What's On | July 2010

DHS 10 JULY 2010 ISSUE 387

My UAE. My Heritage.

All that glitters is Gold

SMS to win glittering prizes You could win a host of sparkling prizes and enjoy fun and entertainment for all the family at The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Gold & Diamond Park during this yearÕs Dubai Summer Surprises.

Weekly Prizes: ¥ BMW cars* ¥2 x gold bars ¥ Emirates business class ticket to the golden cities of Prague, Amsterdam or Madrid ¥ Longines watch from Rivoli Grand Prizes: ¥2 x Emirates business class tickets to the golden cities of Prague, Amsterdam or Madrid ¥Longines Gold watch from Rivoli ¥ Luxury gold jewellery set Simply spend AED 200, take your receipts to any Guest Services SMS the coupon number and your name to 5034, and prepare to be dazzled!

17th June - 7th August 2010 | Mall Trading Hours: 10:00 - 24:00 daily Log on to our Facebook & Twitter pages to win additional prizes! www.facebook.com/TheDubaiMall | www.twitter.com/dubaimallnews

Contents Features 19 100 cheap thrills, for Dhs100 (or less) A century of fun activities for a century of dirhams, or cheaper

p19

33 The UAE’s best new brunches Time to discover a new world of brunching 40 Mirdif massive The best places to eat, drink and shop in this suburban quarter of Dubai 44 20 pizzas tested We gorge ourselves on a mountain of pizzas to find the best in the UAE for you. Yeah, you – you owe us, Emirates

p44

p46 JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 9

The round-up 14 Salaam The month of July in a handy two-page guide 17 Competitions A raft of more generous prizes for you to get your hands on. Boy, we’re good to you 46 Films The new comic book adaptation Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, and a preview of M Night Shyamalan’s sci-fi epic The Last Airbender 49 Eating out Dining out at Abu Dhabi’s celebrity Chinese, Hakkasan, plus the country’s best steakhouses revealed and our pick of the summer menus 63 Arts The hit 1950s coming-ofage musical Hairspray touches down in the UAE this month – producer Julian Chenery tells us all about it, plus a round-up of the month’s best exhibitions

87 Sports & outdoor The UAE’s most famous football commentator gives his thoughts on the beautiful game, and our fitness expert, James Houghton, provides some healthrelated wisdom

p51

90 Club diary Afrika Bambaataa talks intergalactic beings, plus all that’s happening on the UAE’s club scene 93 Travel Did you know that Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city, is a gourmet dining hotspot? Read on…

105 Hot lists Which bars, restaurants, brunches and spas top our illustrious charts this month?

114 Backchat Dubai 92’s Catboy shows his sentimental side

73 Shopping Check out the bargains at the Dubai Summer Surprises shopping festival, while our new columnist, Emirates Woman editor Sophia Triantafillou, answers your fashion queries 79 Mind & body A visit to the Armani Hotel’s amazing new spa, plus his ‘n’ hers treatments at Radisson Blu Yas Island’s spa 10 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

p101

Great Summer Offers at Dubai’s Most Stylish Beach Resort * From

Dhs 950++ per night (1st June – 8th September 2010) Stay three nights and enjoy the fourth night complimentary.

One&Only Royal Mirage, your true ‘oasis’, offers 65 acres of lush landscaped gardens, one kilometre of private beach, eight restaurants, three large temperature controlled pools, an award-winning One&Only Spa and traditional Oriental Hammam facilities.

Located in the heart of new Dubai, this resort is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the exciting waterpark ‘Aquaventure’, and minutes from world-class shopping malls, combined with family entertainment at ‘Ski Dubai’ and its children’s snow park.

*

Special Family Added Value AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK: Stay a minimum of three nights and get two complimentary passes, per room per stay KIDS EAT FREE: On a minimum stay of 3 nights, up to two children below 12 years of age share parents’ accommodation on a complimentary basis and eat free in selected restaurants, when accompanied by parents.

INDULGE AT THE SPA: Adults enjoy 50% discount on every second treatment booked at the One&Only Spa and Oriental Hammam.

