Who doesn’t love a good reset? This is my first “normal” week in Dubai in a number of weeks, and I found myself really leaning into my usual summer hibernation.
On Thursday, the W the Palm team was kind enough to invite us (Eric, Poppy, and myself) to spend the night. While Poppy enjoyed our spacious suite, Eric and I popped up to Akira Back to try the recently launched tasting menu. There is plenty to enjoy, including signature dishes and brilliantly presented seafood. We also had drinks at Aether and a late lunch at Torno Subito (how have I never ordered the cacio e pepe before???). Eric hadn’t been to the property since the pre-launch White Party a few years back, so it was a fun location for a staycation. I’ll be putting together Reels for our meal and property tour soon! #invited
On Friday, I went to the first meet-up of The Luminary Set, a new culinary endeavor from Marriott. Did the meet-up include Chef Jason Atherton? It did. We were treated to a lovely afternoon set up at Row on 45. Watch this space for upcoming trips and exciting announcements. #invited
Links, please.
What is Italy’s most prized stuffed pasta? NYT
How the rich vacation now. Skift
Do mozzies love you more than others? Here’s why. HuffPost
How to throw an adult-friendly kid’s party. BonAppetit
The chef is human; the reviewer isn’t. NYT
Having worked on a train, I’m ready for any new kind of train travel. Afar
Secrets to a perfect desk lunch (or, as Helen cleverly calls it, “dining al desko.”) NYT
Speaking of Helen, some of you caught me on Thursday speaking about our decision to remain child-free, but I thought the entire conversation was a great one. Click here for the podcast.
Every Heinz sauce in one bottle. Dieline
Where are the women in aviation? Skift
Trust me, you need to see how Vienetta is made. Twitter
Immediate purchase. NKTL
Does the world need smart cans? Dieline
Is Oslo even a city? Skift
Ready for these boozy limoncello bars. The Kitchn
And this watermelon key lime pie. Of the Dirt
Yes, I will be looking for Dolly Parton frozen pies when home this summer. The Kitchn
Is old fish the new steak? Grub Street
What’s up with the Gen Z dinner party boom? Bon Appetit
To the surprise of no one. The Drinks Business
Yes, I’ll take one of each. The Cut
You had me at dirty martini dip. Iowa Girl Eats
The Bear is back! What should be on the wine list? The Drinks Business
Sitting and drinking coffee is better for you than just sitting. Washington Post
Why you should never swap seats on a plane. CNT
Nuclear fallout…and potatoes. Ambrook
What is an Oklahoma martini? VinePair
Do you have favorite hotel toiletries? (I am forever partial to Diptyque, Aesop, and Acqua di Parma). OMAAT
Similarly, my approach to housekeeping in a hotel. OMAAT
Gatorade spritz. Twitter
Always ready for book girl summer. Vogue
Memorizing the world with Google Maps. NYT
Cooking with algae oil? Eater
Influencers aren’t rich — they are barely getting by. WSJ
Martini featuring…water. TikTok
Stop calling it an “ethnic” grocery store. NYT
Some of the best new bars in the world. CNT
Is that drink really worth it? NYT
Dining rooms are on the way out. The Atlantic
This weekend? More nesting at the villa. We’ve now lived here for about 6 months and are settling in by moving things around and watching the giant hole in our backyard slowly become a pool. We’re also heading over to the Le Clos at Emirates Hills. The location is now home to En Primeur, or “wine futures,” which allows customers to purchase and secure some of the world’s most sought-after wines before they hit the market, ensuring access to limited releases. Watch my stories to see what we choose…
Next week? I’ll be stopping by Kokoro, the hand roll spot at Al Serkal that everyone is talking about. Also, I hope to see many of you at the Michelin Awards on Thursday! There’s so much to be proud of in our city. Do you have any predictions? Let me know in the comments.
Finally, what were my favorite dishes this month? June offered plenty of delicious meals. The crab feast we had in Sri Lanka was a stand-out experience — homemade, perfect, and in the company of friends. From Akira Back, there were plenty of great dishes in the degustation, but the (exceptional) Canadian butter-poached lobster stood out the most. In France, there was an incredible amount of delicious cheese, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Plancherin d’Arêches — a relatively “new” cheese, and one I will seek out for life. I would also like to give honorable mentions to the O-toro and Chu-toro from Nobu on the Beach, as I’m still thinking about them. As always, I would love to hear what resonated with you!
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C.