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How Salvatore Ferragamo became Hollywood’s hottest shoemaker
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Meet the Emirati artist who’s taking on the world
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Discover the world’s most luxurious – and indestructible – mobile phone, and the ultimate power-dressing shoes from Giuseppe Zanotti Design. Plus, Hermès silk scarves as you’ve never seen them before...
With ingredients flown in specially from Japan and one of Asia’s most inspired chefs at its helm, it’s no wonder that Tori No Su is hailed as the best Japanese restaurant in Abu Dhabi. And if you’ve ever fancied creating restaurant-worthy fare at home, BiCE’s chef de cuisine shares his tips.
We can’t get enough of this Etihad Towers resident’s striking interior design: straight from the streets of London, Gavin Casey’s style is quirky yet comfortable. Also, we reveal the latest reinvention of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic Atmos clock.
What does it take to set up a new embassy in just two months? 5 meets Emosi Rakai, first secretary of the Fiji Embassy in the UAE, who did just that.
TWG Tea takes its pick from the world’s most exclusive blends – and provides guests of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers with the finest refreshments in town. Here, the brand’s cofounder shares her story. Plus, we highlight the summer offers that every GCC resident should take advantage of...
HOT Media Head Office 2515 Al Shatha Tower Dubai Media City Dubai Tel: +971 (0)4 364 2876 Fax: +971 (0)4 369 7494
Managing Director Victoria Thatcher
Editor Hazel Plush
Editorial Director John Thatcher
Senior Designer Adam Sneade
Advertisement Director Chris Capstick
Designer Andy Knappett
Cover image: Giuseppe Zanotti Design
Illustrator Vanessa Arnaud Production Manager Chalitha Fernando
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On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, it is my pleasure to welcome you to 5, the official magazine of Etihad Towers. The development is famed for its unique mix of luxurious residential, retail, hospitality and commercial offerings – which is reflected in this beautiful publication. Avenue at Etihad Towers is home to an ever-growing collection of sumptuous flagship boutiques, and each brand boasts a history of its own. From the fabled black diamonds of de Grisogono jewellery to Salvatore Ferragamo’s bespoke footwear for Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, we have sought out the most enthralling stories and captivating snapshots. This is also an issue that champions Emirati creativity: ahead of her exhibition in Avenue, we spoke to artist Samar Al Shamsi about the delicate work of painting royal portraits – and how she is paving the way for women in the arts. Also, furniture designer Khalid Shafar reveals the culture and traditions that have inspired his innovative pieces. We hope that you enjoy this issue, and look forward to welcoming you to Etihad Towers.
Richard Foulds Head of Property Management Etihad Towers
Etihad Towers Head Office, Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: 800 384 4238 Fax: +971 (0)2 645 7737
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A STUNNING LIKENESS Dr Samar Al Shamsi reveals the secrets behind her acclaimed artwork as she prepares to exhibit it at Etihad Towers
Dr Samar Al Shamsi
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person’s eyes tell you so much about their soul,” says Dr Samar Al Shamsi with a smile, fixing me with her own piercing gaze. “They’re the most important part of a face, and when you’re painting a portrait they’re the most important part.” Are they the hardest, too? “Oh, of course. I get more confident every time, but they are a grand test for a painter.” We’re sitting in the lobby of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, in a planning meeting for Al Shamsi’s forthcoming exhibition at Avenue. Amid the maelstrom of hotel guests and an entourage of marketing staff, she is a serene centrepoint – much like her famous portraits. “I love to capture the essence of someone in paint,” says Al Shamsi. “Jacques Chirac, the previous French president, told me that I should look to the world leaders and paint them – so that is my new project. I am very inspired by the people who influence our societies and governments.” She has already painted His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan – as well as a selection of UAE ministers. She has also taken inspiration from further afield, painting President of the United States Barack Obama and the first female President of India Pratibha Patil. “Every portrait that I create has elements of Middle Eastern culture in it – particularly calligraphy,” says Al Shamsi. “I am very proud that the ruling families of the UAE have recognised my work and are pleased with it. In my portraits of leaders from other countries, the calligraphy background is intriguing, and it is always received very well. I have spoken to Indian people about my painting of Pratibha Patil, and for them it is interesting to see how this influential woman is seen through an Arab woman’s eyes.” Last year, Al Shamsi was honoured with the Excellence in the Arts Award by
the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Michigan – the latest accolade in a collection that includes international endorsements and commissions from embassies all over the world. When asked how she approaches the difficult task of capturing a likeness, Al Shamsi is humble. “If I’m working from photographs, I will gather a collection, and take elements from each one. Then, the piece of work I create is unique – like another photograph. At first, I found it very difficult to draw eyes, but now I feel more confident.” Creativity runs in her family, as Al Shamsi’s father is also a keen painter. “When I was a child, I would get into trouble for
see that women are strong. Women are very important, and I will always celebrate them.” This nurturing outlook is clear in Al Shamsi’s plans for the future: “I would love to create a charity exhibition in the USA, for children with cancer. Charity work is essential – there is so much suffering in the world, especially for children. I have two children of my own, and I think that motherhood opens you up as a person.” Al Shamsi is clearly a strong woman, balancing family values with a savvy approach to her work. But while she thinks the eyes hold the secrets of the soul, she also reveals her emotions through her art. “Painting is all about communication. You
‘I am going to CHANGE the world, to make people see that women are STRONG’ drawing on walls; all the time I wanted to create pictures. At first, my mother was angry, but soon she saw that art was part of my character. My family have been very supportive, and have always encouraged me.” When she’s not painting portraits, Al Shamsi dabbles in forms and techniques from throughout art history. From still life realism to surreal cubist forms, she has turned her brush to myriad methods – although everything she creates has a very feminine atmosphere. Is that planned? “I can’t help it! I put so much of myself into my work. I am going to change the world, to make people
can tell so much about a person just by looking at how they draw. For me, art is very honest. It is just me and my paintbrush, and I am creating something from my heart. What does the future hold? I don’t know. If I can keep creating art, I will be happy.”
« See an exhibition of Dr Samar Al Shamsi’s art at Avenue at Etihad Towers, Podium Level 1, this summer. samararts.com Top left: His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Top right: Arabic Mona Lisa
8\ > When Wallace Waite, Arthur Rose and David Taylor opened their first grocery shop at 263 Acton Hill, west London in 1904, little did they know that within a century the company would become one of the leading food retailers. Today there are over 200 branches throughout the UK and two in the UAE – and now guests and residents of Etihad Towers can expect to find their very own flagship branch within the development. Opening this year, the store will be dedicated to offering quality, value and customer service, bringing the freshest, most premium products from around the globe right to the heart of Abu Dhabi. waitrose.com
> Stephane Rolland has announced the opening of its eponymous boutique in Avenue at Etihad Towers – the first in a series of new openings in key fashion locations all over the world. Stephane Rolland himself has been involved with every aspect of the launch: “I was very particular about how I wanted the boutique to look,” he explained. “It had to be modern, clean and minimalist – but also cosy and feminine.” The boutique will feature ten pret-a-porter collections throughout the year as well as shoes, bags and limited edition jewellery and accessories. stephanerolland.com ISSUE THREE / 2013
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SHOP Giuseppe Zanotti Design Gold and Black: power dressing never looked so good
Follow in the footsteps of Beyoncé Knowles, Demi Moore and Penélope Cruz this summer with Giuseppe Zanotti Design’s Gold and Black collection. Striking and provocative, the shoemaker’s creations are red carpet favourites – and this new range promises to be the brand’s most dramatic yet. Gold studs, spikes and flames adorn the black suede forms, reflecting the raw power of feminine strength. Chunky wedge heels and pencil-thin stilettos add to the empowering effect – and even the
flats boast a feisty design. A woman who dares to wear these shoes is not to be messed with. Giuseppe Zanotti himself hails from San Mauro Pascoli, an Italian town with a centuries-old tradition of shoemaking. He has designed footwear for over 20 years, and is renowned for his insight into the female spirit. His shoes and handbags have been spotted on some of the world’s most glamorous icons – and we can’t think of a more striking collection than this to vamp up eveningwear this summer.