The Palace

Residence & Spa Arabian Court

*

* Terms and conditions apply. For further information and to make a reservation, please contact your preferred

travel agent or One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, UAE. Telephone: +971 4 399 99 99, Facsimile: +971 4 399 99 98 Email: reservations@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae oneandonlyroyalmirage.com

This month we’ve been...

Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Group Editor & Managing Partner lan Fairservice Group Senior Editor Gina Johnson | gina@motivate.ae Editor Mark Evans | marke@motivate.ae Deputy Editor Helen Spearman | helen@motivate.ae Senior Designer Sheila Lyn Carino | sheila@motivate.ae Contributing Editor Hugo Berger | hugo@motivate.ae Features Editor Gareth Rees | gareth@motivate.ae Editorial Assistant Karen Sequeira | karen@motivate.ae Picture Researcher Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae Chief Sub Editor Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae Contributors Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Vikram Gawde, Alex Hawkes, James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Richard Luck, Farooq Salik, Primrose Skelton, Simon Smedley, Sophia Triantafillou General Manager Production and Circulation S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae Production Manager Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae General Manager – Group Sales Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae Senior Advertisement Manager Dale Isaac | dale@motivate.ae Saffron Goodyear | saffron@motivate.ae Advertisement Manager Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae General Manager, Abu Dhabi Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi Darryl Wiley | darryl@motivate.ae Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 (including Airmail charges)

Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436, E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae 34,432 copies June 2009

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

12 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

On the radio with Catboy, p114

Eating a lot of pizza, p44

Visiting Udaipur, p101

Editor’s note I am, by my very nature, a spender. Money and I just don’t get on, and every time I have it I seem desperate to give it away, usually to one of the emirate’s myriad of malls. I’m a weapon of mass consumption. It wasn’t always like that – I remember owning a Mr Bump moneybox, that was kind of see-through so you could see the coins drop inside, and all I wanted to do was fill the thing, just to see what it would look like packed with money. I was 27 when I owned that. No, OK, I was six (although I’ve not shaken off my obsession with Mr Bump, the greatest of all the Mr Men), and back then money wasn’t real, it was just a thing that I could drop into Mr Bump to see him change colour on the inside.

But, I suppose, as we get older and, apparently, wiser, money takes on new meaning.

Dubai is, by its very nature, a money city. Money matters here, there are big deals to be done, buy, sell, blah, blah, blah. But Dubai is also a fun city and while you might not think it, there’s more than enough to do here without it costing the earth. Don’t believe us? Page 19 onwards declares 100 of those very things, all for Dhs100 or less.

Read, do, have fun, and leave the heavy spending to me.

Enjoy the issue.

We're officially part of the Twitterati.

Follow us at WhatsOnDubai for exclusive updates on nightlife, restaurants and more around the UAE. Tweet yourself.

Salaam!

July abridged

What’s hot Health Men don’t really do health. A doctor, like a dentist, is somebody to stay away from at all costs. Good news, then, that the Government has launched the UAE Men’s Health Alliance to educate blokes about their well-being.

Hershey’s Chocolate World Not just chocolate city or the province of chocolate. No. This is a world of chocolate right here in Dubai. Calories be damned.

Get down to Dubai Mall right now.

What’s On on your radio It’s official – video did not kill the radio star.

All the pizza we fed Catboy and Geordiebird this month may have done, mind. We’ll be appearing on Dubai92 every Thursday morning from now on. Tune in. www.dubai92.com

What’s not

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES, ISTOCK AND NAVEED AHMED

Al Jazeera Sports Buying up the rights to all the big sporting events is fine, but you have to provide a quality service. Signing up for the World Cup package proved a huge headache and then… they lost the picture for at least a couple of seconds during every match. Sort it out.

Junk SMS Receiving a text message is a joyful experience. But not when it’s telling you there’s 20 per cent off at Pencil World. Stop it.

You’re ruining our love of our mobile.

