Weekly A to Z, May 21st.

The one with the sandstorm.

Thanks to the new subscribers from last week!

On Monday, I was over to try some of the new menu at moonrise xyz. And before you ask, yes, they still have That Bread™, which is mixed in with some surprises and incredible attention to detail. Check out my visit here. #invited

On Tuesday, I was back to BOCA — it’s been a while! With an intimate group of people from all corners of the Dubai F&B, we enjoyed a ten-course menu with highlights from the spring menu paired with unique imports including the 2019 Grapes of Wrath, from Philokalia, Bethlehem, Palestine, and a special rare drop or two from Spain. You can catch the highlights here. #invited

Some deliveries? Gaggenau has me intrigued for next week’s event, and Eataly at The Beach sent a hamper of goodies ahead of their official launch. #gifted

Otherwise, I’m really enjoying my manuscript and getting to know my characters again. Thankfully, it’s been easy to pick up writing fiction after nearly three months.

Links, please.

• Unbelievably proud of the launch of the Touch website, and still can’t believe I’m represented among such incredible company (the culinary talent is serious!). Touch

• What foods are the worst for stock photos? The Takeout

• The definitive best way to make grilled cheese. The Kitchn

• Paris without lights. Danziger Gallery

• Bookmarking these women-owned restaurants in London and Atlanta. Resy

• At the juncture of football x food. Twitter

• Can restaurants reinvent sushi? (They have to). BonAppetit

• The best fried foods around the world. CNN

• But why don’t all the popcorn kernels pop? The Takeout

• The case for salt and pepper in your ice cream. Food52

• Does your camera roll contain a masterpiece? New Yorker

• I have no reason to want this, but I absolutely do. Mark & Graham

• Music aged Cheezits. (Yes). The Kitchn

• Coca-Cola upping its recycling game. CNN

• How Mercury in retrograde went viral. Harpers Bazaar

• What are the best luxury hotel brands? OMAAT

• For the child in all of us, Goldfish Cracker Mac n Cheese Raviolis. Twitter

• Not to bring it down, but a look at the end. Wait But Why

This weekend? It’s apparently Paloma Day, and the team at Galaxy Bar is (of course) doing things in style. With visiting bartenders from Barro Negro, I’m sure it will be memorable. We’re also over to 99 Sushi Bar to try the new 12-course Haru tasting menu.

Also, I think next week is trying to kill me. My ‘dine out once during the week rule’ is completely stomped on, and I only have myself to blame. The Bookers are trying the new menu at Carnival by Tresind, I will be stepping out for a special Gaggenau dinner at Inked, as well as attending the Hotel Show for a unique meal with a competition for best Hotel Culinary Team of the Year. Have I also said yes to the Gregoire x Paco dinner at Ossiano? Of course I have. Finally, I’m also looking forward to the Carnistore x Victorinox session at Dubai Mall.

Balance, people, say it with me.

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C.