With This Ancient Tool, Pasta Comes With Strings Attached
This year, I got an Italian chitarra (pronounced key-TAR-ah). I've been eyeing them for years on various Italian cooking websites but never bought one because it seemed an indulgence in a kitchen already outfitted with every imaginable appliance and gadget.
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Eater
20 minutes ago
- Eater
The Latest D.C.-Area Restaurant Closures in July
This is a curated list of D.C. area's newly announced restaurant and bar closures, with new updates published every month. See a closing we missed? Drop us a line. Bethesda, Maryland: Gluten-free and vegan bakery Josephine GF will close on Thursday, July 31. Per an announcement on social media, the team opted to not renew its lease after nearly three years in the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. Over its short run, Josephine GF says it served 'thousands of customers' from Miami to New York City, L.A. to Alaska, who are celiac (and not). The gluten-free and vegan cafe is best known for its sweet-and-savory waffles, along with bread loaves, cookies, brownies, and baguette sandwiches. The team, which is actively looking for a new space, is also open to options like franchising or commercializing its proprietary gluten-free flour mixes. 4927A St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland Columbia Heights: Promising Mexican restaurant (and once-Eater 38 spot) Cinco Soles held a farewell party on Monday, July 14, ahead of its impending closure after a short, two-year run. Salvadoran chef-owner Mauricio Arias turned his former Italian eatery Ossobuco into the color-soaked destination for vibrant ceviches, al pastor tacos, mahi mahi tostadas, churros, bright salads, and spicy margaritas. A bar splashed with 'Soup of the Day: Tequila' neon signage sent out a 'Naked in Tulum' with Aperol, mezcal, and passionfruit. Arias will continue to run El Rinconcito Café and Tortino in Shaw. 3418 11th Street NW Cathedral Heights: Italian newcomer Talea Ristorante suddenly shut down this month after just a year in business. The team behind Georgetown's popular Flavio brought pillowy ricotta gnocchi, branzino, lobster diavolo, and other familiar favorites to the upper Northwest neighborhood last June. Located in the former Cafe Deluxe space, the sleek setup with a green-lined patio out front featured mod prints of a spaghetti-twirling Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren. A last-minute liquidation sale was posted online last week. 3228 Wisconsin Avenue NW Chinatown: Full Kee, D.C.'s 40-year-old staple for Hong Kong-style soups, lo mein, and lunch specials, was forced to vacate on Tuesday, July 1, in order to make way for a new high-end commercial building. The Gallery Place-Chinatown Task Force, created to preserve the neighborhood's character and its legacy Asian restaurants, condemned the cause of the closure. 'When establishments like Full Kee, so core to the story of a place, are forced to close – the damage is immeasurable,' per a statement. 'If city government wishes to subsidize or otherwise support luxury development, they MUST take concrete actions to protect small businesses.' 509 H Street NW Woodbridge, Virginia: After a nearly decade-long run, Brew Republic Bierwerks will serve its last beer on Sunday, July 27. 'Our landlord is forcing us out,' alleges Brew Republic in a Facebook post. 'Given the high costs of relocating and the distressed nature of the brewery and restaurant industries, we've decided that it's best to shut down and close.' Along with its award-winning ales and lagers brewed on-site, the South Beach-styled space hosted comedy, trivia, and live entertainment throughout the week. Brew Republic, co-founded by former state Del. Jeffrey Frederick (R-Woodbridge), offered its 'beer commission' members bigger glasses of beer and discounts on growler refills. A weekend closing party (July 25-27) calls for karaoke and bands from over the years. Kimco Realty bought Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in 2023. 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge, Virginia Eater DC All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Elle
3 hours ago
- Elle
The One Summer Shoe Your Warm-Weather Wardrobe Is Missing
What's summer without raffia? Sure, the natural fabric may not be all that new for this time of year, but beyond your usual raffia bag or sun hat, the fabric hasn't expanded into much newer now. In the blink of an eye, our carts and closets have filled with the best raffia sandals. They're the quintessential summer shoe, as the breathable material allows for plenty of airflow and looks like it can walk you straight to a coastal Italian village. We have the past spring/summer and resort 2025 runway shows to thank for that, with designers like Max Mara, Chloé, and Michael Kors introducing more of the fiber into their collections. It didn't take long before brands like and Madewell began weaving the material into their ready-to-wear pieces, giving everyone a chance to embrace summer fabrics in something other than an accessory. As one of the trendiest beach sandals, chic raffia sandals can elevate even the most mundane outfits. And no, the flip-flop trend hasn't been replaced by this woven shoe. However, since the thonged footwear walked its way from the beach to the inner city—often paired with elegant dresses and minimalist ensembles, the woven sandal keeps its seaside groove for us beachgoers. Just look at any of the options below. From Simon Miller to Prada and even Manolo Blahnik, designers are all aboard the raffia train, giving us the most stylish summer shoe of the