Packing for an adventure to Holland, I was able to visit Wagingnen and the Unilever campus for the Future Menus Summit this week. My travel day kicked off in style on Wednesday, as I was collected by Blacklane (my preferred chauffeur service is now available in Dubai, AND with a carbon-neutral fleet — click here to download the app), and then, for the first time in over 10 years, Emirates upgraded me (for free!!!).
At the conference, made up of chefs, culinary professionals, and Unilever executives from around the world, I had the chance to try lots of unique and delicious food and interact with a number of wonderful people. There were several sessions where we heard from industry experts, and we were able to experience upcoming trends (including sampling a few) in real time. I have a lot of thoughts to process about the conference, and I’ll share them in the coming weeks. There is a lot to be inspired by, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to meet everyone and be a part of this experience. Catch some of my highlights here (and there are more coming). #invited
Want to know more? I encourage you to read the full report here.
As we made an unexpected move to Amsterdam on Friday, I reached out to Chef Sidney to see if he might (?!) have room for me at Spectrum**. To my great delight, he was able to fit me in for dinner, and I was able to revisit the restaurant (my last attendance was in 2017 when it was Librije’s Zusje.) I’ll post a Reel of the visit soon. It remains a lovely place to dine. #invited
Links, please.
Catch me quoted in this article about influencers. The National
My latest for The Ethicalist.
Delighted to see this coverage of Mohammad Orfali in the New York Times!
Michelin to let chefs know in advance if losing stars. Robb Report
Underrated cooking tips. Buzzfeed
Getting the Bookers or BonBons together. TikTok
Is current wine vocabulary exclusionary? Washington Post
Prop alcohol and ‘drinking’ on screen. VinePair
How we eat impacts the planet: what changes we can make? The Verge
Create amazing content quickly with Canva – no design skills needed. #sponsored
How to correctly cut a grapefruit. Instagram
Bring back the giant baked potato. Eater
How to actually say you’re sorry. Vox
What is a Cadbury Creme egg’s gooey filling made of? Tasting Table
What groceries people buy at the most expensive grocery store in LA. Buzzfeed
Make David Chang’s ramen at home. Food Nouveau
Ghost kitchen surprise. Twitter
What you need to drink for better sleep. Well and Good
A great St. Patrick’s Day contest. Vine Pair
Pedro Pascal + Chilean snacks. Pajiba
What about cocaine in Coca-Cola? Eater
How you use your paper towels says something about your personality. The Kitchn
This weekend? Flying home! Keep those fingers crossed for another upgrade.
Next week? Another trip around the sun for yours truly, and a unique adventure outside of the UAE… I hope you’re all wearing green on Friday. 🍀
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C.
Wishing you a wonderful St. Patricks Day and a very Happy Birthday!