Weekly A to Z, March 26th.
The one with Botox and a vegetarian degustation.
Work, work, work (and a quick call to Farmer’s Kitchen on Dubai Eye on Friday, from 1:03:11 if you’d like to listen and catch my last visit here, play from 33:42).
I was out to Avatara on Wednesday and loved the veggie degustation, as well as the use of the space (occupying the old Tresind Studio dining room but in its own way). Check out the experience here. I was delighted to see the Passion F&B team expanding (and congratulations to talented Chef Rahul), and I didn’t miss protein for a moment. Well done on a solid first menu in a special space. At AED368 (!) for a multi-course experience, I encourage you to visit (and yes, vegans can be accommodated for — just let the team know in advance). #invited
Some lovely deliveries. Eira to keep me hydrated and MMI sent through a voucher to announce their newest branch, at Dubai Harbour, which I will be visiting this weekend. A late gift from Sambazon has given me all the frozen Acai I could ever need. #gifted
Also… I went for Botox! No, this wasn’t my first session, but after seeing results from (always beautiful) Sarah, I thought I would try Cornerstone Clinic. I’m sure you might wonder what Feminist Courtney™ is doing getting Botox, but the reality is as much as society tells women (and men) to look a certain way, to me, it’s about being comfortable with your own reflection. If I choose to do something preventive because there are modern procedures in place, I’ll be transparent about it. (Also, a lifetime of RBF is bound to catch up with a person.) Chat to me in a week for full results (and yes, I’ll still use filters on social media). #collab
Links, please.
Do you owe your date a bite of your dinner? The Takeout
Congrats, Caroline! (For those interested in real Irish bread, please consider ordering). Instagram
Better names for food. Kottke
The underground story of slow cooking. Taste
You’ve never seen pasta like this. (Also, what kind of cool job is ‘pasta designer?’) Instagram
What’s on your needle list? HuffPo
We’ve been doing this in Dubai for years. Grub Street
Do you plan every meal on vacation (or are you normal)? I plead the 5th. The Takeout
Do you have a name twin? I have a few, but one is living in Congo — we’re IG friends! TripAdvisor
We have underestimated sprinkles. Taste
How cheese consumption has changed (an infographic). VinePair
What’s your fantasy food destination? The Takeout
Is boarding the plane first a bad idea? (For me, not at all — I love getting settled in). Matador Network
Talk to me about vegan ‘McDonalds.’ LA Times
Definitely picking this up when home next month. The Kitchn
What are the best snacks to bring on an airplane? (I have a very specific approach to how I fly now and it involves a minimum of three kinds of snacks). The Takeout
This weekend? Who am I even kidding? I’ll be binge-watch Bridgerton season 2.
Next week? Jose Avillez is back in town at Tasca, and I can’t wait to say hello. I’ll also be attending the Michelin announcement on Tuesday among other things, so keep an eye on my socials to see what’s going on. I’m sure there will be plenty to discuss next week.
Finally, did anyone see where March went? I swear it was here just a month ago…
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C.