Weekly A to Z, May 28th.

The busiest one ever.

My most sincere condolences (and frustration) are in the States right now. Should you feel like donating, Everytown for Gun Safety is trying to end gun violence.

By nature, a balanced week for me is one with a night out during the week, and once on the weekends. I volunteer on Mondays and work on writing and pitching for the remainder.

This was not that week.

After our tasting menu at 99 Sushi on Saturday, on Sunday night I was tempted first to Zuma for a catch-up, then over to Galaxy Bar for a celebration of the Paloma. I definitely enjoyed my hibiscus version of the classic. #invited

On Monday, the book club was out to Carnival by Tresind, to try the new chef’s menu (and briefly discuss Lessons in Chemistry, which we all thoroughly enjoyed — but as always, when even just half the Bookers get together, there is just too much to discuss). You can see some of the highlights of the meal here. #invited

On Tuesday, I was over to The Hotel Show, which was a great opportunity to network. I sat at the Chef’s Table, where three hotel teams competed and featured ingredients from the Waterfront Market. Honestly, I was impressed by all that could be accomplished by chefs in a convention hall. #invited

On Wednesday, after a failed distemper antibodies test (sobs), I hurried over to The Vet Hosptial to get Poppy’s jabs topped up. Pet parents, beware. In the evening, Gaggenau hosted me and others at one of the Al Serkal galleries. Chef Hadrien (as usual) put together an incredibly creative meal. #invited

On Thursday, I was only too delighted to accept an invite for the Gregoire x Paco collab at Ossiano. At a table of some of my foodie faves, we were treated to an incredible degustation. Please check out the highlights here. Looking forward to additional pop-ups later in the year. #invited

Honestly, it was a week to be very proud of the hospitality and talent in Dubai.

Links, please.

• Congratulations to all the Gault & Millau nominees. Caterer

• Are you ready for the new Iron Chef competition? The Kitchn

• Non-ironically, why I love to-do lists. The Cut

• The Queen had a special mayo named in her honor. Gawker

• I love a time loop novel, do you? The Guardian

• Add white wine…for better rice? VinePair

• BRB, just activated my new OOO. Visit Iceland

• At the intersection of beer x charcoal. The Kitchn

• I really want to walk this roller coaster. Nerdist

• This is art. Twitter

• Ritz + Oreo, all the childhood feels. The Kitchn

• But why a floating breakfast? OMAAT

• Fever-Tree grows in popularity in the States. VinePair

• French’s mustard lids have a secret feature (?!). The Kitchn

• At the intersection of Poppy’s love x meat dishes. Gastro Obscura

Next week doesn’t see much of a reprieve. Today, we’ll be at Dubai Mall to check out the Carnistore collab with Victorinox. Also this weekend? A delivery from Adrift, and a special collab at Bulgari (yes, Dario, I’m finally going to join you for drinks). Next week is a bit in motion, so let’s see where I end up.

We’re at the end of May, and there was SO MUCH good food this month. What were my top 3 dishes? Moonrise xyz caught my eye with their Miso Muhammara & Yuzu Stracciatella, the Scallops and Prawns from Carnival by Tresind were something I would be happy to eat again, and from the Gregoire x Paco collab, while the whole menu was a treat, the Corn bouillion was my favorite dish. I’ll give honorable mentions to the Kobe Beef Fat edamame at 99 Sushi and ALL the sauces at Ministry of Crab. What were your favorites?

Finally, a reminder that my inbox is always open. If you have a question about dining in Dubai, please feel free to send it my way!

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.