Weekly A to Z, March 18th.

The Level 43 one.

Thanks to all of you for making my 42nd year such an incredible one — I am wildly optimistic about 43.

On Tuesday, I (very belatedly) went to one of the BOCA pop-up dinners, this one featuring friend Chef Gabriela. You can catch our visit here. I learned a lot about specific Mesoamerican flavors, and am looking forward to any next dish that she serves up. I also managed to stop by Zuma, as well as the Avli/Galaxy Bar anniversary party (truly making the most of my visit to DIFC). #invited

On Thursday, I ordered another trip to the airport with Blacklane, and I have to say that I’m convinced that this will be my go-to chauffeur service going forward. #gifted

So, where am I in the world? Antalya, Türkiye! Given the recent tragedy in the country, I struggled with whether or not I should accept this trip. The property I’m staying at is the height of luxury, and while stunning, it feels a bit strange to highlight all the incredible amenities when so many lives were lost in the recent earthquakes. In the end, after speaking to a number of Turkish friends, I felt that traveling was the right thing to do. I might delay posting content and the full experience — it still doesn’t feel like the right time — but I am so looking forward to sharing my visit with all of you. I’m staying here, and when I walked into my 3 bedroom villa, I was truly speechless. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here. #invited

Links, please.

• An article I was very proud to write, featuring a topic I am passionate about. Fast Company

• Topical — especially if you just turned 43 yesterday — but a great comic on birthdays. Cup of Jo

• ICYMI: the Carnistore event last week! I really enjoyed supporting the team and am looking forward to future sessions. Instagram

• What are the rules for talking on a flight? Washington Post

• I can’t think of anything I want less. VinePair

• What is a reverse grocery list? The Kitchn

• Can you define ‘glou glou?’ Punch

• I quit my job as a lawyer to cook in Spain. BonAppetit

• I…really want this grocery cart. The Kitchn

• Chat GPT just passed three levels of the master sommelier exam. VinePair

• How to spend less on dinner dates. The Takeout

• Skillshare is a platform that offers thousands of classes in a variety of subjects. From creative arts to business and technology, there’s something for everyone. Sign up here. #sponsored

• Should we all be Jonathan Majors? GQ

• Peeps flavors ranked worst to best. Tasting Table

• Next purchase for the kitchen. VinePair

• Hugh Jackman and his 8600 calorie diet (!). Socialite Life

• Why high-end restaurants are suddenly launching bottled cocktails. Robb Report

• Tell me about a five-course pasta-tasting menu. Tasting Table

• We love tiny ice. Punch

• This is certainly one way to have Girl Scout cookies. The Takeout

• American restaurant bingo. BonAppetit

• Talk to me about Hidden Valley Ranch ice cream. Tasting Table

• How to have a sick day when you can’t actually call off work. SELF

• Would you use edible utensils? Tasting Table

This weekend? Hoping for continued sun in Antalya.

Next week? Could I finally be returning to regularly scheduled programming? The Bookers are out to Mi Amie, and then it’s finally time to catch up on my lengthy ‘to dine at’ list, starting with Dinner.

If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider sharing this newsletter on social media, ordering from these restaurants, purchasing my books (or these novels — all free to read on Kindle Unlimited), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.

C.