Sink into your holiday weekend with our staff recommendations on what to read, watch, cook, and listen to.
Every year, Labor Day weekend rolls around, and we collectively pause and think: Where did the summer go!? But hopefully, you have some time off and can enjoy some much deserved R&R ahead of what’s sure to be a busy fall.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to spend your time this weekend, don’t panic — we’ve got you covered. From Drake’s new album finally dropping, to a spaghetti carbonara recipe that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a gorgeous piazza in Italy, our KCM staff has some recommendations to keep you occupied, full, and entertained.
What to Listen to:
“Drake’s new album Certified Lover Boy comes out today. He’s been teasing the release of the album since January, so it’s exciting that it’s finally here! Although he’s released some new songs in between, this is the official successor to 2018’s Scorpion. As a Drake fan, this is going to be perfect to blast with friends when we hang out over the long holiday weekend. And fingers crossed for some quality guest features.” – Michaela Román
“I recently got an audible account, and I’ve been determined to make the most of the steep monthly charge, so I’ve gotten really into some of the free offerings. As a result, I’ve become absolutely addicted to listening to Irish crime novels. Read me anything in an Irish brogue and I’m on board, but a mystery? How can I say no?! I’d suggest starting with The Liar’s Girl by Dervla McTiernan. It’s about a freshman at university in Dublin whose boyfriend turns out to be a serial killer. Or IS he? You’ll have to listen to find out!” – Emily Pinto
What to Watch:
“What We Do in the Shadows makes me laugh out loud every single episode, so I couldn’t be happier that it’s back for a third season. It tells the story of a house full of centuries-old vampires and their familiar, Guillermo, who would love nothing more than to become a vampire himself but is instead stuck playing the role of human assistant. Though the characters literally thrive on death, the show couldn’t be funnier. Presented in the mockumentary style of The Office or Modern Family, it finds comedy in the mundane parts of everyday life that completely befuddle these creatures of the undead. Every time you finish an episode, you’ll be eager for another to sink your teeth into.” – Ryan Buxton
“This week, I interviewed Pierce Brosnan about his fierce role as King Rowan a.ka. the prince’s father in the new Cinderella (available on Amazon Prime). Let’s just say, this modern take on the ancient fairytale is worth watching with your kids. Set against a fantastical backdrop, with pop songs galore (Camila Cabello stars as Cinderella), the real magic is found in the refreshing script. It’s empowering, contemporary, and explores relationships that are honestly… relatable.” – Alaina Raftis
What to Cook:
“I just got back from an amazing trip to Italy and am inspired to *attempt* to recreate one of the best dishes I had throughout the trip — spaghetti carbonara. I’ll be following this New York Times recipe here. Though I’m not sure it’ll be quite the same, I’m definitely willing to try!” – Alissa Bell
“It’s tomato season, aka the time when gardens are bursting with goodness and I put tomatoes on virtually everything I eat. This weekend, I’m planning on treating myself (for at least the tenth time) to my current favorite meal, which couldn’t be easier to make: a grilled cheddar cheese sandwich that includes mashed avocado, a few slices of salami, and a huge slice of tomato topped with plenty of salt and pepper. Simple, nostalgic, and so frickin’ good.” – Molly Simms
What to Read (and Cook!):
“After I saw a somewhat interesting debate over the spices in Indian food, via New York Times tech writer (and author of An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook’s Battle for Domination) Cecilia Kang, I picked up her recommendation of the cookbook Rasika: Flavors of India, written by one of my favorite DC chefs. Rasika is from Vikram Sunderam, a James Beard Award-winning chef (for his restaurant by the same name) and acclaimed restaurateur Ashok Bajaj. I’ve been trying to expand my home-cooking (and my palate) and so I’ve tried some delicious recipes that aim to reinvent classic Indian dishes. My next feat is mastering his yummy naan and squash samosas dish.” – Clare Palo
