Loose Threads. My husband opened two new restaurants, all I did was the napkins.
By Rachelle Hruska MacPherson. 5.30.25.
Hi Friends,
It’s only my second real post on substack, but guys, I’m really loving it here. Also, I’m inspired to give a bit of structure to these. So, I’m going to start each one off with a question that I’d love you to answer — for now, in the comments please. I’ll then do my regular rambling followed by some “quick hits.” Omg this is going to be so fun!
Today’s Question: What would your last meal be? I asked this at a dinner recently and the answers were WILD, and wildly different. They ranged from steak to cereal. I think you can really tell a lot about someone by this question. Mine would be the Rigatoni Pitti from Bar Pitti. What about you? Let me know in the comments. I want to suggest Substack adds a feature where we can ask a question to our readers like you can in IG stories. Maybe they already do?
Above, my people, our table. My last meal. What’s yours?
It’s been a busy time over here, but before I get to the juicy stuff, I have to say: the “school’s almost out for summer” vibes are officially kicking in. My boys have two weeks left, and there’s this distinct buzz in the air — something I think is often undervalued about parenting school-aged kids? You get to relive the sweet anticipation of summer break. Everyone’s a little breezier, a little cheerier. It’s genuinely one of my favorite times of year.
We just got back from a Memorial Day trip to my homeland: Nebraska. We went to surprise my dad for his big birthday and had ourselves a proper adventure through the heartland. I feel so lucky to give my boys a glimpse beyond their West Village lives. And let’s be real, perspective shifts are good for grownups too.
I could go on in detail about this trip and how it’s shifted my lens—especially around the political divide we’re living in—but frankly, I’m hungover from last night’s big opening party (more below) and I don’t have the emotional stamina today to sort through my tangled thoughts in writing. But I will share two quick things:
The three-hour drive to my parents’ cabin in the Sandhills gave us plenty of time to observe. We listened to some podcasts, including one that unpacked the administration’s new “BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL” from the perspective of these fairly well-known Trump supporters (many of whom, rightfully, feel betrayed that it does the exact opposite of what they ran on—and will add trillions to the national debt). As the group of geriatric white bros yakked on and I eye-rolled so hard I think I induced a later day migraine, we followed it with Ezra Klein’s take on what he calls the “BIG BUDGET BOMB” with Washington Post’s Catherine Rampell. “I’ve been a policy journalist for more than 20 years. I’ve covered more bills than I can count. I cannot remember a more cruel or irresponsible piece of domestic legislation that has been seriously proposed.”
Meanwhile, we passed farmhouse after farmhouse, each flying an American flag. (Side note: it’s long past time we reclaim that symbol and we’re doing it in our own way.) All I could think about was how many of these hardworking families are about to be taxed harder, burdened further, and hurt most by the very policies they’ve been led to believe are helping them. It’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating.
Reminder. This is not normal. This is not normal. This is not normal.
We spent a night in Omaha, that bright-blue-dot city that felt like a breath of fresh air. At dinner, (M’s, in the Old Market, my fav!) a grandma-type in a “Don’t Legislate Hate” tee made me want to hug her. At the airport, the characters were refreshingly non-cookie-cutter. I was reminded—deep in my gut—that there are still more of “us” than there are of “them.” And by “us,” I don’t mean any political party. I mean kind, curious, thoughtful people who are not afraid of people who don’t look, live or love like they do.
Anyway, back to the fun stuff.
The Knicks are Knicks-ing. The Cowboy Carters are thriving. Closets are flipping over to summer mode. Harry our dog has reclaimed his proper dinner throne at the corner of Bank St. and Waverly Place. I found my missing “good scissors.” Things are looking up.
This past Wednesday, we hosted the adorable Jenny Slate and the Margaux team at the LF Townhouse. Jenny read from her book Life Form and was interviewed, Q&A-style, by the wildly smart Thessaly La Force. The highlight for me? A cozy post-event dinner at the Waverly Inn—my favorite booth in the city, the corner horseshoe spot, packed elbow-to-elbow with interesting women. My favorite kind of table.
To my left: the one and only Emily Sundberg of Feed Me, the only newsletter besides Puck that I read every day, no matter where I am. Sean says Emily reminds him of 23-year-old me—Tumblr-era, Guest-of-a-Guest-hustling me—and well, I’ll take it!
To my right: the luminous Aminatou Sow. Her semi-weekly Substack is a gem—I always save it for Saturday mornings, like a treat I don’t want to rush. Her writing is like gliding into a warm Italian lake. She told me her secret to curating a killer friend group: she never asks people what they do for work. We ALL know how American it is to discuss work, but this is a superpower. Be more like Amina!
From her last substack:
“If you live in a city with an opera or a symphony or a ballet, wear your fanciest clothes and buy the cheapest seats. Just dress up and go where the old fancy people go. It’s so good for the soul. Do not buy a new dress for this please. Wear what you have. Or if you feel really compelled to spend money, rent a tuxedo. It’s such a funny experience but in 20 minutes max, they will have you out of there with a same day rental. Mine was under $200. The bow tie is optional but do not skip the cummerbund. That part is crucial. Gender is so fake but I hate that men have really figured something out about dressing. Rent the tux, go to the symphony or whatever and then end your night at a no frills diner. When they ask you what you’re dressed up for, tell them you dressed up just to go eat there. The tux rental was for 72 hours so you better believe I wore it 3 nights in a row. Bowling in a tux? Fab!”
My next move? Renting a tux and going bowling! Strong play.
