Weekly A to Z, May 24th.
The one where I work for a 3-Michelin star restaurant. ⭐⭐⭐
Before we get into the big news, we had a busy weekend. I finally took Eric to the forever reliable CQ Brasserie, which was (as always) a delight, and the Bookers loved the vibes at Tamoka’s Sabroso Sunday brunch (live music for the win + an excellent raw bar). #invited
On Wednesday, I hosted the launch of the Culinary Collection at Jumeirah Al Naseem. Showcasing many of the hotel’s restaurants, there was something for everyone—we had excitement, art, drinks, and fantastic food. This is the start of something bigger, and I look forward to being part of the journey. Let me also take a moment to big up a local business: for any awards, shoots, or other in front of camera or audience activations, I am so lucky to have found Nikita, THE best MUA in town.
Like many of you, I was excited for the Michelin Awards Dubai 2025 on Thursday evening. I’m delighted the bar has been raised again, and my heartiest congratulations to Chefs Bjorn, Torsten, and the entire FZN team, who were awarded with 3 stars. As for Tresind Studio, I am still overcome with emotion. I don’t think I’m being hyperbolic when I say the course of my life (or at least the next year) changed in an instant with the announcement of the 3-star recognition. Spoiler alert: I get emotional every time I watch this clip (and then I bring myself back up by the absolute joy in Sarah’s perfect capture from the ceremony). To see Chef Himanshu (and the entire team) become the first and only Indian restaurant in the world to have three Michelin stars is genuinely incredible. More than anything, I am so proud to have been a small part of Tresind Studio’s journey, and I look optimistically ahead.
Friday was a recovery day, but also an opportunity to talk to Helen about the awards on the radio.
Links, please.
Find the entire 2025 Dubai Michelin list here. Michelin
With more insights about the ceremony here. Michelin
If you want to watch the ceremony, click here (and I’m fairly certain you can hear me squawk when the 2 stars finish 😅). YouTube
Also, a Michelin inspector’s visit to Tresind Studio. Michelin
And an inspector’s favorite dishes around the city. Michelin
It wasn’t all Michelin this week: my first for the World’s 50 Best Bars here. 50 Best Bars
Also, my visit to Dubai Eye here (I’m at the top of the show). Spotify
Alexander the Guest visited ALL of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai (for 2024 — he’s got a few new ones to cover as of Thursday). It’s worth a watch (and I suggest the Tresind Studio highlight at 33:55)! YouTube
Oof, ICYMI, Chef Thomas Keller kicking out a food critic from the French Laundry. SF Chronicle
Eater has a good breakdown of this.
The 50 Best Vineyards will be in Australia this year. W50B
The DoorDash delivery trends report has plenty of surprises about booze. Wine Enthusiast
Wine vending machines, in my Provence? The Drinks Business
Alcohol licenses, in my KSA? (Thanks, Dan!) Wine Intelligence
Why do Americans hold their cutlery wrong? Delicious
Do I need a real saber for my champagne? Made in Cookware
Would you try a cheese omakase? Bloomberg
The case for using your brain — even if AI can think for you. Vox
But also, an argument for using ChatGPT for your next shopping trip. The Kitchn
Want to know who’s following you online? Lifehacker
I guarantee you’ve never seen anything like this art. Artsy
Why are young people so unhappy? The Atlantic
Why is it so difficult to find Diet Coke outside of the States? The Kitchn
British snackers fall for a posh crisp (don’t we all?). The Guardian
BTW, you shouldn’t wear perfume to a sushi restaurant. Delicious
Why do so many celebrities lean into starting a tequila brand? The Takeout
Chef Massimo Bottura on the food mistakes tourists always make in Italy. T&L
Obscure Thai spirits make it to the local BKK cocktail scene. The Drinks Business
What does a group dinner look like in the time of Ozempic? NYT
Jones Road x Crayola. Parade
Barware bandits: the epidemic of sticky-fingered sippers. The Spirits Business
Tell me about an early bird dance party. NYT
First class is back and bigger than ever — but sometimes in disguise. Skift
The richest people in drinks: 2025. The Drinks Business
Oh non! Comte cheese is bad for the environment. France 24
For those who *really* love a banana. ShopBop
This weekend? Helping celebrate a besties birthday, and maybe catching up with Ethan Hunt.
Next week? As of now, very intentionally open.
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