The Simpler Times
reporting on references, recipes & reminiscing for real life
Editor’s Letter
Sometimes life looks a whole lot simpler in pre-2010s media when I’m researching for Kind of Cool. It can be incredibly easy to give into deep dives of nostalgia and then all of a sudden it’s 8pm, the sun is down and all semblance of present day has disappeared. Plus nostalgia has become such a buzzword (and marketing tactic for selling crap) that it feels well accompanied by an eye roll nowadays. But I think it should be used for way more fun than that.
So I’d like to introduce The Simpler Times: a new Kind of Cool report bringing references, recipes & other forms of reminiscing into right now. All in one round up that you can recreate in real life. Made to land in your inbox on a regular basis, here’s hoping.
If you’ve been a long-time subscriber to Kind of Cool, you’ll know I used to write “Of Note” articles as collections of things I was interested in and enjoying every week. That style of post is pretty prevalent here on Substack and can be a great introduction to new discoveries. The Simpler Times is like that, but with a focus on pulling from the past. Not because I want you to waste time on nostalgia, but because there is no reason why you shouldn’t get to create your own 90s/00s comedy film life for living today.
The Simpler Times refers to so-called better days and alleged simple times of eras past. Whether it actually was [better and simple] I cannot confirm. But this is just a bit of fun, and inspiration for real life if you like, because I think we need it and frankly I want to write it. And it is free to read. For now…
with love, G F
In this issue:
Couple’s Closet
An NYC Café Obit.
Host Like It’s An Early 1900s It Girl
A Rom-Com Worthy Recipe
Soundtrack Playlist 01
Couple’s Closet: Salma Hayek & Edward Norton
Underrated couple with style Salma Hayek and Edward Norton dated from 1999 to 2003. They were introduced by their chiropractor who seemingly moonlights as a patient matchmaker. I don’t know if they also had a joint stylist, and highly doubt it during this time but props is deserved for the complimenting outfits that never explicitly match but work well together in their rare sightings.
Hayek is a prime example of wearing clothes that fit well, and dare I say it, dressing for your body. It’s all about the finer details of her outfits like the jumper(?) wrapped round her waist, the strappy sandals mimicked in the wraparound necklace, and the balconette bra under a slightly sheer top.
As for Norton, a flowy shirt over a tank was a foolproof combination for him around this time. The pale colour of his shirt here acts almost as a sartorial tool for transforming the base layers into a complete, laidback look. Paired with the cap, pumas and belt buckle as focal point, this outfit feels like a set of decisions he made to feel a certain way and less like an intentionally styled display of clothing. It’s natural. Even if it potentially wasn’t. Same goes for his attempts at formal event fitting like the leather jacket ensemble. He pretty much just looks like a guy who dresses well because he knows himself. And that’s the key.
Sadly, for me, Hayek and Norton parted ways in 2003 and their fashionable timeline together came to a close. Thankfully they didn’t lose their style to each other and still continue to turn looks. I do wish we’d had more couple’s closet moments from them but these ones are still pretty timeless. So I’ll take it.
The City Bakery NYC
Here lies The City Bakery NYC. What was once a top spot for a hot chocolate with a giant fluffy fresh-cut marshmallow, is now some other store, restaurant or abandoned lot.
A union square establishment from 1990 to 2019, The City Bakery NYC housed many café-goers over the years. There were wonders of mundanity to be discovered behind its glass doors from its bakery to its chocolate shop to its wholesaler. With double-level seating, customers could watch from a mezzanine table or a cushioned bench below. A wrap-around counter served at all angles and it even felt a little fancy thanks to its frosted square glass paneling and shiny metal counter tops designed as an ode to the Chrysler Building.
It leaves behind a small legacy known only to its regulars, those who stopped in on a whim and anyone who looks to learn of its former existence like myself. It may also ring a bell as a ten second setting in the 2007 musical romantic comedy Music & Lyrics starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. It served as a point of character development in the plot and personal development in the routines of those who took it for granted every day.
Though I am regretful to have never been afforded the opportunity to sip hot caffé latte from their signature blue takeout cup, or try their famous bakers muffin (whatever that is), let it be a lesson to pay your suppliers and debts before embarking on drastic business expansion.
Live A Little Like Isabella Stewart Gardner
Long before Mary-Kate and Ashley served the likes of pears, dark chocolate, and green juice at The Row fashion show, or wedding parties provided teetering mountains of fries on silver platters as late night dance floor snacks, patron of the arts Isabella Stewart Gardner was the chicest host to ever do it.
