Weekend links.

Reader, I have something to admit.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been categorically ‘off’ in choosing places to dine out and events to attend.  When accepting invitations, there’s a lot to consider, but choices I’ve made in the past two weeks have almost all been for the worse, and have me wondering why I spent money on Careem fares. Fortunately, the one highlight of dining out was long time favorite High Joint, who invited me to try their new plant-based burgers, one of which will be permanently added to the menu.  I can tell you that whatever you think a veggie burger should be, these guys are doing it differently.

Otherwise, I finished an (almost) final draft complete for my next novel, but it kind of felt like I was swimming upstream. Was the full moon in Pisces to blame?

For those ordering groceries, the fine folks at Kitopi are offering AED25 off your first purchase of AED100 or more if you use my code AZ25 (not affiliated, just sharing the love). (Yes, the delivery can be within 60 minutes).

Similarly, the team at Casinetto has also given me a code (save 10% when you use code ATOZ) and some products (head over to Instagram to see what I put together, no heavy lifting involved).  This link is affiliated. I’ll make a percentage if you choose to click (transparency, yes?). 

Links time!

• Congrats to all those accepted into the Spinneys Incubator. Excited to see so many familiar names! Caterer Middle East
• Everything Bagel, but make it nail polish? The Cut
• While the focus is on the US, I think this resonates around the world. The restaurant industry is in need of a federal bailout. Eater 
• What is MSG? Uncle Roger explains (and his take on Jaime Oliver’s fried rice is beyond priceless). Instagram 
• Crosses fingers. Covid-19 changing influencer culture. Bitch Media
• Is marijuana the new Chardonnay? Bookshop 
• This made me miss happy hour at my parent’s house (Hi Mom and Dad!) Bon Appetit
• Like a cocktail?  How about history? Check out A History of Cocktails: British Edition with The Tasting Class, taking place on September 15th.
• Other exciting news in beverages? Side Hustle Brews is going to be available shortly in Dubai! Cut to me finally enjoying a hard seltzer in the UAE. Instagram
• I want everything in this tiny kitchen. Instagram 
• Dine like a Bond villain, as French Laundry launches an Eyes Wide Shut menu in private dining rooms. Eater
• Looking for an Instagrammable kitchen? Search no further. Kitchn
• Why restaurants can’t survive on takeout alone. Eater 
• The latest issue of Dining and Nightlife is available (with a few articles from yours truly). Issuu
• People are dining out, they’re just not saying anything about it on social media. Eater
• Still don’t believe in the power of Google Maps?  I just crossed 45 million views this week, and a single photo from a restaurant I visited in July now has over 100,000 views.

Next week I’ll finally get around to checking out the latest and greatest at Kushi by Reif (located at Depachika Food Hall at Nakheel Mall), and a visit to The Lighthouse in D3.  I enjoyed my meal there a few years ago, so I’m looking forward to the experience.

Have a great weekend!