Welcome to this edition of Dimanche (That Means Sunday), a roundup of things that caught my eye this past week.

I was sitting at brunch with my boyfriend this morning and I said how this time of year always feels weird to me. I feel like I’m coming up on a deadline, probably because I associate the new year with new beginnings. I have the impulse to clean my car, do laundry, and anything else that you would associate with starting anew.

Still, I’m trying to find time to relax before the new year and I’d urge you to do the same. For some of us, it feels like we’re coming to the end of a very long chapter and we just want to close the book. For others, it might feel like the new beginning we’ve been waiting for and we’re excited about the possibilities. No matter what your take is, I think it’s important to sit back, relax, and reassess.

I’m sure this year will bring me more food and travels but I’m also excited for the surprises. I was thinking about it the other day, and it’s true that many of the moments I treasure most from the past year are the ones I didn’t anticipate. I think it’s important to cultivate this sense of wonder in our lives. I worry about the future a lot sometimes so I try to step back and embrace the present moment. When I do, I usually feel better.

I hope that this year brings you wonder and joy. Stay tuned for more food, travel, and cooking coverage on Allez Le Food in 2019. Thanks for reading!

I ate some doughnuts this morning that were out of this world. My boyfriend and I stopped by Sqwires restaurant for brunch this morning and I ordered the “donuts and coffee.” The doughnuts were perfectly fried and drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce, and they came with a side of whipped cream. I ended up putting some of the whipped cream in my coffee, which I’d highly recommend doing if you ever stop by for brunch.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is out of the hospital but I’m still having massive anxiety. The Supreme Court Justice left the hospital last week after having two cancerous nodules removed from her left lung. My thoughts and prayers are with the justice and her family. Stay with us, Ruth. Read more about the situation in this BBC story.

I finally started watching the adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novels on HBO and I’m obsessed. I love Ferrante’s books and I’m equally enamored with the new television series, which brings her stories to life on the small screen. The show has gotten some poor reviews but I don’t understand why. The acting is spot on, especially early on in the series. Watch the episodes here.

A Frenchman is sailing across the ocean in a barrel. Jean-Jacques Savin, age 71, is sailing from Spain to the Caribbean in a “reinforced capsule” with a sleeping bunk, storage, and kitchen. Naturally, Savin’s supplies include foie gras and two bottles of wine. Read more about his trip in this BBC piece.

I tried the Fig and Bourbon ice cream at Clementine’s and almost started crying tears of joy. The ice cream is my new favorite flavor at the shop, which has locations in Clayton and Lafayette Square. Read more about Clementine’s and its booze-infused ice cream here. 

This cookie cutter machine is mesmerizing. I dare you to watch the video only once. I saw it on Twitter earlier this week and I can’t stop watching.

Last but certainly not least, I got a good deal on a new media stand and I have to tell you about it. World Market is having a huge sale right now and I managed to get this TV stand for less than $200. My living room is finally starting to come together, which I’m excited about. Check out the sale here.

Enjoy your week and New Year! Here’s a song to get you started.