Weekly A to Z, April 13th. ✈️

The one where I was the first to try a new menu by Massimo Bottura.

Over the past week, we have been on quite a tour of Italy. If you’re interested, find most of the highlights here.

On Saturday, our first full day, why go to one city when you can go to three? We started the morning in Bergamo (coffee at Bugan Coffee Lab is a must), then had lunch in Milan (homemade pasta FTW), and ended our day in Bologna, where we also spent all of Sunday. Spoiler alert: I love Bologna! I think it might have been my favorite city on the trip. Highlights included drinks at Flor di Sale, coffee at Allegra, and plenty of nibbles at Mercato di Mezzo.

On Monday, we took the train to Florence, where Eric and I checked into the Four Seasons, which was an excellent location (and the shuttle service saved us plenty of euros). We were also able to visit Gucci Osteria* for lunch and have a quick chat with chefs Karime and Takahiko, and then have dinner at Il Palagio*. I’d love for you to see our Four Seasons stay here and the lunch at Gucci here. #invited

Wednesday saw us to Modena, where we checked into Massimo Bottura’s Casa Maria Luigi. Friends, it’s one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited. As a property, it simply has everything you could want. Should you find yourself in Italy any time soon, make plans to stay a night or two just to get away from the world. On property, you can try the best of Osteria Fracescana or have a flame-forward menu at Al Gatto Verde, like we did (order the tortellini; it’s divine). Find a tour of the property here.

On Thursday, we visited Osteria Francescana*** ☘️. Best of all? Chef Massimo was in the kitchen to present a new menu (literally, we were the first service of the Locale menu). To all our Italian and well-traveled friends who might ask, “why?” we would jump on a train down to Naples, the answer is yes, we booked our flights in January (and didn’t finalize plans until late March). Furthermore, I think you should definitely see our lunch with Massimo here.

Friday was a day to explore Naples, which included (what else?), pizza? After a quick morning stroll, we ultimately decided to take the ferry over to Capri, which was the right decision. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, the views are amazing. Yes, I would definitely do it again.

Did we have a linear journey? Not really. However, based on availability and the places we wanted to visit, I’m totally fine with our Italian adventure (and feel free to leave a comment with any questions or places we should’ve visited). Finally, for transparency, we were given media rates at Casa Maria, Al Gatto Verde, and Osteria Francescana.

Links, please.

• Can anyone really own chili crisp? NYT

• You had me at fart walk. 🌬️ SELF

• Taking a bath is (apparently) amazing for your health. Vogue

• Do you want to spend the night in El Bulli? Eater

• This cannot be the correct portion size for cheese. Gloucestershire Live

• Apple juice is basically in everything. The Guardian

• Here for tiny pineapples. Food & Wine

• The prettiest little tray. Parvum Opus

• I’m ready to Wonder. Eater

• Surprised this drink didn’t make it to the races in Dubai. Robb Report

• 92% sure I need this fancy bakery bag. Brigette Tanaka

• Perhaps at the juncture of book club and food. Bookshop

• Yes, you can layer your emojis. Instagram

• I need this tiny food village. Dieline

• Who makes the best cold brew? Bon Appetit

• Talk to me about banana ice. Punch

• The loneliest color. Dieline

• Bringing the wine hole to New York. The Drinks Business

• Don’t pour wine left-handed in Argentina. Tasting Table

• Why some chefs are giving up on Michelin stars. SF Standard

• Why some wineries are teaming up with cruise lines. The Drinks Business

• While one airline has an organic-only wine list. The Drinks Business

• Just really into this packaging at Target. Dieline

This weekend? A walk around Naples this morning, then heading home. I’m desperately hoping DXB will be gentle with us, as I imagine that we will be joining half of the city on our return. Tomorrow, we’ll pick up (birthday girl) Pops and do our best to get ready for the week ahead. Much like the rest of Dubai, I believe that Monday morning is going to be quite a rude wake up for all of us.

Next week? Possibly taking up the Row on 45 team on their generous offer to visit with Chef Jason Atherton in the kitchen.

If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider working with me, sharing this newsletter with your network, purchasing my books (or these novels), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.

C.