Weekly A to Z, August 20th.

The one where it's overwhelming.

Aug 20, 2021

Haiti.

Lebanon.

Afghanistan.

Where do we go? Where do we start? Thinking a lot this week about how privileged I am, how guilty I feel, and what the hell anyone can do to make a meaningful change in the world.

I don’t think there is a good transition from the state of the world to a silly weekly newsletter, but I am grateful for all I received this week. On Saturday, we ordered from Go! Paratha (the Masala sunshine eggs were fantastic, and the serving size was very generous — I had lunch and breakfast the following day). On Sunday, my friends at The Kakao Guy sent over their latest (delicious) cheesecake flavor for August — peanut butter. Yes, please and thank you! #gifted

On Monday, I was over to Spinneys for a project that will be releasing in October, and that I am so proud to be a part of. Tuesday was a similar vibe, as Alessandro asked me to be on his upcoming show (I will let you know when my episode drops).

On Thursday, I went to Tom & Serg for one of my favorite breakfasts, and a catch-up. SuChill (the latest from Kitch-In) sent through lunch, and I was super impressed with the branding and product. #gifted

Links, please.

Some of my favorite restaurants, with commission-free ordering. Chatfood
What would you have done? EatGoSee
Did this summer feel weird to you too? Cup of Jo
Who invented French fries? The Takeout
A vegetarian and non-veg meals for a week. The Everygirl
I fully embrace this approach to social media. The Cut
Favorite food abbreviations? The Takeout
Just vibing. Real Life Mag
Hard disagree. The Atlantic
Open Table offers ‘verified’ for vaccinated diners. The Verge
Yes, we have a voice for Poppy. Washington Post
Do you agree with this list of essential sauces? The Kitchn
Olive Garden aesthetic. TikTok
At the intersection of my interests, art and food. Eater
In praise of unproductivity. Forge
Is it already time for advent calendars? The Kitchn
Facebook and mortality. The Lily
Always here for Ted Lasso discourse. USA Today
Diet Coke rules. Slate
Banana bread playlist. Spotify
Sure, a Monopoly-themed restaurant. Food and Wine
A suitcase for your favorite wino. The Takeout
Changes for salt in recipes. Washington Post
How Pakistani mangoes get to the US. Eater
Talk to me about airline boarding music. OMAAT
Holding space for someone. Shondaland
The misogyny of meal planning. Burnt Toast

This weekend I’m over to Bagatelle, and finally back to K9 Friends. Next week is all about book club, and I know we’ll have plenty to catch up on at the chic Shanghai ME. I might also get a glimpse of how this pasta - with 3 million views on TikTok - is made.

If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider telling a friend, ordering from these restaurants, purchasing my books (or these books), or buying me a coffee.