« Shop at Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Podium 1, Avenue at Etihad Towers
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A SMARTER PHONE Vertu, the pioneer of luxury mobile phone design, promises to redefine the android experience – but do its bespoke creations live up to the hype? Hazel Plush gave the man in charge a bell…
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t may be one of the world’s most advanced smartphones, but the Vertu Ti needn’t be handled with care. It might boast a uniquely crafted 3.7-inch sapphire touch screen, but that’s not to say it can’t be chucked in a briefcase. It comes with a $10,000 price tag, but it’s got substance to its style. Drop it, sit on it, let your four-year-old loose with it – the Vertu Ti is a mobile with muscle. It’s all in the name. Ti, the symbol for titanium on the periodic table, reveals the main material used in the phone’s casing. But this is more than a cute marketing trick: titanium is renowned for its strength and light weight, and boasts extreme durability without compromising design. Vertu uses grade two titanium, a variant that’s twice as strong as the standard metal, and traditionally manufactured for the military. Its screen is made from sapphire: the material used for watch faces by Switzerland’s luxury marques. It’s scratch-proof and virtually indestructible, yet perfect for delicate touch screen functionality. Hutch Hutchinson is the man behind the design. Head of concept creation and design at Vertu, Hutchinson is the self-confessed
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custodian of the brand. His reputation precedes him: when I call him at the Vertu headquarters in Hampshire, UK, I’m already aware he’s no one-trick pony. His 30-year background in mechanical engineering covers everything from tracking radars to revolutionary microscopes, and he joined Nokia (Vertu’s founding company) as a global research and development expert. “Nokia were renowned for quality,” Hutchinson tells me, “but in the late 1990s no company created phones for high-net-worth individuals. Frank Nuovo, a friend and colleague of mine, was tasked with changing that. We looked at luxury items we loved and talked about what made them high quality. We explored how luxury is communicated through design: the look, the materials, the touch.” Hutchinson, Nuovo and team had a brief: to create a phone that matched the new age of luxury. Their budget? “There was none – money was no object. We could work out what we’d charge for something once we’d made it. We were given complete freedom.” The designers focused on the smallest details: everything from the satisfying click of a number button to the composing of a unique
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ringtone (which has since been recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra). In 2002, after three years of development, the first Vertu phone was launched: Signature M. The model debuted in Paris, and was embraced by Vertu’s discerning customer base for its painstaking design and excellent craftsmanship. One of its unique offerings was Concierge: by pressing a single button, users could connect to a bespoke concierge service. From directing chauffeurs to (legend has it) hiring a London landmark for a teenager’s private music recital, this 24/7 service had it covered. As Vertu gathered momentum, Hutchinson assembled a team of elite engineers and designers. “We had looked at the watch industry, the aerospace industry, searching for suitable materials – and now we needed people that could work with them. Hampshire is the aerospace centre of the UK: the area is over-run with advanced technology. Everyone from Ferrari to BAE Systems is here.” Plucking his team from Formula 1 car manufacturers and aircraft developers, Hutchinson channelled world-class expertise into the fledgling brand. Over a decade later, that vision holds strong. “My
team are material scientists – not just engineers,” says Hutchinson. “They have PhDs in physics, and they understand materials at a molecular level – one of them spent his previous career developing materials for the inside of jet engines. When we were making the Ti, we had tried various ways of working with titanium, but it wasn’t until we hired someone who had built submarines from it that we were able to understand how it works.” It hasn’t been a smooth road from the Signature M to Ti, however. Back in 2002, the luxury phone market was non-existent – and although demand was high, Hutchinson and Nuovo had no idea where this new concept was headed. “The idea of handed-down luxury was a big distraction in the early days,” says Hutchinson. “There was no market to research, so we just went with what we felt would be best. There has always been the idea that luxury objects are to be passed to the next generation, so went to great pains to ensure that the ‘engine’ of the phone could be updated while the exterior remained intact. But people wanted a new toy every few months – and all of that effort was wasted.”
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Vertu Ti
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‘My team are MATERIAL SCIENTISTS – not just engineers... They understand materials at a MOLECULAR LEVEL’ Vertu was sold to private equity firm EQT VI in 2012, enabling it to update its operating systems and embrace a more contemporary aesthetic. Those satisfying buttons were gradually replaced by touchsensitive sapphire screens, and Hutchinson’s team were given free rein to redefine luxury communication once again. “The concept of Vertu was built on the fact that the phones are of extremely high quality, made in England by people who are essentially artisans,” says Hutchinson. “Now, phones are like hand-held computers, and we have changed to reflect that. Phones are smarter than they have ever been; technology and functionality have improved so much across the board. I no longer look at watches for inspiration – I look at cars. That industry is much more forward-thinking.” Automotive manufacturing has even informed Vertu’s testing process. “Our reliability engineers have worked on F1 engines,” says Hutchinson with audible glee. “They have designed what is called ‘accelerated life testing’: we have huge ovens, humidity tanks, and banks of electronics that put the phones through hell. It’s the equivalent of bouncing up and down on a dashboard in Saudi Arabia, or working in the freezing temperatures of the northern hemisphere – we can see how phones withstand real life. They’re expensive, but they’re not ornaments: a phone has to go everywhere with you, and it needs to be able to stand up to that.” The Concierge key remains intact, but it’s a far cry from the original concept. It’s still possible to talk to an assistant, but users can also connect with them via instant messenger, email and text around the clock, in English, French, Italian, German, Arabic, simplified Chinese and Russian. A dashboard interface allows you to track the progress of your requests – whether the flights really are booked, or the flowers have been delivered. To reflect the international interests of its customers, Vertu also provides access to over 150 city guides, curated articles about culture and current affairs, and admission to members’ clubs all over the world. A security agency provides everything from background checks to body guards, and a personal ‘panic button sequence’ alerts a security team immediately. The response can be tailored to suit the user: whether that’s calling your mum or summoning a SWAT team. In such a transient industry, it has taken more than bling and marketing hype for Vertu to remain in the game – and it has emerged with a strong concept, a unique product, and more than enough swagger to pull off that $10,000 price tag. Nuovo’s idea of durable, hard-working luxury has been realised, and although you may not want to pass it on to the next generation, you know it won’t let you down when you need it most. After all, when a submarine engineer builds a mobile phone, you know it’s here to stay.
« Shop at Vertu, Podium 1, Avenue at Etihad Towers
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BACK IN BLACK Fawaz Gruosi, the founder father of de Grisogono, is jewellery’s last pioneer. Gruosi’s marque is only celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, but it already features some of the industry’s most avant garde creations. From the 1990s lust for black diamonds to the striking silhouettes of today, Gruosi has anticipated the world’s tastes far before they caught on – and in doing so, has marked himself as a true visionary among men. Here, the sole guardian of the de Grisogono house shares his wisdom...
