Weekly A to Z, August 17th.

The one from Maine. 🌊𓇼🐋🐚 𓈒𓏸

On Wednesday, we went to Atlanta for lunch. The city of Atlanta recently launched the Michelin Guide, and while we weren’t able to visit one of the starred venues, the Bib Gourmand we dined at for lunch was a treat. Should you find yourself at the Krog Street Market, pop by Fred’s Meat and Bread, and pay attention to their seasonal specials.

A few more gifts landed in my direction, including Orion gin by Pegasus Disterillie. We found it quite fresh and clean on the palate, and easy to mix with a tonic. Given we were all together with family, I was delighted to accept the caramel cake from Caroline’s Cakes to celebrate everyone’s birthdays at the same time. I’ll be honest and say that you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the 7-layer caramel cake. No, there weren’t leftovers and yes, you might as well as on the cake bites when ordering. Sheringham Distillery sent through a collection of tasty cocktails, and finally, we were able to share in a batch of delicious canned Hella Margaritas and Culture Pop Soda (which was probiotic!). My favorite flavors were the Habanero Marg and Watermelon and Lime soda, respectively. Finally, to round things out and make sure I’m welcome as a guest forever more, Austin Cocktails sent through a batch of their RTD cans, which were an easy to drink/lower calorie cocktail. #gifted

Links, please.

• Hi friends! If you’ve been wondering about some of the excellent supper clubs we have in Dubai, why not try one out? Use my code, BBCOURTNEY15, to get started and save 15% when booking — there’s an incredible range of cuisines to try. #affiliatelink

• We’re in a matchbook Renaissance. And it’s still on my list to make bespoke books for venues in the UAE. WSJ

• Long-dead Dubai projects are back in business. Skift

• Got my fingers crossed that this is on our return flight. OMAAT

• Been saying this for years. 🚽 Bloomberg

• Filed under “duh,” and why you won’t find me on TikTok. NBC News

• Very into these butter eye masks. Dieline

• For the title: embracing the toilet-to-farm irrigation model. Ambrose Research

• Rice paper croissants are the latest viral food trend. NDTV

• What time should you eat dinner? (A: For me, team forever early). Glamour

• Is it safe to eat a cheese rind? Vine Pair

• Are we saying goodbye to Gouda? NYT

• Maps I need: essential French cheeses. Vine Pair

• I always knew I was classy — potato chips began as a delicacy in restaurants. Food Republic

• Is the world ready for WheelVita? Food Beast

• Would you consider foodscaping your fridge? (A: No). NYT

• How to calm news anxiety. Well & Good

• Some of the biggest TikTok food trends to date. Delish

• Would you try a pickle martini? Wine Enthusiast

• How to have fun. Camille Styles

• LVMH owns four of the most valuable wine brands. The Drinks Business

• Ready to stay in the Rice Krispies Suite. Food & Wine

• No, I’m not interested in mayonnaise cologne. The Takeout

• Why do Europeans enjoy drinking on the go? Vine Pair

• What are the most expensive grocery items for Fall 2024? Eat This, Not That

• Nostalgia for chain restaurants reminds me of my Chili’s article. The Cut // Curiosity

• Oh hello, (wildly) expensive lime wedge. Harwell Godfrey

• I don’t even cook or bake a lot, and I feel like I need this in my life. Platterbox

• A (realistic) middle-of-the-date questionnaire. McSweeneys

• Are these the world’s best floating hotels? Hotels Above Par

• Why are gluten-free products more expensive? Food Navigator

• Can today’s hospitality leaders evolve luxury hotels? Skift

• Good news, champagne is well placed to weather climate change. The Drinks Business

• How to send back wine at a restaurant. (Yes, I’ve done it successfully before — in Dubai). Robb Report

• Is celebrity coffee the new celebrity alcohol? NYT

• Nespresso launches a honey range. Beverage Daily

• 25 of the highest-sugar breakfast foods. Eat This, Not That

This weekend? Enjoying one of our favorite cities — Portland, Maine!

Next week? Final visits, purchases (Target!), and winging our way back to the UAE. It’s a quick turnaround, as I’m leaving on my first Luminary Set press trip on September 1st.

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C.

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