Weekly A to Z, Jan 8th.
A brief poll on my Instagram led me to shift my Friday newsletter to Saturday. Aligning back to a Monday to Friday week is still taking a little getting used to, but I think it’s the right decision, as the Weekly A to Z was always intended to be an easy weekend read. (LMK if you feel differently).
Also, like just about everyone in the world, I’ve taken a look at my general health at the end of 2021 and found it lacking. After stepping on the scales (!), I’ve started this year with some classics from my ‘get in shape’ arsenal — intermittent fasting, Dry January, MyFitnessPal, and some free YouTube workout videos. While I disagree with diet culture, I also know I’m not where I want to be. I’ll never (ever) be a no-carb person, so here’s to taking it one day at a time. Let me know if you have any tips!
On Friday, I made an outing to 11 Woodfire this week for lunch. Chef Akmal and Panchali are on to a winner in this beautiful location in Jumeirah. There will be a full review coming soon, but here’s a quick montage if you’d like to see. #invited
A few deliveries this week — a cute hat from Tamoka, and the best emoji plate ever from the recently opened Beefbar at Jumeirah al Naseem. I hope to get to both locations soon! #gifted
Looking ahead? Qatar’s current flight sale delivered some excellent fares for us later in the year. There’s still a few days left if you’re interested. The Q-Suites remain my favorite form of travel (sorry, Emirates).
Finally, my first press trips of the year both came as a complete (and wonderful) surprise. Keep all fingers crossed for a trip to Estonia later this month (and Slovenia next week).
Links, please.
Martini and caviar pairings. Saveur
Not sure I agree with this. Gawker
Looking for something for breakfast this weekend? NYT
I love an A to Z, especially when it involves pasta. Food52
Saving this one for February. Bon Appetit
$400 sushi menus. Eater
Salmon…hot dogs? The Kitchn
Which restaurant chain was the most searched for in 2021? (Answers will not surprise you). The Takeout
A specially infused dinner. Munchies
Would love to hear your opinion on this. Twitter
Really into this Jonnie Walker packaging. Dieline
What are your food hopes for 2022? The Takeout
The unlikely rise of French tacos. New Yorker
Tonight I’m out to a special collab at Tresind Studio (where yes, I’ll break Dry January for a night, because hey, you only live once). We’re also getting our first delivery of Hello Chef, which I’m excited to try, and we’re going to visit CinemaCity to check out a film but I might be more excited about after the movie ends.
If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider sharing this newsletter on social media, ordering from these restaurants, purchasing my books (or these novels), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.
C.
