Weekly A to Z, October 21st.

The one from Las Vegas.

Given the state of the world, there is still no non-awkward way to send this newsletter out. I’m still going to keep up, but fully respect whatever form of social media you need to take these days. If looking for something local, consider Tarahum for Gaza or Sharing a Meal with the WFP.

What a week! The Hollywood Bowl still holds up as a venue, and it was a perfect October evening to see Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service.

Onwards to Palm Springs to get some relaxation in. Our hotel — Drift — was the right place to base our visit from. There are a number of fun bars and restaurants in town, and we were very impressed with Boozehounds, The Front Porch, Farm, and Las Palmas (among others). This was the first trip in forever where not a single meal was booked in advance, and we’ve had fun exploring what’s available.

On Thursday, we made our way to Vegas, and for once, the weather has been perfect. Eric and I renewed our vows — 20 years! — with friends and family (and a big thank you to Dr. Brandt for flying out to surprise us).

Links, please.

• It’s okay not to post your outrage. NYT

• My first for Conde Nast, the best beachfront restaurants in Dubai. CNT

• My latest for Dubai byFood, a visit to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding. We’d love for you to like and subscribe, as there are plenty of awesome episodes coming your way. YouTube

• Tell me about a frozen food advent calendar. Food & Wine

• The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023, congrats to our own Galaxy Bar and Mimi Kakushi. W50B

• Really into this Perrier glass design. Dieline

• The best maximalist restaurants in America. Eater

• Should Dubai brunches charge a vomit fee? VinePair

• Banning influencers from restaurants? Mashable

• Are we ready for Absolut x Sprite? Drinks Digest

• Go Dawgs!

• $1,000 tip. Washington Post

• How restaurants shaped our sweet tooth. Eater

• Ooh, definitely want to try this Apple Cider Spritz. Food & Wine

• Why the internet isn’t fun anymore. New Yorker

• For the best sushi, follow the California roll index. Eater

• My kind of job. NPR

• What is one thing you wish you had brought with you on your last trip? Reddit

• How to politely decline an invitation. Apartment Therapy

• Is deep frying things bad for the environment? The Takeout

• Coveting candles. John Derian

• Ready to celebrate a favorite things party. The Everygirl

• What you can and cannot take with you from your hotel room. AFAR

• Tell me about aging wine in the sea. VinePair

• Someone make me this G&T trifle. Taste

• Japan’s got the best Halloween frappucino. Tasting Table

• All about restaurant napkin etiqutte. Tasting Table

• The mighty mushroom. Ambrook

• Skillshare is a platform that offers thousands of classes in a variety of subjects. From creative arts to business and technology, there’s something for everyone. #sponsored

This weekend? When We Were Young and recovery.

Next week? Taking the crew from a homecoming tour of Atlanta and Athens.

If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me, consider working with me, sharing this newsletter, purchasing my books (or these novels), or buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z can be found here.

C.