Weekly A to Z, November 9th.
The one where I'm heartbroken. 🇺🇸💔
Friends, you will hopefully allow me to be a bit emotional. This week, I learned that America really hates women. I’m not sure why I deluded myself that my country would not elect a convicted felon/rapist, but here we are. Unlike many of my fellow countrymen and women, I already live overseas. I don’t have children, so the overall impact on my actual life isn’t that dramatic. However, the US I left in 2007 has ceased to exist — or maybe we were always this bad? I can’t be sure. I’m not okay. I know the world is a terrible place right now, but I hoped. On Tuesday, I was nauseously optimistic. But here we are. A Supreme Court that will be packed with judges who want to take away women’s autonomy over their own bodies. A Commander in Chief who is capable of terrible things. And while I’m perfectly aware that neither candidate was a good choice for the region, one spent a career serving her country.
I know the world will continue to turn. I’ll enjoy my next meal and travel to the States again at some point. I’m one of the lucky ones. Many are not. Many will never have the chance to be. And (for now), while the blue passport is still a privilege, I’m much prouder to call the UAE home.
There’s no way to tonally shift into a lighthearted newsletter, but that’s the state of the world, isn’t it? We have to witness daily horrors in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond and still come up “normal.” To go about our day, day after day. To go through the motions when loved ones are in danger. When the world is falling apart around us.
To be fully transparent (and wildly superficial), I’m so glad the Best Chef Awards were in town this week. The joy and energy in the events was palpable. On Tuesday, I joined many visiting chefs, journalists, and other culinary professionals at the One & Only Za’abeel for the Food Meets Science discussions. Chef Himanshu and the Tresind Studio team presented at a packed house, highlighting their Sadaya tradition.
On Wednesday, it was time for the awards! I’m delighted (and not the least bit surprised) that Chef Himanshu was awarded the prestigious 3 Knives distinction and the title of Best Dubai Chef. I think it’s worth mentioning my gratitude to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for sponsoring and making events like this possible. It’s been incredible to see so much global culinary talent in town, enjoying so many of our local restaurants.
On Friday, I met some visiting journalists at 21 Grams, which was a great way to end a hectic week. #invited
And finally, a fun delivery from the States. A little distraction from the chaos in the form of Talking Hearts, a game I’m going to suggest/force friends to play for winter nights ahead.
If all else fails, may I suggest ordering a bespoke neon frog from Vertical Design?
Links, please.
Congratulations to all the chefs and their awards on the Best Chefs 2024 list. I was delighted to see so much regional talent included!
The FACT Dubai awards were also this week, and Tresind Studio was honored with Restaurant of the Year and Best Indian Restaurant. FACT
And an excellent write-up on the “why” behind the award. FACT
Miles writes an excellent love letter to the UAE. WhatsOn
Why the UAE could be the next wine hotspot. The Drinks Business
High-end restaurants are spinning off more casual bars. Robb Report
And on that note — Eleven Madison Park’s version. Grub Street
We’re definitely staying home more. NYT
When is the best time to eat breakfast? Real Simple
You can…juice sweet potatoes? 🤮 The Takeout
Please, no — a Bourbon gravy-themed Thanksgiving shot. The Takeout
I would very much like to join this club. Murrays Cheese
After this week, one year, please. Shaker & Spoon
My next casual bag. Fendi
2 cute 2 eat. Japanese Taste
Considering this Frenchsgiving instead of Thanksgiving. T&L
Or maybe I’ll just order this chocolate turkey for our party. Bissinger’s
Did you know there’s a speakeasy at O’Hare? Block Club Chicago
Soup, just add chips. NYT
Way to go, Iceland. CNN
Every kitchen needs one of these. Eater
California has…too many grapes. Wine Spectator
Have you ever used peanut butter to upgrade your ramen? The Takeout
Can I interest you in some very expensive juice to offset carbon emissions? OMAAT
Pickle balls. Food Beast
IKEA opens its first high street restaurant. The Drinks Business
Paris without lights. Danziger Gallery
Very into this pumpkin spice concha. Eater
Also want to try this speciality flavor M&M. The Kitchn
Would you try a Fanta omelette? News 18
Go ahead, put up your holiday decorations. Very Well Mind
Grabby hands for these upside-down Brie bites. Food My Muse
For the title: how Comic Sans became the Crocs of fonts. Fast Company
I want to try these All Dressed chips. The Kitchn
What you can do when your friend is always late. SELF
Fairly certain I need this for my Christmas tree. Shop Parterre
Very into this maple pumpkin black and white cookie. Joy the Baker
This weekend? Picking up the pieces. Trying to move on. Chez Wam is now hosting Chez Brunch, and I’m very excited to check it out.
Next week? This and that — Josette has a new wine room (La Petite Cave), Spinneys is having a holiday party ahead of the festive season, and Takahisa is pulling me back in with their SushiJin collab.
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C.
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