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 you don’t mind. As much as I try and love the platform of Instagram, most days, I find myself getting more irritated and less inspired. More JOMO and less FOMO. Maybe having such an opinion makes me officially an Old™, but I thought I’d put some of my major annoyances out into the ether, and see what resonates with you, dear reader. Jumping straight in, shall we? As each point on the list is of equal irritation, I leave it up to do to help me rank these (or point out what I’ve missed). “I just posted a new post // Go give my post some love!” Who started this trend? Why did they do…
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 a speaking engagement in Jordan. I’ve also had my share of trips fall through. I’ve pitched, been pitched by friends, but had still never booked something I specifically considered an official press trip. Thus, you can imagine my excitement when I was invited on (what I thought) was exactly that to Korea. While the dates were initially set for late August, ultimately, the trip fell through, and I thought I would no longer be able to go, as my September/October was already quite busy. When the trip came back online, I was delighted — finally, the opportunity I had been waiting so long for! Now, for the record, I’m not going to mention who the trip was for, or…
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 thought it might be helpful to put together a short list of suggestions. Let me start by saying I recognize there are things beyond the control of any restaurant in the UAE, be it a large venue or a smaller one. Namely, rental prices from a landlord (which are at a premium not seen in many other places in the world), and often, how long it takes a venue to come on the market (this is Dubai, after all). Let’s also clarify — I do NOT have a background in managing a restaurant. While I have worked in casual chains (decades ago), my experience comes mainly from dining out 2-3 times a week for the past two-plus years at some…
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 I’ve never set out to become one. I have spoken about this differentiation to both private and public groups, on panels and to various audiences. I know who the influencers are in the world of F&B in the UAE, and for many reasons, we are in separate categories. If we’re getting into semantics, I would most closely identify as a food writer or food blogger. And for the record, I’m not addressing fashion, beauty, lifestyle, or fitness influencers — my comments are solely focused on food and travel. Although you might find this difficult to believe, when I’m invited to a restaurant, it is rarely with specific deliverables. I have cultivated good relationships within the industry, and don’t have to spell…
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, sometimes I do it at the start of the year. Anyway, here’s what I am going to try and focus on in 2018. I consider all of these to be of equal importance, so don’t read into the order too much. Consume Less Sugar. I’m not going so far as to say I’m a sugar addict, but I will say there is a lot of unnecessary sugar in my diet. I know it’s not good for me. I know it’s contributing to kilos I’m not particularly happy with. I know it’s not helping my long-term health. I think the key is to simply have less sugar available at home. While I’m not going to go Whole30…
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, I’m really feeling it. Let’s just say that it’s a constant struggle to be on the outside, know you’re doing your thing, and hoping it will pay off in the end. So, I eat by myself. Probably more than most people. Like, at least once a week. And you want to know something? I kind of love it. I like leaving the house whenever I feel like it. I like choosing whatever venue I feel like trying. No matter the venue, I like the sheer luxury of it. I’ll tell you what I do not like. Somehow, in Dubai (as an example), there seems to be a trend of not understanding the concept of…
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 United States and what it meant to celebrate a birthday at a chain restaurant. The author reminisces about special occasions, which reminded me of my own beloved chain restaurant of choice, the Olive Garden. Growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta in the 80’s and 90’s, there was not much in the way of farm to table, or really, even the concept of a ‘local’ restaurant. (That’s okay, because I wouldn’t have known the difference anyway). For special treats, the Olive Garden was a place (to me, ages 7-12) nothing short of an amazing culinary experience. Buttery, garlicky breadsticks. Yummy Italian dressing in a never ending salad bowl. The choice of six different kinds of pasta, and,…
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.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYzZoFT7ZSo
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 over here). For starters, I’m a habitual early packer. When I was working full time, starting to pack meant that my trip was going to become a reality. I like to put together small amounts at a time, so I don’t forget anything. I am not a throw everything in at the last minute kind of gal. So, I will most likely be packed this evening and: Charging everything Downloading podcasts Downloading books Making sure all my projects are prepped and ready on my laptop (novel saved, trailer material ready, potentially a few other projects I have every intention of working on but will not open as well) Ordering takeaway (can’t have dirty dishes!) Trying to go…