July in numbers Vital statistics

40

The number of years that Afrika Bambaataa has been DJing. The hip hop legend plays Dubai this month, p90

1,900

calories in your average plain pizza.

We ate 20 of them to find the best in the UAE, p19

180

The weight in kilos of the largest hammour ever caught. We find out about other fish that you can eat from the Gulf, p61

105

years ago, in 1895, that the word ‘brunch’ first entered the English language. We check out the 20 best of the UAE’s version of the meal, p33

This month we’re going to…

THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI It does a cracking Saturday roast and has a fine golf course, and now you can visit the Monty and watch a movie. Throughout July you can view such celluloid delights as Dumbo (Jul 16) and An Education (Jul 30) Online interruption from the comfort of an inflatable pool chair, Don’t get us wrong, we love Twitter, but it’s far for just Dhs45. If you’re peckish you can grab from smooth. We don’t care if you’re busy; we a banger from the barbie for a little bit extra. want to tell strangers what we had for dinner The Address Montgomerie Dubai, Thurs last night. And, Facebook, you’re not perfect, and Fri 7.30pm and 9.30pm, Dhs45. Tel: (04) either.

3905600. www.themontgomerie.com 14 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

3

Number of Michelin stars attained by Birmingham’s restaurants – the most of any UK city outside of London, p95

Five Questions… John Payton Ready those jazz hands, the producers of Blood Brothers, Annie and Disney's High School Musical are here with Fame The Musical.

Co-producer, director and musical performer, John Payton, talks playing Mr Myers, disliking Glee as much WIN! TICKETS TO FAME as the next man and why THE MUSICAL We have tickets to the July 14 evening we should all love musicals performance up for grabs. To be in with Sell Fame The Musical to us…

Fame has real guts. It’s about a group of kids who believe they can be the best and will break their backs to do it. It’s not all dancing on tables at lunch, though. It’s full of gritty issues.

Fame’s gritty?

This show puts its own stamp on this fascinating notion of fame and stardom.

X-Factor or American Idol might be the current big thing, but those shows have no basis in reality. Getting into showbusiness is tough. Fame, whilst fun, also exposes the downsides. It’s the ultimate reality show.

There’s another musical winning the love right now… Glee. You a fan?

I’m not, actually. I can see why it’s done so well, but I like my musicals to feature songs that come from the characters’ hearts, tell us more about who they are, and make us feel something as an audience. For me, Glee is a well-produced TV show with songs added on, nothing more. Sorry, Gleeks.

Have you always been a fan of musicals?

I wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was

a chance of winning, simply log onto www.winwithmotivate.com and answer this simple question.

What item of clothing did Fame make iconic? a) Leg-warmers b) Plus-fours c) Tuxedo

a kid – musicals were not cool. But I got into music fairly young as a pianist, then acting, and it kind of snowballed from there.

Some people will always be turned off by musicals – it’s necessarily fantastical – and some people prefer their stories to be more rooted in the norm.

You’re producing, acting and directing this. Like a challenge, do we?

I’ve done it a few times over the years. I have a process whereby I direct the show and worry about my performance on the night. With Fame, we have the dreams and memories of a whole generation of thirtysomethings to live up to, so we’d better get it right. But who doesn’t love Fame?

Jul 13 to 17, The First Group Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, Dubai, 7.30pm, Dhs130. Tel: (04) 3666546. www. madinattheatre.com

watch movies in the pool CINE SPLASH This is one for your little bundles of joy. Grab your free welcome drink and placate the little darlings with popcorn, candyfloss, grilled grub and pizza making. Happy Feet (Jul 8) is our pick for the nippers, whilst Notting Hill (Jul 22) is probably your cup of cha, or maybe Entrapment (Jul 8) is more like it. Bring your own floats.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, Thurs 7.30pm and 9.30pm, Dhs30. Tel: (04) 3618111. www.poloclubdubai.com

MOVIES AND MUNCHIES Pool access, a towel, popcorn and two movies – one for the children, one for the grown ups – for a measly Dhs30. I Love You Man (Jul 21) with Phoebe-from-Friends’ boyfriend is pretty funny, and Sherlock Holmes (Jul 28) is fine entertainment from Guy Ritchie. Order a pizza from Epicure.

