Weekly A to Z, Sept 10th.

The one where it's getting busy again.

Sep 10, 2021

Brunch is back! We loved the experience last Friday at CLAP. Our favorite dish was (!) caviar and mash, and our biggest surprise was the absolutely phenomenal vegetarian menu options. It was so great to see all diners being accommodated. Here’s a quick Reel, if you’d like to see. #invited

While recovery was (more than) necessary on Saturday, The Kakao Guy made the process a little easier and sent their latest monthly special, a collab with Naomi D’Souza, including a number of favorites all wrapped together in a quirky box. #gifted

Monday night involved a fun event at Gaia — my first visit — for a delightful (if slightly warm) dinner for Hendrick’s Lunar Gin. Check out some of the menu and drinks here. #invited

On Wednesday, I was invited over to Spinneys, for a lunch hosted by the fabulous Luma (of Maiz Tacos and Good Burger). I’ve been a long-time follower and fan of hers, and she’s even lovelier in person. The guest list for lunch was full of talented women, and I felt lucky to be in attendance. #invited Once home, Nespresso was kind enough to send over some of their limited edition Ispirazione range, which we’ll be sampling this weekend. #gifted

Thursday dinner was made easy as Scalini sent a beautiful range from their recently launched at-home menu. Restaurant quality food and I don’t have to leave the house? Yes, please! Portions were very generous, and the presentation and packaging were clearly thought out. #gifted

To end the week, I made a dash to the American embassy to collect my new passport. Is it weird that I was sad to say goodbye to my old one? From 2012-2021, we covered a lot of ground together, including residences in 3 cities, countless countries visited, press trips, birthday trips, and visits home. Trips for weddings, bachelorettes, our 10-year vow renewal, and most recently to meet new nieces. Vacations to tropical destinations and historical cities with new friends and old. While I didn’t max out the pages (a bucket list item for me), I did come close (only 2 full pages left out of 52) and would’ve finished the book if it hadn’t been for COVID. While I am less and less proud to be American, now, more than ever, I still realize the absolute privilege I have to carry a blue passport.

So, what does the new passport hold? I can’t wait to find out! Its inaugural trip will be next month to Italy with Parmigiano Reggiano. Speaking of which, if anyone out there has Milan restaurant or hospitality connections or suggestions, please send them my way. #manifesting

Also, as you might guess from the title this week — things are really picking back up in Dubai. I genuinely feel bad turning down invites, but there are limits to my liver and productivity, especially when I’m on deadlines, or trying to finish a manuscript. The best practice I see are PR/restaurants who send out save the dates, which really helps me prioritize my calendar. What can I say? I like being organized!

Links, please.

Do fast-food chains still need dining rooms? QZ
Catch me booking the Editor’s table. Time Out Dubai
BOCA is just out there as a sustainability leader.
I love a good list, but there is not a single woman on this one. Maybe we can do better at creating opportunities for women in these positions? Caterer
Supply chain shortages are coming. NYT
How our friends affect our food. Grub Street
A safe place to fill up. Eater
Thinking about this mac and cheese. Zestful Kitchen
So that’s how measuring works. Twitter
Are you one of the 50 Next? World’s 50 Best
I could’ve written this: To the People Who Make Noise in Public. Medium
A very organized fridge. Good Housekeeping
My plans for the weekend. The Kitchn
BRB, getting into this vineyard management computer game. Terroir
Are there brands you are irrationally attached to? Go Fug Yourself
The effect of climate change on wine. Wine Enthusiast
At the junction of fashion x travel. Travel and Leisure

Me and the BonBons are going to a much-anticipated omakase lunch at Hoseki this weekend, and I’m hoping our visit lives up to the experience of my initial meal, which I still list as one of my top foodie destinations in the UAE.

I’m also looking forward to attending the Caterer Awards on Tuesday — I can’t wait to see who the winners are! Come say hi if you’ll be there.

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