Weekly A to Z, February 22nd.

On Monday, I did a little exploring with my sister (sans enfants) at Al Serkal, which was (of course) so much fun. We also enjoyed a fabulous lunch at La Cantine beach club (on Bluewaters). 10/10 would recommend — perfect al fresco dining, and I encourage you to visit before the weather heats up too much. #invited

On Tuesday, for the only time I was able to sneak out for Gulfood activities, I decided to accept an invitation to meet Chef Alain Ducasse, who was cooking with the Takahisa team. Also, I was delighted to make a small Dubai connection with the legendary chef! Whenever I attend collabs or press trips, I usually bring a small box of Mirzam chocolate as a token of appreciation. Presenting the chocolates at lunch, I was surprised at how delighted Chef Ducasse was with the treat. So thrilled, in fact, that he wanted to go visit the factory! With a little help, I connected him with Kathy, and here’s the result.

That evening, I was also able to step out with the Bookers to Smoki Moto. Wow, I think we all missed the memo to come (really, really) hungry. Definitely best for a group, this is a fun spot for Korean BBQ. Order the Butcher’s Box and you won’t be disappointed. #invited

Throughout the week, I made my first visits to OliOli and Green Planet. We also had a long stroll around Dubai Mall, which I haven’t been to in ages. It was also the perfect time to visit Time Out Market Dubai. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Pitfire, Jun’s, and Pickl were all hits with the out of town crowd.

Links, please.

• If you find yourself without plans this week, Carnistore has an awesome street food set up with SO many of my favorite chefs. Instagram
• I had some things to say with Laura and the foodics team. Instagram
• Why diners and chefs are turning away from Michelin. Robb Report
• Has the savory martini gone too far? Wine Enthusiast
• Needed for my next trip. Visit AG
• Is it okay to take your kids out of school to travel? Afar
• Feeling words to support your spouse. Very Well Mind
• Why should we care where our paper comes from? Dieline
• Do I need a tinyPod? NYMag
• The cutest fish sticks. Instagram
• And additional food-themed candles. Eater
• These words do not belong together: Extra Flamin’ Hot Cookie Dough & Gelato Bites. Mental Floss
• James Bond drinking. The Drinks Business
• Walmart turns food waste into compost. Trellis
• Easier said than done, how not to take things personally. Self
• The world’s top hospitality school has a Michelin restaurant on campus. Hotels Above Par
• How low are airline catering budgets? OMAAT
• A case for an adult field trip. The Everygirl
• Africa’s first caviar is surprising the luxury food industry. CNN
• Where is the fanciest KFC? The Takeout
• Would you eat a pineapple mayo sandwich? BonAppetit
• Or try Totino’s ramen noodles? All Recipes
• Juicy Couture x Dunkin’ Tracksuits. Dunkin Donuts
• Krispy Kreme x Hulu. Krispy Kreme

This weekend? Is it even a trip to Dubai if you haven’t been to a brunch? We’re all looking forward to checking out Bubbalicious at the Westin, and somehow it’s almost the last day in Dubai for our visitors.

Next week? I’m getting right back into things, slowly, but I’ve got my eye on The Guild.

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