Weekly A to Z, March 8th.
The one with a drink named after me and my first for the Financial Times.
On Saturday, I visited Chef Gabriela and the Girl and the Goose team for their soft launch. And readers, I was happily (and completely) surprised to find a drink NAMED AFTER ME on the menu. The team developed three different options, and I got to choose the final (it’s very close to a traditional Cosmopolitan, but the mezcal wash is everything). Yes, you can order ✨Courtney’s Cosmo ✨— developed by the talented Nana Coppertone. Besides the excellent range of signature cocktails, the food is comforting and original, and yes, I want to order everything I eat again (and see plenty I still need to try). As you might guess, I think it’s important to support locally developed restaurants, and this supper club turned brick and mortar is a perfect example — so please plan to visit in the first month. And, of course, please tag me when you order my drink. #invited
On Wednesday, I went out to The Beam, the latest from Chef Nick Alvis. Located at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, it’s sophisticated but not pretentious — threading a difficult needle that Dubai sometimes likes to overshoot. For a pre-dinner treat, splurge on the gin trolley and go hungry. My favorite dish from our visit was the venison tartare, which was original, delicious, and easy to split between two people. Chef Nick has treated this protein with care, and it shows. I’d order everything again and am excited for what the future holds. Try to get in while the weather is still lovely, and plan on sundowners or a spot on the terrace outside. Yes, this is one of those places you can bring parents and kids, not always easy to find in the city. #invited
And on Friday, who am I to ever deny an invite to Takahisa? The team’s most recent collab involved Trinity Spirit, a well-known restaurant/impossible-to-book place in Kyoto. Like all visits to my favorite sushi restaurant in the UAE, the meal was subtle and immaculate. A visit really is my perfect way to end the week — and a reservation always gives me something to look forward to. #invited
Links, please.
Yes, here’s my article about being a left-handed diner. Financial Times (this might be behind a paywall — send me a note, and I’ll try to give you a link).
Should you find yourself in Macau next week. SJM
Throwback to when I judged the YouthX awards. Instagram
W50B finally launches a dedicated North American list. Robb Report
The repulsion of Reels. Vox
Fine dining menus are more than word salad. NYT
Yes, I’m ready for Sour Patch Kids (literal) glow up. The Takeout
Interested in this new gin from Hendrick’s. Robb Report
Dubai needs this kind of bakery. Food52
And this Pharrell collab with Moet Chandon. Robb Report
Zinfandel is unloved but beloved. Ambrook
Yes, I would drink a Gatorade margarita. Food Republic
Coffee…for kids? Food Institute
This ‘Church of Chilis’ story reminds me of my For The Love of Chili’s essay. GQ
No actual reason to need this bowl. Omoi
The only Michelin-starred ice cream shop. The Takeout
Who has the world’s best-tasting water? Washington Post
What if doctors designed brand logos? Dieline
How to get back into reading. Self
Can you get a buzz without booze? Saveur
Loved this list of travel tips. KK
In honor of my upcoming birthday, why are four-leaf clovers considered lucky? Mental Floss
This is the biggest mistake people make when taking pictures of food. Food & Wine
There’s a spoonful of microplastics in our brains. :( NY Mag
Which F&B brands are turning 100 this year? The Takeout
I would visit any of these pet-friendly tasting rooms. Wine Enthusiast
What things are irresistible to you? GFY
How do you make your partner feel good? Cup of Jo
And for my fellow women of a certain age: this is your brain on peri/menopause. Womens Health Magazine
This weekend? Enjoying the beautiful weather and our pool.
Next week? A Women’s Day celebration at Jun’s (I’ve always been volunteering for the lunch, so I’m excited to finally attend). I’ve also got my eye on the recently opened Revolver. And every Tuesday, I’m back at K9 Friends for the foreseeable future — let me know if you have any adoption or fostering questions.
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C.
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