Eat, Read, Go: Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl, "Good Dirt," and Scottsdale

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. Congratulations on making it to February. Even though this is the shortest month of the year, I have a feeling it’ll still be extra. Case in point: This week alone, I’ve seen images of FKA Twigs clomping around in “rhino heels” (they’re even more ridiculous than whatever you’re imagining) and Katy Perry wearing a strapless minidress made entirely of belts (at least her outfit’s secure?). I also learned the “gastro chic” aesthetic will soon be everywhere (my stomach would like a word). However, absolutely nothing could’ve prepared me for the divisive “fluffy nails” trend that’s sweeping TikTok (send help). Oh, and one last thing: If you’ve enjoyed the Weekend Skimm, we’d love to hear from you — so we can better tailor our newsletters to the kinds of content you want to see.

— Taylor Trudon / Writer, Culture & Lifestyle / Brooklyn, NY

Warning: This Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl Might Become Your New Obsession

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Virtually any meal can be a bowl if you try hard enough — but the beauty of The Palatable Life’s Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl is that you barely have to try at all. The base of this impressively low-effort, high-reward meal is a bed of nutritious kale, which is covered with crunchy, carby, and creamy toppings to keep every bite interesting. Think: tender chicken meatballs, roasted sweet potatoes, Parmesan-crusted chickpeas, and an exceptionally vibrant yogurt jalapeño dressing. Plus, if you double the recipe, you’ll have nearly a workweek’s worth of lunches. Sounds like a win-win.

The Time Commitment: Forty-five minutes is all that stands between you and this bowl of deliciousness. 

Key Tips: If the thought of yogurt jalapeño dressing sets your mouth on fire, we get it. Of course, you can ditch the jalapeño altogether, but Mallory Jones Oniki (aka The Palatable Life) suggests removing the pepper’s ribs and seeds, then washing it with water, so you’ll get all the flavor — minus the spice. Also, ground turkey and pork are both great substitutes for chicken.

Other Takes: Looking for more build-your-own-bowl ideas? Combine Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with crunchy broccoli slaw — and you’ll be tricked into thinking it’s peak summer. For something equally refreshing, consider these bún chả-inspired meatballs, served with rice vermicelli noodles, pickled veggies, and a perfectly zesty Vietnamese nước chấm sauce. Or, make these Korean Meatball Rice Bowls, featuring gochujang-loaded little guys, a leafy herb salad, and an intensely flavorful kimchi vinaigrette. Last but not least, add these flavor-packed Mediterranean Meatballs With Tzatziki to this Roasted Cauliflower and Hummus Bowl or on top of warm couscous. Either way, it’ll be extremely good.

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

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From the author of the New York Times bestseller Black Cake, comes another equally engrossing multigenerational family tale. At the heart of Charmaine Wilkerson’s latest novel, Good Dirt, is Ebby Freeman, the daughter of one of the few Black families in a wealthy, coastal Connecticut town, who’s haunted by childhood tragedy: Her brother was killed in an unsolved home invasion, and a treasured family heirloom from an enslaved ancestor was shattered. Nearly 20 years later, Ebby is thrust back into the spotlight when her rich, white fiancé abruptly leaves her on their wedding day. She flees to France, where she begins to unravel her family history in a story that “masterfully weaves” together “threads of love, loss, and legacy.” We asked Wilkerson a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s one thing everyone needs to watch?

Wilkerson: Perfect Days, a 2023 film by Wim Wenders. [It’s a] Japanese-German collaboration. Either you will doze off while watching it or you will never stop telling people about it.

Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about? 

Wilkerson: The Grand Paloma Resort by Cleyvis Natera. The story is set at a resort hotel in the Dominican Republic, and the characters’ lives are complicated by class, racism, and sex. But there is plenty of love, too. [It’s] out in August.

Q: What’s a corner of the internet you recently discovered?

Wilkerson: I have come late to the world of quirky animal videos. And I am in peril.

This Southwestern City Is Full of Warm-Weather Adventures

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If “the cold never bothered me anyway” isn’t quite your vibe, head to Scottsdale, Arizona where there are over 330 sunny days every year and temps are in the 70s during the winter months. Throw in scenic desert views, world-renowned luxury resorts, and one-of-a-kind restaurants, and you can see why it’s on so many must-visit lists.

🛏 Wellness takes center stage at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, one of the country’s top destination spas. At the 53-acre resort, you can indulge in lavish spa treatments like an aquatic massage or a seaweed wrap. And be sure to visit their Zen meditation garden and reflection pond.

🏜️ Hiking is the best way to take in the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Of the 400 miles of well-maintained trails, we recommend hitting Tom’s Thumb for an uphill challenge or the Scenic Trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park for something less intense.

🐎 Embrace the wild west at MacDonald’s Ranch, a family-owned and -operated stable where horseback riders of all levels are welcome. Go on a trail ride followed by a delicious dinner prepared by the staff and a bonfire complete with s’mores.

🍴 If food is your love language, you simply must dine at FnB, one of the area’s most renowned restaurants. The James Beard Award-winning chef curates seasonal menus that never disappoint. For something unexpected, visit SumoMaya, a Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant adorned with eclectic and colorful decor.

The bottom line: Scottsdale has something for everyone — especially anyone trying to escape the cold. Check out all the warm-weather fun waiting for you.*

We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:

Q: A friend asked me to refer them to a job opening at my company, but I don’t think they’re qualified. What should I do?

“[It’s important to] navigate the situation with thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and tact. [You can say], ‘Based on what I know about the role and your experience, it doesn’t seem like it’d be a perfect fit … but there might be some aspects of your personality [or background] that’d make you a great candidate, so I encourage you to go ahead and apply. In this situation, I can’t be a professional reference for you, but I’m happy to be a character reference and support you in that capacity.’”

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.