Weekly A to Z, November 2nd.

The we're all waiting for next Tuesday one. 🗽

A belated happy Diwali to all who celebrate!

It was a here-and-there and everywhere type of week. While there was a lot on: invitations, activations, and events—they don’t call it the silly season for anything—I decided to focus on lunches.

For the record, when Takahisa asks, my answer is always yes. On Wednesday, I visited the restaurant’s latest collaboration with Paris-based Nakatani*. My favorite dish? It was a tie, Cold Pasta (what it says on the tin + uni and caviar), and the stunningly simple Ozaki Beef. I also feel it necessary to shout out the two very original desserts — “gnocchi” and a beautiful strawberry air chocolate. We also looked into the new private omakase room opening soon! Note to PRs: A lunch invite is almost always the path to getting a yes from me — better lighting and easier traffic = happy Courtney. #invited

On Thursday, it was over to the OG Coquely in good old Cluster A of JLT. Influenced by the recent Snail Trail outing, I had to order the escargot (the miso butter version is an umami bomb). There’s a reason Couqley remains a success after all these years. It’s wonderfully consistent and has plenty on offer. A bonus for me? Randomly running into a few friends from the Dubai culinary community. #invited

Some deliveries? Just a few! Delilah Home sent some of their DryTek pet towels for Poppy (and some of their range for us, as well). Made from recycled materials, she’s all set for dipping her feet into the pool (no, we haven’t quite got to swimming yet). From the States, Real Good Foods sent through a collection of unique chips, including cornbread and pita. We also received a fab book, Martini: The Ultimate Guide to a Cocktail Icon by Alice Lascelles, which will — let’s be honest — be used actively and extensively in the Brandt-Wright household… Especially when we can enjoy it outside in our Drynk cocktail glasses (also delivered — let me know if you want to get in touch with the brand). Locally, the team at Sambazon sent through a generous collection of acai, which will keep us healthy for the next few months. And finally, Butter (my favorite cookies in Dubai) gifted me their Halloween Gathering box (I don’t predict the cookies will last through the weekend). #gifted

Links, please.

• Your 2025 (??) Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide is live! A special congratulations to James and the Ryba team for their opening of the year and Bib Gourmand placement. Michelin

• Speaking of Michelin, a great read from a former inspector:

  Anatomy of an Award

• Updating my Atlanta Michelin list for my next visit home. Resy

• Genuinely, why doesn’t every bar have bar hooks? Eater

• Who are the worst celebrities to serve in restaurants? Eat This, Not That

• I love this flavor of Sprite. The Kitchn

• Whatever happened to election cakes? Eater

• I need this silly teapot. Omoi

• And this tea towel. Omoi

• Animals, just like us. Vine Pair

• I love my friends, but I’m not always texting them back. Bustle

• Very into these mini-canned cocktails. Food & Wine

• So very French (be sure to translate). Douceurs

• This man is saving old cruise ships. AFAR

• Ice cream…whisky? Robb Report

• The best new dishes (2024). (Feels a bit early for this? Personally, I know there is some great food ahead of me this year). BonAppetit

• Why people prefer solo dining (personally, I love it — especially in a new country). The Guardian

• Would you drink Johnnie Walker in a paper bottle? The Spirits Business

• Here for all the Kidult meals. Food Institue

• I’m late to the game on Culinary Class wars, but this article wraps up some of the reasons why the show is so good. Eater

• Yes, Sriracha is a real place. The Takeout

• A $33,000 wine made from rare grapes. Robb Report

• The economics of a Negroni. Vine Pair

• Speaking of expensive wines, here are the most pricey pinot noirs. Vine Pair

• Some easy dinner party games. House & Garden

• Is this the most ridiculous fast food item? The Takeout

• The worst mac & cheese ever? Twitter

• I have these mugs in the regular version. Do we need the holiday option? Anthropologie

• Have you heard of this chicken wine? The Drinks Business

• Have we been cutting cake wrong the whole time? Instagram

My favorite dishes this month? October started with a bang in Bangkok, but there were also some incredible meals in Dubai. First, (non-hyperbolically) the best duck of my life from Potong*; next, a deliciously delicate pea-forward dish from Ossiano* (shout out to the Thai-inspired dish as well); and a truly lovely langoustine from Sühring** (the bread and Spätzle also hit). Honorable mentions to the first proper grill in the backyard, the River Prawn at Le Du, and the curry at Nusara. As always, let me know what plates or restaurants resonated with you!

This weekend? Hanging with the besties. Prepping for the upcoming Best Chef awards.

Next week? Pretending the fate of my country does not rest in the balance on November 5th + a lot of Best Chef-related activities. Will I see you at the awards on the 6th?

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C.

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