Weekly A to Z, Oct 1st.
Congrats to all who worked/are working on Expo 2020 — I can’t wait for my first visit. What are you most looking forward to?
After a four-day series of events for Hubs’ birthday, it was time to get back to our regular life. Last weekend finished off with a beautiful breakfast at both Time Out Market and Reif Kushiyaki, as well as a special and memorable dinner at Tresind Studio (all props to the Left Hand Switch, team). #invited
Otherwise, I kept a low profile focusing on finishing up projects, volunteering, taking a few meetings, packing, and getting ready for the following week. I even proactively got my flu shot. #adulting
There were a few deliveries, including the Mama Rita x Starbucks collab, an absolutely beautiful collection of pastries from Paper Fig, a beautiful fillet of Scottish Salmon, and a kit launching Impossible Foods in the UAE — look for new dishes in local restaurants. #gifted
I also received a small package from Haiyatea. Haiya has sourced not only a range of authentic, high-quality teas but also plenty of accouterments, including a series of candles that smell incredible, and are upcycled from beautiful teacups. #gifted
Finally, need specialty coffee delivered to your doorstep? Download the Sippy Beans app, and use my code: Courtney10 to save 10%. (The code is an affiliate link).
Next week, I am very much looking forward to attending a number of events surrounding the World’s 50 Best Restaurant awards. I’ll be active on Instagram Stories if you’d like to follow my updates. We have some special dinners and lunches lined up, and I kind of still can’t believe it’s happening. (PS, here are the 2021 51-100 restaurants if you missed them).
Links, please.
My friend Helen is hiking Kilimanjaro for charity. Consider supporting her? YallaGive
Materials, food, and labor shortages make running independent restaurants difficult. Eater
Lunch > dinner. Fight me. Gawker
Food review: Costco double chocolate muffin. Gawker
Add to calendar, TTC UAE Vine Festival. The Tasting Class
Congrats to BOCA listing on the World of Wine best list. WofW
Wondering if these would make it to the UAE safely. Cheeky
The rise of the taco truck. JSTOR
Need to check this out next visit to Maine. Boston Globe
Best apples for baking and eating. Thrillist
Eleven Madison Park has a secret beef room. Grub Street
I love a sparkling red. Food52
World’s most hated fast food. The Takeout
BRB, planning a trip. Atlas Obscura
The 5 fanciest wine glasses you’ve never heard of. Eater
Yes to an apple cider margarita. A Couple Cooks
The order in which to properly eat food. Kakikata
What is the difference between cobblers, crisps, and crumbles? Shondaland
You can rent Julia Childs’ French cottage. Mental Floss
I love a gift basket. Saveur
Tell me more, mozzarella schnitzel. Food52
Other than getting a PCR test for my flight on Sunday, we’re sneaking over to CMP for a cheeky brunch today, and we might try and see the new Bond film, which would be the first time in the cinema since…forever?
As it is technically October 1st, I’m wondering what were your favorite dishes in September. This has been my most difficult month to choose, however, I offer my top three: Brisket naan at Tresind Studio (picture me begging for this dish on a future menu), Chef Matt surprised me with the brilliant Tomato & Strawberry dessert at BOCA, and the Hokkaido Scallops at The Artisan definitely deserve a place on the list. Very honorable mentions to the breakfast lineup at Time Out Market, and Reif’s savory perfection, Oyakodun. I’d love to hear yours!
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.
