There is no commerce without community. Taking care of ourselves, and each other, is how we work through the hard times, revel in the good times, and create connection when we feel far apart.
This Digital Care Package was designed by members of The Betsy’s team, which is really more like a family. We’ve joined forces to compile what we’re reading, eating, and listening to—recommendations for things to do during quarantine that you can use wherever you are right now to create the easygoing, blissful feeling of a stay at The Betsy, while you stay home.
Reading List
Books that are easy to pick up and impossible to put down—those are the reads we’re looking for this summer. At the beach, on a patio, or curled up in your comfiest chair, dive headfirst into these wonderful works of literature and poetry. Who knows… you may discover your new favorite author.
Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
Read this one with a teen in your life, or read it alone and remind yourself what it was like to be a teen who dreams big.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acavedo
A moving story of loss and love spiked with family secrets, Clap When You Land sees two young sisters discover each other through a tragic event and work through the difficulty of forgiveness and grief alongside each other.
The Last Fisherman by Hyam Plutzik (translated by / traducido por Carlos Pintado)
Hyam Plutzik, owner Jonathan Plutzik’s late father, is The Betsy’s literary and poetic lodestar. The Brooklyn-born son of Russian immigrants, Plutzik published three collections during his lifetime: Aspects of Proteus (Harper and Row, 1949); Apples from Shinar (Wesleyan University Press, 1959); and Horatio (Atheneum, 1961), all three of which were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. His poetic voice, dedication to family, and artistic spirit live on through The Betsy’s commitment to those same ideals.
Carlos Pintado is a Cuban American writer, playwright, and award-winning poet who emigrated to the United States in the early 1990s. His book Autorretrato en Azul received the prestigious Sant Jordi International Prize for Poetry, and his book El Azar y los Tesoros was a finalist for Spain’s Adonais Prize in 2008.
Dinner, Dessert, and Drinks
Chef Andrew Zarzosa, Executive Chef at The Betsy, has a knack for elevated comfort food: dishes that deliver innovative, creative flavor combinations but still make you feel at home. Try making these Chef Andrew original recipes at home (and if you do, take a photo of your creation and tag us on Instagram— we’d love to see what you cook up!)
Chef Andrew’s Casarecce Carbonara is an inventive twist on a classic. Don’t miss his “pasta procedure”— those little tips and tricks really do enhance the final pasta product. Get the recipe here.
And who doesn’t love a Chocolate Brownie? The perfect dessert to follow a decadent pasta dish, Chef Andrew’s expert blend of chocolates gives this recipe luscious layers of flavor. Get our recipe here.
The HUGO Cocktail is a Betsy original, perfect for bringing the hotel’s laid-back vibes and a bit of Betsy flair right into your home. Learn how to make one here.
Soundtracks of Summer
Music is a universal language and listening to it is one of our top mental wellness tips. At The Betsy, we curate our playlists with a feeling at heart. How do we want you to feel when you’re lounging by the pool with your best friends, enjoying a cocktail? How can we set the mood for a romantic, candlelit dinner? We have a stockpile of playlists for you to enjoy—but as a start, these four really capture the free and easy feeling of The Betsy.
- Betsy AM — Wake up the senses and set your intention for the day.
- The Alley — Pair this one with a memorable meal.
- Betsy Late Evening — Serene tunes to serenade you, combined with old school jazz and blues classics.
- Betsy Classical — Refined and elegant, full of dynamic pieces that create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Some Fun Extras: Treat Yourself!
You didn’t think we’d forget the pups, did you? Here’s a super simple recipe for a treat they’ll love. (It’s okay if you lick the bowl, too! These treats are safe for you and your dog to share.)
Peanut Butter Cookies for Dogs
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 3 cups of oatmeal powder
- ½ cup of water
Combine well and preheat the oven to 300°F. Bake for twenty minutes and let cool before sharing with your furry pals. This recipe is one of The Betsy’s favorites.
Hydrating Honey-Oat Face Mask
We also love this hydrating honey-oat face mask from The Betsy’s Spa Director, Marizza Contreras. Honey is antibacterial, so it'll work to prevent breakouts in the heat of summer. Oats and coconut oil give skin a surge of moisture, with the oats gently exfoliating dry skin. As per Marizza’s advice, we recommend using organic ingredients when possible. All you need is:
- 1 cup of ground oatmeal
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- 1 tsp. of honey
Combine and apply to your face with paddle or freshly-washed hands. Let sit for as long as feels comfortable—10 to 15 minutes can do the trick, or leave it on for an hour while you’re in the bathtub for extra hydration.
Wine. That’s It. Just Wine.
And of course, what kind of care package would this be without wine? We take our wine very seriously at The Betsy—where it comes from, what it pairs well with, and of course, your access to it. We can’t wait to invite you back to The Alley and LT Steak & Seafood, but until then, we’re offering 50% off all bottles of wine for takeout and delivery. (Yes, 50% off). Visit our takeout menu and browse all bottles, listed with their discounted price.
Expect No More, This is Happiness
So, how are you doing? What are you looking forward to this summer? Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram to stay in touch—we’d love to hear from you. Until then, we hope this Digital Care Package with quarantine tips brings some joy to your day, reminding us all that when we let ourselves indulge in simple pleasures, that happiness gets a little easier to find.