18 \ “In 1996 I came across an article on black diamonds. The gem jeweller in me was mesmerised. It was love at first sight! They had been popular in the thirties but had since sunk into oblivion. So, I launched an entire collection featuring black diamonds. This proved to be the start of de Grisogono’s success story. It was known as a ‘rebel’ stone because it is so difficult to cut, but it has a mysterious appeal. It is so dark alone, but it strikes and shines when you set it together with coloured stones or pearls. In my opinion, it is the perfect symbol of eternal femininity because of its intense strength, its unpredictability and its mysterious brightness. Its beauty makes me speechless. Somewhere in my DNA there lurks an aversion to the commonplace. I much prefer to venture off the beaten track.”
« Shop at de Grisogono, Podium 2, Avenue at Etihad Towers
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/ 19 “It is in the details that you find pure luxury. The underside of a de Grisogono necklace is as elaborate as the front. Every curve, line and colour needs to be balanced and pleasing to the eye and to the touch. Most other jewellers and watchmakers do market research for guidance, but I don’t care very much what the marketplace dictates. I do what I find beautiful. I created the first de Grisogono timepiece in 2000; I realised that I needed to create something which was challenging, and watchmaking was an adventure not to be missed.”
“Originality, boldness and innovation are the watchwords of the de Grisogono spirit. Taking risks with materials is a key part of de Grisogono’s story. My curiosity must be sharpened for the creative process to start. I am extremely loyal to my creations, in the sense that even years later I still find them beautiful. I am simply an aesthete. I have always disliked the terms ‘precious’ and ‘semiprecious’: they are just marketing terms. What has always fascinated me is the magnificence of a stone’s colour.”
20 \ Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir L’Elixir: The scent of extravagance
Like a jewel on the skin, the delicate fragrance of Mon Jasmin Noir L’Elixir wraps its wearer in an irresistible elegance: its union of jasmine and amber is this season’s most desirable scent. When revered perfumers Sophié Labbé and Olivier Polge took on the quest to distill the essence of luxury, they chose Angel Wing jasmine, an elusive flower with warm, sensual aromas. Top notes of candied bergamot and orange flower contribute a lively citrus kick, before the perfume develops into more voluptuous tones. Those with a refined sense of scent will also detect white nougatine, vibrant
wood, honeyed amber and golden musk – as well as base notes of cedar, sandalwood and patchouli. Jasmine is a rare scent, captured from the delicate hand-picked petals and distilled into essential oils. A 150ml bottle of perfume contains 1 percent jasmine oil, obtained from 135 flowers – making it one of the world’s most exclusive aromas. The classic atomiser of Mon Jasmin Noir L’Elixir reflects Bulgari’s signature sensuality, transforming the gesture of applying perfume into an intensely private ritual.
« Shop Bulgari at Podium 2, Avenue at Etihad Towers
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THE ART OF DRESSING When Emile Hermès created the marque’s first silk scarf in 1937, he could scarcely have imagined the myriad designs that would adorn the smooth folds in decades to come. This summer, the Hermès Folle de Soie – ‘wild silk’ – collection celebrates all things bright and beautiful. Here, we reveal the story behind each new motif...
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ÉCHEC AU ROI Inspired by the knight of a chessboard, this geometric design reflects the equestrian heritage of Hermès. The horse’s head – noblesse oblige – is the only piece able to jump over its opponents, and the knight always stands proud. Chess has been championed by a host of big thinkers – from Leon Tolstoy and Marcel Duchamp to Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Lewis Carroll – and this mathematical, analytical artwork is a testament to them all.
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ÉQUATEUR Adorned with images of Brazilian flora and fauna, this exuberant accessory showcases the diverse wildlife of the Southern American rainforests. Designer Robert Dallet wanted to raise awareness of this endangered habitat and its vibrant beauty – encapsulated perfectly by the lithe central motif: a rare jaguar.
26 \ SPINNAKERS Raised at the prow of a sailing yacht, the spinnaker sail is synonymous with speed, capturing the wind and propelling the vessel forward. Julia Abadie’s artwork is a celebration of this precious ally, depicting the triangular spinnaker as it swells in the race – a triumph of ingenious design and striking colours.
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LES TROPHﾃ右S With its sparkling cups and lively figures, gleaming medals and fluttering pennants, this design by Pierre Marie is full of life. True to the philosophy of the house of Hermﾃｨs, the carrﾃｩ celebrates every possible sport. Those with a keen eye will spot the certificate awarded to Emile Hermﾃｨs for saving three people from drowning in the Seine in 1895.
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A REAL LIFE FAIRYTALE This summer, Museo Salvatore Ferragamo presents The Amazing Shoemaker: a celebration of its founder’s enduring contribution to fashion, and the myths and legends inspired by his magical craft
From top left: Stefania Ricci, Lorette Young in Salvatore Ferragamo (c.1945); Artwork from the exhibition; Salvatore Ferragamo himself (c.1950).
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hoes have long captured the imagination of storytellers all over the world. From Cinderella’s glass slipper to Dorothy’s shiny red pumps, shoes have been the cornerstone of many a legendary tale. “Shoes have often been thought of as beholding magical powers,” explains art historian Stefania Ricci. “Myths and fairytales about shoes and shoemakers are found in all cultures throughout time. Shoes have always been a symbol of wealth and status.” In celebration of this enduring enchantment, Ricci has curated a special exhibition on the subject – in perhaps the best-fitting venue in Europe: Florence’s Museo Salvatore Ferragamo. The museum was created in honour of the brand’s vast contribution to shoes, fashion, and Italian craftsmanship – and this year’s The Amazing Shoemaker exhibition is set to continue that vision. Ricci has curated an exclusive collection of art and artefacts that will capture the imagination of shoe lovers. She draws upon her 30 years of collaboration with Salvatore Ferragamo, and experience of curating exhibitions in venues all over the world. “This exhibition reveals work from artists, photographers, film directors, philosophers and authors – all of whom have been inspired by Salvatore Ferragamo’s story and work,” Ricci reveals. “For me, it is an inspiring story and source of endless creativity.”
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The focus of this exhibition has stirred the interest of a number of writers and artists in myriad disciplines, who have contributed to the project with their own works of art. They include experts in children’s literature, film historians, and writers such as Hamid Ziarati and Elisa Biagini, who have written new fairy tales specifically for the project. Renowned composer Luis Bacalov has written the exhibition overture, while expert photographer Arrigo Coppitz has photographed Salvatore Ferragamo shoes in fairytale settings. The life of Salvatore Ferragamo himself also sounds like a fairytale. Growing up in the small town of Bonito, southern Italy, he was the eleventh of fourteen children. Remarkably, he made his first shoes at the age of nine, in 1907 – a present for his sisters – and later studied shoemaking in Naples for a year. Upon his graduation, he emigrated to Boston, to work with his brother at a cowboy boot factory. His passions lay in women’s shoes, however – so he moved to California in search of fashion, and the American Dream. In the 1920s, that dream was realised. Ferragamo opened a bespoke footwear boutique in Hollywood, designing made-to-measure shoes that captured the imagination of some of Tinseltown’s most famous starlets. “One of his first clients, Joan Crawford, owes part of her success to Salvatore Ferragamo,” explains Ricci. “He instigated a contest to find the most beautiful
legs – and needless to say it was won by Joan Crawford, then a ballerina, but soon to become a movie star.” Ferragamo was both a shoemaker and friend to his famous clients, advising them as they stepped up to the pressures of stardom. “Marilyn Monroe’s acclaimed sensuality was linked to her distinctive walk, achieved through her iconic 10cm-heel pumps created for her by Salvatore. And Audrey Hepburn embodied yet another aspect of Salvatore Ferragamo’s aesthetic: elegance. She first began wearing Ferragamo shoes in 1954 – the year she won the Oscar for Roman Holiday – and remained a client until her death.” All of these fairytales – and more – are represented in the exhibition, in a snapshot of the great designer’s contribution to fashion and Hollywood. As an expert in style history and a true Salvatore Ferragamo aficionado, Ricci is enthralled by the magic of the brand: “I have discovered inspiration in this man’s extraordinary life. His shoes combine style with comfort, and each design has many remarkable stories – but there are so many aspects of his life and craft that are still yet to be explored…”
« Shop at Salvatore Ferragamo, Podium 2, Avenue at Etihad Towers. The Amazing Shoemaker is at Museo Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence, Italy, until 31 March 2014. museoferragamo.it
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Clockwise, from above: Artwork from the exhibition; Joan Crawford in the Hollywood Boot Shop (1926); Salvatore Ferragamo (1955); Marilyn Monroe in Salvatore Ferragamo (1959), Ferragamo himself attending to a fitting with Anna Magnani (1955).
