What's On Dubai November 2020 by Motivate Media Group

CONTENTS FEATURES

FAB FOOD

THE 40 BEST THINGS WE’VE EATEN THIS YEAR P14 26 LOCK IN TIME

Why you won’t want to miss this month’s What’s On Lock In staycation Page 33

33 GLAMPING The weather is perfect for a night outdoors. Here’s where to do it in style

37 LOTS OF LOAF Born and bread: it’s the best bakeries in Dubai

37 What’s On_3

CONTENTS COVER

REGULARS 12 Yalla! Quick fix of news and upcoming events to look forward to

72 Win! Pick between a glamping holiday or an overnight stay in a luxury hotel

COVER:

Sheila Deocareza

Stay in touch

43 CONSUME 45 REVIEWS Fun food at The Pangolin; Japanese cuisine at 99 Sushi; beachside bites at Koko Bay. Plus, inside the weird and wonderful world of 1004 Gourmet Asian supermarket

59 CULTURE

Page 46

60 COMEDY

63 ACTIVE

British comedian Omid Djalili returns to Dubai

WhatsOn.ae Our stunning website is packed with news, restaurants, culture, shopping, sport and spas. It’s your online destination for stuff to do in the UAE. Get clicking.

What’s On Digital Your essential guide to what’s happening in the UAE is also available on the App Store.

64 ACTIVE We road test the new ekart circuit in Downtown Dubai and mountain test Bear Grylls’ new survival experience in RAK. Plus, a look inside Dubai’s newest indoor climbing centre

60 4_What’s On

70 WELL-BEING Cold therapy tried and tested at Resync studio

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai youtube.com/ WhatsOnDubai

BACKYARD BRUNCH AED 195 INCLUDING SOFT BEVERAGES. AED 360 INCLUDING HOUSE BEVERAGES.

Every Friday | From 1pm to 4pm

Head down to Bridgewater Tavern for a laid-back Friday afternoon in the sun with gourmet comfort food, refreshing bevvies and fantastic live entertainment.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay | T +971 4 414 3000 jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

11.20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer MANAGING PARTNER & GROUP EDITOR Ian Fairservice

HEAD OF CONTENT – WHAT’S ON Laura Coughlin laura.coughlin@motivate.ae DIGITAL EDITOR - WHAT’S ON Sarah Gamboni sarah.gamboni@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Elise Kerr elise.kerr@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Miles Buckeridge miles.buckeridge@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Lauren Fletcher lauren.fletcher@motivate.ae JUNIOR ONLINE REPORTER Aarti Saundalkar aarti@motivate.ae SENIOR VIDEO EDITOR Surajit Dutta surajit@motivate.ae VIDEOGRAPHER Steve Eraña steve.erana@motivate.ae WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi firoz@motivate.ae

ART DIRECTOR Sheila Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae JUNIOR DESIGNER Remy Thokchom thokchom.remy@motivate.ae

GENERAL MANAGER – PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran binu@motivate.ae PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto venita@motivate.ae

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne anthony@motivate.ae PUBLISHER David Burke davidb@motivate.ae GROUP SALES MANAGER Varsha Bhatia varsha@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Taran Singh taran.singh@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Violeta Popescu violeta.popescu@motivate.ae DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR Sabir Khodabux sabir.khodabux@motivate.ae

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Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

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A MEMORABLE

DESERT ESCAPE Looking for a daycation with a difference? Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa provides…

hen it comes to autumnal daycations, sure, you could enjoy the cooler climes in the city, but if you’re longing for an escape with staggering luxury, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is ideal. Blessed with panoramic views of the Arabian Desert and situated in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the resort provides endless sights of golden sand dunes. Come for the day and see for yourselves.

01 Pool Package

Unwind by the iconic infinity pool overlooking wildlife in their natural habit, then dine on an exquisite three-course meal at Al Diwaan. This package includes full day access to the Timeless Spa infinity pool, locker

To book your daycation, call (04) 8329900, or visit Al-Maha.com

& changing room and gym, plus a three-course lunch at the resort’s signature restaurant including soft beverages priced at Dhs300 per person.

02 Spa Indulgence Package

Enjoy some ‘me-time’ with a unique spa experience at Timeless Spa as well as fullday access to the Timeless Spa infinity pool, changing rooms and gym. This package also includes a 60-minute spa treatment of your choice, and three-course lunch at resort’s signature restaurant including soft beverages, all for Dhs500 per person.

03 Desert Activities

Package

For an action-packed day out, book the Desert Activities package and choose from an

array of educational and exciting experiences. The options include horse riding, camel trekking, archery, a dune drive and falconry, and you can choose two. This package also includes access to the Timeless Spa infinity pool, locker & changing room and gym, plus a threecourse lunch at the resort’s signature restaurant including soft beverages priced at Dhs995 per person.

OPT TO STAY Al Maha Desert Resort is offering Marriott Bonvoy Members Dhs400 resort credit, while non-members can avail Dhs200 resort credit when booking a full board package. Promotion is valid until Jan 2021.

EDITOR’S LETTER

FOOD IS A FULL-TIME OBSESSION FOR US...

... but our infatuation always goes up another notch around this time of year here at What’s On HQ. Our annual review of the best things we’ve eaten over the past 12 months (p14) makes up a tasty chunk of the issue, and had us reminiscing about sticky pulled beef croquettes, fabulous fine-dining deliveries, and crispy-coated banana beignets – and booking ourselves in for a type 2 diabetes test. Our commitment to culinary greatness doesn’t end there. This month, we were first through the door at a number of new outlets in town, including The Pangolin (p50), a hot new colonial-style brasserie at The Els Club, as well as the loud and proud Brass Monkey on Bluewaters (p57), and new fancy restaurant 99 Sushi (p45). We’ve also rounded up the city’s best homegrown bakeries for when you need some proper carbloading (p37). We even explored (and tasted) the exotic delights of one of Dubai’s most interesting supermarkets (p53) – where we quite literally bumped into two top Dubai chefs doing their weekly shop. Hey, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us. We did eventually throw down our napkins and heave ourselves from our chairs to road test (mountain test?) the new Bear Grylls survival course in Ras Al Khaimah (p64), and check out the new indoor climbing centre in Al Quoz (p66). Last but by no means least, we’ve got all the info you need about our next staycation party, the What’s On Lock In, taking place at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk from 20 to 21 November. I hope to see you all there! Enjoy the issue,

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai youtube.com/ WhatsOnDubai

What’sOn_11

BRILLIANT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN NOVEMBER

04 OMEGA DUBAI MOONLIGHT CLASSIC

When: November 4 to 6 History-making former world No.1 Lydia Ko, fellow Antipodean star Minjee Lee, and high-profile Chinese professional Muni ‘Lily’ He are set to headline this month’s spectator-less OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic at Emirates Golf Club. q omegadubaimoonlightclassic.com

DINE IN A BUBBLE DOME

When: Throughout November Brunch & Cake has launched a new dining experience inside these Instagrammable airconditioned domes. a Wasl 51, Jumeirah, Sun to Wed 8am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 8am to 1030pm. @brunchandcakedubai 12_What’sOn

07 OMID DJALILI

When: November 7 The British stand-up comedian and actor brings his Good Times comedy tour to Dubai. a Dubai Opera, Sat 8pm, Dhs195. Tel: (0)44408888. dubaiopera.com

19 THE BEST OF QUEEN

09 DUBAI DESIGN WEEK

When: November 9 to 14 Dubai Design District transforms into the region’s largest creative festival with design-related events, exhibitions, installations, competitions, talks and workshops. q dubaidesignweek.ae

LAH LAH BAZAAR

When: Every Thur, Fri, Sat Lah Lah Bazaar is back – and it’s ticking every one of our winter-inDubai boxes. The seasonal pop-up takes over the terrace of Lah Lah with an outdoor bar, a food truck slinging Asian street snacks, and picnic tables for kicking back with your mates. a Zabeel House, The Greens. Thur and Fri from 6pm, Sat from noon. zabeelhouse.com

12 26 SWAN LAKE

When: November 26 to 28 Expect Russia’s best dancers, beautiful sets, stunning costumes and breathtaking choreography. Tickets cost Dhs300 plus a welcome drink. q dubaiopera.com

19 Q’S BAR WELCOMES LAYLA KARDAN

When: November 19 The Bohemians have paid homage to Queen since 1996. Hear them perform the band’s most iconic classics live. a Dubai Opera, Thur 8pm, Dhs145. Tel: (0)44408888. dubaiopera.com

When: Every Thursday Award-winning live music venue Q’s Bar & Lounge has announced that Layla Kardan will perform every Thursday. Expect jazz and soul with touches of burlesque. a Palazzo Versace Dubai, Thur 8pm, Dhs350. @qsbarandlounge_dubai

28 BONGO’S BINGO

When: Sometime in November Play the ultimate game of Bingo for prizes. You could be taking home a space hopper, Henry Hoover, or cardboard cut-out of David Attenborough. Date TBC. q bongosbingo.me

DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE

When: Until November 28 The 30-day fitness programme continues all month. Head to Kite Beach and Quaranic Park for a host of free classes. q dubaifitnesschallenge.com What’sOn_13

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MAGUR O

House SPECIAL

chilli noodles CHEESE

and

JALAP ENO

hot dog

Deconstructed Fattoush Salad

Yemeni SHAK SHOOK A

mille-feuille

High

Truffle

Burger TUSCAN

olive oil

cake

Steak frites

AUBERGINE

AND

MUSHR OOM AR ANCI NI

HOI SI N DUCK lettuce cups

Beef tartare WIT H

caviar

Wagyu beef SHORT RIB DESSER T

PLATTER

14_Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Seafood

risotto

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Another year, another inch added to the waistlines of team What’s On. But hey, it was worth it – and necessary, after the year we’ve all had. From tartare to toasties, short ribs to sliders, here are the 40 best things we’ve eaten in 2020…

What’sOn_15

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STARTERS

Maguro pizza Hanami

Fusion food gets a bad rap, but this globe-trotting starter hit all the right notes. Hanami’s signature starter was a lighton-its-feet combination of ruby-hued tuna sashimi, cherry tomatoes, pickled onion and a delicate kimchi cream, artfully arranged over a crisp tortilla base. a Andaz Dubai The Palm. Tel: (0)45811234. facebook. com/hanamidxb

