Weekly A to Z, December 30th. 🍾
The last one of the year.
The liminal space between Christmas and New Year’s…
Still, we managed to get up to a few things. An al fresco lunch at L’Amo Bistrò del Mare on Wednesday was just the thing. The views of the Marina were outstanding, and I would happily order the Cacio E Pepe again. #invited
Filed under “prepping for 2024,” The Healthy Home was back out to clean our mattresses and rugs, and TBH, I’m feeling a bit smug about getting this done. Also, congrats to the team on celebrating 10 years! #gifted
On Friday, I had a late ask to contribute to Dubai Eye, which I’m always happy to do. Listen from 16:25 for all the chat.
And finally, we took on a foster dog! Newt is getting along with big sister Poppy quite well, and I think we’re all learning a thing or two about patience (and a few cleanups — our fault!). With a lot of travel for me in 2024, I’m not sure we’re a foster fail, but she’s the loveliest, friendliest dog, and I’d love to see her go to the right family. Let me know if you have any questions (about fostering or Newt).
Links, please (a bit light this week, hope you don’t mind).
Our latest Dubai byFood video features none other than Peggy Li! I was able to finally visit International City with an expert. I invite you to have a look and plan your next trip. YouTube
My latest for EuroCave featuring COYA. EuroCave
Feeling cranky this week? Me too. SELF
Unsure about this champagne “cocktail.” Liquor
For the title: my favorite restaurant served gas. Bitter Southerner
Why do certain cuisines get more Michelin stars than others? SF Standard
What is the ideal temperature for serving red wine? SMH
What were the worst TikTok food trends of 2023? The Takeout
McDonald’s is working on a new burger. WSJ
There’s endless scrolling, and then there’s this. River
Why restaurants don’t want you splitting plates. The Takeout
Selling antique Taco Bell wrappers. Central Oregon Daily
On the rise in the popularity of camel milk. Ambook Research
What were my favorite dishes in December? There was plenty to enjoy! Homemade thousand-layer potatoes topped with tartare and caviar on Christmas day (by the pool, natch), the festive meat fruit from Dinner*, and while there was a lot to enjoy at the Takahisa x SushiJo collab, the Konbu cured Japanese glass shrimp, and sea urchin stood out the most. Finally, honorable mentions to the turnip and bitter gourd courses at Avatara*, the many (!) festive treats I had delivered over the past month, as well as the collection of dishes from the Michelin Lounge at the Abu Dhabi Michelin Awards.
And yes, paid subscribers will get my favorite meals of the year, tomorrow.
This weekend? Maximum chill as we go into 2024. Hopefully raising a glass of something special from our new villa, and prepping to have a few friends over for brunch.
Next week? Getting Newt back to K9 (😔), returning to anything that resembles a schedule (😊), and packing for my first international 2024 press trip — departing January 7th!
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C.
2024 will be known as the Year Of Camel Milk.