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‘Marilyn Monroe’s SENSUALITY was linked to her DISTINCTIVE walk, created by her 10cmhigh Salvatore Ferragamo heels’
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Avenue at Etihad Towers Your easy-reference guide to Abu Dhabi’s home of luxury brands
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DINE Global gatherings Experience all-day dining with a difference in one of the capital’s most picturesque spots...
« Dine at Rosewater, Podium Level 2, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Breakfast 6.30 - 11.00; lunch 12.30 15.30; dinner 19.00 - 23.00. 02 811 5666
Venture to Rosewater for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and you’ll be met with a mouth-watering feast: steaks, seafood, sushi, stews… if there was a menu, it would be the longest in town. Welcome to Abu Dhabi’s finest all-day dining destination, a familyfriendly restaurant that prides itself on maintaining top-quality dining around the clock. Tuck into curries, salads, roast meats, noodles, mezze, dim
sum – the list is endless, and all dishes are freshly cooked by expert chefs at lively cooking stations. The restaurant overlooks the ocean and beach – a picturesque spot at any time of the day. During Ramadan, Rosewater will serve classic Arabian fare after sunset, including a selection of grills, seafood, and refreshing beverages. It’s the perfect spot in which to savour the occasion with friends and family.
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TASTE OF ADVENTURE Tori No Su’s Chef Ando brings the most authentic Japanese cuisine right to the UAE capital. Here, he shares the intricate secrets of omakase dining
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or centuries, Japanese chefs have entertained their guests by dreaming up one-off menus to showcase the freshest ingredients of the moment – creating avant garde dishes that test both their talents and resources. This tradition of omakase is Japan’s most theatrical way to dine, and now you can witness it in Abu Dhabi’s Tori No Su. At the helm of this Jumeirah at Etihad Towers establishment is Takashi Ando: revered Japanese chef and omakase creator extraordinaire. After laying his culinary foundations in Japan’s finest restaurants over 17 years, Chef Ando has spent the past decade working throughout Asia. Diners in Hong Kong, Beijing, Taiwan and Korea have witnessed his talents – and today he is revolutionising dining in the UAE capital. Omakase is Chef Ando’s speciality, and a style of dining that is close to his heart. Every day in Tori No Su, three separate menus are presented to guests. Covering three different price points (AED200/280/400 per person), the menus follow the classic omakase style – leaving the choice of dishes up to their creator. “The omakase menu is a ‘chef’s special’ in a lot of ways,” says Chef Ando. “Whether you are new to Japanese cuisine or have experienced a lot, this is the way to sample dishes that are truly of the moment. I always create something new, something
special solely for that omakase experience. I always look to the seasonal ingredients that are available at that very time. Every day I will change the way they are presented, how they are cooked – everything.” As we talk, Chef Ando flicks through a thick folder of menus and recipes, all handwritten in Japanese. From daily restaurant specials to multi-course creations for private dinner parties, every dish he has ever created for Tori No Su diners is recorded right here. “If we have a minimum of ten days’ notice, I can create a unique menu based on the guests’ tastes, the fresh produce that will be available that day, and any seasonal events that are happening in Japan at that time.” Chef Ando flicks to the final page in his collection of menus: “This is for a group that is coming in in September. I am thinking about the seasonality, and the events happening in Japan that month – I am creating a special, personalised menu inspired by that.” When Chef Ando has perfected his plans, he will contact his suppliers in Japan, ensuring that the group’s experience is as authentic as possible. Twice a week, deliveries arrive from his native Japan, bringing international tastes to the daily and bespoke omakase menus. “They take just 24 hours to arrive,” reveals Chef Ando. “It can be a challenge to create dishes when we
38 \ are low on certain ingredients, but we have learned to plan for this. It is a dynamic way of working. It’s excellent value, too, because you are getting the taste directly from Japan.” Although local produce is used where possible, the thrill of using authentic elements adds vibrancy to Chef Ando’s work. “Real Japanese dining is all about the integrity of the ingredients themselves,” he says, “and I find that produce from Japan has the best possible flavour. There is no need for sauces or spices to enhance it – each ingredient speaks for itself. If you use daikon [white radish], for example, it should be very tasty on its own. You don’t need to add anything. Japanese food is all about the umami, the ‘fifth taste’, and you only get that from seasonal produce.” When it comes to the science of omakase, Chef Ando is a perfectionist: “Traditional menus – like the AED400 Taka selection – have eleven courses of small dishes. The flow of each course is very important. It is like music; sometimes you have peaks, but then you have to bring it back down again to get the full effect. For example, by playing a delicate taste against a stronger one, or hot against cold – only then can you get the full flavour of every dish. I like to serve a rich beef teriyaki before light nigiri sushi, followed by the full-flavour citrus of ooebi yuzukosho fumi.” The art of creating tantalising omakase is clearly a daily inspiration for Chef Ando, although he admits to occasionally feeling daunted by the task: “It is difficult to create a new menu every time, but it is so exciting,” he says. “When I create these dishes, it is everything to me – it is an honour. It is why I cook. I put a lot of focus into each individual menu. The most pleasurable part is looking at the seasonality of ingredients and working out how to create new dishes from them. Also, I look to events in Japan – national festivals, for example – that have their own customs or dishes. I am inspired by this, and bring in elements of the event. It is all essential for creating an authentic, meaningful experience.”
