I did quite like February, but I felt out of breath for the entirety of it.
Before we get into things, a quick note: I hope to keep this newsletter free for as long as possible, so it would mean so much to me if you supported my work by ordering my cookbook, Third Culture Cooking, which features 100+ flavorful recipes that reflect my third culture perspective. Find signed copies here. Now, onto ‘the recipe’..
Between planning the cookbook tour and the merch line (!!), developing recipes, traveling to Saudi Arabia and Dubai at the close of January and the start of February, readjusting upon my return, and ignoring the laryngitis I caught, I could barely keep up.
In the rush of the month, I didn’t manage to cook as much as I would’ve liked, but there’s always a silver lining—I had some great food outside of my kitchen and attended a some meaningful events, too.
WHAT I’M COOKING
Here you can expect to see new recipes, recipes in development, and anything else I’ve made recently that I think you might like.
Strawberry Matcha: The secret is in the sauce, which uses freeze-dried strawberries. This recipe was inspired by my regular order at Kijitora in Brooklyn, which was a spring / summer staple for me in 2024.
Fast, Flavorful Chocolate Chip Cookies: Toasted sesame oil does all the heavy lifting here. I made these with my 4 year old nephew and filmed it. In hindsight, it was a rather brave undertaking, but nevertheless, the cookies turned out really good.
Gochujang Chili: recipe in development; will be dropping this month.
Scrambled Eggs: I've been having two eggs, seasoned with just a bit of salt and cooked in salted butter over medium heat, almost every afternoon. You read that right—I have my real breakfast around noon on most days. Nonstick used to be my preference for scrambled eggs, but I’ve perfected my technique in a stainless steel skillet, and I’m never going back.
Gahwa Sundae: This is a recipe from my cookbook. Think of it like an arabic coffee affogato sundae.
Chocolate Crepes, Salted Lassi, & Strawberry Lassi: All for NYTCooking. Those are hyperlinked to gift links, meaning the recipes are free to view without a subscription. I also wrote a more general guide to making lassis here.
These date truffles are the priority in my saved folder. Need to get my hands on Rawaan Alkhatib’s book Hot Date (it’s on sale now!).
WHERE I’VE BEEN
Here you’ll find highlights from all my outings, be it restaurant recommendations or travel guides.
When February began, I was in Dubai. I’m writing a travel guide for you with my usual Google Maps list + some extra info and context. Spoiler alert: I visit there often and never feel quite content by it. I’d rather go somewhere else if I’m honest. But, as always, the food was great and so was the company. Noteworthy first time visits for me food wise include Heaf in the new Marsa Al Arab (still thinking about their gorgeous ceramics), Sofret Maryam from the always-delicious Bait Maryam Team, Alica, and Al Naqa Kebab House.
Gem Home: : I crossed this daytime cafe off my list toward the end of the month. So cozy and European.
Cafe Kestrel: Same sentiment as above but make it dinner. You must order the mac and cheese.
Little Flower: I realized I won’t be able to eat at Little Flower at all in March (it’s Ramadan and they close before we break fast) so I panicked 20 minutes before their close last Friday. The owner, Ali, is a very sweet man and kindly obliged my last minute pickup request. Their gochujang chicken (messy) and short rib (neat) sandwiches are my favorites. Oh, and the firni doughnut is great, too.
Birds of a Feather: The infamous Chinese restaurant (google it). I love this for a casual weeknight dinner. The seared cucumbers, cold eggplant, vegan dan dan, and fried fish are my usual favorites. Ask for black vinegar and soy sauce on the side for seasoning the white rice from the fried fish.
Le Crocodile: My go-to spot for breakfast in the neighborhood. It’s cozy and chic. The honey butter scone is otherworldly. Otherwise, I always order the omelet.
Edy’s Grocer: I finally visited for a dinner Edy was hosting with Shireen Idriss’s brand, Dr. Idriss. I’m still thinking about the roast chicken he served. I think I found the recipe on page 169 of his cookbook, ‘Spatchcock Sumac Chicken’ so I will be making it at home. It’s inspired by Palestinian Musakhan. Dr. Idriss was launching their lip baste treatment for lips that are plump and juicy, not unlike Edy’s chicken.
