Weekly A to Z, October 30th.

The one with the pastry.

Deliveries were delicious this week, starting with three stunning cakes from Aunt Bethany’s. My favorite was the Louisiana Cheesecake, and it strikes me as an all-occasion cake. I also received a hamper from Freakin’ Healthy, and have been enjoying products from it ever since. Casinetto came through with a range of gnocchi (sorry, Liam!), which I look forward to frying up soon (and yes, you can still use my affiliate link, or ATOZ to save 10%).

On Tuesday, I hosted an incredible day at ICCA regarding the Evolution of Pastry and was impressed with the competing graduates, as well as the judging panel. As usual, Sopexa managed another well organized day of French cream and products. I’m always happy to work with them.

I stopped by BOCA on Wednesday for a Sherry class, which was educational (and delicious). I’m a big fan of sweet sherry, rather than dry, how about you? If you want to test out some of the Tio Pepe they have on hand, BOCA has joined with Bethany Kehdy next week for a special menu.

Also, there are some exciting things cooking up behind the scenes I can’t wait to share with you guys!

Links, please.

• Want to virtually join my book club? Here’s a link to what we’re reading. Amazon

• Which products at the grocery store tend to have the biggest markup? The Kitchn

• Oops. Decanter

• Am I the only one who enjoys reading how people spend their money on groceries? The Kitchn

• With COVID-19, what does winter dining look like? (Keyword: yurt). WBUR

• What is the future of restaurant menus? Eater

• Have you bought your tickets to the Dubai Vine Festival? The Tasting Class

• Would you try blood ketchup? The Takeout

• Pizza boxes, but make them fancy. Vice

• What were some of the best comfort foods of 2020? The Takeout

• Bakers gonna bake, demand for baking goods up 3400%. The Kitchn

• Would you try Key Lime Pie M&Ms? The Takeout

• In travel news, VERY NICE. New York Times

This weekend, I’m off to try Lana Lusa, which I’ve heard great things about, and our book club convenes for a long-overdue salon-style meet up at The Lighthouse. I think it’s cool enough to dine al fresco, and I’m already looking forward to some of my favorites!

Next week, I’m hosting a small event for some of the chefs involved with the recent publication The Best of Dubai: A Dining Experience, which I had a contribution.

I’m also only slightly terrified about what’s happening in the States on November 3rd. Feel free to send good vibes to my troubled country. I don’t think I’m going to get much sleep this week, and I’m glad Netflix already is releasing the first of its holiday films.

Also, we’re (somehow) at the end of October. My favorite dishes included the Aji Miso Short Ribs from Seven Sisters, the Honeycomb Milkshake from Home Bakery, and the Crab and Prawn Salad from Koko Beach. I’d also love to give honorable mentions to the Chili Oil from Curious Elephant and the cheesecake from Aunt Bethany’s. What were some of your memorable meals this month? I’d love to know!

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C.