Starting my week (and year) with purpose — by staying at home. After the excesses of 2022, it feels good to reset and take a step back from both dining out and drinking. With plenty of projects to keep me busy, I’ve enjoyed this quiet week and getting back into exercise with my beloved Peloton app, the PopSugar Fitness YouTube Channel, and attempting the 12 x 3 x 30 (ouch).
A delivery from bakery Madeline et Marcel ensured there would be a King or Queen in the household on January 6th (we decided it was Poppy). #gifted
Links, please.
That 30% alcohol tax reduction everyone is talking about. FT
LPM moves to a 4-day work week. Bloomberg
Dramatic readings of wine labels. Vine Pair
My latest for The Ethicalist: all about meat-free Mondays. The Ethicalist
How are you at mixing up your friend groups? (My WhatsApp group Venn diagrams essentially all overlap through me). The Cut
Could my love of devilled eggs extend this far? Etsy
Seasoning meat…with more meat? Twitter
21 questions to ask about your life on the internet. Substack
90% sure this belongs in my office. Pusheen
Always use headphones in public, please. OMAAT
The Tasting Class has a new class for mini master chefs. The Tasting Class
To be fair, I’ve always wondered. VinePair
Mental health goals for the new year? You’re not alone. Millions of people have joined BetterHelp to find the right therapist without leaving home. The affordable online platform offers live video and phone sessions, plus unlimited messaging. Start with 25% off your first month. #sponsored
Why we need recipes. Eater
Pepper changed the world. The Guardian
Man eats at 18 Michelin-starred restaurants in 24 hours. UPI
Committing to being less competent in 2023. The Cut
A test for creativity. Mental Floss
Got my eye on this gochujang pasta. Grilled Cheese Social
Also, on this smoked salmon dip. How Sweet Eats
The benefits of Dry January. Washington Post
What is time? NPR
Who needs people at McDonald’s? Food and Wine
This weekend? The Bookers are off to brunch at Hayal! While I’m definitely trying to cut back on alcohol consumption this month, one day a week is something I’m okay with (and entirely realistic, given my lifestyle). Given the brunch, I’m already looking forward to picking up a LDC picnic basket the following day — you can get one at their Jumeirah property (perfect for easy beach days).
Next week? A belated visit to Attico, but not before swinging by Alici for drinks with Italian mixologist Salvatore Calabrese. It’s also time to visit Cornerstone Clinic for a Botox top-up with Dr. Maurizio. Otherwise, my head is down — I have a manuscript that is almost finished!
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C.