Weekly A to Z, June 1st. 🍉

The all eyes on Rafah one.

There are some things that cannot be unseen. Perhaps you were braver than I was this week; perhaps you were able to consume more social media than I could. Working on this newsletter, as I sit in my comfortable, completely safe office holding a passport that grants me so much privilege, I don’t want to look away. While there are many places trying to help the people of Palestine, consider donating to the children’s emergency fund.

And tonally completely different — the human experience can experience multitudes, can it not? — wishing all a happy and safe Pride month! 🏳️‍🌈

Back to regularly scheduled programming… I think you need to see our visit to Rixos Premium Saadiyat last weekend. It was also my first trip to Etihad Arena, which I really enjoyed as a venue.

On Tuesday, I was happy to go and support Chef Shaw for the long-anticipated launch of Lila Molino at Al Serkal. It’s a perfect little space and a great addition to an already wonderful local lineup. They are open for breakfast and lunch, so make plans for this weekend (or a co-working space during the week). They are also dog-friendly, and this seems like the kind of low-key venue that our anxious little Poppy might enjoy. Additionally, it’s absolutely worth mentioning Soul Communications, who coordinated this launch and truly understands events for the modern Dubai individual! This is the second activation I’ve been to this year where the invite listed an (easy to hit) timing. Some people want to come early, others have to work. PR friends, make events accessible to all schedules — doing so makes it very easy to say, “Yes, I’ll be there!” (Also, having a fab portfolio doesn’t hurt).

Thursday, I was over to the Raffles the Palm for the first DET update of 2024. It’s always wonderful to be in a room of peers and restauranteurs. I wish there were more opportunities for the industry to come together like this.

On Friday, Hubs and I checked into Atlantis the Royal for a belated anniversary celebration. Having dined at so many of the venues, I was delighted to have the chance to spend the night at this iconic property. I was also able to finally visit Nobu by the Beach. I’ll be posting a room and property tour soon — stay tuned. #invited

Some deliveries? Sopexa, sent over some (cheesy) study materials ahead of next week’s trip. Flowwow has declared it peony season and sent over the loveliest bouquet of coral-pink peonies. #gifted

Links, please.

• A recap of hosting the Wonderful Pistachio event earlier in the year. LinkedIn

• Also, prepare yourself for a panoramic French cheese quiz featuring some of your favorite local foodies, including me and Orfali from our trip last summer. Instagram

• Ready to listen to James’s podcast on ice next week! Instagram

• Genuinely wish there were more of these in Dubai. Plate

• Rumor has it that Qatar is getting its own Michelin guide. Instagram

• How do airports get their 3-letter codes? AFAR

• Have you found your third place? Vox

• Are you a true jet setter? Take this quiz. NYT

• Yes, order those poolside snacks. Eater

• Some real hangover cures. VinePair

• Going to ask the fam to stock up on these when we’re home in August. Trader Joe’s

• But will this fit in our new pool? Wayfair

• Expecting to see this burger on a Dubai menu soon (minus the cowboy hat). Robb Report

• I (kind of) want to throw out all my current bottles and get these for our bar. Dieline

• I use this liberally. Joan Westnenberg

• So, what exactly IS in imitation crab? The Takeout

• What are the best bartenders wearing? Punch

• Relevant, curating the perfect summer playlist. The Cut

• Can music in restaurants lead to an increase in sales? Soundtrack Your Brand

• The healthiest wines to drink (according to a dietician). The Drinks Business

• Ready for this kitchen reno show. Eater

• When life gives you tomatoes, make a spritz. Tasting Table

• How to be your best (despite the passing years). Atlantic

• Chipotle…in my Dubai? WhatsOn

• How Provence developed its reputation for rose. The Drinks Business

• Love this Pride pack of Skittles. Dieline

• Marijuana use surpasses alcohol consumption. CNBC

• When family meal comes first. NYT

• The one place people actually want to be in an airport. Atlantic

• What’s up with OTT restaurant ingredients? The Guardian

• Cooking like a trad wife for a weekend. Eater

• So long triploids, hello creamy oysters. Hakai Magazine

• A two-month, two-day cocktail. Grub Street

• True life: “I went to rehab for my cheese addiction.” NY Post

• Nuance is key to opportunities in Saudi tourism. Skift

Dishes of the month (May)? A LOT of competition this month. Some standouts include the fabulous croissant course on the Chez Wam tasting menu (the wagyu is a very close runner-up), the Uni Tom Tam from the Ossiano x Potong collab, and the Beef Tartare from Duo. Also, I’ll just say that the Takahisa collab at the start of the month was one of my all-time favorites, and the entire degustation was a knockout. I’d love to know what your favorite dishes were this month! Were you as lucky as I was? Let me know in the comments.

This weekend? Enjoying the remainder of our time at the Royal — Gastronomy is in our future — and I’ve only heard amazing things.

Next week? Off to France! I’ll be flying to Lyon to discover more about French cheese. (You might remember my trip last year — find the highlights here and some of the best moments here, here, and here). Additionally, for those who have traveled with me, you know I’m…an anxious/stressed traveler (at my best of times). Therefore, I’m looking forward to trialing Dubz to check in before I go to the airport. I’m also eagerly awaiting the results from the World’s 50 Best 2024 in Vegas. Safe travels, and best of luck to all those who are attending.

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C.