I’m hosting a private dinner, and you’re invited as my guests.

On the 23rd April. For social connection in turbulent times. And a thank you for supporting my business, in particular over a crisis.

I was at Dubai World Cup over the weekend, its 30th anniversary. A more subdued affair than previous editions, but all the same, a decent turnout with much camaraderie - and a testament to our adopted home’s resilience.

In moments of crisis, I find that social connection of this kind, coupled with my routine and dining out, keep me grounded and sane. And why I struggled more over the pandemic lockdown, than I am now. From chats with some of you, I know you feel the same way - so, in the hope that this might resonate more widely, I have set the date for my next Substack dinner.

On Thursday 23rd April, I am hosting an intimate, invitation-only dinner in the private dining room of a new licensed, independent restaurant in Dubai that opened earlier this year. On the ground level, in case you’re wondering. Expect a menu of French classics, paired with Champagne, wines and a cocktail nightcap.

I would love to invite annual paying subscribers as my guests.

If you’re keen to dine out, and not already an annual paying subscriber (including prime/ founding members of course), you may like to upgrade by next week 8th April, before I email all details, venue included, the following morning - Thursday 9th April at 10am.

If you’re on a monthly subscription plan, and would like to upgrade to annual, here’s how.

We have an intimate table booked for 22 guests. Once the invitation lands in your email inbox, the first 11 annual paying subscribers to respond will be confirmed on the guest list - with a plus one, should you wish. Absolutely zero cost to attend.

Consider this invitation a thank you for supporting my business during a crisis - and an opportunity to host you in a new restaurant haunt of mine that would welcome our custom 🩷

Stay safe, sound and sane.

FooDiva. x

P.S. What’s your number one restaurant comfort food dish in Dubai? I was asked exactly that by Condé Nast Traveller Middle East for this round-up from some of this city’s foodies HERE.

P.P.S. I’m jetting off to Saudi tomorrow 🤞🏽 A bucket list birthday trip to Alula booked a couple of months ago. Tagging on Jeddah and Riyadh for restaurant hopping. On my last visit at the end of 2019, I was so impressed with the plethora of Saudi-owned and operated concepts, six plus years later, I am interested to see how its dining scene compares to ours here. I have a hit list of homegrown restaurants to try that those of you over on Instagram kindly recommended. However, if you have any recommendations, please feel free to share.

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Resources and links…

• If you’re looking for a gift for a foodie friend, you may like to consider an annual subscription to this newsletter with restaurant reviews, breaking news, advance notice of my dining experiences, invitations to special events, direct message access to moi, and a Whatsapp group. You’ll have my forever love.

• The home page shows tabs for Restaurant Reviews; Where Restaurateurs Eat Columns (including a special edition round-up of Where 14 Restaurateurs Eat in Dubai); Culinary Travel Guides; News Bites; and FooDiva-curated events.

• My 2026 Dubai restaurant guide on where I dine out celebrating 40 homegrown concepts. Paying subscribers also receive a PDF of this online guide - as well as a Google maps link with all restaurants mapped out, plus new discoveries added throughout the year.

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