Dessert destination: Steve’s key lime pie

by Sam Turner (Brooklyn)

As an ex-Floridian, I consider myself something of a key lime pie connoisseur—so I’m always a little wary of trying any that aren’t made in my home state. But this past weekend in Red Hook, Brooklyn, I spotted a big sign that read “Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie, Turn Left Here” and felt seriously compelled to investigate. And if you can’t tell from the photo above, I’m so happy I went. Creamy like pudding and tart like the perfect summer limeade, Steve’s pie was pure heavenly awesomeness. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, I highly suggest you treat yourself to one.

A facial mask to swear by

by Sam Turner (Brooklyn)

Confession: My bathroom cabinet is stuffed with beauty products. So basically I really have to like something before I agree to make room for it. The latest thing to gain entry? Korres Cinnamon & Natural Clay Mask. For oily skin with imperfections, it’s the perfect at-home treatment if you don’t have time for a facial. Spread it on clean dry skin, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse. It cools your skin and removes all excess oil. Your skin will feel cleaner and look brighter instantly. Plus, it makes an amazing gift.

Excellent Etsy find: Greek greeting cards

by Sam Turner (Brooklyn)

Let’s be honest: Greeting cards that say “thank you,” “congratulations” or “get well” can sometimes feel stale. Which is why I was especially excited about a particular gift I recently received: A set of five blue and white letterpress occasion cards—in Greek! Made by a family-owned company called Concrete Lace that a friend found on Etsy, each one is exceptionally beautiful and unique. Plus, doesn’t “Happy Birthday” just look more awesome like this: Χρονια Πολλα?

Greetings from Greece: My Guide to Greek Salad

by Sam Turner (Brooklyn)

At Takis Taverna, right before ordering their delicious rendition of the Greek salad.

It may sound predictable (and even a little meta), but my favorite thing to eat while on vacation in Greece is both the simplest and the most common: horiatiki salata, aka Greek salad. Although its ingredients are fairly standard (tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, bell peppers, feta, Kalamata olives, oil, salt and oregano), the secret to its success lies in the subtle differences.

So basically, I went on a mission to devour as many Greek salads as I could and find my favorites. Without further ado, my top four:

1. Ponns Family Recipe: My boyfriend’s parents grow their own vegetables, so the tomatoes in this salad were truly spectacular, making it an obvious choice for #1. The other secret ingredient is a sprinkling of throubi, an oregano-like dried herb that happens to grow wild in the hills behind his house!

2. To Ouzeri Tis Kalis: The finishing touch of delicious red peppers on this rendition adds a perfect slightly spicy sweetness.

3. Takis Taverna: It’s a lot like Cyclops’ version (below), but the addition of capers and oil-cured olives introduces a really pleasant brininess.

4. Cyclops Taverna: This follows the basic formula but replaces feta with local Myzithra (a fresh ricotta-like goat’s-milk cheese), lending the salad a creamier flavor. Perfection.

Kalí óreksi (that’s Greek for bon appétit)!

Meet the bloggers

Well, first off, there’s us. We’re an ever-changing group working on all sorts of creative things at Madewell. Designers, media mavens, tastemakers, industrious interns—the gang’s all here.

We’re really excited to share all the stuff—big or small, far and wide–that constantly inspires us. Hop over here and you’ll get the story on each of us.

But wait, there’s more…

We cast a net from coast to coast, sweeping up some of our favorite writerly women who we think are just so Madewell. (We have a hunch you’ll think so too.) Read up on the group, whose musings you’ll find mixed in with our own.