Between jet lag, moving house, and the state of the world, I didn’t feel like going out this week, so I didn’t. Was the Hallmark holiday channel on in the background? Most likely — I take my joy where I can get it. Additionally, I’ve been so incredibly proud to see all the efforts across the F&B community and beyond in the UAE about what’s happening to support efforts in Gaza. The strange guilt of living a safe existence and going about our lives as normal (or, as normal as possible) continues to feel jarring. For American subscribers, consider signing this petition. Jen also continues to share brilliant content, and this guest post by Dina Ghandour is a must-read.
A delivery from Silver Fern Farms was welcome! Coming back from holiday and trying to have little to move into the house, we needed the care package. #gifted
Links, please. Are there too many?
Our latest for Dubai byFood — a visit to Mirzam Chocolates! YouTube
The Tasting Class has a fab new dining series — check it out here.
A few more details here: The Tasting Class, in collaboration with Jacob’s Creek, is excited to announce a series of eight intimate dining experiences. Each month, some of Dubai’s most exciting chefs will co-host a dining experience as though it were their own table. The seating will be intimate and communal to facilitate a personal exchange of stories, cooking inspiration, and beverage pairing. Sign us up!
Relevant topic, what is the shelf life of Halloween candy? Eater
Yes, please tax loud kids. People
Can you put an ice cube in a coupe? Punch
Which restaurants make customers happiest? The Takeout
Worldwide, women cook twice as much as men — except in this country. NPR
Who can afford free food? Modern Farmer
Boxed wine is so 2000-late. Juliet
Ten of the strangest food x booze collabs. Vine Pair
Totally normal comments for online recipes. New Yorker
Fairly certain our new place needs this for the kitchen. goop
Saddened to learn I am OLDER than honey-roasted peanuts. Wikipedia
Also, who can afford this off-the-charts Christmas gift? Neiman Marcus
In today’s world, how to talk about kids about the news. The Cut
I’m all about dining alone in restaurants. Marie Claire
Confessions of a tableside flambee (flambeur?). Eater
America’s favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. The Takeout
Would you bring your own seasonings on a flight? Tasting Table
Forever interested in fancy cooking tools made in Japan. Gestura
I probably need this Waffle House candle. Match South
How to make your phone less addicting. Lifehacker
How Japanese parents raise some of the healthiest kids in the world. CNBC
What to eat when you’re nauseous. Real Simple
Just really into this salt and pepper mill. Oliver Bonas
Tell me about different colored sounds. Washington Post
With all that’s going on, how to be human. NYT
Best burger toppings (ranked). The Takeout
Wish we’d been able to try these edibles while in the States. Tasting Table
Yes, OJ IS more expensive these days. The Takeout
What does the blue in blue cheese do? The Guardian
This weekend? My first meal out in Dubai will be in style! Legendary chef Gastón Acurio, celebrated for elevating Peruvian cuisine to international acclaim, is cooking with 3 Michelin-starred chef Dabiz Muñoz, the creative genius behind the world-renowned restaurant DiverXO at the Royal Atlantis.
Next week? Picking up filming again for Dubai byFood for a very special Gary Rhodes episode, judging at the GulfFood Specialty Food Festival YouthX competition, the Big Taste with MMI, and getting settled into our new villa.
If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider working with me, sharing this newsletter, purchasing my books (or these novels), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.
C.
That honey roasted peanuts line cut deep