What's On | April 2012 by Motivate Media Group

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A BlackBerry PlayBook, sailing lessons, plus an overnight stay for two!

Issue 408

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April 2012

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ConTEnTS

April 2012

FEATURES 24 Chill out Festival

The annual laidback party returns, with hip hop trio De La Soul and British indie rockers The Kooks leading the line at the Dubai Media City weekender. We chat to the stars

30 The takeaway test: pizzas

Putting the pizza places of Garhoud, Mirdif, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah and Downtown through their paces. Who was the quickest?

34 Sandance

Shooting the breeze with DJ and tastemaker Zane Lowe, clubbing legends Soul II Soul and Brighton hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks ahead of the gig

38 The Eagles

The American soft rockers – who gave the world (and every cover band in it) Hotel California – touch down for a concert at the Sevens Stadium this month

40 Revenge of the nerds

The global geek-fest that is Comic-Con debuts in the Middle East, bringing with it an assortment of fans and fanatics, stars and stormtroopers. Our handy guide will help you sort your Marvels from your Mangas

47 Gulf Film Festival

Three UAE film industry insiders discuss the future of UAE cinema as the fifth Gulf Film Festival calls action. Plus our pick of the films showing at the festival APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 3

ConTEnTS

THE ROUND-UP 18 Salaam

Bite-size news, views and reviews

22 Win!

There is a whole host of goodies up for grabs this month, including dinner at Amador and an overnight stay at Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, plus yoga, massage and dinner packages

52 Film

Something for everyone this month, including British claymation comedy Pirates! A Band Of Misfits, Julia Roberts’ turn in the Snow White adaptation Mirror Mirror, boardgame-turned-action movie Battleship and heart-throb Zac Efron as a US soldier in The Lucky One

55 Eating out

Our verdict on the newly opened Alfie’s and The Racecourse Restaurant, learn how to cook chips and mayo the Belgian way, the best of the UAE’s new cooking classes and more food news than you can shake a salt cellar at

69 Art

103 Music & nightlife

77 Shopping

115 Travel

Laughs galore with British comedian Dominic Holland ahead of his Laughter Factory visit, plus five must-visit exhibitions to see this month Introducing the UAE’s leading style bloggers, while we spotlight fashion designer Mary Katrantzou

87 Sport & outdoor

The fearless motocross riders from the Red Bull X-fighter tour roar into town, while our man Matt makes a splash testing the latest must-have sea craft

95 Mind & body

The low-down on the Atelier Live Festival, Avenged Sevenfold, Natasha Bedingfield and Dubai’s resident king of jazz and our artist of the month Elie Afif A quick guide to the Chinese city of Shanghai, a flying visit to the tiny Sultanate of Brunei and our Gourmet Traveller on the rise of Western culinary brands in Mumbai

129 Hot List

The best bars, spas, brunches and restaurants in town

146 Backchat… with CatBoy

Deputy Editor Helen’s diary of three days Our man on the radio takes a cheeky detoxing in Goa, plus find out how to sideswipe at your visiting friends cleanse your body and soul in the UAE

115 4 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE MAYA LA CHOCOLATERIE

atar-based project developer and UAE franchise owner Business Trading Company have announced the opening of Maya La Chocolaterie, the famous Bahraini chocolate brand, in Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, as an expansion step following the great success the brand has had in its first outlet in Dalma Mall.

Only just over a year on from its first UAE outlet opening in Dalma Mall, Maya La Chocolaterie has opened its doors today of its second outlet at the acclaimed Al Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. The launch ceremony was attended by several VIP guests and members of the press whom were treated to a menu of artisan chocolates and

We are pleased to bring such a unique concept to the UAE

Wissam Chouman Operations Manager, Maya La Chocolaterie

decedent desserts. At this event, Wissam Chouman, Operations Manager of Maya Abu Dhabi, stated: “We are pleased to have brought such a unique concept to the UAE and based on the location we are certain that customers young and old will enjoy the ultimate chocolate experience at our new Dalma Mall branch. With this announcement, we once again validate that our regional expansion strategy is on the right track and progressing at a rapid rate.” Wissam added: “We were always confident that Maya La Chocolaterie would be a hit in Abu Dhabi, but its instant appeal to the Emirati consumer has been very gratifying, thus we are delighted to be in partnership with such an exclusive, iconic and innovative brand. “With this being the second location in Abu Dhabi (the first being in Dalma Mall), Maya La Chocolaterie has quickly become a magnet for chocolate lovers looking for their first taste of the chocolaty goodness, with queues forming outside Maya on opening day,” Wissam explains. When asked about the future expansions of Maya in the UAE, Wissam answered:

“This year has been a positive year so far and soon will be opening in Al Ain Mall in Al Ain and Bawabat Al Sharq in Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi”. Maya’s presence in the Emirates is set to expand further still in 2012, with a further branch planned for Abu Dhabi Mall later in the year. Wherever you are in Abu Dhabi emirate, you can now indulge yourself in Maya’s chocolate for a better world.

www.maya-la-chocolaterie.com

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Music. It makes you make lose control; it sounds better with you; it’s the answer, to your problems (it’s also my hot sex, but let’s not go there). This month, Dubai goes music crazy, with more gigs than you can shake a tambourine at. I wonder whether we’ve turned a corner, musically, in the UAE? After pretty much nothing but an endless procession of ‘top 100 DJs’ in recent years, we’re now starting to see more and more credible bands play on our shores. (Not that all DJs are the same, by the way – I was thrilled to see Benji B and DJ Marky last month. It’s the ‘superstar’ bores that I object to. David Guetta can stick to selling shampoo for all I care.) But while names such as Snow Patrol, Kasabian and De La Soul have, understandably, set pulses racing with music fans, what I would really like to see are more gigs in smaller venues. Of course it’s fun to spend the day on a beach listening to music – and very Dubai – but there’s also something to be said for seeing that up-and-coming band before they make it, in a room with only 150 people. I guess, though, that the logistics of that are quite difficult – the cost of bringing across bands to perform in front of less than thousands and thousands probably isn’t worth it, although it has been done before – remember Dubai Sound City? Whatever happened to them? In the meantime though, it’s still good to appreciate what we have – the rumours of the Red Hot Chili Peppers continue to swirl around town, so I can see that happening soon, and with more and more UAE folk trying their luck at the promotions game, it can only be better news for us. And music. Enjoy the issue.

Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, Email: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 17

We're oﬃcially part of the Twitterati. Follow us @WhatsOnDubai for exclusive updates on nightlife, restaurants and more around the UAE. Tweet yourself

Salaam! What you need to know in April

What’s hot ECO-TOUriSm Moves are afoot to convert the protected Wadi Wurayah area into a working national park. The plan, as approved by the WWF, is to establish a sustainable protected area, integrating local traditions with conservation techniques. VAT On BACKBUrnEr Sleep easy – for now – as plans to introduce VAT to the Gulf region have been delayed. Initially the idea of bringing in the extra tax on goods and services was projected for 2015, but tax experts now believe this is unlikely. ArABiC TWiTTEr How’s your Arabic? Shway shway? For those fluent, Twitter has introduced a completely Arabiccompatible version for the ﬁrst time, for those essential Arabic tweets.

What’s not mUSCLE FOr rEnT An odd new trend is growing in the UAE, which sees bodyguards being hired in order to boost social status. According to security companies, several customers are more interested in 'looking important' than hiring extra muscle for protection. nOT rEADY FOr TAKE-OFF The proposed Al Maktoum International Airport is unlikely to operate a full commercial passenger service – until 2027. The ﬁnal date of the project has been pushed back due to economic challenges. FLiGHT DELAYS And in more plane news... Plans to launch the UAE's new low-cost domestic airline, Eastern Express, have been pushed back until midsummer after it was originally set to start in January. 18 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Guess list

Ground control to Major Tom, here's this month's rumour round up

35%

DAViD BOWiE Our events insider assures us that 2012 will see a ﬁrst ever visit to the Emirates by David Bowie. Bowie! And do you know what? We believe him. Because the same insider also told us well in advance about Madonna’s upcoming gig, not to mention countless other recent gigs, including Elton John and Britney – so he’s got form. He also, however, told us that we were due a visit from Michael Jackson soon, which would be more than a trick and a half if he pulled that one off, so make of it what you will…

40%

25%

THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...

SAJiD KHAn Having wrapped up a successful chat show career, Bollywood star Sajid Khan is now flourishing behind the camera. And our inside man in B-town tells us that we will soon be seeing the Housefull and Heyy Babyy director in the UAE, for the release of the hotly anticipated and starstudded Housefull 2.

THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS Nicole Scherzinger? Check. Kimberly Wyatt? Check. It seems like Dubai’s Cirque Du Soir has become a veritable go-to venue for ex-Pussycat Dolls. And the word on the wiretap is that the newly recast band may be taking a leaf out of their predecessors’ book and jumping on a plane to the DXB. We would advise against taking your granny along.

OLiVEr! Regulars from the London West End join a UAE cast, as Oliver gears up for a memorable run. Apr 12 to Apr 23, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 7.30pm, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 3666546. oliverdubai.com

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Andrew Hardoon, 4x4 car-modifier

ILLUSTRATION BY: PAUL STERRY

OFF-rOADinG My favourite place to go off-roading in Dubai would be Area 53, which is just off the Hatta-Oman Road. It has some quite challenging terrain, but also some basic stuff as well.

FAVOUriTE SPOT I love Vista at the Holiday Inn in Knowledge Village. It’s a small rooftop bar and restaurant with views of The Palm – really cool. Vista, Holiday Inn, Knowledge Village, Dubai, daily 5pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4275500. vistarestaurant.com

EATinG OUT My favourite place to eat would have to be the Smiling BKK Thai restaurant, on Al Wasl Road – it’s a gem. Smiling BKK, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 11am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3496677. SPArE PArTS For spare parts and getting my 4x4 serviced, I go to OffRoadZone. They have everything you’d ever want for your 4x4, plus they also do desert driving and survival courses. OffRoad-Zone, Street 8, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sat to Thur, 8.30am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3392449. offroad-zone.com

SOLE DXB Puma will be tapping into the UAE’s creative talent by welcoming people to come and design their own streetw. Apr 27, Mojo Gallery, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, noon to midnight, free. soledxb.com

SHArmiLA DAnCE Hundreds of dancers from hip hop to Bollywood will be performing and putting on workshops at this three day extravaganza. Apr 26 to Apr 28, Ductac, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3414777. sharmiladance.com

girl AbOut tOWN

Dubai 92’s Geordiebird gives us the heads up on the Dubai bar scene

this month: B:lUsh At mEDiA onE What’s going on at B:Lush? Loads. It’s a ladies’ night every Tuesday, with free drinks and a few surprises. Surprises? Each lady receives two free drinks in Z:ONE, on the ground floor, and two more upstairs at M Dek, the pool bar. They are also entered into a prize draw, with one winner getting use of a pink limo the following week with ten friends, and the other taking home goodies from Lush. What drinks are on offer? There’s a choice of cocktails downstairs (try the Cosmojito) and any vodkabased drink by the pool. Who goes there? It’s a nice mix of people having a cheeky after work drink and loads of ladies out to make a night of it. Any food on the menu? Z:ONE has platters and bar snacks, or pop in for dinner at The MED where ladies get 30 per cent off their bill. How’s the service? Great – the ever so charming Cedric and his team look after everyone very well indeed. What about taxis? There are plenty waiting outside. Not a problem at all. Geordiebird verdict: A ride in a pink limo, goodie bags and free cocktails? This could be the ultimate ladies’ night. Media One, Media City, Tues 7pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4271000. mediaonehotel.com

Find us at

www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 19

SALAAM

IN THE NEWS

STOP THE BUS!

OLYMPIC DREAMS

350 school bus drivers without licenses or without permits, a shocking report has revealed (Source: RTA 2011)

goals scored during ten qualification games

the maximum age of a player allowed to play at the Olympics

EASTER WEEKEND THREE DIFFERENT WAYS TO HAVE A CRACKING EASTER

For the magpies

DRASTIC

Prefer diamonds to chocolate? Then the Ritz Carlton’s luxe treasure hunt will be right up your street. A two-day hotel stay, bundled with brunch and – upon visiting Aliel Jewellers and the Opera Gallery – entrance to a special draw that could see you winning a diamond necklace. Easter never looked so shiny. Apr 5 to 7, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, Dhs995. Tel: (04) 3722222. ritzcarlton.com/DubaiIFC

PLASTIC 96%

of the world’s plastic is not recycled

number of times the UAE have qualified for the Olympics

THE UAE FOOTBALL TEAM WILL BE ON THE PLANE TO LONDON TO COMPETE IN THIS SUMMER’S OLYMPICS. CONGRATS GUYS

122 FIFA world ranking

28,700

the number of fans that attended the UAE’s last home game against Australia

For the young ’uns

If your Easter weekend is all about keeping the little ones happy take them to the Qix Club. They’ll keep busy with magicians, face painting, climbing walls and the obligatory egg hunt. Apr 6 to Apr 8, The Address, Dubai Mall, 10am to 7pm, Dhs150 including lunch. Tel: (04) 4388030. theaddress.com

Boris’ Bur Dubai Bikes

Dubai is set to introduce its own version of London’s ‘Boris Bikes’ scheme to promote short cycle trips. The RTA has already begun installing 3,000 bike stands outside Metro stations, as it aims to ease the use of vehicles on Dubai’s roads.

DEFINITELY DUBAI

NEW FIGURES SHOW THAT PEOPLE ARE STILL FLOCKING TO THE CITY OF BLING

9.3 MILLION

TOURISTS CAME TO DUBAI LAST YEAR.

10%

INCREASE ON THE YEAR BEFORE

3.6

THE AVERAGE STAY IN DAYS

For the traditionalist

It wouldn’t be Easter without Hot Cross Buns, which is why Baker & Spice is whipping up daily batches of the spicy fruit bun just for the occasion. Mar 30 to Apr 8, Baker & Spice, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai, 8am to 11pm, Dhs10. Tel: (04) 4252240. bakerandspiceme.com

Growing concern about the level of plastic pollution in the UAE has led the government to step up its ambitious plan to ban plastic bags by the beginning of 2013

300

the number of plastic bags an average adult uses per year

11.6 BILLION The number of petroleumbased shopping bags used each year

8% 8

the amount of the world’s oil production used in plastic production (Source: Plastic Not So Fantastic)

20 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

ABU DHABI AL WAHDA MALL 97 1. 2.4437213 MARINA MALL 97 1. 2.6811464 DUBAI DEIRA CIT Y CENTRE 971.4. 2943057 THE DUBAI MALL 97 1.4.3399472 KUWAIT 360 MALL 965. 2.5309581

PROJECT MK-1549 UAE/ WHAT’S ON MAG

ISSUE/POST DATE APRIL 1 ‘12

WIN! WIN! WIN! A duo of delightful prizes. Are you feeling lucky?

WIN! A yogA cLAss And AyuRvedIc mAssAge At BALAnce WeLLBeIng cLuB And dInneR foR tWo At BALAnce cAfe

WIN! dInneR At AmAdoR RestAuRAnt & ceLLAR, PLus A stAy At the PARk RotAnA, ABu dhABI Chef Juan Amador, proud owner of three Michelin stars, has opened his first restaurant in the UAE and to celebrate we’re offering one lucky (hungry) reader the chance to sample the molecular gastronomy menu and enjoy a stay at the Park Rotana. The winner will be treated to a meal for two at Amador Restaurant & Cellar, a night in a Club Rotana Suite, access to exclusive facilities and breakfast. For your chance to dine in style, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with AMADOR in the subject line, your contact details and tell us… Which of the following dishes is a famous molecular gastronomy creation? a) Bacon and eggs b) Bacon and egg ice-cream c) Green eggs and ham 22 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Are you in need of a little rest and relaxation? Some time out from your hectic life? We thought so, which is why we have four vouchers to give away to readers in need, offering a 60-minute yoga class and a rejuvenating 60-minute massage at Balance Wellness Club, plus a healthy dinner for two at the adjacent Balance Café, located at Oasis Centre. At the café, find an international menu of dishes designed to suit your body type and also aid with digestion and intolerances. For your chance to win some quality spa time and a guilt-free meal, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with BALANCE in the subject line, your contact details and the answer to this question… Which of the following is not a type of yoga? a) Hatha yoga b) Bikram yoga c) Yogi Bear

24 WHAT’S ON april 2012

PoPular annual fest Chill out returns for its sixth edition in a fresh format at two new venues – sPlit between media City amPhitheatre and trilogy – headed by hiP hoP legends de la soul and ChirPy indie-roCkers the kooks… april 2012 WHAT’S ON 25

three

is the

magiC number Arguably the single most inﬂuential group in early 1990s hip hop, New York trio De La Soul’s 1989 debut album 3 Feet High And Rising is regarded among the genre’s essential LPs. The group – Kelvin ‘Posdnuos’ Mercer, David ‘Dave’ Jude Jolicoeur and Vincent ‘Maseo’ Mason – have maintained relevance in recent years, meanwhile, collaborating with Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz and on the Nike+ project. What’s On grabbed a word with MC/producer Posdnuos ahead of their bill-topping appearance at Chill Out…

coming but there is nothing yet that Paul and us have done. Your last full-length release was a record for the Nike+ training music series. Who would win in a race out of the three members of De La Soul? I work out with a trainer and also take RPM bike-riding classes, so my cardio skills are pretty good. You’re hip hop legends, but your latest we are coming with that will impress and Has performing classic cuts from albums record might surprise a few people. hold them as well. So if this project doesn’t like 3 Feet High And Rising ever become a You’ve been in Paris working with a move them we have something for them. chore after so many years playing them house music duo called 2 & 4 on De La Will you be playing live? Soul Presents First Serve. How did that all any of the …First Serve Yes, the show can be come about? material in Dubai? Or will somewhat the same in These French DJ/producers came to us the set be ﬁlled with De terms of the music. But Pos’s five favourite with the idea for this project. The project is La Soul hits instead? the different crowds aids to chilling out… a concept album. Two guys want to make When doing De La shows in every venue bring rapping a part of their lives and they go we will not do any ...First uniqueness to the show. 1 Books. I usually have to through the themes of working to be heard, to Serve music. It will consist This year marks De La focus, opposed to letting doubting if they can do it, to finding success, of De La tunes only. We are Soul’s 25th anniversary my mind wander on what then finding they are at odds, to breaking up, hoping to hit you with some as a band. Are you have to get done, which to getting back together. A story heard before, De La tunes fresh out the doing anything special calms me down. but our take on it is very fresh and funny, so it studio, so stay tuned. to commemorate the 2 Walking my dog. She keeps your interest. So there are plans for occasion? helps me get away from it all while I just zone out. How do you think the new direction another De La Soul Just working on this new 3 The Carpenters. Karen might appeal to your long-term fans? album proper, then? De La material to get it to Carpenter’s voice is so calm Fans usually respect that we are always about Correct. your ears. and melodic it’s relaxing trying new things, so I’m sure they will love There were rumours that While in the studio in 4 Meditating. Nothing it. I feel there are songs on this album that you’ve been working Paris, you mentioned like breathing correctly and they will relate to and love. with former De La Soul in an interview that slowing your heart rate down Do you ever worry some fans might not producer/unofficial your French linguistic while closing your eyes and move with the times or your music? fourth member Prince skills ‘suck’. How is your putting all negative thoughts Certain people do get stuck in what they want Paul again? Arabic? out your mind. to hear and for those fans there is music that There are two De La records Not any better at all [laughs]. 5 Costa Rica. I just love to relax while on the beach. 26 WHAT’S ON april 2012

TAKE FIVE

the kooks

Architects of hit singles She Moves In Her Own Way, Always Where I Need To Be and, most famously, Naïve, The Kooks’ chirpy brand of indie-rock is perfect for a sunny spring weekend. And with three Top Ten albums to their name, they’re one of Britain’s biggest musical exports. We tracked frontman Luke Pritchard down to Russia, where the band were trekking through heavy snow to play in Moscow, somewhat poetically ahead of their headline appearance at Chill Out Festival…

So, Chill Out: yourselves, De La Soul and Tony Allen, among others. Looking forward to it? Wow. It sounds good. That’s really interesting, I didn’t know the bill before now. Now I’m really excited. It’s always good to have different things at a festival. I used to listen to De La Soul all the time. In the past month or so, you’ve toured across the globe, from the USA to the UK to Russia. Where in the world do The Kooks get the most love? I don’t know. We’re definitely fond of Berlin. And Spain’s been really good for us recently, because we hadn’t been there much on our first two records. We’ve had some good times in Madrid and Barcelona. And I’ve always liked Japan. The cool thing about being in a band is you get to constantly be in different places. I don’t know if any of us would know how to live [if we weren’t touring]. It’s just so

criticised. What a lot of journalists don’t think about is that we’re creating, making music; actually doing something. To shoot that down normal. I’d miss it. When I is quite short-sighted. When you’re working get home for too long I start really hard, feel like you’ve got something good to get itchy feet. and a load of other people think it’s great, but Your latest album, Junk then one guy in an office is saying it’s terrible, Of The Heart, took a new of course it’s going to p*** you off. But after direction, incorporating a while that becomes meaningless. Plus, you electronic influences. know what, it’s actually quite a good thing not Where do you head to be loved by the press, because then you aren’t next? under their control. With the Internet, you can I don’t know yet. At reach your fans and completely bypass that. the moment, the way That’s the way it works for us at the moment. we’re talking about You’ve admitted in the past that you it, we want to do it have quite an ego. Can you be a difficult really spontaneously, person to work with? so it might be more Definitely, there were points. Anyone that lo-fi. It’s hard to know ‘makes it’ in a band when they’re 18, it’s going to until you’re in there send you to those places. And, yeah, I’ve been [in the studio]. I’ll guilty of that. Everyone’s human aren’t they? probably take the more psychedelic sides You have days when you’re in a mood. It’s hard of Junk Of The Heart and bring those out in for me to comment on myself, but it was pretty the next record. We want to make a much mad being young and having a big album. At a wilder, more raucous record. We’ve got half time, I lost perspective on what writing songs the album at the moment, so we’ll see what meant to me. I got arrogant and thought it was happens. easy. It’s not like that; it’s f****** hard. If it were Junk Of The Heart didn’t hit the easy, it wouldn’t be worth doing. But I’ve been commercial heights of its predecessors. pretty chilled lately. My head’s screwed on a bit Were you disappointed? tighter than it was, although I kind of want to I don’t really think about that. In England that’s unloosen it; have fun for a bit. definitely true, but that’s probably true for every GET YOUR band, apart from Coldplay. It’s not the be all and TICKETS FROM end all. It’s the record we wanted to make. It’s whatsonboxoffice.com done well in other places, like Spain. In Italy it went down better than our first two albums. You just keep making music, see what happens, and try not to get down about it. You’re certainly a band that divides critics. Do you see it as job done so long as you’re provoking a Want to win tickets to the Chill Out Festival reaction? and go backstage with with The Kooks? We It depends. We’ve had so many thought so. For your chance to win, simply e-mail years experiencing it that you kind withwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘KOOKS’ in the of don’t listen anymore. It’s not the subject line and tell us.... coolest thing in the world, to be What is the first name of The Kooks’ frontman? a) Derek b) Luke c) Tarquin april 2012 WHAT’S ON 27

WIN!

MEET THE KOOKS

tony allen Presents blaCk series

noush like sPloosh & heinZ kahler BEST OF THE FEST We get the who, what, where and why from Noush Like Sploosh, one half of Chill Out’s most intriguing local acts…

Who are you? This is a brand new project that Heinz Kahler, MC and award-winning street jazz dancer, and I are embarking on: a set of funky electro-pop dance rhythm music. We both want to take this material as far as it’ll go. Further than Sharjah. Why are you excited about Chill Out? It’s one of the few things I’ll leave the dungeon for. Heinz and I are very honoured to be participating. It was pretty wild last year. There were some of my very favourite artists on the line-up and to see them live here was special. Where else will you be, aside from playing your set, during Chill Out? Definitely De La Soul. It’s such a great venue for hip hop energy, outside with beautiful weather. It’s rare for that collective love vibe to happen in this town, and nothing better for it than dancing to honest music. What makes Chill Out important to UAEbased artists? It’s one thing playing for suits in a hotel, it’s quite another to be playing for an audience who’ve paid for a night of good music, opening up for international bands. It’s validation for local artists to focus on artistry as opposed to marketability. I can’t think of another festival like that in Dubai.

Noush Like Sploosh tips the local talent to catch at Chill Out…

niki mukhi & rony afif

Two wonderful musicians who have such an incredible sense of groove and texture: Rony makes his drums sing; Niki makes out with his guitar.

shaa’ir & funC

Not technically local to Dubai, but since I’m from Bombay, local to me I guess. I watched a bunch of their shows in India and they’re killer. Beautiful energy. I’m excited to see them since their third album Mantis came out last year, which is their best work I’ve heard.

POST-CHILL PARTY The Chill Out crowds can dash over to Trilogy on the first night of the festival for its official after-party. Detroit techno/ house veteran Moodymann (main floor), arena-filling dubstep doyens Magnetic Man (studio) and Jamaican reggae vocalist Protoje (rooftop) top the three-room extravaganza.

Apr 20 and Apr 21, Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 4pm to 11pm and Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 11pm to 3am, two days Dhs400, Dhs350 adv, one day Dhs250, Dhs200 adv. Tel: (050) 7258277. chilloutfestivaldubai.com 28 WHAT’S ON april 2012

Nigerian-born drummer extraordinaire Tony Allen forged the sound of Afrobeat during time working with legendary firebrand musician Fela Kuti in the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, he’s collaborated with the likes of Damon Albarn and Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers. At Chill Out, Allen presents Black Series, his latest project featuring multitalented Detroit artist Amp Fiddler and UK rapper Ty. What’s On spoke to the coolest septuagenarian you’re ever likely to meet, from his current hometown, Paris… On the musical aims of Black Series… Black Series is, as I’ve been doing in the past, collaborating my Afrobeat, in a different form. It’s still Afrobeat but a different nucleus, to make it not boring, with different colours. On his prolific collaborations with other artists… In most cases, they’re coming to me. I don’t really go looking for people to collaborate with. They will call me because they want to have Tony Allen playing Afrobeat in their own compositions. I wonder sometimes, why do they want me in this kind of music that is not Afrobeat? But they’re like “Please, Tony, we want you to be yourself, give us a beat in your style”. On the changes in music he’s witnessed during his long career… When we started making music it was strictly human beings. Every novice can create music today, because there’s a means of doing that. Computers mean you can write music without being a musician. It’s kind of disappointing. People like me have to believe in what they’re doing and keep on doing it, making sure that the machine is not going to take over. On the Broadway musical Fela!, which dramatised Fela Kuti’s life… I never saw it. Imagine me going to watch Fela’s life and watching somebody playing my role. But it’s a Broadway show and they have travelled with it all over the world, so it’s a success. Who am I to criticise?

