What a week! I could list all the chefs, but it’s probably better if you just see them all here. Spoiler alert: I managed to moderate a panel of Chefs Vladimir, Joan, Christian, and Mariano, and this might be my top professional achievement of 2024.
TBF, the week kicked off in a mega way with a visit to StreetXO, where I got to chat with not only Dabiz but I also saw Sheikh Mohammed exiting the One & Only when I was driving up (!!). As an added bonus, I loved it when Thomas was seated next to me. You can catch my visit to StreetXO here. #invited
On Monday, after a very busy first day, I went to Sagetsu for dinner — are you noticing a theme here? — the One & Only Za’abeel team took excellent care of me throughout the week (and their entire property smells incredible). After a hectic but memorable first day, I needed a lot of beautiful protein in a wonderfully calm venue. Left-hand switch after one course? You love to see it. A brilliant uni and prawn course? Done. Here are some quick highlights. #invited
On Tuesday, after another day interviewing (only male) chefs from around the world, I snuck back over to (spoiler alert: OO Za’abeel) to visit La Dame de Pic, which I was meant to go to last week, but… rain. Similar to my two previous nights — this was another all-star and unique experience. Yes, there’s a video of my visit. #invited
On Wednesday, I had some of my favorite talks and spent my last night on the OO meal plan at Qabu by Paco Morales, which was a wonderful finish to an incredible week. The degustation was truly intellectual and historic. There were a number of highlights, but the lobster course REALLY stood out to me. Please have a look at my dinner here. #invited
For the rest of the week, there were only highs, including the YouthX competition (congratulations to the Ossiano team for winning this global competition!). My last panel on Thursday featured Chefs Orfali, Gregoire, and Alain Passard (!), which was such a highlight to end on.
And on Friday, after wrapping up at Gulfood, I was over to LOWE ☘️ to check out The Macallan event. Spoiler alert: sending a car (especially one from Blacklane) for me to attend an event increases the chances of me attending an event by at least 70%.
Did I also secure dining at Osteria Francescana this week for our trip in April? I did!
Finally, a shout-out to Rove Healthcare City! Not sponsored, simply a great location for me to base myself during the week. Clean, cheerful, and convenient Choithram’s on the first floor — this would be my go-to for future stays. The easy parking on site made it even better after a long day.
Links, please.
For our latest Dubai byFood episode, we visit Riverland — a new to me experience that’s not too far from my house! YouTube
Here’s a clip from my episode of DXB Today chatting about Gulfood. YouTube
Catch me on the radio for a supersized session last week with Helen (I’m right at the top of the show). Spotify
Things aren’t getting better (cake edition). TikTok
What do bread, romance, and cancer have in common? (IDK, but I wish I could come up with headlines like this). Bakery and Snacks
I love you, but I hate your cooking. NYT
There are…546 English words for drunk? The Drinks Business
Why you’ve never been in a plane crash. Asterisk Mag
What if you had a cheese dealer? Dieline
Cheers to Coquely celebrating escargots! (I’ve heard the miso butter ones are amazing).
PYREX vs. Pyrex (yes, there’s a difference). TikTok
What are the best food films? Eater
Pork flavored…latte? CNN
Not cool. The Drinks Business
We all have that friend. TikTok
I…did not realize this was a dead lion. Dieline
This is the most mispronounced wine. The Takeout
Would you cook on a first date? NYT
How to beat envy. The Ethicalist
I want to go to this conference? LuxePack
Unfortunately, a cheese crisis looms. Vox
Need this: Fishwife X Keystone Light Smooth Snackle Pack. Dieline
Here for SPE. The Drinks Business
Sommeliers are becoming less common in restaurants. Robb Report
Which airlines have the best wines in the sky? Drinks Digest
How to ease your anxiety without disassociating. LA Times
In case you need dinner party games. House & Garden
For those who have been subjected to my 36 Questions, I now bring you 50 more questions (and an additional 99). Camille Styles/TheGood Trade
Should I have worn this cheesy 14-karat gold drip lip cuff during Gulfood? Salon
Talk to me about “elaborate popcorn merch.” Hollywood Reporter
When a breakup ruins your favorite restaurant. NYT
This weekend? Relaxing. I’ve (expletive) earned it.
Next week? Filming and dining and filming and dining.
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C.
Congrats on the marathon week!