First of all - newsletter exclusive - I’m so proud to announce that I’ll be partnering with Gates Hospitality, and starting as a Brand Ambassador for Bistro des Arts during the next three months. Also in the Gates Hospitality family, are you going to attend the Best Chefs in Dubai BBQ at Reform on December 5th? I’ll be there, and I can’t wait. Buy your tickets here.
The weeks are sort of blending together right now, but my weekend was marked by delicious deliveries from Chicago Meatpackers, First Crust (my go-to for pies in the UAE), and Go! Healthy, who might have my favorite version of avo toast available (Salmontini salmon, anyone)? I'll say I definitely ordered the dish at least twice this week, and I’m not even sorry. I also got a (very useful) updated branding pack from LDC Kitchen (the new cool JLT sister of London Dairy Cafe).
The Bookers thoroughly enjoyed our visit to folly (even if we didn’t like the book this month). Nick and Scott do a fabulous job and consistently put out great and innovative dishes. Yes, we had folly pops, and yes, most of us had the signature crispy hen’s egg. If you need an excuse to go, Saturday brunches start tomorrow, and there are set four-course meals (with drinks packages) for any Christmas lunch you might be planning.
On Wednesday, the newly launched Good Burger (inside Maiz Tacos in JLT) sent me some delicious burgers. The order also included tater tots (!) and Mexican Coca-Cola (!!). I also received all the ingredients for a delicious mushroom risotto from Casinetto that I can’t wait to make later in the weekend. Here’s my affiliate link, or use ATOZ to save 10%.
Thanksgiving was marked by a delivery from Bistro des Arts of a Takeaway Turkey, which is complete with roast potatoes, lots of veggies, bacon-wrapped sausages (yes, with pork), Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. There are two options, one for four adults (AED375) and one for eight adults (AED599). Available throughout December, be sure to give 72 hours’ notice.
Otherwise, I did my best to stay at home. I’m close to finishing my second manuscript this year (yes, it’s been a big year for writing) and then I might take a short break before I get into editing mode (once again).
Links, please.
Consider the reverse advent calendar with Stop and Help. Instagram
Although I’m not sure how this translates in Dubai, it’s still an interesting breakdown on influencer tiers. Foodie Tribe
All my kawaii dreams have come true. Wonton in a Million
Love this series as an idea for holiday gifts. Culinary Backstreets
Speaking of gifts, who doesn’t need Italian cheese candles? East Fork
And for me, boozy gummies. Smith and Sinclair
What food would you travel thousands of miles for? (I know my love of Chick-Fil-a is wrong, but I can’t help it). The Takeout
A case for a more regional understanding of food. Vice
Unsurprised that certain airlines might require passengers to be vaccinated in the future. I’ve been saying this for months. One Mile at a Time
Jello shots, but make them art? Solid Wiggles
Just, eww. Lifehacker
The rise of delivery-only kitchens and their impact on the restaurant industry (US-focused, but still interesting). Eater
I love Baby Yoda, but the cost of these Mandalorian macarons seems extreme. io9
Congrats BB on three years! Instagram
For the title only: from culinary dud to stud (yes, talking about Brussels Sprouts). NPR
How is it possibly the end of November? I was able to dine out a bit more, and in no particular order, my favorite dishes were: Chaat (Season 5, Tresind Studio), Suckling Lamb (Rioja menu, BOCA), and Pulled duck terrine (Brasserie Boulud). Honorable mentions to the feast at Food District and the Vine Around with The Tasting Class at Souk Madinat. What were some of your favorite dishes?
Also, pretend we’re sitting around a table without a global pandemic, and enjoying a second helping of turkey: in this dumpster fire of a year, what are you thankful for?
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C.