The Takeaway TesT

the

tAKeAWAy teSt

PIZZAS

When it comes to takeaway, it doesn’t come any more classic than pizza. But which of dubai’s many takeaways deliver quality pizza the quickest? We ordered a small pepperoni or margherita from a bevvy of the city’s delivery services and set our stopwatches. Witness the results… 30 WHAT’S ON april 2012

DISCLAIMER:

Mirdif

to ensure a fair test, we ordered either a small margherita or pepperoni pizza from each outlet, except where minimum orders applied

The Takeaway TesT

Garhoud

Downtown

ALSO: AL WArqA/ InternAtIOnAL CIty/ rAShIdIyAh

ALSO: deIrA/Bur duBAI

ALSO: dIFC

Pizza Express

MARZANO

NKD Pizza

Price: Dhs32 (one size) What’s On verdict: We’d like to say that we really enjoyed this Margherita decked out with generous helpings of oregano and a zesty tomato base, but when it arrived it was a mere centigrade above stone-cold. In our book, that’s unacceptable, no matter how it tastes. Bin Sougat Centre, Rashidiya, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 2852393. pizzaexpressuae.com

delivery time: 21mins Price: small Dhs19, medium Dhs29, large Dhs37, plus Dhs5 delivery charge What’s On verdict: NKD specialises in delivering in double-quick time, and 21 minutes is sharp. But the small Margherita was tiny, cheese-heavy and sauce-light. Uptown food court, Mirdif, Dubai, Sat to Wed 10.30am to 1am, Thur and Fri 10.30am to 2am. Tel: (04) 2515866. nkdpizza.com

California Pizza Kitchen

delivery time: 67mins

Papa John’s Pizza delivery time: 30mins

Price: large Dhs38, plus Dhs5 delivery delivery time: 30mins charge (Dhs30 minimum delivery) Price: Dhs50 (one size), plus Dhs3 delivery What’s On verdict: After gorging on a charge decadently thick layer of piping hot cheese, What’s On verdict: CPK’s pepperoni pizza relatively little tomato base and strangely was a little uninspiring. It looked the part, and sweet dough, we felt like we deserved a pat the base, rolled in semolina, was crisp, but it was on the back (and a new gym membership). very small and disturbingly sweet. It is definitely Think American ball-game pizza, rather than at the higher end of the price scale as well. Italian trattoria. Mirdif City Centre, Dubai, Mon to Thur noon to Garhoud, Dubai, daily 11am to midnight. 11pm, Fri noon to midnight and Sun noon to Tel: (04) 2828975 11pm. Tel: (800) 275275. cpk.com/locations/ Debonairs Pizza mirdif-city-center

Carluccio’s delivery time: 22mins Price: Dhs35 (one size), plus Dhs5 delivery charge What’s On verdict: There is one secret to making Italian pizza: keep it simple. Carluccio’s sticks fast to this rule. Cooked in a wood-fired oven, the refreshingly simple topping is dominated by zesty tomato perfectly complemented with fresh buffalo mozzarella – and best of all, it is unexpectedly affordable. Mirdif City Centre, Dubai, daily 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 2843728. carluccios.com/ restaurants/dubai-mirdif-city-centre

Uptown Pizza delivery time: 35mins Price: Dhs30 (one size), plus Dhs5 delivery charge What’s On verdict: Modelled on the cheese-heavy, deep pan New York-style pizza, Uptown’s Margherita sits heavily in the stomach. Note: there is a Dhs30 minimum charge, and it’s cash only. Street 71, Mirdif, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 2880588

delivery time: 22mins Price: small Dhs21, medium Dhs34, large Dhs45 What’s On verdict: While its name might suggest a slightly more sophisticated style of pizza, what we received was more your classic ‘stodge’; a triple-decker pie, packed with cheese and pepperoni. No bad thing, and our small pizza was piping hot and swiftly delivered. The Arcade Building, Garhoud, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 2822025. debonairs.co.za

Round Table Pizza delivery time: 29mins Price: small Dhs36, medium Dhs40, large Dhs45, plus Dhs5 delivery charge What’s On verdict: This small pizza was swamped with 24 slices of beef pepperoni – we worried they were trying to hide something. Maybe we could have lived with that, but the thick, doughy crust – sparingly brushed with tomato – made for an altogether average pizza. Garhoud, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 2820666. roundtablepizza.com

delivery time: 44mins Price: Dhs44 (one size) What’s On verdict: Marzano’s one size fits all Margherita, though double the price of most small pizzas, arrived hot but wasn’t cut properly. Not to worry though, the soft mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce meant we were practically ripping it apart anyway, and the floured base and gently charred crust suggested a proper pizza oven had been used. Souk Al Manzil, Downtown, Dubai, daily noon to 11.15pm. Tel: (04) 4201136. facebook.com/MarzanoDubai

NKD PIZZA delivery time: 19mins Price: small Dhs19, medium Dhs29, large Dhs37, plus Dhs5 delivery charge What’s On verdict: NKD’s small pizza is tiny, but at Dhs19 what do you expect? The super-friendly service, break-neck delivery time and tasty toppings made up for the size. Extra points for the Margherita’s skinny crust and good cheese coverage, too. Al Murooj Rotana, Doha Street, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10.30am to 2am, Thur and Fri 10.30am to 5am. Tel: (04) 3425755. nkdpizza.com

PIZZARO delivery time: 22mins Price: Dhs37 (one size) What’s On verdict: Pizzaro’s classic Margherita was one of the best we tested, with sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes and imported fior di latte mozzarella. It tasted fresh, with an authentic, wood-fired taste. It arrived piping hot, if a little crumpled on one side, but it was instantly forgiven once we took a bite. Emaar Boulevard, Downtown, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 4225666. pizzaro.me

Jumeirah ALSO: SAtWA

800Pizza delivery time: 32mins Price: small Dhs32, classic Dhs41 What’s On verdict: This pizza was straight-from-the-wood-fired-oven hot when it arrived. The base was april 2012 WHAT’S ON 31

The Takeaway TesT thin, toasted and extra crunchy around the edges, and a minimal amount of tomato base and cheese kept it chewy in the middle. Even the pepperoni was crisp and bubbling when it arrived. They also text you when your pizza is en route: nice touch. Abdullah Meheiri Building, beside Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 12.30am. Tel: 04-3416101 / (800) 74992

delivering Buzz Lightyear. Our very small pepperoni was piping hot with a crisp, thin base and sufficient meat, but it could have done with more cheese. Marina View Towers, Tower B, Unit R1, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sat to Wed 10.30am to 2am, Thur and Fri 10.30am to 5am. Tel: (04) 4534313. nkdpizza.com

PizzaME delivery time: 44mins

Itzza Pizza delivery time: 37mins Price: Dhs37 (one size) What’s On verdict: This Margherita combines multiple cheeses with only the finest layer of tomato. As a result, the cheesiness was overpowering and the base became slightly soggy in the centre. It was quite heavy-handed on the oregano too. The little people in my house inhaled it, but then again kids will eat just about anything if it’s smothered in enough cheese. Extra points for the complimentary side of spicy red pesto though. Opposite Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3428280

Dubai Marina ALSO: dISCOvery GArdenS/ JLt/emIrAteS hILLS/the meAdOWS/the SprInGS/the GreenS/teCOm/AL BArShA/ AL quOz

Pizza Express delivery time: 60mins

Price: Dhs32 (one size) What’s On verdict: One hour. One. Hour. To be fair, we were warned it would be 90 Pizza Express minutes, so they were actually quicker – and when it did arrive, it was piping hot – but still, delivery time: 32mins an hour? Maybe they should consider a name Price: Dhs32 (one size) change? Pizza Saunter, maybe? The pepperoni What’s On verdict: For a chain restaurant, this pizza certainly tasted good, but by that stage produced a near perfect pizza. The combination we’d have eaten the box we were so hungry. of light tomato base and cheese – bubbled on Plaza Level, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach top, golden and a little crispy – was in just the Residence, Dubai Marina, Dubai, right proportions. A light sprinkling of herbs, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4370171. thin base and crisp edges gave it a distinctly pizzaexpressuae.com gourmet feels and it arrived hot. As the small is 800Pizza more like a medium, it was great value too. Al Safa Center, Al Wasl Road, besides Park N delivery time: 33mins Shop, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily noon to 11.30pm. Price: small Dhs32, classic Dhs41 Tel: 04 3945616 What’s On verdict: Small but perfectly Red Tomato Pizza formed, 800Pizza’s pepperoni arrived in a more than acceptable 33 minutes, and it was hot, tasty delivery time: 32mins and, as promised, very spicy. Faultless from start Price: small Dhs34, classic Dhs57 to finish – including SMS’ing us the name of the What’s On Verdict: Red Tomato’s pizza delivery driver – just make sure you order the comes with quite a thick tomato sauce for those classic size, or you’ll be left wanting more. who like their pizza with generous topping. The Marina Hotel Apartments, Dubai Marina Walk, base is a little thicker than most, so quite chewy, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 12.30am. and the cheese topping was heavier in the Tel: (800) 74992. 800pizza.uae middle, making it slightly prone to ‘pizza droop’. The pepperoni topping was perfectly crispy, but NKD Pizza the pizza itself was more warm than hot. Bonus delivery time: 20mins points for super–polite phone service and the Price: small Dhs22, medium Dhs33, large call-back the following day to rate customer Dhs42, plus Dhs5 delivery charge satisfaction. Saleh Bin Lahej Building, Shop No. 7, Al Barsha, What’s On verdict: Open your door to Dubai, Sun to Wed noon to midnight, Thur to an NKD deliveryman and he proudly states the time (always short) it has taken to deliver Sat noon to 1am. Tel: (800) 866286. your pizza, before saying hello – like a pizzaredtomato.biz 32 WHAT’S ON april 2012

Price: Dhs50 (one size) What’s On verdict: Pizza is a 30-minute job. Forty-four minutes is shoddy, and Dhs50 isn’t cheap, either. The first slice was OK, but after a couple the base was chewy and more tomatoes and cheese were needed to counter the dryness. J2 Tower, Cluster J, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, Sat to Thur noon to midnight, Fri 12.30pm to midnight. Tel: (800) 7499263. pizza-me.com

Arabian Ranches ALSO: mOtOr CIty

Lucky’s delivery time: 14mins Price: Dhs28 (one size) What’s On verdict: While not authentic, this Margherita would hit the spot after a night out, with loads of cheese and a doughy base. Motor City, Dubai, 11am to midnight. Tel: (800) 113344

Pizza Hut delivery time: 20mins Price: small Dhs19, medium Dhs32, large Dhs43 What’s On verdict: Pizza Hut’s ‘hot spot’ indicates the temperature of your pizza – and this Margherita was HOT. It was greasy and won’t win prizes for authenticity or high quality ingredients, but it’s speedy and reliable. Arabian Ranches, Dubai, 11am to 2am. Tel: (600) 569999. pizzahut-me.com

NKD Pizza delivery time: 10mins Price: small Dhs19, medium Dhs29, large Dhs37, plus Dhs5 delivery charge What’s On verdict: NKD’s online ordering system is simple to use, and delivery is fast. The Margherita was piping hot, with a rich tomato sauce, tasty cheese and skinny crust for munching with a clear conscience. Studio City, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10.30am to midnight, Thur and Fri 10.30am to 1am. Tel: (04) 4572533. nkdpizza.com

ُ ‫ﺤ‬ ‫ و اﻟﺨﻮاﻟﻲ ﻳﺤﺘﻮﻳﻨﺎ‬...‫ﻦ ﻟﻤﺎﺿﻴﻨﺎ‬ ‫َﻧ ﱢ‬

LEBANESE GOURMET DELICACIES IN CLASSY AMBIENCE TO THE RHYTHM OF ORIENTAL TRADITIONAL MUSIC

AL GHAZAL MALL | JUMEIRAH 1 | 04 3458989

S a n d a n c e

For over 20 years Jazzie B and Soul II Soul have made their mark as musical pioneers, inspiring and paving the way for a generation of artists and achieving legendary status with global hits such as Back To Life and Keep On Movin’. What’s On caught up with the legendary Jazzie B ahead of their beachbased gig this month What can we expect from you guys at Sandance? That’s a difficult question. What can you expect but a happy face, a thumping bass for a loving race... watch out. For many people, Back To Life was the first big dance hit they heard and loved – what was the first bit of vinyl you picked up?

Soul II Soul 34 WHAT’S ON april 2012

The first record I ever personally purchased Is It Because I’m Black by Syl Johnson. I managed to inherit a lot of music from my older brothers you see, so I was very lucky. Back To Life was a coming of age for original British black music – it was even featured heavily by a young Will Smith on the pilot episode of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air... Funny, every time there’s a rerun in the UK I get bombarded with e-mails – it was a great flagship for it all. It was a sign of the times of how things were. How do you feel music has changed over the last 20 years? I just think it’s great, I think it’s fantastic. I suppose in the early 1980s, ignorance was blindness to the facts, there really wasn’t any outlet for club music, which is why pirate stations were so big. It enabled people like Norman Jay, Gilles Peterson and myself to get where we are today, thank goodness for pirate radio. What do you make of the strength of reality TV music shows such as American Idol and X-Factor? I do think programmes like that are brilliant – they’re important and fill a fantastic void. I grew up with Old Grey Whistle Test and Top Of The Pops and that provided us with a benchmark. With so many people looking up to you, who do you look up to? My mum. Who are you listening to at the moment? Which new acts get your seal of approval? So many, Izzy Dunn, Chancellor, Joseph Macwan to name but a few. What’s the one song you heard you wished you’d written? I wrote it! [Laughs.] But it’s kind of true, I wrote the best song I could have written. soul2soul.co.uk

S a n d a n c e

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF… K a i S e r

c h i e f S

2003 Under original moniker Parva, the band is dropped when their record label is shut down. A name change ensues inspired by South African soccer side Kaizer Chiefs. 2004 Kaiser Chiefs release debut tune Oh My God and signature song I Predict A Riot, the latter becoming their first single to crack the charts. 2005 A re-release of Oh My God smashes into the Top Ten, followed by first album Employment, which flies off the shelves and notches multiplatinum sales.

The band plays two sold-out London shows to a crowd of 30,000 people. 2011 Fourth album, The Future Is Medieval, fails to set the world alight, despite an ingenious system on the band’s website allowing fans to choose the record’s tracklisting from a pool of 20 songs. Later in the summer, I Predict A Riot becomes a ubiquitous soundtrack to television footage of the London riots.

2012 Frontman Ricky Wilson is confirmed to star in a huge touring 2007 Sophomore stage production of War album Yours Truly, Angry Of The Worlds. Kaiser Mob tops the UK album Chiefs headline Sandance, charts and also clocks up following two huge tours 100,000 sales in America. across the UK and USA.

What’s in a name?

Kaiser Chiefs keyboardist Nick Baines is better known by his faintly ridiculous nickname, Peanut. Here are five other mentally monikered musicians… BIG POOH Collaborating with heavy hitters like Lil Wayne and DJ Jazzy Jeff during a critically acclaimed career, US hip hop crew Little Brother had one fatal flaw: one half of their number’s scatological name. FLEA Born as Michael Peter Balzary, there are various explanations for the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist’s parasitical alter ego. The most common is a penchant

for leaping around, albeit disappointingly not 200 times his own body length. NOODLES Remember multi-million selling mall punks The Offspring? Adding to the list of stupidly handled bassists, the band’s fourstringer shares his name with a Far Eastern food staple. And he used to be a janitor. Rock ‘n’ roll. THE ARTIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS PRINCE Or, more accurately, an unpronounceable ‘love’

Z a n e

symbol. Was Purple Rain hit-maker Prince displaying his brilliant eye for post-modern rock sloganeering? Going starkraving bonkers? Nope. Just a protest over a record label name rights dispute. TRACY MARROW Our rundown wouldn’t be complete without reference to hard-as-nails gangsta rapper Ice-T’s ludicrous government name. Might not be wise to snigger at Trace to his face, though.

L O W e

New Zealand-born motor-mouth disc jockey Zane Lowe has infected the UK’s national airwaves for almost a decade now, enthusiastically championing the hottest new hip hop, dance and guitar music on his BBC Radio 1 show. Lowe is also a deck-wrecking DJ of some repute, a guise he slips into for Sandance…

Are you as energetic live as on the radio? Yep, definitely. It’s a rap DJ approach to playing big club records that I’ve developed over the years. Interactivity with a crowd is important to me. It’s not just a case of settling into a groove and disappearing into the music. It’s based in what would be loosely termed as ‘bass culture’: anything from progressive house to dubstep to

drum ‘n’ bass. The most exciting records I can find, delivered in a fairly ‘hype’ kind of way. What are your previous memories of Dubai shows? It’s a good crowd – people that come to enjoy themselves. As far as my own experiences behind the decks are concerned, I don’t think I’ve really smashed it yet in Dubai, so I’ll be bringing that ambition with me. But it’s always very good experience to play records anywhere internationally and feel what you’re doing is getting outside of your own neighbourhood.

Do you ever have days where you almost need to kick into character to maintain the bubbly persona people expect? No. I don’t go home and approach my children’s breakfast routine with the same level of energy I do a radio show or a DJ set. I’m pretty mellow on the home front, believe it or not. But when I hear music, that’s how I react naturally. There’s no sense of, ‘OK, now I need to be this energetic guy’. If I had to do that I’d drive myself nuts. There are some times when I listen back to my radio show and go ‘God, I sound awful’. But there’s not much you can do about that. When I hear music I get very enthusiastic and want to convince people how wonderful it is. april 2012 WHAT’S ON 35

WIN!

S a n d a n c e

THE NExT bIG THINGS

Zane Lowe selects his top three up-and-coming tips for 2012… FLUX PAVILION

A phenomenal dubstep producer. He’s got big ambitions to turn his music into a live show with a band. Yet to release an album, but he’s going to be massive this year. facebook.com/fluxpavilion

POND

Pond are from Australia, on the Modular label. They’re an offshoot of the band Tame Impala. I’m a big fan of them. What I’ve heard is absolutely amazing, so that’s going to do really well, I think. facebook.com/pondling

WILLY MOON

Willy Moon makes blues-infected music, but not traditional blues, like The Black Keys sound here and there. Willy dabbles in breaks and samples. He’s basically like Beck, when Beck was at his most freewheeling. willymoon.com

r i Z Z L e

As a veteran of several bands, do you ever yearn to revisit your time as a musician? Or does DJing live scratch that itch? I don’t want to be in a band but I’m certainly not ready to stop creating. I’ve started doing remixes and productions under the name Whateverman. That’s going great guns, working with lots of different people and projects. I actually really enjoy sitting down in my studio making music. I get a huge thrill. You must have met a few musical heroes over the years? Who were the best? Wow. What a question. On paper, Paul McCartney, because he invented music. [Laughs.] But, taking nothing away from Sir Paul, because that’s a total honour every time, David Bowie was a massive deal to me. It was incredibly important to meet him. And meeting the Beastie Boys, in terms of a band that changed my life more than any other, was remarkable. I’ve been really lucky. I’ve met some amazing people. Did any confirm the wisdom ‘never meet your heroes’? [Australian rock legend] Nick Cave. He didn’t like me. But that’s OK. He’s amazing. His music is incredible. And not everyone likes me. [Laughs.] There was probably a little bit of national rivalry going on. What was the first record you ever bought? U2’s War. It was 1983, so I was about ten. That was the first record I ever bought where my mum gave me the pocket money and said, ‘You

MEET THE KAISER CHIEFS! PLUS TICKETS TO SANDANCE! Want to see Kaiser Chiefs? Not only do we have tickets up for grabs but our main competition winner will also get to meet the indie-rockers. For your chance to win, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with KAISERS in the subject line and tell us… Kaiser Chiefs come from which city? a) Leeds b) San Francisco c) Dubai can go up to the counter and choose the record’. I still think it’s a cracking record. Your collection must have grown since then? You’d be amazed how few I actually take home. Other people are into collecting records, but I like to keep my favourite records of the year in a small box. I want to embrace and really appreciate them. It doesn’t mean I don’t listen to the others. I take what I need from them, but the ones that I’ll listen to a dozen times in a year, or more, is less than you think. Those stay on the shelf. You’re rarely negative about bands or records on air. Is there any music you don’t like? Sure there is. I’m not a robot. But when you can choose what you play, it would be foolish to waste anybody’s time picking records just to rip them to pieces. It would suggest a certain sense of selfbelief in my own opinion, bordering on arrogance. Making radio doesn’t just revolve around one DJ’s opinion. I want to create an event every night that people remember. If I just chose records that were on my record shelf, I wouldn’t achieve that. zanelowe.com

K i c K S

joe.ie

Rizzle Kicks – Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule – notched up over 27 million views on YouTube of their debut single, Down With The Trumpets, and. We caught up with Jordan before the band hit the sand OK Jordan, let’s talk history. How was Rizzle Kicks born? I was thinking about this the other day actually. My mum and dad are musicians and growing up, I always watched my mum write lyrics. So even though I wanted to be a footballer until I was about 15, I think I was always going to end up writing music in some way. I was always writing and rapping by myself, and Harley was pursuing acting. I convinced him to sing on a track. We played the track to our mates and they were like, “that’s pretty sick!” and so we thought, “why don’t we do this all the time?” and then the rest is history. Who are some of your main musical influences? 36 WHAT’S ON april 2012

For me personally, it’s a dude called Pharoahe Monch – he’s an American rapper. He’s amazing. For Harley, I’d say it’s Pete Doherty. That’s two different ends of the scales there, but they seem to somehow work. You’re a band that was born on the Internet – do you think this had much of an impact on your success? Our place on the Internet has helped us a lot. I think we wouldn’t have gotten signed to Island Records if we hadn’t dropped the first video on YouTube, and our fans have been like, insanely helpful in the progression of our tracks in the charts and stuff. We loved your Mama Do The

Hump video. Do you think James Corden did a decent ‘hump’? Yes. I think James did very well. That’s one of the main reasons why I rang him. He came to see us at a gig in Birmingham and he watched us do Mama Do The Hump. He came back to the dressing rooms afterwards and was like, “is this it?” and just did it. I was like, “Oh, you legend!”

You’re doing well for such a young age. Has anyone ever used your age as an obstacle? Some people took a bit long to take us seriously. Some people expect us to be naïve and tend to look down on us a little bit, but that’s just a natural thing of life I think. You’ve got to learn and I think we still do have a lot to learn, talking in a larger respect. No, it hasn’t affected us too badly but we’re looking to be in the music industry for as long as possible. Hopefully this will be nothing but a mere flicker in the memory in about ten years. So what’s next for Rizzle Kicks? The main vibe is to keep our fans happy. Then a few festivals and hopefully a winter tour in the latter stages of the year. rizzlekicks.com

A HIDDEN GEM. AN EXQUISITE DISCOVERY. Nestled amidst the glittering Burj Khalifa and the dancing Dubai Fountain, FAI at The Palace - The Old Town is a hidden gem of contrasts – a venue that hosts a ladies’ night that is exceptional in every sense. FAI is warm yet sophisticated, open but intimate. It’s where good friends come to get away, and celebrate life against the dazzling backdrop of Downtown Dubai. Ladies’ Night at Fai, every Tuesday. A splendid evening in sparkling company.

FAI, situated at The Palace - The Old Town Call +971 4 428 7888 or visit www.theaddress.com

eag

the

Randy Meisner Glen Frey Bernie Leadon

Don Felder

Famed for their big hits and bigger fallouts, the Eagles’ career spans more than three decades, millions of records and countless tours. This month they fly into Dubai, promising sing-along tracks including big hits Hotel California and Take It Easy. Drummer Don Henley tells us about those explosive years and why the band continues to make music

hat started as a couple of struggling musicians hanging out at the legendary LA Troubadour club in 1971 turned into the formation of one of rock’s most enduring bands. Within a couple of months of meeting, drummer Don Henley and vocalist Glenn 38 WHAT’S ON april 2012

Frey had recruited guitarist Bernie Leadon and bassist Randy Meisner to establish The Eagles, and a year later their debut album had spawned two top-ten singles, Take It Easy and Witchy Woman. The Eagles soared from the start, synthesising the smooth harmonies of country music with studio-polished rock.

They became the embodiment of the laidback Southern California rock sound, going on to become the most commercially successful band in the 1970s, selling over 90 million records worldwide, achieving four number-one albums, four Grammy Awards, and countless sold-out concert tours. Whether harmonising on soulful ballads, country-rooted narratives, blue-eyed soul or desert-dried desperado stylings, the band consistently reinvigorated rock and roll unlike any previous American band. “We always incorporated every kind of music,” explains Henley. “Glenn and I were both big soul music fans, and Motown fans, and R&B fans. But nobody at the time ever seemed to notice that. We were always a ‘country-rock’ band, come hell or high water. That label stuck

les Don henley

to us like Velcro – we just couldn’t shake it.” But in 1976 came the major turning point for the band. Hotel California was released, and the harder-edged album – influenced by new additions Joe Walsh and Don Felder – became the group’s masterpiece, spending nine weeks at number one with its dark exploration of the gilded Hollywood lifestyle, using LA as a metaphor for the state of the nation. The Eagles were chronicling the attitudes of a decade with an insight and bite that had all but disappeared from rock after the turbulent 1960s. But the hedonistic and troubled strains of Life In The Fast Lane and Hotel California also revealed the band’s internal strife, temptations, and over-indulgences – the American dream unravelling before their eyes. And when they

released 1979’s The Long Run, the overwhelming pressure to succeed had finally torn the band apart. The Eagles didn’t just break up; the band imploded from the pressure surrounding it, namely the enormous artistic and commercial expectations. “It was just a very bad time,” recalls Henley of the band’s demise as that decade drew to a close. “We were a collective mess. Burned out. It was rock bottom. We desperately needed a break, but the machine wanted more. There were contracts to fulfil, concerts booked – we had to feed the monster.” Henley concedes that in retrospect, “There are some interesting songs on The Long Run but group politics ended up preventing Glenn and I from having our own way completely. You had to let other people participate, even if they wanted to do something that wasn’t their strong suit. So you try to keep the peace, and we kept the peace as long as we could.” Yet it seems time has not mellowed the famous frictions in what Frey calls “the most dysfunctional band in music”. “Oh no, not at all,” laughs Henley. “No, we were disagreeing right up until the very end of The Long Road Out Of Eden. We disagreed about what songs should be on there, disagreed about the sequence, some of the mixing, the number of songs... but somehow we manage to work around that stuff. But the bottom line is that we are, despite all our differences, able to create and produce things, and I think that’s probably better than if we all saw the world the same way, you know? The albums would be pretty boring.” Though they officially disbanded in 1980, their wildly successful Hell Freezes Over reunion tour (so-called because Henley repeatedly claimed that the group would get back together “when hell freezes over”) in 1994 and subsequent concert album thawed some of the tensions that previously prevented a new studio record. But as work finally began in 2000, it was soon shelved out of frustration. “We decided long ago that if we were going to make another album, it had to be up to our standards,” explains Henley. “We didn’t want to go out being an ‘oldies band’ or a classic rock band just regurgitating our old material. And we didn’t want to do what a lot of groups or artists our age do, which is make a half-hearted effort for the sake of doing an album, or to fulfil a contract, or to get out of a contract.

There’s always going to be those cynics out there, but the fact is that we do this because we love to do it,” he states firmly. “I never hear anybody ask a 60-year old painter why he still wants to paint. Or a 70-year-old novelist why he still wants to write novels. It’s only rock and pop musicians who get asked the question ‘Why are you still doing this?’ Like it’s suspect or something.” And Henley believes he knows why rock acts get a bad rap. “I think it goes back to the 1960s or 1970s when we all started growing our hair long and parents wanted you to go to college and become a dentist or something. They would say, ‘When are you going to grow up and get a real job?’ 2008

WIN!

GoLDen CiRCLe tiCkets to see the eaGLes

2011

If you’d like to win a pair of Golden Circle tickets (worth Dhs750 each) to see the Eagles live in concert at The Sevens, today is your lucky day. Simply e-mail winwinwhatson@ motivate.ae with ‘EAGLES’ in the subject line, your contact details and the answer to the following question by April 9 and you’ll be put into the draw. Just tell us… Which of the following was not a big hit for the band? a) ‘hotel California’ b) ‘take it easy’ c) ‘Motel texas’

“But this is a real job,” he emphasises. “It’s a difficult job. And it’s something we chose to do. It’s not a hobby for us. We’re not pop stars; we’re professional musicians. We are songwriters. It’s a life-long vocation for us. It keeps us vital, it keeps us young, it keeps us interested in life. The creative process is something that everybody, no matter what they do, should always participate in. I don’t care if you’re making widgets, people have to be creative in order to grow and live a full life.” “Song writing is something I’ve done since I was 15 years old,” Henley adds. “And nothing is more gratifying for me, or any of the other guys in the band, than to hear a song come to fruition in the recording studio. And then to go out to play those songs for people and see the joy that it brings – it’s a fantastic job! Why wouldn’t you want to keep doing it?” Apr 12, The Sevens, Al Ain Road, Dubai, 6pm, show 9pm, Dhs300, Golden Circle Dhs750. Tel: (04) 4390900. whatsonboxoffice.com april 2012 WHAT’S ON 39

40 WHAT’S ON april 2012

IllustratIons: alvIn lee, Mark sable, YIshan lI

A phenomenon in the States and London, Comic Con finally wings its way to the UAE this month. Expect all manner of fanboys, trekkies, noobs and more suitably dressed for the occasion, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure - at this homage to all things pop culture

april 2012 WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON 41

t Comic Con, the geek is king. Often the butt of many a joke, the geeks – along with the fanboys, trekkies, noobs and more – will be out in force this month, as their spiritual home, Comic Con, touches down in the Middle East for the first time ever. A smorgasbord of paraphernalia, talks, screenings and, best of all, actual guest appearances from the stars of the show, Comic Con is the only place to be for those that love their pop culture. If, however, you never made it through the Star Wars saga (how is that possible?) then worry not, as we guide you through all things Comic Con

For the autograph hunter…

are the guys responsible for the art work on some of the world’s best-loved comic If you’re the type of person that craves a bit of characters including Spiderman, Street star-power, then bring along your autograph Fighter and the X-Men. Both Townsend book, and find a blank page between the Elton and Lee will be at the conference, sketching John and Kim Kardasian for some exciting and selling original comic prints. If you’re new monikers. On hand with their pens to looking to purchase comics and artwork scribble away will be One Tree Hill heartthrob from the world’s biggest distributors – Chad Michael-Murray, Battlestar Galactica’s including Top Cow Productions, Archaia Luciana Carro, The Walking Dead’s Laurie and IDW Publishing – then head to the Holden and The Lord Of The Ring’s John Rhys- Jashanmal Comics Village. Davies. Please look carefully before asking For the artist… the guy in the Spiderman costume for his autograph, as chances are he wasn’t the one to Whether you’re a budding artist, or just enjoy star in the big screen blockbuster, but in actual sketching in your notebook, one of the most respected editors in the Manga world, Joel fact is a teacher from Mirdif. Enos, will be on hand to review your portfolio, For the collector… offering advice and giving valuations on what At first, names such as Lee Townsend and he thinks your work could be worth. You Alvin Lee might mean very little, but these could be sitting on a goldmine…

Best Of The Fest Trekkies

Roger Nygard’s documentary is a hysterical if tragic study of the people whose love of Star Trek series sees them attend festivals the world over Unsure what and – in some cases to expect at – even go to work in the Middle East full Starfleet regalia. Film & Comic Blimey, one woman Con? Allow the even does jury service following films in a Shatner-style to fill you in jumpsuit. 42 WHAT’S ON april 2012

Galaxy Quest

For the movie buff… It’s not all comics and dressing up – Vox Cinema’s Movie Club will be there too, setting up a screening room that will not only show classic sci-fi and anime films, but also previews and exclusive footage from some of this year’s biggest up-and-coming films.

