Weekly A to Z, December 9th.

Weekend joy at Avatara for lunch. I’ll keep shouting it, but the ability to enjoy fine dining for lunch service is something I am always interested in. We also got a sneak preview of next door Revelery’s Indian tapas (which I am excited to go back and try). #invited

On Wednesday, I was delighted to attend the COP28 Pernod-Ricard-sponsored event regarding sustainability, inclusion, and diversity in the hospitality industry. With an excellent lineup — including an informative explanation from Seafood Souq — it was worth the traffic (and my own fault for not lining up a dinner review at DIFC).

Thursday was a one-two punch — first, in the morning at the DET Gastronomy update, which is always appreciated. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces in one room and get a better understanding of how the industry is actually performing. Unfortuantely, the same could not be said for the Abu Dhabi Michelin Awards. For an evening that should celebrate a massive achievement in any chef or team’s career, the set up seemed something of an afterthought, and I was disappointed for the teams.

And Friday, I was back on the radio with Helen to chat all things foodie! Catch me from 40:20.

Some deliveries? Tasca sent over some DELICIOUS Pasteis de nata, and Around the Block gifted me with coffee beans. #gifted

Links, please.

• American friends: calls to make for a ceasefire. 5 Calls
• Results from the 2024 Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide. (Hi, Lisa!) Bloomberg
• How good is wine from China? Robb Report
• Everything you need to know about the Home Alone house. House Beautiful
• This is the holiday drink I’ve been looking for. The Fine Dish
• And this is a close second. A Cozy Kitchen
• To all my other early diners — WE’RE RIGHT. Vogue
• J’accuse (sourfaux). The Guardian
• Very into these fancy hotel libraries. Hotels Above Par
• What is a boutique hotel? AFAR
• Can some talented friend make me these Gingerbread Blondies? NYT
• Yes, an edible mascot. USA Today
• What is a specialness spiral? Apartment Therapy
• Planes, they’re just like me. Washington Post
• Does Poppy need soda? A: No. Bev Industry
• Why are these clouds so expensive? Ivy Home
• I can’t unsee this, so now you have to. Twitter
• Chocolate cake > Christmas cake? The Guardian
• Loved this essay about Vimto. Eater
• Greggs fine dining. The Caterer
• Talk to me about tiny glassware. Punch
• Is the world ready for Goldfish…crisps? Dieline
• Don’t wait for special occasions! The Guardian
• Really into these cheese ornaments. Williams-Sonoma
• I use Grammarly for everything — you can, too (and try it free for a month)! #sponsored

This weekend? A brunch! It feels like forever, but we are heading over to Soon with some lovely people I haven’t seen in a long time, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Next week? Some meetings, a wine dinner at Dinner, and celebrating a certain VIP’s birthday.

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C.