Weekly A to Z, Feb 12th.

The one with the second jab.

Gong hei fat choy!

Sunday marked five years of volunteering with K9 Friends. I’ve learned a lot over the years, but mostly how to remain optimistic, and that every day I volunteer is (hopefully) a dog will find their forever home. If you’d like to help us, we are always looking for sponsorships. (Also, no, sir, we cannot take your peacock — we only rescue dogs).

On Monday, I stopped by the new Time Out Market at Souq Al Bahar for a walkthrough with none other than Didier Souillat, CEO of Time Out Markets. While there is some work ahead, it’s going to be an exciting location to visit once it’s open, with plenty of locally developed brands to support, at price points that will make for an interesting and delicious experience.

Tuesday had a special delivery from the Cloud Restaurants team (the Lotsa Lazy Cake, which was summarily swiped by Hubs). We also received a box from Maiz Tacos, who have created an excellent DIY taco at-home kit (including fresh queso, which I find incredibly difficult to find in the UAE). With recent restrictions at restaurants, I think it’s a perfect way to bring brunch to the house and support a local business.

Wednesday saw Hoa Poke delivered, the latest spin-off from the team at 3 Fils. My favorite was the salmon tacos, and Hubs loved the tuna bowl. Given we were unable to celebrate Waitangi Day in person, I thought it was very generous that New Zealand Naturally dropped off some goodies in lieu of the event. The food was especially appreciated, as I was coming off of a busy and entertaining morning photoshoot with Go! Healthy (hi, Rowan!), where I enjoyed getting dolled up and taking some photos for an upcoming campaign. I also managed to get my second jab completed (with a lot less drama than the first one — but still with a pregnancy test!).

To close out the week, Thursday saw a lot of love directed towards our villa. For Real Dough (love that name!) dropped off some of their frozen cookies (say it with me, ‘lotus French toast’). Will I exercise portion control when defrosting them to cook and eat? Only time will tell. As they have an expanding menu (s’mores, anyone?), I think it’s a local company worth checking out for your next cheat day. Additionally, The Italian Way sent over Peroni’s, and talented Chef Nouel outdid himself with stunning vegan confectionaries using Pacari chocolate. My long time favorites, The Kakao Guy also sent through their specialty February strawberry burnt cheesecake, with a few other goodies. Suffice to say, we’ve got that sweets thing under control!

In (seriously) not so fun news, our neighbors are demoing what sounds like their entire villa, and so Casa Brandt-Wright has been quite loud throughout the week. #ugh

Links, please.

• A new Google shopping feature helps identify Black-owned businesses. House Beautiful

• Do you have different snacks for sports and films/television? The Takeout

• Yes, of course, men and women grocery shop differently. Readers Digest

• Immediate food memory (and add to the wish list). Amazon

• Just thinking about him. Twitter

• Congratulations, FooDiva on 10 years! FooDiva

• This is the first I’m hearing of grower champagne. Eater

• I would probably buy this tomato plant candle. The Cut

• Fashun, but make it food (and honestly waiting on additional restaurant merch from some of my faves in Dubai). The Guardian

Most likely a chill weekend, potentially with some hiking, and an overdue visit to check out Lola Taberna for a nibble. And no, even though my inbox has been flooded with 12376123 Valentine’s offers and press releases, we’re going to stay in, thank you.

If you enjoy this newsletter, consider telling a friend, purchasing my books, subscribing to my podcast, or buying me a coffee.

C.