For the gamer… To prove that all those hours spent button bashing until the small hours of the morning are worth it, head to the Gamezone, where there will be games galore, competitions and previews of new releases. There’s also Warhammer too, for those that like their gameplay in miniature form. You know who you are.

at the San Diego Comic Con where our heroes meet arrogant Stephen King-esque author Adam Shadowchild, have their pictures taken with forgotten stars and contemplate purchasing overpriced movie-related merchandise.

In Dean Parisot’s top comedy, the cast of a forgotten TV series are visited by aliens convinced the washed-up actors are genuine warriors. Special mention must go to Alan Rickman whose Alexander Dane represents a real festival Mallrats Kevin Smith’s shopping stalwart – the oncecentre celebration brilliant actor reduced includes a signing to making B-movies. session with Marvel legend Stan Lee. Cue Paul fanboy Jeremy London The Simon Pegg/Nick Frost road movie opens bombarding the

comic-book kingpin with questions about superhero nether regions.

Chasing Amy

Smith again, who kicks off his idiosyncratic romcom with a panel discussion about racism in the Star Wars universe (“What’s a Nubian?”) and a standoff between Jason Lee’s comic book inker and the ‘fan’ who thinks he’s really little more than a tracer (“You’re mother’s a tracer!”)

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Suit up!

The one time of the year when people can go all out and dress up, (relatively) judgement free, as their favourite characters. Dressing up is a more than just a passing fad at Comic Con; it is essentially its life source What you’ll need if you’re planning to attend the Film & Comic Con as...

Shaun Riley, Shaun Of The Dead A white shirt Black slacks Black loafers A cricket bat A nametag Some red on you

Tyler Durden, Fight Club Sunglasses Hair gel The tackiest charity shop T-shirt you can find The sort of jeans a man could go 15 rounds in Charisma to spare

Frodo Baggins, The Lord Of The Rings A curly brown wig A blowsy shirt (or failing that, some sort of tabard or smock) Three quarterlength trousers Bare feet (preferably hairy) No social life

Clark Superman A pair of red Kent, swimming trunks Superman A red picnic blanket A grey suit Brylcreem NHS specs Little imagination

Red Wellingtons Yards of blue spandex Lots of help from your mum

Mr Ben’s, Al Ghazal Mall, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3463422. If you don’t have time for DIY mrbendubai.com costumes, you can rent one from either Mr Ben’s Costume Closet or their special booth set up at Comic Con

Festival Faves

Your cut-out-and-keep Film & Comic Con eye-spy census Award yourself a point if you see any of the following: 1 A man overheating in a Stormtrooper uniform drinking through a straw to avoid breaking character 2 A parent looking mortified that their child would rather attend a convention than, say, a football match 3 A dwarf having a go at a child who’s several inches taller than they are 4 People having a heated debate over “who is hotter, Wonder Woman or Catwoman?” 5 The guy out of that thing that only aired once some 30 years ago shouting “Don’t you know who I am?!” 6 Someone paying well over the odds for merchandise allegedly signed by Doug McClure 7 Guys dressed as Boba Fett asking one another what their rocket packs are made out of 44 WHAT’S ON april 2012

Glossary n00b – short for newbie, someone who is inexperienced Trekkie – a devoted fan of the television series Star Trek Pwned – short for owned, and used when someone has been dominated by an opponent Manga – Japanese genre of cartoon, normally involving a science fiction or fantasy theme

8 A down-on-his-luck performer trying to sell a clearly self-published autobiography apr 20 and apr 21, 9 A parent refusing to let their child play Dubai International Marine with a recent purchase on the grounds that Club, Mina seyahi, Dhs55 day pass, “it’s not a toy” Dhs100 weekend pass, Dhs500 10 A fan annoying an actor by constantly vIP pass. tel: (04) 4474344. referring to him/her by his/her character’s name mefcc.com

Happy Easter

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Charlotte au chocolat Available from 6 to 15 April Available in 2 sizes (for 6 or 10 pers.)

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Gulf Film Festival

gUlF Film Festival When it comes to promoting local talent, the Gulf Film Festival is in a class of its own. The annual event that introduced us to the likes of Ali Mostafa and Nawaf al Janahi is back this month with a bumper line-up of must-see movies, whether you are an ardent ﬁlm buff or a casual fan. Here’s our pick of the bunch

RED HEART

You don’t get an awful lot of Norwegian/Iraqi coproductions. Watch Red Heart and you might agree that this is a great shame. Directed by Kurdish newcomer Halkawt Mustafa, the picture centres on Shirin, who escapes to the big city with her boyfriend after discovering that her father was planning to exchange her for a new wife. City life isn’t easy, though, and it becomes much harder still when Shirin’s partner is arrested. A powerful study of the place of women in contemporary Kurdish culture; you’ll eat your Red Heart out if you miss this essential, urgent drama.

AMAL

Having gone down a storm at DIFF 2011, this is your second chance to catch this cracker of a film. The Amal of the title is a Syrian lady who comes to work in the UAE for a year, and then finds herself wondering whether life mightn’t be better if she remained in the Emirates rather than heading home. Directed by proud local Nujoom Al Ghanem, Amal’s an incredible documentary about a modern phenomenon that not only affects the region but anywhere in the world where the have-nots live close enough to see what the haves have got. As such, it deserves to be seen wherever film is valued as an art form.

april 2012 WHAT’S ON 47

Gulf Film Festival

PILLAR

A gift from the good people of Oman, Pillar is an affecting short film directed by Mohammed Al-Harthy and Shabib Al-Habsi. A castle guard is convinced he hears voices during the hours of darkness. As he is desperate to understand the phenomenon that’s troubling him, so the soldier finds himself confronting memories that have dogged him throughout his life. Informed by both ghost stories and psychological dramas, Pillar is sure to get under your skin. And as is the way with the best supernatural movies, there’s also every chance that it might haunt your dreams...

A LIGHT BREEZE

IHALABJA: THE LOST CHILDREN

SILENCE: ALL ROADS LEAD TO MUSIC

The DIFF award-winning movies keep coming. Silence is a world music documentary to rival such classics as Fati Akin’s Head-On, Taraf de Haïdouks’ Gypsy Caravan: When The Road Bends and Wim Wenders’ Buena Vista Social Club. For those curious to hear the sounds of Sicily and the Arabian Peninsula blended with jazz and a jawdropping variety of world music, Silence will leave you completely and utterly sated. It’ll also leave you trawling the Internet and second-hand-record shops for tracks that you’ve never heard before but will now be unable to live without.

If you’re lucky enough to catch Halabja, you’ll quickly understand why it caused such a stir at last year’s Dubai International Film Festival. A German/Iraqi/Syrian production, the picture follows a young man called Ali as he returns to Kurdistan fully 21 years after Saddam Hussein’s infamous gas attack. That Ali is happy for us to rediscover his past with him is remarkable enough. However, as he returns home, our hero finds out that many of the local people are hoping he might turn out to be their missing son. Reality simply doesn’t get more real than this.

Of late, Denmark’s been responsible for all manner of remarkable movies. From the challenging works of Lars von Trier (Melancholia) to Nicolas Winding Refn’s award-winning crime movies (Pusher) and the charming dramas of Lone Scherfig (Wilbur), the tiny country’s produced movies to rival the biggest American features. And now here’s A Light Breeze, a Danish co-production directed by the prodigiously talented Rania M Tawfik. Experimental but assured, A Light Breeze is all the more remarkable for being Rania’s graduation documentary. If this compelling picture is anything to go by, this local filmmaker could soon rival the aforementioned great Danes.

MOMENT

Many of the biggest names in cinema started out making short films. John Carpenter (The Thing) and Don Siegel (Dirty Harry) actually won Oscars for their early non-feature-length offerings. And as the Academy continues to honour the form, so one can imagine the time will come when the UAE’s Mohammed Ghanim Al Marri might have to attend the ceremony of ceremonies. The tale of a man who thinks he has nothing to live for until he encounters a certain bird, Moment will touch your heart and lift your spirits.

SNAPSHOT: A TREKKING MAN

Jalal Bin Thaneya’s a remarkable chap. While many of us might think it’s a long way to the chemist’s, the amazing Emirati walked some 2,000km from Ruwais to Makkah. And in case you’re not too familiar with that part of the world, the terrain couldn’t be more inhospitable if the temperatures reached 45 degrees – which, as it turns out, they quite often do. If all this wasn’t astonishing enough, Jalal completed his journey in just 51 days. If you still don’t feel the urge to catch this incredible film, then you must be impossible to impress.

Apr 10 to Apr 16, InterContinental Dubai Festival City Crowne Plaza and Grand Cinemas, Festival City, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3910069. gulffilmfest.com april 2012 WHAT’S ON 49

Gulf Film Festival

talking movies

50 WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON april 2012

ahead of the GFF, Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On rounded up three protagonists in the UaE film scene, locked them in a cinema and made them discuss the ins and outs of moviemaking in the UaE

MEET THE PANEL

THE DISCUSSION

Mustafa Abbas

The current state of cinema in the UAE…

Natasha Vallen

PRODUCER, Australian, 30 Film icons: "Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller – their films are consistently huge at the box office and always make me laugh." Notable successes: Currently working on a legacy project about the history of Dubai, narrated by Oscar winner Morgan Freeman. about.me/ natashavallen

Ashraf Ghori

FILMMAKER, Indian, 38 Film icons: "Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Duncan Jones – I am into visual storytelling, and these guys know how to pull off epics." Notable successes: Awarded best up-and-coming filmmaker at the Digital Studio Awards 2011; created the UAE’s first CGI sci-fi film Xero Error, which won recognition at the Cannes Film Festival xpansecgi. com

NV It’s an exciting place to be right now. There are plenty of film festivals and companies that are trying to nurture talent and support it where they can. MA Yeah, I agree. It is a great time to be making films over here. Not just because it is moving fast, but also because there is a lot of enthusiasm around it. People are excited.

The importance of the Gulf Film Festival…

AG Its aim is to promote regional talent, and for me it is the festival with the most heart. That doesn’t mean that it is exclusively Arabic films. I have seen Indian and Western films there before – in fact a lot of films are actually in English.

“IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE MAKING FILMS OVER HERE, PEOPLE ARE EXCITED”

AG I hate to put a damper on things but, while I agree that UAE cinema has come a long way, and it is exciting, it is still in the early stages. The general feeling is that taking a short film and making it into a feature is still a highrisk proposition – but we’re heading in the right direction.

MA Ashraf ’s right, there is a misconception that all the films showing must be in Arabic – that isn’t true; I mean, they are screening my film Criminal and that’s completely in English [laughs]. I think the original goal was to create a platform where they could screen underground films from the region.

Mustafa Abbas

Support for UAE cinema…

NV Producing locally based talent is the next big step, and now more than ever there are bodies that are trying to push creative talent forward. Dubai has achieved so much, so quickly – but the arts and culture side of things is more organic and has to be nurtured over time. MA Yes, things are developing, but there is still scope to improve. One of the things we lack is proper production companies. There are a lot of rental facilities, where you can rent equipment, but we need places that will take a project and run it from beginning to end. AG I agree. Filmmakers need pioneering production houses – if only to get rid of the personal financial risk that comes with making a film. But from my experience over here, I’ve come across the old chicken-egg problem. There are people that can finance films, but the argument is that the distribution in the region isn’t big enough for it to be worthwhile. So something has to give. NV I can see where Ashraf is coming from, but I feel that the support doesn’t solely have to come from regional cinemas – the real money is made outside of the UAE, so if people can demonstrate

NV There is always the tendency over here to bring in international acts, so that’s why festivals like the GFF are so important, as they to cater to local trends and talents.

The future… NV I think that the development of working hubs like Studio City and Media City help. We’re at the stage where there is absolutely no reason for creative people to have an excuse. It is very much a case of if you feel you have some creativity, then get your act together. AG For me the most important thing going forward is that people start widening the scope and support different genres of film. The films that generally have gained backing are local stories set in traditional contexts, but there are other types of films being made here too. MA Yes, I agree – there are certain types of film that fit the mould, but I think that it is important to stick to what you believe in. All of my films, for better of for worse, are completely different from each other – and I believe that you have to write what you want to see, but at the same time, still respect your audience.

Shot at: Zabeel Saray

DIRECTOR, Emirati, 27 Film icons: "Martin Scorsese, Michael Mann, Christopher Nolan – like them, I also humanise criminals and focus on anti-heroes." Notable successes: His film 100 Miles won best nondocumentary film at the 2007 Emirates Film Competition; his short film The Alley was screened at the Cannes Film Festival; his first feature film Criminal will be shown at the Gulf Film Festival mustafaabbas.com

their talent here, they should be able to make a stab at it outside of the UAE.

april 2012 WHAT’S ON 51

film

Mirror Mirror

New ReLeAses

The Lucky One

A Thousand Words

a Thousand Words

The lucky one

mirror mirror

Who?

Eddie Murphy, Kerry Washington, Cliff Curtis, Clark Duke, Brian Robbins (director), Nicolas Cage (producer)

Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Jay R. Ferguson, Blythe Danner, Scott Hicks (director)

Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Sean Bean, Tarsem Singh (director)

Tagline

‘Make every word count.’

None

‘The Snow White legend comes alive.’

once upon a Time...

Motormouth literary agent Jack’s (Murphy) smooth patter built his career, but tied his private life in knots – until a celebrity guru’s magical leaf-shedding Bodhi tree forced him to reassess the power of silence.

A marine returning from multiple Iraq tours decided to seek out the unknown North Carolina woman whose photo – which he’d found and kept while on duty – he believed had acted as his lucky charm.

An evil sorceress (Roberts) plotted to steal the throne of an orphan princess (Collins) by banishing her to a dark forest. Alternatively, someone decided it was time for a live-action remake of Snow White.

ideal if you’re in The mood To...

Let Murphy’s trademark wisecracks take a back seat while he attempts – and partially succeeds, despite a flimsy premise and clunky gags – to deliver a physical performance instead.

Put your faith in the stillsomewhat-young Efron (a coltish 24) as he tackles something a bit meatier than the Disney family fare we’ve thus far associated him with.

Have your hazy childhood memories of hand-drawn Disney princes, palaces and poisoned apples replaced with a roster of famous faces from a distinctly more contemporary era.

WaTch This if you like...

Although the core setup is somewhat different, you might have fun with this if you particularly enjoyed the 1997 Jim Carrey vehicle Liar Liar.

It’d help if you devoured Nicholas Sparks’ 2008 novel of the same name, from which this is adapted. Scott Hicks also helmed the wellreceived Shine (1996), so we might expect similar warmth here.

As any fan of the Brothers Grimm’s original tale knows, Disney’s seminal 1937 animation Snow White And The Seven Dwarves remains the yardstick to judge this version by.

Top Trivia

The film was shot in 2008, but release was delayed due to schedule conflicts. Reshoots were conducted in 2011, but Murphy’s proposed stint as 2012 Oscar host kept it out of cinemas until now.

Producer Denise Di Novi has played a key role in getting three previous Sparks novels to the big screen: Nights In Rodanthe; A Walk To Remember; and Message In A Bottle.

Snow White And The Huntsman is currently in the works – Collins lost that role to Kristen Stewart, while Stewart’s co-star Sam Claflin was kept out of Mirror Mirror by Hammer.

WhaT’s on Ten Word or less revieW

A thousand plot holes too, but Murphy’s mugging is endearing.

Likely to tug heartstrings but not to placate Efron’s detractors.

Unlikely to trump the Disney version for creepy Grimm charm.

raTe or slaTe?

★★✩✩✩

PREVIEW

52 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Battleship

The Raven

The Pirates! Band Of Misfits

The Devil’s Double

Battleship

The pirates! Band of misfits

The raven

The devil’s double

Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Brooklyn Decker, Rihanna, Liam Neeson, Peter Berg (director)

Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Piven, David Tennant, Brian Blessed, Peter Lord (director)

Dominic Cooper, Philip Quast, John Cusack, Alice Eve, Oliver Ludivine Sagnier, Mehmet Jackson-Cohen, Luke Evans, Kevin McNally, James McTeigue Ferda, Lee Tamahori (director) (director)

‘The battle for earth begins at sea.’

‘Laugh your booty off.’

‘The only one who can stop a serial killer is the man who inspired him.’

‘Play the part or suffer the consequences.’

Alien invaders planned to harness our oceans to construct a major power source for themselves, leading to an epic seafaring battle based on, er, the famous gridbased guessing game.

A pirate captain (Grant) and his well-meaning if somewhat ramshackle crew set out to defeat their no-good rivals (Piven, Hayek) in the Pirate Of The Year contest, enlisting the help of a young Charles Darwin en route.

A 19th century Baltimore detective noticed that a string of grizzly murders appeared to be based on stories by struggling local horror writer Edgar Allen Poe (Cusack), so the two joined forces to stop the killings.

Latif Yahia (Cooper), an Iraqi solider fighting the Iranian army, was forced by his own side to take on the dangerous role of body double for Uday Hussein, the playboy son of Iraqi president Saddam.

See what happens when a staple family toy centred on luck, logic and elimination is reworked into a major motion picture. Don’t say you’re not even a tiny bit curious – we won’t believe you.

Take to the high seas once again, this time in the admirable company of Aardman Animations (the clay-manipulating stopmotion wizards best known for Wallace & Gromit).

Get your teeth into a Dan Brownstyle cat-and-mouse whodunit featuring a smorgasbord of clues and red herrings – peppered, of course, with Poe’s iconic goth-like prose.

Peek through knitted fingers at a violent, crass, lurid but nonetheless gripping portrayal of military life under the notorious dictator’s regime.

Noughts and crosses, snakes and ladders… OK, we’re being facetious. Let’s say Independence Day, or perhaps Berg’s Hancock if you fancy an insight into his directorial style.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, Chicken Run, Flushed Away… or, of course, any of Gideon Defoe’s original comedy books from which this faithful adaptation has been crafted.

Seven, David Fincher’s similarly gloomy 1995 serial killer shakedown set in a modern metropolis. For a more period feel, think the Hughes brothers’ 2001 Jack The Ripper tale, From Hell.

‘Based on a true story’ recreations that take significant liberties with the facts – they’re ten a penny in Hollywood, and are pretty notorious for delivering wildly mixed results.

Although toy-making giant Hasbro currently owns the rights to the game Battleship, a penciland-paper version was first published by the Milton Bradley Company in 1931.

Although the film relies on Aardman’s painstaking stopmotion genius, fairly extensive use of CGI has been incorporated to add in lush visual elements such as rolling ocean waves.

At one point, Joaquin Phoenix was slated to play Poe, opposite Jeremy Renner. Both roles fell through when Renner opted to pursue Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol instead.

Most reviews agree that the solid entertainment value boils down to a pretty impressive turn from Cooper, who plays both Yahia and Uday Hussein with admirable adaptability.

Hardly revelatory, but perfectly sweet family fare all the same.

Source material and visual style fittingly fused – a little treasure.

Reasonably immersive, but the costumes feel oddly superficial.

Involving, if as nuanced as a jackboot to the groin.

PREVIEW

★★★✩✩

★★★✩✩ APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 53

Sunday

SOUTH IGHT ASIAN N

an, Sri Lank d Indian, e esh them Banglad

Tuesda y

CURRY NIGHT

Monday

SOUTH EAST ASIAN NIGHT Wednes da

NEW ORLEAN S

Chinese, Japanese , Korean, Vietnames e, Thai themed

Friday

ARABIC NIGHT

Located on the 24th floor, featuring a breathtaking view of Burj downtown, The Californian restaurant offers a wide variety of sumptuous dishes ranging from South Asian, South East Asian, New Orleans, Arabic dishes and Deep Blue Ocean selection. South Asian, South East Asian, Curry Night, New Orleans, Arabic Night AED 150 per person inclusive of selected house beverage AED 125 per person inclusive of soft drinks and juices AED 115 per person on food only Deep Blue Ocean Theme Night AED 210 per person inclusive of selected house beverage AED 165 per person inclusive of soft drinks and juices AED 135 per person on food only

For enquiries and reservations: Tel: +971 4 317 4515 Email: dine.dtdu@dusit.com Web: dusitthanidubai.dusit.com

Thursd

DEEP BLUE

WHAT’S ON

EATING OUT Reviews, recipes, columnists and the latest food news

KEY @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING No local fish, or only overfished local species e.g. Hammour At least one sustainable local fish dish, but also one or more overfished local species More than one sustainable local fish dish, but also one or more overfished local species At least one sustainable local fish dish, no overfished local species Several sustainable local fish dishes, no overfished local species

Alfie's

Fully signed up members of the Choosewisely.ae campaign serving only local, sustainable fish species

p57 ALFIE'S · p59 COOK A CLASSIC · p60 FIVE NEW COOKING CLASSES: TESTED APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 55

EATING OUT

FOOD EDITOR'S LETTER Any serious foodie has a strong desire to eat the finest foods and drink the finest wines, sure, but most want more than that. They, like me, want to know where their food and drink comes from and where, how and by whom it has been created. It is for this reason that right here in Eating Out we like to learn from the experts and educate both ourselves and our readers, as well as keeping you up to date with all the latest restaurant openings and culinary events. That is why we teach you how to cook a classic dish each month, ask the UAE’s sommeliers to impart their knowledge of wine in our The Connoisseur column and invite celeb chef Gary Rhodes to introduce a recipe in his The Chef column. And because we like to know what goes on behind the scenes to create the dishes we enjoy in the restaurant, we have tested five new cooking classes for you this month (p60), learning how to rip off the limbs of a living lobster – quite an experience – and make our own pasta. I learned a lot from Table 9 chef Nick Alvis’s lesson in filleting fish, and I strongly advise you to sign up for one of the classes yourselves. We also spent our fair share of time outside of the kitchen, of course, visiting Alfred Dunhill’s new Emirates Towers restaurant Alfie’s to bring you our verdict (p57), sampling Pearls & Caviar’s new menu in Abu Dhabi (p62), The Racecourse Restaurant (p65) and Dubai Marina’s new Baker & Spice (66). Plus the joys of Spanish wine (p65), Belgian Beer Café’s classic Belgian chips and mayo (p59), Gary Rhodes recipe for a delicious dessert (p63) and, finally, this month’s food news. Class dismissed, until next month.

Gareth Rees Features & Food Editor

If you have any comment or opinions on Eating Out or the UAE food scene, please e-mail gareth@ motivate.ae

Alﬁe’s Restaurant And Lounge Men’s fashion brand Dunhill has opened a restaurant. So, what’s it all about, Alfie’s?

disappoint. You won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure. Potted shrimps, spread on dense rye bread and sprinkled with a few crystals of salt to bring out the mustardy fishiness were delightful. They should sell the stuff – we could eat it every day. While a pretty dish of salty sweetbreads, bone marrow and crunchy, oily croutons was pulled together nicely with the bright, sticky yolk of a NEED TO KNOW fried egg, and all washed Location: Emirates down with a pint of Towers, The Boulevard, he less fashion sensitive Scottish company Dubai amongst you might Brewdog’s Punk IPA. It Tel: (04) 3198088 immediately think that was certainly a stellar start. Web: jumeirah.com Alfie’s is named after the But hang on a second, Open: daily noon to 1am seminal 1960s film Alfie, starring when we read the word Cuisine type: British Michael Caine as a witty but sexist pie, we expect pastry – Must eat: potted shrimps and amoral womaniser. unless we’re talking shepBill for two: Dhs515 Thankfully, you’d be wrong, as herd’s or cottage – and (without alcohol) the new restaurant opposite The even though the small Ivy on The Boulevard at Emirates bowl of stewed Towers is actually named for the rabbit topped with musIN TWEET FORM owner of the stylish men’s fashion tard mash was lovely, it A small and stylish brand Alfred Dunhill which, was a little bit, dare we say bolthole, Dunhill’s chef being a dapper chap, Caine’s Alfie it, feminine. Fortunately, Christopher Driver’s would have loved. the bloody richness of Alfie’s serves a solid Small, seating just 54 at tiny several slivers of roast menu of British dishes. tables draped in stiff, white linen, wood pigeon, drizzled in Follow us at Alfie’s has an exclusive, clubby an even richer sauce and @WhatsOnDubai and feel, with a cocktail bar and topped with a splodge of @WhatsOnAbuDhabi lounge – offering its own snack delectably bitter chicken menu – and comfortable chesliver, balanced on a thin, terfield sofas and chairs in a stylish dove grey toast wafer and served with a side of crunchy leather, slightly distressed parquet flooring and buttered leeks, more than made up for it. dark wood tables and bookcases. For dessert, bread and butter pudding What’s more, there’s a no smoking policy in was, well, bread and butter pudding, and the the lounge, bar and restaurant areas, and Alfie’s stewed apple and rhubarb sprinkled with a doesn’t feel at all like it’s in a mall, despite the handful of crumble could have done with a discrete doorway beside the bar leading to the touch of motherly love to give it that homeDunhill shop – something that we wouldn’t be made quality we all yearn for. A jug of custard surprised to see more of in a city that loves to wouldn’t have gone amiss, either. shop more than it does to eat. But whatever Dubai’s future, we love @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: to eat. And chef Christopher Driver’s With no local fish on the menu, Alfie’s score nada undeniably macho British menu did not

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 57

EATING OUT

Cook a classic Belgian fries and mayonnaise Belgian Beer Café chef Yves Bas whips up the classic Belgian chip and dip duo

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

* Six Belgian potatoes * Two egg yolks * Salt and pepper * 50ml of vegetable oil * One tsp of mustard * One tsp of white vinegar

Chips: Peel the Belgian potatoes, cut them into one-centimetre sticks, wash and dry. Poach the chips in oil at 140˚C for six to seven minutes to gently soften, and then remove them from the oil and leave to stand for two minutes (this is the perfect time to make the mayonnaise). Deepfry the chips at 180˚C until golden brown. Mayonnaise: Place the egg yolks in a bowl with the mustard, white vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk slowly, adding the oil a drizzle at a time to avoid separation. The mixture should begin to thicken and turn a whitish yellow colour. Keep whisking until you’re happy with the consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dubai, noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3388563. belgianbeercafe.com APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 59

EATING OUT

FIVE NEW COOKING CLASSES: TESTED

We’ve fumbled with fish guts and torn live lobsters to pieces to bring you our verdict on the UAE’s newest cooking classes

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR

finale was learning to plate the dish, which – with a touch of guidance – finished as a gourmet work of art. Well, as close as we’re likely to manage, anyway. The fact that you’ll be learning from the reigning What’s On Awards Abu Dhabi Chef Of The Year here is a real extra incentive. Dinner is also included. Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, available on request for groups of two to eight people, Dhs650 per person. Tel: (02) 5098777. shangrila.com

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT ABU DHABI & BAR BORD EAU

AGADIR

ABU DHABI

We’re big fans of Agadir’s Moroccan magic, and a behindthe-scenes look at how to prepare chicken pastilla and lamb tagine with Marrakeshborn chef Hakim Benadi proved pretty educational. Most fun was the pastilla, which involved preparing almond, chicken and egg concoctions, which were then spooned in three layers into two sheets of spring roll pastry. Folded into a neat package and baked, then garnished with lashings of honey and more almonds. An impressive appetiser. The classes also include the chance to sample Agadir’s degustation menu, and you can 60 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

also request to learn the ancient art of Moroccan tea making. Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Sat 11.30am to 4.30pm, Dhs350 per person. Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort.com

AGADIR

BORD EAU

ABU DHABI

Chef de cuisine Alexandre Pernetta showed us the secrets of preparing the classic lobster thermador, including – the squeamish should look away now – snapping the claws and tail off the live lobster before cooking. A dose of easy-going Gallic humour helped the whole process along, with a well-measured balance of demonstration and explanation. The impressive

Taking over Frankie’s lovely outdoor terrace and the adjoining kitchens of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, this class spills the lowdown on authentic Italian cooking – literally, in the case of some dishes, how chef de cuisine Andrea Biccini’s grandmother would make them. Forget premade pasta: we were tasked with mastering ricotta ravioli and spinach, tomato and basil salsa from scratch. The salsa was a relative doddle, but concentration is definitely the order of the day when it comes to the pasta machine, squeezing elastic dough into what eventually become neat ravioli packages. Chef Andrea is a more-than-patient teacher, which comes in handy when your arms are at full stretch grappling with huge lengths of pasta only a few millimetres thick. Lunch at the chef ’s table is an optional extra.

