The Sunday Digest 165
"Sweet surrender on the quayside."
Welcome to The Sunday Digest — a free Sunday newsletter featuring long (and some short) reads, original columns, things I’ve saved over the last week, relaxing playlists, episodes releases, exclusive product drops, and more. Yes, you can reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you.
Sunday Read: The Best Way to Get a Restaurant Reservation? It’s an Old One.
by Carson Griffith for The New York Times
I used to walk in to my local sandwich spot and get the royal treatment of sandwich spots everywhere: a nod and wave from the owner, someone making my sandwich before I can order, and an extra pickle in my bag on the way out. Nevermind the convenience of it all, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel special.
Becoming a regular has always been a gift and a curse to me. On one hand, there’s the benefit of being treated differently better than everyone else. On the other, it makes you question your habits and whether or not you should be spending so much at any given establishment. It’s for that reason I never try to overstay my welcome at bars anymore.
These days, I do benefit from a connection we have at our favorite restaurant. And yes, I will be gatekeeping that information.
Here’s an excerpt from this week’s read on becoming a regular:
Near the Presidio in San Francisco, Jarod Farchione, 27, an advertising executive, became a fixture at Côte Ouest Bistro by showing up early, when business was slow. Timing was the cheat code. Quiet hours let him introduce himself, learn the owners’ names, be recognized on return visits and, when the weekend crowds hit, land priority seating.
“I think one of the biggest perks for me is feeling like I built a relationship and I’m part of that community,” he said. “So every time I go I see other regulars, and I see the owners, you hear the latest updates on their stories.”
Read in full here.
Also read from this week:
The Sunday Haiku: “Your Grocery Delivery Has Been Completed!”
Dammit, not again,
the avocados are hard,
should have gone myself.
New Episode › Retail Therapy 138: Happy Hour Drink of the Year
Whether or not happy hour is doomed, a small look at post-work pub culture, the cringe level of the new non-drinking events, our personal 2025 Cocktails of the Year, some soccer kit releases, Jacob Elordi's crush on Hilary Duff, wishlist items, and more.
Listen to Retail Therapy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and anywhere else podcasts are found. You can also follow Retail Therapy on Substack.
Things I Saved This Week
My Sunday To-Do List
With my wife working call at the hospital today, that means my day gets simplified: Dad Duty.
Should any naps actually occur, my 2026 reading campaign will continue.
Some garden rehabilitation is needed after a lazy holiday watering schedule, so will likely sneak that in while playing outside.
Pizza for dinner feels inevitable for about a thousand different reasons. Add breadsticks.
Manchester United vs. Brighton.
Despite someone in our household not catching up on Industry before tonight’s Season 4 premiere, I will be watching.
Seek the means of relaxation and hold on tight,
Will
Eric Tao appreciates the same kind of commitment to watching Industry that he expects in Pierpoint employees.