Jan 2019
I low key hate Instagram. Here's why...
And no, this isn't going to be one of those articles where it's all 'ha ha, when I said hate, I meant love.' So, I'm starting 2019 out on a spectacularly negative note, and I hope…
The archive
Personal
23 stories · Page 2 of 3
Oct 2018
My first press trip: So many lessons.
So, thus far in my social media career (for lack of a better definition), I've managed to travel on a few overseas visits. Mostly, they were for specific properties, and once for…
Jul 2018
Dear UAE F&B, A few suggestions for you...
Hey Dubai restauranteurs, GMs, and various F&B personnel, Courtney here! After a few years of 'official' dining in the country as A to Za'atar and living here for 11 years, I…
May 2018
Don't Call Me an Influencer: My thoughts on the upcoming UAE social media influencer rules.
Before June, and perhaps, before the industry changes forever, let's clear the air. First of all, I've never considered myself an Influencer. I don't categorize myself as one, and…
Dec 2017
A to Za'atar's Resolutions for 2018.
Yes, I am one of those people who like to check in on a yearly basis and attempt to make (somewhat) realistic goals for the coming year. Sometimes I do this on my birthday,…
Sep 2016
On Dining Alone...
" I know what I bring to the table , so trust me when I tell you, I'm not afraid to eat alone ." ~ Unknown First of all, I love this quote. And for reasons I won't go into today,…
Sep 2016
On reconciling birthdays at chain restaurants with Michelin stars.
So, I happened to read this article this week, Turning 17 at Chili's, and it touched something in me. For a tl;dr version of the essay, it's about growing up middle class in the…
Jul 2016
A to Za'atar video trailer.
So, I thought it might be fun to make a 'hype' video of sorts for my little blog. Let me know what you think! (Its permanent home will be on the 'Work With Me' tab.)…
May 2016
What Are You Doing the Night Before You Travel?
I saw this question asked on another travel blog, and thought I would answer (especially as I'm leaving on an unexpected long haul trip tomorrow -- some side notes on how I travel…
Dec 2015
2015 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog. Here's an excerpt: A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 390…