February 16, 2019

Yep – those are (inexplicably) tables on the ceiling. Not pictured: “upside down” chairs on the floor.

At an Italian cafe.

For some reason.

Food was good, though:

Sea bass with a buttery lemon sauce, what must have been a quick-pickle “kraut”, saffron hummus & a cauliflower steak with some sort of sticky balsamicy drizzle. Not too shabby for a ‘we’ll find something when we get there, I don’t feel like thinking and can’t remember what this mall has as options’ meal.

February 15, 2019

*intensity intensifies*

February 14, 2019

February 13, 2019

Dubai Aquarium

February 12, 2019

Some days I think the only reason I tag along on these trips is for the unlimited hot water and bigass showers … 😆

February 11, 2019

A sandstorm rolled in today.

February 10, 2019

Pooooooooooooooooooooooooooop. I’ll make it up these stairs – leg day be damned.

February 9, 2019

Exploring the hotel/resort we’ve found ourselves in in Abu Dhabi. Glad I tagged along – waking up to birdsong and greenery on the way to breakfast & the gym this morning was fantastic – even if I *did* exceed my stairs goal on a heavy leg day 😆.

Thai Grapefruit Shrimp Salad

This recipe came about because I had something similar one fateful night when I got delivery pan-Asian – and then proceeded to think about it nonstop for a solid week.

While this isn’t 100% the same as that dish, it’s pretty close – and almost equally as addictive. The sharp bitterness of a good grapefruit pairs really well with sweet-tart tamarind, and the earthiness of nut butter. Yum all around.

gluten-free, paleo, low carb

Thai Grapefruit Shrimp Salad

1 ruby grapefruit
14-16 shrimp
1/4 c. roasted nuts
1 small shallot
1 red chili
1 clove garlic
2 small cucumbers
6-8 cherry tomatoes
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
Salt & pepper

For the dressing

1/2 tsp. shrimp paste (or fish sauce)
1 tsp. Thai roasted red chili paste
2 tsp. tamarind paste
1/2 tsp. honey
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp. nut butter

Add to a large bowl, the grapefruit (peeled and supremed), shallot, chili and garlic (minced), cucumbers and nuts (chopped), and cherry tomatoes (halved).

In a separate bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients together.

Pour over salad and toss.

Sautée the shrimp in the oil in a medium pan 3-5 minutes or until cooked through, making sure to season with salt & pepper.

When done, add to the salad. Toss again and let chill a couple hours to allow the flavors to marry.

Serves 2 as a light meal

February 8, 2019

Oh, Muscat, never change – but do. Srsly, quit making us miss connections. The new airport is lovely, but c’mon …