Nothing chases the cranky away quite as effectively as a visit from out of town friends. And because this weather had been seriously bringing me down (is there anything worse than a hot breeze?) my coffee Tuesday with the fantabulous Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, a.k.a. the Fug Girls—who are in town to promote their new YA novel— could not have been more well-timed. I’ve gone on about The Fugs’ vast talents before, so I won’t get all slobbery again. But in addition to loving their work, I truly love them. They’re clever, warm, down to earth and just delightfully pop culture-obsessed creatures. This makes a date with them one happy, manic conversational puddle-jump through topics that range from clothes to work to books to TV to—of course—celebrity gossip and tons of it.
We met at one of my neighborhood’s more charming-but-ineptly-run cafes— the type of place where, if you order anything more complicated than wine or cappuccino, you have only yourself to blame for whatever disaster ensues. Within the first two minutes, we touched on the awesomeness of hair extensions; what exactly the dirt is that Katie has on Tom; and our unanimous surprise that Andy Griffith had not in fact died some years ago—and the conversation just zigged along from there. At a certain point I realized that our cute-but-less-than-ept waiter had not understood what is meant by the word decaf, and things started feeling very tweaky indeed, because just being with the Fugs is a very caffeinating experience in the first place. But indeed, because the Fugs are in fact so pedal-to-the-floor, I’m fairly certain they didn’t notice.
The girls had a lunch date in the East Village, so after our coffee we strolled down Bleecker Street, which was a straight shot to their destination, Prune. (By the way, did any of you read Blood Bones & Butter, the memoir by Prune’s chef, Gabrielle Hamilton? What did you think? Did you love it, but kind of hate her, as did I?)
Afterward, I popped in to Rogan—where they’re having a pretty good sale—and Oak, where they’re not. It didn’t matter. It was too hot to even consider trying on clothes anyway.
So it was off to John Derian, a place I never tire of visiting and where I could spend untold thousands of dollars, were I in the market to spend untold thousands.
I wish there was (a lot) more commerce on the John Derian website so we coud all share together in the many and varied wonders of the place. I love the dry goods store he opened next to his original shop a few years ago. It’s full of things you’d feel guilty buying for yourself but would love to receive as gifts, like beautiful lightweight kurtas, and bright cotton napkins in the prettiest floral prints. And tons of vintage Moroccan rugs.
Also, these Jeanette Farrier throws.
And these linens and pillows and such by Lisa Corti, all of which might be more than my home could handle, but which make me very happy to look at all the same.
What you can purchase on his site—and browse through forever because there are so many to choose from—are all those fantastic decoupage pieces like this very pretty insect-y one. (I maxed out years ago on John Derian decoupage plates and won’t let myself buy any more of them.)
…and a whole bunch of totes and gift tags, and these mirror buttons too. I love this typeface. It seems really 70s, but I feel like it actually must be much older.
The Fug girls are one of my all-time favorites. Fug Madness is one of the best things ever on the internet. I take my brackets very seriously.
I loved Blood, Bones and Butter, but was so sad at the way things turned out with her relationship. I guess I’m just a sucker for happy endings.
I just read that Gwynnie is set to star in the adaptation. This makes me super sad
I think it’s wonderful that you like to have out of town guests. So many people seem to complain about them.
I lived around the corner from John Derian just over 10 years ago, and I swooned over it even then, as a scattered and irresponsible bartender in my early 20′s.
I read Blood Bones & Butter, and completely loved it! I can not wait to eat there when I am in NYC in November. Qh yes I did kinda hate her, or I should say I hated I did not grow up to be her. Or something like that.
I loved the book. I kind of thought she was a badass, and then I kind of felt sorry for her. Amazing writer, though.
La Paltrow as Gabrielle? Please, no.
Can someone explain to me how John Derian became a bajillionaire off decoupage? DECOUPAGE! Cut out an image somebody else created and glue it to a plate. Am I missing something?
One the one hand, I totally see what you are saying. On the other hand, I totally covet his stuff. So apparently, whatever he is doing, he is doing it right.
I also want a Hugo Guinness drawing, but that is another story of sad longing.
I’m sort of glad I live far, far away from NY. Otherwise, I would visit Derian’s store and end up in the poor house.
Love the Fug Girls and love Prune! Blood, Bones and Butter however, I had some issues with. The ending seemed inauthentic. There had to be to the story. I friend of mine who is in the food biz told me Hamilton is a bit crazy-go-nuts. It doesn’t surprise me at all.
I found your blog recently, and saw your posting about the book Spoiled. I took a chance on it because I went on vacation for two weeks, and wanted a great read! I was worried it was YA and I would think it’s too young. Although, it is young, I loved the book!!!I read that in one day, wherever I was, flight, train, bus, hotel. Fun read! I can’t wait to read the other book and future books by them! Thanks!
Had the same take on BB&B, KF. Curious that she didn’t talk about her family’s restaurant much (if at all). But I enjoyed it nevertheless. And I found a Restaurant Guys interview with her that made me like her more (http://www.restaurantguysradio.com/sle/rg/content/shows/index.asp?show_id=530)
Plan to read Marcus Samuelsson’s “Yes, Chef” next, after “Seating Arrangements” (fiction).
And totally love the John Derian shops, especially around Halloween and the winter holidays. The lamps are amazing. But I rarely buy anything there. I just like to soak up the atmosphere.