Weekly A to Z, December 21st.
The rather spoiled one. 🍽️🎅🕯️
🍷 This week’s newsletter is generously sponsored by the Graft Collab Store. If you’re searching for a perfect wine gift for the oenophile in your life, Graft stocks Coravin, wine glasses, and other wine tools — start here. Use my code CB12 for 12% off your purchase. 🍾
What a week! Last Friday, we checked into the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. What did we do? More like, what didn’t we do? During our four-night stay, we went snorkeling, ate a range of excellent food, enjoyed (many) sundowners, met turtles in recovery, went to the spa for an incredible (!) sound healing treatment and massage, learned how to “surf,” and one of us went diving. For those familiar with properties in the Maldives, having stayed at both Soneva Fushi and the St. Regis, I honestly believe the Four Seasons is our (personal) best fit when it comes to the Maldives. Why? It’s the level of quiet luxury I’m forever on the lookout for. For the record, I’m also now Team Boat over Team Plane. I might also be Team Villa over Team Overwater Villa.
Meals were also a highlight as we got to meet visiting (and award-winning) the award-winning chef Hari Nayak, who personally prepared the tasting menu (which will be available through April, with veg and non-veg options open to all guests). In addition to the stunning setting over the Indian Ocean, I especially loved the subtly sweet prawn curry. I’ll be sharing some videos and a property tour in the coming weeks, but in the interim, here are some of the highlights. #invited
After arriving on Tuesday afternoon back in the UAE (after a lovely send-off from the resort team), we returned to the airport early on Wednesday to collect my parents, who were coming from the States. On Friday, we made it to Bar des Pres at ICD Brookfield, led by Chef Cyril Lignac. Tucked up on the 51st floor, there are views for days (including in the bathrooms). While I’m sure the evening vistas are amazing, I’m delighted the team is open for lunch. There is plenty on the menu to choose from — French and Japanese — my favorite dish was the Langoustine ravioli, creamed bisque, and green Sichuan pepper, but save room for the Raspberry pavlova. Also a delight? The fresh from the oven madeleines (I had two). The business lunch is well-priced and filling at AED155. Service was excellent. Take your client or out-of-town friends to impress. #invited
Finally, Katch Communications sent through a lovely end-of-year gift from Wick Magic, which was very appreciated.
Links, please.
My year by numbers (2024 was a good one, y’all!). Substack
I’d love for you to listen to a year-end review with
and James. Chef JKP PodcastGregoire has officially departed Ossiano;
, and I had a few thoughts and reflections. SubstackLoved this coverage from
for OOO. ITPYes, you can gift a subscription to the Weekly A to Z. 👀 Substack
A massive congratulations to all those nominated for the 2025 G&M awards. ITP
The wines of The Man with the Golden Gun. The Drinks Business
Fight me: y’all is a perfect word. Texas Monthly
After our trip this week, fairly certain I need this jellyfish ornament. Pottery Barn
It’s giving Holly Golightly. Nordstrom
What do sommeliers drink at Christmas? The Drinks Business
My mid-40’s are showing — I am really into these fragrance tags. Cera Sine Cera
I would definitely accept these fancy avocados as a gift. Prima Vera Avocados
Memories. McCormick
What were the worst dining trends in 2024? Eater
I feel deeply about this: an argument for gift guides. Substack
How to make guests feel special. Cup of Jo
Inside the world of restaurant merch. Worlds 50 Best
What are the best luxury hotel brands? OMAAT
Yes, your spit can change the flavor of food. Knowable Magazine
Make yours and someone else’s day better: compliment them. NYT
Just say NO to drinkable mayonnaise. Kottke
For the holidays, I would like to attend a dips and desserts dinner. Eater
I need this cutting board in my kitchen. Food 52
We all need this Burrata pizza in our lives. Instagram
This weekend? Continuing to catch up — finally visiting The Spaniel and heading to the capital so my parents can meet Luigi and try some of his food at Talea*.
Next week? Mainly spent enjoying the UAE’s beautiful weather and celebrating Christmas with friends and family. Also, ahead of the holiday, wishing the best to you and yours!
If you enjoy this newsletter, consider working with me, purchasing my books (including these novels), or buying me a Cosmo. Also, a reminder is that a subscription to support this newsletter is only $30 per year—or $2.50 monthly. If you open the Weekly A to Z every week, please consider subscribing.
C.
❤️ If you enjoyed this post, please click the like button — it helps others discover my content!
🔁 Similarly, feel free to share or repost this if you think others in your network might enjoy this post.
💬 And finally, I always love a comment! What was your favorite link this week?
Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.