On to the main events. My DH (that’s a silly reference to mommy blog culture from the early aughts) Sean opened not one, but two restaurants last week. I’m really just along for the ride basking in the periphery of his shine, loving every single moment that comes from the excitement surrounding the NEW.
The first—Teruko—a cozy-chic Japanese restaurant, officially opened in the Chelsea Hotel basement in what was once an iconic “hot saloon” called "Serenas.” Judging by last night’s launch party, it’s about to become my new happy place.
The waiters wear white tuxedos—a vision Sean’s held onto for years—and the menu is one of the most thoughtful I’ve seen in ages. The name and artwork come from the Japanese artist Teruko Yokoi (currently showing at Hollis Taggart), who lived in the hotel with her painter husband, Sam Francis in the 50s. The very works hanging in the restaurant were painted in the hotel rooms just above.
The chef, Tadashi Ono—who worked with Sean during the Matsuri era—is nothing short of brilliant. The OG downtown crowd who showed up all agreed it had that unmistakable “mini Matsuri” energy. Mickio, the late founder of Omen and a partner in Matsuri, would’ve loved it too. All it needs now are the polka-dot napkins in homage.
And don’t even get me started on the Japanese whiskey list. There’s a bottle going for $12k a shot. Yes, really. It’s nice to see that all those Tokyo reconnaissance trips are paying off.
Above, artist Teruko Yokoi in her studio at the Chelsea Hotel, her art hanging in its dining room. My husband Sean reunited with chef Tadashi Ono, the Whiskey Bar!
I take my role as unofficial in-house reviewer very seriously. A good operator can take feedback. A great one? They know which notes to keep and which to throw out with the bathwater. Sean is the greatest. I had zero notes on Teruko. That’s a first.
This project—the whole Chelsea Hotel renovation—has taken nearly a decade, mountains of paperwork, and maybe even an exorcism or two. One day, I’ll write a full Loose Threads on all the things I’ve learned along their journey. There is NO ONE on this planet earth who could have helmed this project other than Sean MacPherson. I’ll die on this hill. (Though no one has come for me here yet).
Owning and operating hotels isn’t for the faint of heart. And Sean works harder than anyone I know. Me? I get to travel the world by his side, taste extraordinary things, meet the most insanely talented humans and show up with embroidered napkins and a smile.
Speaking of embroidered napkins—I just made some for Teruko’s launch dinner. I handwrite the words first, then we embroider over them. It’s a special offering we don’t usually advertise, but yes, we’ll do it for you too. Shout out to Austyn from Team Chelsea who had the brilliant idea of offering blank napkins underneath - so guests could take home their embroidered ones. Because details matter.
Side bar: Long before I met Sean, I was living in a rundown Bowery loft and running Guest of a Guest. When the Bowery Hotel opened, I was prepared to hate it. I was all in my early 20’s fuck-the-system anti-establishment era. But one day, I caved and met a friend for brunch at Gemma. I don’t remember much—except for the syrup dispensers. Each table had its own unique vintage glass syrup bottle. Who does that?!
God lives in the details.
Cut to: I meet Sean. Log cabin sourcer extraordinaire. It’s been 15 years with my detail king.
Last night’s party felt like home. And—fun fact—it was our 14th wedding anniversary. (Thanks, Mom, for the reminder text.) On the morning of our actual wedding, Sean gave me I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson. I thought of that last night while getting ready. It really has been the greatest adventure. Gawd listen to me rave on and on. Apologies.
The second restaurant is in the hotel that we call Sean’s “mini Ritz” on 9th Street. It’s in its soft open and will officially launch next week. If you’re smart, you’ll stop by before it blows up. The food, the design, the ART. (Yes, it’s real, yes, it’s hers.) are all actually mind blowing.
I’ll spill more next week, including his fabulous and unexpected partners in the space.
I’m writing this from a train an hour away from Montauk where a Ruse cocktail at the Crow’s Nest better have my name on it.
And now it’s time for, drum roll….
Quick Hits
I devoured Elyce Aaron’s soon-to-be-released memoir We might just make it after all and omg did I love it. My favorite line on Katy Spade’s take on trends:
“If you’re never on trend, you’re never off trend.” - Katy Spade.
Next up I’m starting Molly Jong-Fast’s memoir on life with her iconic mom, then Barry Diller’s (so many memoirs!!!) which Sean devoured last weekend. He loved it and emailed BD telling him so. Barry got back within an hour. THIS. IS. WHY. HE’S. BARRY. D. I thought. Also, I need to be more like Barry and get back to my emails in a much more timely fashion.
The new Bottega campaign featuring Julianne Moore and others is on everyone’s IG feeds. For good reason. It’s really good.
Speaking of Ms. Moore, who else is watching Sirens? Hey Hey!
This nerdy professor is captivating the internets.
I remember a couple of years ago being inspired by Chloe Fineman’s bathroom towels so much I bought them by the dozen for Montauk. So, it was really fun to see her walk us through her apartment with Caleb - the towels are still there!
This is the correct time of day to shower.
These talented girls will make you feel good.
Housekeeping: We shot our Resort ‘26 Collection last week. We will head to “market” on Monday and pieces from the collection will be available online for you to pre order at a slight discount starting next week! It’s a REALLLY special one. Stay tuned!
That’s it for now. Just a reminder that there are still kind, talented, interesting people out there doing cool things. Go find them—and dig it the most.
xo, Rachelle
My friends and I threw a "death row dinner" a few years ago and it was so fun! Everyone brought their last meal and it was so neat to see what everyone picked and there was a good variety of appetizers, meals, and desserts. Highly recommend!
Thin crust pizza and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Lots of both!