Weekly A to Z, April 12th.
The one where you might be sick of me.
A belated but very happy birthday to Cecelia and Erin. ❤️
On Monday, I was delighted to accept an invitation to the 6 Hands at the Burj Al Arab. It’s been a minute since I stepped into our resident 7-star hotel and it was a privilege to be present among such talent. Nadia has some excellent shots from the menu, if you’d like to see. #invited
On Tuesday, I went to The Lana for the DET gastronomy update. As usual, there is a lot to be proud of in our city, and trends continue to push Dubai toward becoming a global culinary powerhouse (if we’re not there already). In addition to seeing so many industry friends in one room, if you missed out, you can read more on the state of gastronomy (2024) in Dubai here (and download the entire report as well).
On Thursday, I double-dipped by heading to DXB Today to talk about things coffee and specialty beverages with the forever wonderful Nana Sechere. My episode should air next Tuesday on Dubai One at 8 PM if you’re interested (fair warning, the gesturing is at fairly epic levels). After a quick turnaround, I headed out to Hanu at the St. Regis Gardens for some delicious Korean food. Chef Moon and his team obviously know what they’re doing, and I wish our neighbors the best success. (If you go, please order the Gouchujung Highball — it’s my new favorite cocktail in the city, and I have to admit that the KFC with caviar is a perfect little bite). #invite
And on Friday, it was off to Dubai Eye to have a slightly unhinged chat about all things food with Helen (including our love of one of the links below).
A shipment from a brand we love — Highland — caught up with us this week. The newest product, the Wash, is another winner in the mix. #gifted
A final note (beg) — dear PR friends, I see you, and I love you. When inviting me places, please do NOT slide into my DMs or WhatsApps (because, like many people I know, how did you get my number?).1 I might be a geriatric millennial, but old-fashioned e-mail is the best way forward (and the most professional). Like everyone in town, I’m getting invited to a heap of events (please choose other days than Thursday), and an e-mail trail is so much easier for me to find, file, and remember requests via e-mail. (atozaatar@outlook.com). Also, as a wise friend has in her WhatsApp description: “Please no voice notes. I beg you.”
Links, please.
My visit to 103.8 — I was at the top of the show and the podcast. Spotify
An excellent read from the
team. SubstackThe case for shushing strangers (you don’t have to tell me twice). NYT
Why does food taste better when you’re drunk? The Takeout
V. interested in Glen Powell’s sauce. Food & Wine
I also desperately need this mini bottle. The Kitchn
And this pill-shaped travel cooler. 💊 MoMa
Talk to me about pizza wine. Pizza Wine
And then let’s talk Cheez-It pizza. Foodbeast
And finally, how about pizza…caviar? Hypebeast
Everything’s bigger in Texas. The Takeout
Chioptle’s quest to find avocados outside of Mexico. 🥑 WSJ
What are the 10 most expensive cocktails in the world? The Drinks Business
If eggs are difficult to find, what about this marshmallow decoration kit for Easter? Food Sided
Okay, so this anti-procrastination candle is brilliant. World Brand Design
Shake Shack x Dubai chocolate = new milkshake flavor. Food & Wine
For the title: Superyacht wine cellars have reached peak lavishness. The Wine Enthusiast
What makes a travel destination safe to you? OMAAT
Love this Dunkin’ bunny basket. Eat This, Not That
EK, can you add this to your fleet? K thx. OMAAT
Are aluminum bottles the next frontier for wine? The Drinks Business
Let’s talk about the tiny cocktail trend. 🍸 Wine Enthusiast
An excellent use of broken plates. I Break Plates
Fiji is asking tourists to give back (I would *love* to see more of this globally). Mental Floss
Peak American ranch flavors. Nerdbot
The red wine region defying market trends. The Drinks Business
Why does Trader Joe’s have a tiki theme? The Takeout
How to get rid of digital clutter. Mental Floss
Tanqueray creates cocktails…from dreams? Drinks Digest
The cutest jacket potato, cheese, and beans of all time. Instagram
Cozy games for mindfulness and mental health. Mashable
Chipotle is selling extra forks for National Fork Day. NRN
How to dye easter…potatoes? 🥔 The Kitchn
Hello, Sour Patch Kids eggs. Snackworks
This weekend? The Bookers (all of us???) are getting together for one of our faves at Sirene Beach by GAIA — I can’t wait! Also, making Azaelas and watching The Masters.
Next week? The Bookers are delighted to head out on the Nara on the Sea experience.
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C.
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