season. Slide your way into this laid-back raffia sandal and you'll instantly be met with its soft, cushioned footbed. They absolutely do not mean business—no, they mean to take you on a relaxing vacation and set your emails to OOO. According to ELLE's accessories editor Madison Rexroat, they're 'playful yet chic and elevated, perfect for a summer day or running around.' Sizes: 35-41 Colors: Black, Natural Heel height: 0.4 inches For what little effort it takes to slip into this shoe, it surely delivers a major impact in terms of style. Available in two colorways, the buckled beauty adds a casual touch to any summer ensemble. There's padding underneath the straps, too, so you don't have to worry about any skin rubbing against the straw-like feel of the raffia. Sizes: 5-12 Colors: Weathered Sand, Hickory Multi Heel height: N/A Customer review: 'These sandals have such personality and are super comfortable. My shoe size is 8 1/2 medium width and they fit perfect. All straps are adjustable allowing for easy adjustment if desired.' These editor-loved sandals received high praise from former senior content strategist Carine Lavache, who said, 'he molded footbed makes me feel like I'm walking on clouds.' With just the right amount of platform to keep her off any questionable surfaces, the luxurious shoe has taken her from the office to dinner with friends. Sizes: 6-11 Colors: 9 options Heel height: 0.5 inches Customer review: 'I purchased these shoes in yellow and they are like walking on clouds!! Plus, I get more compliments on their unique cool style. They fit perfectly, are an all day comfort kind of shoe, and they make me smile every time I put them on!' If you're curious which shoe has caught ELLE's digital director Claire Stern Milch's attention as of late, it's these Andrea Gomez platform sandals. 'With a platform and a surprisingly walkable block heel, these sandals are my go-to for every summer function on the calendar,' she says. They're inspired by the tropical backdrop of the designer's native Venezuela and channel that quintessential vacation energy that we all crave once summer rolls around. Colors: Brown, Blue Heel height: 4.3 inches When it comes to shoes (and leather craftsmanship), we trust the Italians. The Milan-born brand Paris Texas wove together raffia and leather to create this stylish slingback sandal. It embodies the essence of the Amalfi Coast—visually stunning yet physically demanding—hence the flat heel. A back buckle allows you to adjust the strap to your preference, too. Sizes: 6-9 Colors: Naturale-Black Heel height: 0.25 inches So, you're in need of a work-appropriate summer sandal that doesn't look too casual or feel too stuffy. This Rebecca Minkoff option checks those boxes, offering a refined shoe that can do it all. The cuff ornament at the center adds a subtle visual accent, while a cushioned footbed softens every harsh impact with concrete floors. Sizes: 5-11 According to senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong, 'A flatform sandal is the perfect way to elongate your legs without compromising on your comfort.' Should your summer itinerary consist of days by a body of water, 'these will go nicely with any beach cover-ups,' she continues. For your day-to-day, though, she recommends pairing these with some linen shorts and a button-down shirt. Sizes: 6-10 Colors: Natural Woven Straw Heel height: 3 inches Manolo Blahnik may be best known for its feminine heels, but this black-and-cream sandal is just as alluring as any of its signature stilettos. The soft leather lining keeps your skin protected from any scratchy sensations the raffia may cause. It's easy to slip into—and even easier to style—effortlessly adding a touch of elegance to your look. Sizes: 6-13 Colors: Neutral, Pink Heel height: 0.8 inches A favorite of ELLE's fashion editor, Carson Stannard, these Neous heels are worth your admiration, too. The strappy sandal features a short (a.k.a. easy-to-walk-in) heel with a raffia footbed. The design is minimal yet impactful, giving your look a sexy touch that doesn't feel too loud or overpowering. Sizes: 6-11 Colors: Chocolate As one of the designers responsible for raffia's current popularity, Chloé deserves praise for creating this Isla Crocheted Raffia Mule. It's rare to find a sandal where even the heel is wrapped in the woven material, making this a truly unique piece. A structured mesh sits at the top of the shoe, with Chloé's logo discreetly stitched into the fabric. Colors: Black, Beige These raffia sandals come with a little bit of flair, making them one of fashion news editor Alexandra Hildreth's favorites. 'Since Dries Van Noten is so great at everything, its footwear often gets overlooked. Raffia is a go-to during the summer, but there's rarely a shoe that interprets it as freshly as Dries does here,' she says. The beaded fringe detail proves just how true her statement is. Colors: Natural The fisherman sandal is another one of those quintessential summer shoes. Year after year, notable designers, like Prada and JW Anderson, create their own iterations of the easy-to-wear style. It should come as no surprise, then, that a shoe like this raffia fisherman sandal exists, blending two trends into one. The rich chocolate hue seen here is a refreshing change from the typical sandy color of raffia, too. Colors: Brown Another shoe that blends two trends into one is this Braided Raffia Thong Sandal from Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn. It's already been established that flip-flops are one of this season's hottest summer shoes, and with a bit of raffia in the mix, you get a distinctly unique sandal at your