I had no less than three awkward and completely avoidable incidents with #UAEPR™ this week. While I have friends on all sides, and I realize clients have high expectations, is it just me, or has professionalism taken a bit of a turn over the summer? The behavior this week does make me appreciate those few firms that keep a clean house. Vague? Yes. My inbox is always open…
On Monday, I went to Facette Facial Bar. Full disclosure, it was filmed for their social media channels, so you’ll get up close and personal with my face at some point in the near future. I had the Fire & Ice treatment, and as someone who’s usually ‘I can’t see a difference’ about facials, I will say there was a great conversation, and definitely a change (for the better) in my skin. I’m already planning my next visit. #collab
Monday also had a delivery via Al Hamra Cellars, who are currently celebrating their 15th anniversary. With numerous giveaways, including wine fridges through the 29th of August, everyone who shops online or in-store will automatically go into the draw to win. #gifted
Tuesday was our long overdue book club at Shanghai ME, but not before I stopped by BOCA for a quick drink (and a bottle of Michters, thanks Ricky!). Despite having walked by the venue many times, this was actually my first visit. We loved the service, decor, and our favorites: prawn toast and the duck salad. Highly recommended for a night out with friends. Here’s a Reel, if you want to see. #invited
On Wednesday, I had fun at the Karakuchi event for Asahi, at Pangolin. As this was my first visit (!) to the restaurant, and I really enjoyed Chef Troy’s approach. It was one of those ‘friends on Instagram becoming friends in real life’ situations. #invited
Links, please.
What if our book club discussed the Cheesecake Factory menu? TikTok
I never considered making ketchup out of…mushrooms. The Takeout
Loved this ‘farm to table’ coverage of some of my Dubai faves. CNT
I knew I was right. Punch
Regaining a sense of taste after COVID. NYT
The strangest special requests from diners. Food and Wine
99% need this in my life. Amazon
Finding home at Taco Bell. Eater
Starbucks dropping their fall flavors. USA Today
What are delivery-friendly fries? The Takeout
Really makes you reconsider buying any fast fashion. ABC
One to try this weekend, Fried Egg Salad. The Kitchn
Where does a raindrop go? (US only). River Runner
This is why wine costs so much in restaurants. Food and Wine
Don’t call me chef. Eater
The unofficial Simpsons cookbook. New Yorker
Don’t be this guy. Twitter
If you are that guy, expect Padma to beat you down. WaPo
No thoughts, just this duck. Instagram
Also, for paid subscribers, you might want to have a read up on my Pintxos, which I’ve been adding to.
I’m back at K9 Friends on Saturday and over to the newly opened Koyo for dinner. I also might be sampling one of the finest cognacs in the world…
Somehow, it’s the end of August. What were your favorite dishes? While it was genuinely a quiet month for me, I liked the chicken karaage from Wawa, the incredibly moreish duck salad from Shanghai ME, and the smoked beef sausage from The Pangolin. (Special mentions go to the peanut butter cheesecake from The Kakao Guy, as well as Liam’s homemade ravioli).
If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider telling a friend, ordering from these restaurants, purchasing my books (or these novels), or buying me coffee.
C.