Weekly A to Z, January 14th.

Last weekend was a whirl of activity — I finished the second draft of a manuscript (70,383 words!) — and the Bookers had a cozy catch-up at?Hayal?(catch our visit here). On Sunday, I was over to?LDC?(the Jumeirah branch) for their absolutely adorable (and filling) beach basket, a chic hamper filled with everything you could possibly need for a picnic on the beach. #invited

During the week, there were also a lot of behind-the-scenes conversations, which I really enjoyed — book projects (not mine), upcoming moves and venues, restaurant concepts, recommendations, and potential events.

With Hubs in Tulum for work, there was a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff for me, including (finally) digging into a final draft of an old manuscript (currently on page 15 of 175). I also committed to some much-needed house maintenance with the always reliable team at?Healthy Home?(mattress! couch! rugs! car!) and a bit of self-maintenance (a haircut and color at Spirals and an overdue Botox top-up at?Cornerstone Clinic).

On Thursday, I batched meetings, and started my day with a delicious breakfast at the new?La Petit Beefbar, then drove over to d-Journal for an editorial catch-up and ended at?Carnistore, in which I departed with some lamb bones for a delighted Poppy.

On Friday, I went to?Alici?for a very special cocktail event, then over to?Attiko?for dinner (video coming soon). #invited

Links, please.

• My first for d-Journal?— a series of different cuisines in Dubai and which restaurants I rate, starting with Italian restaurants.?d-Journal
• My latest with the?Tasting Class and Jacob’s Creek at Marea.?Instagram
• World’s 50 Best…Hotels??W50B
• Learn a new language in under a month with Babbel!?Sign up today to get 55% off your subscription.?#sponsored
• Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard?Noma is closing.?NYT
• But not really? ???Noma
• But is?fine dining in trouble??The Takeout
• Sustainability in spirits.?VinePair
• C’mon, Deliveroo.?Twitter
• Sign me up for?more procrastination.?Washington Post
• No, M&M’s,?this is not feminism.?Dieline
• You had me at?instant ramen carbonara.?Tasting Table
• Which beans actually make you,?y’know… ???Serious Eats
• The logistics of getting?your food to the plane.?NYT
• Tell me more about?butter candles.?I Am A Food Blog
• Does being an industry professional?blow out your palate??VinePair
• A better choice than?Jaegermeister.?Epicurious
• What is your?dream job??Cup of Jo
• How are we?tipping now??Atlantic
• Someone please?deliver a batch.?The Kitchn

This weekend? Finally taking Chef Kelvin up on his offer of brunch at Jun’s. I’ve heard amazing things, and I can’t wait to enjoy this al fresco experience.

Next week? Heading back to Coya for the first time in forever. A paella class with none other than?Jose Avillez?and my first glance of the Royal Atlantis (!) with the BonBons? It must be a perfect Friday. Also, catch me back on the radio at 4PPM with Helen.

If you enjoy this newsletter and want to support me,?consider sharing this newsletter on social media,?ordering from these restaurants,?purchasing my books?(or these novels?— all free to read on Kindle Unlimited), or?buying me coffee. Archives of the Weekly A to Z?can be found here.

C.