Aubergine mille-feuille

Balkan Meze

If you try nothing else on Nammos’ menu of high-end Mediterranean cuisine, try the aubergine mille-feuille. The thin spheres of eggplant were delicately coated in batter, well-seasoned, and slathered in feta cream cheese so tasty that we were tempted to lick the sharing plate. a Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Tel: (0)43401002. @nammos. dubai

When appetisers are really good, main courses fade into the background. The beautiful three-tiered Balkan Meze at this What’s On Award-winning restaurant features the multilayered ajvar (red pepper relish), the tangy urnebes (red hot chilli cheese), hummus of the day, and creamy chicken liver pate with sour cherry compote. It’s so eclectic, so rich and so freshly prepared, you might not even bother with mains. a Park Regis Boutique Hotel, Umm Suqeim. Tel: (050) 8415021. @21grams.dubai

21 Grams

Nammos

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Truffle and mushroom arancini Bull and Bear

Arancini appetisers often feels like an afterthought with little care and attention given to them. That’s not the case with Bull and Bear’s rendition. The team has dedicated time to perfecting this simple appetiser and the result is a wellbalanced, treat. The cheese is perfectly stretchy and melted while the hint of truffle emulsion adds a touch of richness. a Waldorf Astoria DIFC. Tel: (0)45159999. @bullandbear.difc

Wonton soup Royal China

Khong Wang Pai Thai

Short rib croquettes The Maine Land Brasserie

The beauty of these perfectly spherical balls (Dhs89) lay in the contrast between the crispiness of the coating, and the soft texture of the fragrant pulled short rib enhanced with beef bacon, gruyere and the faintest jalapeno kick. a Ground Floor, ME By Melia Hotel, Opus by Zaha Hadid, Business Bay. Tel: (052) 2050447. @themainedxb

A bitesize parcel, which you should eat in one glorious mouthful, the Khong Wang is filled with white turmeric, cashew nuts, dried coconut, lime, red onion, green mango and Thai chilli sauce, making it a complete taste explosion, with a different sensation in every bite. a Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah. (800) 666353. @paithaidubai

Chicken wings The Pangolin

Deconstructed Fattoush Salad Inked

Normally we just order the fattoush salad as the healthy bit to our Lebanese delivery. But at Inked, the brilliant pop-up concept in Alserkal, chef Hadrien Villedieu served up the most incredible version with mixed herbs, icy tomato sorbet, and chopped cucumbers hidden beneath a wafer thin, crispy bread sphere and topped with radish slivers. a Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. Tel: (050) 8451359. @inkeddubai

duck lettuce cups Koko Bay

Just because we don’t get cold weather in Dubai doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a big old bowl of comfort food. This brilliant dish keeps hot even when it’s delivered, and the five little parcels of pure-shrimp wontons are just joy. Add a touch of the chilli oil (this stuff is potent, so be careful) for extra fiery flavour. a Precinct Building 4, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (0)43545543, or via Deliveroo. @royalchinadubai

Chicken wings can be a greasy, messy affair. Not so at the new colonialinspired, gourmet restaurant The Pangolin. The chicken wings were two large, juicy pieces of poultry, pleasingly milky with a deliciously crunchy kataifi coating. So good, we almost ordered another helping. a The Els Club, Sports City. Tel: (054) 4438 288. @thepangolindxb

A spin on the beloved duck pancakes is this tender pulled Hoisin duck, which is stuffed into crisp lettuce cups and served with fried onions, garlic, peanuts and fresh lime. Perfect sundowner fodder at this Baliinspired beachside restaurant. a Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (800) 5656229. @kokobayuae

Pantzarosalata salad Gaia

The menu at Gaia, the award-winning Greek restaurant from Dubai darling Izu Ani, has seven salads. But the pick of the crop was the pantzarosalata salad of beetroot, mandarin, caramelised walnut and green beans. We have no idea how to pronounce it, but eating it was an absolute pleasure. a Gate Village 4, DIFC. Tel: (0)42414242. @Gaia__DXB What’sOn_17

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MAINS

Molten cheese toastie

High Burger

Lowe

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Probably. But when cheese is involved, the more excess, the better. This is exactly how the chefs at Lowe think, bless their gluttonous hearts. Lowe’s Vegemite and molten cheese toastie (Dhs54) features a literal lava of cheese and a thin slather of Vegemite, squeezed between two slices of thick, shiny, buttery toast. a KOA Canvas, Wadi Al Safa 3 (Near Al Barari). Tel: 0(4) 3201890. lowedubai.com

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High Joint

Beef tartare with caviar Alici

In order to enjoy this one-bite wonder you first have to sign up for the Alici Solo Crudo experience, which takes place on Wednesdays. During the intimate dinner, you’ll experience the best raw food that Alici has to offer. While every single item prepared was out-of-this-world, it was this delicate beef tartare topped with caviar and a quail egg that blew our minds. Indulgent, rich and powerful. a Bluewaters Island. Tel: (0)42752577. @alicidubai

This really is everything you want in a cheeseburger: beef patties that are crisp at the edges but juicy throughout, American cheese, a little frill of lettuce, slice of tomato, and a mayo-based sauce. Simple but spectacular, it’s surely one of Dubai’s best cheeseburgers. For best results, order double patties and consume immediately. a Al Manara. Tel:(0)42681586. @high.joint

Solomillo de res tenderloin

Cheese and jalapeno hot dog

Amazonico

Americano

This sublime 250g sliced USDA prime tenderloin demonstrates just how well the Brazilians know how to cook meat. Served sliced on a narrow, hot skillet, the quality of the meat does all the talking. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully tender – we could probably finish a kilogram of the stuff. a Pavilion DIFC. Tel: (0)45713999. @amazonicodubai

As unassuming dishes go, they don’t come much simpler than the humble hot dog. But what if it was a perfectly-smoky beef sausage with mustard, gooey cheddar, and jalapenos all encased in a soft brioche bun? Nothing humble about that. a Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Tel: (0)45846475. @americanodubai

17 House special chilli noodles Din Tai Fung

This warm bowl of fresh al dente noodles smothered in a slightly sweet chilli oil and topped with spring onion is the ultimate mall-trawl comfort food. a Mall Of The Emirates, daily 11am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 2651288.

Mariachi eggs Tashas

This dish gives your hipster breakfast essentials (eggs and avo) a Mexican twist courtesy of chillies, tomato, fresh lime, and a side of crisp tortilla instead of toast. If that’s not enough of a kick for you, use the miniature bottle of Tabasco to turn up the heat. a Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road. Tel: (04) 38555000. tashascafe. com

21 Wagyu beef short rib

Steak frites

Silky, sticky and fun to share, the wagyu beef short rib is heavy on the wallet at Dhs350, but it’s worth the financial pain. Slow-cooked for 24 hours and finished off on the warayaki inferno, the dish is served bo ssam style, which means you wrap a cube of beef in a lettuce leaf, add sauces and pickles, fold it up and pop it in the mouth. a Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Dubai. Tel: (0)47772232. @mo_jumeira

An old-favourite that still can’t be beat, this is essentially a posh plate of steak and chips, but the rich beef jus that envelops this dish is among the best sauces we’ve ever eaten. It’s the George Clooney of roux: smooth, rich and well-rounded. a Cluster A, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5149339. facebook.com/ CouqleyUAE

Netsu

Couqley

Calamari Mozambique Flamingo Room by tashas

Ask anyone who regularly visits this beautiful restaurant for their recommended dish and this stupendous platter will be up there – 250g of calamari and squid heads drenched in lemon butter, peri-peri sauce, tarragon and roasted cherry tomatoes almost completely hidden beneath a mountain of crispy shoestring fries. a Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem. Tel(0)42447278. @flamingoroombytashas

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MAINS 25 Chicken souvlaki pita wrap Kilikio by Mythos

Soppressata piccante pizza Motorino

Take a thin, slightly chewy base that’s puffed and charred in all the right places. Add a generous smear of sweet-tart tomatoes and milky pools of fior di latte cheese. Then top with slices of spicy beef soppressata, the gentle heat of chilli flakes, and an umami hit from parmesan and pecorino, and you have the makings of one of Dubai’s finest pizzas. a JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR. Tel: (0)48145918. @motorinodxb

Asil kebabs Asil

Elevating the traditional kebab, Asil’s signature version uses lamb tenderloin and a highly-seasoned, air-dried cured beef, sprinkled with crunchy pistachio. a Asil, Rixos Premium Dubai. Tel: (0)4520 0055. asilrestaurant.com

20_What’s On

This humble dish is an underdog in its own right, not only because it tastes just as fresh as you’d find in Greece, but the flavour is so unexpectedly drool-worthy, we urge everyone to try it. The vegetables have been grilled to a caramelised perfection and the chicken is plentiful, which is all encased into a freshly baked wrap. It’s the ultimate fresh and tasty dish. a Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0)42355614. @kilikiobymythos

24 Scrambled eggs on toast Birch Bakery

We’re still deeply saddened that its physical café in The Greens succumbed to the Covid chaos this year, but thankful that its delivery option remained. The sourdough bread that makes the base of this hearty dish is easily one of the best in Dubai, and the eggs are rich and creamy with the most generous helping of shaved Parmesan. q @deliveroo or @birch.bakery

Seafood risotto The Lighthouseo

This light, tomato-based risotto had just the right al dente bite to the rice, topped with a jumble of pan-friend prawns and baby squid, basil leaves for freshness and a smattering of chopped pistachios for crunch. a Corner of Building 6, Dubai Design District. Tel: (0) 422 6024. thelighthouse.ae

27 Lemon taglioni with caviar La Cantine du Faubourg

There’s a lot to like about the French-Med menu at this chic Downtown eatery, but a standout on our most recent visit was this elegantly simple pasta dish. The perfectly al dente taglioni was bound in a silky lemon sauce and served with a generous quenelle of caviar that added a luscious richness and a salty pop of flavour with every bite. a Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Tel: (0)43527105. @lacantinedubai

28 Calzone Torno Subito

We haven’t been to a better looking, more playful, more colourful restaurant in 2020 than the 1950s inspired Torno Subito at the W Dubai – The Palm. If you can tear your eyes away from the insane decor, the slices of calzone stuffed with cheese and a simple marinara sauce were superb. a W Dubai –The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0)42455800. @tornosubitodubai

Wild vegan tacos Wild and the Moon

The crispy corn envelopes are stuffed with seasoned vegan mince, tomato chunks, coriander and drizzled in cashew cheese and speckled with lime zest. Expect messy fingers. a Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. Tel: (0)43450183. @wildandthemoon

29 Soy-braised beef Folly

Lockdown saw us upping our own game in the kitchen (with a little help from some of Dubai’s best chefs). We were particularly fond of the Folly meal kits, which provided us with everything we needed to make a restaurant-quality meal at home. It may have taken a few hours to prepare, but the soy-braised beef with freshly baked focaccia was well worth the wait – and really, it’s not like we had anywhere else to be! q folly.ae

Yemeni shakshooka Maisan15

This Levantine breakfast favourite is usually pretty tasty wherever you find it in the UAE. But Maisan15’s version stands out. The sumac and labneh layering, around which the fluffy egg mix sits, makes this dish so vibrant. But the clincher is the homemade zaatar-oozing bread roll that accompanies it – a side dish worthy of a spot on this list alone. a Al Barsha South, Dubai. Tel: (056) 9484741. @maisan15 What’sOn_21

Wanderlust FUN • FOOD • FREEDOM

Brunch

Embrace your inner wanderlust and explore this celebratory adventure.

