What a week! I’m feeling much more confident about the results of this year’s MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. I am so proud to see so much representation — not only of women but also of Dubai-based restaurants (check out the complete 2023 list here). While there’s been plenty of chat offline (maybe let the #2 restaurant have their own moment and then allow everyone to properly celebrate #1?), I am already looking forward to the global event in June and what next year’s MENA list will look like. Personally, I was happy with the majority of the list, and perhaps next year, from Dubai, we might see Avatara and Teible, both of whom I think are personally list-worthy. Who did you want to see on the list?
While in Abu Dhabi, I had the absolute pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons, which was the perfect sanctuary and a friendly property at all times of day (even at 4:30 AM). Furthermore, I highly recommend getting any of the signature treatments at the Pearl Spa when in the capital. While in town, I had the chance to dine at Cafe Milano and 99 Sushi*. You can check out my visit with Four Seasons here and my lunch at 99 Sushi here. All of these Abu Dhabi locations generously invited me to their venues.
Some deliveries? StroopKing sent through some highly delicious Stroopwafels, and the team at Hudson Tavern sent across mixers for a 0% Lyre’s maple coffee. Did the Carnistore team send me a massive wagyu ribeye (and lamb bones for Poppy)? They did, and I love them for it. #gifted
In case my life couldn’t be more surreal in these past few weeks, I was over the moon to attend a dinner at Torno Subito, with none other than Massimo Bottura in attendance, who was lovely and very generous with his time. #invited
Links, please.
Loved reading Pallavi’s excellent take on the Dubai culinary scene on The Local Tongue. Bookmark it for later, trust me.
My latest for The Ethicalist (featuring UAE Farms).
My latest with The Tasting Class and Jacob’s Creek. We had a blast filming with Chef Gabriella of Girl and the Goose! Instagram
Do we all need a pasta water candle? DS and Durga
Where food and fashion meet. Elle
Go ahead, order the room service French fries. Washington Post
Ultra premium chocolates (just in time for Valentine’s Day). Robb Report
Reviewing old menus. Taste
Do we talk enough about pregnancy in the service industry? VinePair
Going to need to make these soon. Simply Delicious Food
And this gochujang pasta has my attention. Doobydobap
The best e-mail unsubscribe service (please keep me on your safe sender’s list). NYT
Talk to me about vodka butter. The Kitchn
Need for my office. Etsy
Does the world need a Super Mario Brothers cafe? Eater
If you can’t worry less, worry smarter. Washington Post
Talking about corporate cafeterias. NYT
Fake shack, Shake Shack recipe. Serious Eats
This weekend? Finally, back to hiking.
Next week? A very low profile. I’m filming a series with Dubai Tourism in the next few weeks, and I’m trying my best to be camera ready (which is difficult when constantly quaffing degustations from some of the world’s best chefs). More on the series soon, but I literally cannot wait — this is exactly how I want to showcase some of my favorite restaurants in the city. (And if you represent a clothing brand, I would love to collaborate on wardrobe for filming.) Might I also be shooting a small segment with Chad from Sidehustle? Let’s see!
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C.