Weekly A to Z, April 2nd.
Some interesting developments this week. Let’s see what happens next.
On Monday, we had a wonderful time at the Jaegermeister x Carnistore collab, hosted at Reform Grill, which was the perfect location for the first Smokehouse Session — I’m definitely hoping there are more! I never would’ve thought Jaeger could be made into a cocktail (let alone as a pairing, or as a cooking element), but it was such a fun evening. Special thanks to Urban Events for putting together the event (and inviting me).
On Tuesday, I received a box of Easter treats from Casinetto. Here’s my affiliate link, or use ATOZ to save 10% to place your order for a range of Italian products.
On Wednesday, I recorded a podcast with Chef James Knight-Pacheco, with plenty of conversation about my life as a food writer and author. I’ll let you know once it’s available. I also stepped out with the Foodie Club to visit Hidden Hog, which had long been on our list. With a very ‘pork forward’ menu, my favorite dish was the pulled pork pasta. Cocktail prices are also the best I’ve seen in DIFC, should you be interested in stopping by for a charcuterie tray or something more substantial. As an extra bonus, I received some stunning hot cross buns from the talented team at Rise & Dawn. You really don’t need an occasion to order from them, but the buns might be a good one.
And finally, on Thursday, the lovely and talented Dalia was generous enough to send over some delicious dishes from her restaurant, Sinnful Food. The portions were more than generous, and I didn’t realize how much I needed a fresh salad. The food didn’t stop there. The team at Cloud Restaurants sent over the Lotsa Lazy Cake box, just in time for Easter. Should you find yourself ordering a box, you might be one of 10 lucky customers to win a gift card worth AED150. SugarGram also sent over an Easter-themed box full of tiny cupcakes. I immediately zoned in on the Basic Becky (chocolate chip pancake), while Hubs went for the Jelly Jennifer (PB&J).
Links, please.
The April edition of Dining and Nightlife Middle East is now available, which I am happy to continue contributing to.
The cheapest Michelin-starred eats around the world. Matador Network
First-class dining at home? One Mile at a Time
Which foods do you splurge on? For me, it’s nice steak! The Takeout
All Nippon Airline offers $450 meal in a parked plane. Food and Wine
What would you eat for your ultimate birthday feast? The Takeout
Can you roast garlic in your air fryer? Lifehacker
Wondering who might bring onigirazu sandwiches to Dubai… The Spruce Eats
Climate change impacts our food system. Eater
Chopped…but with cannabis. Deadline
Tresind Studio crushing it again. Did you get tickets? Instagram
Speaking of exciting food news, Chef Reif is bringing back The Experience, and we are here for it. Instagram
Food delivery apps vs. restaurants. (Thanks, Liam!) WSJ
As we finish March (!!), I really had to think about my favorite dishes from the month. In no particular order, I thoroughly enjoyed the Baked Bone Marrow and Beef Tartare from Mimi Kakushi, the Fried Chicken from Weslodge (we ate three plates last Friday, just to make sure), and the Pulled Pork Pasta from Hidden Hog. Special mentions to Carnistore and the Dry Age Boutique for keeping Hubs, Poppy, and I well sorted when it comes to protein (and bones).
Such an exciting week next week, starting with lunch at Social by Heinz Beck on Saturday, then cooking with Richard Sandoval, the launch of Time Out Market Dubai, and a few at home cooking classes (!). I have a feeling some other things might sneak in as well.
In travel news, we purchased tickets to fly on a plane (!!!) in April. If you’ve got any recommendations for the Seychelles, I’d love to hear them.
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C.
Actual picture of me exercising.