Weekly A to Z, November 9th.
Friends, you will hopefully allow me to be a bit emotional. This week, I learned that America really hates women. I’m not sure why I deluded myself that my country would not elect a convicted felon/rapist, but here we are. Unlike many of my fellow countrymen and women, I already live overseas. I don’t have children, so the overall impact on my actual life isn’t that dramatic. However, the US I left in 2007 has ceased to exist — or maybe we were always this bad? I can’t be sure. I’m not okay. I know the world is a terrible place right now, but I hoped. On Tuesday, I was nauseously optimistic. But here we are. A Supreme Court that will be packed with judges who want to take away women’s autonomy over their own bodies. A Commander in Chief who is capable of terrible things. And while I’m perfectly aware that neither candidate was a good choice for the region, one spent a career serving her country.
I know the world will continue to turn. I’ll enjoy my next meal and travel to the States again at some point. I’m one of the lucky ones. Many are not. Many will never have the chance to be. And (for now), while the blue passport is still a privilege, I’m much prouder to call the UAE home.
There’s no way to tonally shift into a lighthearted newsletter, but that’s the state of the world, isn’t it? We have to witness daily horrors in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond and still come up “normal.” To go about our day, day after day. To go through the motions when loved ones are in danger. When the world is falling apart around us.
To be fully transparent (and wildly superficial), I’m so glad the Best Chef Awards were in town this week. The joy and energy in the events was palpable. On Tuesday, I joined many visiting chefs, journalists, and other culinary professionals at the One & Only Za’abeel for the Food Meets Science discussions. Chef Himanshu and the Tresind Studio team presented at a packed house, highlighting their Sadaya tradition.
On Wednesday, it was time for the awards! I’m delighted (and not the least bit surprised) that Chef Himanshu was awarded the prestigious 3 Knives distinction and the title of Best Dubai Chef. I think it’s worth mentioning my gratitude to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for sponsoring and making events like this possible. It’s been incredible to see so much global culinary talent in town, enjoying so many of our local restaurants.
On Friday, I met some visiting journalists at 21 Grams, which was a great way to end a hectic week. #invited
And finally, a fun delivery from the States. A little distraction from the chaos in the form of Talking Hearts, a game I’m going to suggest/force friends to play for winter nights ahead.
If all else fails, may I suggest ordering a bespoke neon frog from Vertical Design?
Links, please.
This weekend? Picking up the pieces. Trying to move on. Chez Wam is now hosting Chez Brunch, and I’m very excited to check it out.
Next week? This and that — Josette has a new wine room (La Petite Cave), Spinneys is having a holiday party ahead of the festive season, and Takahisa is pulling me back in with their SushiJin collab.
If you enjoy this newsletter, consider working with me,?purchasing my books?(including these novels), or?buying me a Cosmo. Also, a reminder is that a subscription to support this newsletter is only $30 per year—or $2.50 monthly. If you open the Weekly A to Z every week, please consider subscribing.
C.
?? If you enjoyed this post, please click the like button — it helps others discover my content!
?? Similarly, feel free to share or repost this if you think others in your network might enjoy this post.
?? And finally, I always love a comment! What was your favorite link this week?
Archives of the Weekly A to Z?can be found here.