REFINED TASTE

CHIC NONNA DUBAI, UAE

Chic Nonna, a newly launched Italian restaurant, bar, and lounge, is now open in the heart of DIFC. With an open-plan kitchen, Chef’s table, and the largest wine cellar in the region, it offers more than just traditional Italian cuisine. The menu is carefully crafted by the culinary team to blend Italian culinary tradition and innovation. The dishes pay homage to well-loved Italian favors, with a touch of creativity.

For the main course, guests can indulge in the Stuffed Quail, flled with chicken liver paté and roasted to perfection. It is served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus, and quail jus and fnished with black truffe shavings. Another recommended dish is the Roasted Veal Shank, slow-cooked and glazed with a luscious veal jus and fresh chives.

The restaurant’s upstairs area boasts foor-toceiling windows with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa, a terrace with outdoor seating, and a Crudo Bar that serves fresh raw seafood such as tuna tartar, oysters, blue lobster, and Italian Calvisius caviar. The interiors are tastefully designed with artisan Italian leather couches and armchairs, a striking DJ booth, and an elegant long bar with signature-green bar stools that conceal a hidden raised stage. At night, the stage comes alive with live entertainment to create a luxurious ambiance.

Chic Nonna is a perfect spot for those who want to savor authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city.

chicnonna.com

OANJO DUBAI, UAE

OAnjo, the contemporary Portuguese Nikkei restaurant, is located on the 24th foor of Sheraton, Mall of the Emirates. The name OAnjo, meaning angel in both Japanese and Portuguese, is extremely apt as gourmets will get a heavenly culinary experience with every bite at this superb dining hub. The welcoming fusion restaurant takes inspiration from the rich trading history connecting the two countries, as the frst affliation between them occurred in the 16th century, when Portuguese explorers landed on the southern tip of the Japanese Archipelago.

The interiors are a harmonious combination of Japanese and Portuguese culture as past meets present with the superb design elements. The aged color-washed walls resemble old Portuguese architecture, and the venue also boasts elements of the Japanese culture such as the eye-catching Japanese style ceiling fan. Featuring foor to ceiling windows, the restaurant reveals the most spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, which adds further to the romantic setting.

With a menu carefully compiled by Chef Sergio Cruz bursting with favor, guests will relish each of the succulent dishes on offer in a picturesque environment. Some of the must try dishes include the freshest Sardinhas Marinadas, Nikkei Portuguese, and authentic Bachalau a Bras.

For an exquisite dining experience that fows fawlessly between the orient and continental Europe, east and west, OAnjo is the destination of choice. Prepare to discover the luscious, savory science, culinary mastery at OAnjo and enter a world of magnifcent favors today.

oanjodubai.com

ASIL DUBAI, UAE

Step into Asil and you’re welcomed into an ambience where a balance of modern innovation, elegance and tradition combine the Oriental essence of food, decor and music, all in one space. From a divine location at one of the most stylish urban hotspots, the Rixos Premium Dubai at the heart of Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence, to the most authentic of favors. The resident DJ and clarinet player will transform your nights after dinner with the hippest and most uplifting beats and notes as the restaurant, lounge, stage, terrace and bar transform into a spectacular nightlife spot.

An authentic fusion of Arabesque cuisine, blending Turkish senses, Lebanese favors and Moroccan taste, presented with a twist. All dishes are designed to be shared, providing the opportunity for guests to savour and sample as many as desired. A wide selection of beverages from the famous districts of Beirut, Istanbul, Marrakesh and Casa Blanca, alongside authentic teas and coffees are also on offer.

If you are seeking an illustrious address for your next dinner or special occasion, Asil is the ultimate in exclusive, enchanting and entertaining dining. The dining room is flled with rich fabrics and antique decor inspired by traditional Arabesque ambience. The lounge can accommodate an intimate group of friends in stylish exclusivity while still remaining part of the ambience. There is also an outdoor terrace where you can unwind, smoke and dine, overlooking the Jumeirah Beach and The Dubai Eye.

asilrestaurant.com

DEMON DUCK DUBAI DUBAI, UAE

A global celebrity TV personality and touted as one of Asia’s most notorious chefs, Alvin Leung brings a whole new creative, innovative twist to much loved Chinese and Asian classics, and a duck specialty menu at his frst restaurant in the Middle East.

Demon Duck brings high energy ambience, eccentric and playful theatricality, a trendy speakeasy style bar with cocktails inspired by Hong Kong, and a superlative menu of Pan Asian dishes. His range of unique dishes include Chop Chop Suey, a colorful salad inspired by Chop Suey, meaning ‘odds and ends’ as well as ‘Yu Sheng’ or ‘prosperity salad’ famous in Singapore during Lunar New Year. Tossed at your table, a colorful mix of vibrant ingredients makes every bite unique and delicious. The Slow Roasted Demon Duck is not your traditional duck. Chef Alvin wanted to champion duck for new age royalty by creating an innovative cooking process to ensure the skin and meat are both delicious to eat. Arriving in limited quantities due to the preparation, this includes brining, blanching, ageing, slow cooking to keep the meat tender, then cooking at high temperatures for a short period of time to make the skin extra crispy. Calamansi buns are Chef Alvin’s accompaniment of choice with a thick sweep of demon sauce. Traditional pancakes, cucumber, green onion, and hoisin sauce are also served for the traditionalists.

caesars.com

VENUS RISTORANTE & BEACH CLUB DUBAI, UAE

Set against panoramic vistas of endless sky and ocean blues, sundrenched days of luxurious lounging and crisp pool days await. Lively beats set the mood as you soak up the sun in the chic, breezy ambience of Venus Beach Club with Italian cocktails and granitas.

Mouthwatering Mediterranean appetizers, woodfred pizzas, homemade pasta to perfectly grilled meats and seafood transport you to the sun kissed coast at Venus Ristorante.

The beach club restaurant, situated beneath the iconic Ain Dubai and overlooking the beach, draws its design infuence from the picturesque Amalf Coast. Similarly, the menu pays homage to Italian cuisine with traditional wood-fred pizzas, fresh burrata, and perfectly pan-seared sea bass.

Some of the delectable dishes include Branzino Con Melanzane A Funghetto; a Mediterranean dish with the classic favors of Italy; Delizia Al Limone, a must-order for dessert with a light lemon sponge featuring Chantilly and almond crumble; and Insalata Di Finocchi Freschi, where endive leaves frame a medley of fresh and pickled fennel, avocado, orange and walnuts.

caesars.com

Christine G. Schübel’s artistic path led her to Abu Dhabi 2011, where she not only received hearty acceptance from the locals, but where her art immediately attracted the attention of members of the Royal family. Since then, she has gone on to win the Darley Award at the Dolby Theater of Hollywood in California, represented Germany at the EU-Zayed art exhibition, was invited to the Louvre, Paris to exhibit, and was featured in the landmark publication, “Sheikh Zayed, A Century of Memories”.

In 2014, she was invited to Bahrain present her art to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which was an incredible recognition of the value of her work. The meeting also cemented her relationship with the Kingdom of Bahrain; the country’s drive and ambition, and its tradition and modernity, inspired a series of new works. Christine’s conversations and encounters with young people drove her to showcase Arabic traditions in a modern way, resulting in modern tapestries, silk scarves, and silk pictures based on her animal portraits.