When Summer Begins

Welcome. Here in New York, it’s officially summer. If it’s hot where you are, your exercise regimen may need some modifications. Gretchen Reynolds has ideas — including freezing your underwear. Sam Sifton is fishing for fluke, a highlight of his summer meals. And Concepción de León has information on how the Delta variant of the…

20 Summer Potluck Ideas

It’s time for park picnics and backyard potlucks, and, for obvious reasons, our staff is excited for the outdoor hang more than ever this year. And, whether it’s something sweet (Rice Krispies treats loaded with chocolate and pretzels, peach cobbler, plum torte) or savory (deviled eggs, Chinese dumplings, fried chicken), one of their favorites is…

Your New Disco Fries

Good morning. Cathy Erway has a fascinating article in The Times this week about a new generation of American Chinese takeout restaurants and their chefs’ proud embrace of the classics of that canon: cashew chicken, for instance, along with sweet and sour pork and crab Rangoon. Maybe one of those could be your dinner tonight?…