Courtney Brandt

While there were plenty of favorites, we particularly enjoyed the Baked Bone Marrow, with Beef Tartare, AED62, the Salmon Tataki, AED68, and the Kagoshima wagyu, maki with onsen egg dip (!), AED130. ‘eggs’ from Brix Desserts (as must for any Easter gourmand’s basket), and Sausage Fabique sent over their New York Streets Box, as well as a collection of some of their other deli treats In personal news, I realize March 26th is a bit late to get started on one’s fitness in a year, but the combination of our new (refurbished) treadmill, downloading the Peloton app, and an Apple Watch has sparked a big fitness kick for me, and I’m delighted. Atlas Obscura Lots to look forward to next week — podcast recording (not mine), food club at Hidden Hog, and a particular collab between Carnistore and Jagermeister that I ca

I’m sending this weekly update from our beautiful villa at the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi, which has looked after us for the past few days, including an al fresco dinner at The Farmhouse. I’m happy to help your company with any of the following: copywriting, voice-over work, developing projects for video content, presenting, creating and maintaining a newsletter, and consultancy. We enjoyed a night on the terrace at BOCA, with excellent biodynamic wines courtesy of Gramona 1881, otherwise, I’ve kept my head down and edited. I’ve got book club, then checking out the new Dry Age Boutique at Wafi, over to The Pangolin to preview some of the Dubai Food Festival menu, trying the newly opened Mimi Kakushi, and spending a day at the beach courtesy of the Westin, who has an incredible beach day deal (beach access and a 3-course lunch at either Bussola or Fish).

My birthday is next week, and honestly, my 40th year was a weird one (sorry to all my fellow 1980 babies, as we didn’t get to celebrate this milestone with friends or family). This time last year, Hubs and I went into lockdown after the last meal out for my birthday (which was unremarkable and entirely disappointing, especially as our last meal dining out until June). In case you’re looking to order, a reminder of my affiliate link, or use ATOZ to save 10% to place your order for a range of Italian products, edible and otherwise. I’m also over to a media preview of the BOCA’s Preservation of Time dinner (the theme of aging feels like a great way to end my 40th year) and then checking into the Ritz Carlton RAK for my actual birthday.

As a long-time customer, I’m always happy to sample anything new, and even more delighted when the beef comes from a carbon-neutral farm. #gifted Hubs took a step in front of the camera this week with our long-time favorite, High Joint. I kind of missed naming my favorite February dishes last week (oops!), but I’ve tried something new on TikTok if you want to watch (it’s short). It won’t surprise you that we’re hiking this weekend (really trying to make the most of what decent weather we have left and getting up and out early) and I’ve been tempted over to BA (Boldly Asian) at the Fairmont.