Weekly A to Z, November 23rd.

This was a week that started slow but turned out busy. In the background of everything, we finally (finally!) had tile installed in our kitchen. I only mention this because no matter how long you put something off, projects CAN be finished!

On Wednesday, I had to go see what all the fuss was about with Hampton Water (available at MMI). The brand is partially owned by (elder millennial favorite) Jon Bon Jovi. Team Hilton were (as always) wonderful hosts, and I think it goes without saying that November in Dubai is really the best (minus the horrendous traffic). #invited

On Thursday, I traveled to the capital to check out Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, recently opened at Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace. In the case of Hakkasan* v. Strawfire v. SushiSamba, it will be interesting to see who ultimately comes out ahead at the iconic property. #invited

On Friday, I happily accepted an invite to Helen’s show to chat about everything turkey! With our Thanksgiving party happening next weekend, it’s my favorite time of year (and there are so many great places to order from in Dubai).

A few deliveries this week. One from the States, in the form of a fab 2025 calendar by Studio Tigress. I love the clean design and how the weekends/months are laid out (I’m very particular about these things). The Michelin Abu Dhabi team also sent through a fun kit in advance of their food festival, taking place this weekend at Emirates Palace (check out more details here). Maher from TabChili celebrated two years of operations and was kind enough to send over a fermented care package — including a sourdough starter (I’m so excited). #gifted

The week that was (featuring a very eclectic amount of things).

Links, please.

• Turkey talk with Helen (listen from 39:35). Dubai Eye
• Jay Raymer has some insight into silly questions. The Guardian
• Just making sure everyone saw this MMI advent calendar. MMI
• Loved this interview from Arva with Carnistore. YouTube
• Chef Gregoire’s last collab at Ossiano is coming up soon. Instagram
• Do you agree? The top 25 recipes of the last 100 years. Slate
• What are some of the best amenities in boutique hotels? Hotels Above Par
• Hellman’s…in a wine bottle? Forbes
• Coupes v. flutes. Wine Enthusiast
• Very into this new seasonal pasta shape. Martha Stewart
• Studying paintings for old produce. Smithsonian
• Why do all dogs love their Lamb Chop? The Atlantic
• Talk to me about Thanksgiving pies. BonAppetit
• Where are my Book-It kids? NYT
• Who doesn’t want an actual sushi train for their house? Amazon
• Is there a case for gatekeeping? Taste
• Fake meat foie? Robb Report
• How to up your in-flight wine experience. Wine Enthusiast
• 99.2% sure I need this cocktail shaker. ?? John Lewis
• Instagram will let users reset their recommended content. Mashable
• Delta x Shake Shack was all over my feed this week. OMAAT
• Welcome to the new world of WAGS. Glamour
• Hello, gorgeous. The Kitchn
• What are the most unhealthy things to order at Olive Garden? Eat This, Not That
• Is this plane going to change the aviation industry? Skift
• Does your house need to smell like KFC? Homesick
• Who makes the best butter? NYT
• All about making breastfeeding more accessible for women in restaurants. Eater
• Are we all ready for better convenience store food? AP
• Need inspiration? Look to Bangkok hospitality. Skift
• More than ready to stay at this Chopard hotel. Harpers Bazaar
• The first Louis Vuitton cafe in the States. Robb Report
• Yes, you can buy pink, sparkly Funyuns. Dieline
• I probably need this collection of port in my life. Kopke

This weekend? Recording something I can’t wait to share next month.

Next week? So excited to finally visit FZN!

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