‘TRADITIONAL menus have eleven small dishes.The FLOW of each course is important... It is like MUSIC’
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« Dine at Tori No Su, Podium 3, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Lunch 12.00 - 15.30; dinner 19.00 - 23.30. 02 811 5666
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Simply the best Think you know Italian cuisine? Think again. Chef Federico Parravicini of BiCE presents only the freshest, most authentic dishes – strikingly simple, yet complex in flavour. Here, he reveals how to create one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes at home
Images » Supplied
“BiCE is all about authenticity. I am constantly looking for ingredients from my motherland – our seafood is primarily sourced from the Mediterranean Sea. The clams and mussels are from Goro, Italy, as is our sea bass. Even the salt comes from the Italian Adriatic coast town of Cervia, providing its own unique taste. Italy is a country with a wide variety of biodiversity, and it is this that I like to present respectfully on a plate. In the kitchen, we use culinary styles, specialties and techniques from all corners of the Italian peninsula and its regions. Our extra virgin olive oils are procured from Italy’s finest artisanal olive oil producers, and presented on the BiCE extra virgin olive oil trolley for guests to have the arduous task of choosing their favourite. Insalata di aragosta alla Siciliana – Salad of poached lobster with Sicilian caponata, crispy fennel and orange – is a wonderful expression of BiCE’s authentic Italian gourmet experiences, highlighting signature elements of the simple and fresh cuisine. This particular dish is an interpretation of Sicilian caponata, which uses purple eggplant from Sicily, united with another Italian classic: fennel and orange salad. I add lobster as the perfect accompaniment to these ingredients. I love its colour – and the way that it combines a variety of ingredients that are traditionally Italian, fresh and vibrant, engaging and delicious.”
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Insalata di aragosta alla Siciliana 1. Boil the whole lobster for eight minutes. Plunge it into iced water to cool, then cut it in half and remove the meat. To remove all of the meat from the claws, beat them gently with a meat hammer first. 2. For the vegetable relish (caponata), dice the capsicums, zucchini and eggplant into 5mm cubes, then brown them in a hot frying pan with plenty of extra virgin olive oil until crispy. Allow the vegetables to cool, separate them from the oil with
a colander, pat dry, then add the basil, salt and pepper. 3. Divide the orange into segments: peel it first with a knife, removing all of the pith, and chop roughly. 4. Place the cold caponata onto the serving dish, making a base for the lobster. Dress the lobster with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper according to taste, and place it on the top of the caponata. Mix the fennel and orange together with a dash of lemon and oil, and use to garnish.
- 1 lobster (600-800g) - 40g green zucchini - 40g yellow zucchini - 40g red capsicum - 40g yellow capsicum - 80g Italian eggplant - 40g fennel, thinly sliced - 80g Tarocco orange (blood orange) - 10g basil, finely chopped - lemon juice - extra virgin olive oil - salt and pepper (to taste)
‘I love the colour of this dish... it’s traditionally Italian, FRESH and VIBRANT’
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‘BiCE is all about AUTHENTICITY. I am constantly looking for ingredients from my MOTHERLAND’
Chef Federico Parravicini, Chef de Cuisine at BiCE, has spent his 25-year career immersed in the creation and gastronomic development of Italian cuisine. A native of Giussano, a municipality of Monza e Brianza in the province of Lombardy, Italy, he has worked widely with stints at leading Italian restaurants throughout Italy, Scandinavia and the UK, including positions as Sous Chef at the Michelinstarred establishments of Ristorante Era Ora in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Pierino Penati in Lecco, Italy. Chef Federico moved to Abu Dhabi in 2012 for the opening of BiCE at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, where he is perfecting his craft of creating genuine Italian cuisine.
« Dine at BiCE, Podium Level 1, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Lunch 12.00 - 15.00; dinner 19.00 - 23.00. 02 811 5666
ISSUE THREE / 2013
A . L A N G E & S Ö H N E • BA L LY • B o S S H U G o B o S S • B R E G U E T • BV L G A R I • B U R B E R RY • CA N A L I CA R T I E R • C H L o é • D E G R I S o G o N o • E R M E N E G I L D o Z E G N A • F A U C H o N L E C A F é • G I U S E P P E Z A N o T T I • G I V E N C H Y • H E R M È S • H E R V E L E G E R • I W C S C H A F F H A U S E N • JA E G E R - L E Co U LT R E J . M . W E S To N • K I To N • L A N V I N • M A N o L o B L A H N I K • M o N T B L A N C • o F F I C I N E PA N E R A I • P I AG E T P o R S C H E D E S I G N • R o G E R D U B U I S • R o L E X • SA LVATo R E F E R R AGA M o • S T E FA N o R I CCI S T E P H A N E Ro L L A N D • To M F o R D • VA N CL E E F & A R P E L S • VE R SACE • VE R T U
Avenue at Etihad Towers is dedicated to exclusive luxur y and home to the world’s most desirable brands. Immerse yourself in Abu Dhabi’s most sophisticated boutique retail destination and indulge in the joy of living and shopping. w w w.AvenueAtEtihadTowers.ae
INDULGE
Avenue at Etihad Towers is dedicated to exclusive luxur y and home to the world’s most desirable brands. Immerse yourself in Abu Dhabi’s most sophisticated boutique retail destination and indulge in the joy of living and shopping. w w w.AvenueAtEtihadTowers.ae A . L A N G E & S Ö H N E • BA L LY • B o S S H U G o B o S S • B R E G U E T • BV L G A R I • B U R B E R RY • CA N A L I • CA R T I E R • C H L o é • D E G R I S o G o N o E R M E N E G I L D o Z E G N A • FAU C H o N L E CA F é • G I U S E P P E Z A N o T T I • G I V E N C H Y • H E R M È S • H E RV E L E G E R • I W C s C h A f f h AU s E N JA E G E R - L E Co U LT R E • J . M . W E S To N • K I To N • L A N V I N • M A N o L o B L A H N I K • M o N T B L A N C • o F F I C I N E PA N E R A I • P I AG E T • P o R S C H E D E S I G N Ro G E R D U BU I S • Ro L E X • SA LVATo R E F E R R AGA M o • S T E FA N o R I CCI • S T E P H A N E Ro L L A N D • To M F o R D • VA N CL E E F & A R P E L S • VE R SACE • VE R T U
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LIVE Together in time When craftsmen from three of the world’s most luxurious brands join forces for a one-off creation, the results are always going to be astonishing – and the Atmos Hermès clock is no exception. This salient timepiece was conceived by Hermès, a longstanding champion of hand-made materials and artisanal integrity. At its heart, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos mechanism beats in an almost perpetual movement, gaining its power from miniscule changes in atmospheric pressure. This remarkable technology was pioneered by the Swiss watchmaker in 1928, and is forever a mark of its unparalleled expertise. The pearlescent orb which encircles the movement was created by the glassblowers of Les Cristalleries de Saint-Louis, a name synonymous with delicate opulence since 1586. Only six craftsmen have the expertise to shape the glass and enamel bubble, working by hand with centuries-old techniques. Production has been limited to a mere 176 pieces.
