A big week on the global culinary scene! Having a look at the 2022 World’s 50 Best Top 100, I was pleased to see how many establishments I’ve been to in the past year (5 in the Top 50 and 3 in the Top 100, and fortunate to have met or dined with others on the list in past years). However, we’ll still need to discuss why China and Russia had no restaurants listed or Australia only had one venue on the long list (and yes, there are other countries I’m definitely missing). Or why there were only three women in the Top 50, or why South Africa continues to represent the entire continent of Africa. Grub Street offers definitive counter-programming on the topic of this year’s W50B, should you want a differing opinion.
Of course, there is no perfect list out there, and I think 2022 has specifically proven this fact to me. Recently, I’ve found myself looking inward to ask more about what I can do with my networks to drive business towards chefs and restaurants I like and believe in. If they have awards, great! If they don’t, I’ll still frequent them. Ensuring that diverse voices are heard/seen/tasted is something that continues to become much more important to me. We can celebrate the accomplishments of those at the top while still supporting those just starting or offering something outside of what these lists reward.
Otherwise, a busy week offline, and I’m delighted with my decision to stay in Dubai. For the first time in a very long time, I feel proactive, rather than reactive, across several projects. I’m finally making some progress on fitness goals and still going out to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.
Including… Canvas Gelato! I finally stopped in at Mirzam Chocolate to enjoy the summer hibiscus/mango flavor, which I absolutely recommend. The Canvas team was also kind enough to send over some unique flavors to the radio station on Friday, including the very special 1004 collab Korean grapes edition. #gifted
On Thursday, we went to Il Restaurante - Niko Romito** for the degustation — which runs AED750, food // AED1550 per person with the wine pairing — and we received some bonus dishes courtesy of Chef Giacomo, and excellent cocktails via Dario’s team. Do you want a sneak peek? Of course you do! A full review for paid subscribers is coming soon.
I also stepped over to LVR to meet the charming and talented Chef Junior, located at Al Fattan Currency House. Our starting ‘cappucino’ was something I need in my life every day. #invited
Links, please.
The 50 Best 2022 list. (Another congratulations to Tresind Studio* as the highest-ranking MENA restaurant on the overall list). W50B
Back on Dubai Eye (catch me at 31:10). Spotify
And my first segment has video! Facebook
A friend recently called me ‘the best networker in the city.’ Maybe I should follow these next steps. The Every Girl
You had me a ‘luxury wine travel experiences.’ VinePair
Form and function. Dieline
Tangetically, the history of fries. YouTube
To consider while meal prepping. Twitter
I always need more candles. Dinner Party
A work of art. A Beautiful Mess
Cambros for all. Serious Eats
Staycation ideas. Bustle
You can avoid fighting in IKEA. The Kitchn
What makes a dirty martini filthy? VinePair
Why are there so many ways to cook spaghetti? Epicurious
Waffles be fancy. The Takeout
This is art. Twitter
This is gross. Dieline
Going to try this hack the next time I make cinnamon rolls. The Kitchn
This weekend? St. Regis the Palm has been kind enough to invite me along for their spa and lunch combo, which I am absolutely looking forward to. The package includes a 60-minute massage at Iridium Spa, a two-course lunch at Cordelia, and complimentary pool access at the dip pool (AED750 on weekends, AED675 during the week). It’s also been a minute since I’ve been to brunch (literally, I can’t remember the last one I went to), so part of the crew is heading over to Basko.
Next week? The Bookers are back (albeit for half the team) and heading to Amelia. Otherwise, it’s a quiet week (and that’s fine by me).
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C.