feet. Made with a mix of leather, suede, and raffia, it doesn't skimp on quality either. Colors: Shell Heel height: 0.75 inches Handcrafted in Spain, the Alzira Raffia Sandal stands out with its square toe and webbed design. A buckled strap keeps your foot secure and safe from slipping. Similar to the Chloé option from earlier, raffia wraps around the heel—but this time, you're not met with a sky-high platform, but rather a comfortable block heel that makes all-day wear easy. Colors: Black You get both height and comfort with these Prada slides, making them an incredibly versatile pair. In fact, no vacation is complete without an easy slip-on shoe that takes you from the resort to the beach. The 1.38-inch platform is just tall enough to give you a little lift without compromising the safety of your ankles. Colors: Naturale, Nero Heel height: 1.38 inches Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
‘Wildly inappropriate' server bashed over stalking low-tipping influencer to troll her on social media: ‘Lowkey harassment'
These feisty foodies love a good roast. Asia White, AKA @thefoodiebitch, a Los Angeles-based food influencer, found out the hard way that being a public figure in the food world has its drawbacks. Last week, she posted a review video in which she rated an Italian restaurant in East Hollywood based on its general vibe, taste of the food, price and staff. But it wasn't the food that left a sour taste in her mouth — it was an unexpected comment from her waitress days later, calling her out on the 'poor tip' that she left. 'Hey Asia! Respectfully, I'm wondering what was missing for you, service-wise? You had some kind words for us as a staff here, but you left us a really bad tip,' wrote the waitress. White ordered a portion of focaccia, sausage with peppers and the branzino at her server's recommendation. All around, White said she enjoyed her experience, but did find some qualms with the price — and difficult forks, she claimed. The comment had picked up plenty of traction from other viewers, and thus began a long but respectful exchange. 3 To offset the cost of the meal, which came out to $98.70 before gratuity, she left a 15% tip. Instagram/thefoodiebitch 'Respectfully, it's difficult for me to justify a 20-30% tip on top of the overpriced food. I believe I left 15% though, next time I'll have to decide between a glass of wine or a heftier tip!' replied the influencer. 'I get it. The cost of dining out is getting outrageous these days…' the waitress said. 'The tip is the part that us servers, host, support & kitchen staff rely on for our own individual livelihoods, though. 'While business owners have the luxury of setting a fixed price to get by, we don't,' she continued. 'So it's always disheartening when the tip is where diners are quick to cut a corner.' The back-and-forth between the pair went on as the influencer wondered whether the restaurant should look into a mandatory service charge, given the staff's scrutiny over tips. The waitress clarified that in many LA spots, service charges are on the decline as the cash goes to the owners, who, more often than not, pocket a portion of the total and aren't always transparent about how they distribute the money. 'I know some people have their feelings about tipping culture in the US and I'm not out here trying to shame anyone, just trying to protect the work that I do & advocate for other service workers,' the waitress concluded. 'I do appreciate the positive discourse.' 3 On the other hand, with tips, 100% of the total goes to the staff, the waitress said, and owners 'can't touch it.' OlegD – Though there appeared to be no bad blood between White and the waitress — no expletives or insults were hurled, a rarity for a gratuity-related dialogue — the Internet was thoroughly incensed. 'This is lowkey harassment for the server to comment on your social media,' wrote one commenter. 'Where is this audacity when they are supposed to fight their employers for fair wages?' In Los Angeles, the minimum wage is just over $17, and unlike other states, California law doesn't factor gratuities into this figure. While other users agreed that the waitress's comment was probably inappropriate, some viewers thought the criticism was fair game, both because of the quality of the tip and for the fact that, as an influencer, Asia is a public figure and likely a well-known diner around the LA dining scene — a point that the waitress also made. 'I think we've been living in a huge double standard for some time now where patrons and influencers especially have a free pass to film in our work spaces and say whatever they want about their one-sided experience online, all while the restaurant & hospitality workers are expected to remain quiet, polite, forgiving and above any criticism even as it can often be rude & demeaning,' she said, replying to another commenter who criticized her for reaching out to the influencer. 3 White was a big fan of the fish and said that 'branzino girlies should definitely pull up' to the spot. Instagram/thefoodiebitch 'Leaving a poor tip while praising the service is not only a little passive-aggressive, it's exploitative too. Bear in mind that me and one of my coworkers are in this video and were both filmed without consent,' said the server. 'Good etiquette goes both ways.' Now that the post has racked up almost 90K views and counting, plus a Reddit post created by an anonymous anti-tipper, some commenters are worried the server will get into trouble at work, especially since viewers are now 'review-bombing' the spot with 1-star reviews. The Post has reached out to the unidentified server and White for comment.