« Shop Hermès and Jaeger-LeCoultre, Podium 2, Avenue at Etihad Towers
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LONDON CALLING Etihad Towers resident Gavin Casey has brought the best of British style to the UAE’s capital; 5 takes a look inside…
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hen Gavin Casey was searching for an Abu Dhabi apartment, he had just one main concern: flexibility. “I needed a space that was modern and versatile,” he says with a smile. “Somewhere that was tasteful, but would allow me to put my own style stamp on it too.” And what style he has. Stepping into Casey’s apartment, visitors are met by some of London’s most iconic motifs: Underground maps, postal stamps, punk rock posters… all of it vibrant, brash, and brimming with the UK capital’s unique panache. “I brought most of the pieces over when I moved,” says Casey. “I loved the neutrality of the apartment, and knew immediately that it would be perfect.” After working as an architect in the UK for 20 years, Casey is well-versed in the importance of space. He has only lived in Abu Dhabi for seven months, but the apartment already feels like home. His love of striking art and furniture hasn’t compromised comfort, and Casey’s sense of humour is everywhere from the graffitistyle artwork to the oversized Heinz baked beans tin. For a Brit, it’s like stepping into a perfectly-designed piece of home. “Because of my architecture background, I love furniture with a very strong design aesthetic: pieces with architectural elements. I love Wiggle chairs, pieces by Eileen Gray from the 1930s. I love that 1930s aesthetic, but I have my roots in the ’80s, too. I like Memphis furniture – their stuff is like Blues Brothers designing. Movie posters from the past 50 years, old shop signs from Liberty London… It all comes together in an eclectic, modernist aesthetic. “This is my haven where I can chill out after a day’s work; I find it very relaxing up here. I chose the apartment for the view, the orientation… I love looking over the sea. The apartment is flooded with natural light, too: when I first walked in here it was so striking, and it’s the best way to display all of my art and furniture. The wrap-around windows in the bedrooms are perfect, and I don’t have curtains – I’m not overlooked at all, and you wake up naturally with the sun.” Now, after re-training and working in London, Casey is Operations Supervisor for National Ambulance – and works in Etihad Towers’ office complex, just a few hundred metres away from his apartment. “Living and working so close together is very handy,” he says. “It takes me a couple of minutes to walk to work – although when Waitrose opens I may never leave the neighbourhood!” ISSUE THREE / 2013
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Images » Nasir Rauf; nasirrauf.com
The restaurants in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers are firm favourites – both socially, and for business. “Rosewater and Brasserie Angelique are great for a quick lunch or business meeting,” says Casey; “it’s incredible to have such places on your doorstep. Guests are always impressed, and the hotel is absolutely stunning. The shops in Avenue are great, too: they’re inspirational. There are often art exhibitions in the mall; I saw a Van Cleef & Arpels one recently, which was fantastic. A couple of months ago they had sculptures down in the main atrium, too – it’s wonderful to see that Etihad Towers is championing the arts.” Outside the development, the capital’s key amenities are close at hand: “You’re so centrally located here,” says Casey. “You’ve got Marina Mall, the Corniche, Abu Dhabi Yacht Club… and you do find some great little shops and entertainment locally. I love exploring the capital, and you can be in Dubai in less than two hours.” Casey may have brought much of his furniture and art over from the UK, but he has still picked up a few key pieces locally. “All you need is the energy to shop around,” he says with a smile. “The dining table, chairs, and the red character lamp came from ID Design, and I have some great pieces from THE One. There’s always Ikea for the essentials too, of course. Debenhams in Dubai is great because they import things from Britain – I bought all of my bed covers from there. They’re by Ben De Lisi, a British designer, so they have that London aesthetic. My most recent purchase is a hand-knotted carpet from Asia, in the shape of a British stamp – I love it.” There’s one piece of art in Casey’s apartment that’s always changing, though: the view. “I love watching the city develop in front of my eyes,” he says gesturing towards the Corniche. “Being so high up is fantastic: you have an eye on the city. I can see the buildings going up – it’s amazing to witness. It’s spectacular at night, too. I’ve seen the landscape change so much – it’s like a living canvas in itself.”
‘I love furniture with a very STRONG design aesthetic: pieces with ARCHITECTURAL elements’
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TELLING TALES Emirati designer Khalid Shafar is single-handedly pioneering the local interior design scene, blending traditional materials and techniques with striking contemporary forms. Every piece has its own story, too – here, he recalls his favourites
ILLUSION DINE “The ILLUSION line was inspired by my memories of dynamic city life, juxtaposed against the grounding influence of my roots. It is an evolving line that was originally conceived during my early days living in New Zealand. I soon realised that as much as I loved being surrounded by nature, scenic landscapes, forests and rugged mountains, I missed the hustle and bustle of city life. I am a city boy! The ILLUSION pieces were inspired by my love of urban spaces: the energy, the buzz, the vibrancy; these pieces are a tribute to my yearning for city life. The ILLUSION DINE chairs, with their colours and linear weaving, represent motion and speed – captured like a still image of a city highway in the night.”
‘These pieces were inspired by URBAN spaces: the energy, the buzz, the VIBRANCY’
Dining chair Description: Ash wood, polyester rope Dimensions: 40 x 42 x 105cm
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THE AUCTION “The inspiration for this coffee table comes from a very old story of my childhood. I grew up seeing men roaming the neighbourhood carrying sacks filled with merchandise that they sold to housewives. They used to announce their presence using the word ‘lelam’ which is a Malayalam word meaning ‘auction’, which refers to the type of transaction these men made with the housewives. From this sack image and the way it was used back in those days, the AUCTION coffee table was born. The top surface is used as a tabletop while below is a storage compartment that is wrapped with fabric and knotted on the top to conceal the items.”
Object: Coffee table, prototype Description: Ash wood, Travertine marble, cotton & silk upholstery Dimensions: 70cm (base diameter) x 49 x 90cm (top diameter)
THE GEMINI “When I first learned about the signs of the zodiac I realised I was sharing my life with two Geminis – my two sisters. Both with the same sign, yet with two very different personalities. One sister is outgoing, loud and strong. The other is shy, quiet and calm. I wondered how two people with the same star sign could be so different. Then I realised: these are two sides of the same coin. From my childhood home and family came the inspiration for the GEMINI. There are two functions in the same object – a chair and a table in one. The design mixes bold, edgy, sharp structural lines with soft elegant materials. The elm timber and sleek fur seat back not only give the object a linear, seamless styling, they also empower it with an animalistic vitality. The zebra lines of the timber and the dark brown fur conjure up images of the animals of the African savannah. Designed for a lounge or as a café chair, the GEMINI is a solution for confined interior spaces. It has usability and reusability – and the transformation from chair to table is as simple as flipping a coin.” Chair/ table, prototype Description: Elm wood, possum fur upholstery, stainless steel hinges Dimensions: Chair: 40x42x88cm. Table: 67x33.5x54cm
52 \ ARABI LAMP “I am driven by my curiosity to experiment with new materials, even if they are uncommon. I want to be daring and different. The ARABI line came about as a result of an experiment using the Egaal – the black headband worn by Arab men. These Egaal-made pieces are the first of their kind – a breakthrough innovative portrayal of this clothing item. The evolution of ARABI into lighting combines both an experiment with materials and a design story. The ARABI table lamp design was inspired by the ‘fanar’ lantern, a traditional symbol of illumination that is still used today with modern bulbs used to illuminate architecture that is in the old Arabian style. This is the first time I have ventured into lighting design, and this limited line fuses an innovative material with fashion and lighting.” Object: Table lamp Description: Metal structure, wool Egaal, brass wire Dimensions: 22cm (base diameter) x 70cm
THE PALM “In the United Arab Emirates we are surrounded by beautiful palm trees. They have either grown naturally or have been planted. There are many different breeds and qualities: some are fruit-bearing and others are not. I grew up surrounded by them, watching men climb them using jute ropes to fertilise the trees for the fruiting seasons. There are many date palms around my family home and every season they bear the most delicious fruit. The date palm is a giving tree. It gives us shade, food and it beautifies our landscape. It is the embodiment of my zodiac sign’s (Virgo) character – a ‘giving person’. Yet ironically, the inspiration for this coat stand came not from the palm’s shade, fruit or beauty, but from seeing many objects hung over their trunks – plastic bags, clothing, towels. And so the idea of creating a coat stand using the palm’s trunk was born. THE PALM coat stand is designed to be flexibile. You can place the hanger reef ends wherever you wish and at whatever height you wish.” Object: Coat stand Description: Pine wood, metal base and hangers Dimensions: 35cm (base diameter) x 180cm
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‘I have always been fascinated by the EMIRATI craft of TALLI embroidery, and the long hours that women spend creating beautiful pieces of ART’ TALLI COLLECTION “I might not be a fashion designer or a fashion trend setter, but I am well aware of the industry trends and latest releases. I have seen many fashion houses and international brands adapting cultural patterns, embroideries, and traditional techniques in their fashion designs. I have always been fascinated by our local Emirati craft of talli embroidery, and the long hours that women spend weaving the embroidery, creating beautiful pieces of art Object: Rugs/ Wall hangings, Limited Edition Description: Wool, cotton, silk hand tufting Dimensions: As per design
to decorate their dresses with. It was the talli itself that inspired me; the shapes of the different parts, the details of each part of the embroidery, and the materials used. I worked with international bespoke carpet company Tai Ping on this project: my proposal was to design and hand-make three limited-edition rugs inspired by original talli shapes and details. With the help of the expert team at Tai Ping design studio, the designs were realised in their best form
and we managed to create three collectable pieces of art. Each tells a story that has a deep and original association with a nation’s culture, and at the same time reflects the skills and craftsmanship that Tai Ping stands for. The resulting pieces reflect a rich exchange between cultures and a new expression of the universal language that – regardless of our backgrounds and the nations we come from – unites us.”
