Weekly A to Z, Nov 5th.
I loved attending the Smoke School with Hattem of Mattar Farms at the Spinneys HQ on Saturday — what a lovely way to end the weekend. The lobster (we cooked!) was fantastic, and Hattem is an excellent instructor. #invited
On Sunday, after a busy morning at K9 Friends — we’re offering our dog walking program again, should you be interested — I was home to get ready to attend a(nother) special night at BOCA. Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo of Nicos Restaurant from Mexico City, Mexico (No. 31 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 and winner of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants Lifetime Achievement Award 2018) was joined by Odd Strandbakken of Himkok, Oslo, Norway (No. 30 on the World's 50 Best Bars, 2020 and the first bar in the world to win the World’s 50 Best Bars Sustainability Award in 2018) and Chef Matthijs Stinnissen to create a special menu. Was there plenty of Altos Tequila on hand? You bet. #invited
Monday saw me out with a talented group to enjoy some of Chef Akmal’s food for a session at Table Rouge. He’ll be opening a restaurant soon, and I’ll give you more details when I can. #invited
Speaking of Chef Akmal, on Thursday, I accepted an invite to Goldfish, which I’ve been a bit remiss in visiting. Full review coming soon, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would order everything we had again. #invited
Otherwise, I had an intentionally easy week, with deliveries from New Leaf Farms, grown in the UAE and plenty of options to choose from, and from SLD Bar, which was so filling! I was impressed by their range, but also the commitment to having calories printed on their bowls. I wish more places would opt to include these details. #gifted
Links, please.
Goodbye influencers, hello independent creators. Fast Company
In defense of California Chardonnays. Saveur
Excited for Tresind Studio’s upcoming season. Instagram
Here for this OTT Thanksgiving line up. Food52
On the subject, a more intelligent look at the holiday. Delish
I’m privileged with a “good” passport, others should be as well. Catapult
We bid adieu to the tiny clothespin on cocktails. Punch
Chef Matt serving up royalty! Instagram
New food words in the dictionary. Food52
Can we ever be free? The Guardian
If it’s good enough for Oprah… Amazon
Looks like the perfect (bougie) mix for the movies (also eyeing this). FoxTrot Co
Thanksgiving in a box? Food & Wine
Thanks, I want one of each. Urban Outfitters
For my desk. Alexa Pulitzer
Eyeing these local advent calendars. Maison Duffour / Mirzam
Sure, Patagonia wine. The Takeout
How to apologize. NPR
A signature drink for Thanksgiving? Food Network
Jokes about Florida. Eater
We’re off to brunch at Desert Palm for a long overdue catch-up with some besties tomorrow. Otherwise, as usual, meal prep and planning. We might also sneak out to Katsuya… This will be the third location I’ll have dined at this restaurant in the city (actually four, if you count the two in Dubai Mall).
Next week? While I’m trying to keep it quiet, UAE PR are doing their best to tempt me out. However, with hectic traffic, insane Careem prices, and me getting way off my exercise track, I’m ready to recommit to the Peloton app and early nights.
If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider telling a friend, ordering from these restaurants, purchasing my books (or these novels), or buying me coffee.
C.
