NEWS NIBBLES

What’s hot and happening in the culinary world, in the UAE and across the Middle East EID GIFTING

Bateel’s unique Eid 2022 range features the finest singleorigin chocolates from truffles, pralines, ganaches, and rochers, to organic chocolate-coated dates featuring a variety of candied fruit and caramelised nut fillings. The Luna collection boasts a vibrant, contemporary design complemented by a striking gold crescent moon. The collection is fully customizable and available in five colours: blue, pink, mint, turquoise and purple. From AED70 at Bateel stores.

If you’re looking for a gourmet hamper, Cipriani Food offers a curated selection of luxury Italian cuisine gifts including pasta, tonic water, olive oil, a refreshing virgin Bellini and more - all used in Cipriani restaurants across the globe. Available at cipriani.com/uae/cipriani-food

Cosy up on the couch with a delectable assortment of Garrett Gold bonbons, on your next movie night in. These handmade, bite-size popcorn clusters are enrobed in silky smooth white, milk or dark chocolate and are available in a range of flavours. Dusted with golden sparkles, you can pick from flavours including pecan, pistachio, raspberry and vanilla and the brand-new karak flavour, created to pay homage to one of the UAE’s favourite hot beverages.

Available in a selection of 24 pieces, a gold tray or tower. From AED135 at Garrett Popcorn Shop.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is back from May 2-15. The annual 14-day city-wide festival will showcase authentic homegrown cuisine and concepts created by Dubai’s local food heroes, as well as fine dining restaurants, and masterclasses by leading chefs. Additionally, Dubai Restaurant Week (May 6-15) and Foodie Experiences will once again headline DFF with exclusive culinary experiences.

For more information, visit dubaifoodfestival.com

NEW ADDITIONS

Time Out Market Dubai has welcomed four new vendors: SLAB Cocina, Lana Lusa, The Lighthouse - Pastry and Dessert and Boon Coffee, joining the line-up of 18 home-grown concepts. Lana Lusa will present a menu featuring everything from Pastéis de bacalhau (fried salted codfish) to Francesinha (Portuguese sandwich with beef, veal ham, cheese, chorizo, francesinha sauce served with fries), while The Lighthouse offers a curated, holistic experience merging dining and catering with a retail gifting concept. Boon Coffee caters to all your caffeine needs with infused Nitro cold brew and Cold brew iced tea, amongst other options. Spinneys has become the first retailer to partner with the ‘Food for Life’ programme; a UAE initiative to drive nationwide transformation towards healthier diets from sustainable food systems. Led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the initiative supports the country’s goal to halve food waste by 2030 - in line with the National Food Security Strategy 2051 - as the country progresses towards becoming a pioneer in sustainable food systems.

According to Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, food wastage in the country is estimated to be 3.2 million tonnes, with around 38 per cent of the food prepared daily being wasted, most of which is from homes. ‘Food for Life’ aims to assist individuals towards a more sustainable lifestyle and save one-third of waste by shopping, cooking and eating smarter. Spinneys has identified the top wasted foods, providing nifty guides for shoppers, on using and storing produce such as potatoes, tomatoes and apples.

MAKE SMARTER CHOICES