Weekly A to Z, September 16th.
The one where we bought a villa!
Consider helping Morocco here, and Libya here.
What a week!
On Tuesday, it was a busy day of filming with Dubai byFood. We checked out some of Chef Reif Othman’s empire, including Sole Side and TERO. Following filming, I was over to moonrise to experience the new season. There are some favorite dishes, and I really enjoyed the current degustation. With plenty of creative and original touches, along with a lot of attention to detail, I hope you’ll make a booking soon! #invited
For Wednesday, I had a quick meeting with MMI and then hosted a fabulous curated supper club and agave event, sponsored by 1800 Tequila and A&E. Haus of Vo made us a wonderful collection of dishes, which were served with some delicious agave drinks, created by talented bartender Kneale. Running through October, find out more about attending some of the upcoming events here.
On Thursday, I attended my official Deliveroo judging. Together with Miles and Farah, we had a very (very!) filling time, and the decisions were more difficult than I thought they would be. Results will be revealed at the awards next month, and no, I have no idea who the winners will be, but they all deserve recognition.
On Friday, I made my way back to DIFC for a lunch meeting at Roberto’s. Trying new pasta is my passion, and the Calamarata Gamberi e Pistacchi was a treat. Plan on ordering this dish for your next visit. #invited
Finally, last weekend, the team at 1004 Gourmet was kind enough to send a box of stunning Korean peaches and grapes, which I would encourage you to stop by or order, as we all need more beautiful produce in our lives. #gifted
Oh yeah, and we bought a villa. 😎
While not this exact unit, this is the layout of our new 4-bedroom house! Yes, it’s already built. Yes, we’re hoping to move in soon. Yes, it’s in Golf Links (and yes, it’s both far away and closer than you think). Feel free to drop any links, helpful hints, amazing contractors, or questions about buying in the UAE my way. After reverently watching HGTV for years, we’re ready to get to work. And yes, I am definitely open to any and all collaborations; let’s talk! As much as we love the villa, there is a lot of potential for upgrades.
Links, please.
A series I’m incredibly proud of — I Can’t Stop Thinking About This Dish — is up on Dubai Eats. My first interview was with Chef Himanshu (and I bet you might be able to guess the dish). Instagram
And, ICYMI, our visit to Tresind Studio** last weekend. Instagram
The full podcast from last week’s visit to Farmer’s Kitchen. Spotify
One of my first articles for Tasting Table!
All of my articles can be found here. Tasting Table
What is most important, food or service? New Yorker
Relevant to recent BonBons visits, who deserves to dine at Noma? Taste
Can you send back flat sparkling wine? (I’ve already done it twice this year). VinePair
Want to make friends? Start a club (shout out to the Bookers and BonBons). Vox
Pistachios, a quiet luxury. Taste
As it should be, wine flies free. VinePair
Just really in love with this food art. Instagram
Sure, a Tesla spoon. The Verge
How to pronounce things (hilariously). Kottke
How to become a knife maker. Eater
Need a life edit? Start here. The Everygirl
The world needs more warm cheese salads. NYT
As a proponent of 3 drink lifestyle, this cup speaks to me. The Kitchn
What TV character do you secretly feel like you’re friends with? (A: It’s definitely Liz Lemon). COJ
With the rise of AI, companies are exploring new ways to enhance their customer experience. Constant Contact has been leading the way in the email marketing and CRM industry by incorporating cutting-edge AI technology into its platform. #sponsored
Candyland…but make it cheese. Dieline
Would you consider adding edamame to your smoothie? Tasting Table
Goodbye, nostalgic childhood beverages. People
Words to live by: if you’re scared, eat bread. The Takeout
My elder millennial self is VERY into this Lip Smacker kit. Dieline
How many meats is too many meats? The Takeout
Would you pay to travel with me? Bustle
Food in fantasy novels. Gastro Obscura
Why is a yogurt writer paid so much? The Takeout
This weekend? Heading over to check out the new season of Ossiano to celebrate our home ownership! Our visit to Tresind Studio last week was meant to be for the close of the villa, but it’s great to have so many choices of wonderful restaurants to celebrate at. And yes, we’ll be taking Poppy to see our new place for the first time.
Next week? Very much looking forward to the preview of Row on 45 (BonBons unite!), as well as a Bookers outing to Sirali. I’m also filming my next episode of Dubai byFood in International City with the fabulous Peggy.
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C.
Yay, congrats on the villa!