Weekly A to Z, May 4th.

May the 4th be with you.

(Are we done with the rain yet?)

This week, I was delighted to delve into a manuscript I haven’t opened since I finished it in 2022 this week. It’s better than I remember! It’s not without its faults, but it’s been fun returning to new/old characters. I’ve also been keeping up with my articles at Tasting Table, where I continually learn about new F&B topics.

Out and about at Tagomago for a special Rikas gathering on Wednesday night — great to see so many familiar faces and celebrate a brand that continues to do so well, continually adding memorable restaurants and experiences to our Dubai food scene. A massive shout out to the talented Nazli for pulling off this magic evening. #invited

And finally, all week I was looking forward to the most recent Takahisa collab with Oniku Karyu*. I’ll be posting my visit shortly, but suffice to say, it was another global-level experience, and possibly my favorite one yet. This restaurant is top of my list for announcements on July 4th. #invited

Links, please. (Also, how many links are too many links? #askingforafriend)

• My latest for UAE byFood — we visit The Bolthole. YouTube

• When luxury travel isn’t what it seems, and how to fix it. Skift

• The ONLY place I want to stay in Paris. Airbnb

• Tricks restaurants use to make diners feel special. Food & Wine

• I have literally never heard of these awards or most of the restaurants on this list. Time Out

• Vodka sales increasing in fine dining. The Drinks Business

• What’s the best party you’ve ever been to? GFY

• Next-level refrigerator organization. Instagram

• Why does this ice cost $32? Eater

• Would you use duck fat spray? Cornhusker Kitchen

• You had me at gochujang chips. The Takeout

• And this new peanut butter. The Kitchn

• Love this for us. VinePair

• Coravin is embarking on worldwide wine tour. The Drinks Business

• What’s up with all the croissant variations? Food & Wine

• What is the best time to take your vitamins? Vogue

• This man is living in the future. Twitter

• Why visit Noma, when you can just buy the condiments? Food & Wine

• Or, maybe you should first read this: escape from Noma (this is a wild ride).

  The Amateur Gourmet Newsletter

• Last week’s 50 Best Bars included a new design category. Forbes

• Related, overheard at 50 Best Bars (some interesting insights). Punch

• You won’t be surprised by which city has the most expensive Michelin restaurants. Robb Report

• All the best to WCK, who resumed work in Gaza this week. The Ethicalist

  • Jose Andres has some requests for Israel. Washington Post

• Bookmarking this Paloma recipe. Bringing It Home

• Very into this gummy bear cocktail. (Thanks, Erin!) Delish

• Why does time speed up? Everything is a Remix

• What whiskey can learn from rum and tequila. Dieline

• To combat the mozzies (in a pretty way)? Amazon

• A life without eating. Longreads

• Is zero waste travel possible? AFAR

• Cat food has never looked fancier (seriously). Dieline

• A martini tour of New York. New Yorker

• Why celebrity restaurants so often fail. Spectator

• What wine do you pair with asparagus? The Guardian

• How to handle criticism. Self

• Things people often forget to pack. The Everygirl

• How to give good compliments. Time

• Do I need these coupe glasses? Anthropologie

This weekend? TBD.

Next week? Bookers coming in hot on Monday night. There are a few ATM events I’m interested in — what are you going to attend?

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C.