Weekly A to Z, December 31st.
The one where it all begins again tomorrow.
Wishing you a wonderful, healthy, and prosperous 2023!
A super chilled week in Dubai — I relaxed and moved forward on a few projects. Although Hubs and I are recovered from COVID, we both took things easy and are hoping to resume some form of exercise in the new year.
Silver Fern Farms made my day by sending over some deluxe grass-fed rib eyes, along with sausages and a beef roast. This delicious delivery made choosing what to eat on New Year’s Eve an easy one! If you’re looking for a last-minute option tonight, head over to Prime Gourmet. #gifted
I was able to record a podcast — coming soon…like, later this morning — with fellow BonBons Liam and Dan. We had plenty to say about the year that was and predictions for what might happen in 2023. I’d love to keep this going, and we’re actively looking for sponsors (please reach out if you’re interested). The team at 25hours was kind enough to let us use their new podcast studio.
On Thursday, I met a friend at the new Ka’ak Al Manara location on Al Wasl. Such a lovely cozy spot and has a perfect menu for the ‘I want to simultaneously eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.’ The team is lovely, and there are authentic Lebanese groceries to pick up while you’re there. In the evening, Hubs and I headed to the end of the Palm to Social, located in the Waldorf Astoria. There are only a few places in the city where guests can dine literally ‘in’ the kitchen, and that’s exactly what we did. We thoroughly enjoyed our chat with Chef Carmine, and seeing dishes being updated in real-time made the evening that much more interesting. Check out our visit here. #invited
And finally, a new goal for 2023 — to get a drink or dish named after me somewhere in Dubai! Hospitality friends, help me out. Courtney’s Cosmo or something with A to Z in the title is perfect (and yes, Samer, I see you and appreciate you taking the initiative).
Links, please.
My latest for Jacob’s Creek with Chef Claudio and Chef Junior. Working with Lindsay from The Tasting Class is always so much fun (and educational). #collab
My latest visit to Dubai Eye! Listen from 35:03.
Receive gifts you didn’t enjoy this holiday season? How to make the most of them. Atlantic
How champagne became the unofficial drink of New Year’s. The Takeout
Carnistore coming with some sweet grill action. Carnistore
Could my beloved Cosmo have competition? Saveur
On the topic of rest, what does it actually mean? Self
Similarly, the best luxury store bathrooms. The Cut
Talk to me about waffle frolics. Tasting Table
I need these potatoes. Instagram
But what if I want a fancy reusable bag? Vanity Nap
How to keep happy with post-holiday blues. The Everygirl
Unpacking why the Cheesecake Factory is so successful. Vox
Some holiday air travel haikus. McSweeney’s
Put together a NYE charcuterie board. The Recipe Critic
Why you should stop charging your phone overnight. ZD Net
The perfect wine carrier? Amazon
This weekend? Hiking and ringing in the new year, rooftop style!
Next week? Catching up with people and moving forward with the first of a few manuscripts. Is it weird that I’m looking forward to a bit of routine? Because I really am.
My favorite dishes of the month? With COVID at the start of December, I certainly didn’t go out as much as usual; however, some of my standouts include the Kobe beef carpaccio with caviar from Takahisa, the Tagliolini limone, Gambero Rosso, and dill pasta at Social, and — quite honestly — my friend Nicola’s 15-hour potatoes (which I get to have again today!!!).
Want to know my best meals of the year? Subscribers only.
If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider sharing this newsletter on social media, ordering from these restaurants, purchasing my books (or these novels — all free to read on Kindle Unlimited), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.
C.
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