AED 425

PER PERSON INCLUDING FOOD & BEVERAGES EVERY FRIDAY FROM 1PM TO 4PM JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, 5th Floor

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay | T +971 4 414 3000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com | @wanderlustbrunchdxb

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Snacks & Sides

Pasteis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts) Lana Lusa

Lisbon’s most iconic pastry is the egg tart, a creamy custard tart available in pastelarias across the city. Thanks to the arrival of gorgeous new restaurant Lana Lusa, we can enjoy these delicious treats right here in Dubai. The crust is thin and crispy, the filling creamy but not runny, and the taste subtle, nuanced, and not too sweet. a Wasl 51, Jumeirah, daily 8am to 11pm. Tel: (0)4 380 1515. @lanalusadxb

Doors fries

Doors Freestyle Grill

33 Brussels sprouts Akira Back

These crispy sprouts are roasted at a high heat and covered in a kimchi glaze for a crisp exterior and a tender centre. Adding puffed rice right before serving adds an unexpected crunch. a W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0)42455800. @akirabackdubai

With their super crunchy shell and soft, fluffy innards, these chunky potato treats blew our minds. The presentation, served in a sweet bronze treasure box, was also a lovely touch. a Al Seef Dubai. Tel: (0)42049299. @doors.dubai

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SWEET THINGS

35 Dessert platter Roka

Why settle on one dessert when you can have the whole menu? Roka’s epic dessert platter is worth a trip to the Business Bay restaurant in its own right. On our visit, it was laden with banana ice-cream puffs, a perfect sphere of smoked coconut parfait, molten-centred chocolate and green tea pudding, and many tropical fruits and sorbets. a Opus, Business Bay, Tel: (0)44397171. @rokadubaiofficial

36 Shanghai Me giant fortune cookie Shanghai Me

This show-stopping dessert is one to get your phones out for. The huge dish should be shared, but you’ll have to fight over who gets to read the fortune inside out loud. The crispy chocolate fortune is made to be smashed up into cereal-like pieces – and who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner? a Podium Level, Gate Village 11. Tel: (0)5640505. shanghaimerestaurant.com 24_What’s On

Tuscan olive oil cake London Dairy Cafe

A couple of months ago, we tried and tested eight cakes from different cafes, and London Dairy’s delightful olive oil cake came out on top. Its soft base with a hint of orange gave it a zesty flavour and we loved how the Greek extra virgin olive oil made it so moist. a La Mer North. Tel: (0)43494584. londondairycafe.com

39 Reif roll Kushi by Reif

Reif Othman provided some delicious light relief this year with this delightful lemon butter sponge cake with yuzu ganache shaped to look like a toilet roll. Covid times made tasty. a Depachika Food Hall, Nakheel Mall, The Palm. Tel: (050) 4231885. @kushibyreif

40 Churro ice cream sandwich Maiz Tacos

Banana beignets Indochine

This sultry French/Vietnamese restaurant in DIFC serves what might just be the best dessert we tried in Dubai in 2020. Step forward: banana beignets. Squishy, hot bananas encased in a crispy coating came with coconut shavings and lychee sorbet on the side. It added up to the perfect combination of light and heavy/warm and cold. We won’t forget them. a Gate Precinct Building 3, DIFC. Tel: (0)42089333. @indochinedxb

Come for the tacos but stay for the ice cream sando. This swirled churro sandwich comes with vanilla ice cream, and the mix of hot and cold makes for a delicious contrast. Drizzled with lotus sauce, we savour every bite. a Cluster Y, Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Tel: (0)45144712. @maiztacos

What’sOn_25

The country’s best staycation deal returns – only this time, there are just 30 rooms up for grabs... SAVE THE DATE! November 20 to 21

26_What’s On

he What’s On Lock In staycations have a reputation for serving up the best-value party weekend in the UAE. This month, we’re headed for the stunning new Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk from November 20 to 21, and this time around, we only have 30 rooms to fill with funloving UAE residents. Once you’ve booked your room (and believe us when we say these rooms will sell out like hot cakes), you’ll have access to a beautiful modern guest room with floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous Art Deco vibes as well as the most detailed itinerary filled with free treatments, brunch, drinks and more. Want to know the plan? Read on...

Here’s exactly what’s going down… DAY 1

01 Guests are welcome to check in from 10am. You’ll walk through the incredible gilt-edged hallway, past the golden Egyptian sculptures and into the enormous lobby. Once you’ve checked in and received your What’s On wristband, up to the Orientation Room you go, on floor 2...

What’s On_27

WHAT’S ON LOCK IN

Orientation Room There’s a lot of fun stuff happening this weekend, and you’ll want to know what’s what. Inside the orientation room on floor two, you’ll find a host of free treatments to enjoy. You’ll also find out about discounted spa treatments available exclusively to Lock In guests during your stay.

Free treatments Part of the fun at the What’s On Lock In lies within the Orientation Room where you can enjoy free hair braiding courtesy of CHALK, free piercings from Kyra Care, free beard trims thanks to Bristles & Mane, and even free express head, neck and shoulder massages from Sofitel SPA with L’Occitane. Please note all treatments are available on a firstcome-first-served basis.

Yes!

Safety measures To ensure our guests’ safety, all guests must wear a mask throughout their staycation and respect social distancing. Each venue will be capped in accordance to government guidelines and security will be on hand to enforce rules at all times. What’s On and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk have the right to eject anyone not abiding by these regulations off the premises.

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02 From 1pm to 4pm, What’s On Lock In guests have exclusive access to the brand-new all-inclusive Fat Cat Brunch at The Nine Gastropub – a brilliant new venue with the self-proclaimed “best fish ‘n’ chips in Dubai”. You be the judge as we takeover the brunch, enjoying a selection of British sharing platters (think prawn cocktail, short rib sliders, cauliflower croquettes and bangers & mash), and a platter of desserts including millionaire shortbread Feast and sticky toffee pudding. There’ll be inventive cocktails, music, and much more.

03 After brunch, the party makes its way to the fourth floor for five free drinks (until 8pm) at the brand new Taiko (right) – a sultry Asian-inspired bar and restaurant made famous in Amsterdam and conceptualised by founder and executive chef Schilo van Coevorden.

04 After 8pm, guests can choose between staying on in Taiko where they’ll receive 30 per cent off selected drinks, or journey on to the delightful Soleil Pool & Lounge for 30 per cent off food and selected drinks.

05 Once you’re partied out or stuffed to the brim, head to your elegant room for some well-earned shut eye. Inside each room you’ll find a Sofitel MyBed™ known for its comfort, and unparalleled views of old Dubai, including the Creek, Harbour and the iconic city skyline.

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WHAT’S ON LOCK IN

DAY 2

06 Rise and shine with an a la carte breakfast in La Veranda with fresh fruit, baked goods, and eggs made to order. The perfect start to any morning...

Free!

Yoga alfresco

07 Post brekkie, make your way to the pool and nurse that head of yours as you soak up the rays at what is one of Dubai’s most beautiful new hotel pools that really has to be seen to be believed. Relax and unwind until check out, which is later for Lock In guests (2pm), naturally...

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Alternatively, start your day the mindful way with yoga by the pool at 8am or 9.30am led by Sofitel FITNESS. Bookings must be made in advance at the Orientation Room on Friday.

CHECK OUT 2pm

HOW MUCH? ADD-ON ANOTHER NIGHT? If you’re not ready for the fun to end, you can opt-in on the extension package for Dhs620, which gives you an additional night’s stay. Speak to the consierge desk for more details.

DHS699

(FOR TWO ADULTS)

HOW DO I BOOK? CALL (0) 43249999 AND REFERENCE WHAT’S ON LOCK IN

Friday, November 20 10am

Guest arrival and check in at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk Pick up your wristband and orientation pack

10.30am to 12.30pm

Prep, pamper and play

1pm to 4pm

Exclusive brunch at The Nine Gastropub

Piercings from Kyra Care, beard trims by Bristles & Mane, hair-braiding from CHALK, and head, neck and shoulder massages from Sofitel SPA with L’OCCITANE

Fill your boots at Dubai’s newest gastropub brunch, incl. selected drinks

4pm to 8pm

After party at Taiko Head to Taiko, the gorgeous Asian-inspired bar from Amsterdam for five free selected drinks. Enjoy 30% off selected drinks after 8pm

8pm

Dinner at Soleil Pool & Lounge Lock In guests receive 30% off food and selected drinks poolside

Saturday, November 21 6am to 10.30am

Rouse and repair Coffee and lazy breakfast at La Veranda

8am or 9.30am

Morning activity brought to you by Sofitel FITNESS Two rejuvenating one-hour alfresco yoga classes (pre-booking is essential)

11am to 2pm

Sunshine sessions Sunbathe by the pool

2pm

Check out or stay longer Not ready to leave? Add on an extra night for Dhs620 (net per couple)

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HAPPY GLAMPERS

Where to go camping in style, from bubble tents to airstream trailers in the UAE

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sOn_33

HAPPY GLAMPERS

We’re heading into seven months of glorious weather, so naturally we’re thinking about all the brilliant things we can do outdoors. From retro trailers to rustic beach huts, we’ve rounded up some of the top places to go glamping in the UAE.

