Weekly A to Z, April 27th.

To start, last weekend’s brunch at La Mar was outstanding — it included all of the elements I’m looking for: perhaps the best drinks package in town, a la carte (and delicious food), great location, and music. At AED495, I would happily book this brunch again and would love you to check out some of the highlights here). As someone who doesn’t consistently brunch, I’m smugly 2/2 this year with City Social and La Mar (and yet 0/2 on trying to register my car this week). #invited

I stepped out once this week, and the Row on 45. Having only been once in the days before the restaurant opened, I was delighted to experience all of the changes (genuinely for the best). The meal is special, and the service remains exceptional. Have a look at our meal here. #invited

Mostly, my inner introvert needed an additional break this week, so I decided to listen to her…and finished my next manuscript! Take Three at Mulholland High is finished and ready to be published in the coming weeks. I’m also looking forward to returning to a novel I wrote in 2022, which is ready for an edit.

Some deliveries? MMI sent through a uniquely curated box so that I could pair with flare. Rare also sent over an invite, which included a cute lipstick. #gifted

Links, please.

• ICYMI, in this viral video, Sarah takes us on the BEOND flight to the Maldives. Instagram
• Speaking of talented friends, Helen released a book! Amazon
• Congrats, Carnistore — looking forward to buying my non-halal proteins from you soon! ?? Carnistore
• Mark your calendars — the Dubai Michelin guide will be announced on July 4th. I’d love to hear your predictions! FACT
• Underrated cooking utensils. The Guardian
• Uh, electric tongue? VinePair
• Disney has their first Michelin star. Robb Report
• The first zero-waste restaurant doesn’t have a bin. BBC
• Spenny Masters seats. NYT
• This hibiscus rose vesper cocktail sounds amazing. Saveur
• I think we all need this Le Creuset petal braiser. Williams-Sonoma
• And 92% sure I need this purse. Sezane
• How would the TikTok ban impact FoodTok? Eater
• This feels over a year too late. Robb Report
• The absolute artistry of crudites. NYT
• Similarly, the art of all you can eat. New Yorker
• Feels on brand for Ryan Reynolds. The Drinks Business
• A wine hero. Twitter
• I am ready to…pop this? Cheerie Lane
• Could you do this for free wine? AOL
• Having recently experienced a pizza degustation in Italy, I’m ready for others to embrace the pizza-tasting menu. Robb Report
• Slightly morbid, but how to die in good health. New Yorker
• Giving me nostalgia for working on the WB lot. LA Times
• YES to quicker degustations. The Guardian
• Would you drink an Aperol Margarita? The Drinks Digest
• Bees are amazing. CNN
• A peek inside the Four Seasons private jet. OMAAT
• Ready for a revolution in African cuisine. NPR
• Yes, to peanut butter ramen. Diethood
• And these dirty martini chicken thighs. BonAppetit
• How to be less busy and more happy. The Atlantic
• Richest TV characters, ranked. Bustle

Favorite dishes in April? Given our trip to Italy and the many (many!) amazing meals we had, it’s a difficult decision. If I had to choose, the absolutely insane pasta at Osteria Francescana (From Gragano to Bangkok), the next-level breakfast spread at Casa Maira Luigia (which is also home to one of the best Aperol Spritz’s I’ve ever enjoyed), and the simple nonna-made pasta at a random restaurant we stopped in for lunch in Milan (I don’t even know the name of the venue, just that it was all delicious). Honorable mentions? As I’ve chosen the Brioche dish at Row on 45 in a previous month, I’m not going to pick it again. As always, I would love to know what dishes resonated with you!

This weekend? Checking out Rare at Citywalk.

Next week? Out and about! I’m saying yes to a few exciting invitations, and May is already filling up.

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C.