DUBAI

TABLE 9 BY NICK AND SCOTT

The young chefs behind T9, Nick Alvis and Scott Price, have plenty of experience with cooking classes, as anyone who signed up to one of their lessons at Gordon Ramsay’s Verre will know. But their new series of five classes (a reasonable Dhs495 each) are a little bit different. Focused on the basics – skills that trainee chefs would learn – they are more useful than the traditional one dish to impress at a dinner party formula. The lads will focus on fish, chicken, pasta, chocolate and bread, in a series of four-hour classes starting this month. We had a short taster of the BICE MARE fish class with Nick, and it was a real eye-opener. In 60 Fantastico. minutes we had learned to fillet Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between a John Dory (they will use local The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Tues sustainable fish for the classes, part 10.30am to 12.30pm, first lesson of their efforts to raise awareness Dhs390, extra lessons Dhs290. Tel: of the choosewisely.ae campaign), (02) 6543333. fairmont.com prepare a stock from the bones and turn it into a velouté (sauce). If you sign up, you will also learn DUBAI to prepare the fillets as Nick and Rather than merely Scott do for the restaurant. A must showing you how to cook a for any serious foodie. specific dish or two, the new BiCE Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Mare cooking classes aim to teach Dubai, Mon, Wed, Fri 10am to you the basics of Italian cooking 2pm, Dhs495. Tel: (04) 2127551. – and it doesn’t come more table9dubai.com basic than making fresh pasta. Visit whatsondubai.tumblr.com for The monthly class, headed up Nick’s guide to filleting fish by executive chef Francesco TABLE 9 BY Guarracino, is designed for NICK AND up to 25 people and sees the SCOTT charming and charismatic chef in his element. The twohour course is a step-by-step guide through making pasta, revealing just how simple it is to make everything from fettuccini to ravioli. The anecdotes and homely atmosphere make it feel more like a cooking session than a lesson – especially as you will also be invited to enjoy a free three-course lunch. Apr 2, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, time TBC, Dhs550. Tel (04) 4230982. bicemare.com

1/2 AD

BICE MARE

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 61

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Pearls & Caviar

NEW MENU

Can the new chef at our favourite seafood restaurant maintain P&C’s high standards with his rejigged menu?

estled in comparative seclusion, a short stretch away from the Shangri-La’s central sprawl, Pearls & Caviar has positioned itself as an almost stand-alone entity since opening its doors several years back. That status has, to date, been buoyed by some of the capital’s most imaginative seafood creations and the restaurant’s genuinely alluring surrounds. So Chef Cyril Calmet – a man who previously held top jobs at some of the finest hotels in Chicago – is new to the desert, and has a lot to live up to simultaneously push P&C onwards and upwards and firmly stamp his mark on a well-loved menu, a touch of flair will be required. The restaurant’s intimate, two-toned black and white theme ordinarily highlights its romantic potential more than adequately, but one budding Romeo further emphasises that fact as we enter this evening, instructing an adjacent table to be swathed in rose petals. While somewhat cheesy for our tastes, it’s always a good sign to see a restaurant sufficiently comfortable in its skin to allow diners to personalise their experiences.

NEED TO KNOW

Location: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi Tel: (02) 5098777 Web: shangri-la.com Open: daily 7pm to midnight Cuisine type: seafood Must eat: lamb loin Bill for two: Dhs763, excluding wine

Slow-poached Canadian lobster and lamb loin stand out from the revised mains list. The former is embellished with open-faced ravioli, IN TWEET FORM Basque pipperade and Pearls & Caviar’s new bouillabaisse reduction, while menu doesn’t quite attain the lamb shank boasts a Ras new levels of excellence, El Hanout spice scent that but keeps one of our Abu We’re also pleased seems to deliberately avoid Dhabi faves flying high to see our Gulf shrimp overpowering, alongside moist regardless. salad starter, the chunky artichokes à la barigoule and Follow us at crustacean set off smartly citrus jus. But, though there’s @WhatsOnDubai and with a cute helping of nothing to specifically criticise, @WhatsOnAbuDhabi creamily smooth cod the impact of the duo of dishes brandade, plus fennel and was merely excellent, where we Kalamata olives (albeit a touch overpriced were – perhaps unfairly so – on tenterhooks, at Dhs95). The seafood cappuccino, with sea waiting for mind-blowing impact. urchin, gnocchi and fresh tarragon, is an We finish with a splendidly executed underwater treasure trove; meanwhile, the signature dish, coconut tapioca and passion modest bowl hides a surprisingly sizeable fruit (Dhs64), musing that Pearls & Caviar has selection of shellfish. perhaps missed an opportunity to push itself further up Abu Dhabi’s culinary ranks. But when setting such high standards, @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: Though Shangri-La operates its own worldwide simply maintaining existing lofty sustainability policy, its menu is noticeably scant on local sustainable species, so scores zero altitudes is an achievement in itself.

62 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

EATING OUT

RASPBERRY AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CREAM SHORTBREADS SERVES FOUR

"Baking does scare people a bit, but be a little adventurous, give it a go"

INGREDIENTS

For the white chocolate cream: 300ml double cream, 225g finely chopped white chocolate. For the shortbreads: 200g softened butter, 100g icing sugar, one egg yolk, 250g plain flour. Twenty to 24 raspberries per person.

METHOD

The chef

content. When you eat all of it together, it is an absolute dream. I love making it – it’s so easy. Once you’ve made that shortbread paste, you can keep it in your fridge and any time just roll a little bit out, cut it into biscuits and bake it off any time you like. I usually make the mix the day before – it takes minutes – then pop it in the fridge. Easy. It also freezes very well. You should leave it for an hour or two to rest for the perfect shortbread, but 20 minutes in the fridge will do it if you’re in a n the UK, you’ll reach May and see a few very hurry. Baking does scare people a bit, but be a young raspberries. But in the UAE, thanks little adventurous, give it a go and if you find it’s to imports from other countries, you will see not your forte, it’s just not you, the great thing raspberries sitting on the shelves in April. about this dish is that you can go out and buy This dessert has that some shortbreads. fantastic combination There are some great of white chocolate options out there. and red berry, which Try Marks & Spencer. always works well. But, if you are making I’m not a great fan of your own, you could red berries with dark add chopped pecans chocolate, you see. or pistachios to the It can work, but the shortbread mix for raspberries have to be that nice nutty bite. really rich in flavour Or you could replace to be able to cope about 25g of the flour with the strength for the shortbread of the chocolate. with cocoa powder, But white chocolate and you have dark is much sweeter – chocolate shortbread you certainly don’t fingers. Sometimes need to add any I add a cold double sugar – which is going to help if the raspberry is espresso to the cream. Chocolate, coffee cream slightly harsh in its taste because it hasn’t come and perhaps orange segments. Or add a little into its full glory of flavour. Then you have the splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau before you shortbread, which adds that little extra sweetness, whip the cream into the melted chocolate. The but also a buttery taste, thanks to the high butter possibilities are endless, and delicious.

If you have a sweet tooth, you will enjoy the dessert recipe our celebrity chef columnist Gary Rhodes has in store for you this month

Bring 100ml of cream to the boil in a small saucepan. Add the chocolate, stirring until completely melted. Pour the chocolate cream into a bowl and leave to cool. Whip the remaining cream to soft peaks, folding in the cooled chocolate to complete the mousse. If too loose, continue to whisk to a soft peak. To make the shortbreads, cream together the butter, icing sugar and egg yolk. Sift the flour into the bowl and gently fold in with your fingertips. Roll into a cylinder, wrap in clingfilm and refrigerate for one to two hours. Preheat the oven to 180˚C. Once rested, roll the dough until just two to three mm thick. Twelve circles, squares or rectangles can now be cut and placed on a non-stick baking tray. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the shortbreads are lightly golden. Leave to cool. Spoon or pipe the white chocolate cream onto eight of the shortbreads, leaving a five to ten mm border. Arrange the raspberries around the cream. Stack the shortbreads into four portions, finishing with the remaining shortbreads. If you fancy a raspberry sauce, whiz 100g raspberries and 25g icing sugar in a blender until smooth. Strain through a sieve and serve.

NEXT MONTH: PANFRIED SALMON WITH PEAS, BROAD BEANS AND ASPARAGUS APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 63

EATING OUT

The connoisseur

The Racecourse Restaurant Is The Stables restaurant a ﬁery frontrunner or a no chance nag?

aving burst onto the bar scene like a prize thoroughbred, complete with a huge opening party, ex-pro footballers and a stream of passing celebrities, The Stables Bar can already be considered a hit. Constantly busy, it’s fun and rowdy like a good bar should be. But while the bar downstairs was packed with the raucous post brunch crowd, the second floor restaurant, on a Friday evening, was almost bare, with just the two tables (including ours) occupied. Perhaps it was the boisterous hum from downstairs, or perhaps that it’s an odd spot to discover a new restaurant, but The Racecourse could certainly benefit from a few more horses in its invitingly decorated – dark wood, nicotine yellow walls, stained glass – paddock. Committed to the racing theme, the menu is split into “Starters Orders”, “The Home Straight”, “From the Grill” (the odd one out) and “The Final Furlong”. Poached quail stuffed with morel mushrooms and served with a large dollop NEED TO KNOW of mushroom risotto, and swimming in Location: The Stables a thin gravy was proper pub stodge – not Bar & Restaurant, Sheikh pretty, but actually a hearty and warming Zayed Road, Dubai dish. Lobster ravioli was served with a lot Tel: (04) 3425571 of sauce and a slick of cream, but was also Web: stablesdubai.net satisfying enough, as was a nice fillet of sea Open: Tues to Sun 7pm bass in a star anise sauce. to midnight The chef had been too liberal with Cuisine type: European the salt when seasoning our rib-eye, but Must eat: the poached for Dhs180 with a smooth mash, which quail could have done with a touch more butter, Bill for two: Dhs570 it would make a perfect ‘evening after (without alcohol) the night before’ dish. The ubiquitous chocolate fondant elicited no complaints and the lemon meringue tart had an IN TWEET FORM agreeable tang, despite the lifeless pastry. The food at the The Racecourse Restaurant, with a few Racecourse Restaurant tweaks, would serve solid enough pub isn’t bad, but we’re not grub – though we suspect it is aiming for sure it’s enough to entice something more – but with a busy pub the crowds away from offering a bar menu downstairs, the downstairs bar. it looks like the restaurant at The Stables Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and might have a few more fences to jump @WhatsOnAbuDhabi yet. Only time will tell, but for now, we’re hedging our bets. @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: With the dangerously overfished hammour on the menu, the Racecourse Restaurant scores zero. 64 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Inspired by a visit to Rioja, Madinat Jumeirah’s beverage manager Ashwani Varavattoor has a genuine passion for Spanish wine I travelled to Spain during the harvest back in September 2008. I visited vineyards and wineries and saw how the wine was made. Talking to the farmers and witnessing their passion for wine really inspired me. Spain is the third largest producer of wine, behind France and Italy, and its main production area is its central region – La Mancha. If you’re looking for standout wine, then Rioja, Priorat from Catalonia and Ribera del Duero are of the highest quality. They produce a wine in the Ribera del Duero region called Vega-Sicilia Unico (unico meaning unique). It is a gran reserva and Spain’s flagship wine. It is aged for a minimum of ten years before it is released – six to seven years in barrels and then three years in bottles. That is a long time, quite a commitment. If you want to drink a fine wine, you see, the wine has to be developed. Most people don’t get to appreciate the bouquet of a wine these days because wines are released too early. The Vega-Sicilia is grown in chalky soil, which gives more finesse

to the tempranillo grape. There are other red grapes, such as graciano, garnacha and mazuelo, but in Spain, tempranillo is the king of grapes and it loves chalky soil. As the wine ages, as it develops, it takes on a balsamic aroma, which is typical of Ribera del Duero wines. When it comes to white, I love white wine from Galicia, from Rías Baixas. They use the albariño grape, which for me is the best grape variety in terms of Spanish white wine. It has amazing acidity and a nutty flavour. It is very good with seafood. If you are new to Spanish wine, you should start by sampling a young Rioja – look out for the vino joven label – to understand the basics, then move on to a Rioja crianza, which is aged for six months in barrels and then 18 months in bottles. Next, go for a Rioja reserva, which spends one year in the barrel and two years in the bottle. Then, finally, the Rioja gran reserva, which ages for two years in the barrel and three in the bottle. Al Hambra, Al Qasr Hotel, Dubai, Sat to Thur 6pm to 11.30pm, Fri 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. jumeirah.com

NEXT MONTH: SOUTH AFRICAN WINE

Where food will stay in your mindâ&#x20AC;Ś Park Rotana Abu Dhabi proudly introduces Amador Restaurant and Cellar brought to you in collaboration with 3 Michelin starred Chef Juan Amador. The recognized master of the art of avant-garde cuisine, Chef Amador has come up with some of the most imaginative dishes in the world and they are here for you to experience. Savour his creations in the elegance of our fine dining restaurant or relax in the less formal surroundings of our cellar featuring an array of tapas and exciting selection of grape and other beverages. Whichever you choose, you will have food for thought with every bite. For reservations, please visit rotanatimes.com or call (0)2 6573333.

P.O. Box: 43377, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: +971 (0)2 657 3333, F: +971 (0)2 657 3000, park.hotel@rotana.com

rotana . com

EATING OUT

ON THE MENU

New brunches, new restaurants and new menus – the UAE food scene is pulling out all the stops this month

NEW RESTAURANT OPENINGS

NEW OPENING

For our interview with Peter Gordon visit whatsondubai. tumblr.com

The summer might be almost upon us, but the rush of new openings in the UAE shows no signs of slowing Nestled away in Al Barari, The Farm’s charming, relaxed and wholesome offering looks set to cause some fuss on the Dubai scene, and there is already a buzz around the swanky new World Trade Centre-based Italian, Donatello’s – especially as it is designed by the minds behind Armani/Privé and The Gramercy. Not to be outdone, Romanthemed (breastplates and helmets?) Pompeii will be bringing plenty of its own Italian recipes to JLT. Here at What’s On we are especially excited as one of our favourites, Rivington Grill, has opened up a second branch at the Madinat. But just as we see one of our faves arrive, we say a sad goodbye to Café Chic, which has already closed its doors and been replaced by M’s Seafood Bistro. Meanwhile Turkish restaurant A la Turca spearheads the culinary output at the lavish new Rixos Hotel, with a little help from Mediterranean Roccha and the Chef ’s Steakhouse Restaurant. We hope you’re hungry.

TWITTER RECIPE

LEARNING FROM THE MASTER

Multi-award winning chef and fusioncooking supremo Peter Gordon will be making a whistle-stop tour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s Jones The Grocer stores this month, with book signings, cooking demonstrations and limited one-on-one cooking masterclasses. Apr 2 and Apr 3, Jones The Grocer, Al Manara Street, Dubai, cooking demonstration Apr 2, 7pm, Dhs395, cooking class Apr 3, 3pm, Dhs995. Tel: (04) 3466886. jonesthegrocer.com Apr 4, Jones The Grocer, Pearl Plaza Tower, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, cooking class, 4pm, Dhs995, cooking demonstration, 7pm, Dhs395. Tel: (02) 6395883. jonesthegrocer.com

BAKER & SPICE

Cooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters

CHORBA SAMAK

Sauté calamari/shrimp/ monkfish/leek/onion in butter. Add celery/ bay/ parsley/coriander. Add ginger powder/fish stock. Simmer 20mins.

TRIED AND TESTED

Hakim Benadi, chef de cuisine, Agadir Agadir, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to midnight, Fri and Sat 1pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @ WhatsOnAbuDhabi

66 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Yael Mejia’s Baker & Spice could open a branch anywhere in the UAE and it would be popular – the food is outstanding, especially the breakfast dishes. Breakfast can often be done very badly indeed in the UAE – gristly veal bacon and insipid chicken sausages are an inedible disgrace – but Baker & Spice doesn’t

even attempt to mimic the traditional, meatheavy British breakfast. Rather it employs fresh, locally sourced, regional produce to create light, well seasoned omelettes, simple fried, poached, boiled or scrambled eggs, delightful blueberry pancakes, French toast, pastries and, the star of the show, the life changing (really,

it is) shakshouka – a Tunisian dish of eggs poached in a warm, and warming, tomato, pepper, garlic and chilli sauce. It’s a pity it can only be ordered for two, but at Dhs75 it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of reason to order it all for yourself. Served with freshly baked farmhouse bread – perfect for soaking up the rich sauce – it is truly amazing that something seemingly so simple can taste so darn good. The service, especially on an exceedingly busy Saturday morning, needs some serious work, but with indoor and terrace seating and a weekly Saturday farmers’ market, Baker & Spice is a foodie’s dream. Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 8am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3624686. bakerandspiceme.com

Pesce, please For most Italian restaurants the temptation is to ignore regional specialities and focus on the famous dishes that people know. BiCE Mare is doing things a little differently, introducing their new Taste of the Italian Coast specialties. Every month the Italian seafood specialists will be focusing on coastal specialties from the peninsula’s different regions. It all kicks off this month with Sardinia where Mediterranean style clams are served with Sardinian gnocchetti as well as spaghetti with smoked mullet caviar. BiCE Mare, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, daily noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4230982. bicemare.com

Free Tapas If you’ve been dying to sample the food from brilliantly experimental chef Juan Amador’s new Abu Dhabi restaurant, but fear that it might be out of your price range – then, this is your lucky month. Feel free to tuck into a spread of complementary tapas when ordering drinks between 4pm and 6pm. Amador Cellar, Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Tues, 4pm to 6pm. Tel: (02) 6573333

Five new brunches

NEW

Just in time for the launch of our new pocket guide to brunch this BRUNCHES month, the UAE has come up with these new brunch offerings seafood and freshly baked breads. St Regis, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs300 soft drinks, Dhs385 house beverages, Dhs450 bubbly. Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

XL BEACH CLUB

EMBER

Although not exactly the classic definition of a ‘brunch’, Ember Grill’s Thursday all-you-can-eat steak and seafood night is a welcome new second-cousin-once-removed to the Dubai brunch family. The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, Thur 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs245 with house beverages, Dhs180 with soft beverages. Tel: (04) 8883828. theaddress.com

THE CAVENDISH

It’s one for the family at The Cavendish. The restaurant is set up with a supervised children’s room with face painting, films and games – that gives the parents space to tuck into the buffet, packed with English and Irish classics. Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Hotel, Dubai, noon to 4.30pm, Dhs299 with house beverages. Tel: (04) 3560000. bonningtontower.com

OLEA

Things are happening out on Saadiyat Island, and the latest news on the island grapevine is the enticing new Mediterranean brunch at the St. Regis offering tapenades,

STYLISH SEAFOOD

The Nautilus seafood restaurant at the Yas Viceroy has assembled a new six-course seafood and wine pairing degustation menu, including tuna tastings, caramelised black cod and their signature scallops. Also, just between friends, the sommelier is our go-to guy for French wines in the capital. Nautilus, Yas Viceroy, Abu Dhabi, Tues to Sun, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs425. Tel: (02) 6560600. yasviceroyhotelsandresorts.com

With full pool and beach access, XL is a chilled out BBQ brunch with specialising in roast and BBQ meats, but also offering a buffet. A DJ plays from 3pm, and brunchers receive a 30 per cent drink discount from 4pm. Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 with house beverages. Tel: (056) 6406161. grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com

TIMES OF ARABIA

Serving an all-you-can-eat a la carte brunch crammed with Lebanese favourites, we recommend booking a table on the terrace with views of the Madinat waterways, for a lovely afternoon in the sunshine. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Fri 12.30pm to 4.30pm, Dhs150 soft drinks, Dhs275 house beverages. Tel: (04) 3686044

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Gary Rhodes gets busy

Our columnist, Gary Rhodes, has been a busy boy. Somehow, between popping over for Taste Of Dubai and filing his copy for us, he has managed to conjure up a host of new dishes for his Rhodes Twenty10 restaurant, including the lip-smackingly tempting connoisseur burger and the warm black forest brioche. And on top of that he has finally introduced the new afternoon tea he has been promising us for some time at Rhodes In Residence at Grosvenor House Tower Two. Rhodes Twenty10, Le Méridien Beach Resort, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 2170000. lemeridien-dubai.com Rhodes In Residence, Grosvenor House, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 3pm to 6pm, Dhs275 with Taittinger rosé champagne, Dhs250 with Gosset champagne, Dhs150 with soft drinks. Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 67

WHAT’S ON

ARTS

artists, galleries, news, events and more

p70 Game for a lauGh · p72 the art insider · p74 five to see april 2012 WHAT’S ON 69

ARTS

Game for a lauGh

hirteen may be unlucky for some, but not for UAE comedy institution The Laughter Factory. That’s as long as it’s been making the good burghers of our emirates crack their collective comedy ribs – What began as a self-confessed opportunity for co-founders Gail Clough and Duncan Jones to find a way to amuse themselves has grown into regular sell-out events across Dubai and beyond. This month, they go one stage further. Alongside the ‘regular’ Laughter Factory gigs that feature, as they often do, an unruly trio of renowned British comedians, we are lucky enough to also be treated to a first: a one-off gig from the Laughter Factory Mumbai. Together they’ll have you laughing on both sides of your face this April. thelaughterfactory.com

dominic says…

an early recipient of that comedy crown, the perrier award, from the legendary edinburgh fringe festival, dominic holland has since gone on to add novelist, news and panel-show pundit and actor to his Cv. he headlines the laughter factory this month

Who's your comedy hero? Ronnie Barker [of The Two Ronnies fame] – he made my dad laugh, and this had a massive impact on me. Then I finally got to meet the man a few years before he passed – and he knew who I was, which was very humbling, if I’m honest. Stand up's never been more popular – it’s proved to be pretty much recession proof. Why do you think that is? It’s the best night out in the world 70 WHAT’S ON april 2012

if the room works and the comics are worth watching. How many films actually make you laugh out loud, and when was the last book you read that is as funny as it claims to be on the front cover: “I cried with laughter” – Really? When?

What can Dubai audiences expect from your show? Funny stuff about my life reflects their lives as well – hopefully. Any tweaking for a Middle Eastern audience? Not really – unless I’m five minutes in and they still haven’t laughed. Tell us a joke... Ed’s note: Dominic’s silence on this one suggests he’s saving his best for you – catch him while you can...

ARTS

five minutes With...

Yousef Ahmed

the leading Qatari artist, now showing at artspace difC, on art and life

Going, Going, Gone…!

ast month we gave you advice on how to buy art. This month, assuming you didn’t get over-excited at Art Dubai, you’ve got a good reason to put that advice into practice at Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish Art, the April auction taking place at Christie’s Middle East. Yes, that Christie’s – the one where lots regularly sell for six figures and beyond. But April’s show has something special for newer collectors, too, in the form of seven works donated by rising Arab artists that will be sold to benefit the World Food Programme. “The Part II sale format marks a significant change in the variety and value of works that we can offer at Christie’s,” says auctioneer Isabelle De La Bruyere. The format was launched by the auction house last season and came with an unexpected side effect: “We saw that the ages of the artists whose

work was included in the sale was reflected in those bidding online, in the saleroom or on the phone.” People, in other words, more like us, dear Reader, than those we might more typically associate with a Christie’s sale (older, loaded – need we say more?) Estimates for Part II start at a notinconceivable US$1,500 – more than you’re likely to spend on an average night out, perhaps, but positively entry level in art-collecting terms. “I’d like to encourage new collectors to come down to the pre-sale viewing and see for themselves the huge range of what will be in the sales, meet the specialist team and perhaps come to the sale itself to get a sense of the drama of a live auction,” says De La Bruyere. What have you got to lose? (And if the answer to that question is your shirt, you can always follow our rule for dodging unintended bidding brought on by auction fever – sit on your hands.) Apr 15 and Apr 17 to Apr 18. christies.com

Musical chairs

Roll up, roll up! Dubai goes music mad this month, with not one, but two singalong extravaganzas taking place at Souk Madinat’s First Group Theatre. In the red corner we have Popular Productions returning with its take on yet another West End hit – that classic tale of poor boy makes good (eventually), Oliver – with its now-familiar blend of local talent and UK pros. Over in the blue corner, meanwhile, A Tribute to Glee and Other Gleeful Tunes sees a talented group of local singers and UK professionals perform popular takes on other people’s songs that (re)found fame in small-screen singfest Glee. All of which sounds like great fun. Please, Sirs, can we have some more? Oliver, Apr 12 to Apr 23 , Madinat Theatre, Dhs175; A Tribute to Glee…, Apr 26 to Apr 29, Madinat Theatre, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 3666546. madinattheatre.com

Calligraphy is a consistent feature of your work – are you hoping to preserve or evolve this art? My aim is always to evolve; I put the classic calligraphy styles in contemporary form. I also work on creating new letter styles and shapes in some of my works. Your work features texture and diﬀerent mediums. How do you develop those? It’s a continuous process. For more than 25 years, I have always tried to explore the effects of different mediums. I work on creating different feelings and impacts on the painting surface. For that I used and tried many materials until I developed my own material: ‘palm paper’, which belongs to me. One of your pieces recently sold for US$60k at auction – does saleability make you view your own work diﬀerently? No, but it encourages me to develop more and go for bigger challenges, especially as my work development is very costly. For example, to develop palm-leaf paper it took me more than two years of experiments and buying many machines to make the raw materials. Do you see yourself as a representative of Middle Eastern art in general, or as a single artist pursuing his vision? I am part of the Middle East art scene, but I have my own style and vision. No single person can represent the Middle East. This area is more than 9,000 years old – every day you can find many great talents and names, but a healthy environment is needed to uncover them. Describe your work in three words… Tactile. Beautiful. Functional. artspace-dubai.com april 2012 WHAT’S ON 71

ARTS

CHARLES POCOCK

THE ART INSIDER

was recently at a public library in the GCC, and was shocked by the lack of books on any subject that could be of much use to a reader. The cultural section had four books on the subject of interior design

and American pop art. Hardly a celebration of GCC culture and heritage, is it? Visiting the bookshops in the GCC I found an extremely limited range of titles on Islamic or contemporary/modern

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Middle Eastern art. This is partly because there are a limited number of titles and partly because there is limited demand. What books that are available are in English; there is nothing in Arabic. The demand for books on Middle Eastern culture comes from Europe, North America and India, not from the region the publications are about, or directly intended for. As a publisher of such books – and I focus on making them bilingual – I find there is a limited demand for titles in Arabic here in the GCC. We have constant orders from most of the leading US and European universities, but here in the region books are expected to be free. Otherwise there is no interest. The cost of translation is around 30 to 40 per cent of the total production cost, and it is being undertaken for an audience that has limited interest in the subject. In time, the publishers will make less effort, as it makes no economic sense to translate books into Arabic. This will further deepen the chasm that is developing in the region when it comes to cultural identity. The Abu Dhabi Authority For Culture and Heritage (ADACH) has set up Kalima – a not-forprofit initiative funding the translation, publication and distribution of books into Arabic – to try to encourage publishers

and solve this problem. Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing has also been set up to publish in the Arabic language. But more needs to be done, not just in relation to publishing but also in encouraging the local populace to read in Arabic. If there is no audience, what is the point in putting the effort in? Outside the GCC, in the wider MENA region, in Cairo, Beirut and Casablanca the situation is very different, with strong local demand and supply. Independent bookshops have loyal clients, and independent publishers support the market with credible local titles. However, these titles have limited exposure outside their immediate locations. The people of the UAE should be able to walk into their local library and be confronted with hundreds of quality titles on the wonderful art that has been produced, and continues to be produced, in this region. More must be done. Art historian, dedicated collector and managing director of Dubai’s Meem Gallery, Charles Pocock knows the UAE art scene like the back of a Picasso. Do you have an art question for Charles? E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

NEWS FLASH

Read all about it

Last year’s Edge Of Arabia exhibition has found a new lease of life – as a glossy art book. Launched at Art Dubai last month, it presents a brilliant snapshot of Saudi contemporary

art and artists. booth-clibborn.com

Save the Date Art Dubai may be over for another year, but fear not, a new countdown begins. Abu Dhabi Art has announced the dates for this

year’s extravaganza, so make a note in your diary now to \keep November 7 to 10 clear. It’ll be worth it just to see how the in the Saadiyat Cultural District is developing alone. abudhabiartfair.ae

C E L E B R AT E

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ARTS

Five to See... 1) Sail Away

We love it when worlds collide – in this case, art and fashion. Canadianborn artist and longterm Dubai resident Janet Bellotto brings the thoughtful aquatic visions her work is renowned for to the windows of Harvey Nichols department store this month. Inspired and inspiring. Until Apr 30, Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, free

2) Figure Out

Art Sawa is bringing together 19 contemporary Turkish artists for a month-long exhibition looking at this diverse country, which straddles east and west. Figure Out starts with the individual artists' personal views, brought together by their common land and their hopes for its future at a time when Turkey is striking a balance between traditional life and a cosmopolitan future. Until Apr 20, Art Sawa, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3408660. artsawa.com

3) Korean Eye: Energy And Matter

Like Chinese art before it, Korea is one of the world’s hotspots, artistically speaking. See what the fuss is about as this international touring exhibition comes to Abu Dhabi. Featuring 19 artists in a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture and photography, you should find yourself suitably impressed. Until Apr 25, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (between Al Maqta and Mussafa bridges), Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: 02 6543333. E-mail: art. babalbahr@fairmont.com

4) Art Morocco

Moroccan artists Mohammed Melehi, Ahmed Cherkaoui and Kilail Gharbaoui bring their colourful abstraction to Dubai’s Meem gallery this month in a rare chance to experience some of the earliest convergences of Middle Eastern and Western contemporary art. Until Apr 30, Meem, Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3477883. meemartgallery.com 3

5) I Put It There – You Name It

Those two enfant terribles of the local scene, brothers Rokni and Ramin Haerizadeh, are joined by childhood friend Hesmen Rahmanian in an exhibition that promises to bring the ambience of their shared Dubai home, studio and garden into the gallery space. Curiouser and curiouser. Until May 17, Gallery IVDE, Unit 17, Al Serkel Avenue, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3236761. ivde.net

74 WHAT’S ON april 2012

D. L R O W HE T E L U R ES. O H S E H WEAR T

SHOWN: F LEUR IN PEWTER

Available at : BAHRAIN : Debenhams, Sun & Sand Sports, The Athletes Foot, Heels Boutique, Shoe City, Beyond the Beach

P.O. Box.17684, S3-1221 Jebel Ali Free zone Dubai UAE Tel: + 971 4 880 7995, Fax: +971 4 880 7996, E-mail: info@sourcerite.ae www.facebook.com/FitFlopMiddleEast www.twitter.com/FitFlopME ||

Marine, K Corner, Bahrain Duty Free || KUWAIT : Debenhams, Shoe Mart, The Athletes Foot, Intersport || LEBANON : ABC Ashrafieh, ABC Dbayeh || OMAN : Shoe City, K Corner, Al Khamis Shoes || QATAR : Courir, Go Sport, Debenhams, Shoe Mart, The Athletes Foot, BlueSalon, Shoe City, Ozone, Sun and Sands, Barjeel Corner || UAE : Dubai Duty Free, Go Sport, K Corner, Impressions, Intersport, Pairs, Shoe City, Jumeirah Sports House, Picnico, Shoe Mart, Sun & Sand Sports, Beyond The Beach, Shoes 4 Us, Rip Curl Stores, Wild Wadi, City shoes, The Athletes Foot, Debenhams, Gulab, City Sports, TipTop, Shoe bazzar, Mega Sports, Connections, Prince Shoes || SAUDI ARABIA : Shoe Mart, Zahid Trec, Sun & Sand Sports, Intersport, Athletes Rod, Sports Ghornatah, Matjar Al Watany, Go sports, Debenhams, Shoe Citi, The Athletes Foot, U - Mark.

