Weekly A to Z, February 8th.
The four toques one.
For the record, Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people.
Some numbers for this week?
130+ million, views on Google Maps.
6800+, subscribers of this Substack (on my way to 7K!).
4 toques, awarded to Tresind Studio by Gault&Millau.
92,730 (words). 250/261 (pages). A first draft of a stubborn manuscript.
On Tuesday, I finally made my way to SushiSamba for dinner featuring the culinary stylings of Takashi Okabe and Kyung Soo Moon in the Sambaroom. Now that I’m visiting Nakheel Mall every week, it was good to finally connect with this venue. The views remain amazing, and the authentic omakase was a special treat. Chef Moon spoke fondly of the upcoming launch of Hanu, located in St. Regis Gardens, which I am definitely looking forward to trying. #invited
Tuesday evening was also the G&M Awards, and I would’ve loved to have been there, but ticket prices were what I can only describe as “outrageous.” What gives, ITP? Still, there was plenty to be proud of, including the (very well-deserved) Restaurant Manager of the Year for Vip-in Panwar and retaining four toques for the Tresind Studio team. Want to get press releases from me about the restaurant? Hit me up: courtney.brandt@passionfandb.com
On Friday, who was I to turn down a generous lunch invitation to Takahisa? A delicious Wagyu collaboration was the perfect way to end the week. Speaking of Takahisa, mark your calendars for a major Gulfood event — the Takahisa team is hosting THE Alain Ducasse during Gulfood; tickets have already sold out, so it’s time to get on the wait list. #invited
A few deliveries? A Matryoshka doll from the District 8 team, filled with goodies, and ahead of their grand opening this week in Dubai Marina Walk. Also, with family visiting next week, it was time to call Healthy Home to get our mattresses cleaned. The results? Gross! The clean factor? Amazing! Let this be your sign for some spring cleaning. Ahead of their launch, Gerbou sent over a stunning paperweight showcasing the building — and I am looking forward to visiting very soon. #gifted
Links, please.
The full list from the G&M Awards 2025.
Are food influencers making restaurant critics obsolete? (I think the bigger question is, who do you look for for restaurant advice on where to go?) HuffPost
For the title: I wrote a scathing restaurant review, and then the chef e-mailed me. The Age
Talk to me about freezer door negronis. Served by Sammy
Reasons your password was rejected. McSweeney’s
Super Bowl = Super Bundt. BonAppetit
Origami packaging as a suitable (and beautiful) trade for plastic. Fast Company
The reality of misophonia (count yourself lucky if you don’t have it). The Cut
Why is food considered fancy if we light it on fire? The Takeout
How to make THEE Dubai chocolate. 🍫 NYT
I have no reason to need this fancy abalone bottle opener. 1st Dibs
And yet, my inner Pisces wants this fancy fish. 1st Dibs
And this espresso martini bag. Anthropologie
For the title: The history of churros is much more mysterious than we thought. The Takeout
Serving girl dinner to a sous chef. Instagram
Do we all need opera-length oven mitts? Gohar
Pre-paid bookings are up 67% for Valentine’s Day this year. Robb Report
What are you forgetting to clean? Lifehacker
A protein Diet Coke has my attention. The Takeout
What are the best food-themed board games? Eater
Kendrick Lamar is having a week; now it’s time for Mustaaaard. Uproxx
How many Oreos are in a pack? The Takeout
During times of crisis, restaurants are always the first to give back. Eater
The easiest way to feel more organized. NYT
Bookmarked for next Thanksgiving. Food & Wine
A generous donation of (live) salmon. AP News
America really likes meat sticks (like, really). WSJ
Cindy Crawford x Pocari Sweat (circa 1986). Instagram
Need this bonbon shirt. Clare V
And this little ghosty. Arhoj
Poppy has plenty of jumpers for our cold weather, but maybe she needs another? 🥺 Mark & Graham
Growing saffron, in my GA? Wabe
This weekend? Getting ready for guests! My sister and nieces will arrive on Monday night, and I can’t wait to share the city with them. Thanks to those in my community who have shared toys and other items to make their trip memorable.
Next week? Sightseeing.
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