Weekly A to Z, January 27th. 🛫

The one in transit.

Alternative title: the one with no kitchen.

We’re in the middle of a much-needed kitchen demo/reno (sorry, Emaar, but your kitchens just don’t cut it), so Hubs and I have been living off of what I am affectionately calling our “craft services” table, which consists of an air-fryer, kettle, and coffee machine for the week. I know the results will be worth it, but given we live out of the range for most deliveries (and without a sink or dishwasher), it’s been a unique week of dining. Thankfully, Neha and Pind Bathinda sent through an absolute feast on Tuesday, which kept us full for much of the week. #gifted

On Wednesday, I made a much-belated trip to the capital to finally check out Craft by Side Hustle. If you’re in Abu Dhabi, you need to go and check out Chef Troy’s food, and it is my fondest hope that Craft will open other locations in the UAE. (A quick reminder that I am an investor of SideHustle, but opinions remain my own). #invited

Oh, I also got a book ready to publish. Most of you aren’t my target demographic, but More Confessions of a Teenage Bank Geek is available for pre-sale. Maybe there’s a young reader in your life?

Links, please.

• Lindsay and I visit the Pullman downtown for an epic ladies night in my latest episode for Dubai byFood. YouTube

• I’m hosting the Chef Talks at the Top Table at Gulfood this year, and I couldn’t be more excited to be interviewing some of the best chefs in the world. I hope to see you there! Gulfood

• NBD, Sarah’s on the biggest ship in the world. YouTube

• Interested in becoming a mystery diner? Matt’s taking applications. Instagram

• How group chats rule the world. NYT

• A 43-year wait list for beef croquettes (!). The Takeout

• Timely for me: what do you always pack on a trip? (A: this bag). Cup of Jo

  • Tangetically related, what Taylor Swift packs. Lainey Gossip

• The struggle to eat vegetables on vacation is real. Thrillist

• How late is too late to cancel plans? (A: With me, it’s always okay, but a venue might feel differently). VinePair

• Very into this shirt. Polychrome Goods

• And I think I need a new Dopp kit for all my travels. Dagne Dover

• Does my kitchen need these pinch bowls? The Kitchn

• Or these chairs? Anthropologie

• And why do I want these towels? Target

• Whether “good” or “bad,” plant-based diets are linked to weight loss. Food Navigator

• This is what motivates change. CNBC

• Relevent: how to be a better friend when you are so, so tired. SELF

• Loving this Lunar New Year range. Williams Sonoma

• Some good restaurant etiquette to keep in mind. Food & Wine

• Articles we didn’t need: what the ultra-rich wear to the grocery store. NYT

• Burger King knows when you are hungover. Gizmodo

• For the title: elite beagles. Ambrose Research

• Would you watch a Chuck E Cheese masterchef series? Eater

• Embrace the cringe. Well & Good

• Do I need to try this air-fried Burrata? Tasting Table

• How to cook with MSG. Food & Wine

• How to gain an extra hour a day. Be More With Less

• Drinking the world’s fastest cup of coffee. Sprudge

• Where did Dry January originate? Time

• Women in their 40’s are pushing up adventure travel. Washington Post

• Pets really can be like a human family. The Atlantic

• How to get the most out of a restaurant week. The Takeout

Best dishes in January? I wasn’t out and about as much as other months (on purpose). However, there was still plenty of excellent food! In no particular order, the freshly baked pretzel with chicken liver pate from Craft by Side Hustle (I’m obsessed), the tempura tuna belly and sea urchin (a delicious snack from our lunch at Belcanto), and, because I can’t pick just one thing — the Royal seafood platter from Mare by Jose Avillez. As always, I would love to know what your favorites are.

This weekend, I’m flying from Barcelona to Mexico City, so I'll spend most of my weekend on a plane (thank goodness for a reasonable upgrade on EK, keep those fingers crossed for the same situation on the return flight). Much like my trip to Portugal — this is a press trip, where I am a (delighted) invited guest.

Next week? It's a hectic mix of Mexico City, Merida, Barranquilla, and Bogota. Follow me on Instagram as I try to keep up with all of the amazing meals and experiences.

If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider working with me, sharing this newsletter, purchasing my books (or these novels), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.

C.