With a busy September behind me (and all of us), I was delighted to take up an offer to visit one of my long-time favorite spas in Dubai — Sofitel the Palm Spa. It’s always worth booking a few hours to enjoy a treatment and all the facilities, and there’s currently a lunch spa menu with Laguna Beach Taverna that runs through October. If you’re looking for some me-time, this is where to find it. #invited
On Thursday, it was time to try The Experience by Reif Othman. My last visit to TERO was for Eric’s 40th (back when it was above PLAY). There’s a lot to love at this omakase, and I hope you make plans to try this creative menu (which changes monthly, giving diners something new to try). Personally, I was in wagyu heaven, and the handroll with uni is a dish I’m still thinking about. Check out our visit here. #invited
Also, this week I was accepted to attend ILTM this year in Cannes in December. Is anyone else attending? Do you want to be my trip friend? I’m looking for a travel buddy!
Finally, a few gifts generously arrived during the week. Mina’s Kitchen is launching the mid-week Mina’s Market (the previews looked super fun), and Festival Bay will soon be in operation at Festival City. Newly opened Quince sent over a stunning freshly baked focaccia. Finally, after my delivery from MMI, a limited edition Negroni gift set will be available in MMI stores throughout October. I’ll be posting a competition to win a gift set on my feed next week, so keep an eye out. All participants must hold a valid alcohol license, live in Dubai, and be over the age of 21. #gifted
Links, please.
My latest for Dubai byFood — chatting with Rami from Dibba Bay about his Tide to Table concept. YouTube
My latest for Dubai Tourism features the absolutely stunning Spaghetti Ricci e Ricciola from Chef Domenico at Alici. Instagram
Devestated to miss this collab between Jun’s x Tresind Studio. Instagram
Are we all going to Vegas next June? Connecting Travel
The rise of Dubai as a culinary destination, by friend (and fellow BonBon) Pallavi Sangtani. Host Milano
And another can’t miss interview from Pallavi, DiverXO chef Dabiz Munoz on launching in Dubai. Connecting Travel
Where food porn originated. CJR
Can noise affect your palate? Tasting Table
How to wear your favorite foods. Food & Wine
It’s PSL season. NYT
French happy hour law. VinePair
Have we hit peak beverage? Taste
What is a pickle? Food & Wine
Why your $7 latte costs $7. Vox
We probably need this doormat for our new place. West Elm
And also this cheese grotto. Eater
The dictionary just got a whole lot “cheffier.” The Takeout
Looking for something ‘swicy?’ Bon Appetit
A true booze cruise. Drinks Digest
An American-themed restaurant in Iraq. Eater
It’s fall; are we into artistic leaf raking? Kottke
We were never supposed to see our faces this much. Dazed Digital
The history of souvenirs. Thrillist
An older article, but are restaurant reviews still irrelevant? Dianne J
Unleash your creativity with 99designs. Discover a community of talented designers and bring your vision to life with ease. From logos to websites, 99designs offers a seamless experience to help you create the perfect design every time. #sponsored
This weekend? Packing! Decluttering! Trying not to freak out at how much will/needs to happen in the next six weeks. Also, for my final meal in Dubai for October, I’ll be catching up with the team at Krasota.
Next week? Let’s see what the US holds for us. We’ll be in Seattle and Santa Barbara. And yes, we’re flying the quad Q-Suite on Qatar.
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C.