Meet the Van Ness children, stars of The Weekend Retreat by Tara Laskowski. These three adults are the heirs to their late mother’s estate and vineyard, the Van Ness Winery. Not long after matriarch Katrina’s death, they arrive at the family home with their plus ones in tow. What is intended as a wellness-birthday weekend doesn’t stay quite on track, as the siblings’ love of mean-spirited games and tricks leaves everyone on edge — especially newcomer Lauren, who is trying as hard as she can to fit in. Much to in-by-marriage Elle’s chagrin, the meticulously planned itinerary takes a turn off the rails and murderous mayhem ensues. The Weekend Retreat has touches of “Cruel Intentions,” “Succession,” and “Saltburn” — and we couldn’t get enough.
The Weekend Retreat
by Tara Laskowski
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| Domaine de la Madone Beaujolais-Villages Le Perreon Cabernet Franc | Ravines Dry Riesling |
| Soon after arriving at the Van Ness Winery, dinner is served. Once done, out comes a special bottle of wine. Harper remarks: “Oh wow, the twenty-year? … This must be a special occasion.” Harper goes on to comment about the black cherry, pepper and tobacco, which inspires our pick of this absolute splurge-y (and New York-grown) Domaine de la Madone Beaujolais-Villages Le Perreon Cabernet Franc. We’ll be keeping this beauty set aside for a special occasion. | Having married into the Van Ness family, Elle knows precisely what Lauren is going through as she navigates these tricky waters. In a show of supportive comradery, she makes a move to take Lauren under her wing. “This bonding moment calls for a crisp, light Riesling.” We’ll take that as our cue to pop open this delightfully delicate and silky Dry Riesling from Ravines Winery in the Finger Lakes. |
Crispy Chickpeas and Scallops with Garlic-harissa Oil
From The Mediterranean Dish by Suzy Karadsheh
The planned meal for the birthday fete of twins Richard and Harper is scallops and steak. Though we won’t tell you here if the meal ever happens, what we will do is share a recipe that is party-worthy — and also everyday-worthy. This Crispy Chickpeas and Scallops with Garlic-harissa Oil is delectable, and also thematically appropriate for the wellness spin on the birthday weekend at the Van Ness Family Winery.
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| THE MEDITERRANEAN DISH Copyright © 2022 by Suzy Karadsheh. Photographs copyright © 2022 by Caitlin Bensel. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Random House. |
The Mediterranean Dish
by Suzy Karadsheh
The Weekend Retreat evokes a particularly atmospheric mood just begging for a soundtrack. Lucky for us, author Tara Laskowski has gifted us exactly that. Click through to listen to a compilation consisting of everything from Coldplay to Imagine Dragons to Guns ‘n’ Roses.
Listen on Spotify
We asked the author to consider and contemplate siblings who come with all the drama. Here’s what she shared: “Whenever I think of troubled pop culture siblings, I think of the Carrington children in the original ‘Dynasty’ TV show. Talk about drama! I’m not sure they live even one day of their lives without it! From getting kidnapped to near-miss incest to attempted poisoning of each other, those siblings are pure, delicious drama. They are so fun to watch because the gasping reveals just keep on coming, but also there’s a relief to not be them. This show is pure ‘80s and totally binge-worthy even today. Hello, cat fights!”
The Weekend Retreat serves as a crash course in wines. If it’s whet your appetite to expand your own knowledge a little more, check out a few recent reads that cover the world of wine. You’ll be the expert in no time.
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