The Material Review
Issue 127: A Restaurant Hitmaker, Life of a Baseball, Robert Plant, Lessons on Yearning and Style, Thrashed Clothes, Trans-Siberian Railway, Ferry Travel and Spotlight On: San Francisco Brands.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
From McDonald’s to Nobu, a Restaurant Hitmaker’s Not-So-Humble Story
“In a frank memoir, Drew Nieporent looks back at a half-century career that’s produced signature New York restaurants like Montrachet and Tribeca Grill.” [NYT]
Gone in 2.5 pitches: The fleeting life of a baseball in modern MLB
Robert Plant Passed on a White-Collar Career to Sing for Led Zeppelin
“The ‘Saving Grace’ singer on his grandfather’s brass band, his love of Bo Diddley and his lucky break” [WSJ]
What I Wanted, What I Got
“Lifelong lessons in yearning and style.” [The New Yorker]
The Long and Winding Road to Vladivostok: The Trans-Siberian Railway and the World
Get Distressed: An Introduction to the Market for Thrashed Clothes
[Vestoj]
Two If By Sea
“Ferry Travel: Spacious, Scenic, and Surprisingly Restorative” [The Old Ghosts]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Augie Type-S Earth Suede
Changeover
Plaud Note Pro
Filson Mackinaw Wool Cape Coat
L.L. Bean Paddlers Cribbage
San Francisco Brands
Mission Workshop - TX70 Packing Cube
Taylor Stitch - Ojai Jacket
Tellason - Fredy
Joshu + Vela - Medium Boat Tote
Tailors’ Keep Necktie
Classifieds
Welcome to our weekly “Classifieds” section of the newsletter. The idea is to find an easy way to promote things happening in our ecosystem. Think of this space to promote your eBay shop, event, newsletter, app, book, tool or your personal brand (if you must). Drop us a line at if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 character per ad.
🩴 des américains
Mesdames et messieurs, l’été n’est jamais terminé. Inspired by '70s and '80s sporting style, retro-thick des américains thong sandals are handcrafted in Maine with the finest materials for unsurpassed comfort and durability. New styles, colorways, and more at desamericains.com.
🎉 Former Studies By Cale Darrell USA Launch Party
Saturday, Sep. 27th. 3-8pm. 333 N Oakley Boulevard, Chicago, IL.
CHICAGO! Here we go — back in action and launching Saturday, September 27th 3-8pm. We’re loading in new F.S. styles with a ton of special vintage.