See how it did in our pizza test on page 44.

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, Dubai, Wed 7pm and 9pm, Dhs30. Tel: (04) 3238888. www.desertpalm.peraquum.com

Guess list Some famous faces to keep your beady eyes out for over the next couple of months

73%

RYAN GIGGS The story of English football may have been very different if this man had chosen to don the white shirt. Unfortunately for the three lions, Giggs prefers the red dragon of Wales.

Rumour has it the Welsh Wizard will be appearing on Abu Dhabi Sports’ English Premier League show next season. Check out our interview with host Mohammed Najeeb, p87.

60%

TIESTO Tijs Michiel Verwest, or DJ Tiesto as he’s now known (we see why he changed it) is preparing to hop on a flight for the capital according to our man in the know. The Dutch mega spinner might have moved away from his trusty trance sound, but he still loves a good laser. Expect a big show if this one comes off.

28%

STEVIE WONDER Please, please, please, let this happen. A bona fide musical legend with 22 Grammy Awards and a host of hits to prove it, Stevie has never called to say he loves us and it’s about time he did. Our insider says he’s heading to the capital after summer. We’ll be front and centre if he does – this could be the big concert of 2010.

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 15

WIN! WIN! WIN! Want to get your hands on these lovely prizes? To be in with a chance, click on www.winwithmotivate.com, register your details and answer these easy questions

WIN! A FLIGHT IN A MICROLIGHT

Fancy soaring through the skies over the beautiful coastline of Ras Al Khaimah in an agile microlight plane? Well, that’s exactly what one lucky reader could be experiencing soon, thanks to our great competition in association with Dreamdays. You’ll be taught how to fly the machine, before taking to the skies to co-pilot the mini aircraft for a 30-minute voyage. To be in with a shot of winning, just tell us: Which of these is not a type of aircraft: a) Airbus A380 b) Boeing 747 c) Nissan Sunny

WIN! FRIDAY BRUNCH PLUS AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE FAIRMONT

If luxurious, champagne-soaked brunches are your bag, enter this competition now. The Elements brunch at Abu Dhabi’s Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel and the Spectrum On One brunch at the Fairmont Dubai are among the best brunches in the UAE, with both of them being regular top five entries in our brunch Hot List. And you and a companion could be enjoying either of them, plus an overnight stay in the hotel thanks to us.

For a chance to win, just tell us: Which of these days is traditionally seen as unlucky? a) Friday the 11th b) Friday the 12th c) Friday the 13th

WIN! SPA TREATMENTS AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA

When it comes to luxury pampering, few places do it like The Spa at The Address Dubai Marina. And you and a pal could win one of the signature spa rituals, such as the Balance and Reflection massage and the Muscle Release massage, use of the pool and fitness centre then lunch at the quality international Mazina restaurant.

If you fancy your chances of winning this superb prize, answer this: Which of these would you usually find in a marina? a) Cars b) Aeroplanes c) Yachts

WIN! A WEEKEND STAY AT CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI PLUS DINNER

Quality French food and a vast selection of wines has made Oscar’s Vine Society restaurant at the Crowne Plaza a stalwart on Dubai’s dining scene. We’re giving you the chance to find this out for yourself with a meal for two at the restaurant, plus a weekend stay with breakfast at the hotel.

For a chance to win this prize, just answer this question: Which of these professions would be likely to win an Oscar? a) Chartered accountant b) Zookeeper c) Film director

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 17

100

CHEAP

THRILLS

FOR

DHS100 (OR LESS)

44444444444444444444444 From cage fighting to crazy golf, dancing to dinner deals, we’ve trawled the UAE to find you 100 boredom beating, action-packed activities for less than Dhs100 SAILING LESSONS

If you’re under 16 and dream of sailing your own boat through the calm waters of the Gulf, start with these super cheap lessons at Abu Dhabi International Sailing School.

