Weekend links, Corona Edition #3.
How was your week? Are you feeling okay? While we had fun wine tasting, with new rules in place in the UAE as of last night, I won’t be able to join Lindsay for the next two weeks. If the two-way feature on IG Live wasn’t blocked, we might have better luck, but that’s not the case. Zoom, maybe? How about some links then? When distilleries make hand sanitizer. What goes into a 100 point wine? WHY IS EVERYONE MAKING BANANA BREAD? Diet Coke is the best beverage (fight me). Relevant: how to stop boredom eating. Why have I never thought to make this? (Ramen + cheese). Well done, Eleven Madison Park. Buy my new book? This week will be (hopefully) about staying productive inside (including editing a book, as well as working out). I’m hoping to come out on the 19th a kilo lighter and maybe even with a…
Virtual happy hour with The Tasting Class.
So, in case you’ve never heard of The Tasting Class, friend Lindsay Trivers founded the company a few years ago in Dubai. Since then, she’s delivered countless at home wine tastings (I’ve been fortunate enough to attend a few) and professional wine education courses. Obviously, things have changed drastically for her (and everyone) over the past month. She and I had always been talking about working together on a project — maybe a podcast, but something where we would discuss wine, wine tasting, and history, in a longer format. So, near the middle of March, in a world where we have the technology, the idea of the virtual tasting class/happy hour was born. We’ve recorded three ‘episodes’ so far, and it’s been encouraging to see the community respond and engage with us. Overall, we’re looking to be a fun source of edutainment. A virtual place for people to come together…
My Top Dishes of March 2020.
I almost didn’t post this, then decided, it’s best to keep calm and carry on. After all, we’re all still eating. In all honesty, even when restaurants were open, I didn’t have a particularly spectacular meal at the places I was reviewing. Fortunately, there were a few good dishes in what appeared to be the longest month in the history of my life. So, what made the list? Chicken Tikka, 3 ways, at Masala Library. ALL the steak, Meat & Co., Dine Around at Souq Madinat with Foodiva. Crispy eggplant, Nido. Honorable mention to the High Joint we had at home, and BB for hooking us up with some great veggie dishes. What did you enjoy this month? Something homemade, or something ordered?
Weekend links, Corona Edition #2.
How are you doing out there, team? Hubs officially started working from home on Wednesday, but otherwise, I’ve just been editing a ton and trying to get outside now and then (while maintaining safe distances). Really, I’ve been good about limiting my alcohol intake from home (not going out for events has actually helped me). So, does drinking less improve other habits? Translation: we all want to travel right now (but can’t). Hey — a photo of mine from one of my favorite trips last year. Love this — the satisfaction of using everything you have available. Foster a dog, get free beer. Love this initiative!! I posted this on Twitter, but the history of Triscuits (my favorite cracker) is a ride. Join me for a virtual happy hour tonight? And the trailer for the series (we had a lot of fun filming last weekend, and have plans for more…
Weekend links, Corona Edition #1.
How you going, fam? So, I did turn 40 on Tuesday, and… Well, I’m looking forward to another version of my birthday at some point in the future. The last of my events canceled, but then a friend and I decided to act on an idea we’ve had for a while and I’m hoping our new ‘virtual happy hour’ series will kick off next week. Watch this space! Opening a restaurant during a pandemic. Seems timely: a comprehensive guide to food safety. Best food shows to watch. Got weird stuff in your pantry? What do you pair together? Need substitutes? Read this list. Grocery store etiquette. Want to help Dubai restaurants? Order food directly! Bored? Why not download one of my books to read? Today we’re making a big batch of lasagna (if the giant hole in the kitchen gets fixed), and maybe venturing out to see our friend’s new…
Weekend links.
Well, it’s been a week, hasn’t it? Most important (to me, at least), we managed to get Puppy Ball done (minus a few cancellations). At the last minute, I also had to call in for my regular Dubai Eye spot on Thursday (as no one was allowed in the studio). The good news with many canceled events is focusing on a bit more balance (working out/drinking and eating less), and editing an upcoming book, which I hope to release in the next few weeks. Honestly, as someone who loves being home, I’m more than okay with all this social distancing. My husband and I are healthy, and that’s what matters most. Some links, if you find yourself with extra time at home… What is food diversity, really? What’s in your shame hoard? Mine is Diet Coke. Would you try hot Cheetos ice cream? Are modern food writers just a bunch…
An update (and some thoughts on opportunity costs).
Hello, reader! How are you? I realize this post is a bit overdue, and my apologies for keeping you in the dark. And even though you didn’t ask for it, I feel like there should be an explanation. You might have noticed a significant downturn in reviews and posts in general on A to Za’atar. Yes, it’s been on purpose. Why? As much as I love this blog, and how I’ve been able to explore my writing and opinions, the reality is that it doesn’t pay, and I have other demands on my time. Could I have spent more time and energy developing this site to make money? Of course. Am I glad I didn’t? Also yes. As it stands, I’m currently writing for Forbes Middle East, Dining and Nightlife Middle East, Umami Comms, and MenuPages.ae. All of these are paid roles, something that I’m very proud of. I’ve also…
Weekend links.
Where did February go exactly? Anyway, here are some links for your enjoyment. The case for waiting in line for food. (Do you? Have you? I have no patience, so it’s not for me.) Defining fast food. LOVED this disclosure of how sponsored content works from Grace at The Stripe. Is fighting food waste a waste of time? Finally, a snack trend I can get behind. Here’s a Reddit feed to lose some time (forbidden snacks). Are meatless Mondays enough? (Probably not). Toothpaste as a souvenir? Personally, I’m a fan of visiting grocery stores. It’s a busy week ahead — book club, a dine-around, and visiting a Food Fiesta. Plus, I’m trying to get to F45 as much as possible… My 40th birthday is on the 17th!
My Top Dishes of February 2020.
Not going to lie, February was a month full of (mostly good) food. There were some disappointments, but overall, I was very good at picking restaurants. A rather difficult decision, but my favorite dishes were the following: Corn achappam, 65 spice, Tresind Studio, Season 3. Crispy eggplant, Indochine. Wok tossed Beef Tenderloin, Hutong. While I loved the entire new season at Tresind and picking just one dish was difficult, the first course of act two was my favorite ‘new’ dish of the group. Also, the Bod Bod pop up burger at High Joint deserves an honorable mention. Next month is my birthday (!), and we’ll be staying in Dubai for the month. There’s nothing officially on the cards, but February held a lot of surprises, and I’m hoping March will too! What was your favorite dish in February?