Why I Write

Making sense of my silence

I write to think through problems.

I write to be fulfilled.

I write to feel accomplished.

I write to focus on a task, any task.

I write to reach flow.

I write to hold myself accountable.

I write to express myself.

I write to be inspired.

I write to inspire you.

I write to start my day off well.

I write to better understand myself.

I write to give me things to talk about.

I write to think more clearly.

I write to have an online presence.

I write to be respected by you.

I write to check in with myself.

I write to get rich.

I write to connect with you.

I write to recommend the things I love.

I write to try to make sense of the world.

I write to challenge myself.

I write because you tell me you like it.

I write to become more of myself.

I write to come up with the right questions to ask myself.

I write to try to answer questions that occupy my mind.

Why haven’t I been writing more?

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Restaurant reviews from other New York media institutions

Most restaurateurs in the city would happily give up a nonessential body part in exchange for a rave review from The New York Times. Over the years, the Times has had a Murderer’s Row of critics from Ruth Reichl to Frank A. Bruni to Pete Wells, who currently holds the esteemed post. As the paper of record, the Times review carries the most weight. But lately, I’ve been much more drawn to the reviews in both The New Yorker and New York magazines. The New Yorker has a knack for highlighting a diverse range of spots across a wide swath of the city. I’ve been really pleased when I visit the restaurants and, owing to a smaller readership than the Times, I’ve found that a good review in The New Yorker doesn’t automatically blow up the spot so it’s impossible to get a table. In New York mag, I’ve really enjoyed how Matthew Schneier has approached his new gig. He both understands the hype and is able to avoid getting caught up in it, which makes his reviews refreshingly honest. —Justin

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Stop Making Sense (2023 4K Restoration)

I recently had the pleasure of seeing the greatest concert film of all time at Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) while the band sat in the audience and watched along with us. You probably won’t be able to have that experience, but you can (and should) get everyone you know to the same theater to go see this together. Eat an edible, sneak in some nips, sip a bottomless Diet Coke, and get up there and dance in front of the big suit on the big screen. If you’re in NYC, I am arranging a squad viewing in the coming weeks. Express interest and I shall share more details. —Andrew

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Albanese Gummies

At the risk of incurring the wrath of the Haribo Hive, I am casting my lot with the Albanese Army. In my opinion, Albanese makes a superior candy in every way. The gummies have a softer texture that means your jaw isn’t going to hurt after consuming them. And they aren’t too too sweet, which allows me to indulge in delusions of candy healthiness. My Albanese gummi of choice is the basic assorted fruit gummi worm, but you can’t go wrong with any of the options. —Justin

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