Abu Dhabi International Sailing School, near Marina Mall, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, Dhs100 per lesson. Tel: (02) 6813446

GO SKATEBOARDING

Heaven is a half-pipe with ramps, obstacles and more at The Springs bargain skatepark.

The Springs, Emirates Hills, Dubai, 6am to 10pm, Dhs10 to Dhs15. Tel: (04) 3627790

HIRE A KAYAK

Wedge yourself into a small, wobbly vessel with a pal and paddle about the waters of the Gulf for an hour, for only Dhs100 for two. If you don’t like your friend much, you can have two single-seater crafts for 90 minutes.

Tel: (04) 4329392. www.dreamdays.ae

LEARN KARATE

Learn the ancient Japanese art of karate without any catching flies with chopsticks, waxing cars or painting fences.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Mon and Wed, 6.30pm, Dhs25 for introductory lesson.

Tel: (02) 970272

PLAY VOLLEYBALL

EK Volleyball Club arranges training and games around Dubai for all abilities, both indoor and on the beach.

Dhs25 for a two-hour community game. Tel: (04) 3581603. www.ekvolleyballclub.com.

GO PAINTBALLING

If you like to propel paint at people but you don’t like to spend money, this is for you. All the equipment and 100 paintballs for just Dhs85 (Dhs5 extra at weekends and on public holidays).

Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, Dh85.

Tel: (050) 2032288. www.paintballuae.com

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JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 19

100 CHEAP THRILLS FOR DHS100 FALCONRY LESSONS

Enjoy the age-old Bedouin pastime, with a show above the desert dunes and a lesson for Dhs100 for two. You’ll also be able to lay your mitts on an owl, an American eagle and a vulture. Just try not to ruffle any feathers.

Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4329392. www.dreamdays.ae

HOTEL STAY

The first 100 people to book a stay at the new Citymax hotel will get three nights for only Dhs100 per night. Cheaper and much swankier than your average Travelodge.

From Jul 1, Citymax, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, Dhs100. Tel: 8002489629. www.citymaxhotels.com

PLAY TABLE TENNIS

Channel your inner Forest Gump with an hour of indoor table tennis.

Insportz, behind Dubai Garden Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dhs20 per hour, including equipment. Tel: (04) 3475833. www.insportzclub.com

GO WAKEBOARDING

The Umm Al Quwain Marine Club boasts some of the best waters in the region, and at these prices it has to be worth a splash.

Umm Al Quwain, Dhs100 for first 15 minutes. Tel: (06) 7666644. www.hayakdubai.com/UAQ

SQUASH HIRE

MASTER PASTA-MAKING

AFRICAN DANCE LESSONS

MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES

If you’re up for a game of the fast, heart-pounding sport, the cheapest squash courts in Abu Dhabi available for hire for non-members are at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7am to 10pm, Dhs50. Tel: (02) 6773333. www.sheraton.com This energetic lesson will teach you the traditional African dance style of soukous.

ADCB Building, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, Sun and Wed 9am, Dhs40. Tel: (02) 6732222

LASER TAG

Al Wadha Mall’s children’s Fun Zone is, as the name suggests, a fun place to spend some time.

But our favourite is the Strike Zone, where you get to shoot your pals with laser tag guns.

Strike Zone, Al Wadha Mall, 11th Street, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 11pm, Dhs40. Tel: (02) 4437654. www.alwadha-mall.com

ARCHERY SHOOTING

Hatta Fort Hotel has a 25-metre range with eight targets, should you fancy yourself as the new Robin Hood.

Hatta Fort Hotel, Dhs50 for 30 minutes including equipment. Tel: (04) 8523211. www.jebelali-international.com

Learn how to make the perfect spaghetti, linguine and ravioli, plus delicious Italian sauces, at these two-hour pasta-making classes.

Amalfi, Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat 10am, Dhs75. Tel: (800) 101101. www.starwoodhotels.com There are kickboxing and boxing classes every night in Dubai Marina, each lasting a calorie-busting 90 minutes. Have a go if you think you’re hard enough.

