Weekly A to Z, February 3rd. 🇨🇴
The one from Barranquilla.
What a week! Chef Jorge, Ale, and his team showed us such an incredible time in Mexico. They were so generous with their time, and I felt very fortunate to experience the country this way.
Sunday — our journey started in historic Coyocan with Turista Local, including the market and the Frida Kahlo museum, before we went to Sud 777 for a beautiful vegetable-forward lunch (find our visit here). This could only be followed up by…a Lucha Libre match! We laughed, we cheered, and we all became fans of Mistico. Dinner was a beautiful seafood affair at La Docena, which is a must-visit.
Monday — an early start out of the main city to visit the nopales market at Milpa Alta, some breakfast al fresco, and a live mole class with Don Luis (the most interesting thing I learned was that they fry all the ingredients — 22! — before mixing them). Back into the city (I’m not sure I was built for the traffic here), we had a little siesta before dinner at Quintonil, #9 in the World’s 50 Best (2023). Find our incredible visit here.
Tuesday — breakfast at Chef’s Auna Cafe (another must-visit), then off to Merida and checking into the stunning Chalbe Yucatan (yes, ranked 13th in the World’s 50 Best Hotels — take a quick property tour here). After a long day, we were happy to enjoy dinner at Ixi’im (that venison risotto!!!).
Wednesday —an exploration of the Yucatan! After breakfast at Casita Maya on property, we drove to Izamal, saw the Pyramid Kinich Kak Mo, had lunch (and our fortunes read) at Kanche, and returned to Chable for a quick turnaround and dinner at Huniik.
Thursday — onwards, Bogota! After an EARLY start at 4 AM (press trips aren’t always all glamor!) to drive to Cancun, we flew to Bogota, to begin our Colombian part of the trip. We kicked things off with dinner at El Chato with Chef Alvaro. I was honored to be in the first service in the new upstairs kitchen, and I loved the pace and dishes — check out our dinner here.
Friday — we flew (again!) to Barranquilla to be a part of Guacherna, one of the most important parades of the Barranquilla Carnival. Yes, there were costumes. Yes, there was lots of dancing. Yes, the mayor was part of our group. (And yes, I think I would be happy to be a spectator in future years.)
Am I tired? Yes. Is it fun? Definitely. Am I going to sleep for a week when I get back? Probably.
Links, please.
The most expensive hotel room in the world is (naturally) in Dubai. AD
How to have a healthy relationship with caffeine. NPR
How to read a menu. NYT
How meat and milk companies are easing your guilt. Washington Post
How many bottles of wine in a barrel? One of my latest for Tasting Table.
Here for this honey packaging. Dieline
True? Only the Middle East can fix the Middle East. Foreign Affairs
Yes, older sisters are the backbone of society. HuffPost
The true cost of a cocktail. Punch
Just say no to smart carts. Defector
Move to sustainable food systems could bring 10bn in benefits a year. The Guardian
What does ‘cru’ mean on a wine label? Robb Report
If you read one thing this week, make it this: the clam dog. Food is Stupid
Things I could have told you — pasta makes you happier. The Kitchn
These are Gen Z’s favorite chain restaurants. The Takeout
Genius: Barilla playlists times to pasta cook times. Design Boom
What will the world look like in 2070? NatGeo
Need these (literal) tea lights. Gohar World
Enjoy your alone time. SELF
What would an American aperitif taste like? NYT
Best foods to celebrate Lunar New Year. LA Times
Is this you? Dubai residents dine out 3x a week. Khaleej Times
The fanciest sandwich bag. CNN
Why are we still watching toxic chef culture? Eater
Wildest impulse buys from Costco. (My favorite is a greenhouse). Reddit
This weekend? Flying back to Bogota and enjoying the city.
Next week? A few more days left before heading home — time to pick up Poppy, check out the new kitchen, and get back to filming with Dubai byFood.
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C.
This is probably the better way to write up press trip happenings 😆