WHAT’S ON

SHOPPING Designers, shops, trends, hot spots and more

p78 rEVEalED: THE UaE'S TOp STYlE BlOGGErS · p84 SHOp TalK april 2012 WHAT’S ON 77

SHOPPING

tHe UAe’S

tOP Style

blOGGerS anybodysomebodynobody.com Who? Zoe Brown

What? An easy to navigate pin-board style site offering make-up tutorials, cool covers and the latest collections, plus travel news from around the region and beyond. What's your day job? ASN is a full time occupation, and I consult on social media and youth culture. I’m also working on a website called ASNedits.com, an online fashion boutique that will bring international designers to the Middle East. What's your dream job? This job with a full time personal assistant would be nice. What is the best freebie you've ever had? I was given an original painting by Argentine painter Ruben Alterio from Van Cleef & Arples. That was pretty special. Sum up UAE style in three words... Evolving, curious, ambitious. What's your top trend for Spring/Summer? Anything in a pastel hue. 78 WHAT’S ON april 2012

We drag the region’s fashion insiders away from their computers (and the glam parties) to find out why they blog, why you should read them and what we should be wearing this season lylalovesfashion.com Who? Zahra LyLa Pedram What? Celeb style, the scoop from the front row at fashion week, Lyla’s looks and videos to inspire.

Zoe Brown Why did you start blogging? Growing up, I was the biggest tomboy and fashion was the last thing on my mind. But once I got into it, I bought every fashion magazine I could. Eventually, I wanted to do more than just read about fashion. I wanted to express my own opinion and talk about what I loved. What's your day job? I'm a graphic designer, and I'm currently pursuing my Masters. I'm also a fashion consultant and the brand ambassador for Bex Rox, a London-based jewellery designer. Sum up UAE style in three words... Still needs improving! What's your top trend for Spring/ Summer? The three Ps: peplums, print and pastels.

Zahra Lyla Pedram

SHOPPING

myfashdiary.com Who? TaLa samman

What? Updated three times a day, seven days a week, this blog is buzzing with competitions, daily style inspirations, interviews with designers and sneak peeks into Tala’s wardrobe. How did it start? Three years ago blogs didn't really exist in Dubai and I felt like it would be fun to share my fashion experiences in an online fashion diary with a community that loves style as much as I do. What's your day job? I’m a fashion student at the London College of Fashion and also contribute to magazines, consult for brands and take on styling projects. What's your dream job? I can't think of anything more exciting than the one I'm doing now. What is the best freebie you've ever had? Hmm... The Chloe team just sent over their latest It bag – The Angie. Sum up UAE style in three words... Glamorous, OTT, colourful. What's your top trend for Spring/Summer? Prints. Mix and match. What was your last purchase? A Vanessa Bruno neon blazer.

buynowbloglater.com Who? Laura FarranT

What? Laura’s refreshingly honest blog mixes up fashion and beauty news with styling tips, photos of her trying trends and products put to the test. What's your day job? I work full time as a digital user experience consultant. Sadly, not at all fashion or beauty related. Can you describe your workspace? I tend to blog in very unglamorous

Tala Samman

environments, curled up on my sofa, in my pyjamas with my headphones on. What is the best freebie you've ever had? A trip to Berlin for a Tommy Hilfiger fragrance launch. It was an incredible experience, not only to see how a brand launches a product into a crowded marketplace, but I met the man himself and got to party in Berlin. Sum up UAE style in three words... Conventional, safe and glamorous. I identify with the first two and constantly aspire to embody the latter. What's your top trend for Spring/Summer? Vintage Americana, as seen on the catwalks of Prada and Marc Jacobs. It’s a blend of delicious prints, glacial pastels and 1950s silhouettes. What was your latest purchase? A skirt from Zara. It’s tulip shaped with a blurred print – my new favourite thing. Laura Farrant

Clare Geeves

clareandthecity.com Who? CLare Geeves

What? Nights out, shopping, exhibitions, fashion shows and chat from party girl Clare. Why did you start blogging? To get into parties and drink for free. What's your day job? I’m a TV presenter for Splash! and I work on PR for Violent Lips. What's your dream job? Being a writer for a hit comedy show, or being married to a rich, hot celebrity. What’s your workspace like? I blog from Make Business hub. It has the best coffee in Dubai. What is the best freebie you've ever had? I live for swag! The best goodie bag was from Dubai Ladies Club, with YSL make-up, Lancome and MAC. Amazing. Sum up UAE style in three words... Fun, elegant, rock. What's your top trend for Spring/ Summer? For me it's all about rock and black. april 2012 WHAT’S ON 79

Extravagant, colourful, up-to-date. What was your last purchase? Christian Louboutin’s Asteroid pumps.

redvelvetnation.com Who? diPesh dePaLa

What? A daily dose of glamour and style from the best parties, events, and people from Elle the fashion capitals of Timms the world. Why did you start blogging? I started because I was attending a lot of these events anyway, and I love to take pictures, so it just began as a bit Chloe Allan of fun. People enjoyed seeing the photos thegirlthatlivesinthedesert.com and my commentary Who? ChLoe aLLan from these glamorous What? Blogger Chloe shares the scoop from events come online Dipesh really great New York label that you can find Dubai’s hottest parties, models the latest quickly, and I soon Depala trends and offers advice on how to wear them. in Dubai at S*uce. garnered a strong How much time does it take? following, with people butterhotshoes.com At first it was just my hobby, but now it’s logging on each day to see who was out, and becoming a daily thing. It is now like my own Who? ZuBaida JaCoB who wore what the night before. What? The latest from Dubai’s fashion scene, little online magazine and seems to be all I How much time does it take? snaps of Zubaida’s personal style – and lots of think about. Some posts can be quite small, and therefore lovely shoes. What's your dream job? very quick, but others like the Cartier polo How much time does it take? To have a huge fashion empire of my own... are much lengthier, and take much more It actually takes a lot of time, with photo be a designer, stylist and photographer all time. But I have become quite quick at shoots, editing, writing and finding in one and conquer the world. Or be Anna selecting, editing and uploading the images, something to blog about that readers won't Wintour. But maybe just for the day. and the commentary doesn't take me long. get bored of. Sum up UAE style in three words... What's your day job? What's your dream job? Expensive, colourful and summery. I own various businesses, including a brand What's your top trend for Spring/Summer? I would like to have my own boutique like and communication consultancy called The Harvey Nichols. I'm majoring in dental Pastels, prints and peplums. Qode, with my business partner Ayman surgery, so I would still be a dentist too. Fakoussa. lovestyle.com What is the best freebie you've ever had? What's your dream job? Who? eLLe Timms I would say a Zayan silk dress. I was so happy I’m doing it! I love what I do. What? The sister site to Emirates Woman when they sent it for me to wear at the launch. What is the best freebie or goodie bag magazine, the blog is full of celebrity style, Sum up UAE style in three words... you've ever had? news from big brands and local labels to check Let’s just say that people in Dubai are very out, with a fun, fresh take on fashion. generous. How much time does it take? Sum up UAE style in three words... A lot. I laugh in the face of web development Evolving, luxurious, showy. lingo now. What's your top trend for Can you describe your workspace? Spring/Summer? As a fashion and beauty editor, I’m in the For women, neon bright. Sleek and office mid-week, and at my Mac at the kitchen slim for men. table at the weekend. What was your last fashion What was the best goodie bag ever? purchase? The Harvey Nichols’ 5th birthday party bag A stunning Glam Rock SoBe Tech was pretty epic – it included vouchers. You watch and an Ozwald Boateng suit. Zubaida Jacob can never go wrong with vouchers. Sum up UAE style in three words... Eclectic, colourful, underestimated. What's your top trend for Spring/Summer? I think I'm going to be purchasing something neon very soon. Probably a satchel. What was your last purchase? A Deer Dana T-Shirt with Yves Saint Laurent's hand-drawn cartoon face on it. It's a 80 WHAT’S ON april 2012

SHOPPING

DeSIGNer fOcUS:

Mary KATRANTZOU 2.

here’s one reason, or should we say one woman, behind the print trend this season – Athens-born Mary Katrantzou. The 29-year-old designer has been thrust into the spotlight thanks to the success of her fitted dresses in uplifting prints, using graphics she creates from photos of flowers, fish and even crushed cars, which result in a collection of covetable demicouture. Celebs and style mavens including Alexa Chung, Anna Dello Russo and Keira Knightley have been spotted in her designs, and as the current darling of the glossy mags, getting your hands on a dress is harder than pinching an inch on a runway model. Cheap it ain’t (Chung has tweeted Katrantzou saying "Me = happy, bank balance = sad."), but her collaboration with Topshop will hopefully reach the UAE later this year. Available from Boutique 1 and net-a-porter.com. marykatrantzou.com

5. 3. 82 WHAT’S ON april 2012

1. Blossom T-shirt Dhs1,275; 2. Fish dress Dhs3,750; 3. Floral blouse Dhs4,200; 4. Fish T-shirt Dhs1,275; 5. Tulip pencil skirt Dhs3,300

PLAYLIST SPECIAL Album

Michael canitrot

Playboy Sessions Paris (Defected)

French spinner Michael Canitrot’s double CD of house hits should strike a chord of familiarity with the UAE’s party people, thanks to his occasional forays onto the Abu Dhabi club scene. Split into day and night – with CD1 one a more relaxed affair – CD2 goes for the party jugular, with appearances from Crazy P, Kris Menace and more than a few of Canitrot’s own productions along the way. Definitely one for the weekend crew. amazon.com

GAmE

MaSS effect 3 (Xbox 360, PS3)

The third and final instalment of the hugely popular Mass Effect franchise sees Commander Sheppard back in control of the spaceship Normandy, doing battle against the Reapers; an alien race that are launching a full-scale attack on Earth. It’s a fairly standard sci-fi plot, but what sets Mass Effect apart from its rivals is the ability to carry over a character from the previous two games, meaning that every previous decision ever made in the game is remembered, and suddenly becomes hugely significant. The result is a videogame that’s up there with the best of Hollywood’s sci-fi blockbusters when it comes to action. amazon.com

1/2 AD

DVD

the adventureS of tintin: the Secret of the unicorn (Paramount)

Steven Spielberg’s first venture into the new world of motion-capture is a fast-paced film adaption of Herge’s classic comic book adventure series, Tintin. In it, the eponymous journalist-turned-detective stumbles across a mysterious clue leading him to unravel a dangerous secret forgotten in time. Blending together the storylines of the comic books The Crab With The Golden Claws and The Secret Of The Unicorn, the film – which is genuinely hilarious at times – manages to tread a tricky line of being both faithful to the original series’ exuberant adventures, and still allowing Spielberg to add his own, artistic spin. virginmegastore.me APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 83

SHOPPING

SHOP TALK

The hottest news, products, trends and openings with Deputy Editor Helen Spearman NEWS FLASH

THIS MONTH WE’RE WEARING…

my-wardrobe. com sets up shop

Online fashion boutique mywardrobe.com is launching in the UAE, bringing labels like APC, 3.1 Phillip Lim, J Brand, Belstaff and Preen to our doors. The website also allows you to shop by trend or designer and even has a cheeky sale section with up to 80 per cent off.

florals

If the Paris runways are anything to go by, this Autumn/Winter is set to be seriously sultry, with blacks and bronzes dominating, so enjoy some floral fun while you can. From ditzy rosebuds to graphic prints, find a palette to suit your skin tone; brunettes should go for jewel tones, while blondes should stick to pinks and pastels.

NEW OPENING OF THE MONTH

Smitten Boutique

All those wannabe Suri Cruises out there can make their fashion dreams come true at the latest children’s store to open its doors. Smitten Boutique carries collections for little ones, plus women’s wear maternity clothing, baby shower gifts and accessories. Our pick of the store is this adorable mini frock (Dhs650) by Indian couture label Kidology. Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4519779. smitten-boutique. com

84 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Date for the diary

1. Matthew Williamson, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs4,900. Tel: (04) 43398069. matthewwilliamson.com 2. Lipsy, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs279. lipsy.co.uk 3. Ted Baker, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs550. Tel: (04) 6814711. tedbaker.com 4. Olena Dats, Valleydez, Sunset Mall, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs3,000. Tel: (04) 3242883. valleydez.com 5. Gap, Al Wadha Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs375. Tel: (02) 4437270. gap.com

The Bride Show

You have the diamond on your finger and changed your Facebook status to ‘engaged’, so now there’s just that teeny, tiny matter of arranging what is meant to be the most important day of your life. Panicking? Luckily this year’s Bride Show kicks off a three-day wedding extravaganza on April 4, with everything from catwalk collections and make-up demonstrations to a VIP area offering mini massages by Lily Pond spa to keep your blood pressure down. Apr 4 to Apr 7, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, 2.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs10, VIP Dhs100. thebrideshow.com/dubai

Marni for H&M

One of the most hotly anticipated collaborations has arrived in the UAE, with Italian brand Marni creating a fusion line for highstreet fave H&M. The collection includes its signature prints, plastic accessories and mouth-watering shades, with knitted striped tees, bright boat shoes, sharp blazers and citrus separates to take you skipping into spring. H&M, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, from Dhs49. Tel: (04) 3308327. hm.com

LUST LIST

Four to try… bright heels

THE ULTIMATE COCKTAIL RING Cobalt blue has been seen everywhere from Stella McCartney’s Paris collection to Katy Perry’s hair, but we’d much rather have it in jewellery form, in the shape of this covetable ring (Dhs950) from Yves Saint Laurent. Part of the label’s ‘Arty’ range, the rings are a modern classic and come in a range of colours, but for a gold-plated shot of style, blue is for you. Yves Saint Laurent, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3410113. ysl.com

Steve Madden The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs359. Tel: (04) 3253052. stevemadden.com

It has arrived!

The new iPad has reached our shores so join the queue to get your geeky mitts on it. The latest model looks the same and boasts a screen that is four times better than the iPad 2, but be aware that it hasn't offically launched in the UAE so there might be warranty issues. Dhs2,575. aido.com

Kurt Geiger Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs1,200. Tel: (04) 3997880. kurtgeiger.com

Spring has sprung, so ditch the black and embrace some brights. Statement shoes are everywhere this season, either adding to a head-to-toe attention-grabbing look or creating a pop of colour. For weekend chic wear with straight leg white jeans and a loose coral tee, or go all out at night with a floral flock. Just make sure your pedicure is up to all the attention.

Amanda Navaian Bloomingdale's, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs2,750. Tel: (04) 3505333. bloomingdales.com

Brian Atwood Atwood, Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, Dhs3,500. Tel: (04) 4098888. harveynichols.com

Palermo Restaurant At Palermo, we embrace a passion for tradition and excellence to create a casual dining experience that is elegant and different. Savour the offerings from our all-new menu with Mediterranean cuisine that boasts tapas, fresh salads, seafood, pastas, pizzas, mouth-watering grills and signature dishes specially prepared to match your expectations. Restaurant timings: 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm (Monday to Saturday)

EVERY FRIDAY

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EVERY WEDNESDAY

POLO BRUNCH

STEAK NIGHT

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12:30 PM to 3:30 pm

7:30 PM to 10:30 pm

Star ting from AED 199 per person

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Including one glass of selected house beverage

For more information, please contact: Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club * Above offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or promotions

* Above offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or promotions

Opposite Arabian Ranches Al Qudra Road Tel: +971 4 361 8111 Email: info@poloclubdubai.com visit www.poloclubdubai.com

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 85

WHAT’S ON

SPORT & OUTDOOR Alive and kicking

p88 Red buLL x-fIghteRs · p90 the jetPAd · p92 the Round-uP APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 87

AND

SPORT & OUTDOOR

ABOVE

BEYOND

The revved up adrenaline junkies of the Red Bull X-Fighter Tour somersault their way back into town this month, for the first leg of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international motocross stunt competition. Bring your superlatives

CLIFFHANGER

The rider leaves the bike, hands raised, and catches the underside of the handlebars with his toes.

ROCK SOLID

The rider lets go of the bike, throwing his hands to the side. For a moment he is totally detached from his bike and flies above it. 88 WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON APRIL 2012

XFIGHTERS EXPLAINED

Reigning World Champion Dany Torres talks us through the world of X-Fighters

TSUNAMI

Essentially a handstand in the air performed over the front of the handlebars while keeping the bike horizontal and level.

What is the X-Fighters tour? It’s the biggest freestyle motocross championship in the world. How do you score points? Trying to do the most and hardest tricks in a limited time frame. Who judges it? There are five judges scoring the runs on five different aspects: variety, execution, style, entertainment and use of the course. How many runs do you get per round? Usually it’s 90 seconds each for a head-to-head run, and two minutes if you make it to the final. How many tricks do you do? It depends on the course. Normally we can do between eight and ten during the shorter rounds and between 12 and 15 tricks for the twominute rounds. How important is style? Really important. Sometimes it is better to do an easier trick with good style than a hard trick without style. What are your favourite tricks? I love doing old school tricks such as a Big Turn Down or a Whip (180º turn) You won here last year. Good memories of Dubai? Yes, I have very good memories. The win was my first of the X-Fighters season and it was very important in securing the overall title. What have been your worst injuries? I’ve had too many injuries to count; but the hardest one was a broken femur, but that was a long time ago. Apr 13, Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs75 for standing, Dhs165 for grandstand. Tel: (04) 3414353

ferrariworldabudhabi.com

IT’S YOUR TURN

TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL

Get set to rev your engines. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, you finally have the chance to get behind the wheel and see where your imagination takes you. When you visit the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, you’ll finally have the chance to live the Ferrari dream in ways you never imagined possible. Experience the legend like never before, with over 20 rides and attractions in the world’s largest indoor theme park.

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 89

Instructor Dan

SPORT & OUTDOOR

‘Danger’ Matt

Jetpad

The JetPad Looking to take advantage of perfect year-round watersports conditions in the uaE, a new locally made highspeed watercraft is aiming to make a splash with uaE beachgoers. We sent our man Matt to test out the jetPad

t was around my tenth birthday when I first went on a ‘personal watercraft’ – the technical name for what everybody mistakenly calls a jet ski (an individual brand). I vaguely remember it being awesome, but there is every chance that I made up that happy memory to suppress the sheer terror that comes from being thrown from a petrol-guzzling, eardrum-shattering, water hog. Which is why I was delighted (read terrified) to be offered first dibs on the new JetPad prototype ahead of its official global launch next month. GETTING STARTED Let it be noted for the record that, despite its appearance, the JetPad is not a jet ski. I mean, sure, Barcelona and Morecombe are both football teams, but you ain’t fooling anyone. By swapping the 90 WHAT’S ON aPrIL 2012

alternative, which could broaden the appeal of personal watercraft. In order to eliminate the noise and fuel consumption problems that most watercraft have, JetPads run off electric batteries that are rechargeable from standard wall sockets. The batteries last up to an hour when fully charged, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Perhaps the most innovative function is the built-in ‘geo fencing’ system that can be programmed to limit the speed of the craft in certain areas (near the shore, say). It would be ideal for younger watersports enthusiasts or watercraft dilettantes. VERDICT Touting its eco-credentials, lack of noise, safety aspects and broader family appeal, the soon-to-be-released JetPad is likely to do pretty well here in the

over the non-deafening sound of my electric motor, I throw caution to the wind and let rip. I’ve never been attracted by speed, so while it is worth noting that these things can manage 45kph, I was more interested in causing as much splash as possible by throwing it around corners. That’s where the real fun lies. Sliding into power turns and whipping up water at nearby onlookers, I was doing my best to tip the thing over, but no joy. Half of me was glad I didn’t have to take a dip, but the other – they don’t call me ‘Danger’ Matt for nothing – thought what’s the point UAE, but it’s unlikely to attract if you can’t wipe out spectacularly? watersports daredevils away from their jet skis. THE PRETENDER Safety-wise, jet skiing has come From May, The Pavilion Marina under scrutiny in recent years, & Sports Club, Jumeirah Beach and they don’t half make one THE TIPPING POINT Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road, hell of a racket. What the JetPad Egged on by my instructor Dan Dhs80 for 20mins. Tel: (04) who, incidentally, I can still talk to seems to offer is a sensible 4068800. jumeirah.com piercingly loud petrol engine for a rechargeable battery-powered eco alternative, and developing an anti-tipping design, it claims to be as environmentally conscious as it is child-friendly. Essentially, the guys behind the JetPad are planning an all-out assault on the jet ski throne. Of the two different types of JetPad currently in existence, the Explorer (kneeling) and the GoKart (sitting-down), I jump into the latter, strap on a lifejacket and cast off. The immediate impression is just how simple it is to use. The throttle is a simple trigger attached to the steering wheel, and the craft is fantastically responsive. It is, to all intents and purposes, an aquatic go-kart.

Fantastically responsive and simple to use – it is essentially an aquatic go-kart

Sport & outdoor

The RounD-up

It’s a busy month for UAE sports fans

EntEr thE dragon

News flash

Take the stairs

With their oars at the ready and the pounding of drums in their ears, the UAE’s most enthusiastic rowers will take to Dubai Creek to compete in this year’s Dragon Boat Festival. Although it is probably too late to enter a team now, the action-packed event is good fun, with teams of up to 20 people competing against each other in a knockout-style competition – and yes, What’s On will be entering a team. Apr 6 and Apr 7, Festival Marina, Dubai Festival City, 8am to 5pm. Tel: (04) 4534620. dubaifestivalcity.com

BuRn 1,000 CAloRies

Platform3 promises to help you burn 1,000 calories in a single 60-minute session. The group sessions at the Dubai Marina gym include a range of explosive exercises combined with hard cardio training to ensure you hit your target every time. If you’re not entirely sure how long it would take you to burn 1,000 calories, that’s four hours of power walking or three hours of kayaking. Platform 3, Park Island, Dubai Marina, Dubai, from Dhs80. Tel: (04) 4358083. p3dubai.com

Keep in touch

1/4 AD

92 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

The end of the UAE rugby season is near, but not before the final leg of the Harlequins Coopers Touch Series gets underway. The eightweek touch rugby league is open for new teams as well as old hands. The six-a-side teams can include a maximum of 12 people, and must include a mix of men and women, all of whom have to be over the age of 12. Apr 14, Zayed Sports City, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Dhs2,000 for a team of 12. Tel: (050) 6145199. abudhabiquins.com

hit the fairways In an effort to tempt people out of their offices, the lovely people at the Arabian Ranches Golf Course have introduced a tempting mid-week golfing package. The new ‘Ranches Big Day Out’ includes 18 holes, with a post-round meal and drink at Birdies Sports Bar thrown in for good measure – all for Dhs295. The only catch is that the booking has to be for six people or more – so why not invite your boss? Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Arabian Ranches, Emirates Road, Dubai, Sun to Thur, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 3664706. arabianranchesgolfdubai.com

Rumour has it that Cary Grant never saw the inside of a gym his entire life – he simply took the stairs. follow in the great man’s footstep, and take part in The Vertical Marathon at emirates Towers. Climb 265 metres up 1,334 stairs and add to the Dhs1,086,493 raised for Médecins sans frontières and the Red Crescent society since the event began in 2002.

Apr 13, Emirates Towers, Dubai, Dhs500, Dhs350 for children. Tel: (04) 4579255. dubaivertical marathon.org

easy riding Budding frankie Dettoris will be glad to hear that the new sir Bani Yas stables on sir Bani Yas Island is offering horse riding lessons for beginners and experienced riders, starting from Dhs200. we’re looking forward to the wildlife ride, which will be introduced soon.

Sir Bani Yas Stables, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs200. Tel: (02) 8015400. anantara.com

www.magicplanet.ae www.facebook.com/magicplanetdxb

WHAT’S ON

MIND & BODY

IRIDIUM SPA

The inside scoop on health and well-being in the UAE

p96 dIARy of A dEToxER · p98 fIvE wAys To dETox In UAE · p100 MInd And Body nEws APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 95

Diary of a detoxer

Is three days enough to de-stress, unwind and detox? Deputy editor helen heads to Goa for a long weekend of Ayurvedic eating, yoga, mediation and supplements (plus some activities you might not want to know about) to sort out those big city worries

Day one We arrived last night, and had a body analysis test to determine body fat percentage, then tucked into a welcome dinner that included all the key tastes including sweet, sour and salty to get our brains and mouths working. This, however, proved to be the last of big meal I’d be enjoying for a while. Before coming to Dudhsagar we’d been warned that the resort was in the jungle (which means no Wi-Fi, but plenty of monkeys, bats and bugs, and maybe the odd snake) and were told that the diet would contain no meat, dairy, caffeine or alcohol. So what could I eat?

MORNING

At 7.30am a bottle of herb-infused water and tea arrive at my little villa, with instructions to drink the tea and then sip the water throughout the day, before using the body brush found in our welcome packs for ten minutes before heading to the spa for yoga. We’ll be doing hatha yoga outside twice a day with instructor Vinay. As a Pilates fan, I’m dubious of how useful it is for getting in shape, but after an hour of sun salutations, intense stretching and deep breathing, my limbs are tired and my mind is relaxed.

96 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Afterwards, I meet Dr Arjita, the resort’s Ayurvedic specialist, to take supplements and drink fruit smoothies (soon dubbed ‘lumpies’ for their porridge-like consistency). Breakfast time. Real food. Dr Arjita has devised a menu that highlights the different states in India and their regional foods. This morning we eat small spongy pancakes made from mung beans with coconut chutney. Not bad at all. We’ll be having two Ayurvedic spa treatments a day, and the first is called Podikkizhi, which involves applying a poultice of herbs, leaves and powder on the body with warm oil for 45 minutes. It is helpful for arthritis, muscular issues and back pains. I promptly fall asleep. With a free hour or so I head to the pool for some sun. The resort isn’t exactly five-star, but it’s clean and the staff are friendly, bringing towels to the lounger. Then it’s time to stroll over to the restaurant for a lunch of a sprouting salad. It’s all a bit knit your own yoghurt for my liking, but without the yoghurt. Mmmm, yoghurt.

AFTERNOON

Now I’m about to find out why there’s a huge plastic mat under the sink in my bathroom. Day one means we have to do an oil enema. I’ll spare you the details, but it’s a small pouch of oil and it’s not as violating as we all feared, although the group has trouble looking each other in the eye afterwards. The second treatment of the day is Shirodhara, one of Ayurveda’s most famous techniques. Lying on a bed, a stream of warm oil (there’s been a lot of warm oil so far) is poured onto my forehead. It promises to help with insomnia, memory loss and even greying hair, with many people falling into something of a trance, but I have a strange dream about going fishing and leave feeling decidedly… oily. Then we have another hour of yoga, but this time after a day of moving around and being massaged my ﬂexibility is better. This also means Vinay pushes us further. Afterwards it’s time for supplements, this time served with a tasty spicy broth, and a shot of wheatgrass with coconut oil. It’s not popular.

udhsagar Spa Dinne rtime at D

Living in the jungle

EVENING

At 5pm Dr Arjita comes to my room for a diet consultation and to further discuss the body analysis. After taking my pulse she offers really interesting insights into what exercise, food and sleep patterns best suit me, and recommends some supplements. Dinner is roasted vegetables. We talk about our favourite sandwiches. Each evening we’ll be covering a different topic, and tonight we found out about the different body types, Pitta, Kapha and Vata, and their characteristics, followed by some nut milk and 15 minutes of meditation to help us sleep. Suddenly that 9pm bedtime doesn’t seem so ridiculous.

Day two MORNING

More herbal tea, supplements and dry body brushing, and it’s nice to start each day with instructions and a routine; there’s something quite liberating about your decisions being taken away from you, even if it means drinking wheatgrass. The yoga is great, and we spend some time doing breathing exercises while listening to the monkeys in the surrounding trees. Then it’s what we’ve all been dreading. After our lumpies, it’s time for the herbal enema. It was the bit of equipment in the welcome pack that worried us most – a bag with a tube attached, and a jug of warm herbal water that looks like soup is waiting back at the room. Again, I’ll

Nap tim e Fruit. A nd lots of it.

