Weekly A to Z, June 15th. ??

Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate!

Also, ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday, wishing the best to John, Ben, Matt, and Liam.

Continuing on from last week’s adventures, a reminder that my press trip to France was (wonderfully) organized by Hopscotch Season for CNIEL, the French dairy Board.

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to watch the process of making farmhouse Saint Nectaire, which was just a lovely “pure” cheese (especially when enjoyed al fresco). This was followed by a visit to Fromagerie Duroux, a VERY unique affinage experience in an abandoned train tunnel (yes, you’ve read this correctly). After that, we were off to the wildly adorable town of Rocamadour (also the name of a delicious cheese). Seriously, I fell in love with this part of France. I’ve been very fortunate to visit the country on a number of occasions, but this region is super special.

On Sunday, we were all about goats at La Borie d’Imbert. The farm works with people of determination and is a peaceful place focusing on DOP cheese. Following a lovely picnic at the property — the weather in France in June is amazing!!! — we traveled to the charming city of Figeac. We stayed in quite possibly the most interesting hotel I’ve ever visited, and seriously, it was one of the most memorable/eclectic/largest rooms I’ve ever been assigned to. Given that the property has been in existence since 1308 (!), I felt a little like a dauphine.

On Monday, it was a bright and early visit to La Cooperative Fromagere Jeune Montagne, followed by a new life skill — making (and spinning) Aligot, which is an incredible combination of cheese, potatoes, and cream. Making our way through the French countryside to an absolutely stunning location, we also sat for a cheese quiz that you’ll be seeing later (it will be much in the style of the fun one we did last year). There were A LOT of laughs (teammates Zahra and Tiffany were the best) and plenty of information. I can’t wait to share the video with you.

On Tuesday, it was (somehow) our last full day, and we were able to visit yet another incredible location, this time at Les Caves de Peyrelade, featuring some incredible blue cheese aged naturally in a cave. We finished our trip by returning to Lyon, where I was happy to contribute to the local economy. Lyon is genuinely my favorite city in France — it’s pedestrian-friendly, offers plenty of original shopping and dining, and is just “easier” than Paris in every way. I’m always looking forward to my next trip! As a group, we decided to return to Grive Epicier Bistrotier for dinner. If you find yourself in Lyon this summer, I highly recommend it for its original food and excellent natural wine selection.

Finally, on Wednesday, I woke up in my teeny, tiny, cozy room, got nearly 9,000 steps, and was homebound on a wonderfully empty flight on Emirates back to Dubai. On arrival, I made a quick trip to Le Clos (now open near the Montgomerie in Emirates Hills) for a special bottle that we’ll be saving for when our backyard is finished. A reminder to anyone traveling this Eid: it really is the easiest to order ahead, collect your bag, and be on your way. #gifted

I had a quick turnaround on Thursday and Friday, doing laundry and repacking for our trip to Sri Lanka (and monitoring the giant hole in our backyard that will become a pool).

You can find the highlights from our France trip here. I’ll be posting additional Reels next week, but I’d love for you to check out the highlights from the first 24 hours of our visit. Also, if I had to name a favorite cheese (out of the many, many, MANY we were lucky enough to try), I would have to say the OUT OF THIS WORLD Plancherin d’Arêches. Is it effectively runny goat cheese? Yes. Is it incredible? Also, yes.

Links, please.

• Gaia is not getting a lot of love in London (but the write-up is hilarious). The Guardian
• Wanting more fatty acids in my life. The Everygirl
• Of course Sabrina Carpenter has an espresso food collaboration. Eater
• Ready to make this Bloody Mary butter. VinePair
• This is the CUTEST packaging for tomatoes. Dieline
• Tomato girl summer (Heinz x KitKat). Dieline
• In time for the Olympics, Air France has a pop-up…with their airplane food. OMAAT
• How should food businesses operate in areas of conflict? Food Navigator
• Sign me up for Instagram (virtual) pets. Social Media Today
• 92% sure Poppy needs this Le Creuset doggie bowl. The Kitchn
• You’re not perfect (and that’s okay). Atlantic
• Here for a snackle box. Eater
• Booking tickets to Kyoto. Robb Report
• How many grapes are in a wine bottle? (The answer might surprise you!) The Takeout
• Unsalted water…at MY Olive Garden? The Takeout
• Scrub Daddy, Dunkin’ style. Dieline
• Where is the world’s biggest restaurant? The Takeout
• True story: coconut crabs terrify me (now, even more). Atlas Obscura
• It’s a pasta bowl world, and we’re just living in it. Eater
• Always love a good article on solo dining. Delish
• The United States of avocado. Taste
• The Big Mac as a status symbol. Market Watch
• Ready to drive wine visits? Do it with data. Wine Enthusiast
• Are you Team Cab or Team Merlot? Food & Wine
• Do you have too many reusable bags? So do I. Here’s what you can do with them. The Kitchn
• Spicy dill Goldish. Food Dive
• Someone make me this Twinkie cake. The Recipe Critic
• How often do you wash your sheets? Apartment Therapy
• The world’s most expensive yachts. Architectural Digest

This weekend? Off to paradise!

Next week? Enjoying paradise!

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C.