Along Came Rufus
(And Mike Tyson as a modern day philosopher.)
I thought a lot about Mike Tyson this week. Tyson Fury’s pseudo-post-boxing vanity show Netflickered before my eyes more than I should admit. (Honestly, the more I see of the Furys, the more I ask, where’s the lifeguard at the gene pool? I digress).
“Could then Iron Mike put Tyson ‘The Dad Bod’ Fury on his back?” Nostalgia leans yes, but who’s to say?
The ass-handing Mike Tyson is not the man taunting me. No, Mike the Modern-Day Philosopher occupies my thoughts.
You see, in 1987, Mike Tyson sat for an interview with the Associated Press during a balmy August in anticipation of a fight with superheavyweight boxer Tyrell Biggs.
Mike Tyson went on to do and be many things, most of which probably came to mind when you read his name. Heavyweight champion. Tenacious fighter. THAT interview with Robin Givens. Rags to riches to bankruptcy. Face tattoos. An appearance in The Hangover?
Mike’s life to date is a tumble of decisions: some good, some good God. But, during this AP interview, the reporter told Iron Mike a lot about Tyrell Biggs: his movements and his fighting style. Tyson interjected and actually said, “Everybody has plans until they get hit for the first time”.
This original quote is lesser known. It is more popularly and incorrectly known as something else.
Everyone has a plan ‘till they get punched in the face
You see, last week, I shut my laptop and pre-scheduled two posts to land in your inbox between last Diwali and last Wednesday. I planned it that way. In the latter post, I reminisced about writhing dancers and plump duck dumplings. I close my eyes and think of both.
I proudly parroted about my plans. We left BOCA’s Gather for Gaza 12-hands dinner last Sunday, where familiar faces peppered a crowd of mostly strangers who shared a common desire to aid those in Gaza considerably less fortunate than us right now in Dubai. (Keep scrolling for more events below.)
We shared a table with a couple we’d never met and quickly bonded over common ground. The best dish? The whole table voted in favour of Chef Faisal’s Palestinian-style falafel over a smear of labneh tahini sauce, fried zaa’tar leaves, charred pickled chilli, and more (featured above). Chef Greg Malouf’s Hand of Fatima dessert of Medjool date cake with honeyed labneh and red fruits also showed promise.
Thursday, a dinner at Ossiano awaited, cradled in Chef Gregoire Berger’s charismatic, culinary arms. 11 ‘waves’. Wine pairings. The aquarium. There would be hot dogs, folks. One Michelin-starred Hot Dogs.
But that’s the thing. I had plans. Until I got punched in the face.
Welcome Rufus. We’ve been expecting you. Just not yet.
The day after BOCA, we coasted down Al Qudra Road to a planned 34-week scan to plan our delivery plans. We would plan the upcoming 36-week scan before heading our separate ways. Me to work, and her back home to close our home renovation plans in anticipation of those final weeks before implementing said delivery plan.
Moments into an ultrasound, we learned that Mrs EatGoSee already had contractions. Mrs EatGoSee lay on a bed, strapped down by blush pink and pastel blue bands pinned together by plastic-ish disks reading her contractions. Our unborn child punched away at said disks when they visibly jolted. The punches rocked not just the disks, but those readings, her, me and all those short-term plans into smouldering pyres.
Our first child, our son Rufus, was born this week—sooner than expected. Maybe one day, I’ll share the arduous journey towards Rufus’ existence—maybe even what’s transpired this week. But no, not today.
Today, I sit unclear of the future ahead, foggy with the first-time father feels, but ever hopeful. The good news is I hear kids are extremely easy 🫠
What I know is that I am incredibly grateful to so many people in the last few days. To Courtney and Eric for taking Odin to daycare for the week. To Jean for enduring Dubai’s life-sapping traffic to bring me a soup I scoffed before midnight. To the legion of hardworking nurses, doctors, baristas, cleaners, kitchen cooks (how could I forget them?), lactation specialists and security guards who’ve shepherded us through layers of the unknown with finesse and compassion. The dozens of people who reached out to us from far and wide to congratulate us. The gifts. The gift cards. We do not know where to begin, but thank you is a start.
Wine of the Week 🍷
I’ll be honest: not much drinking happened this week despite moments when certain bottles whispered sweet nothings to me. You tell me:
The Week Ahead 📅
I cancelled E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G when Rufus arrived. Next week, there’s every chance I will be boarding in a pet-friendly hotel while Mrs EatGoSee and Rufus remain in the hospital and our house is being renovated. (Yes, those plans kicked and punched back.) That means one thing…
I Can’t Make It, But Maybe You Can!
👉🏼 House of Jollof is on Dubai Deliveroo, and I am working my way through their menu. So far, the smooth-pounded yam and fried plantains stood out to me. The jollof is next. (Controversial opinion: I actually prefer Ghanaian jollof. Don’t at me.)
👉🏼 Hoe Lee Kow x Reif Kushiyaki will host the next Gather for Gaza dinner on 20 November, with the entire ticket value being donated to the Little Wings Foundation in association with Al Jalila Foundation, which provides medical assistance to children in Gaza. Buy tickets here.
Dr. Marc Sinclair, Founder of The Little Wings Foundation, said, ‘Children are the most vulnerable in any society, and we have witnessed the unbearable suffering of the children of Gaza. Our charity is working hard to bring much-needed surgical implants to our orthopaedic colleagues and friends in Khan Younis and build a program for the many children with amputations requiring a new leg to stand on. Your support in our work is urgently needed.’
👉🏼 Moreish by K stays grindin’. Her latest venture is a collaboration with @abudhabiart, where she will undoubtedly serve you an excellent menu. This is in collaboration with @bnaculture & @theexcollectivedesign. From 21-26 November for lunch & dinner seating @manaratalsaadiyat. Book here.
👉🏼 Fiya is opening up soon (20 November, so not technically next week). Fiya is an outdoor, elevated, but casual barbecue in the Keturah Reserve. I bumped into Hattem Mattar during the week. I have never been, but I want to make it my business to go before the year is out🤞🏽
👉🏼 Chef José Andrés will at back at Jaleo in Atlantis the Royal next week for anyone looking to meet the man over paella and more.
We can't wait to meet you, Rufus! I think he was just ready to get the party started. Also, let us know when we can send the Pitfire once you're all home. x