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LOOKING EAST Lebanese furniture designer Nada Debs has drawn inspiration from Japan, her childhood home, to create her latest pieces. The East & East collection combines Arabic motifs with minimalist Asian design, and uses modern techniques such as sandblasting and lasering to create a contemporary feel. The result? Transcendent, welcoming forms – perfect for warm yet stylish interiors. nadadebs.com
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Outside the box Bottega Veneta’s Tomas Maier has called upon artist Nancy Lorenz to create her third project for the brand: a series of ornate boxes rendered in blackened silver, palladium, and moon gold leaf. The 25-edition capsule collection is inspired by Lorenz’s love of travel: from Italian marble to bonsai gardens, the pieces feature design motifs from all over the world – making them perfect for storing your own travel keepsakes. bottegaveneta.com
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Squared up
The iconic Hermès silk scarf has been re-interpreted by designer Philippe Nigro for the marque’s interiors range, as part of the summer 2013 Les Nécessaires d’Hermès collection. The Carrés d’Assise pieces are inspired by the dimensions and designs of the scarves, and are available in three different heights, so they can function as occasional seating or a side table. “These pieces exude casual, light elegance,” said Nigro; “with noble materials recalling the Hermès heritage.” hermes.com
The sound of the future Bang & Olufsen’s BeoLab 14 isn’t just a sound system: it’s an effortlessly cool opus of aural splendor. The collection is subtle in form, but high-impact in sound: the speakers can sit discreetly in any abode, but will knock your socks off with their acoustic power. Compatible with home cinema technology of any description, they’ll turn any media into a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound experience – and you’ll never want to listen to anything else again. bang-olufsen.com
Versace Home: the next generation
When Donatella Versace gave LA-based designers Nikolai and Simon Haas the freedom to create a range of furniture for the fashion house, surely not even she could have anticipated the outstanding result. Taking inspiration from the brand’s glamorous guardian, the duo produced a 12-piece collection of striking designs: studded black leather, handcrafted honeycomb brass, and signature Versace icons abound. “I am thrilled by this special design project,” said Donatella Versace at the launch. “They have captured the spirit of Versace, and taken us somewhere new. To me, it is like a remix of Versace.” versacehome.it
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A DAY IN THE LIFE of MR EMOSI RAKAI
“I am the first secretary of the Embassy of Fiji in the UAE. T here are approximately 300 Fijian nationals living within the Arab Emirates – a small number, but the population of Fiji is only around one million. For us, a few hundred people is quite a large part of our population. We work with many countries throughout the Middle East – we represent Fijian nationals in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain… We cover the whole Middle East region. No day is ever the same at the embassy. I have to attend a lot of meetings, do a lot of research, and speak to our contacts all over the region – it’s hard but rewarding work.
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Image » Vanessa Arnauld
‘When you go to Fiji you should TURN OFF your phone and forget about TIME...’
We work with other embassies, too – the Australian one, for example. Both countries are in the Pacific, so we’re technically neighbours. They’ve been here much longer than us, so we can seek each other’s views on important matters. This is a small operation: there are just seven of us in the office. We are a team, and it is wonderful to work so closely with Robin Nair, the Ambassador. He is humble but has such a vast experience. Fiji is very far from the UAE – it takes about 17 hours by air. The Fijians are funloving people, and they really touch people’s hearts – that’s why we have such a high number of return visitors. When you go to Fiji you should take off your watch, turn off your phone, put them in a bag and forget about time. We want our visitors to feel like friends, not tourists. I have worked for the Embassy of Fiji since July 2012, and was closely followed by the Ambassador. The office was opened just two months later. We were trying to organise things over the slow summer period – it was a very difficult time. When I first came, the office was just a floor and four walls – we had a big job on our hands. We are very privileged to be based in Etihad Towers – it is fantastic to work in one of Abu Dhabi’s most famous landmarks. The French Embassy is also based here, so we are in good company. There are so many things that I love about the Middle East – the chance to travel and see fascinating things is a privilege. I have only been able to hear about these places in stories from my friends and family, but now I can see them with my own eyes. I had never visited the UAE before I arrived here to work. There is much to learn about the culture and the customs in the Arab world. I strive to understand how the local people operate, how they work, so that we can fit our methodology around that. It is very important to be flexible, to have an open mind.”
« Work at Etihad Towers. Call 800 384 4238 for office leasing enquiries.
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STAY
ISSUE TWO / 2013
/ 59 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Exclusive discounts for GCC residents in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers GCC residents searching for a stylish break from the summer heat need look no further than Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. If it’s a family escape you crave, the Elegance and Exhilaration package is an action-packed way to get acquainted with the UAE capital. The bespoke offer gives GCC residents a 10% discount on all rooms, including breakfast, as well as complimentary access to Abu Dhabi’s tallest visitor attraction – the Observation Deck at 300 – for 360° views of the city and Arabian Gulf. A complimentary shuttle bus provides transport to and from Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World – perfect if you’ve got adventure-hungry kids in tow. For a more indulgent, rejuvenating break, splash out on the GCC Summer Talise Offer: when residents book a 90-minute Talise signature massage (priced AED620) a 15-minute complimentary head and shoulder massage will be added to the experience*. Both packages will be available until 15 September 2013, excluding the holy month of Ramadan. « Contact JADinfo@jumeirah.com or +971 2 811 5555 for details. jumeirah.com * GCC Summer Talise Offer is available from Sunday to Thursday only, excluding public holidays. Terms and conditions apply for both packages.
Opposite page: The lobby area of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers This page, from top: Binoculars in the viewing area at the Observation Deck at 300; The Talise Spa; Dining at the Observation Deck at 300 (left); Tower Queen Suite at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
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THE WORLD CUP
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TWG Tea’s tasters scour the globe for the most exclusive blends, creating a cup of tea like no other. 5 settles down for a sip
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‘YELLOW TEA is traditionally reserved for China’s ROYAL families; now, however, TWG Tea is introducing it to the WORLD...’
