Weekly A to Z, January 13th. 🛬

The one were I still love Portugal.

What a week! I flew to Lisbon on Sunday, and on Monday, where I met a number of friendly and talented international food journalists to visit the entirely dreamy Casa Nossa.

On Tuesday, we experienced more of what Casa Nossa had to offer (spoiler alert, it’s all amazing), but also stepped out for a bit of ceramics (let’s just say that some of us in the group are more talented than others), and a small bit of shopping. Honestly, I was more than happy to enjoy the cozy confines of the villa — blazing fires, great conversations, immaculate food, service, and aesthetics, not to mention the karaoke theater in the basement — while it rained outside. Maximum coziness achieved.

On Wednesday, we had to leave our little paradise. On the way, we were able to stop and enjoy lunch at the recently opened and beautifully positioned Maré (think, crashing waters of the Atlantic with some of the best seafood available), followed by dinner at (vegetarian) Encanto*. Located in the original location of Belcanto, there’s no need for traditional proteins when veggies taste so good. Check out our visit to Encanto here.

For our last full day, we enjoyed a long lunch at Belcanto** (video coming soon), then snacks and drinks at Mini Bar, rounding out another unforgettable week in Portugal. For the record, don’t sleep on Memmo Principe Real, its location is fabulous, and the breakfasts are simply epic.

And on Friday, it was back to Dubai! A special word of thanks to Chef Jose, Sofia, Monica, and the Fissore + Barker team for putting together such a fabulous week with such amazing and talented global culinary professionals. I feel so privileged to be invited on such high-level press trips like this one. I’ve got my highlights (in progress) tagged here, if you’d like to see.

While I was gone, Costa Coffee unveiled another flagship store in Al Seef and sent through a few things to commemorate the launch. #gifted

Links, please.

• Our Gary Rhodes / Rhodes W1 episode is here, and I couldn’t be prouder. If you’re looking for a new culinary experience to try, go for the Legacy menu. YouTube

• I also invited The Healthy Home team into our villa for a thorough cleaning just after we moved in. Check out the video here. Instagram

• Made in Dubai? Skift

• Talk to me about drinkable desserts. NRN

• “Welcome in!” Eater

• How to properly use the Instagram mute button (yes, I do, and yes, I love it). Town & Country

• When it’s Dry January, but you still want beer. Dieline

• What makes a good vending machine? Taste

• Would you pay $50 for potato chips? Delicious

• The slow (and rewarding) business of branding apples. Food Institute

• For the title: searching for America’s first chicken finger. Taste

• On the topic of chickens (terrible transition), could chicken feathers fuel the future? Ambook Research

• RIP, Fruit Stripe gum. The Takeout

• Filed under, unnecessary things for the house. Kywie

• Pops waiting for this level of dog friendly restaurant in Dubai. Washington Post

• How to worry less and be happier. The Atlantic

• What does “reserve” mean on a wine label? Robb Report

• The coolest hotel wallpaper. Hotels Above Par

• I have always wanted to know this. Tasting Table

• One for you, Dad. The rise of Aldi. The Kitchn

• The world’s largest lasagna. Tasting Table

• How do you know you have a good cat? Vox

• Making airport martinis taste better. VinePair

• Do I need this for my upcoming flights to Mexico? Pluto Pillow

• Stocking these in the fridge. Tasting Table

• So, what’s in season in January? Brooklyn Supper

• How fit are you? Washington Post

This weekend? Catching up on a few things! Laundry, meal prep, and cuddles with Poppy and Eric.

Next week? Book club and getting back to business. My next press trip is two weeks from today.

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C.