The Odeon: While I usually visit for their steak frites, this time I had a quick cappuccino with a friend here in the daytime. I hope to return for the lunch offering soon.
Caviar Kaspia: Moda Operandi hosted a beautiful dinner for Valentine’s Day in partnership with Caviar Kaspia. I went home very satisfied with a stomach full of caviar.
Monkey Bar: Another classic for me. Their French dip and truffle mac and cheese are the standouts.
Oh Dumplings: This is a Greenpoint neighborhood take-out spot. The vegan cold noodles are incredible and I walked by and found they had quite the selection of unique snacks as well.
Theory Atelier: For this year's NYFW presentation, Theory opened up their best-in-class Meatpacking district atelier to give guests a real preview into the construction of a garment. It was fascinating to see. And, the FW ‘25 collection is beautiful.
Restoration Hardware Guesthouse: Grabbed lunch here just after the presentation. I’ve been coming here for years now. For lunch, order the Chinese chicken salad, fries, and roasted sweet potatoes.
Manjul: A new-ish cafe opening in downtown Manhattan. I have to say, I don’t venture around too much for coffee anymore, but this was refreshing. It’s a gorgeous space and the barista who made my cortado knew what they were doing.
The Snail: Another new-ish opening, in Brooklyn, though. It’s located in Greenpoint and is walk-in only. The space fills up fast so get there early. I’ve inquired about the halal-status and beef supplier to no avail (the burger and steak look noteworthy). The caesar salad, agnolotti, and branzino were all delicious.
Veronica Beard on Madison Avenue: I’m surprised this barn jacket I’ve been obsessing over didn’t bring me into the store sooner. The ultra-talented Molly Ford held a flower arranging workshop at the brand’s store for Valentine’s day. It was so nice to gather with a group of talented creative women and play with stems under Molly’s expert guidance. PS.How beautiful is that suede ATP bowler in the back. It belongs to the very chic, Mimi. Do I need it?
Second Day Hair: Lorna is the only person I trust with my hair.
Blissful Headspace Spa: My favorite once-a-month ritual.
THINGS I’M LOVING
These are the MVPs of the month, some new and some tried and true.
CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES
Not too much to share here this month. My usual shopping time was spent browsing fashion month’s many runway shows. A wish list is brewing though.
I had some trusty old fashion jewelry pieces remade in solid gold while in Dubai. I also had an old turquoise necklace pendant turned into a pinky ring.
Speaking of travel; these Uniqlo sweatpants + sweatshirt put in hours this month (size down).
And, I finally got some wear out of the cobalt blue Hermes bag I bought last year. It’s probably my favorite of the few I’ve invested in, probably because it holds its own and doesn't scream Hermes.
In other bags, my deep red Karl Lagerfeld-era maxi flap Chanel (pictured in the collage) officially feels like a forever bag. I bought it off the The Real Real last spring after receiving a sizable site credit, and I’ve worn it consistently for a year. It fits my laptop and my 250+ page cookbook, which I’ve been dragging around everywhere with me now that we’re just a month from launch.
You can shop my other closet favorites here.
VANITY
Amouage Guidance: This month I was most complimented on my scent—I love details you can’t see.
I’ve been using the same three or four perfumes in rotation and layered together for the past couple years and they’ve all entered my life in different ways. This is the most recent addition, and one already I’m looking forward to repurchasing. This one is pretty feminine for an oud, but it’s got lasting power without being too intense (for that vibe, though, I love this one from DS & DURGA, which my husband and I share). Amouage also opened a store in SoHo, so I can’t wait to stop in and find other scents to try. Mistpouffer and Lavande 31 are other beloved regulars in my rotation. Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille is reserved exclusively for colder months and evenings.
Davine’s OI Hand Balm: I’m on a bit of a hand cream kick. This winter was brutal and after my last newsletter, Davine’s reached out to send their entire OI line. I emphatically accepted, and as it turns out, I love the balm just as much as I love the shampoo. Two other favorites are Soft Services Theraplush, and Sidia’s hand serum.
