel like a big shot.
Photo by Sarah’s on Main
📍Wesleyan — Middletown, CT
Sarah’s on Main (Reviewed by Paulette Light, Consultant, Executive Coach, and mom of 4 — including one student at Wesleyan)
Cuisine: American
Good For: Casual, Small Groups
Pro Tip: They have lots of vegetarian and gluten free options. Also, make your reservation at Zohara now for parents weekend. It’s a bit of a drive to East Hartford, but worth it.
What to Order: Go for any of the specials, which are made with the veggies from a local farm. Any dish is great, especially if you order a side of home fries.
Notes: Throw your Ikea bags down at WestCo and head to Sarah’s on Main, which is just over the bridge. It’s in a super cute house and serves delicious breakfast and lunch. They’ll know your name and order by sophomore year.
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I’ve decided to take the month of August off for new conversations. Between hectic schedules and vacations, it felt like the right time for a break (although there is so much going on, I am already excited to get back). We are going to have some big announcements soon about our fall guests and some new opportunities to join these exclusive conversations, so stay tuned.
Over the next month, I am going to highlight some of my favorite conversations from the vault that have never been publicly available before. First up is one of the most dynamic politicians today who is everywhere, thanks to the insane gerrymandering that Trump is trying with the help of Greg Abbott in Texas. Here is my conversation with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett from October 2024.
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🖼️ The Frick: Reopened after 5 years, a truly unique place
🎬 I Am Nevenka: I am not sure how I missed this movie, but it officially was one of my favorite movies from 2024. As of now you can only watch it on Delta in the US. Fingers crossed it finds a North American home.
🎭 Shakespeare in the Park: One of the most unique venues to see theater anywhere in the world. Add in Peter Dinklage, and it gets even better.
❤️🔥The 12:12AM announcement of Taylor Swift’s upcoming 12th album, Life of a Showgirl — out October 3rd.
🎂 Happy Birthday to Nico Mizrahi, Max Winkler, and Alex Vouvalides
The Palm with Jack, Jon and Mark Patricof and Rich Kleiman; Clam Bar with Alan, Mark, and Nina Patricof; Carissa’s The Bakery with Nicole Caruso; Villa Italian Specialties with Jon, Mark, and Alan Patricof; Sag Harbor Tavern with Nina Patricof and Colin Ahrens; Three Guys with Deja Foxx; Penny with Aaron Stern, Annie Hamilton and Phill Ettinger; Szechuan Mountain House with Martha, Mark, Lily & Nina Patricof and Jason & Mandy Hackett; Yi Ji Shi Mo with Lauren Malanga; Sunn’s with Colin McCabe and Mark Feuerstein; Le Rock with Daniella Ballou-Aares; Scarr’s, Kiki’s, and Ha’s Snack Bar with Jack Patricof; and Nick and Toni’s with Mark, Nina, Lily, Teddy Himmler and Colin Ahrens.
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, Michaela Sullivan and Lauren Malanga