Yoga instructor Vinay

spare you the details, but it is… effective.To help with the trauma I have a spa treatment called Udwartanam, where a herbal powder is rubbed all over my body and deeply massaged before a herbal steam. It is said to help with weight loss, and my skin feels amazing afterwards.

AFTERNOON

We have a lunch of beans, lentils and sprouts, then I have an hour of hypnotherapy scheduled in my room. It’s all a bit surreal, but I feel in control throughout and, to my knowledge, don’t cluck like a chicken or sign away my savings. And it’s followed by an amazing Indian head massage. The doctors say that our bodies will respond to the detox in different ways; some people might feel energised, others tired; we might get weepy or angry. I’m just sleepy, so I have a nap before yoga and more supplements, served this time with a shot of aloe vera. It might be worse than the wheatgrass, but helps with digestion.

EVENING

Already I’m feeling lighter and brighter, and my appetite is reduced. Dinner is lentil stew with fresh vegetables,

“Some people might feel energised, weepy or angry. I’m just sleepy so have a nap” followed by a talk on self-hypnosis, where we learn about using positive affirmations. It’s a little embarrassing (with giggles of “I’m a strong, confident woman”) but it could be one of those habits that could make a real difference.

Day three MORNING

Breakfast is something of a challenge, with fruit on top of what I suspect is porridge made from sand, but I’m too happy reﬂecting on my progress in the morning yoga session to be too bothered. It’s definitely something I’m going to continue. Then it’s oil enema o’clock. A full body massage eases any yoga-induced aches and pains, then I head back to bed for a little sleep.

AFTERNOON

After a lunch of salad I have a one-on-one session with Vinay, who teaches me some useful yoga poses and stretches that I can do before work each morning, plus some

breathing exercises and meditation techniques to reduce stress (to be used on Sheikh Zayed Road).

EVENING

We’re leaving tonight, with promises of junk food on the plane and the usual day-to-day worries waiting, but after only three days I’m feeling well rested (ten hours of sleep a night will do that), calm and focused. Of course, a final supper of lentils sends us on our way.

The verdict By day two I felt enough was enough, but it’s amazing how quickly your body takes to new habits and routines, and I left wishing it had been much longer. I lost 2kg in two days, but that wasn’t really the point – it was more about learning about what suits my body, trying yoga and meditation and kick-starting a healthy way of life. Next time, I might try a week. Might. Dudhsagar Spa Resort, Mollem, Goa, India, from Dhs1,550 for three nights. Tel: (0091) 8322612319. dudhsagarsparesort.com

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 97

FIVE WAYS to detox in the UAE Can’t spare the time or cash to take a trip? you can try elements of the dudhsagar retreat right here in the UAE if you know where to look

Ayurvedic medicine

With many Indian expats, Ayurvedic specialists are all over the UAE, but the best we’ve found is Dr Chandy George at the Balance Wellbeing Club. During a half-hour consultation he will read your pulse and offer accurate insights into your health, including past issues, current concerns and any problems you may be susceptible to in the future. He will also devise a food and exercise programme to help you reach your goals, and prescribe natural supplements and treatments to help with your overall wellbeing. And he’s a very nice man indeed, too. Balance Wellbeing Club, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3847010. balance-wellbeingcentre.com

Shirodha ra

Outdoor yoga

Noises like a breeze in the trees or lapping waves can help your mind drift off, so alfresco yoga is useful for beginners – and the weather is perfect at the moment. In Dubai try Talise Spa at Al Qasr hotel where sessions are held on the grass every Friday at 9.30am and Saturday at 5pm (plus full moon classes once a month on the beach), or if you’re in Abu Dhabi head to Khalifa Park for Bodytree Studio’s classes at 6pm Sunday to Tuesday. Talise Spa, Al Qasr, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Dhs80. Tel: (04) 3666818. jumeirah.com. Bodytree Studio, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, Dhs60. Tel: (02) 6676579. bodytreestudio.com

98 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

e Spa Yoga at Tal is

The experts at Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre are the go-to team for colonic hydrotherapy, and they say this treatment is helpful both before and during detoxing. It involves using purified body temperature water to ﬂush out the bowels to rehydrate the large intestine and remove built-up waste. Many people find it can ease the symptoms of allergies, intolerances and problems such as skin disorders, PMS and chromic fatigue syndrome, as well as aid weight loss. Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre, Zabeel, Dubai, Dhs600. Tel: (04) 3351200. dubaihtc.com

Dr Chandy George

Colonic hydrotherapy

Meditation

Many of us suffer from what peaceful types call ‘monkey mind’, which means our brains are unable to switch off, jumping from thought to thought. Practice is the only way to quiet things down, and regular meditation can help with stress, insomnia and mild depression - and offer a rare time of silence in our hectic lives. If you live in the capital head to Inner Space, where they’re offering hourly classes once a week throughout April on a contribution-

only basis, while Dubai dwellers in need of guidance should seek out counsellor Helen Williams at LifeWorks. Their course of four two-hour sessions over a month will educate you in relaxation, chakras and positive thinking. Inner Space, near the Shangri-La hotel, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 5159646. innerspace-abudhabi.com LifeWorks, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, Wed 7pm to 9pm, Dhs800. Tel: (04) 3942464. counsellingdubai.com

Ayurvedic treatments

Balance Wellbeing Club (see above) offers a wide range of spa therapies, including Shirodhara (Dhs300 for an hour) plus detox packages with the option of meal delivery, while Breath & Health’s vast treatment menu includes detox programmes, cleanses, Ayurvedic massages and therapies like Nasyam, which is the application of herbal medicine through the nostrils to clear the head, stimulate the central nervous system and treat migraines. Breath & Health, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3489940. breathandhealth.net

Mind & Body

BODY aND sOul

Must-buy of the Month

The latest products, spas, news and reviews from the world of well being to keep you looking good and feeling great

une Intuitive Touch BB Concealer

Clarins skin spa arrives at Harvey niCHols Classic beauty brand Clarins has just opened its new Skin Spa in Harvey Nichols, offering bespoke treatments, advice and products to turn you from harassed shopper to groomed glamour-puss. Offering a peaceful place in the hectic mall, the welcoming spa provides an aromatherapy-scented treatment room, expert therapists and a range of treatments, including make-up lessons and a signature Dubai massage, with prices starting from Dhs450 for a 60-minute facial. Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4098888. clarins.com

Iridium Spa opens at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

WIN! a paMper BOx frOM The Cure We’ve just discovered The Cure, a Media City-based spa offering a vast range of beauty treatments and workshops (they even give you a free back massage when you have your nails done). If you’d like to give it a try, take out your diary and find a four-hour window, because we have an indulgent pampering session at The Cure to give away to one lucky reader. The prize includes an 80-minute boost facial, 60-minute full body massage and a manicure and pedicure, plus a relaxing essential oil, strawberry body scrub, luxury chocolates and a relaxation CD so you can recreate the tranquillity at home. For your chance to win, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with CURE in the subject line, plus your contact details and the answer to this question… Which of the following services does The Cure not offer? a) Tanning b) Waxing c) Dog walking The Cure, Building 10, Media City, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3916485. thecure.ae 100 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

The Iridium Room at New York’s St Regis opened way back in 1938, and the UAE’s outpost is now welcoming spa-goers in search of a little old-fashioned relaxation, with some very modern therapies. Guests are encouraged to leave their watches and phones at the door before exploring Iridium Spa’s 3,500 square metre space, 12 treatment rooms, suites, private terraces and pools. The spa menu includes an intensive HSR anti-ageing treatment, a massage with tiger cowrie shells, shiatsu techniques and more, all taking place in decadent themed rooms where you’ll find touches like jade, bamboo, white fur, leather, crystals and gold. This is lounging at its most luxurious. St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

The latest buzzword in beauty is ‘BB’ – standing for blemish balm – and Une has combined a concealer with moisturiser and anti-fatigue ingredients with medium coverage to create a compact that will correct your under-eye shadows and spots. It comes in a slick mirrored box with a small brush for application, and lasts up to eight hours, making it a new essential for your make-up kit if your eyes have bigger bags than Victoria Beckham on a shopping spree. Debenhams, Deira City Centre, Deira, Dubai, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 2940011. debenhams.com ALSO: Debenhams, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6354994 NEWS FLASH! A new website has launched that allows you to book at your favourite salons online (no more worries about opening hours, not being understood or your waxing demands being heard by everyone), and you can give feedback on your experiences or read how other users found their treatments. It even offers big discounts on spas throughout the UAE and lets you compare prices, with no money paid online – you just settle up at the end of your appointment as normal. mylocalsalon.ae

spa deals A bevy of beauty deals to try this month

03 02

01 The desert escape 02 The slimming package 03 The beach and pool deal

The deserT escape Luxury retreat Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is now opening its doors to day-trippers. For Dhs550 you can enjoy the five-star facilities, including the pool and spa, plus lunch at restaurant Al Diwan. Should you fancy indulging further, for an extra Dhs450 you’ll be treated to a 60-minute therapy of your choice from the extensive spa menu. If you’re more of an adventurous type, opt for the activity package (Dhs950 per person), which includes pool and spa access, plus your choice of two activities such as horse riding, a wildlife drive, a guided nature walks, camel trekking, a desert safari or archery. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, from Dhs550. Tel: (04) 8329900. al-maha.com

1/2 aD

The slimming package The experts at Rebecca Treston are throwing technology at your wobbly bits, offering Dhs1,700 off its Body Blitz package. For a reduced rate of Dhs2,000 you’ll receive treatments of fat-melting Ultrasound Cavitation, collagen-boosting Revital Radio Frequency and one session of Proellixe, a super efficient ten-minute workout that uses vibrations to make your muscles contract 40 times per secondthe equivalent of spending an hour in the gym. Rebecca Treston Aesthetics, Euromed Clinic, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs2,000. Tel: (04) 3945422. euromedclinicdubai.com The beach and pool deal Spending the day at a five-star hotel is no cheap feat, but this month the Sheraton Abu Dhabi is offering special rates to make sure you get your dose of vitamin D. During the week there’s 20 per cent off, with access to the beach, private lagoon and three swimming pools costing Dhs100 or Dhs60 for children, while couples pay Dhs225 for two at the weekends. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur Dhs100, Fri to Sat Dhs225 for two. Tel: (02) 6970272. sheraton.com APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 101

WHAT’S ON

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE The gigs, the nights and all the latest news and reviews

the Cuban brothers

p105 arTiST OF THE MONTH · p108 club diary · p112 NEWS april 2012 WHAT’S ON 103

Music

Music & Nightlife

ARtIst of the month

EliE Afif

elie Afif’s ascent to the top of the UAe jazz scene has caused people to sit up and take notice – even if he isn’t shouting about it from the rooftops

Shot at: The Fridge

lie Afif is the UAE jazz scene’s go-to guy. With streams of gigs, regular residencies, and sessions with international acts such as Bobby McFerrin, the Beirut-born double bassist and composer pretty much is the jazz scene in the Emirates. Yet despite this, the 25-yearold – who released his debut album, Giant Steps To Heaven, last year, to much acclaim – refuses to get carried away, preferring to remain in the shadows. “The feedback has been excellent,” admits Elie. “But if I’m honest, I don’t really like the attention.” Jazz – or the double bass – wasn’t the name of the game for Elie when he was growing up as a child in his native Lebanon. Back then, the only thing he was interested in strumming was his guitar; however that all changed when he was 11 years old and brother Rony decided otherwise. “Up until then I played guitar, but Rony’s band needed a bassist so he bought me one and told me to learn it,” laughs Elie. “If

I’m being honest, I wasn’t happy – I thought the bass was boring compared to the guitar.” It was Rony – who now plays drums in Elie’s quartet – who also gave him his first sample of jazz, buying Elie an album by legendary jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius (“on tape. They didn’t have CDs back then.”). “That album changed everything for me,” says Elie. “I had never heard the bass play cool stuff like that before. I listened to the tape for years, and learned everything off by heart. By the time I was 17, I knew so many standards, how to improvise and how to play swing.” Elie and his brother went on to carve out a solid niche on

the Beirut jazz scene, but with the outbreak of the 2006 war in Lebanon, they were forced to move to Dubai. “I was working well in Lebanon, so the move here was hard. I had gone from playing with big names like jazz guitarist Mike Stern and saxophonist René McLean, to sleeping on floors and sofas. It was hard to start over again.” And unlike Beirut, jazz in Dubai was a much quieter affair. “When I moved here, there wasn’t a lot going on in the jazz scene. I managed to book a few gigs, which allowed me to establish myself. As a musician, you know you are never going to get rich playing out here, so you learn not to lose sleep over it,”

shrugs Elie. “It’s a work of love, not business.” Elie’s love of music has seen both his – and jazz’s – popularity grow in Dubai, and while not quite the scene he left in Lebanon, he continues to be busy. “I personally don’t think that any artist should sit at home being idle,” says Elie. “I think they have a duty to not be selfish and keep on being creative. I’m currently writing for my next album; a record company in Lebanon has expressed interest in producing, but I want to help the scene here grow by doing something educational.” Giant Steps To Heaven is available from iTunes and Virgin Megastores elieafif.bandcamp.com APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 105

Nightlife

ATELIER LIVE FESTIVAL Billed as ‘the Middle East’s biggest dance music festival’, the line-up at this month’s Atelier Live is fittingly chock-full of pop and R&B leviathans. The top draws are Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis, Taio Cruz, Jay Sean, Skylar Grey, Sugababes vocalist Amelle (DJ set) and British pop diva Natasha Bedingfield. What’s On called the latter at her current home base in Los Angeles during a break from writing her next album…

You’ve collaborated with lots of hip hop and R&B artists. Is there anybody at Atelier Live you’re looking forward to catching up with? I’ve worked with Ne-Yo. We’ve written songs together and are just really good friends. Jay Sean is also a good friend of mine. Leona Lewis lives in LA, so we hang out a bit. I love her, she’s such a sweet person. I haven’t met Taio Cruz but I’ve actually really been looking forward to bumping into him. I really like his thing. What can we expect from your set? My live show is definitely all about the music.

BAR NEwS i2

The Metropolitan Hotel might have been resigned to the ‘late, lamented’ section of Dubai nightlife, but i2 lives on in its new home at the Habtoor Grand. Taking over the space previously

Music & Nightlife You’ve enjoyed several big hits in your career: Single, These Words, I Wanna Have Your Babies. Have you ever walked into a public place and inadvertently heard your music playing? Absolutely. It’s funny when that happens because it’s almost as if someone got a hint that you were going to be there and put it on. The cool thing about having hits is that you know your song is playing somewhere in the world at all times. When you walk into a shop or bar or club where they’re playing your song, it suddenly feels like you’re in your own music video again. It’s an experience the crowd usually gets lost in. Do you ever break into a spontaneous You lose yourself in the moment. dance move? What do you make of artists that mime [Laughs]. Yeah, sometimes I will. Sometimes when they play live? I’ll play along and act like it’s my entrance I figure it’s called ‘the entertainment industry’ music, like ‘Da-da-da-dah’. But sometimes so there’s many ways that you can get I’ll duck my head down, keep my sunglasses entertained. With some people it’s more about on and hope nobody notices. Sometimes you their dancing or what they’re wearing, so want to go about your day without anybody they have to mime. I’m not one to judge the noticing you. way people do their show. I just try to keep it Does living in LA make avoiding attention really real. I don’t even use Auto-Tune on my easier? recordings. I have soul in my music; I like it to It depends. I think the reason a lot of singers have meaning and a resonance. come to LA is that people get used to You’re a very stylish lady. Do you seeing famous people and become plan to go on a shopping spree more jaded about it. Natasha Bedingfield also makes a live in the massive malls over here? Is that different in London? appearance at Ooh [laughs]. Yeah, that’s a great A little bit, yeah. I’ve definitely Armani Privé on April 6. Armani Hotel, Burj idea, if they give me time. had times in London where Khalifa, Dubai, You currently use an iPad to I’ve been scared of the 10pm to 3am, Dhs150. complete your vocal warm paparazzi. I’m shier than a lot Tel: (04) 8883308. dubai. armanihotels.com ups. Can you explain how of people so I’ve ended up hiding that works? in my house or not going on the Yeah. A friend of mine, David Stroud, Tube. But I’ve become a lot more is a vocal coach to every good singer that I comfortable nowadays. know. He decided to make an app with the Apr 6, Dubai Sport City International Stadium, techniques that he teaches the stars. It has Dubai Sport City, Dubai, 2pm to 3am, Dhs350, some great vocal warm ups. I usually carry Dhs250 adv, premium Dhs550, Dhs450 adv, one around with me so that when I’m singing I VIP Dhs750, Dhs650 adv. Tel: (055) 7050581. don’t hurt my voice. atelierlivefestival.com

occupied by Bartini, the fresh location recreates some of i2’s previous eccentric décor. Regular nights include the Wednesday night disco mania of Studio 54. Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, daily

7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4084444. grandjumeirah. habtoorhotels.com

Jazz’N Fizz

Been intrigued by the imposing Gotham City-esque structure that’s lit up the east end of The Corniche for the past few months?

Wonder no longer, as the brand new Sofitel, the chain’s Abu Dhabi debut, has just opened its doors in ‘soft’ opening. One of the highlights is the new Jazz’N Fizz bar, which as that moniker hints, combines champagne ranges with live jazz,

chillout and bossa nova music. Expect a classy vibe, brilliant white seating and a cigar lounge. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Capital Plaza Complex, Corniche Road, daily 6pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 8137777. sofitel.com APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 107

Club diary

This month’s clubbing highlights

APRIL WEEKLY The Crew Lounge @ PearLs Bar Ladies and Etihad crew night, with DJs Cliff Townley and Soulninja. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae

APRIL WEEKLY BeiruT nighT Life @ CinnaBar DJ Sam on the decks plus live performances from Lebanese singer Rosario. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 2.30pm, free. Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com WEEKLY Cirque Du soir @ fairmonT hoTeL Acrobatic party extraordinaire every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10.30pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3324900. cirquedusoirdubai.com WEEKLY fLy TuesDays @ n’DuLge Mass Ramli, Shero and Rone Jaxx on rotation. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4360891. atlantisthepalm.com WEEKLY urBan mashuP @ ZinC Old and new school urban flavours from DJ Andy Swift and Rone Jaxx. Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com 108 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

APRIL WEEKLY

BaCk To mine @ skyLiTe Taking inspiration from the sadly defunct post-club compilation series Back To Mine, Skylite’s new chilled night is the brainchild of DJ Matty How did the idea come about? We wanted to offer something a bit different musically and the whole vibe of a Saturday night out. A lot of people have work on Sunday and so don’t want to have a full-on night out, but at the same time don’t want to be cooped up at home. At Back To Mine I’ll be DJing from the comfort of one of the sofas in Skylite, so it’s a very relaxed vibe. Are you aiming to make it like visiting somebody’s house, then? Exactly. It’s the kind of stuff you would play with a bunch of your best mates at home after a big night out. The general vibe is funky laidback beats, nothing overtly commercial: Balearic, rare groove, jazz, world music, rock, R&B, electronica, Latin... just don’t expect Lady Gaga or Pitbull. Did you have a favourite Back To Mine compilation? The MJ Cole compilation. I still have it on vinyl in storage. The Back To Mine series ended in 2008. Would you like to see it restart? I would love it if they revived the series. It’s extremely important that people have the chance to discover new and exciting music for themselves, particularly in this region. Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6560000. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

APRIL

DJ giLLes @ yaChT CLuB Get the weekend off to an early start with exclusive sets from DJ Gilles (also Apr 5). InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

WEEKLY 80s nighT @ ZeniTh Jump in the aural time machine with Chicago spinner DJ Blendz. Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

syLvain armanD @ mo*viDa Male model, French electrohouse head and DJ to the stars drops into Dubai. Radisson Royal, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 11pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3866844. movida-dubai.com

WEEKLY aPeriTivo @ meDia one Ease into the weekend with four hours of chilled post-office beats. Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 4271000. mediaonehotel.com

WEEKLY CLuB anThems @ ZinC Greg Stainer, Andy Swift and Mr Hush select commercial house, R&B and the eponymous club anthems. Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com WEEKLY DeeP CraTes @ Casa LaTina DJ Lobito and crew lay down the funk, soul, classic hip hop and more. Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 10pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (04) 43996699. facebook. com/groups/deepcrates WEEKLY JamroCk @ suBLime Lounge Caribbean and urban hits from a revolving DJ cast including Shero, Sir Taz, Dany Neville, Brooklyn and Emtee Pockets. Ibis Hotel, World Trade Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, couples free before midnight, ladies free before 1am. Tel: (050) 4360891. ibishotel.com Jeremih @ Chi 50 Cent-collaborating Down On Me hitmaker live onstage, plus DJs Taya Smirnova, Shadia, Badir, DLB and Flow Master J. The Lodge, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs150 adv, VIP Dhs200, meet and greet Dhs250. Tel: (04) 3379470. jeremih.com WHAT’S ON PICK

LaiDBaCk Luke @ Cream The Filipino-Dutch superstar DJ returns to the capital, supported by Mister Outlaw, Chadphunk and Stew Magoo. Flash Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9.30pm to 4am, Dhs195, tables Dhs5,000 to Dhs7,000. Tel: 800 35274. laidbackluke.com musThavesouL & frienDs @ musThavesouL Kick-start the weekend with DJs Melohman, Tom Chubb and David Craig. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (056) 6826617. musthavesoul.com WEEKLY resiDenTs @ auDio ToniC A revolving cast of Soulfisher, JC, Mr Mr, Raxon and Vas Floyd

Music & Nightlife handle the tunes. Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (056) 6037275. audiotonic.net WEEKLY uLTra friDays @ 88 uLTra Lounge Deep and soulful beats from resident spinner DJ Phil. Traders Hotel, Deira City Centre, Dubai, 6pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 2657288. shangri-la.com WEEKLY urBan eDuCaTion @ PearLs Bar The hottest hip hop, R&B and urban sounds from Rone Jaxx. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae

APRIL WEEKLY 80s nighT @ yaChT CLuB Resident DJ Rabih Karam gets nostalgic, with a prize for the best 1980s costume. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com aL maya isLanD BeaCh ParTy @ aL maya isLanD & resorT The island paradise hosts another day of sun, sea, sand and house hits (also Apr 20) Al Maya Island & Resort, Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 10pm, Dhs100, free for ladies until 2pm. Tel: (02) 6677777 aTeLier Live fesTivaL @ DuBai sPorT CiTy inTernaTionaL sTaDium The Middle East’s biggest dance music festival welcomes a glittering line-up of international stars, including Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis and Natasha Bedingfield (see preview on p107) Dubai Sport City, Dubai, 2pm to 3am, Dhs350, Dhs250 adv, premium tickets Dhs550, Dhs450 adv, VIP Dhs750, Dhs650 adv. Tel: (055) 7050581. atelierlivefestival.com

WEEKLY BeaTs anD Bass @ Chi R&B/hip hop from DJ Badir and Flowmaster J, while DJ DLB digs out club classics. The Lodge, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies, couples and mixed groups free. Tel: (050) 957714. chinightclubdubai.com

WEEKLY reTrofLeCT @ PearLs Bar Post-brunch sounds moving into the night from DJ Afroboogie, spinning deep house and retro classics aplenty. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae

WEEKLY friDay Lime @ goLD Urban and Caribbean hits. Monarch Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050 4360891. goldubai.com

WEEKLY resiDenTs @ musThavesouL House gems from a cast featuring Dan Chadwick, Tristan Bain, Melohman, Jonny Thornhill, Tom Chubb, Simon Reid and Natalie Brogan. Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (02) 6563500. musthavesoul.com

LiquiD rain ParTy @ aLofT Pool party japes with DJs Natalie Brogan and Chadpunk. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 3am, Dhs100 including two beverages). Tel: (02) 6545000. aloftabudhabi.com LoCaL showCase @ auDio ToniC James Locksmith, Nohijo and Markii hijack the decks. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net

sanDanCe @ nasimi BeaCh Armand Van Helden, Kaiser Chiefs, Zane Lowe, Soul II Soul and Rizzle Kicks bless Nasimi for the latest round of Sandance.. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs295, Dhs250 adv, Dhs400 VIP. Tel: (055) 2004321. sandance.ae

siamak @ iLL CommuniCaTions House-shaped delights, supported by Ray Soo. Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277 WEEKLY unDergrounD ProCeDures @ ZinC R&B and hip hop (also every Sun with rotating residents). Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com WEEKLY inDusTry nighT @ ZinC Greg Stanier and David Newsum dole out R&B, dubstep and ragga. Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com WEEKLY resiDenTs @ musThavesouL PresenTs eCLeCTiC CirCLe MHS’s revolving mixologists get busy with the far-out sounds. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. musthavesoul.com

anDrea oLiva anD ernesTo ferreyra @ CaDenZa showCase Respectively raised in Switzerland and Argentina, Andrea Oliva and Ernesto Ferreyra are linked by respected Geneva-based minimal techno/house label Cadenza Your label boss Luciano played Dubai recently. Has he told you much about the city? Andrea Oliva: He loved it. I can’t wait to be there. I have friends living in Dubai that I haven’t seen for two years, so it’s double excitement Ernesto, you have lived all over the world, including Argentina, Canada and now Berlin. Are you a bit of a nomad? Ernesto Ferreyra: I am. Actually, I had a project back in Mexico called Mixing Nomade. Nowadays I feel like Berlin is my home, but still I pass more than half the year on the road. It’s part of my life: I still have many things and people to meet around this beautiful planet. When I feel tired of being on the move, I will go back to Argentina. You’re a big fan of cooking, Andrea. What will you be chomping in Dubai? Andrea: Yes. My favourite cuisine is Italian, but once I get into Dubai you have to show me your

APRIL traditional food. You’ve cited Tim Burton films as inspirational Ernesto: Tim’s movies are fantastic, emotional, detailed and colourful. He has invented a fantastic world. That’s also what I try to do with my music: create my own universe. If the world were ending tomorrow, where would you play your final show? Andrea: At home, with all my family and friends, Ernesto: I would throw a party somewhere like Tulum in Mexico or [Pacific island] Bora Bora where all my friends around the world would gather to celebrate. Then I could die in peace. M-Dek, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 1pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 5pm (or Dhs199 including barbecue brunch 1pm to 4pm). Tel: (056) 7893897. cadenzarecords.com

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 109

Music & Nightlife

11 APRIL

WHAT’S ON PICK

DJ Corey giBBons @ we PLay iBiZa Jamaica-born DJ/producer brings his Balearic label night to the capital. Sax/Oceans, Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to late, Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (02) 6742020. coreygibbons.com

13 APRIL

Premier knighTs: geT TwisTeD @ aLLure By CiPriani A Friday 13 special with Cliff Townley, Soul Ninja, NIKOLA and more. Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, 11.30pm to late, free. Tel: (050) 5969543. nightcluballure. com

DJ maLik @ yaChT CLuB JuDge JuLes Two consecutive @ XL BeaCh nights of dance floorCLuB necessitating tunes, The bespectacled Vicenzo plus a live vocalist (also veteran DJ brings Apr 12) his beats to the beach, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, plus Tim Kay, DJ Jam, S3RBainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm HAN and Sisco Delbello. to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. Habtoor Grand Beach Resort ichotelsgroup.com & Spa, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, midnight to 3am, Dhs150. Tel: (056) 6406161. grandjumeirah. habtoorhotels.com

12 APRIL

WHAT’S ON PICK

riCarDo Da CosTa @ infusion Leading South African house spinner, plus Mark Pickup and Charl Chaka. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. ricardodacosta.com

maDChesTer @ LoaDeD Relive the golden age of the Happy Mondays, The Haçienda and the like at this special edition of Loaded. Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 8825675. facebook.com/seeyounextfriday

welcomes hip hop heroes De La Soul, indie-rockers The Kooks, Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen’s Black Series. APRIL Media City Amphitheatre, Media The CuBan BroThers @ The City, Dubai, 4pm to 11pm and musiC room Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Off-the-wall comedic party tunes 11pm to 3am, two days Dhs400, all the way from Havana. Dhs350adv, one day Dhs250, Majestic Hotel, Mankhool Road, Dhs200adv. Tel: (050) 7258277. Bur Dubai, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, chilloutfestivaldubai.com Dhs100. Tel: (050) 2484054. thecubanbrothers.com sTeP on @ CaTwaLk Indie and alternative floor-fillers WHAT’S ON PICK from DJ ME and Rude Larry. wagon Cookin’ @ Golden Tulip, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm auDio ToniC to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4649360. Madrid-raised brothers jet in to facebook.com/stepondubai support latest album, Eleven. Plus Julian Jinx and Vas Floyd. vinCenZo @ auDio ToniC 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Finely honed Italo-German house Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) and techno, plus JC and Rich 1076405. wagoncookin.com Showell. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, mooDymanC @ Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. musThavesouL Tel: (050) 1076405. Manchester deep-house chap, myspace.com/vincenzoragone not to be mistaken with Detroit legend Moodymann. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (056) 6826617. myspace.com/moodymanc APRIL

