Weekly A to Z, Jan 29th.
I started the week with a delicious delivery from The Kakao Guy. New menu items include cake slices (including full-size versions and a Dubai favorite, Lotus) and bite-sized brownies in PBJ and hazelnut flavors. Also, my favorite dessert in the city remains their OTT Blondies, feel free to send me some at any time.
On Sunday, I received something I’m always happy to get — cheese! Maison Duffour sent over their monthly cheese box including, wait for it, a cheeseletter. With a range of five kinds of French fromage, priced at AED199, this seems like an easy monthly subscription to keep things interesting. My favorite so far has been the blue cheese, but there is enough of a mix to enjoy.
On Tuesday, I went for lunch at Bistro des Arts to try some of the new menu items and was impressed. My dining partner and I both agreed that the Tuna Tartare was our favorite. While I’ve had this dish in many places around the city, the rough chop and ceviche sauce at Bistro really pushes this recipe above others, and I would definitely order it again. #collab Also, I was featured on the Foodie Tribe account and had fun sharing some of my favorite Dubai dining destinations in a takeover of their Instagram stories.
On Wednesday, I was sent packages from Brooklyn Creamery and Naksha Collections. Naksha, which was developed as part of the Spinneys incubator last year, is available in Spinneys and Waitrose and seems like a good way to explore more global flavors (we enjoyed the vegan jackfruit curry, which has Sir Lankan roots). As a sweet treat, Brooklyn Creamery has regular and vegan options (including a heavenly salted peanut butter), which is perfect for those who like ice cream but want to avoid dairy.
On Thursday, I was out for lunch to Samakje at The Pointe for a Mediterranean meal. The views were excellent, and I was impressed by the range of mezze and the friendly service. I was also sent a variety of cheese from Casinetto. So, basically, my fridge at the moment is almost entirely dairy. 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. Fortunately, to balance all this cheese, Rise and Dawn sent through my very own sourdough starter (we named it Roy), so I foresee fresh-baked bread this weekend.
Links, please.
Let’s talk about third-party delivery apps. Eater
FTC expectations for influencers (aka best practices I see ignored a lot in the UAE). Foodie Tribe
No one asked for this. The Takeout
We all agree, this is the best kind of ice (which is nearly impossible to find in the UAE). The New Yorker
Is Instagram optional for restaurants at this point? Eater
Do you have an errand friend? (I probably never will because I’m next level impatient, but the concept sounds nice).
Sure, everything bagel seasoning and cream cheese ice cream. Eater
As a fellow window seat person, I appreciate this list. One Mile at a Time
A new kind of room service. Eater
Why a recipe is more than a recipe. (Thanks, Tiffany!) Food and Wine
Out of time? How about hot sauce in slice form? The Takeout
When you REALLY need caffeine. The Inventory
Barilla + Spotify = perfect cooking times. Marketing Dive
Go ahead, put some potato in your sandwich. Lifehacker
Even though I’m not much of a cook, this got me thinking. Cup of Jo
Did you miss the first Best of Dubai chefs event at Reform last year? Good news! On Saturday, February 6th, you can taste some of the best at the same location. Reform Social & Grill
We have somehow arrived at the end of January! Honestly, even though I didn’t dine out that much, I was spoiled for what I liked best. I deliberated for a while before narrowing down my favorite dishes, including Fusilli (prepared by the Lido 84 team), the Spaghettoni (also team Lido), and the Black Rice Congee (from the team at Tresind Studio).
Special mentions to the lamb gyoza at Taiko, the Palm pizza at Pitfire, the Miso honey glazed shishito peppers at Clap, and the Lotus cake from The Kakao Guy.
What were some of your favorite dishes in January? Let me know in the comments!
With COVID numbers up (Hubs and I both only have the first jab) we’re taking to nature again this weekend, and considering sneaking out to Li’ Brazil at the Address Beach Resort to dine al fresco.
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C.
