A life admin week, but necessary. With brilliant weather and limited traffic, it was a wonderful week to get around Dubai to get things done. However, on Wednesday, I snuck over to Luxe Medical Clinic for some necessary Botox and a mesotherapy treatment (needles, I still don’t like them). #invited
On Thursday, I was happy to accept an invitation to Tresind Studio for their last collab of the year, which felt like a wonderful way to close out dining in 2023. #invited
Finally, it was an amazing week for deliveries, including one from Varak (the Benedict bars!!), a lovely holiday cake from LPM, and some swag from Rare. #gifted
Links, please.
My year by numbers, if you’d like to see. Weekly A to Z
I had to miss contributing to this, but Liam and James rounded up 2023 in all things culinary. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or watch on YouTube.
Very excited for this Birch Bakery x Tiffany Eslick collab! Instagram
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The 2023 Hater’s Guide to the William’s Sonoma Calendar is here! Defector
Presents for Palestine. The Ethicalist
Alternative advent calendars. House & Garden
How a food market cuts back on food waste. NPR
UAE resident’s love of takeaway is creating a food waste problem. The National
The joy of underperforming. The Atlantic
Does Gen Z really have too much anxiety to order at restaurants? Business Insider
Loved this article: cleaning the kitchen is saving my soul. Shondaland
The ultimate Christmas cookie wine pairing guide. VinePair
What to say when you’re not okay. Wondermind
Why do we love food-themed clothing? Salon
My perfect pillow. Maisonette
How much can fancy ice add to the price of your cocktail? SMH
A new foodie podcast for me to enjoy from the team at the Ringer. Spotify
Stanley Tucci has found a new home at NatGeo. Hollywood Reporter
Why does everything taste worse than it used to? The Takeout
AI identifying specific terroir. Not sure how I feel about that. Wine Spectator
Some breakfast ideas for Christmas morning, should you need them. Bon Appetit
The real reason caviar is so expensive. The Kitchn
All restaurants deserve time off, and I’d love to see the European model over here in Dubai. Washingtonian
Turns out, holly is the worst. HCN
Let’s save ketchup. WSJ
Don’t call it vegan. Washington Post
This weekend? Don’t laugh; we’re going to IKEA and Ace and hopefully Global Village.
Next week? Celebrating Christmas and fostering a dog. I’m also sneaking out for a very belated lunch visit to L’Amo — I’ve only heard incredible things.
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C.
Thanks for the shout out and Godspeed re IKEA. Let Mr CBW out for a booze run 🚙 🍷 😊