SEDR TRAILER RESORT Hatta Fancy calling one of these cool Airstreams at the Sedr Trailer Resort home for the weekend? Each trailer is fitted with a TV, private bathroom and free toiletries. They also have a lovely terrace with barbecue facilities where you can sit out and enjoy the mountain views. This UAE glamping hotspot is a perfect location for a morning hike or cycle, too, and the Hatta reservoir is only minutes away. These retro vans book up months in advance, but a quick glance at the calendar shows some midweek availability in November and the odd weekend in December. a Hatta, Hatta Road, Dubai, open daily during winter season, from Dhs716 per night. visithatta.com

DAMANI LODGES Hatta Put yourself in the heart of the action with a stay in one of these cosy huts overlooking the Hatta Wadi Hub, with expansive decks to take in the view. They feature modern bathrooms and can sleep up to two adults and two children. a Damani Lodges, Hatta, from Dhs743. visithatta.com

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SONARA CAMP Dubai One of the UAE’s most luxe desert experiences, Sonara Camp in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve includes dinner under the stars, desert activities such as camel rides, archery, sandboarding and a falcon show, stargazing experiences and a moonlight cinema for the kids. After all that, bed down in the comfort of a plush nomad-style tent. a Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, from3,220 (children under five free). Tel: (050) 336 0397. nara.ae/sonara

LONGBEACH CAMPGROUND Ras Al Khaimah

CAMPR

PROPER CAMPING MADE EASY

Putting the glam into glamping, the Bin Majid Beach Hotel has a series of luxury camping facilities ranging from a deluxe tent to panoramic dome suite. The resort is well equipped and the camping area is located directly next to the swimming pool. Activities include beach yoga, sea view aerobics, kite flying, kayaking, waterpark obstacle course, beach volleyball and an outdoor spa and sauna. a Longbeach Campground, Bin Majid Resort, Al Jazeera Al Hamra, Thur to Sat, from Dhs1200. Tel: (800) 5700. binmajid.com/hotels/longbeach

Keen to camp, but less keen on hiring/buying the equipment, setting it up and shifting it all home? Campr is here to help. The brand new experience takes the hassle out of camping, so that you can just enjoy the all the good bits. The team will pick a secret location, head there and set up everything for you, from your epic trailer tent, to the barbecue and more. They’ll send you the location (at the beach, in the desert, or in the mountains) and by the time you arrive your perfect camping experience will be ready and waiting for you. Prices start at Dhs950 for two. q campr.ae

JEBEL HAFIT DESERT PARK Al Ain This desert camp in the UNESCO listed heritage site of Al Ain offers a choice of tent styles, including luxury dome tents with showers and private bathrooms, bubble tents with an external private bathroom, and traditional tents with shared facilities. a Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Al Ain, reopening November 1, from Dhs500. visitabudhabi.ae

STARLIGHT CAMP Dubai Spend the night in a bubble tent with amazing views of the stars. This camping experience is a luxurious and roomy 30-square-metre bubble tent that comes complete with a queen-size bed, curtains, sink and mirror. It’s got a semi see-through crystal roof too, which means you’ll feel like you’re sleeping directly under the stars. Everything is set up for you in advance so there’s no need to spend hours fiddling around with tent equipment. a Starlight Camping, Dubai Desert, from Dhs1,800 per night. Tel: (050) 345 5358. starlight-camp.com What’sOn_35

Words: Sarah Henson

BEST BREAD

While many residents have sworn off carbs (at least when anyone is looking), thankfully there are still many bastions of baked goods across this city where the rest of us can indulge. Here are our favourite home-grown bakeries, plus some top tips from the experts on the secrets to making the perfect loaf Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sOn_37

BEST BREAD

For the Love of Bread Out of frustration for constantly being told not to eat bread in order to lose weight, Rami Badawi embarked on a mission to create a 100 per cent organic, sourdough bread, which would provide an accessible and healthy replacement to supermarket bread. For the Love of Bread’s staple menu consists of two organic sandwich loaves and two free-form loaves, plus a bread of the month (ask about the olive za’atar – it’s superb). a Order online at fortheloveofbread.ae. Follow @fortheloveofbreadbakery.

02 Honest Kitchen

Words: Sarah Henson

TOP TIP “For gluten free baking, always make sure you have something to bind your ingredients (or a replacement for gluten) whether it’s tapioca in your flour blend or by adding flaxseed powder, psyllium husk, or natural gums. Plus, make sure your gluten-free dough is slightly wetter than usual, as gluten free flours tend to be drier than regular flour.”

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This gluten-free and refined sugar-free food delivery service was set up by three Emirati ladies on a mission to nourish a healthier community. We’re big fans of their grain-free flatbreads, which suit almost all dietary requirements and are made from really simple ingredients. Choose from either an almond or cassava (nut free) flour base, and use them for shawarma wraps, taco shells, pizza bases, or even tortilla chips. a Order via WhatsApp on +971 52 225 2018. Follow @ honestkitchen.ae.

WINNER

Viking Bageri As a young boy, ‘The Viking’ watched his father bake delicious varieties of bread in their Nordic home kitchen. It was during the Covid lockdown and as a way to de-stress, that he revisited his childhood memories and set about finding the recipe for the one thing his father had never baked – the perfect crispy French baguette. The result? A masterpiece in breadmaking. Seriously, try it for yourself. We recommend serving simply with butter and sea salt, or slathered with some creamy cheese and fig jam. a Order online at vikingbageri. com. Follow @vikingbageri.

TOP TIP “Being an engineer by trade, I approach baking from a scientific point of view; ingredients are measured to one tenth of a gram, proofing times calculated depending on dough temperature, and the time in the oven precise to the second.”

Birch Bakery On a mission to feed the community with wholesome, nutritious bread, Birch uses good-for-you ingredients and sources its wheat from small sustainable family farms in the US. If you try one thing on the menu, go for the country loaf (a classic white loaf with a beautiful, blistered crust). But we’d also recommend that you sneak a signature morning bun into your basket too. a Order online at birchcafe.com. Follow @birch.bakery. What’sOn_39

BEST BREAD

05 Rise&Dawn Bakehouse Rise&Dawn was created by Bull&Roo (the team behind Tom&Serg) in 2017 to supply delicious pastries, cakes and bread to their string of cafes. Located inside The Sum Of Us, the bakery has proved so popular that they’re now offering home delivery services. Order the chocolate sourdough, not just for its novelty value, but for its earthy flavour, unique taste and hard crust. Serve it with good quality butter or cream cheese and berry jam, if you like it sweet. a Order in-house or via riseanddawnbakehouse.com. Follow @_riseanddawn_.

06 Vanilla Sukkar

Words: Sarah Henson

TOP TIP “Time is the best secret that any baker can use. Just give the dough more time to develop. Even if you use fast-acting commercial yeast, use less and use the fridge for slowly rising the dough. It produces amazing bread.”

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In 2010, a mother-daughter duo started a home business baking cakes and desserts inspired by Emirati culture, and opened their first café on Al Wasl Road in 2018, complete with sourdough kitchen. They’ve been working on their sourdough starter for the past six years and have affectionately named it Mimi. Don’t miss their melt-in-the-mouth sourdough pastries, the turmeric country loaf, and the cheese and chili country loaf. a Order via WhatsApp on +971 50 278 5190. Follow @VanillaSukkar

A NEW AGENCY CONNECTING WORLD-CLASS TALENT WITH BRANDS

EAT + DRINK + SHOP RATING FOOD A+ to CVIBE Family Friendly Party Casual Romantic Fancy Cosy PRICE (FOR TWO) Up to Dhs249 Dhs250 to Dhs749 Dhs750+

PA G E 49

Food by the bay

Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talking about Koko Bay 99 SUSHI p45 THE PANGOLIN p50 BRASS MONKEY p57

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

99 SUSHI

Is there room for another high-end Japanese restaurant in Dubai? 9 Sushi lands in Dubai with strong pedigree, six Spanish venues, and a popular outpost in Abu Dhabi. For its Dubai foray, 99 Sushi has settled into a sleek space at the Address Downtown, overlooking Burj Khalifa Lake. With its seductive colour palette of red, black and gold, a backlit marble bar, and a sushi counter backdropped by greenery, it gives good aesthetics, but on our visit the dining room is empty, having been shunned in favour of the terrace. We can soon see why. Alfresco tables have Burj front-row seats, and a thicket of greenery providing seclusion from the promenade. This may be Japan by way of Spain, but the scent of shisha, balmy weather and those postcard views place us firmly in Dubai. With its Spanish bloodline, you have to expect a few twists to the Japanese menu. But where other eateries can deviate too far from tradition, 99 Sushi imbues its dishes with just the right amount of flair. First up, there’s spicy tuna tartare (Dhs180) tossed in a light kimchi sauce, with wakame, a shiso leaf and spirals of daikon providing freshness, and tendril-like fries delivering crunch. Next comes the okonomiyaki (Dhs99), with a crisp tortilla standing in for the traditional pancake. It’s topped with a sweet, soy-based tare sauce and a fan of raw tuna, punctuated by red onion, jalapeno and olive. There’s a lot going on,

but the overall effect is light and well balanced. From the sushi counter, we choose the 99 wagyu sliders (Dhs50) and dragonfly maki (Dhs90). Filled with tempura prawn and spicy crab, and topped with avocado and black tobiko, the maki is a standout. The sliders, however, are a tad too gimmicky for us. Two foie-infused meatballs balance on footballs of sushi rice, garnished with shoestring fries and tomato puree. With so many clean, bright-flavoured dishes preceding them, the relative heft of these two-bite morsels throws us off kilter. We’re back in our sweet spot for a main of black cod glazed with nutty, umami-rich red miso. The fillet is perfectly gratinated: charred at the edges, and flaking apart with a gentle nudge.