Dream Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 6pm and 8.30pm, Dhs60 per class. Tel: (050) 2861673

WATER POLO SESSIONS

The Abu Dhabi Water Polo Club is willing to teach you how to play water polo, and all for the tiny price of Dhs25 per session.

Abu Dhabi Country Club, 19th Street, Abu Dhabi, Wed, 8.30pm, Dhs25 per session. Tel: (02) 6577777. www.adhfc.com

AQUA AEROBICS FUN

We all know keeping slim in the UAE can be an expensive business. But this aqua aerobics class at the Hiltonia Beach Club is ridiculously cheap at just Dhs70 for non-members and Dhs35 for members.

Dhs70. Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Weds, 9am. Tel: (02) 6924205. www.hilton.com

SQUASH LESSONS

It’s a hellish game, and if you don’t know how to play it you’ll be run as ragged as a hobo.

Fortunately you can sign up for a 45-minute lesson for just Dhs65, grasp the fundamentals and take some other fool to the brink.

Dhs65. Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3371234. www.alnasrll.com

POOL ACCESS

Y R N O C S L N FAESSO L 20 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

Spending a day poolside can be an expensive business in Abu Dhabi. Not so at Traders Hotel, where it costs just Dhs65 to use the pool and Dhs100 to use the pool and gym.

Traders Hotel, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6am to midnight, Dhs65. Tel: (02) 5098888. www. shangri-la.com

UNLIMITED BIKRAM YOGA Sweat and stretch it out on the cheap.

First-timers at Club Stretch can get a pass for unlimited Bikram classes over a week for only Dhs100.

Club Stretch, Al Mina Road, Satwa, Dubai.

Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3452131. www.clubstretch.ae

100 CHEAP THRILLS FOR DHS100 18 HOLES ON A SAND COURSE

Al Ghazal Golf Club is regarded as the best sand course in the world. And a quick 18 holes on its compressed sand fairways and greens won’t break into your savings account.

Al Ghazal Golf Club, near Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dhs90. Tel: (02) 5758040. www.alghazalgolf.ae

GOLF FOR TWO

UAE residents get a two-for-one deal until the end of September at Arabian Ranches’ floodlit Par 3 Academy Course. If you and a pal are looking to improve your games without breaking out the big bucks, this is for you.

Arabian Ranches, Dubai, Dhs95 for two.

Tel: (04) 3663000. www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com

GAME AND CLUBS

Ideal for golfing beginners who haven’t got their own gear yet, Al Hamra is offering a game on their Par 3 course for Dhs60 with club rental for Dhs20.

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs80.

Tel: (07) 2447474. www.alhamragolf.com

UNDER-17S GOLF FOR FREE

Until September, anyone under the age of 17 can play completely free at Abu Dhabi Golf Club if accompanied by an adult.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 5588990

A ROUND OF GOLF

If you’re sick of parting with Dhs600 a time for your weekly round of golf, make your way to Sharjah Wanderers golf club, pay just Dhs50 and partake of 18-holes on the challenging sand course.

Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club, 6am to 8pm. Tel: (06) 5586239. www.sharjahwanderers.com

DRIVING AND DRINKS

Enjoy a round of drinks after a round of golf for Dhs99 at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club this summer. Breeze around the Par 3 course then relax with two drinks and reflect on your glory or otherwise.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 9am to 9pm, Dhs99.

Tel: (04) 2956000. www.dubaigolf.com

CRAZY GOLF

Hatta Fort Hotel’s floodlit mini-golf course costs just Dhs30 for nine holes. Clubs and lessons are available.

Dhs30. Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8523211. www.jebelali-international.com

PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS

If you thought it would be costly to learn how to become an ace snapper, think again.

The Lightchasers photography group offers lessons for Dhs20 a week.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs20. Tel: (02) 6218053. www.adach.ae

FUN AT THE FAIR

This is not the best theme park in the world.