Gardner was a trailblazer, not only for her resistance of conventional expectation but also for her refreshments. According to her wikipedia page, which I have read many times over, at the grand opening of her museum the menu included champagne and doughnuts for invited guests. In 1903!
It may be patronising of me to find this incredibly cool especially because of the date so for that I do apologise. Really, I’m just impressed, inspired and admiring of anyone who unapologetically does their own thing - this is the proper definition of cool that cannot be soured in my opinion. Best believe a passing out of champagne and doughnuts is on my (if I ever can be bothered to have a) wedding mood board.
An extra I.S.G fact that I feel has to be shared outside of her wikipedia page is that she was often the subject of gossip columns in her day due to a reputation for stylish tastes (!!!!). One instance being a formal Boston Symphony Orchestra concert appearance at which she wore a white headband with “Oh, you Red Sox” printed across it. A real it girl if there ever was one.
A Rom-Com Recipe: My Favourite Salad
inspired by a combination of two salad recipes by and
Making a big salad in a big bowl whilst music plays in my kitchen feels very rom-com to me. The good kind. The type where the colour grading is warm and there are opening credits. This is a Julie & Julia, It’s Complicated type of salad situation. I like that I can make that a reality for myself and now maybe you will too.
(Serves 2)
For the salad:
2 bags of crispy salad mix e.g. anything with lots of radicchio and frisée
2 thick slices of extra mature cheddar cheese
1 apple, whichever kind you prefer but I opt for pink lady
a handful of walnut halves
a handful of dried cranberries
roast chicken, can be leftovers or freshly made but I recommend adding it in cold
For the dressing: I pretty much eyeball these measurements because I like it heavy on the vinegar and mustard so measure as you see fit but roughly,2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of maple syrup
1-2 teaspoons of dijon mustard
a pinch of sea salt
black pepper
a sprinkle of garlic powder & some finely chopped fresh thyme are welcome additions if you have them lying around
Chop everything up a lot. You want to get a perfect bite of everything every single time. Put it all into the biggest bowl you’ve got. Even better if it’s a metal one. Can’t explain why.Mix the dressing ingredients in a cup. You can alternatively add to an almost empty mustard jar, put the lid on tightly and shake it like no one’s watching. Pour over the salad. Toss together and plate up! Or enjoy straight out of the bowl for the full effect of late 90s/early 00s rom-com protagonist.
Soundtrack Playlist 01
track 1 / i couldn’t love you more - sade
track 2 / transatlantic - quantic
track 3 / call me when you get this - corinne bailey rae
track 4 / sally, when the wine runs out - role model
track 5 / dirty work - steely dan
Reality Check
Bring it to life with this checklist:
Head to your wardrobe and shop through what you already have to pull together a look that you feel like really suits your body and shows you know exactly who you are. Then go for a walk wearing it as if you could be spotted by a Getty Images photographer at any moment. If you have a significant other, coordinate complimenting outfits together one day this week. Consider how your own style preferences influence, imitate and contradict each other if you have a spare moment between being grossly in love.
If you’re grabbing coffee, support your local coffee shops this weekend. Or spend hours in your favourite café chain finishing a book. Then maybe watch Music & Lyrics for the ten second sighting of The City Bakery. If you have any memories of the place, please share as I’d love to read them in the comments.
Invite your friends over for dinner and welcome them with some mini donuts and glasses of veuve (alternatives could include: shots of tequila, hot pink cosmos or even a highball of San Pellegrino with orange juice over ice).
Plan to make the rom-com worthy salad for dinner one night next week. Prep a grocery list, sharpen your favourite kitchen knife and seek out the biggest bowl in your cupboard. Then make sure to dance around a little while making it.
Wherever you listen to music, add the mini playlist songs and maybe even a few extras suggested by your music app to discover something new. Bonus points for wired earphones or playing on a speaker as you slide across your apartment floors in your socks.
Since I’m not encouraging you to buy anything, besides groceries which you’d probably need anyway, you could *hint hint* donate to my coffee fund and fuel the next issue of The Simpler Times. Otherwise I’d love to know your thoughts on this new style of regular reporting.
Thank you so much for reading. See you soon.
Oh my god city bakery closed ?!?! Noooo!! Best spaghetti squash in the world! My office was right next door and I had it almost every day for lunch. Glad to see someone else loved it as much as I did!