Weekly A to Z, August 20th.

The behind the scenes one.

Last weekend we had fun visiting Neighborhood Food Hall. Would I go out of my way for it? Not really (mostly because I’m lazy and prefer ordering food). Do we need more unique spaces with local concepts like this in the city? Absolutely. Can I suggest the next one is built with more easily accessed toilets within the property? Also, yes.

On Monday, I was over to Fat Uncle for lunch. It’s a tight menu, with a range of dishes depending on what you are in the mood for. And if you visit, definitely order the crab + avo salad; it’s outstanding. Although I would love a licensed version, the Drink Dry team has contributed a number of products to create some excellent 0% cocktails, which make a lot of sense for the location and neighborhood. Want to have a look? Click here. #invited

Tuesday involved a last-minute visit to Ossiano* to help share one of my favorite UAE restaurants with a visiting VIP. I did my best to sit back, enjoy the meal, and not take pictures. I give myself a 3/10 for this attempt. There are some tempting new dishes in the Metanoia experience, and service always shines. #invited

On Wednesday, there was a beautiful delivery from RSVP, which I hope to get over to shortly. #gifted Also, the BonBons had our first ‘all hands’ meet-up since February (!). We’re an exceptionally difficult group to get together, making our meet-ups much more special. The place? Hashi at Armani. The meal? A unique omakase. Check out our visit here. #invited

My to-do list was less than other weeks, but I’m finally getting prescription sunglasses (be still my 42-year-old heart) and have a date at Cornerstone Clinic for a Botox top-up this weekend. And it’s page 83 of 193, as my manuscript moves forward.

Upon reflection this week, I had so many moments of pride within the Dubai F&B community. Connecting with people behind the scenes for any number of roles, questions, and friends within my network is how I feel that I am most serving the industry (and yes, this definitely includes hospitality and PR). Sure, this paragraph is a bit vague, but I hope you have a similar feeling of accomplishment for whatever part of the industry you’re in.

Links, please.

• Eagerly awaiting the newest season at Tresind Studio. Instagram

• Pickle juice…ice pops? BonAppetit

• What it’s like to be a wine influencer. VinePair

• Why do you start developing food preferences before you’re born? Tasting Table

• My elder millennial is definitely showing. Daily Dot

• Why the cost of dinner has gone up. NYT

• Quit smoking cocktails. Y/N? VinePair

• Diet Coke 4 life. The Takeout

• What are you an expert in? (I might be the best networker you know). Cup of Jo

• Ready for anyone to put this on a menu. Crazy for Crust

• Why do we add lemon to a Bloody Mary? Tasting Table

• Back to school vibes: the best-designed university dining halls. (Missing O-House). AD

• What is the perfect premium cabin length flight? (For me, it’s BOS-DOH on QR, Q-Suites are unmatched). OMAAT

• Into this Chipotle merch. The Kitchn

• Where does the word ‘nacho’ come from? Tasting Table

• Talk to me about chouxnuts. Taste

• TikTok and the fall of social media giants. New Yorker

• What can the way we eat and enjoy food tell us about ourselves? LitHub

• Spoiler alert: being in nature is good for us. The Atlantic

• Wine bottles and climate change. NY Times

• Why fast food is more popular than ever. Tasting Table

• 100K to drink wine? Yes, please! Wine Insiders

This weekend? A Bookers brunch! We’re heading to Mimi Kakushi, and I think we’re all next level excited to get back together. I’ve heard great things about the brunch, so I’ll plan to start drinking water now (and there’s a Gatorade already waiting for me in the fridge for Sunday morning).

Next week? Currently quiet. Sorting through some invites and eyeing the Michelin event in Abu Dhabi on September 6th. 👀

If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider sharing this newsletter on social media, ordering from these restaurants, purchasing my books (or these novels — all free to read on Kindle Unlimited), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.

C.