Feeling a little more like things are making sense again, friends. If you haven’t listened to Amanda Gorman’s brilliant poem from Inauguration Day, please go watch it immediately.
In food news, the Bookers went to (and LOVED) Taiko at Sofitel the Obelisk. I’d heard various opinions about the restaurant, but our experience was memorable. Come for the Black Garlic hummus, and stay for the Creme Caramel (the addition of miso and yuzu madeleines make this one of my favorite desserts in the city). We were further spoiled with gifts from Sunday Riley (and yes, Good Genes has been on my ‘to buy’ list forever). Also in book club news, check out the latest Lighthouse Conversation with Helen Farmer (shout out to our group on 26:00).
On Monday, I went for my first jab of Sinopharm at Dubai Parks, and it was An Ordeal™. Traffic was insane, and I had to an unexpected pregnancy test (!!!). Given how well things I’ve seen the process run at the Ittihad branch, I think that’s where I should’ve gone. However, the UAE is to be commended on rolling out a free vaccination service to residents.
Tuesday was a busy one. Poppy wasn’t feeling her best, so we went over to The Vet Hospital to see Dr. Amber. A shout out to the team, as they do countless hours of pro bono work at K9 Friends every month. I also attended meetings (exciting things coming, let’s hope!), and Pink Imli Cookhouse sent me a collection of their dishes. The Tofu Butter Masala was especially delicious (use code ‘pink15’ for 15% off your first order). Then I was over for a special birthday dinner at BOCA. As always, we were well looked after by the team, perhaps a little too well, as I didn’t make it home until the wee hours of Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday, I was delighted to attend a special media preview dinner at Tresind Studio. Guest chef Riccardo Camanini of Lido 84 brought some of his magic to Dubai, and while you might not think Indian and Italian cuisines go together, I can assure you that they do. Also, how lucky are we to get world-class dining without even leaving the city? Special favorites from this memorable menu included the fusilli, eggplant parmigiana, and Chef Himanshu’s saag, corn ice cream, and duck paratha.
On Thursday, Casinetto sent through some comforting goodies, and I’m going to try and make a polenta dish this weekend. In case you’re looking to order, a reminder of my affiliate link, or use ATOZ to save 10% to place your order for a range of Italian products.
Also, not sponsored, but I really (really!) love their products. Carnistore now has a loyalty program, and I’d love for you to use my link to order from them. It’s one of the few places to get reliable flank and hangar steak (two of our favorite cuts).
Links, please.
Outdoor seating humor. McSweeney’s
How food photography transformed cookbooks into aspirational entities. Vogue
Say it with me, ‘soothing bento video.’ Eater
The New York Times recommends eating chips, and I have to agree. NYT
I’m a sucker for these genius solutions (especially #33 and #38). Bored Panda
Bon Appetit’s most popular recipes of 2020. Bon Appetit
Yes, you can order Girl Scout cookies on GrubHub. Travel and Leisure
In case you ever wondered why it only costs 10K to own a Chick-Fil-a franchise. Hustle
Oman chips + popcorn = yum? Twitter
On my wish list. Etsy
Also on my wish list. Food52
Get a jab with your coffee? Eater
I am the opposite of this eating style. The Takeout
Here for Nigella. The Independent
Next week, as a correction to this week, I plan on keeping things entirely low key. The diet could be going better, thanks for asking.
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C.