Weekend links.
I tentatively revoke the ‘Corona Edition’ addition on the links. We’re certainly not down to the numbers in New Zealand, but the UAE is finally in a downward trend (mostly). I had some actual (?) progress (??) this week. Two calls yielded the potential of some future projects, and, as ever, I remain optimistic. Well, optimistic about life getting back to normal here in Dubai. Elsewhere, I had some thoughts. Some links, er, distractions? Making meals more fun at home. Given that I’ve about reached my end of wanting to make food, this was timely. An excellent letter from the editor from Kitchn. Why use a knife with peanut butter, when you can just squeeze it? What do upcoming food and travel television shows look like? This is one of the many reasons why I NEVER want to be associated with influencers. Only posting this because of the title, ‘Who…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #11.
It was a very strange week for many reasons. Two people approached me for work, and didn’t seem to be able to understand the concept of ‘no.’ For the big company (and the individual), I knew I wasn’t a good fit for the requested work, but both parties REALLY didn’t seem to understand the idea that I was (politely, and professionally) turning them down. I have a feeling that a third and even fourth ‘no’ is coming up soon. Apologies for the vague post, but it’s more a reminder that even in a global crisis, I think it’s important to stick to one’s guns. However, for the two ‘no’s,’ I did say yes to this project, which I’m very much looking forward to being a part of. Basically, loved the title, ‘eat this ugly slop.’ Making MRE’s look Michelin. More love for the hardest working appliance in our kitchen (the…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #10.
I had one low day where I just couldn’t do anything, but otherwise, it was a good week. I made it to K9 Friends for the first time since March, I wrote a lot, and I am still doing my best to continue exercising. Love the ‘new’ Noma opening (and would encourage other restaurants of this caliber to do the exact same thing). So, what is in an ‘adult’ pantry? (Spoiler alert, we don’t have a ton of these). Yes, you can freeze eggs (and no, not those eggs, the ones you eat). What processed food would you like to be able to create at home? All you need to know is tater tots. The true story of Chuck E Cheese (yes, you can order their pizzas). Some heated discussions about the best pancake mix (mmm, pancakes). I made my first focaccia (part of a Zoom cook along with Gaggenau),…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #9.
A week of progress (mostly). I’m working on two new books (I have my reasons), and other than some strange cravings (movie popcorn with M&Ms — why?), it’s been another week of about the same. Although we did manage to get our aircon fixed, as well as our lighting and irrigation in the backyard, so that’s an entirely different level of excitement. Sign of the times? Which restaurants will reopen, and which won’t? Fresh on Table link, Courtney10 A book I’d like to read. Who needs Chex Mix? Everyone needs Chex Mix. Iftar when you’re social distancing. Interesting read — this butcher makes sausages to get people to eat less meat. Need to know how to saber? I’ve got you covered. Would you spend $800 for takeout? (What if it came from a highly rated Michelin restaurant?) Why doesn’t Aldi play music in their stores? (Honestly, I love it when…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #8.
Not going to lie – this week was a super weird struggle. Having finished the edit of a novel on Saturday, I’ve been drifting all week. While there are infinite projects to start, I can’t decide the specific direction. Do I edit another old manuscript? Write one of two sequels? Write something totally new? Prepare for the new book? Work on selling the old ones? Finish the two half started ones? With all my options, I essentially went into full digital organization mode, but that does not amount to much. At least I worked out, I guess that has to count for something. Changes to our future hotel stays. The title says it all: ‘this isn’t the time for caviar.’ When farm to table becomes farm to home. My nightmare. What happens when the only restaurants left are chains? I want to go to there — James Beard 2020 nominees.…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #7.
This week flew by, and I’m beginning to think my entire concept of time is now forever skewed. Yes, Dubai restaurants are open again, but with our numbers still rising/holding steady, I have no desire to leave the house and interact with more than 4 people at once. As much as I want to support local chefs and the F&B community, it is (personally) too early for me to feel comfortable doing so. With Ramadan added on top of things, I also feel awkward about dining out (especially during daylight hours). I did drive this week, for the first time in over six weeks, as two dogs from K9 Friends needed their vaccinations. That was enough excitement for me! Hubs and I seem to have really hit our stride on the meal planning/prep thing and somehow have an abundance of food leftover this week – not sure how we got…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #6.
I finished editing a book (sort of). I’m 95% through the second draft of a book (cutting over 10,000 words), but the tedious work is still ahead. I did fairly well in my attempts to not drink, but cracked on Monday night and split a bottle of wine with Hubs. Ups and downs, people. We’ve been watching a fair amount of Australian Masterchef (a fave in our household, no matter what’s going on in the world). Family Meal, graphic design + NYC restaurants = raising money. How do you feel about expiration dates during these times? Are you into sourdough? How about a virtual tour of many of the varieties? I would 100% buy this wine (and love the collab). Food Sheikh’s latest issue of 86. Excellent reading. Not to go into a tangent, but only a few ‘influencers’ I follow seem to understand the tone during these times. The…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #5.
Another week in isolation! This one seemed to tick along, and I made some progress with the novel I’m editing. Hubs and I (mostly) stuck to our non-drinking pact, and we’re excited that Australian Masterchef is back. Good news, delivery and food from the grocery store are probably safer than you think. I wrote a foreword to a free cookbook that includes some of the world’s best chefs (read the entire thing here). Seriously, why are there so many dishes to wash? WHEN WILL IT END? I want to order this wine. How to host a virtual dinner or happy hour. This is happening in the UAE as well (I’ve ordered from a few), but when restaurant suppliers turn to home delivery. What Americans are drinking right now (answer: cheap wine). A hack for perfect egg yolks when frying an egg. Someone could make this for me, and I would…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #4.
Greetings from complete lockdown in the UAE. Not like I’d been doing any amount of traveling in the past few weeks, but in the past few days, I’ve only gone out once (with a permit) to the store. God bless the delivery men of Dubai. We’ve received any number of ordered things to our villa, and I’ll be forever grateful these options exist. That Hubs and I have outdoor space (our backyard) is also an incredible privilege and one that I don’t take for granted. Some links to share: What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? For Americans, how many people are still flying? Very sorry to see Lowe close, and worried this is just the start of things to come. A very starchy final four (disappointed tagliatelle isn’t in the mix). In case you want to treat yo self. Just ask. Free fries at Steak n’Shake. Timely, how to…