C
hina’s rugged Sichuan province is the unlikely home of one of the world’s rarest, most valuable gastronomic marvels: yellow tea. On a single mountain range, the cherished bushes mature with the seasons, as they have done since the age of the ancient emperors. When the day of harvest is announced, pickers have just 24 hours to gather the buds – which are then dried and fermented, yielding just a few kilograms of finished tea. When steeped, it is sweet and light, an elixir that is traditionally reserved for China’s royal families. Now, however, it is being introduced to the world. TWG Tea, Asia’s first international luxury tea brand, is responsible for exporting Sichuan’s golden-hued treasure. In its elite salons and boutiques all over the globe,
yellow tea is served to connoisseurs in a timehonoured ritual that befits this prized product. And, for an even more exclusive experience, the buds are blended with 24k gold, an infusion that retails at AED24,140 per kilo. “TWG Tea’s philosophy of excellence is to offer the finest teas of the world directly from the source,” says Maranda Barnes, co-founder of the company, from its headquarters in Singapore. “We have the largest tea list in the world with 800 single estate harvests and exclusive blends sourced – often exclusively – from premium plantations.” Those plantations are found in over 38 countries, including all of Asia and Africa’s key tea-producing destinations, as well as more unusual locations such as Argentina, Iran and Turkey. Every detail on the TWG Tea ‘menu’ is the true cream of its crop: alongside Orange Valley Darjeeling from India and pure rooibos tips from South Africa, you’ll find myriad blends featuring quality ingredients from all over the world. “Our team of tea innovators, led by TWG Tea President and Co-Founder Taha Bouqdib, is constantly travelling, absorbing the flavours, aromas, sensations, styles and trends from around the world,” explains Barnes. “Our acclaimed tea blends are created with the most fragrant flowers, fruits and spices, resulting in beautifully balanced, unique creations.” Earl grey bergamot from Sicily, lavender from Provence, mint from Morocco: each ingredient is selected for its purity. “Our team of tasters and blenders are deeply involved in every part of the creation of the teas,” says Barnes. “The selection of the estate, the relationship with the planter, the picking and processing techniques, the selection of the season’s best harvests, the packing… and, for some teas, the blending with an infinite selection of fruits, flowers, and spices.” TWG Tea tasters venture far and wide to visit plantations, to ensure the quality of the selection and freshness of the chosen harvests. This close relationship with growers has granted the company privileged access to some of the world’s most exclusive crops. In addition to China’s yellow tea, TWG Tea customers can sample Yin Zhen blends from Japan, produced with the rarest and most fragile variety of white tea, and Imperial Gyokuro – a green tea that has never been available outside of Japan until today. Only 8 kilos are known to be in existence. Mathieu Delin, TWG Tea Beverage Manager, is on the frontline of TWG Tea’s presence in the Middle East. With his background in tea gastronomy, there is no better person to adapt the company’s offerings to the local market – and Delin’s expertise is
62 \ How to make the perfect cup of tea “Making tea is like an art. You need the right quantity of water and tea, and they must be the right temperature. 90-95 degrees is optimum; anything more may burn the tea. Every type of tea has different steeping times, and it is vital to adhere to the instructions. When ready to serve, remove the tea leaves from the pot, so that the flavour remains consistent for every cup. Teaware is very important – from the insulated teapot to the shape and material of the teacup. The cups should be porcelain, rounded with an open top, so that the flavour and scent of the tea are presented in the best way possible. You will need to be able to smell the tea to fully experience the flavour – it’s all part of the experience for connoisseurs.” Mathieu Delin, TWG Beverage Manager
« TWG Tea is the exclusive tea supplier of Jumeirah Hotel at Etihad Towers. A selection of around 100 teas can be found in the hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, lounges and retail stores. ISSUE THREE / 2013
second to none. “Sometimes, I can tell you where the tea is from just by tasting it,” he says with a smile as we talk over – what else? – a pot of tea in TWG Tea’s Dubai Mall salon. “Teas have different characteristics based on where they are grown – and of course we have access to the best. Tea from Hawaii has a very distinct flavour because it is grown on volcanic soil, for example. It’s that level of understanding that only TWG Tea can offer.” So what of the Middle East’s taste for tea? Do local people venture beyond traditional mint blends? “Certainly. Many of our customers are from the royal families in the region – they love the international teas, and they love to discover new things. They tend to have very sophisticated palates, and we try to help them discover new flavours.” Of those flavours, the recently-launched Sakura! Sakura! blend is one of the company’s most popular. The fragrant combination of Kyoto cherry blossom and Chinese green tea is the prime refreshment in the lobby area of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, and is a favourite among the boutiques’ customers too. Of course, the Middle East boasts its own unique flavours and scents – a fact that hasn’t escaped TWG Tea’s keen-nosed researchers. “We have produced a number of blends that are unique to this region, that feature local ingredients,” says Delin. “Red of Arabia, a
tea with spices, and Oud Night for example. They were launched for the UAE market during Ramadan last year. Oud Night is aromatic and strong – perfect for evenings.” In Etihad Towers, Royal Moroccan Tea is a daily favourite; the blend of green tea and wild mint is a true fusion of the Middle East and Asia, and features notes of musk, myrrh, amber and calambac. The Middle Eastern culture of hospitality lends itself to the social ritual of afternoon tea. The pleasure of exchanging news, views and humour over a steaming pot is irrefutable, and Delin is no stranger to the levelling effect of a timely brew. “There is a tea for every part of day,” he says. “A plain, strong African black tea in the morning, maybe from Rwanda. Green tea over lunch, perhaps with camomile, and earl grey blended with chocolate for the afternoon. In the evening, a light white tea is refreshing, or black tea with perfumed spices for long nights.” In a society where time is so precious, the becalming nature of tea is more valuable than ever: whatever the blend, its ability to stimulate conversation and clear the mind is unique. Unlike the Chinese emperors of old, however, today’s connoisseurs can indulge in the finest teas from all over the world – enjoying a gastronomic experience unlike any other.
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64 \ 5 ways to travel the world in a day at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers...
Admire the view Yes, the vistas of Abu Dhabi’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf are impressive, but take note of the hotel’s interiors, too: they were gathered from the finest sources around the world. Everything from the fine Italian linen napkins to the rare petrified Seychelles wood that adorns the lobby elevator areas has been selected for its quality.
Scrub up in style Indulge in Moroccan splendour with a Royal Hammam Ritual at the Talise Spa. For centuries, Moroccan black soap has been revered for its purifying qualities: after being cleansed by it, your skin will be exfoliated by a traditional hammam mitt, and smothered in a nourishing body mask. The treatment is concluded with a one-hour massage – designed to soothe every aching muscle in your body…
Polish your act Treat your nails to a classic French manicure at the serene ST Beauty salon, for a look that will never go out of fashion. Synonymous with the simple yet chic Parisian style, the white-tipped manicure is the perfect choice for natural beauty – and can be livened up with crystals for a little summer sparkle.
Sup on seafood Canada is famous for its superb seafood – and the lobster is a delicacy throughout the world. Head to Nahaam for a whole Canadian lobster, cooked to perfection and served with suitably decadent side dishes (choose from the likes of truffle-mashed potato and celeriac au gratin). Scrumptious.
Add a sprinkle of spice The lobby of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is a picturesque spot for a coffee – and thanks to a sprinkling of the hotel’s secret coffee spice blend, it’s the tastiest in town too. We can’t reveal all of the ingredients, but the concoction (which was created by Germany’s Michelin-starred chef Alfons Schuhbeck) features cardamom from India’s prime crops – picked especially for its flavoursome qualities...
ISSUE THREE / 2013