Tuesday was the big day — your 2023 Michelin Dubai winners can be found here — (and paid subscribers can find my thoughts here). As excited as I am for all the wonderful distinctions and awards, personally, I was disappointed not to see our Bib Gourmand winners present (and thought Gwendal might have turned up in person for the announcement). I realize not including the Bibs might be the practice in other cities; however, as I understand my Dubai, the F&B community is not split into ‘stars’ and ‘Bibs’ but one cohesive group that supports all everyone. Excluding any group seems restrictive, not the inclusive industry I know and love.
Additionally, did Michelin rules change around restaurants not needing to be open for 12 months? Maybe someone can let me know who is officially eligible for awards and inclusions going forward… 👀
On Thursday (Wednesday was recovery, let’s be honest), I was over to Nette, a new-to-me cafe, for a quick catch-up. It’s one of those dreamy little spots in Al Quoz with easy parking (how I determine all meetings).
On Friday, Hubs and I made our way to Abu Dhabi with some of the squad. We’re staying at Emirates Palace for the weekend — the new EP club lounge is nothing short of epic — and will be enjoying meals at both Talea* and Hakkasan*. #invited
Links, please.
Here’s my real-time reporting for Dubai Eye (listen from 57:50).
Also, Dubai in a day, through the eyes of some of our Michelin restaurants. YouTube
Loved this interview with Michele for d-Journal. YouTube
Be better than using ‘Dubai’ for clicks, NYT.
Cue my interest in the UAE luxury train (I used to work on one). Arabian Business
How to modernize any cuisine, according to Yannick Alleno. Tasting Table
I would also like to know how restaurants got so loud. The Atlantic
The art of the signature drink. VinePair
I always like to hear about pet-friendly hotels. NYT
The world’s most expensive ice cream. CNN
Talk to me about joy snacking. The Everygirl
Proud friend alert! A Dima Ayad original on Melissa McCarthy. Instagram
Also, let’s chat about luxury picnics. Eater
A rough estimate. Twitter
I, for one, am glad to see QR Code go. NYT
Judging a restaurant based on its bathroom, by David Chang. Tasting Table
The history of sushi in LA. LA Times
Turning Walmart parking lots into solar farms. Mother Jones
The disaster of the McMansion. The Baffler
The tranny of ‘the best.’ NYT
How to ethically donate stuff. Wired
A chef notices the correct name of a Van Gogh. Smithsonian
The 2023 costs of sitcom homes. Apartment Therapy
Lots to love about Ted Lasso (including the shoes). NYT
This weekend? More in Abu Dhabi! Also, praying to the visa gods. 🤞
Next week? I’m lucky enough to visit Ossiano for the Restaurant Jordnær collab on Monday, and I’ll be going over my calendar for June. It’s time to jump back into reviews, and I’ve got a long list to clear over the summer. Let me know if you have any suggestions for places I must visit.
So, what were my favorites for May? So many to choose from! In no particular order, the prawn toast from Reif’s new place at Dubai Hills, the jalapeno biscuit (and divine hot honey butter!) from Jun’s, and — although it is very difficult to choose just one dish from our weekend in Qatar — the homemade Agnolotti with gravy sauce from Chef Enrico Crippa at Alba (and our team) were little pieces of perfection. As always, I would love to hear your faves!
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C.