For dessert, black sesame ice-cream mochi is almost too delicate, whereas the yuzu cheesecake is rich and indulgent, comprising two butter cookies piped with yuzu cream, a scoop of cheesy kunefa ice cream, and a crunchy spun-sugar dome. It’s definitely a dish to share. With its switched-on service and just the right amount of edge to the menu, 99 Sushi has what it takes to play with the big boys in Dubai. We may have 99 problems right now, but finding high-end sushi ain’t one… a The Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, Sat to Thur noon to 3.30pm, 7.30pm to 11.30pm; Fri 1pm to 4pm, 7.30pm to midnight. Tel: (0)4 5472241. 99sushibar.com RATING Food ��AAtmosphere �� Price ��

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C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

IL PASSAGGIO A taste of Italy on the doorstep of The Pointe

ven if you take food out of the equation, an Italian would still be one of our favourite restaurants to go to. It’s the way you’re made to feel like family from the moment you step through the door. And it’s that ‘coming home’ feeling that really struck us after spending the evening at new unlicensed Palm Jumeirah restaurant, Il Passaggio. Given its name thanks to the passage which runs from the front to the back of the open plan restaurant, Il Passaggio has nothing to hide when it comes to its cooking ethos. Open kitchens line each side of the passage, encouraging guests to be nosy at what’s cookin’, with the main dining area close to the Palm Fountain-end of the restaurant. The décor is somewhere between Parisian chic and Art Deco, with white leather seats and dark green hardware finished with gold accents. There’s black and white photography along the walls,

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and a faux-greenhouse roof – all of which help set the ambience. We’re greeted with a warm smile and shown to a table next to the bar, where a glass-walled room houses a retro bread maker. We immediately start off with a basket of freshly baked bread and the truffle share and tear (Dhs36) which is so absolutely to-die-for that we immediately have to order another. A super thin flatbread pillow is torn to reveal an oozing creamy truffle sauce and warm melted cheese from within. Carrying on the cheese theme, we order the burrata (Dhs60) and halloumi fries (Dhs30). The latter is perhaps too salty for our taste, but that doesn’t stop us from polishing off the lot. We balance the starters out (yeah, right) with a Greca salad (Dhs46), and the finely-sliced peppers, cucumber and kalamata olives make us feel less gluttonous. For the main course we opt for the veal Milanese (Dhs144), and a generous portion arrives, which is perfect for sharing. The meat is perfectly seasoned and lightly fried to create a crisp outer coating, with a handful of Rocca leaves and parmesan on top. To complement it, we go for another truffle treat – the truffallata pizza (Dhs84).

We can’t tell you if it’s better than the tear and share starter, you simply have to have both. This one has a variety of mushrooms and a serving of mascarpone, giving a delicious creamy flavour. After previously trying the French toast from the breakfast menu and falling in love with its crispy-on-the-outside and fluffy-in-the-middle texture, we were thrilled to see it on the dessert selection. This time, however, it arrived a little over-crispy (erring on the burnt side) and failed to live up to our first experience with the dish. The tiramisu (Dhs44) was everything a traditional Italian dessert should be though, with a balance of sweet and bitter flavours and plenty to share around. We were well looked after throughout the entire night, and felt at ease in the restaurant’s knowledge of its cuisine. For every dish ordered, we were given the main ingredient’s origins, and picked up some useful knowledge about the region. Having the new Palm Fountains just outside is an added bonus as well. a Il Passaggio, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Sun to Thur 9am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 8am to 10pm. Tel: (0)45873111. @ilpassaggio_dxb RATING Food �� B+ Atmosphere �� Price ��

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DUBAI VINE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES

The Tasting Class has announced a dedicated wine event series called Dubai Vine Festival. Running from November 15 to 28, the festival includes masterclasses, tours and tasting sessions. A highlight of the festival will be a ‘vine a round’ tasting session at five of Madinat Jumeirah’s best venues, as well as street performances and a ride on the famous Abra. q dubaivinefestival.com C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

KOKO BAY

It’s creating a huge buzz on socials, but is this Bali-style beach bar and restaurant on The Palm the real deal? e’ve been to Bali a few times. In fact, once this pandemic chaos is over, it’s probably one of the first places we’ll revisit. It’s relaxed, beautiful and, from its beaches, serves up some of the best sunset spots in the world. Located on West Beach, Palm Jumeirah’s most recent development, Koko Bay is about as close to Bali as we’re going to get for a while. Seating spills from the Insta-worthy indoor restaurant to the wooden rattan furniture on the decking and beach, and there are squishy blue bean bags, cabanas and crocheted white parasols adding to the effect. The prime location offers incredible vistas of the Arabian Gulf and that iconic Dubai Marina skyline and watching the sun set from here guarantees one of those ‘pinch me’ Dubai moments. But is there more to Koko Bay than a must-visit sundowner spot? Deviating now from the Bali theme, the menu here is more European-Asian inspired. For nibbles, some comforting potato spirals (ahem, curly fries) and chipotle mayo, are decent accompaniments as we watch the sun go down. Of the hot appetisers, the welldeserved winners are the pulled-duck

lettuce cups (Dhs79) – more about them on p14 – and the delicious lava prawns (Dhs79) served in a tangy Asian sauce. Meanwhile, the chicken teriyaki skewers (Dhs59) are lightly charred, with a smoky flavour that hits all the right notes. After a stellar round of appetisers, the mains are hit and miss. The Cantonese-style steamed red snapper (Dhs119) shows all the promise of being a stand-out dish, but it is overcooked. The ultimate surf and turf platter (Dhs355) was piled high with baby calamari, sea bass, striploin and spring chicken, served with three different

sauces, jacket potatoes and corn on the cob. While it was great for sharing, it’s a case of quantity over quality, with much of the meats lacking depth or flavour. Come for sundowners, stick to a variety of appetisers to share, and Koko Bay delivers. The incredible holiday vibes alone will make it a place you’ll want to visit again and again. a Koko Bay, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat to Wed 12pm to 12am, Fri and Sat 12pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 572 3444. @kokobayuae RATING Food �� B Atmosphere �� Price ��

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C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

THE PANGOLIN A little slice of luxe safari life where the food sends you away jolly

top-notch dinner in Dubai Sports City is rarely discussed in online articles and magazine features because it doesn’t really exist. DIFC or The Palm, they always say, as if a brilliant evening with inventive food couldn’t possibly be found over several speed humps in suburbia. That is no longer the case thanks to celebrated restaurateur Serg Lopez (of Tom & Serg, and Sanderson’s fame). Over two years ago he began work on a mind-bendingly ambitious project that’s taken over an entire building – which he had built – and parachuted in passionate Aussie chef Troy Payne to open The Pangolin, a two-storey plus veranda behemoth, at The Els Club. The Pangolin sees itself as a sustainably-focused community restaurant where Serg and Troy work alongside many of the country’s local producers to provide a farm-to-table menu. Design-wise, the ground floor brasserie is beautiful. The booths serve as a nod to African Safari fleets with leather straps buckled to the cushions while the softbacked, luxe camping chairs add to the luxury safari motif. The stained-glass mirrors, charming cloth fans swirling overhead, and vintage shutters all work together to transform the space into a colonial villa. We expect to see the same attention to detail on the second floor – where there’ll be a fancier dining room, bar, veranda and private dining areas – when it opens later this year. The menu consists of several quirky sections, from grandma’s chicken noodle soup, salads, sandwiches and boasties (burgers), to over embers (barbecue bits) and paper bags (smaller mains), as well as iron pots, pasta and bunny chows (a South

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African speciality featuring hollowed out loaves filled with curries). This is food that aims to feed you and send you away nostalgic and jolly. On the Thursday evening we visited, it was pleasingly busy, which was surprising because trying to get a reservation through the main switchboard, email and Instagram account had involved an arduous maze of dropped calls and missed emails, possibly because the staff were all too busy since opening earlier this month. We began with the most delicious buttermilk chicken wings, coated in kataiki crispy sticks (more about those on p14). Next up: a boastie of chicken kiev with buttery garlic and herb paneer, thick tomato slices and black garlic mayo bookended with toasted rectangular white bread. Simple and tasty, but we should have ordered some triple cooked fries to go with it. The next offerings were from the sea: two generous skewers of coal fired, tender

chili squid, marinated in garlic, lime and thyme with vine tomatoes. Intrigued by the sides (which included Brussel sprouts with biltong (Dhs45), and battered plantain (Dhs39), we ordered the cream and cheesy baked cracked cord (Dhs45). Akin to cauliflower cheese, it was gooey and naturally a bit sweet. If you’re expecting the usual Dubai-style run-of-the-mill menu (one burrata, ribeye steak with fries, cheesecake thanks) then perhaps The Pangolin won’t be for you. If instead you’ve a curious palate and are willing to join Chef Troy on a fun culinary adventure then The Pangolin is suitably a wild ride. a The Pangolin, Els Club, Dubai Sports City, Sun to Thur 8am to midnight, Frid and Sat 8am to 1am. Tel: (054) 4438 288. thepangolindubai.com RATING Food ��AAtmosphere �� Price ��

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEWS

Yanis Ait Yahoui Head Chef at La Cantine du Faubourg

Brunch by Asil

BRUNCH MONTH O F

T H E

An Arabic feast in spellbinding surroundings

hey say we eat first with our eyes, so a dish that looks like an enormous sushi platter with unusual Middle Eastern ingredients should be a disaster. But we found just that at Asil’s new brunch and – after trying it – we’ll be back to have it again. The icy spectacle featured mussels stuffed with wild rice, sushi made with couscous topped with sweet red pepper and walnut, and a masterful sea bass ceviche marinated in a light mayo mustard. The dry ice hovering over it all may have looked freaky, but it all tasted wonderful. The sushi platter isn’t the only thing at Asil to pack a visual punch. The restaurant channels a luxurious Aladdin’s cave with ruby red drapes, eerie glass mirrors, amber velvet chairs, and gold fringes hanging over the large central bar. All of this added up to a fair amount of gawping, which continued when our welcome drink arrived – a mystical cocktail topped with a transparent orb bubble that, when popped, would add extra fruity flavour into the glass. A generous selection of small(ish) dishes left us struggling to decide if we liked the aforementioned sushi platter or the

Arabic mezze bites best, until the plate of mini shawarma pockets (chicken, beef and falafel) arrived and quickly became the winner. The main course, an enormous barbecue platter of tender lamb kebab, chicken shish tawook, steak, and meat wrapped in melted cheese, was another hit. A word of warning that by this point, you’ll be too full to share a dessert, never mind the six puddings that arrive in quick succession to the table. It’s a mindboggling array of Middle Eastern-inspired tiramisu, a heavy Umm Ali, sweet lokma balls and a huge bowl of exotic fruit. We barely took a spoonful of each. If you don’t have your own magic carpet to help shift you out of the restaurant, it’s worth considering extending your stay to digest both the enormous meal you’ve had and the amazing views from the terrace. There’s the option to keep the party going for Dhs100 per hour for unlimited drinks and a further Dhs100 for shisha. A sundowner on the terrace is unmissable. a Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs275 with soft drinks, Dhs375 with house drinks. Tel: (0)45200055. asilrestaurant.com

