Weekly A to Z, July 27th.
The one from Abu Dhabi.
On Tuesday, we went to Three Cuts, open at Rooftop West, Nahkeel Mall. Among other things, we split the ribeye, but I wasn’t expecting to be wowed by the Caesar salad, but here we are. Taking a classic and making it your own has always been some of my interests. #invited
On Friday, we dropped Poppy off at daycare and made our way to St. Regis Abu Dhabi. For all the years I’ve lived in the UAE, I’ve never visited this property (!). We had lunch at Catch (which was delightful to revisit after filming here many years ago), enjoyed the sabre tradition (no, I did not step in to show off my skills), and dinner at Villa Toscana, another restaurant that I had not yet been to. I’ll have more to report soon! #invited
Chef Shaw and the team at Lila Molino sent over some of their homemade tortillas. I think there is a massive gap in the market for products like these, and I’m so excited that she and the team are sharing this particular culinary delight with the Dubai market. #gifted
Finally, I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling ‘soft’ this summer. The state of the world is a disaster, and I’m trying to be gentle with myself. I hope you are doing the same. For me, it’s focusing on a manuscript, styling my home office, and watching our pool take shape.
Links, please.
The struggle (is real) to remain healthy when you write about food. The Guardian
What’s the most ambitious thing you’ve ever cooked? GFY
The best egg scenes in cinema. Twitter
A person visits Mugaritz. They (really) don’t like it. Instagram
How to make it easier to eat in your car. The Takeout
Shut up and take my money (but also, the packaging!!). Joanna Behar
Feeling spendy about these as well. Rosemary Home
And, as my dream office comes together, I’m fairly certain I need this, as well. Mark & Graham
It’s giving Poppy. Wolf & Badger
The Kelce’s do cereal. The Takeout
Jay Rayner has an excellent suggestion for Food Olympics. The Guardian
How to host an apperitivo. Wine Enthusiast
10 changes that have defined the last decade of American dining. Resy
Gimme all the mini condiment bottles. Epicurious
This is a lot to pay for fake garlic. Lynx & Telescope
Why does McDonald’s have the best fountain soda? The Takeout
What do you love most about your childhood home? Cup of Jo
Already ready for the new Q Suite. OMAAT
Setting up an open book management policy at your restaurant. Plate
Inside the Louis Vuitton’s family home. CNT
What are your hotel pet peeves? OMAAT
Short naps are good for you. Scientific American
How the brain decides what to remember. Wired
Why have Chinese restaurants always looked “Chinese?” Global Observer
For the title: Wings are what you order when you’re out of self-respect. Defector
Talk to me about beans. Rancho Gordo
Countries that take the most and least vacation days. TNL
Favorite dishes this month? There were more than a few tasty plates, but my standouts were the Crab Curry from Jun’s, pretty much the entirety of the Inja x Takahisa collaboration, and a life-saving serving of steak and eggs at the One & Only One Za’abeel the morning after the Michelin Awards. Honorable mentions include the aforementioned Caesar salad from Three Cuts, Chef Kelvin’s Manchego cheese course, and the lobster linguine at RSVP. Also, don’t forget to order the Lowe mimosa next time you visit! What did you like best in July? (Also, how is it the end of July?)
This weekend? Relaxing in Abu Dhabi. Also, Eric’s never been to Craft by Sidehustle, so I think we’re overdue for a quick flight (or pint).
Next week? I’m finally (!) getting over to The Guild. I might be the last person in Dubai to visit. I’m also well overdue in scheduling an aircon cleaning with (the always reliable) Healthy Home, but they are coming out to service all of the units at our villa.
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C.
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