Hosting and presenting at the Unilever Future Food Trends 2023 event on Monday was so much fun! If you weren’t able to check out the Future Trends Report, please find it here (a free download). Also, a massive thank you to the Hopscotch Sopexa team for their professional, seamless event preparation and creation of such a fantastic day, and the W Mina Sehyahi for being the perfect hosts and location. The day came to a delightful end as the Bookers enjoyed a fabulous meal at Masti (now at the Edition). #invited
Prior to filming on Wednesday, I visited Headkase for a quick and beautiful blowout, then drove to Hashi at Armani to be interviewed for a segment for Dubai One, which will be airing (hopefully!) next week. Casually chatting about the Dubai culinary scene in the Burj Khalifa was never thought of how I would spend my weekdays… Also, I think some of you were able to see a sneak preview of my Dishes I Can’t Stop Thinking About series with Dubai Tourism.
On Thursday, we checked into the W Mina Seyahi with Poppy (yes, the property is dog friendly!). We enjoyed dinner at Attico and breakfast at Ginger Moon (I might still be full). Being able to travel with our doggie is always special, and everyone was so lovely to our anxious little girl. Catch our visit here! #invited
On Friday, we just couldn’t wait and tried Rascals — a much-needed sandwich shop in Dubai. We tried two and took three home, and I can see a return trip in our future. I also came home to find the cutest little olive tree from the team at Énas, which recently opened on the Palm. #gifted
Links, please.
The 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants. ICYMI, I’m over the moon for the Tresind Studio, awarded #11! Dubai has outstanding representation this year with Orfali Bros Bistor (#46) and Ossiano (#72). I expect even bigger things in years to come!
Sarah has some additional thoughts on this year’s list (worth a read!). Connecting Travel
I feel it necessary to share this photo from last year’s trip to Portugal, where I sat on a four-top with #1 Virgilio Martínez and Pia Leon and #42 José Avillez. (Yes, this is a #humblebrag, because what is my life?). Instagram
Can someone please open a mashed potato bar in Dubai? Tasting Table
Have big cities lost their edge as dining destinations? Bon Appetit
How to sound smarter and more likable when making small talk. CNBC
Tell me about deinfluencers. CNN
Do I need Panera swimwear? Food & Wine
You had me at “cellar door in the sky.” Escape
Not sure if I’m ready to ‘suck and dispose.’ CNN
How the demise of the album in music shows us the future of the tasting menu in restaurants…? Robb Report
Excellent advice. Eater
Tiny, adorable packaging (part 1). Dieline
Tiny, adorable packaging (part 2). VinePair
What do you consider the most ‘unsettling’ meals in cinema? Eater
Is anyone else going to organize and declutter over Eid? (Just me?) Real Simple
There’s no such thing as getting ahead. Time
I need to make this sandwich. Smitten Kitchen
Movie dialogue no one has said in real life. New Yorker
A pop-up tattoo parlor in Amsterdam? Sounds like an excuse for Hubs and me to visit. CNN
I…want to try this? The Kitchn
Talk to me about summer happy hours. Camille Styles
You had me at bacon chocolate chip cookie. Averie Cooks
SISTERS. NYT
What size designations mean when buying fresh scallops? Tasting Table
An ode to middle age. Atlantic
What’s something you have too many of? Girls of a Certain Age
This weekend? Relaxing a bit — maybe a bit of house hunting! Dubai South? Does anyone have opinions to share?
Next week? Eid Mubarak! We’ve got a few things queued up with friends, and I think everyone is looking forward to a much-deserved break across the city.
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.
I checked. Everyone is looking forward to a much deserved break. Everyone.