Weekly A to Z, December 10th.

The one where I finally got COVID.

Alas, COVID-19 finally came for us. What I assumed (very incorrectly) was a bad cold was, indeed, this coronavirus I’ve heard so much about. I am a little frustrated at myself for putting others at risk but otherwise happy for my many boosters as the virus presented with relatively minor symptoms for both me and Hubs. I spent the week at home, trying to keep this bug to myself and resting. As of now, we’re both testing negative, but still quite tired.

A few peeks at last week’s travel and a view of our business class flight on Air France.

A few deliveries this week… One from En Fuego, opening at Atlantis the Palm, which I hope to get to once I’m healthy. Below Farm was kind enough to send over their grow-your-own mushroom kit (which we have been delighted by). Wimpy is back in business at Dubai Mall and had some fun stickers to send over. #gifted

Links, please.

• Congratulations, Salam and the Bait Maryam team. W50B

• Yes, I was ill, but I could still call into Farmer’s Kitchen. Listen from 29:36. Spotify

• Would you drink mayo-nog? VinePair

• Clutter-free gift ideas. Becoming Minimalist

• How to buy even better presents. Vox

• I am READY to try and make these cookies this weekend. NYT

• Similarly, how about some additional little luxuries? Modern Mrs. Darcy

• All about TikTok recipes. The Verge

• No, Lilo. Nerdist

• On the food in White Lotus (S2). The Takeout

• Can you purposely buy double-yolk eggs? Tasting Table

• Get paid to move to Italy. VinePair

• How many hot sauces are in your fridge right now? (A: 7). NPR

• The last of my deviled egg ornament suggestions. Glitterville

• Is Instagram over? Part of me wishes, yes! The Atlantic

• Best snacks for the holidays, ranked. Tasting Table

• Looks like we missed out on these reindeer Ubers. T&L

• Why do wine bottles have foil closures? VinePair

• How snobbery helped take the spice out of European cooking. NPR

• I need this candle. Instagram

• Why boozy baked goods won’t get you drunk. The Takeout

This weekend? Signs point to a (gentle) hike, and Hubs will see his beloved Liverpool play in town. #YNWA

Next week? A very Bookers Christmas with help from the Tasting Class, Maison Dufour and Westin, and finally getting over to Takashi.

Keep reading for another job opportunity below.

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C.

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