Weekly A to Z, August 6th.

The one with jet lag.

The travel gods smiled upon us, and we were able to get the earlier flight from Doha to Dubai (in the Q-Suites, no less). For those traveling back to the UAE, we did have an (unexpected) COVID test on arrival. Sunday was a day of recovery (laundry, groceries, and basically just trying to stay awake). We picked up Poppy, who, I think has finally forgiven us. The team at Pow Pow Thai was kind enough to send along some of the menu, which was great because we basically had an empty fridge. Their dishes pack heat, and my favorite was the pomelo salad. #gifted

On Monday, Hubs officially went back to work, while I got going on some projects which have been on pause since early July. With my trip to France, I was really only in Dubai for six days last month. Given my (ahem) excess of the past month, I also started this exercise program again — I’m looking at you, Dress I Want to Wear to the Caterer Awards. Maison Duffour sent through the Opulent Cheese package, full of delicious Beillevaire cheese and butter (and bringing me right back to France). Aussie Beef and Lamb sent through a massive leg of lamb, which I’ve decided to freeze until it’s pleasant enough outside to grill. #gifted

More deliveries during the week, including one from Legal Home Delivery, who are now offering FREE home delivery for orders over AED150. Exhausted after our long day of flying, Hubs and I skipped duty-free, so the voucher was appreciated. #gifted We also restocked the freezer with Carnistore.

Shifting eight hours ahead (after going to France, then trying to adjust to time zones in the US) has been a bit wonky, and while I’ve had some productive mornings, I’ve been really hitting the wall in the afternoons. Suggestions for jet lag are welcome!

Links, please.

• Did you catch Lindsay and I’s final Taste California video? Instagram

• Lufthansa offering ‘beds’ in economy. OMAAT

• Would you drink potato milk? Food and Wine

• Why millennials have a weird relationship with water. Vice

• What does an Olympian eat? Eat This

• Would eat. Taste and Tell

• This margarita sounds like heaven. Joy the Baker

• The travel industry’s reckoning with race and inclusion. NY Times

• Just for the title. Reductress

• Salt. Fat. Acid. Paris. The Cut

• I want the whole collection. Delicacies

• On food monopolies. Food Politics

• No thoughts, just an IKEA meatball scented candle. The Kitchn

• Talk to me about water tasting. Atlas Obscura

• No recipe recipes. Eater

• Considering this after last month. The Kitchn

• A discussion of food appropriation. Grub Street

• How to actually detox. The EveryGirl

• With drawl. Bitter Southerner

• Makes sense. Eater

• I will not pick the restaurant. McSweeney’s

• What we will buy no more. The Cut

• Why are millennials so obsessed with dogs. The Atlantic

• What our screenshots say about us. NY Times

• Where is the lie? Twitter

• Talk to me about homemade uncrustables. The Kitchn

• Why this year is going by so quickly. Apartment Therapy

• Social media is definitely influencing how we eat. The Takeout

This weekend I’m over to Wawa to dip my toes back into Dubai dining and am looking forward to an event with The Macallan. There’s a rumor my Food Club might be getting together at Isola, and that Moshi might be sending me some of their new air and summer rolls. Otherwise, I’m still trying to catch up — I have a feeling this fall is going to be a busy one. Am I being optimistic, or do you agree? Furthermore, for events, how do you feel about presenting proof of vaccination to be allowed entry?

Finally, with the World’s 50 Best coming to Abu Dhabi next year, I am excited by the announcement of the MENA list. I have my picks, but I’d love to hear yours in the comments. I’d also love to know where restaurants in India and South Africa sit…

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C.