20 APRIL

ChiLL ouT fesTivaL @ various venues The sixth Chill Out Festival

PaDDy freeform @ infusion Deep house from DJ, producer, radio presenter and label boss of Universal Vibes. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. infusion.ae

uTa & Denise @ iLL CommuniCaTions All-girl house/techno tag-team Uta & Denise debut in the Emirates at Ill Communication, bringing their energetic brand of Berlin-born party-starting to the Electric Studio, plus Paddy Freeform in the main room What can we expect from your set in Dubai? Denise: Beautiful music with feeling. But we have never a set in mind. We adjust the sound to the people, our feelings and mood. There are now live elements in our DJ sets: our voices, screaming. It’s really rare to see a DJ team, like Uta and I, who are screaming and dancing behind the decks all the time in such a wild way. We are pushing ourselves and free our minds with our music. How did you first meet? Uta: We met at the legendary Casino Club in Berlin in 2002. That was our playground. We were dating two guys who were playing together as a DJ team like us today. We realised we share the same passion for electronic music. Four years later, Uta & Denise were born. Denise: There was one year where we spent all summer together clubbing, dancing and having fun. That was our wildest time. In 110 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Berlin, it’s possible to go crazy at any time. Berlin’s rich dance music history is definitely responsible for our development. I don’t even know all the clubs in Berlin; there are hundreds. When is your debut record on its way? Denise: This year. We’re APRIL in contact with several friends who will support us with our first release. I just bought a new interface for producing tracks, and I also play guitar and go to a jazzchor [a German jazz choir]. I need music all day; that’s my purpose in life and passion. Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. myspace. com/utadenise

Music & Nightlife

immaCuLaTe TouCh @ aL maya isLanD & APRIL resorT

Abu Dhabi’s finest DJs rock Immaculate Touch’s island shindigs. But none of them can quite compete with IT-BOT, a light-emitting eight-foot-tall dancing robot. We travelled to another dimension to grab a word in its mechanical ear. Where are you from? I can’t tell you. If I did, Earthlings would come searching to find what we’re made of. Fair enough. Electronic music and robots have enjoyed something of a love affair over the years, from Kraftwerk to Daft Punk. What attracts your robot race to this sort of music? We are high energy, literally. That seems to go hand-in-hand with dance music on Earth. As long as it’s somewhere with good music, then I’m straight for the dance floor. Being a robot must be a bit of a drag sometimes? You can’t go swimming, take a shower, eat ice cream… What are the upsides? It’s never a drag when you can plug into a wall and charge up with 220 volts. It doesn’t get much better than that. Did you have a robot hero growing up? I used to hang out with C-3PO; he was a pretty cool guy. But we are all heroes where I’m from. Where can people see you dance in the coming months? At the Immaculate Touch parties on Al Maya Island every two weeks and Etoiles at Emirates Palace. I will also be visiting Dubai very soon. Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to late, Dhs100, free for ladies until 2pm. Tel: (055) 6506337. immaculatetouchabudhabi.com

27 APRIL

souTh afriCan freeDom Day @ infusion Celebrate with a beach barbecue and tunes from Charl Chaka and Goldfish. Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 1pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 or ladies free before 5pm. Tel: (04) 4262626. infusion.ae WHAT’S ON PICK

Tom BuDDen @ auDio ToniC Groove Armada-remixing Southampton DJ/producer, plus Raxon and Julian Jinx. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. tombudden.co.uk

The Takeover 3.0 @ aLLure By CiPriani Two rooms of mayhem with a surprise special guest. Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, 11.30pm to late, Dhs100. Tel: (050) 5969543. nightcluballure.com

28 APRIL

smokingroove @ reLaX@12 Globetrotting house twosome return to the capital. Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. smokingroove.com

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 111

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

NEWS

News, reviews, deals and discounts to keep your social life buzzing

THREE TO TRY

A trio of new bars to get you out of the house

Trent’s

Is Festival City set to be Dubai’s new hub for live music? Following the success of the jazz festival’s new home at Al Badia, the golf club has introduced The Jazz Club at Trent’s, where you’ll find Rob James and his trio creating a smooth groove soundtrack to an evening of fine wines, cigars and bar snacks. Al Badia Golf Club, Festival City, Dubai, 7pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 701112. albadiagolfclub.ae

BOOK IT NOW: AVENGED SEVENFOLD Californian heavy rockers Avenged Sevenfold are bringing their metalcore sound to the capital next month, keeping their many UAE fans well-fed on a diet of thrashing guitars, growling vocals and big breakdowns.. May 4, Flash Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs295. thinkflash.ae

Free dinner and vino at Lady Luck

NEW JAMS AT JAMBASE

Longstanding supper club Jambase has announced a new line-up of live music to tempt you out of your seat and onto the dance floor. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Brazilian duo Shero & Ziryab will take to the stage, belting out beatboxing and heavyhitting vocals, while Bull Funk Zoo, a six-piece band (founded by Dubai local Assaad Lakkis and featuring our artist of the month Elie Afif) plays a blend of jazz, hip hop, soul and funk every Wednesday and Saturday. Jambase, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Tues to Sat 7pm to 2am, free, Thur and Fri Dhs50 (includes drinks voucher), ladies free. Tel: (04) 3666730. jumeirah.com

Abu Dhabi’s newest wine bar is a chic spot to enjoy a glass of grape and some tapas. Open from noon, the double-height space is a welcome addition to the city’s nightlife scene, with experts on hand to guide you through the many bottles on the menu. Cristal Salam Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, noon to 1.30am. Tel: (02) 6597666. cristalhospitality.com

Is that mid-week glass of pink fizz not enough any more? You’re getting a bit spoilt, aren’t you? Not to worry, ladies have all the luck this month, with the launch of a new night at Icho Restaurant & Lounge in the Radisson Royal Hotel. Head to the 50th-floor Japanese hotspot every Tuesday from 8pm and enjoy a free feed from a special menu before heading upstairs for complimentary wine, beer and house beverages. Icho Restaurant & Lounge, Radisson Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (04) 3080000. radissonblu.com

Date for the diary: Just Jinjer

Dubai’s huge South African community should get ready to rock out, with homeland favourites Just Jinjer arriving in town on April 13. One of the country’s hottest exports, the band has toured with U2, Counting Crows and Def Leppard and their debut album All Comes Round, a massive seller, was swiftly followed by a succession of gold and platinum records. Apr 13, Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 8pm, free. Tel: (04) 3181313. justjinjer.com 112 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Vertical

Rixos

White X Lounge

The Rixos has opened on the Palm, boasting a Haldun Kilit-designed building, a huge pool, landscaped gardens and plenty of new dining options. For sundowners with a view, head for White X Lounge which offers a drinks menu and tapas dishes, plus guest DJs and a jazz night on Saturdays. Rixos, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4575555. rixos.com

ARE YOU

GREEN?

RED?

IN THE

FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR ELECTRICITY AND WATER CONSUMPTION BY CHECKING YOUR NEW UTILITY BILLS Welcome to your new-look bill

Reading your new bill

Your new bill is here! It’s easier to read and gives you important information so that you can make smart decisions about the way you consume electricity and water.

We are now issuing separate water and electricity bills: • Your electricity bill is shaded red and carries a plug symbol. • Your water bill is shaded blue and carries a drop symbol. Are you in the Green or the Red? The new consumption bands on your bill show how your consumption compares against the ideal average for your type of property. You are within the ideal range

You are above the ideal range Water and electricity are precious resources. Having the right information allows you to make informed decisions about your consumption. An informed customer is a smart customer. !

What ‘subsidy’ means Your new bill also shows how much it actually costs us to provide your electricity and water compared to what you pay for it. The difference, called subsidy, is what you get free.

AL AIN call:800 9008 e-mail:customercare@aadc.ae website:www.aadc.ae

ABU DHABI call:800 2332 e-mail:contactcentre@addc.ae website:www.addc.ae

WHAT’S ON

TRAVEL

Destinations, insider tips, deals and news

p116 SHANGHAI SURPRISE · p119 GLOBE TROTTER · p120 GOURMET TRAVELLER APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 115

TRAVEL

ShANghAI SURPRISE

Once the hub of Asia’s trade networks, Shanghai is to Beijing what Hamburg is to Frankfurt – a slightly mischievous younger brother whose regeneration has turned old, derelict buildings and districts into trendy nightspots and shopping areas on the outside, with sweeping views over the Huangpu River and the Bund on the far shore. 8 Century Avenue, Shanghai. Tel: (+86) 2120201888. ritzcarlton.com

Lu Bo Lang

EAT AND DRINK… Flair

It’s unnerving to think that while you are wandering around at street level, high-powered businessmen and beautiful people are casually being successful 58 floors above at super-cool Flair. Created by Japanese design house Super Potato, Flair is an intimate wine bar cum supper club on the inside, with a small but perfectly formed menu peppered with raw seafood and tapas-style snacks, and one of the city’s ultimate rooftop venues 116 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Battle through the crowds around Yuyuan Garden and try to resist the rows of stalls selling fresh, steaming dim sum and buns, and you will be rewarded when you find Lu Bo Lang. Located in a three-storey mansion that has been restored, like its neighbours, to resemble the Shanghai of old, this is a traditional Chinese restaurant with dog-eared photos of famous patrons, including Bill Clinton and Fidel Castro. Local delicacies include fresh sea abalone and jellyfish, with fantastic literal English translations such as “The brine goes all out to defeat the basin.” 115 Yu Yuan Lu, Old Shanghai, Shanghai. Tel: (+86) 2163280602

Privé

Privé takes up the whole top floor of the stately Dolce & Gabbana building on the Bund, with a large open air terrace for when the thumping hip hop tunes inside get too much. Sister club to its Hong Kong flagship, Privé attracts an extremely mixed clientele, with suited business folk sharing the tiny stage with kids in string vests and ‘wacky’ shades. Be warned, though, drinks are on the expensive side. 4/F, Bund 6, 6 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai. Tel: (+86) 2133317585

walls and large window frames, plush leather couches and Warholstyle prints on the wall. There’s a separate dining room, and a terrace for the summer months. 47 Youngfu Road, Shanghai. Tel: (+86) 2164379478. theapartment-shanghai.com

No. 88

If you want a taste of what Shanghai looked like before all the expats arrived, check out No. 88. A tribute to all things kitsch and retro, the locals’ bar is decorated with 1950s-style lampshades hanging from the ceiling, on the The Apartment tables and on every bit of available ‘Luxebar’. ‘Dining room’. ‘Lounge’. floor space. Music leans towards Those taglines should tell you bad Thai electro-pop with a few all you need to know about awful local cover versions thrown The Apartment, a super stylish in for good measure, and the restaurant/bar in Shanghai’s outrageous entertainment includes French Concession. Built on the dice games and dancing girls. third floor of an old warehouse, French Concession, Shanghai. The Apartment has a New York Tel: (+86) 2161360288. loft design, with exposed red-brick no88bar.com

TRAVEL

Xintiandi

ShOP… Dong Tai Road Antique Market

At some point during the last decade, the definition of ‘antiques’ seems to have been lost among the traders of the Dong Tai Road Antique Market, most of whom now sell tat to tourists. Most of the antiques are now replicas, but you can still pick up some great souvenirs, like a copy of Chairman Mao’s Little Red Book, vintage posters of 1920s Chinese movie stars, tatty leather suitcases, and an assortment of battered and broken cameras, watches, typewriters and other retro goodies. Dong Tai Road, Shanghai

Slap bang in the heart of the city’s old industrial centre, Xintiandi is a collection of renovated shikumen houses which now house trendy stores, restaurants and a handful of art galleries and cultural centres. The exterior of the buildings and the cobbled streets have been completely renovated, creating a quaint outdoorsy destination. Come warm-weather weekends, this is easily the most popular address in town for Shanghai’s trendy set. Check out Shanghai Tang, the Hong Kong clothing brand that’s giving 1930s Chinese attire a modern, colourful twist. 15 Xintiandi North Block, Lane 181, Tai Cang Road, Shanghai. Tel: (+86) 2163841601. shanghaitang.com

Tianzifang

This small enclave of art galleries, crafts stores, bookshops, independent boutiques, design studios, tattoo parlours and cafés is the closest thing Shanghai has to a bohemian quarter. Think London’s Camden without the

Lock and all the Goths. Not quite as fresh from the mould as Xintiandi, Tianzifang is all the more edgy for its unpolished finish, with washing lines strung between the narrow, winding alleyways and shikumen buildings. Off Taikang Road, Shanghai

tree roots that connect it to the ground. Inside the lobby, 1,000 words of calligraphy surround the high ceiling, onto which a projector shoots images of the sky. 1108 Meihua Road, Pudong, Shanghai. jumeirah.com

STAY…

EXPLORE…

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre

From the warm greeting by uniformed valets in furry Cossack hats and the shoeshine team in 1930s attire on the ground floor, to the wowinducing arrival at the 54th-floor art deco lobby, the Ritz-Carlton Pudong does not disappoint. Check in to a Bund View Suite for some of the best views of the classical buildings of Shanghai’s former trading hub, or make yourself comfortable in the Club Lounge and enjoy all-day bubbly and dim sum. We already mentioned Flair, but don’t miss traditional Chinese cuisine at Jin Xuan. Downstairs, the hotel is linked to the IFC mall – home of most of the city’s top end shopping. Shanghai IFC, 8 Century Avenue, Shanghai. Tel: (+86) 2120201888. ritzcarlton.com

Jumeirah himalayas hotel Shanghai

Part hotel, part art gallery and part shopping mall, this new addition to Shanghai’s skyline is an architectural masterpiece. Underneath the bold cuboid body, the lower section of the building looks like huge globular

GettinG there

· Emirates flies to Shanghai daily from Dubai from Dhs3,360. emirates.com

As well as some amazing vintage photographs of Shanghai in the late 19th and early 20th century, the Urban Planning Centre is home to a vast scale model of the city, which fills an entire exhibition hall. Visitors walk around and over the model on elevated walkways. There’s also a vertigo-inducing 360-degree virtual tour of Shanghai, where visitors stand in the middle of a circular video room. 100 Renmin Avenue, Shanghai. Tel: (+86) 2163722077. supec.org

The Bund

The 1.2km stretch of historicallooking buildings that line the western (Puxi) side of the Huangpu River are Asia’s 19th century equivalent of Wall Street. Formerly part of the British Concession, the buildings are the former homes of trading and customs houses, where Chinese silks, tea and opium were once traded. The buildings have been preserved in their original state, and now house trendy clubs and bars as well as some of the original hotels and financial institutions. Zhongshan Road, Shanghai

· Etihad flies to Shanghai daily from Abu Dhabi from Dhs3,430. etihadairways.com APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 117

gLOBE TROTTER

Welcome to your one-page destination guide So, where are we going thiS month? The tiny Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, in South East Asia. why, exactly? The Sultan’s penchant for lavish spending means the country is dotted with world-class hotels, golf courses and landmarks. Sure, we have those in the UAE, but Brunei also has empty beaches, untouched rainforest (covering more than 80 per cent of the country) and more wildlife than you can shake an proboscis monkey at. oK, you’ve Sold me. well, the monKeyS and the rainforeSt Sold me. tell me more. Brunei is a nature lover’s paradise. Pretty much everywhere you look you will see green, not to mention hoards of wild animals and trees as big as the Burj Al Arab. As a Muslim country, Brunei has been an alcohol-no-go zone since 1990, so be aware that you can't buy booze. we’ll need Somewhere to Sleep. As Brunei is still not quite on the tourist radar, you can pretty much have your pick of hotels. If you’ve grown accustomed to UAE-style luxury, then the first on your list should be the spectacularly lavish (yet surprisingly affordable) Empire Hotel (theempirehotel.com). If you’re less a resort person and want to be in the centre of the action, then the Centrepoint Hotel (thecentrepointhotel.com) in the shopping district of Gadong is your best bet. For a price that you won’t bat an eyelid at, it’s the city centre’s Jubilee Hotel. talK to me about the food. For the best local cuisine it is well worth heading to the night market in Gadong, where an array of stalls cook up a serious feast, including satay dishes and char kway teow (a dish of flat rice noodles) – but we personally recommend the traditional workers’ dish nasi lamak (curry, rice and salted fish) and roti kosong (flatbread). Other excellent places to eat are Tien Hock restaurant in Gadong, which boasts the best fish-head curry in town, and CA Mohammad restaurant in the Yayasan complex in the city centre, Bandar. what Should we be Spending our pocKet money on? Despite having gained international infamy for its ruling family flashing the cash – including gold statues, private jets and a fleet of warships – Brunei isn’t a shoppers, paradise. You’re best off spending your money on excursions and day trips. Head to the centre of Bandar for tours of the stunning Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque or jump into a water taxi and take a tour around the water village, Kampong Air, to get a feel for traditional Bruneian life. what iS the one thing that i abSolutely have to do? Definitely spend a couple of days in the district of Temburong, which is home to the country’s largest national park. Take a boat there, and make the Ulu-Ulu resort (uluuluresort.com) your base. From there you can explore the virgin rainforest by kayaking along the Belalong River, climbing up above the treetops or going on a night trek – it is absolutely one not to miss.

neeD tO KnOW

flight time: seven hours time zone: four hours ahead of the UAE currency: B$1 = Dhs2.93 Royal Brunei Airlines flies to Bandar Seri Begawan daily from Dhs2,560 bruneiair.com

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 119

TRAVEL

gOURMET TRAVELLER Food and travel are abiding passions for the Middle East Chairman of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel, James Brennan. This month, he ponders the rising prominence of global restaurant brands in Mumbai

incomes. India is on the up, and rising with it is an emerging middle class that wants its food and restaurants to match those palaces of gastronomy in the west. Not too long ago, ambitious young chefs like Vineet Bhatia had to leave India to win Michelin stars. Now they are coming back home with all the European techniques and western flourishes to bring Indian food into the 21st century. umbai. The crowds and the chaos. Bhatia has two restaurants – Ziya at the Boys playing cricket in murky Oberoi Hotel, and Azok at the Oakwood – backstreets and Bollywood which would give his famed London place wannabes hanging cool at the Rasoi a run for its money. Never before have Gateway of India. From its swarming black ingredients like pasta, wasabi and asparagus and yellow taxis to its roaming troupes of melded so effortlessly with cumin, cardamom slumdog angels, everything you’ve heard about and coriander. the Maharashtra capital plays out more vividly And it goes beyond Indian food. Some of than your imagination can handle. But the the finest European and Asian restaurants in sensory disco doesn’t really get going until you the subcontinent can be found in Mumbai. start to eat. There was a time when the taste of Mumbai could be found in a handcart on Chowpatty Beach. The city is famous for its bhelpuri, a glorious variety of chaat or street food made with puffed rice, crispy sev noodles, diced salad vegetables and dollops of spicy tamarind and chilli chutneys. You can still see the dabbawalas or tiﬃn men rushing tin-box lunches through the morning bedlam, bringing traditional hot food to oﬃce workers. Times change, though. Economies flourish. People’s tastes grow with their disposable

HOTEL OF THE MONTH

Fair Oak Treehouse Remember those long childhood days spent playing in tree houses? They were so much fun, until your mum refused to let you stay over night in them. Well, now you’re older, that’s a decision that (hopefully) you don’t have to run by mummy anymore – and we’ve found just the spot. Nestled away in the Sussex countryside in the south east 120 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

of England, Fair Oak Farm’s recently built eco-lodge tree houses (built from sustainable timber), will allow you to reenact the days of your youth, and at the same time take in the lush scenery. Owned by The Who’s Roger Daltrey, the self-catered twoperson guesthouse is not only perfect for a country break, but

Hakkasan is here. And at the Oberoi, there is Vetro, reflecting authentic and traditional Italian joy through its clear-glass walls. Over at the Intercontinental Hotel, Koh is a contemporary Thai restaurant enlivening local palates. Following successful stints in New York and Barcelona, Bangkok-born chef Ian Kittichai pushes the boundaries with chocolate baby back ribs and 12-hour lamb shank massaman curry. Meanwhile, Nobu protégé and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto brings fine sushi and kaiseki-inspired finesse to Mumbai’s Japanese aficionados to Wasabi in the Taj Mahal Palace. All very high end. But things are changing at the other end of the scale. McDonald’s has been around since the late 1990s, offering the Chicken Maharaja Mac in a country where beef is mainly taboo. Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell followed, and now Mumbai is to have the ultimate symbol of dull, globalised uniformity: Starbucks. India is becoming the next big fast-food nation. It’s what the people want. It’s pointless trying to warn them. It’s the dabbawallas I feel sorry for.

is also filled with all the gadgetry and comforts that you’d enjoy in any city hotel. Less than one hour from London, Fair Oak Farm has implemented a wildlife protection plan in the area and has peacocks and alpacas roaming the grounds. It is perfect for activities like cycling and fishing at the nearby fisheries. We reckon it’s one that even your mum would approve of. Fair Oak Farm, Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex, England, Dhs1,500 for three nights. Tel: (+44) 1435884122. fairoakfarm.co.uk

When you want a soul soothing, heart warming, tummy filling, thirst quenching, good time. Boardwalk.

Join us at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. For reservations, please call 04 295 6000 or email creekdining@dubaigolf.com

TRAVEL

EXTRA

Advice, deals and other tasty travel titbits

TRaveLs WiTh… Koji Kagawa

Fresh-faced Japanese masterchef Koji Kagawa has revamped the Yacht Club’s menu with an innovative take on his home country’s cuisine. It’s available now at the popular Abu Dhabi restaurant/bar

ThE STAMP COLLECTOR

Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector Conor Purcell answers your travel dilemmas the dubai creek is full of working dhows and ferries. can you catch any of them to go abroad? Amir, Al Barsha

You can certainly try, and I know of one person who went to what’s the best holiday Somaliland on a dhow a number you’ve ever had? of years ago, but most of the men My best holidays are always in who work on the boats will not Japan, travelling back home and see the upside in taking along a spending time with my family, passenger. If you are determined surrounded by the best food. I to try, go and visit the workers always bring some friends along the country; it’s beautiful and the from one boat a number of times; as well and together we discover build up a relationship with them people are really cool. the country. I love the respect then ask them if they would if you could advise people to you find among the people for mind you going along on their visit one destination, what their country and food. The next journey. These trips are not would it be? respect for food shows in the without risks, One word: Japan. way the Japanese use organic and the nature what do you never travel and fresh products to prepare of these journeys without? and cook their meals. is sometimes My MacBook. It helps me stay apart from Japanese food, do a bit murky. connected with friends and you have a favourite cuisine share my travel pictures with my If you reach that you’ve sampled on your Somaliland (or family. travels? is there anywhere left on your Iran or India), I love French cuisine and you may not be travel wish list? Spanish tapas. Tapas remind me able to get off the The Maldives. I love diving and of izakaya. I also love the places make me feel at home. boat and have the sea. I go to when I eat these types of what’s been your biggest to wait while Yacht Club, InterContinental food – at the French Riviera or travel disaster? it’s unloaded Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Spanish coasts. My hometown This year in Brazil. I nearly got for the journey Dhabi, noon to 3pm and 7pm is on an island, so wherever I robbed. The experience was back. That said, to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. go, the ocean and nature always intense and dramatic, but I love it’s worth a try ichotelsgroup.com – just take your passport, a first aid kit, desalination tablets and CYCLe tOUrS OF PAKiStAn gloves. If the idea of lying on a beach for two weeks This month’s travel news isn’t what you’re after, then the two new eASter in StYLe cycle routes introduced by Spice Roads If you’re looking for a late Easter getaway, then Cycle Tours may be more your speed. The you could do a lot worse than jetting off to more adventurous traveller can now choose the idyllic Seychelles. Raffles Praslin is offering to embark on a 15-day cycling tour along five nights for the price of four, with Easter Pakistan’s Karakoram Highway, or through lunch, a treasure hunt for the kids, a chocolate the mountains of Kazakhstan. Gruelling, but making workshop and a visit to Vallée de Mai, a this off the beaten path break could be the UNESCO world heritage site, thrown in for good adventure you’re looking for. Now, on your measure. bike Apr 6 to Apr 16, Dhs3,800 per night. Tel: (+248) Jun 24, Jul 8, and Aug 26, from Dhs9,750. Tel: (+66) 4296780. raffles.com/praslin 27125305. spiceroads.com

ChECK IN

122 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

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WIN! WIN! WIN! A couple of cracking prizes to keep you entertained this month

WIN! A BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK Fancy getting your paws on a BlackBerry PlayBook? Packed with features for business and fun on the go, this 16GB beauty will keep you plugged in. Boasting apps and internet access, plus a camera and enough entertainment features to turn that economy flight to first class, it should make one tech-hungry reader very happy indeed. For your chance to win, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with 'PLAYBOOK' in the subject line and tell us… In technology, what does GB stand for? a) Great Britain b) Gigabyte c) Geeky boffins

WIN! DINNER AND DRINKS FOR FOUR AT EMBER’S VINTAGE NIGHTS The Address Dubai Mall’s signature restaurant, Ember Grill & Lounge, has launched Vintage Nights – a new evening of decadent dining every Tuesday from 7pm, offering the UAE’s foodies a five star, five-course feast, paired with red and white wines. To celebrate, we’re offering one reader a table for four, where they can take three friends to enjoy dishes including tuna carpaccio with shaved foie gras terrine, seared crab cakes with heirloom tomatoes, wild mushroom pasta, grilled beef, short ribs, grilled salmon with jumbo prawns and a selection of desserts, plus drinks. For your chance to win this tasty prize, worth Dhs295 per person, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘EMBER’ in the subject line, your contact details and the answer to this question… Which of the following is not a popular cut of steak? a) Rib-eye b) T-bone c) Sashimi APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 125

WIN! WIN! WIN! A duo of delightful prizes to keep you well-fed and watered

WIN! A SAILING OR WINDSURFING COURSE FOR TWO AT JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA One of Dubai’s most popular hotels has launched Watercooled, a stateof-the-art watersports centre offering everything from windsurfing and Zapcat thrill rides to wakeboarding and speedboat trips. To get you, our lovely readers, involved in some water-based fun, we’re offering a complete ten-hour beginner’s course for one winner and a friend to learn either windsurfing or sailing, taking place over three days and teaching you all the skills you need to become confident on the water. If you’d like to win this prize, worth Dhs2,250, we’ll need to test your sporting knowledge. Simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘JEBEL’ in the subject line, your contact details and the answer to this question... Which of the following is not offered at Watercooled? a) Waterskiing b) Wakeboarding c) Wii golf

WIN! DINNER FOR SIX AT HOFBRÄUHAUS FOR MAIFEST Next month sees German celebration Maifest arrive at the JW Marriott hotel. Running from May 3 to May 31, there will be an impressive Bavarian spread, live music from duo Fresh Alpin and steins of Maibock hop. To get you in the spirit, we’re offering a table for six at Hofbräuhaus, where you can enjoy specialities including beef goulash, veal meatloaf, spring lamb with mushroom sauce and freshly baked breads and pretzels. Of course, a feast isn’t complete without dessert, so expect Bavarian cream with strawberry sauce, apple strudel, Black Forest cakes and more. If you’d like to treat five friends to an evening of food, drinks and fun, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate. ae with ‘MAIFEST’ in the subject line, your contact details and the answer to this question… When does Maifest take place? a) May b) June c) October 126 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

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THE HOT LIST The best of the best

KEY

New entry Non-mover Up Down

p131 RESTAURANTS · p135 BARS · p139 BRUNCHES · p143 SPAS APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 129

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The hoT LIsT

RestauRants Table9 By Nick And Scott

tabLe 9 by nicK and scott Atmosphere T9 is still working on enticing Dubai's trend setters, but the upbeat soundtrack, video screen and chef's table ensure it's always a pleasant place to eat. Interior We've heard rumours that the lads might be given the go-ahead for a more thorough overhaul. Fingers crossed. Food The reason that T9 tops the Hot List. The most exciting menu being served in Dubai. Location Hilton Dubai Creek is not a hot destination, but BBQ nights and a happy hour are a step in the right direction. Price The seven-course tasting menu is Dhs450. WhAt’s On sAys… Check out the new T9 cooking classes on page 60. Hilton Dubai Creek, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 2271131. table9dubai.com

Zuma

The elite of the eating out scene

Rivington Grill

La Petite maison Zuma

oKKu

Atmosphere LPM is still the most popular restaurant in town. Make sure you book a table.

Atmosphere The upstairs bar is dark and busy, the downstairs restaurant is bright and, again, busy. Book ahead.

Atmosphere Okku is never quiet, but post-10pm the volume is turned up and the tunes take over.

Interior A long cocktail bar, open kitchen, perfect lighting and well-spaced tables. The perfect match for the menu and clientele.

Interior The bar upstairs, restaurant downstairs formula has worked so well for Zuma it has become a trend in Dubai.

Interior The basement-like location, dim lighting and adjacent bar call for cocktails.

