Tasting Notes // June '26
Reflections and notes from May, what's on my radar for June and a taste of the month ahead
EDITOR’S NOTE
Somehow May flew by and here we are, already at June.
We were deep in home projects for most of the past month and I unintentionally took a bit of a social media break in the process. And honestly? While I missed connecting with others, I was also reminded just how much I can accomplish when I’m not constantly pulled toward a screen. Eight new blog posts, one old post refreshed, two Substacks, launched a Google map for one of my favorite places, a playlist and some behind-the-scenes work on an upcoming project. Me on social media could never! Ha!
Since moving into our new home, I’ve really just wanted to be where my feet are planted, which, I’ll admit, isn’t a feeling I am too familiar with. However, it’s been so nice to slow down, be present, settle into our new town and work on making this house actually feel like ours (side note: why is putting together a home simultaneously the most expensive and the longest project known to humankind?!). But I’m finally coming up for air from the endless to-do lists, and with that comes the realization that this is somehow the longest I’ve gone without being on a plane in quite some time. The travel bug is coming for me in full force, and I’m not fighting it. I mean, hi! Do you see these pictures from Mallorca?? And that aperitivo board??! A European summer is definitely calling and we are answering.
Hope you all have a happy June and are enjoying a wonderful start to summer!
x
HAPPENINGS
WORDS TO LIVE BY //
“Living your best life means slowing down enough to see how good it already is.”
WHAT I’M PINNING //
My JUNE BOARD feels like summer is officially here. Think long golden evenings, linen everything, farmers market hauls, outdoor tables set for lingering dinners, herb gardens in full bloom and the kind of slow, sun-drenched days that make you want to go absolutely nowhere and everywhere all at once.
WHAT’S IN SEASON //
Zucchini, corn, tomatoes, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, cherries, basil, cucumbers, golden raspberries and apricots
WHAT I’M COOKING //
June is one of my favorite times to be in the kitchen — the produce is stunning, the days are long and warm, and everything just feels a little more effortless. I’m leaning into the season hard: bright, fresh flavors, minimal fuss, and the kind of recipes that are equally at home on a weeknight table or at a long, lazy dinner with friends. A few things I’ve had on heavy rotation lately —
HAMACHI CRUDO WITH PLUMS: Silky, bright, and a little unexpected, this one is pure summer on a plate. Stone fruit season is finally here and this is one of the most simple yet elevated ways to use it
HOT HONEY, SALAMI, CORN + PEACH PANZANELLA: The ultimate summer salad situation. Sweet corn, ripe peaches, salty salami and crusty bread soaking up all those gorgeous juices. It’s the kind of thing that shouldn’t work as well as it does and yet, here we are
CREAMY LEMON PASTA: A forever weeknight staple, especially this time of year. Bright, cozy, comes together in under 30 minutes, and pairs perfectly with literally whatever you’ve got at the farmers market
COWBOY CAVIAR: Chips and dip, elevated. This is the recipe I make when I need something crowd-pleasing and effortless. It’s colorful, fresh, packs a punch and disappears every single time
BLUEBERRY PEACH COBBLER WITH LIME + LAVENDER BISCUIT TOPPING: Peak summer in dessert form. Blueberries and peaches are at their absolute best right now and the lime and lavender biscuit topping takes this somewhere truly special. Serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla and call it a night
CARDAMOM PLUM FRIAND: The most elegant thin to come out of your oven. Delicate, nutty, warmly spiced and topped with juicy plums, friands are criminally underrated and this one is the perfect excuse to finally make them
WHAT I’M SIPPING ON //
Completely obsessed with Dona Tea lately! Their Chai concentrate in particular delicious. I’ve been drinking it on its own, iced with a splash of milk, and also adding it into coffee a la a dirty chai. Use code ALYSSAP25 for a discount!
WHAT I’M READING //
Code Name Helene, a book so captivating, I’ve barely been able to put it down since I first picked it up. It’s a fictionalized account of the real-life Nancy Wake, an Australian woman who became one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance during WWII. The story weaves through the four code names she used throughout the war, each one more daring than the last, and it has everything: from an epic love story to incredible bravery, sharp wit and the kind of heroine you immediately want to be best friends with. Highly recommend if you’re looking for your next page-turner.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO //
My Big Sur playlist, that I created to pair with my BIG SUR TRAVEL GUIDE, has been on constant rotation- perfect for summer road trips, chill afternoons and casual hangs with friends.
WHAT’S ON MY RADAR //
Cadaqués in the Costa Brava region of Spain and Sifnos, a Greek island, have always been on my list of places to travel, but the urge to go there is stronger than ever. Flamingo Estate’s hand soaps are now in the most beautiful refillable fluted glass bottles, available in their best-selling scents (including the Heirloom Tomato, naturally) and I need them all immediately. The Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra opening in Mallorca this summer- pine forests, hidden coves, cliffside pools, sign me up. Faithfull the Brand’s Cadaqués collection, think Costa Brava-inspired, sun-bleached and exactly what I want to be wearing all European summer long.
WHAT’S COMING UP //
June is going to be dedicated to all things European summer. Be on the lookout for my first travel guide launching later this week, followed by others throughout the month, as well as recipes inspired by a Mediterranean summer and dishes from some of my favorite destinations.
See everything I’m eyeing this month, including the sweetest embroidered linen napkins, outfits practically begging for a Mediterranean escape, the tea I can’t stop drinking and a few recent beauty favorites, in my June ‘26 Monthly Musts
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