Weekly A to Z, April 5th.

The in between one.

After a short stay in paradise, we made our way home for a quiet week in Dubai. I hope all of you could enjoy something of a Spring Break somewhere in the world. With everything as chaotic as it is right now, I think it’s all about recharging where and when you can and with your favorite people.

Speaking of glimmers, in my case, Eric and I have been actively birdwatching from our villa in Emaar South (yes, you read that correctly). Specifically, the pair of Red Wattled Lapwings — a very loud squad — who nested just on the other side of our fence (entirely in the open, as this species tends to do). Mama and her mate had four perfect eggs, and I was worried we would miss their arrival while we were in Sri Lanka. I’m delighted to say four little birdies joined the world sometime on Friday. We’re observing from a distance, but it was a lovely little moment I needed this week.

Did you have any memorable glimmers? Let me know in the comments.

Links, please.

• With baseball back in season, the history of the Cracker Jack. Smithsonian

• Show me all the fancy train bar cars. CNT

• Yes, I would like this job at French Laundry. Culinary Agents

• What were the top 10 markets for champagne in 2024? The Drinks Business

• Do you use hostile punctuation? Time

• KFC flavored toothpaste, anyone? Mental Floss

• Does your house need a pork rind candle? Pork Rinds

• Some of the best F&B April Fools pranks from this year. Drinks Digest

• The rise of the 3:45PM dinner trend (yes, even too early for me). Food Institute

• Pistachios…flavored with pickle? The Packer

• Using Legos to order food. Twitter

• What do you like about the way you look? Cup of Jo

• Courageous cooking school, 1 week = $11,000. Adventures

• You can do leisure better (seriously). The Atlantic

• Naming crops as a little treat. Ambrook

• Octopus farming is not allowed in NC (and I wish others would follow). Axios

• Gross and gunky AI recipes. Defector

• This definitely looks like a book I want to read. Penguin Random House

• The (unflinching) reality of making a living by sharing recipes on YouTube. Substack

• Would you attend a large cake party? NYT

• What is LOL Food? Eater

• Why do people fart more on planes? 🌬️ Mental Floss

• The 10 most innovative restaurants. Food Insttitute

• I need this new Hershey's Kiss flavor. Southern Living

• Most global food companies are still failing on animal welfare. The Ethicalist

• How to balance authenticity when creating a global menu. Food Navigator

• Prada opens a new dining destination in Shanghai. The Rume

• Why are restaurants adding caviar to desserts? Robb Report

• You had me at: furikake Chex mix. Plays Well With Butter

• You heard it right: Percy Pigs are coming to the US! All Recipes

• Finally, human kibble. Defector

This weekend? I’m not sure what your calendar looks like, but I’m prepping for a very busy April! Also, lots of hugs for Poppy, as our birthday girl turns seven on the 7th. 🐶🎂

Next week? A six-hands special; a DET gastronomy catch-up; a visit to the DXB Today studio to talk all things beverages (holler at me if you have a coffee, tea, or specialty drink client); and a stop by Hanu for dinner.

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