I shared my Travel Essentials on Instagram stories, with three truly noteworthy items. The first being the Tower28 spritz—fair warning, the dispenser sucks, but the post-flight acne I used to get is a thing of the past. Next is the Emma Lewisham Travel Kit. This was gifted by the brand and showed up at my door at the perfect time. The set kept my skin hydrated and glowy throughout my travels, and the moisturizer lasted an entire 14 hour flight. And, last but not least, EmergenC. I get sick incessantly and have only now started immune-boosting with this during travels. I don’t know if I’m just drinking the Kool-Aid, but I do think it works. I did get sick this month, but not from traveling, so that’s a win..
Biodance Collagen Mask: My sisters came to town to celebrate my brother’s engagement (!!), and one of them brought these viral face masks with her. I was skeptical, but they do work. I only lasted a few hours and didn’t love the idea of sleeping with it on, but my other sister braved it through the night, and I woke up wishing I had, too.
Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer: I emptied this out for the third time and repurchased it, finally committing to the 100ml size.
You can shop my other beauty favorites here.
FOOD
Sorate Matcha: I’ve been visiting their cafe almost every time I’m in downtown Manhattan. It was time to buy it for home. Zero regret.
Marmalade Grove Tangerine Marmalade: So good over some toast with french butter cut thick like cheese. Salivating at the thought.
Heart Shaped Boston Cream Donuts from Dunkin’: Admittedly, this one’s entirely motivated by nostalgia.
You can shop my other food favorites here.
KITCHEN
Sidia Saucy Candle: I finally got to burning my Sidia candles. I went through three this month. This one, in collaboration with Don Angie, is definitely my favorite. It’s very uniquely savory, yet still inviting.
Ya Albi Olive OIl: I really love this brand. Not only is the packaging easy on the eyes while having personality, the olive oil has a great all-purpose flavor. I’ve used it to cook my eggs and make salad dressings.
Rancho Meladuco Barhi Dates: Ramadan and dates are synonymous. In preparation for the month, I purchased 2 pounds of Barhi dates to split up and share with family and friends. The Barhi variety are by far my favorite dates for snacking on, and breaking fast with. They’re deep, nutty, and almost-caramelly. The very talented, Diana Yen, sent me a care package from Ojai with them back in 2021. Very grateful Rancho Meladuco carries them so I don’t have to bother her with my obsession. She started it, though.
You can shop my other kitchen favorites here.
WHAT’S ON MY MIND
The media that made an impression and the thoughts I keep coming back to.
MEDIA
Severance: It is still my weekly saving grace.
The Kite Runner: I know, how have I not read this already? I’ve picked it up several times in my life but have never gotten sucked in by it. This time I was in tears on page 6. It’s heavy so I’m taking my time with it.
I went to a great book talk hosted by The Real Real. LaTonya Yvette and Kristen Naiman discussed Stand in My Window, LaTonya’s most recent book. I found all her musings on home, objects, style, and the women in her life so impactful. I can’t wait to get lost in the book.
Love Island All Stars: My one true guilty pleasure. I didn’t finish the season (TikTok revealed the winners too soon) and I lost interest.
In The Kusina by Woldy Reyes: My good friend, Woldy, shared an advanced copy of his book with me—major eye candy.
THOUGHTS
The cookbook launch is less than 1 month away ?!!
Planning for my cookbook tour is well underway and I have so many exciting (and daunting) events ahead. I’ll announce the tour on Substack first :)
My husband got a stunning new tattoo of a persian proverb. It translates roughly to, “Worship begins when prayer ends.” It’s profound and a sentiment we both resonate with. Character develops between the big moments—that’s who you really are.
It’s been two months since I last got a gel manicure. I’ve been getting them regularly for 10 years, so I’m not quite convinced I’ll last long, but I’ve tried taking breaks in the past unsuccessfully and this time feels different. I’m so enjoying the freedom from the shackles of a regular two-week, two-hour appointment—buffing is so much faster and lasts quite a while. Plus, it’s high time I let my rings do the work.
This video is haunting me. If motherhood scares you, proceed with caution.
Ramadan Mubarak :) you mentioned inquiring about halal status/beef suppliers, out of curiosity: are all your restaurant meal recommendations halal?
Saving all of your Dubai recs! I have a work trip coming up in June, I would LOVE to have your full list 💖