MAGNAV Emirates · Profile
Courtney Brandt: Dubai’s dining renaissance
A profile by Jane Stevens on Courtney’s food writing and perspective on the city’s restaurant scene.
Read profile ↗Courtney Brandt · Media
Stories beyond
the table.
Selected writing, press commentary, videos, radio conversations, podcast interviews and photography from Courtney’s work in food, travel and hospitality.
Editorial commissions & media inquiries →
The collected archive
Print articles & media appearances
Explore Courtney’s Pinterest collection of press clippings, published work and media appearances.
Features & commentary
nom:me · Quoted commentary
Hype and substance in Dubai’s restaurant economy
Courtney contributes commentary to Zainab Ali’s feature on restaurant visibility, social media and lasting relevance.
Read feature ↗Arab News · Quoted commentary
Pressure on Dubai’s restaurant industry
An industry report quoting Courtney on the pressures facing Dubai restaurants during the regional conflict.
Read coverage ↗Euronews · Quoted commentary
Inside Dubai’s booming food scene
Courtney contributes commentary on Time Out Market Dubai and sharing the city’s local food with visitors.
Read coverage ↗Video
FABDXB · Culinary Creators
Creating unforgettable restaurant experiences
A filmed conversation featuring Courtney, Tim Albermann and Chef Yu Hasegawa, recorded at Bocasu Al Quoz.
Watch episode ↗Writing
Tasting Table
Food and drink writing
Published articles on ingredients, drinks and practical kitchen ideas.
Browse articles ↗Tasting Table
An easier way to peel hard-boiled eggs
A bylined kitchen feature published in January 2024.
Read article ↗AOL · Bylined article
A salty twist on an ice cream float
Courtney’s article on adding peanuts to an ice cream float, published on AOL.
Read article ↗AOL · Bylined article
The story of french fries and ketchup
Courtney’s article exploring the history of this familiar pairing, published on AOL.
Read article ↗The 50 · Bylined article
When guests ask for the impossible: the most extraordinary requests at the world’s top hotels
Courtney’s feature on the hotel teams who turn extraordinary guest requests into memorable stays.
Read article ↗The 50 · Bylined article
Chefs reveal the dish that changed everything
Courtney interviews leading chefs about the dishes that shaped their careers.
Read article ↗Business Insider · Bylined article
I moved from Los Angeles to Dubai. It turned out to be the best thing for my career.
A personal essay by Courtney on moving abroad and building a career in food writing.
Read article ↗The 50 · Bylined article
Step inside the world’s most iconic suites and villas
Courtney explores distinctive hotel suites and villas around the world.
Read article ↗The 50 · Bylined article
What world-leading chefs most love about their cities
Courtney gathers chefs’ local recommendations and the flavors that define their hometowns.
Read article ↗The 50 · Bylined article
What the world’s best bartenders really drink
Courtney asks leading bartenders about their favorite drinks and how they assess a cocktail list.
Read article ↗Fast Company Middle East · Bylined article
Technology is transforming the Middle East’s restaurant industry. But originality will still be crucial
Courtney’s feature on restaurant technology, changing expectations and the importance of originality.
Read article ↗Fast Company Middle East · Bylined article
How are food influencers transforming the Middle East’s dining scene?
Courtney examines the relationship between food creators, hospitality businesses and their audiences.
Read article ↗Fast Company Middle East · Bylined article
Pickles and ice cream? Chefs in the Middle East are using AI to cook up the future of food
Courtney reports on how chefs use artificial intelligence to explore new flavor combinations.
Read article ↗Fast Company Middle East · Bylined article
The GCC is becoming a top culinary tourism destination. So, what’s cooking?
Courtney’s feature on the region’s culinary traditions, investment and growing appeal to food travelers.
Read article ↗Fast Company Middle East · Bylined article
Are Michelin stars aligning with restaurants’ bottom line in the UAE?
Courtney explores the business implications of Michelin recognition for UAE restaurants.
Read article ↗Fast Company Middle East · Bylined article
The hospitality industry in the Middle East is serious about sustainability. Can these strategies help?
Courtney examines practical sustainability strategies for the region’s hospitality industry.
Read article ↗The Ethicalist · Bylined article
Why Meat Free Mondays Should be Your 2025 Resolution
Courtney’s bylined article on making a weekly meat-free meal part of everyday life.
Read article ↗The Ethicalist · Bylined article
Eat, Drink and Be Merry with These Delicious Christmas Vegan Treats Available in the UAE
Courtney’s festive guide to vegan treats in the UAE. Availability reflects the original feature.
Read article ↗Tasting Table · Bylined article
The Best Nespresso Pod For Making Espresso Martinis
Courtney’s kitchen and drinks feature on choosing a coffee pod for an espresso martini.
Read article ↗Condé Nast Traveller Middle East · Bylined article
The best dinner-show restaurants in Dubai
Courtney’s published guide to dining with live entertainment in Dubai.
Read article ↗EuroCave · Bylined article
In the Cellar at Ossiano
A wine-cellar feature by Courtney on Dubai’s Ossiano and sommelier Danijela Tesic.
Read article ↗EuroCave · Bylined article
In the wine cellar at COYA
Courtney’s feature on the wine cellar at COYA Dubai.
Read article ↗EuroCave · Bylined article
In the cellar at Amisfield
Courtney’s feature on the wine cellar at Amisfield Bistro in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Read article ↗Radio
Dubai Eye 103.8
Dubai’s MICHELIN Guide conversation
Courtney joins Helen Farmer to discuss the Dubai selection in the episode “Human connection wins!”
Listen to episode ↗Dubai Eye 103.8
Food headlines with Helen Farmer
A food-news contribution to the episode “Farm to table dining.”
Listen to episode ↗Dubai Eye 103.8
Would you try a KFC-flavored jellybean?
Courtney brings snacks from the United States to try on air with Helen Farmer.
Listen to episode ↗Podcast
The Chef JKP Podcast
Courtney Brandt, AKA A to Za’atar
An interview about food writing, Dubai dining and the perspective of the guest. Episode 29, May 2021.
Listen to interview ↗Photography
A Luxury Travel Blog
Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island
A photograph by Courtney featured in the publication’s Photograph of the Week series, March 2020.
View feature ↗Media inquiries
Let’s talk.
For interviews, commentary, speaking opportunities or editorial commissions, get in touch.
Email Courtney