••• “When acclaimed New York chef Phet Schwader [right, of Khe-Yo] decided to take his mother to Laos, he thought they’d eat their way through the country they once called home. What he didn’t expect? A chance discovery that would change their lives forever.” —Condé Nast Traveler

••• John E. Zuccotti died last week; he played a tremendous role downtown. Here’s the New York Times obituary.

••• Racked does a deep dive into the #tamily, as fitness guru Tracy Anderson’s devotees refer to themselves on social media.

••• A Sterling Mason penthouse sold for just over $20 million. “This buyer was looking for a long time for a penthouse with a low-key vibe,” said broker Bruce Ehrmann. Rihanna checked out the building in August of 2014…. —New York Times

••• “Plans are afoot to make pedestrian-unfriendly Water Street more welcoming. New plaza designs, wider sidewalks and a unified streetscape are among the features slated for the street’s five southern-most blocks—between Whitehall Street and Hanover Square.” —Tribeca Trib