Weekly A to Z, September 14th.

The one from Abu Dhabi. 🍸

This was the first “real” week I’ve had in…a month? Longer? Reader, I relished it. I used the time to get a well-overdue haircut and color and a desperately needed Botox appointment with Cornerstone Clinic, who invited me along. There’s also a few things cooking up (pun intended) that I can’t wait to share with you.

On Wednesday, I embarked on my first “new season” from one of the many on offer from the great restaurants in Dubai. Chef Solemann continues to show off his third culture culinary skills at moonrise*. My favorite new dish? It’s a tough decision, but it’s either the new tomato tart (“Roots”) or the Shima Aji & Tomato — both feature bold flavor profiles that I would be delighted to return for. (And yes, I had two servings of my favorite grilled cheese. No, I’m not sorry). #invited

After dropping the Pops on Friday, I was off to the Edition Abu Dhabi for the Gold Bar takeover at Library Bar, followed by dinner at the Oak Room. Was I also treated to a blowout at Rossano Ferretti? I was (and might I say, what a lovely and thoughtful addition to my stay). #invited

Links, please.

• My “I Can’t Stop Thinking About This Dish” series I did last year with DET dropped the more extended interviews on their YouTube channel. I’m so proud of these videos, and I’d love for you to watch them. YouTube

• Matt’s got a great write-up on BOCA. Fact

• Spinneys has a new competition for teen trailblazers. Spinneys

• Which side of the plane is in the sun? OMAAT

• Very into this chili crisp advent calendar. Fly by Jing

• The story of a “I Voted” werewolf sticker. NYT

• Why stay at a resort, when you can rent an entire Italian village? Forbes

• Who makes the best cheddar cheese? Bon Appetit

• What are the most overrated cocktails? Punch

• Butt…instead of butter. Dieline

• I want this collector’s Jaegermeister product (?). The Drinks Business

• Luxury locations from novels. Robb Report

• What are the best things to put on toast? The Guardian

• What are the most expensive cocktail ingredients? Vine Pair

• Is Gen Z really drinking less? The Drinks Business

• For my Weezer fans, this box set is everything. Dieline

• ✨ The height of luxury and design ✨ (according to my 8-year-old self). The Kitchn

• And for all my blue Gatorade fans, I see you. Twitter

• Not quite ready for Lüften in the UAE (but soon!). Apartment Therapy

• Someone please make me these apple cider blondies. I Am Baker

• Ropeless…fishing? Undark

• A dopamine menu to boost your mood. The Everygirl

• Why Dom Pérignon scrapped its entire 2023 champagne vintage. Robb Report

• Sure, let’s try Shaquille O’Neal gummies. Food Dive

• Summer reads for foodies. Bon Appetit

• Foods that make you hungrier. Real Simple

• What’s at stake for women in the 2024 US election. Glamour

• Should Pepsi turn to fresh produce? Bloomberg

This weekend? NGL, we’re enjoying a lie-in at the Edition. We’ll also try the Nalu Surf Club at the recently opened Kelly Slater surf camp.

Next week? A champagne dinner with Nyetimber. Hopefully, trying the new menu at Tresind Studio. Also, a note to UAE PR friends — please chat with your industry colleagues. There are multiple events on Wednesday, and being in three places simultaneously is impossible (no matter how amazing all the activations are). Personally, I think it’s too early in the season for this level of overlap, and I hate disappointing anyone.

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With all apparent sincerity,

C.

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