Weekly A to Z, January 28th.

The cloud seeding is working one.

A week of recovery from such a busy weekend! Yes, having a masterclass with Chef Nobu and seeing Beyonce and the launch of the Royal Atlantis on the same day was nothing short of epic. Did my 2023 already peak? Maybe??? #invited

The week was steady in a way I like — working on my manuscript, progress on articles, and some exciting deliveries. Silver Fern Farms sent over another package of incredible proteins, and as soon as the weather clears, we’ll be enjoying them on the BBQ. MMI also provided a gift certificate to take advantage of their 30% reduction in taxes, and I was able to apply for my alcohol license (now free). #gifted

On Thursday, I was a guest of the newly launched Josette (just wait for the champagne button!), as well as the Tresind Studio collaboration with Maido (check out my visit here). #invited

Friday was busy — Cornerstone Clinic invited me for an Ozone Therapy treatment (read about it here). Then I went to Celebrities at the One & Only Royal Mirage to be treated by Chef Mauro (video of the experience coming soon). #invited

Links, please.

• My first for Fast Company. Fast Company

• A short clip from my visit to Dubai One last week (the recording of the whole show was lost…which is a total bummer because I had a wonderful time chatting about some of my favorite places in the city!). Instagram

• My latest with The Tasting Class and Jacob’s Creek at BB! Instagram

• And my visit to Dubai Eye last Friday (listen from 43:33). Dubai Eye

• Skillshare is a platform that offers thousands of classes in a variety of subjects. From creative arts to business and technology, there’s something for everyone. Get one month free of Skillshare. #sponsored

• I grossed out the BonBons with this link. Twitter

• What are the most common wine upsells? VinePair

• Awesome hack for Parmesan cheese rinds. The Kitchn

• Yes, you can book the villa from White Lotus. AFAR

• Why is the cork presented to you when ordering wine? Tasting Table

• Always here for news about ducks. Atlas Obscura

• Nothing drains you like mixed emotions. Atlantic

• What happens when you have a coveted Instagram handle? Slate

• Oreo x Oreo = Oreo. Nerdist

• Yes, your stuff is getting worse. Vox

• Here’s what you can change to be happier. NPR

• No more foil on English sparkling wine. The Drinks Business

• Clutter can be good for your mental health. Shondaland

• Do cornichons belong in your martini? 🤔 Tasting Table

• Gas vs. electric stoves in kitchens. Robb Report

• Every type of champagne explained. Tasting Table

• Speaking of champagne, quelle horreur! Robb Report

This weekend? Abu Dhabi!!! Stay tuned for results and all the MENA’s 50 Best goings on. I’m going to stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, which is such a fab property and the location for a number of the events. Please feel free to follow my adventures throughout the weekend on Instagram. I’m also looking forward to dining again at Cafe Milano and relaxing with a Gold Quartz massage at The Pearl Spa, so I’ll be glowing for the big awards on Monday. #invited

Next week? Recovery from above (last year took a few days…). Also, having a dinner prepared by Massimo Bottura at Torno Subito (!!!).

Favorite dishes in January? So glad you asked! Chef Himanshu’s duck shawarma, the Arroz Nikkei at Coya, and while the entire Weekend Rituals brunch at Jun’s was a treat, it was the Eggs and Soldiers I liked best.

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 — all free to read on Kindle Unlimited), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.

C.