Are you surprised by the restaurant’s success? Of course not, it’s a place full of life� It’s trendy with an amazing terrace and the menu items are very tasty, blending so many flavours and colours� How has the team dealt with this challenging year? As best as we could, while keeping a real team spirit� We learned to do things differently in a more creative way and learn how to adapt� What do you love most about your customers? The relationship they have with our venue is beautiful� You almost feel that it is part of their daily life, to come and be part of it� What do you love most about this city? I love all the different cultures here� It’s so precious to be able to interact and exchange with people from very different roots� What does the future hold for La Cantine du Faubourg? I have no doubt that the future is full of positivity and surprises for me… q @lacantinedubai

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C O N S U M E

EAT // SUPERMARKETS

Aisle be having that Discover a treasure trove of Asian products from Korea, Japan, China and Thailand at 1004 Gourmet supermarket

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On_53

C O N S U M E

EAT // WHAT’S INSIDE?

avigating an unfamiliar grocery store can generally be a daunting experience. But when you throw in the added challenges of an exotic shop with unfamiliar products lining the shelves labelled in a language you don’t speak, even adventurous home cooks may feel intimidated enough to play it safe. Case in point 1004 Gourmet – a huge Asian supermarket inside the Onyx Tower in the Greens that’s frequented by the

KAFFE BLOOM Hidden at the back of 1004 Gourmet you’ll find a very cool Koreaninspired café. At Kaffe Bloom, the menu is Asianspecific, with a number of dishes we’d never even heard of. “This,” pointing at the cheese tteokbokki (Dhs30), “is basically Korean-style pasta,” says Alicia, with a big grin. A popular street snack in Korea, the tteokbokki has a sweet and spicy flavour and a chewy texture similar to gnocchi. “All the ingredients to make this dish can be found inside the store. We even sell a DIY kit for you to make it at home.” Another, exciting new menu item is the bulgogi bibimbap (Dhs35), a heart-warming bowl of tender slices of grilled beef marinated for 24 hours, served with sautéed veg, the all-important gochujang chilli sauce, and a poached egg all resting on a bed of steamed rice. q @kaffebloom

city’s top chefs from the likes of Akira Back and Zuma. At first glance it might look like a standard supermarket, but a few steps in and the aromas tell a very different story. That’s why we recruited Alicia Soo of 1004 Gourmet to help us explore some of the supermarket’s hidden gems and take our pantries and fridges to the next level.

PANTRY/FRIDGE MUST-BUYS Blue fin tuna If it’s good enough for Nobu, Zuma, Amazonico and Burj Al Arab, it’s more than good enough for our fridges at home. 1004 Gourmet’s blue fin tuna is flown in from Japan and loved by the city’s best chefs. It costs around 54_What’s On

Dhs85 per 100g with three cuts available: Otoro (pink fatty tuna belly), chutoro (fatty belly), and akami (red meat). It can be prepared in sashimi form or in frozen blocks.

Mandu dumplings Mandu are Korean dumplings that are typically filled with various combinations of meat and vegetables. The varieties

may include tofu or shrimps, as well as meat-free versions. The most common choices are pork, beef, cabbage, kimchi, bean sprouts, onions, scallions, and mushrooms, but the ingredients can vary depending on the season. The dumplings can be steamed, deep-fried, pan-fried, or boiled, and they are usually served with a dipping sauce on the side.

Gochujang Gochujang, a fundamental ingredient in Korean cooking, is a thick and spicy-sweet crimson paste made from red chilli pepper flakes, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. The chilli peppers provide a healthy amount of lingering heat, while the fermented soybeans act as the misolike ingredient that anchors gochujang’s “umami” flavour. Gochujang’s sweet-hot-salty flavour shines when it’s used in moderation to add depth to all kinds of dishes, from stews and braises to marinades and sauces.

CJ sesame oil Sesame oil is an amber coloured, aromatic oil, made from pressed toasted sesame seeds that is a common ingredient in Korean cooking. It is not used as a cooking oil due to its intense nutty and buttery flavour and aroma, but rather used as an excellent seasoning and flavour enhancer. “In my opinion,

Korean sesame oils are simply superior,” adds Alicia.

Miscellaneous snacks Of course, it wouldn’t a trip to an Asian supermarket without picking up a few miscellaneous snacks. Our buy? The tom yum goongflavoured crispy seaweed from Thai company Tao Kae Noi. Nutritious and delicious.

What does 004 Gourmet 1 mean? The number read in Korean (“one thousand and four”) has the same pronunciation as the word for angel. Both are 천사 “cheonsa”.

LAMISE BEAUTY

If their flawless and glowing complexions are anything to go by then it’s no surprise that the Koreans are renowned for being bona fide skin care gurus. With specialist beauty regimens that can consist of up to 10 products in order to attain silky smooth skin that appears to look airbrushed to perfection, it’s apparent Korean Beauty Products are at the forefront of what’s taking the beauty industry by storm. Step inside Lamise Beauty and you’ll find a range of skincare products from some of the most sought-after brands. q @lamisebeauty

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Introducing the Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On Lock In at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

Guest arrival and check in at Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Pamper, swing and swim Bubbalicious Brunch at Fairways Sundowners at Retreat, Sacci or Lemon & Lime Dinner at Retreat, Sacci or Lemon & Lime

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3 ALFRESCO BARS TO TRY

01 Infinity Bar Epic sunset views and delicious Portuguese staples, we’re putting it out there now that Tasca’s Infinity Bar will become one of the most Instagrammed spots in the city. a Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Tue to Sun 6.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (0) 47772231. mandarinoriental.com

Brass Monkey 02 Ninive Luxurious majlis seating, lanterns and plush rugs combine to create a wonderful caravanserai-inspired space. The shisha, food and inventive cocktails make it wow-worthy. a Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sat to Wed 6pm to 2am, Thur & Fri 6pm to 3am. Tel: (0) 43266105. ninive.ae

03 Cielo Sky Lounge Bringing back a slice of Ibiza to the Dubai Creek area is this now legendary rooftop spot perfect for sunset drinks. a Dubai Creek Yacht Club, Tue to Thur 5pm to 3am, Fri 4pm to 3am, Sat 5pm to 3am (closed Sun and Mon). Tel: (0) 44161801.

BAR MONTH O F

T H E

A brilliant bowling bar for big kids on Bluewaters Island in Dubai These days in Dubai, a city where entertainment venues are ferrying-in giant chrome animal statues by helicopter, and fitting swings with Burj Khalifa views, you’ve got to go hard to capture people’s attention. And to keep those eyes on you for any meaningful length of time, there needs to be substance behind that sleightof-hand. That explains why we were cautiously excited by the noise surrounding the opening of Bluewaters’ latest adultaimed attraction, Brass Monkey, a licensed bar and restaurant that casually packs a 12lane bowling alley and over 60 retro arcade games into its double-floor space. It’s a neon-lit, wildly handsome interior, filled with eye-catching details. Look up in the ground floor’s bar and you’ll find a clutch of bowling pin chandeliers. That neatly brings us to the bowling alley. This feature is no gimmick. At 12 lanes, it’s the biggest of its sort in Dubai and a clear demonstration of aspirations that go beyond the aesthetic. The minds behind the concept want you to come here for an experience. At level-two, there’s more gaming afoot. A trio of pool tables, basketball free-throw units, a VR racing simulator and the glowing

screens of some of the finest examples of button-bashing, slot-feeding action in arcade history. The hall of familiar pixels includes Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, TMNT, Mortal Kombat and Space Invaders. You play by juicing up a pay-as-you-go card, which you can keep for future visits. There’s a wide variety of drinks options and two food menus – Bushido and Americana. The former is set up as an homage to Tokyo-style noodle bars and deals in modern pan-Asian staples such as ramen, charred miso salmon and green curry mussels. Americana has more of an international feel. There are tacos, sliders, kebabs, salads and pizzas. We dove deep into the selection and were impressed by what was served. Our highlights were the buttery lobster rolls, the deep umami vibes from the vegan pizza and no-fuss Angus beef slider. The verdict? It’s got so much game, we’re giving it a straight-up ‘ape-plus’ both for effort and execution. a Bluewaters Island, Sun to Tue 2pm to 1am, Wed and Thur 2pm to 3am, Fri noon to 3am, Sat noon to 1am. Tel: (052) 7755317. @brassmonkeysocial What’s On_57

PA RT N E R S H I P

Animals in Distress THE SUCCESS STORIES

Animals in Distress is a What’s On column profiling the amazing animal shelters, veterinary clinics, carers and the passionate team at Royal Canin UAE that work together to save the lives of stray animals in the UAE. Every month, Royal Canin UAE has pledged to cover the costs of vet bills for select animals in need. These are their stories… MEET MILAD On October 8, poor Milad was found by a concerned resident on the highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Saluki could barely walk and had a severe limp in addition to multiple wounds. Concerned resident, Rawan Ghunaim took the injured dog to The British Veterinary Centre in Khalidya to see Dr Ahmad Jakish (Dr AJ). Milad had several wounds and bruising to the abdominal area and hind legs. He was also unable to hold any weight on his left hind leg. Dr AJ and his team strongly suspected that the injuries were due to a road traffic accident. After admitting Milad and stabilising him, he had X-rays taken and bloodwork done and the team cleaned and dressed his

MEET WINIFRED This six-month-old kitten was spotted on the road by a good samaritan while she was driving in Hatta. The kind lady

wounds. The good news was that his blood tests came in clean and revealed that Milad was healthy. His X-rays, however, showed that his leg was broken, and it was vital to intervene quickly to save the leg. On October 12, Dr AJ performed the orthopaedic surgery on Milad using two plates to stabilise the joint. The surgery,

was able to safely collect her and bring her to the Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic (ABVC) in Dubai. The incredible team, headed by Dr Ellen, gave the kitten emergency care. She was stable and healthy, but they suspected that she been run over by a car, which resulted in a fracture on her left hind leg. She was taken for an X-ray, which confirmed a femoral (thigh) fracture. Luckily for this kitty, the damage had not disrupted the growth plates. Damage to

combined with an external dressing, helped to stabilise the leg while the bones healed. Dr AJ was also able to treat the other wounds during surgery and Milad recovered comfortably. Royal Canin UAE was on hand to cover the full cost of the surgery, including the aftercare and weekly dressing changes that will be required over the coming months. Milad is currently in The British Veterinary Centre in Khalidya and will go to a suitable foster home when he is ready. He will need plenty of tender loving care and further X-rays to monitor his progress, but the future for Milad (which means ‘day of birth’) certainly seems bright thanks to Royal Canin UAE and the team at The British Veterinary Centre. If you can foster or offer a forever-home to this strong and serene Saluki, please send an email to info@britvet.ae or call (02) 665 0085.

growth plates in young kittens could result in disruption of normal development and potentially one limb growing shorter than the other. The kitten needed urgent surgery to repair the fracture, which was performed by Dr Metje on October 15. The little tabby is now in full recovery and has a supportive dressing. Additionally, she will be restricted to a crate to avoid too much movement on the leg as it heals. She remains at ABVC until Dr Metje is happy with her

progress. She will need further X-rays in the next three to four weeks to ensure the bone is mending well. Royal Canin UAE is delighted to be able to cover all costs and even more honoured to name this domestic short hair, who was nameless until now. The Royal Canin UAE team decided on Winifred as an ode to Halloween and the film Hocus Pocus. If you can help give adorable Winifred a home, please email info@abvc.ae or call on (04) 340 8601.

