Weekly A to Z, Dec 4th.
Happy birthday, UAE! You don’t look a day over 40. Thank you for being such a wonderful adoptive country these past thirteen years.
I kicked off the week with a delicious delivery from The Kakao Guy, including their individual holiday cheesecake and my favorite blondies (chewy, ooey, and gooey - these are my official food writer adjectives). I’m not even embarrassed to say that the gift barely lasted 24 hours.
On Monday, I was delighted to be invited back to chat in the Food Journalism module with Middlesex University Dubai. The students had great questions, and 90 minutes passed by so quickly! The kids are alright, y’all.
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to visit Carnistore HQ. It was fun to talk about beef, lamb, and upcoming opportunities. Carnistore has been one of my favorite local finds of 2020, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed their range of products. I also started two of my advent calendars - one popcorn, and one wine (which is/was available at Barracuda). I’m ‘reviewing’ the wines every day on my InstaStories, which is good practice for direct address, which I really hate doing.
On Wednesday, I was happy to wake up to 50 million views on Google Maps. It’s my most successful platform and such an undervalued place to share images. Also, unlike other social media (ahem, Instagram), you can’t buy or fake the numbers. I also placed another order to Go! Healthy, and was impressed by the ability to personalize the Eggie Bowl (which is available all day). Hubs inhaled the Mexican Chicken Bowl, which another friend ordered, and did basically the same thing.
On Thursday, I was completely influenced by other Dubai foodies and decided to stop by Kilikio by Mythos at Depachika, Nakheel Mall, and I wasn’t disappointed. Lots of great dishes to order and our favorite was the Baby Gem Salad, AED40. I also loved seeing the partnership with Mattar Farms, and hope to see more collabs like this across the city.
Links, please.
Booze I want to buy just for the name. Empirical
While I’m all for bold restaurant interiors, this is a no for me. Architectural Digest
Fixing the Covid food shortage can slash climate emissions? Bloomberg
Who is the most umami of them all? The Takeout
Records I didn’t know existed: most cheese on a pizza. Grub Street
Your content is terrible. Instagram
I probably need these cookies in my life. The Kitchn
Speaking of cookies, does the world need Chromatica Oreos? Twitter
A new way to cut the cake. Twitter
On the subject of cake, determining which of my Bookers might make this Life of the Party Layer cake for our upcoming holiday meet up. Bon Appetit
Gordon Ramsay’s USD$106 burger. The Takeout
Take my money. Instagram
Later, too busy creating a holiday ‘charcuterie’ board, or maybe this charcuterie ‘house.’ The Kitchn / The Takeout
Today, the generous team at Hilton is sending over a turkey dinner. If celebrating the holiday, what are you doing for your Christmas dinner this year? Having done brunches and at-home gatherings, I’m definitely team stay at home, and there are plenty of wonderful options to order in. Like Thanksgiving, we usually have a hybrid approach, and make our own traditional sides and desserts.
Tomorrow, I can’t wait to attend the Best of Dubai Chefs BBQ at Reform. Follow my Instagram stories to see all the details.
Next week, among other things, I’m filming with The Tasting Class, so keep an eye on our socials, as we partner with Silver Fern Farms and Chef Matt from BOCA.
Finally, another favor to ask. I’m starting to schedule interviews for CSR of One again. If you know anyone who is doing service for others, please let me know!
If you enjoy this newsletter, consider telling a friend, purchasing my books, subscribing to my podcast, or buying me a coffee.
C.