Food Cooking dishes with fresh, seasonal, European produce, we have never eaten a bad dish at LPM. Location DIFC, the area LPM has helped make the centre of the Dubai food scene. Price Not cheap, but Dhs1,000 for two is worth it for a restaurant that will never let you down. WhAt’s On sAys… We defy anyone to find a serious chink in LPM's armour. DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. lpmdubai.ae

Food We visit Zuma often and the menu is never exactly the same – the kitchen always experimenting with new dishes. Location DIFC. Still the king of the Dubai dining scene. Price Be prepared to spend at least Dhs1,000 for two for the best Japanese food in town. WhAt’s On sAys… If you're prepared to pay for quality, you can't go wrong at Zuma. DIFC, Dubai Sat to Thur 12.30pm to 3pm, Sat to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thur and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant.com

Food With yet another revamp of its menu this month, Okku constantly keeps diners on their toes. And it just gets better and better. Location This home-grown brand resides at One Sheikh Zayed Road. Price Dhs800 for two makes Okku slightly cheaper than Nobu and Zuma, its closest rivals. WhAt’s On sAys… Okku is now providing serious competition for the city's global players. The Monarch Dubai Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thurs noon to 3pm and 7pm to 3am, Fri and Sat 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 5018777. okkudubai.com

Rivington gRiLL Atmosphere With the Madinat branch of the Riv now open, it will be interesting to see if business at Souk Al Bahar is hit. So far, the answer is no. Interior You have about six more weeks to enjoy the terrace. Food We always go for at least one of the daily specials. Visit on a Saturday for roast on the terrace. Location Souk Al Bahar, just above the Baker & Spice Friday farmers' market, which is worth a pre-lunch visit. Price Two can dine for less than Dhs500 without drinks, depending on what they order, of course. WhAt’s On sAys… Look out for our review of the Riv mark two in next month's issue. Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai, daily noon to 7pm. Tel: (04) 4230903. rivingtongrill.ae

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 131

Traiteur

indego by vineet

Reflet Par Pierre Gagnaire

Atmosphere It will never attract Zuma-style crowds, but Indego never seems to be lacking in custom. Interior Like the food, Indego's interior is warm and welcoming. Food You will never struggle to find quality Indian food in Dubai, but the inventive cuisine on offer at Indego is in a league of its own. Location Pop over the road for a post-dinner cocktail at Toro Toro. Price Dhs900 for two should just about cover it. WhAt’s On sAys… Vineet Bhatia is a true master of Indian cuisine, and his Dubai team has been touched by his greatness. Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thur 7.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000.grosvenorhousedubai.com

hot on the heeLs 11. Gaucho, DIFC 12. Toro Toro, Grosvenor House Dubai 13. Rhodes Twenty10, Le Royal Méridien 14. The Ivy, Emirates Towers 15. Rhodes Mezzanine, Grosvenor House Dubai

132 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

tRaiteuR

Atmosphere Make the most of the good weather and book a table outside. Interior The open kitchen and high, vaulted ceiling make Traiteur one of the city's most memorable restaurants. Food What's On Chef Of The Year Franck Detrait recently left Dubai for Paris, but for now his French brasserie classics remain. Location Park Hyatt Dubai could be anywhere in Dubai and people would travel. Price Dhs375 for the fourcourse set menu or Dhs650 for two a la carte. WhAt’s On sAys… Bon voyage, chef Franck. With Detrait gone, we expect a new menu any day now. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.park.hyatt.com

Asado

RefLets PaR PieRRe gagnaiRe aLfie’s

Atmosphere Pierre Gagnaire's restaurant is a place of hushed culinary worship and wonder.

Atmosphere With just 54 covers, Alfie's has the intimate feel of a private members' club.

Interior With purple chandeliers and purple carpet, Reflets treads a fine line between camp and regal.

Interior Displaying the same classic style as the Alfred Dunhill clothing line, Alfie's boasts a cocktail bar and lounge as well as the small restaurant space.

Food Never boring, always a challenge and often a revelation. Location On its own private floor at the InterCon DFC. Price Lunch is Dhs180, or Dhs390 with wine pairings on Friday. Dinner is upward of Dhs1,000. WhAt’s On sAys… Definitely one for a special occasion, but everyone should dine at Gagnaire at least once. InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Mon to Thur noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 7011128. ichotelsgroup.com

Food Chef Christopher Driver's refined but homely British classics are sure to be a big hit. Location If Emirates Towers Boulevard is looking to rival DIFC across the road for business, it needs to ditch more of the shops and open more restaurants like Alfie's. Price Dhs515 for two without alcohol. WhAt’s On sAys… Check out our review on page 57. Emirates Towers, The Boulevard, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (04) 3198088. jumeirah.com

asado

Atmosphere Offering authentic Argentinian food, fine Malbec and a warm welcome, Asado never lacks custom. Interior If Asado were an element, it would be fire. Warm, inviting and endlessly entertaining. Food Order the roast baby goat, or any of the marinated BBQ meats, with a robust glass of Malbec on the side. Location Take a seat on the patio for one of the best views of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Price Dhs700 to Dhs800 for two should certainly cover it. WhAt’s On sAys… If you're hungry for meat and a no-nonsense attitude, Asado is the place for you. The Palace – The Old Town, Downtown, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 287888. theaddress.com

gaucho

Setting up shop directly opposite the mighty social hub that is Zuma was a pretty bold move, but Aregentinian steakhouse Gaucho seems to be

flourishing. Employing the same bar upstairs, restaurant downstairs formula that works so well for Zuma, the distinctive cowhide design doesn’t seem to be putting anyone

off enjoying the food. Podium Level, Gate Village 5, DIFC, Dubai, Mon to Sun 11.30am to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4227898. gauchorestaurants. co.uk

The hoT LIsT

baRs

Jetty Lounge

Mahiki

Atmosphere Lovely for sundowners with a view or a sophisticated (but unpretentious) night out, Jetty Lounge is always busy but never chaotic. Location Right on the beach at the original One&Only. It’s a dreamy spot, complete with light-up seats and a very cool blue bar inside. Best For Sundowners, predinner drinks, romantic evenings, nights out en masse. Price On the expensive side of things – even the snacks will raise eyebrows. A Pimms will set you back Dhs45, which is pretty brutal. Stick to vino. WhAt’s On sAys... It sneaks into the top spot this month; go before the weather stops you. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai, daily 2pm to late. Tel: (04) 3999999. oneandonlyresorts.com

Zuma

Atmosphere A click space with a clientele cooler than a penguin with frostbite. This isn’t the place for flip-flops and a dirty T. Location Zuma keeps DIFC’s finest well fed and watered. A number of hangouts in its ‘hood would do bad things to nab its customers. Best For Mingling until 2am in high style. And don't leave without trying the Clover Club cocktail. The staff are also excellent, with recommendations galore if you're overwhelmed by the menu. Price Drinks aren’t cheap, but the quality is sky high. Treat yourself to some bar snacks, too. The baked potato is amazing.

The finest for beverages and bites

Barasti

mahiKi

Atmosphere Very lively indeed. Despite opening at 6pm, the party doesn't get started until around 11pm (be sure to book a table). Location It's at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, but has its own entrance so you don't need to stumble out into the bright lobby. Best For A party. The infamous treasure chests full of cocktails, cheesy tunes and a good-time crowd guarantee sore feet and a sore head the next day. Good times. Price It's pretty steep, but the cocktails are delicious, with free drinks from 9pm to midnight for ladies on Tuesdays. See you there.

WhAt’s On sAys... Chilled drinks at 8pm, then crazy partying from 11pm. Love it.

WhAt’s On sAys... Liam Gallagher and a host of UK celebs have been spotted here recently. Take your camera.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, Fri to Wed noon to 2am, Thur noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant.com

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 380773. mahiki.ae

360°

Atmosphere One of Dubai’s most iconic bars, 360° is famed for its party atmosphere, Friday guest list and soulful Saturdays. Location Surrounded by the Arabian Gulf, the views are spectacular and guaranteed to knock your socks off. We're pretty sure that James Bond would hang out here. Best For Some of the best music the city has to offer, from visiting DJs to local talent, with the MustHaveSoul boys leading the charge. Price It's pretty pricey, but you get what you pay for and it's buy one get one free on Tuesdays. WhAt’s On sAys... Need to remember why you moved to Dubai? Sundowners here should sort those UAE blues out. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Sun to Thur 5pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4068744. jumeirah.com

baRasti

Atmosphere We prefer Barasti for a weekend lunch or Saturday evening drink, when the hordes are elsewhere – Friday nights there can be scary… Location It’s a Dubai institution for its prime beachfront location, split-level bars and proximity to the Marina. Best For It’s full of familiar faces, so make sure you’re feeling sociable. The fish‘n’chips are well worth ordering. Price Stick with beers and you'll be OK. The food is well-priced and tasty, too. Order the calamari. WhAt’s On sAys... It is a cracking month to enjoy this beach bar; come the summer the fun comes to a close. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 11am to 2am. Tel: (04) 3993333. lemeridienseyahi.com

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 135

McGettigan’s

the stabLes

Belgian Beer Café

Atmosphere Despite its multiple levels and large space, The Stables manages to stay cosy and intimate, with plenty of horse racing memorabilia. Location Taking over the building next to Fibber Magee's, it is tucked away behind Sheikh Zayed Road. Best For Monthly lads' nights with guest speakers, weekly ladies' nights (and free drinks on Friday afternoons) and great platefuls of comfort food. Price There are plenty of deals and the menu is very reasonably priced, too, from Dhs15 for a sarnie. WhAt’s On sAys... A great place for pub grub, but what did we make of the restaurant? Check out page 59. Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 8am to 3am. Tel: (04) 3425571. stablesdubai.net

hot on the heeLs 11. West Beach Bistro, Movenpick 12. At.Mosphere, Burj Khalifa 13. Caramel DIFC 14. Armani/Privé, Armani Hotel 15. Oeno, The Westin

136 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

mcgettigan’s

Atmosphere Packed. As more people move into JLT, McG’s just gains in popularity. And it’s a good crowd, too. Location Situated at the Bonnington, it has its own entrance so you don’t need to leave via the hotel. Always interesting after a night on the Guinness. Best For The outdoor patio plays host to live music and visiting comedians, and there’s a quiz night. Plenty going on. Price Seriously hefty portions of good food at decent prices, and the drinks bill won’t make you wince, either. WhAt’s On sAys... McGettigan’s received the gong for favourite pub grub at this year’s awards. Well deserved. Bonnington Hotel, JLT, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3560470. bonningtontower.com

Left Bank

beLgian beeR café

Atmosphere The new BBC at the Madinat hosts a mix of holidaymakers and Dubai-based revellers who don't want to taxi it to Festival City. Location Adding a much-needed watering hole to this part of town, now is the perfect time to nab a table on the terrace, with its views of the Burj Al Arab, pint in hand. Best For Beers, obviously, but there are late opening hours, knowledgeable staff and quality pub grub too. Price There are drink and dinner deals through the week, but it can be on the expensive side. WhAt’s On sAys... Similar in design to the Festival City outpost, the tried and tested formula is a winner. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3388563. belgianbeercafe.com

Loca

Left banK

Atmosphere Loca is unpretentious without being scruffy, which is a rare and welcome achievement in Dubai.

Atmosphere Busy during the week and downright packed come Thursday and Friday night. Good luck getting a table...

Location Marina-dwellers may think it's a bit of a trek to this part of town, but they won't regret it.

Location Souk Al Bahar's best drinking spot, ideal for post-dinner drinks at the nearby Rivington Grill or Karma Kafe.

Best For Loca is ideal for group nights out when you can dominate a long table, but couples might get jostled about a bit. You can tuck into some good Mexican grub, too. Price Average, but don’t get carried away with the ‘serve yourself’ beer taps dotted around. Enjoy now, pay later... WhAt’s On sAys... A genuinely cool bar in an unexpected spot, with the tunes to match. Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3461111. dxbmarine.com

Best For Popular for groups and couples, there's mingling at the bar and gossiping in the booths. Price Cocktails will set you back around Dhs45, but they're very good, while bar snacks and platters are great for sharing, if pricey. WhAt’s On sAys... Totally different to its sister branch at the Madinat, Left Bank is a sultry space that entices you with drinks and keeps you there with its atmosphere. Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, daily 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3684501. emiratesleisureretail.com

West beach bistRo

Oddly located in a space that was probably originally designed as a hotel conference room, Mövenpick has turned the West Beach Bistro into

an attractive and popular sports bar, incorporating a pool table, large, curved screen, bar menu and regular drinks deals. One of the best sports bars in

Dubai Marina. Mövenpick, Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, daily 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4498888. moevenpick-hotels. com

TAKE A JOURNEY THROUGH CINEMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREATEST MOMENTS

Catch a classic at the Cannes Cinema Club, The Pyramids Rooftop gardens at wafi, to stand a chance to win a voyage for two to the 65th Cannes Film Festival.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.pyramidsresturantsatwafi.com or call 04 324 4100

The hoT LIsT

bRunches Traiteur

tRaiteuR

Al Qasr

Atmosphere A smartly dressed and elegant crowd makes sure that Friday glides along like a cool jazz solo. Food Sadly, What’s On Awardwinning chef Franck Detrait has bid Traiteur adieu, but the spread of French brassiere classics remains as impeccable. Location The calming getaway feel of the Park Hyatt makes it one of our favourite hotels. Skip over to The Terrace for a post-brunch tipple. Best for Right now. After this month, the weather starts to turn and the wonderful terrace will be closed for the summer. Price Dhs375 without booze, Dhs450 with wine and beer, Dhs595 with bubbly and Dhs1,998 for show-offs who require a limo pick-up. WhAt’s On sAys... Ruthlessly holding onto the top spot, Traiteur is a glimpse of the life that people move to Dubai for. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.park.hyatt.com

Zuma

Atmosphere Busy and fun. It’s stylish modern-day dining at its best. Food Don’t fill up on the freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, as there’s a fine selection of hot a la carte dishes, too. You have been warned. Location Reason alone to tempt you to DIFC on a Friday, and from there Dubai is your oyster. Best for Rounding up your closest friends, dressing to impress and sharing a bevvy of beautifully prepared dishes. Price Kitsu (no alcohol) Dhs315, Kowaku (with alcohol), Dhs425 and Kyasha (with champers) Dhs550. WhAt’s On sAys... Tip-top Japanese food and a great atmosphere. There are few better places to be on a Friday. Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant.com

The Grand Grill

aL QasR

Atmosphere A true Dubai heavyweight, Al Qasr’s three rooms are always packed with all manner of people, despite the price tag. Food Oysters, grilled meats, cheeses, sushi, salads, roasts, lobster – you name it and Al Qasr will have it. Location The Al Qasr hotel, a short boat ride from the Madinat, so there are plenty of post-brunch options. Best for Merging social groups. Meat eaters, vegetarians, liquid-lunchers: this is where they all converge. Price The unwaveringly large Dhs525 price tag shows just how happy people are to sample what’s on offer.

bice maRe

Atmosphere Conducted at a leisurely pace, it is perfect for small groups of food lovers. Food While there is a set menu, you’ll be better off chatting to the chefs, who will find out what you are really after. They are keen to recommend, and very rarely go wrong. Location Any closer to The Dubai Fountain and you'd need a wetsuit. Best for An authentic twist on Italian Sunday lunch. You will leave thinking that you've just spent the afternoon at the chef's house, rather than his restaurant. Price An excellent Dhs295 without alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages.

WhAt’s On sAys... Book Al Qasr for a special occasion and you won’t be disappointed.

WhAt’s On sAys... A wonderful personal touch from chefs who treat you as a guest, not a customer.

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. jumeirah.com

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 4239082. bicemare.com

Our pick of the brunch bunch

the gRand gRiLL Atmosphere Dubai's quintessential party brunch. There isn’t a mass of space, so it is well worth booking ahead for birthdays, etc. Food Buckets of beers perfectly accompany the plates piled high with ribs, steak and various sides and salads. Location The Habtoor Grand is well placed for all the post-brunch options in the Marina. Best for Joining in with the incorrigible waiting staff’s impromptu singing and dancing. Price An excellently priced brunch at Dhs295 with alcohol, or Dhs225 without. WhAt’s On sAys... Loud, friendly and social, time at this brunch just zips by. Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Lobby level, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3994221. thegrandgrill.com

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 139

Armani/Peck

Thai Kitchen

The Talk

Picnic bRunch

thai Kitchen

Atmosphere A perfect way to while away a Saturday, ensuring that you're recharged for the week ahead.

Atmosphere A world away from its wallet-bashing, raucous brunch rivals. As calm as they come.

Atmosphere Classy but not pretentious. We applaud the flexible, all-day, three-hour time slot.

Food It's a la carte and you can order as much as you like – don’t stop until you’re set to burst.

Food An antipasti salad bar and dedicated charcuterie and cheese rooms, and that’s before you even reach the a la carte and the carving station.

Food Our pick has to be the buffet ribs – well, that and the delightful coma-inducing dessert selection. Location Regardless of where you live, it is a bit of a drive, but where else do you need to be on a Saturday afternoon? Best for Making the most of the weather. Price Dhs225 without alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages. WhAt’s On sAys... Enjoy the sun, lounge out on a picnic blanket and eat more than your fair share. Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 701127. albadiagolfclub.ae

hot on the heeLs 11 Belgian Beer Café, Crowne Plaza Festival City 12 JazzSumptuous, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel 13 Toshi, Grand Millenium, Tecom 14 The Observatory, Marriot Harbour Hotel 15 Imperium, Zabeel Saray

140 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

Location There are plenty of chilled out post-brunch options near the Park Hyatt Dubai. Best for A lazy way to spend your Friday. It’s time to live life in the slow lane, if only for an afternoon. Price Dhs245, making it one of the best value brunches in Dubai. WhAt’s On sAys... If you are looking for a tranquil bargain brunch, then call off the search. This is it. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.park.hyatt.com

aRmani/PecK

dubai PoLo & eQuestRian cLub the taLK

Atmosphere Look at you, sitting about and enjoying the last of the good weather, while watching a spot of polo. The high life indeed.

Atmosphere Busy but not crammed, you'll get the most out of The Talk if you're brunching with a group of friends.

Food A huge room full of starters and puds, lovely roast meats down the corridor and a live cooking station outside.

Food The enormous Yorkshire puddings at the roast station and the busy seafood station are the main draw.

Location The Burj Khalifa. You know, that big building by Dubai Mall that Tom Cruise climbed last year.

Location Picturesque, with the polo field mere feet away for some postbrunch entertainment.

Location Take advantage of the outdoor cabanas, while for post-brunch, the Marina has it all.

Best for Take your time. Like everything in Italy, there is no need to rush.

Best for A sunny day. There’s plenty for children to do, too, with plenty of space to run around.

Best for A lot of food, a spirited atmosphere, an affordable price tag and some friendly and competent staff.

Price Dhs240 without alcohol, Dhs340 with house beverages and Dhs550 with premium beverages. WhAt’s On sAys... Brunch on your terms. Choose the time that suits you, and pick from the uncomplicated menu. Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 8883888. dubai.armanihotels.com

Price Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs275 with selected drinks and Dhs399 with drinks and half a bottle of bubbly.

Price Dhs222 with soft drinks, Dhs333 with selected drinks and Dhs444 with drinks and bubbly.

WhAt’s On sAys... A civilised affair, the polo club is ideal for entertaining visitors.

WhAt’s On sAys... Fun and affordable with some excellent food. What more can you ask?

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, Dubai, noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 3618111. poloclubdubai.com

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4498888. Movenpick-hotels.com

imPeRium

Superb food, with a buffet boasting oysters, terrines, charcuterie and seafood complemented by an a la carte menu of delicious

French classics. The room is vast, which makes the atmosphere very all-day dining, but the cabaret singer livens things up a little.

Zabeel Saray, The Palm, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs275, Dhs395 with house beverages. Tel: (04) 4530000. jumeirah.com

The hoT LIsT

sPas

One&Only Spa

Amara Spa

one&onLy sPa

amaRa sPa

therapists Trained in O&O spas worldwide, the therapists are among the best in Dubai.

therapists Many of the therapists have been at Amara for years, and have their own loyal following. We like Sue for her knotbusting ways.

Menu Everything from seriously effective medi-pedis by Bastien Gonzalez to day-long rituals for two from ESPA. the spa Sumptuous treatment rooms with gorgeous terracotta, wood and turquoise, and a VIP area for couples to complete the experience. Price You can choose wisely and have a treatment for less than Dhs300, or go all out with a day of pampering. WhAt’s On sAys... The perfect choice for a girly spa day, make sure you have lunch in the sun at Zest or book a private poolside cabana. One&Only The Palm, The Palm, Dubai, daily 10am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4401010. thepalm. oneandonlyresorts.com

Menu Arranged by theme, with luxurious treatments, it's best to opt for a spa day that includes access to the stunning pool. the spa From the outdoor showers to the music menu, Amara is gorgeous. It is especially good for couples, with romantic VIP suites. Price It is not cheap, but there are usually monthly offers that take the sting out. We reckon the quality of products, spa and therapists are worth it. WhAt’s On sAys... Check out the healthy poolside menu for tasty, healthy dishes. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 6021234. dubai. park.hyatt.com

sensasia eXPRess

Sensasia Express

therapists Friendly, efficient and well trained to the high SensAsia standards. Menu A winning combination of big brand names, shorter treatments and cheaper prices. the spa The sassier younger sister of the other branches, this spa is pared down with everything you need in your small but perfectly formed treatment room. Don’t worry, though – you still get the ginger tea.

b/attitude

therapists Knowledgeable and intuitive, staff will put you at ease whether you’re a first timer or seasoned spa goer. Menu The vast treatment menu features Tibetan treatments, facials, scrubs, wraps, foot treatments, traditional and signature massages and hammam rituals. the spa Check out the five hammam pools ranging in temperature from 18˚C to 38˚C.

Price Very reasonable indeed at Dhs155 for a back, neck and shoulder massage, mini-facials costing Dhs60 and Dhs225 for a body wrap.

Price The bespoke Intuitive massage is Dhs420 for 60 minutes or Dhs540 for 90 minutes. Tailored to your specific needs, it’s one of the best we’ve had.

WhAt’s On sAys... We love the storytelling graphics on the treatment room walls.

WhAt’s On sAys... Remember your swimmers and make time for the hammam pools.

Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3549228. sensasiaspas.com

Grosvenor House, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 9.15am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3998888. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

The daddies of the health and leisure scene

ahasees sPa

therapists Really impressive; our therapist was super sweet, very proficient and clearly loved her job. Menu Some nice Middle Eastern-inspired treatments, plus rituals and even specials for brides and grooms. the spa Brand new and seriously stunning, make sure you have time for a soak in the Jacuzzi, which is surrounded by fresh orchids and complete with changing colourful lights. Blissful. Price An hour-long massage or facial will set you back around Dhs450, while a three-hour ritual costs a reasonable Dhs1,200. WhAt’s On sAys... There's a pool and great facilities, making it perfect for a spa day. Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3171234. dubai.grand.hyatt.com

APRIL 2012 WHAT’S ON 143

The Spa

the sPa

Talise Spa

therapists Quiet, courteous and just the ticket if you need a soothing afternoon of expert pampering. Menu Packed with Natura Bissé products, luxurious rituals and a special gents’ menu, with rituals designed to help you relax, reenergise and more. the spa This spa is a rabbit's warren of treatment rooms and lounges, plus a steam room and sauna. Price Mid-price, but with high-quality products and well-trained therapists on hand, the bill is justified. WhAt’s On sAys... Treat yourself to a massage then poolside drinks at Shades for the ultimate Saturday afternoon. The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4367777. theaddress.com

hot on the heeLs 11. The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall 12. Banyan Tree Spa, Banyan Tree Al Wadi 13. Armani/Spa, Armani Hotel 14. ShuiQi Spa & Fitness, Atlantis The Palm 15. Mandara Spa, The Monarch

144 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

taLise sPa

therapists Jam-packed with experts; there’s a mix of nationalities and specialities, from massage therapists to a GP. Menu In addition to a vast spa menu, Talise also has some other cards up its sleeve, including a naturopath, life coaching and medical testing. the spa A lovely setting, with treatment rooms tucked away among leafy pathways, and a private pool for spa-goers. Price Not bad for such a high-end establishment. The 80-minute Royal Hammam costs a fair Dhs450. WhAt’s On sAys... We're loving the alfresco yoga on Saturdays. Find out more on page 90. Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3666681. jumeirah.com/talise

Sisters Beauty Lounge

baLance WeLLness

the sPa

therapists Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, they are keen to share their expertise and recommend treatments.

therapists Be prepared for the therapists to whisk you away from the daily grind into a cocoon of comfort.

Menu Seriously impressive, with everything from yoga classes and Ayurvedic techniques to high-tech hydrotherapy sessions.

Menu You won’t be spoilt for choice here, but there are still a decent selection of rituals for lengthy pampering.

the spa Taking over most of the top floor of the Oasis Centre, Balance Wellness is a vast space with endless rooms, relaxation areas and studios. Price Because the spa isn't in a five-star hotel, costs are much more reasonable than you'd expect. WhAt’s On sAys... Check out the monthy discounts on weightloss, post-natal treatments and more. Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 6am to 9am. Tel: (04) 3847010. balancewellness-centre.com

the spa High-quality spa real estate – the relaxation rooms overlook the lakes at the base of Burj Khalifa. Price It may seem pricey, but you’ll get your money’s worth by enjoying the relaxation and steam areas. WhAt’s On sAys... If you have a free day to hang around the Downtown area, then this is a lovely spot to relax in before dinner at Asado. The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4287888. theaddress.com

sisteRs beauty Lounge

therapists Our eyebrow expert, Lily, is one of the most professional and efficient waxers in town, and her colleagues are equally superb. Menu There's a focus on nails, threading and facials, with Dermalogica products, the famous UMO gold facial and hairstyling all on offer. the spa More of a salon than a spa, the branches of Sisters are modern, bright and friendly. There's also a branch in The Dubai Mall. Price It's a neighbourhood spot, with manicures for Dhs70, eyebrow shaping for Dhs30 and a full body massage for Dhs275. WhAt’s On sAys... Take our lead: we have them on speed dial. The Village Mall, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3420787. sistersbeautylounge.com

banyan tRee sPa aL Wadi

Ras Al Khaimah isn’t far, but Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi is not exactly a place to pop for a quick Swedish massage. Fortunately the spa is huge, and it offers a full day

package, incorporating a morning and afternoon session, including massage, lunch, rainforest experience, facial and foot massage for Dhs1,800. Or, even

better, book a weekend away and enjoy the whole resort. Banyan Tree Al Wadi, RAK, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (07) 2067777. banyantree.com

Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird Breakfast Show, Sun to Thur 6am to 10am, Dubai 92. dubai92.com

BACKCHAT

WITH CATBOY

Our man on the radio thinks that, when it comes to holidays, visitors to Dubai have it easy…

’m leaving. Don’t get excited, I don’t mean forever. I’m just having a week’s holiday for Easter. With the impending arrival of a baby in July, our usual annual summer escape has had to be cancelled, so this is our last chance for a short break before next Christmas. We had thought of going on a ‘proper’ holiday, i.e. the expansive suite in a posh hotel, Elvis Presley portions of food and drink three times per day, trained staff to keep our children

as far away from us as possible, and a serene remoteness to forget computers, bills, grocery shopping and work. But we decided to go home instead. There’s a brief window when the thought of this break is everything it should be. My wife trembles with excitement as she imagines the piles of cheap kids’ clothes she can stock up on whilst running amok in supermarkets, buying trolleyloads of all that tasty stuff you can’t get here. Meanwhile, I

daydream about crisp spring mornings and long walks in the countryside, weaving through the forest as the sun cuts through a canopy of oaks, poplars and pines, skimming pebbles in the reservoirs and hopping precariously across stepping stones to the sounds of the children’s laughter. The reality is we’re going to spend a rainy week staring at the inside of a hire car, hopping from city to city, barely having a minute to ourselves whilst putting the noses of various aunts and uncles out of joint because we didn’t see them, even though they’ve not phoned or e-mailed for the best part of a decade. When you think about it, you’ve really got to envy the people who get to visit us. First of all, we all live in a resort. That’s what Dubai is. It’s like the Wizard Of Oz and Willy Wonka asked grownups and children to write a description of the holiday of their wildest dreams… And then got the Oompa Loompas and Munchkins to build it. Waterparks with sharks in them, outrageously good service, luxury at every turn, unlimited food cooked by amazing chefs, non-stop sun, super cars, A-list bars, vast malls with endless corridors filled with every

NEXT MONTH: EXPLORING BEACH ROAD, WHERE TO WORKOUT FOR FREE, HOW TO SHOP FOR YOUR SHAPE, AND THE UAE’S BEST NEW SPAS PUT TO THE TEST 146 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012

consumer desire and, to cap it all off, whatever you want, EVERYBODY DELIVERS! Whenever I have guests, they arrive, strip down to their budgie-smugglers, grease themselves up like lumps of meat on a spit and then catapult themselves headfirst into Dubai. In all my years I’m yet to see anyone leave disappointed. Part of this is because we, the expat community, have become extensions of Dubai’s service industry. We are unofficial concierges, an army of show-offs armed with seven-seater 4x4s and a catalogue of wonderful, far-fetched anecdotes. It’s not enough that people come and visit for a week or two and just hang out. It is our duty as members of Team Dubai to give them seven-star treatment. We want them sitting on that plane, 30,000 feet in the air, pinching themselves and wondering if it was all real. And the minute we wave them off at the airport, we revert to moaning about school fees, bad driving and dodgy landlords. In the spirit of this month’s backchat, the Catboy & Geordiebird show will be giving away the chance to fly a friend or family member for a long weekend in Dubai, every day until April 12. Tune in to Dubai 92 to see if you can be one of the lucky winners.

RADO D-STAR GENT AUTOMATIC Hrithik Roshan

WWW.RADO.COM

THE AUTHENTIC