Weekly A to Z, March 2nd. ??

A busy week in this beautiful weather. Dubai, why can’t we stay like this all year?

After K9 on Monday (it’s been a month!), I was over to BOCA ?? to film our next episode of Dubai byFood on Tuesday. Filming here is like being home, and I can’t wait to share this episode with you.

On Wednesday, we filmed our first Abu Dhabi episode. The location? Where else? Craft by Sidehustle. Of course, showcasing Chef Troy’s simply delicious menu and the range of crafted beers (in country!) is something I was only too happy to do. Look for more Abu Dhabi episodes coming soon.

On Thursday, I made my way back to Rhodes W1 to fully experience the Legacy menu with the BonBons. Come for the tomato soup, stay for the scallops and prawns. #invited

Was it a long week? Yes, but… I couldn’t help but accept a visit to Talea* for their 6 hands dinner (and a stay at all-time favorite Mandarin Oriental). I’ll tell you more tomorrow! #invited

Links, please.

• Please do NOT tell me about every single dish on the menu. Eater
• Clear ice > cloudy ice. NYT
• Is it time to swap pomegranate for cranberry in my beloved Cosmo (could this be the version I need to get added to a drinks list here in Dubai?)? Tasting Table
• Could wearing high heels be good for you? Washington Post
• Is it time to rewild golf courses? Kottke
• I now know far too much about the new Heinz ketchup lid. Twitter
• Should I make Eric do a hot dog yell? Mashable
• Why do people drink ginger ale on planes? Thrillist
• What is a luxury martini? Punch
• Artists make a can of undrinkable Coca-Cola. Dieline
• Titles I love: why social drinking is integral to a longer life. The Drinks Business
• Ready for Coke Zero with lemon. Dieline
• Would you drink a ketchup cocktail? The Drinks Business
• How to have meaningful conversations. Time
• How to look at art. Vox
• I’d like to think I’m a low-maintenance friend. The Everygirl
• Some beautiful…vending machines. Eijio Hashi
• Yes, I totally want this USD$5,000 eggplant charm. Mociun
• Do I want to know where my friends are? Social Media Today
• QR codes = no longer having to ask for the bill (thanks, Gen Z!). The Drinks Business
• I don’t smoke, but I need this ashtray. THNK 1994
• I also need this banana tray. 20 x 200
• And this ceramic toast candle. 20 x 200
• Would you dine at an edible insect restaurant? Hot Dinners
• Clutter makes us human. The Atlantic
• Using melatonin for…food waste? Anthropocene
• Who are manners for? Vox
• Is it time to redefine the term “sommelier?” Wine Enthusiast
• How to give constructive criticism and it’s not awkward for everyone. The Cut
• Why have Americans stopped hanging out? The Atlantic

Best dishes of February? Wow, that’s an incredibly difficult question. I had an exceptional month of dining, but if I had to narrow things down… I would say the knafeh-inspired cheese course at La Dame de Pic, a sublime ceviche at Manuel, and the brilliant uni, caviar, and prawns from Sagestsu. Shout out to the shrimp queso at Sidehustle, as well as the Langoustine at StreetXO, and the countless glasses of Ruinart at Takahisa. And you know I would love to hear your favorites from February…

This weekend? I might be one of the lucky few going to the new (licensed!) Pitfire venue in Dubai Hills.

Next week? The Bookers make their way to Revelry, and I calm down.

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C.