For more info on Royal Canin UAE, visit instagram.com/royalcaninuae

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NOVEMBER

ART // THEATRE // FILM // MUSIC

Markus Birdman

Jimmy McGhie

WIN!

FOUR TICKETS TO THE LAUGHTER FACTORY Fancy a giggle with your mates this month? To celebrate The Laughter Factory’s newest venue, we have four tickets to give away to the show in Grand Millennium Business Bay on November 20. To enter, visit whatson.ae/win

Tom Wrigglesworth

November night funnies The Laughter Factory serves up giggles and great staycation deals

ike the return of an old (funnier) friend, Dubai’s original comedy night, The Laughter Factory, is back with some old-favourite comedic talents. Taking to the mic this month sees the return of Yorkshire funnyman Tom Wrigglesworth, a Dubai regular having appeared several times at The Laughter Factory over the years. Also, no stranger to Dubai shores is Markus Birdman, lauded for being witty, controversial, and a master of physical comedy. Rounding out the comedy trio is young Brit Jimmy McGhie, fresh from a sellout tour

of Australia and New Zealand and praised for his ‘simmering fury’ and ‘easy charm’. From November 12 to 20, the fellas will be touring Dubai, making pit stops at Movenpick JBR, Zabeel House by Jumeirah The Greens, Grand Millennium Barsha Heights, Grand Millennium Business Bay and Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Thrown into the mix for good measure this month are a handful of decent staycation options, including an additional Dhs310 for a room stay for two plus breakfast at the hip Zabeel House in The Greens. q thelaughterfactory.com

November 12 and 13 Movenpick JBR, 8.30pm, Dh160 (plus Dhs50 minimum food spend) November 14 Zabeel House by Jumeirah The Greens 8.30pm, Dhs160 (add an extra Dhs310 for a room stay including breakfast) November 19 Grand Millennium Barsha Heights, 8.30pm, Dhs160 November 20 Grand Millennium Business Bay, 7pm, Dhs160 (add an extra Dhs380 for a room stay with Dhs300 voucher to spend on f&b), and Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, 8.30pm, Dhs160 (plus Dhs50 minimum food spend)

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CULTURE

COMEDY

FUNNY MAN After selling out theatres across the UK, comic Omid Djalili is bringing the laughs to Dubai

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t’s been a long time since Omid Djalili opened a show with a belly dance and an exaggerated Arabic accent. Sure, he used to amp up a few stereotypes for effect, before shocking his audience by breaking out his well-to-do London accent for a riff on racial stereotypes, but these days the comic is far too well known in the UK for the set up to work. In fact, if you’re going to see Djalili playing to his Iranian heritage any time soon it’ll likely be on the big screen; Hollywood having embraced him as its go-to ‘middle aged man of Middle Eastern origin’. But despite a list of film credits that runs the gamut from the Oscar-winning Gladiator with Russell Crowe to the musical madness of Mamma Mia 2, the stage remains Djalili’s natural habitat. The 55-year-old, who was born in Kensington in London and has visited his parents’ homeland only a few times, says the theatrical mannerisms of his family members rubbed off on him from an early age. “I guess that’s part of my upbringing. We’re very bold and brash and we want things to happen quickly. Entertain me! Quick, do a dance, sing a song, tell a joke, tell a joke again.”

Photo: Getty Images

“DESPITE A LIST OF FILM CREDITS THAT RUNS FROM GLADIATOR TO MAMMA MIA 2, THE STAGE REMAINS DJALILI’S NATURAL HABITAT” After studying theatre and English at university in Northern Ireland, the young Djalili tried his hand at serious acting before a visit to London institution The Comedy Store in 1994 changed his ambitions.

When his first attempt at stand up – an 18-minute show at the Edinburgh Festival that saw most of his audience ask for their money back – was less than successful, the undeterred Omid wrote to every comedy club in Britain begging for a shot. Within three years he became a headline act. He’s barely looked back since, regularly selling out month-long runs and touring the world with his uniquely silly act. And now, for one night only, the comedian will be bringing his acclaimed ‘The Good Times’ comedy tour to the Dubai Opera with tickets starting at Dhs195. If you’re lucky, he may even belt out a song or two for you. November 7 a Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 8pm, over 16s only. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com What’s On_61

SPORT + WELL-BEING + TRAVEL

PA G E 66

Hang tough

Inside Dubai’s biggest climbing centre HOW TO BE LIKE BEAR GRYLLS p64 xx.2020_What’s On_63

A C T I V E

ACTIVE // SURVIVAL COURSE

What’s On vs Wild Six survival tips from our time at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah

Our man Miles makes fire

ith the Mad Max origin story that seems to be 2020’s main running theme, knowing how to survive in the wilderness no longer feels like such an eccentric indulgence. So, when the invite came to experience the UAE’s new Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, we barrel-rolled at the chance. Out there, in the hinterland of Jebel Jais’ via ferrata, What’s On made a pact with nature and emerged sporting a bandana and endowed with a new respect for the great outdoors. 64_What’s On

That’s not a knife After setting off on a trek across a shadowed wadi, our first survival checkpoint was a sit-down knife skills class with Ben, a man whose real-life experiences in facing extremities and mentoring teenagers have left him wary, and with a healthy regard for hidden peril. Your blade is your lifeline, but it comes with its own dangers. Ben teaches us how to whittle primitive, but potentially life-saving tools such as pegs and trap parts.

Nature’s TV Pushing further into RAK’s valleyscape, past puzzled goats and over loose rock underfoot, our next rendezvous is with Jake. “Bear, calls fire ‘Nature’s TV’”, Jake tells us, as the young instructor manages to light a collection of spindly twigs using his bushman’s striking rod. He details a few techniques to spark flame without resorting to matches or a lighter, including the 9V battery and wire wool method, components which are admittedly rare in the wild. The key is to follow the motto of the Scouting organisation of which Mr Grylls is chief and ‘always be prepared’. There’s no point starting a fire if there’s nothing to feed it. You need an ample supply of tinder, kindling, and then bigger wood to hurl on top.

Cheat meals Outside of Deliveroo coverage areas, and in harsh, inhospitable environments, finding your next meal can be a challenge. Instructor Leon lets us in on some tried and tested ways of tracking down water sources, such as looking out for certain vegetation, and where there’s water, there are likely to be ‘snacks’. Luckily for us Martin and Leon had some Bear-inspired treats prepared earlier – mealworms. Well, at least we didn’t have to wash it down with a Bear-inspired beverage. They taste like dryroasted peanuts in case you were wondering.

The rule of three Our expedition guides, Martin and Leon, stop under a lone acacia tree to explain one of the golden rules behind the priorities of survival training. “You can last three weeks without food,” Martin says, although my hangry alter-ego begs to differ. “Three days without water,” he adds sternly, “but only three seconds with a bad attitude.”

06 04

Knot OK Tom is our rope skills sensei, and this *gestures at the mountains around us* is his dojo. Through a few practiced flicks of his wrist, Tom relays the ancient art of folding bits of string together. We learn a few vital, genuinely life-saving rope tricks, culminating in the complicated Alpine Butterfly. It’s not ‘how long a piece of string is’ that’s important, it’s knowing what to do with it, and each knot lends itself to a particular problem-solving application.

Skyfall The best exit strategy is very rarely rappelling down a sheer ragged cliff face. But seeing as the simulated extraction that rounded off our training was essentially mountain rescue, over the top we went. We learned here that facing your fears can lead to fulfilment, excitement and a desire to do it again immediately. It can also lead to mild chafing. a Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah is open to the public now. The half-day experience (the one we tested) is just Dhs450, there are also eight-hour sessions and a 24hour experience available at Dhs1,300. Tel: (056) 317 3958, beargryllscamp.ae

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A C T I V E

ACTIVE // ROCK CLIMBING

TIME TO

HANG TOUGH

Dubai’s largest rock climbing centre is opening in Al Quoz

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Mezzanine cafe

ome things meant for outside are still great when brought indoors, like ski slopes, theme parks and rainforests – all things that Dubai is especially talented at building. Letting residents and visitors rock climb their faces off while simultaneously enjoying air conditioning, well, there are a couple of those, too. Just opened in Al Quoz is Mountain Extreme’s newest (and the city’s biggest) indoor climbing facility: a 900sqm open setup with separate areas for different levels of difficulty and clambering routes. It’s been a labour of love - James for the team, who’ve spent all year working hard to make the centre a perfect space for its loyal climbing community, while also trying to make it more accessible and friendly for those new to the sport. “In our previous centre in Business Bay, much like many centres around the world, you walk into a climbing gym and are immediately confronted with these huge walls. We didn’t want that here,” says James Falchetto of Mountain Extreme. “We wanted to create a spacious,

“ROUTE SETTING ISN’T JUST BOLTING THE CLIMBING HOLDS TO WALLS. IT’S PRACTICALLY AN ART FORM” Falchetto of Mountain Extreme welcoming entrance that felt less intimidating and more inviting.” Similarly, the Mountain Extreme team wanted to create a facility that was truly world class, using the best holds in the business. “But it’s not enough to have unique holds – you need the right people to assemble the routes, the best people,” explains James. “Route setting isn’t easy. Setting isn’t just bolting the climbing holds to walls. Setting routes is practically an art form. Good routes challenge climber’s physique and brain.” With that, James flew over a couple of World Cup champs to do the job. People like Manu Cornu, the 2019 French Lead Champion and World Cup Winner, and French Bouldering champ Charlotte Andre to create and test new routes for the walls.

