saloon 44
a $500 martini at wildflower farms, spongebob at burger king, a communal braiding, hot dogs at time again, jobs at FRAMA
A couple weekends ago, I visited Wildflower Farms upstate for an Abask collaboration centered around a $500 martini. I love Abask in a crazed way, and I was also unhoused at the time they asked if I’d be interested in a visit. I said yes, obviously. The collaboration is called “A Season of Spirits,” the meeting of two luxury powers to create an experience that includes a toasting ritual on The Great Porch, a mixology class, and a refined martini menu at their in-house restaurant Clay (so good) featuring a $500 offering that includes two martinis paired with a chef-curated caviar accompaniment and a take-home ABASK coupe glass set. I was in the company of two people who were on the clock, and one who didn’t like martinis, so I held down the fort. Caviar in a martini: not bad.
I had no idea what an Auberge resort was before going. My first valet experience (I had a mountain of Taco Bell trash in my car <3) was quickly followed by a guided hand-washing experience with Mediterranean sea salt and the invitation to “set an intention for your stay.” A glass of local cider, a tour of the grounds. A small cabin with a deck and complimentary wine, chocolates, Bjorn Qorn (upstate staple). Rain shower, robe, Japanese slippers. Fire pits abound. The cabins are tucked between tall grasses. The mountain views are so wide and dramatic, they’re almost Western. 8:30am feeding the farm animals, 10am healing meditation. Heated pool and spa offerings. I never figured out the TV but after two strong whiskey drinks at the mixology class followed by a $500 martini, I didn’t need it.
If anyone has a mini-moon to plan, or a crisp 1k to throw at the most relaxing night of their lives, have at it. If you can just get up there, they have—obviously—a partnership with Mercedes Benz where you can take the car out to nearby orchards, vineyards, breweries, and hikes for the afternoon. Don’t miss the donkeys on the way out, they’re very friendly.
The very sweet Brianna Schubert gave saloon a shout-out in The Good Trade. Read here. In very good company.
Introduced to the work of OC Studio through my favorite florist ever, Molly Cox of Saint Agnes. This is exactly what saloon’s socials look like in my dream life.
Fireside Pilates (a saloon community favorite, like every toned baddie in this inner circle is doing ts) is offering some free classes on YouTube. “We know committing to a subscription, even one with a free trial, can feel like a big decision. This is our way of letting you try our classes with no strings attached.” If (and when) you love it, you can join the full-access membership through their website, which still includes a 7-day free trial and their entire library of classes.
Tumbao is doing its last embroidery of the year on Dec. 19. Can’t miss.
You will find me here tonight:
But if I wasn’t here, I’d be at Colbo, where Alex Delany is pouring wine til 10pm.
I’ll call Tobias Hess my friend even though we met once for 15 minutes but I loved him. He just moved from Paper to Fader where he, among other things, contributed to this list I love of the 51 best songs of 2025. His pick is my pick: blade bird by oklou. ear is next to Tate McRae here, aka it’s an amazing list.
I call this Sezane scarf my emotional support scarf because it does the work of warming me up and calming me down at all hours of the freezing and dark day. Anna B. Albury has the whole set in pink and it makes me regret getting camel like a basic b*tch. She looks so cute.
I just wrote about these in AD, but these candle sconces are an insane find…like should probably cost way more…
I have to hard launch my boyfriend to share his review of the Burger King Spongebob collab I obviously had no idea was happening. He told me he took a two-hour lunch for this. I’ll need Burger King ally Dream Baby Press’ take.
Your fool-proof last-minute Christmas gift is this. Nothing like it.
Another Eddie pick:
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