Weekly A to Z, August 24th.

The one back in Dubai. 🛬

If you haven’t been to Portland, this is your official invitation. As always, we love the city’s low-key, accessible nature. Some highlights included Terilingua, Paper Tiger, Clam Bar, and Bird & Co. Did we watch (and enjoy) a surprising amount of Bluey? We did. Did we also watch a considerable amount of Hallmark movies? We did. Was it the end of the trip we needed? It was.

Late Wednesday, we made our way to Boston for our return QR flight, and no, we were not on the caviar serving route.

On Friday, how could I refuse an invitation from the Dubai Eye team? It’s always a delight to be on the show.

Finally, Dubai Duty Free was kind enough to gift us some bottles on arrival back into DXB. I’m sure you don’t need a reason to pick up any number of things on arrival, but a reminder that DDF is always there for you. #gifted

Links, please.

• Listen to me talk about my love of dining early (listen from 01:47). Dubai Eye

• Dining and decibels — one to read from Matt! The National

• I’m still low-key obsessed with the Champagne puzzle we received from Water and Wines while home. If you’re interested, use my code: Q3R32X for 15% off.

• What is the minimum age to drink on flights? OMAAT

• Why do we keep buying souvenirs? AFAR

• After visiting the south, I’m craving these pimento cheese toasts. Cooking With Cocktail Rings

• Slightly topical: what is demure food? Eater

• The best wines for every type of Oreo. Wine Enthusiast

• And yes, the Coke x Oreo collab is here. Dieline

• The surprising science of food pairing. The Guardian

• Drunk in Love? I’m ready to try Beyonce’s recently released whiskey. Eater

• Brands love working with influencers until they get political. NYT

• Here’s when to use every style of champagne glass. Wine Enthusiast

• Pills that can make doggos live longer? Elle

• For my 80s babies, the role of pizza in sitcoms. Food & Wine

• Is it time to channel back to school energy? The Everygirl

• Passing a Diet Coke blind taste test (in style). Delish

• How to make popcorn when you don’t have a microwave. The Takeout

• Should you work with influencers? Plate

• Eric’s favorite martini. The Takeout

• But do you enjoy your martinis on the rocks? Vine Pair

• On my list to make: Parmesean orzo with shrimp. Serving Dumplings

• Eight eating habits to help you sleep. Time

• The charmed lives of art dogs. Vogue

• You’re only as smart as your emotions. NYT

• Where you store stress in your body. Time

• Why do so many scotch brands start with “The?” Vine Pair

• Ready to make this shrimp taco salad. The Kitchn

• Talk to me about easy-to-make frozen cocktails. Punch

• Do film food tie-ins boost sales? Food Navigator

• Have you ever tried Coke and beer? The Takeout

• I have an ice machine, but still want this? Amazon

• How to use a mandoline without cutting yourself. Eater

This weekend? Laundry, meal prep, watching Emily in Paris, and cuddling Poppy (we missed her so much). Oh, and yes, an invitation to (all-time fave) Takahisa for their latest collaboration, including Chef Tomoyuki Yoshinaga, the chef and owner of the Michelin-starred Sushi Yoshinaga in Paris. I can’t wait!

Next week? K9, catching up, and prepping for my first trip of September — watch out, Bodrum (courtesy of The Luminary Set)! New menus are already on the horizon for several of my favorite restaurants, so I predict the next month will be an absolute blur.

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