When the climbing centre first opens, (scheduled for early this month) it’ll be exclusive to current Mountain Extreme members. After one month, it’ll then open to the public, where you’ll be able to try out the auto-belay walls and its many, many tricky routes, or the rope-free bouldering walls. They’ve also got a speciality coffee shop on the Mezzanine floor where you can purchase smoothies, croissants, coffee and more, plus it’s the perfect viewing deck to watch everyone hard at work in the gym below. Be warned, it’s easy to develop a climbing habit. Talk to a climber and hear about the adrenaline-fueled thrill of solving a puzzle and conquering nature. It could just become your next new obsession… Membership starts at Dhs650 per month, which allows you unlimited use of the climbing facility, 10 per cent off gear purchase, one guest pass per month, free group belay course, a 1 on 1 coaching session and more. a Mountain Extreme, Al Quoz 3 (behind Oasis Mall). mtnextreme.com What’sOn_67

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A C T I V E

SPORT // EKARTING

What’s On takes poll position

TRIED & TESTED

Rooftop racing Ditch the diesel and go electric at EKart Zabeel

roper street racing is 2 fast 2 furious for most folks to get into, unless of course you don’t mind being slapped with a huge fine – and possibly a night behind bars. So, we say ditch the diesel, play it safe and go electric with Ekart Zabeel by Emaar, which has just relocated from within Dubai Mall’s new extension and headed up to the roof. This smart move means more space to race, and probably the most iconic racing backdrops the world has ever seen. Go at sunset for the best light. With the Downtown skyline and Burj Khalifa behind you,

you’ll compete with up to six other drivers Grand Prixstyle in emission-free karts racing against the clock and each other. First you need to register on site using the smart touchscreens. Then you’ll head to the changing rooms to suit up – this means donning a navy jumpsuit, head sock and helmet. We recommend comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are a must. From there, you’ll get briefed on their coloured-flag pit signal system and various rules (no bumping or things will get ugly), and after that you’ll meet your mounts.

Then it’s time to whip around the rooftop course, vying for first place as you floor the accelerator and grip on tight to the wheel. The course is quite narrow and short, which makes overtaking a very tough challenge. Die-hard karting fans will probably find that frustrating, but for newbies, there’s enough thrill factor just racing for time. Once the dust settles you’ll be emailed a copy of the results that breaks down your performance by lap times and position. When your pedal isn’t to the metal, look out for the new food truck ready to fuel racers. For only Dhs75 per session, it’s good, clean, family fun. a Rooftop at The Dubai Mall Zabeel, from Dhs75 (over 14 years). Sun to Wed 3pm to 10pm, Thur to Sat 2pm to midnight. ekartzabeel.ae What’sOn_69

A C T I V E

WELL–BEING // CRYOTHERAPY

Frozen assets Could you handle whole body cryotherapy?

t’s amazing how far people will go for a well-being quick-fix. From fad diets to placenta face masks, people are willing to do crazy things when it comes to looking and feeling good. Case in point, whole body cryotherapy – a hypercooling treatment that involves up to three minutes sealed in a freezing cold chamber that pumps ice cold -110c oxygenated air all around your body. Sound fun? The treatment tricks the brain into entering ‘fight or flight’ mode to draw all the blood out of the extremities to your core. When you step out of the chamber, the blood rushes back to your extremities and brain, releasing endorphins and triggering a state of euphoria, among other benefits like boosting metabolism, and alleviating anxiety and fatigue. Resync’s studio is washed in grey, with that futuristic-minimalist vibe so in vogue. Besides the cryotherapy, Resync offer a few more otherworldly treatments, including red light therapy (a chamber that uses red light to heal injuries, reduce muscle pain and increase blood circulation), cryo t-shock (a cold therapy facial that smooths facial lines) and endospheres therapy (a compressive microvibration method that tackles cellulite). It’s all very Death Becomes Her – but enticing nonetheless. Friendly staff wearing earthy jumpers and tracksuit bottoms were waiting for us,

Editor Laura tackles the big freeze

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ethereal in demeanor yet excited for our foray into subzero temperatures. After being shown our robe, socks, gloves, mask and North Face slippers, we were instructed to don swimwear. It was then that we were led into the chamber, along a neon lit hallway, complete with long mirror and amiable lighting. Resync has a state-of-the-art sub-zero chamber with two parts – the first a slightlywarmer-but-still-icy-cold section, which you stay in for 30 seconds, before opening the next hatch and moving into -110c. There’s a large window big enough to see the timer on the wall, and the cryotherapist waving calmly. You can also sync up your own playlist to listen to while you’re inside the chamber, which can fit up to four people at a time, in case you fancied freezing with mates. Post freezer session, there’s a line of assault bikes in case you need help warming up. Ready to go, we de-

robed and stepped inside. The first 30 seconds are OK, as your brain hasn’t quite registered what’s happening. Then you move into the next chamber and the cold hits hard. The first place we felt it was our thighs and elbows, and after that it was more of a dull numbness with the occasional breeze of cold wafting across the surface of our skin. Deep, slow breaths help made the time pass, and staying calm is key. Call us gluttons for punishment, but we found the whole experience exhilarating. As soon as we hit the two-minute mark, the therapist ushered us out and gave back the robe, which we quickly wrapped around our shoulders. Our fingers, toes, and legs tingled as all the blood rushed back to where it was supposed to be. We felt lightheaded with a dopey smile plastered across our face. Instant youth? Or perhaps happiness is an instinctive reaction to survival. We’ll tell you this, our headspace felt sharp and focused. We even begged for another go. If that’s not high praise, we don’t know what is. a Ground Floor, Central Park Towers, DIFC, Dhs350 a session. Tel: (0)43799244. resync.ae

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WIN!

A GLAMPING EXPERIENCE IN A PANORAMIC DOME SUITE OR A SAFARI TENT Round up your family and head to Ras Al Khaimah for a unique camping experience inside a Panoramic Dome Suite or a Safari Tent at the Longbeach Campground, Bin Majid Hotels & Resort. The beachside hexagonal domes are fully-equipped with comfortable beds, private bathroom, transparent panoramic views and hot tub.

Meanwhile, the private Safari Suite Tent sits on its own wooden elevated decking, and also comes with a spacious bedroom, and private bathroom. While there, you’ll get to enjoy everything that this family-friendly campground has to offer, including a brilliant outdoor barbecue and the new floating cinema experience. T&C’s apply.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 72_What’s On

WIN!

DREAMSCAPE EXPERIENCES FOR YOU AND SIX FRIENDS Dreamscape, the virtual reality experience in Mall of the Emirates, is offering one lucky winner and five of their friends the chance to try two of the amazing virtual adventures available. You and your mates will enter a

private pod, strap on all the cool gadget gear, and enter a virtual reality, transported to fantastic new worlds. Afterwards, fuel up with a Dream Snack combo (hot drink and a pastry) from the Dreamscape Café.

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WIN! A SEASIDE

STAY AT LE MERIDIEN AL AQAH WORTH DHS2,500

Snag a staycation at one of Fujairah’s most loved hotels, Le Meridien Al Aqah resort, a charming hotel by the sea. Included in the prize is breakfast at Views for two, and dinner at the fabulous

Gonu Bar and Grill that serves up Sri Lankan vibes and superb seafood. We also recommend that you pay a visit to the hotel’s spa, which has just re-opened, for a more relaxed stay.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win What’s On_73

L A S TMINUTE TRIP Palm Jumeirah meets French Polynesia at Sofitel Dubai The Palm “Welcome back to the Sofitel,” says our waiter, as he pours water at dinner. We exchange a quick glance… we haven’t stayed at Sofitel Dubai The Palm before. Perhaps it’s a standard greeting given to all guests, as he moves on to the next table. When he returns with a basket of sourdough, he tells us that he used to work at the hotel’s World Eatery, and he remembers us from a brunch we enjoyed there some five months ago. That’s some seriously good recall. It’s a warm, welcoming exchange that sums up our overnight stay here perfectly. This Palm Jumeirah hotel may not be Dubai’s newest or biggest – but what it lacks in look-at-me bravado, it makes up for in genuine hospitality. There’s a warmth and familiarity that’s often lacking in UAE hotels, and that vibe extends throughout the resort, where residents and tourists alike are relaxed and in full holiday mode.

The interiors In designing this beachfront resort, the French luxury chain took a stylistic detour to French Polynesia, creating a tropical escape. Living walls of cascading plants line the walkways that lead from the lobby, and the hushed hallways feature natureinspired artworks and stone carvings. It all adds to the sensation that you’ve left the shiny minimalism of Dubai behind. We’ve been invited to spend the night in one of the Sofitel’s Junior Suites. The subtle Polynesian theme continues with slate floors, rich timbers, pops of magenta and orchid purple, and a huge bathroom complete with freestanding oval tub. Outside, two balconies offer a view over thatched roofs and lagoon pools to the Palm and Dubai skyline beyond. 74_What’s On

“SOFITEL DUBAI THE PALM HAS FOUND A RARE MIDDLE GROUND BALANCING SAFETY WITH FIVE-STAR SERVICE.” The amenities

The food

Soon after settling in, we’re off to the spa for a massage. The receptionist spritzes sanitiser on every available surface. We’re asked to place my shoes in a bag before entering the spa, and to shower before my treatment. The full-body massage using warm frangipani oil is soothing and restorative – after the first few minutes, we even manage to forget that the therapist is wearing gloves. We then head down for a swim. At the main pool, families happily splash in the water and gather on sunloungers around the perimeter. It is, unsurprisingly, the busiest place in the hotel, but the Sofitel has a number of pools available, so if the main one is at capacity, seek out one of the more secluded options.

Dinner is at Porterhouse, a two-time What’s On Award winner. We share tempura shrimp, and calamari – the plump shrimp are pepped up with a piquant dynamite sauce, and the calamari gets its kick from jalapenos. For mains, the grilled sea bass with carrot puree is a beautifully cooked piece of fish with crisped skin and flaky flesh. In what can only be described as a testing time for hoteliers, Sofitel Dubai The Palm has found a rare middle ground, balancing gold-standard safety with five-star service. We’re looking forward to being welcomed back once again. a Sofitel Dubai The Palm, from Dhs500. Tel: (0) 44556677. sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com