Weekly A to Z, Feb 5th.
I received the same compliment three separate times this week: “You were literally the only person I thought of for this project.” Mind you, these were different individuals for unique projects, but I can’t think of a higher compliment. I’ve worked hard for my reputation, and genuinely appreciate when professionals respond.
On Tuesday, we had our filters changed for Liquid of Life, a service that filters local tap water. We had the first one installed last year and it was the best home improvement hack of the past ten years. We’ve cut back not only on all water delivery (carbon footprint, much?) but also on buying any plastic bottles. Pairing our clean tap water with Bubble Bro to get bubbly water any time we want is a game-changer. None of this is sponsored or particularly sexy to talk about, but little changes can have an important impact on the environment.
On Wednesday, I caught up with my podcast producer for lunch at Al Beiruti, which was clearly a popular spot to meet up. Am I a bit biased towards the za’atar hummus? Perhaps, but I would definitely order it again.
Thursday saw a home delivery courtesy of Roberto’s and Grana Padano. I’m delighted that the quality of their delivery has held up, and we enjoyed an Italian feast (without even leaving the house). I also might be the last person in Dubai to finally receive Haute Sauce! Was it delicious on my eggs this morning? It was. And if you require ‘white girl spicy’ like I do, just look for the Mellowing (and if you like heat, just check the rest of the range). And if that weren’t enough, I received some beautiful Awayuki Ichigo (Japanese) strawberries from 1004 Gourmet, along with a collection of some of the best Korean sheet masks (Briskin, Abib) on the market (from instore La Mise Beauty).
Finally, I pitched two international publications this week, so keep those fingers crossed. It felt good to get back in the mix.
Links, please.
If you listen to one podcast this week, please let it be this one:
At the juncture of Bon Appetit, Conde Nast, and POC voices in the kitchen and workplace, this is the first in a series about food media. Reply All
Regularly scheduled links.
If you’re planning on buying Girl Scout Cookies this year, consider buying or donating from the Troop who are all living in NYC homeless shelters. Girl Scouts NYC
Careem and noon drop commissions on food delivery. While there is a larger conversation here, I’m wondering if some of the other aggregators will follow suit. Gulf News
Worth reviewing: media biases. Ad Fontes Media
Congrats to High Joint as the best burger in the UAE (I fully agree). Instagram
Congrats to Nadia, on opening the brick and mortar Melange. Instagram
How long do you steep tea? Food52
In case you wondered about the history of Mr. Potato Head (yes, it involves real potatoes). The Takeout
I believe the statute of limitations is over this year, but I may or may not have participated in a similar prank in college. Ahem. The Takeout
Unrelated to food, but this article made me miss some people: the friends who high five every week. The Atlantic
Speaking of, what happened to your casual friendships in the past year? The Atlantic
Have you been using your vacation time (even if you’re not traveling)? The Good Trade
Why meatless Mondays aren’t enough. New Republic
If you’re not on one of the big delivery apps, how do you get food delivered? Eater
The (unspoken) rules of food. Gastro Obscura
Check out the latest Dining and Nightlife, with articles from yours truly. Issuu
While I considered going to the Reform hosted best chefs event (tickets still available), Hubs and I are turning our attention towards Twiggy at Park Hyatt this weekend, which I’ve heard wonderful things about.
Some fun stuff happening next week - can’t wait to share things with you! Stay tuned.
If you enjoy this newsletter, consider telling a friend, purchasing my books, subscribing to my podcast, or buying me a coffee.
C.