It’s not even the second best. In fact, it is so rickety it looks like a set from a zombie movie. But that’s its charm. Last time we visited we spent three hours shooting paintball guns, driving around on various dodgy looking vehicles, ice-skating and playing on the swings. Some of the best pics in the What’s On family album.

Hili Fun City, Al Ain, Dhs15. Tel: (03) 7845542

BARGAIN BOOT CAMP

Burn off that excess UAE fat without harming your bank balance too much at these ever-popular boot camps in Abu Dhabi.

Original Fitness Company, Corniche Beach and Sas Al Nakhl Beach, Sun to Fri 6am and 7.30pm, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 4069404. www.originalfitnessco.com

PIZZA-MAKING LESSONS

Pizza has been on our minds a lot this month (check out our 20 tested, p44) and if we’ve learned anything, it’s that pizza is a serious business. So we were shocked to discover Carluccio’s is willing to let your children loose in their kitchens for just Dhs70. They’ll even be given a free apron to take home. And you will be able to sip a free coffee while your little darlings are taught how to make your dinner.

Jul 18 and Aug 1, Carluccio’s, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai, 10.30am to 11.30am, Dhs70. Tel: (04) 2843728. www.carluccios.com

GO TO THE TOP OF THE BURJ KHALIFA

Take a trip to the top of the world and take in the view. Our reactions to the height ranged from amazed to downright terrified. What will yours be?

At The Top, Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, Dhs100, Dhs75 for children age 4 to 12 (if booked ahead) and free for under-3s. Tel: 80028843867. www.burjkhalifa.ae

JOIN A RUNNING CLUB

Dubai Creek Striders love nothing better than a brisk jog about Dubai. Join them for Dhs10 per run. If you want a club vest – of course you do – it’s an extra Dhs50.

Free. www.dubaicreekstriders.com

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JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 21

100 CHEAP THRILLS FOR DHS100 ENJOY A RELAXING SPA

The Rainforest hydrotherapy experience at The Banyan Tree guides you through steam rooms, tropical showers, ice caves and more, ending up in a giant vitality pool. A truly unique way to spend a relaxing hour.

Until August 31, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs77 per person per hour.

Tel: (07) 206777

HAVE A CLASSIC SHAVE

Whether it’s a special occasion or you just can’t be trusted with sharp objects, a professional shave forms the backbone of the What’s On gents’ grooming schedule. We see Abed at Nivea Haus a few times a month for a 20-minute tidy up.

Nivea Haus, Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, Dhs50.

Tel: (04) 4340777. www.niveahaus.ae

JOIN THE UAE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

If you’re pretty super with a string instrument or blinding with a bassoon, the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra is looking for you. You will have to audition, of course.

But you’ll be OK. You’re a musical genius, aren’t you? www.uaephilharmonic.com

GO KARTING

Hit the indoor track with some mates for a birthday party alternative, or just to fill a Friday afternoon. The Arrive & Drive package costs Dhs100 for 15 minutes and includes all equipment and suits. Booking ahead is recommended.

Dubai Autodrome, Motor City, Dubai, Dhs100.

Tel: (04) 3678700. www.dubaiautodrome.com

GO RUNNING

Abu Dhabi Striders is the capital’s biggest and oldest running club. It costs just Dhs5 to join them on their twice weekly runs.

Behind Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Sun 6.30pm. Corner of 11th and 34th Street, Wed 6.15pm, Dhs5.Tel: (050) 6670601. www.abudhabistriders.com

ICE SKATING LESSONS

If, like us, you’re more fell in a ravine than Torvill and Dean, you’ll need a guru to guide your glide and turn disgrace into grace.

Put down Dhs70 and in 30 minutes you’ll be pirouetting like a pro. Well, skating in a straight line, anyway.

Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dh70.

Tel: (04) 3371234. www.alnasrll.com

LEARN HOW TO MAKE SUSHI

Become a sushi-making genius at these classes at the award-winning Soba restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

Soba, Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat 10am, Dhs75. Tel: (800) 101101. www.starwoodhotels.com

GO DRAGON BOAT RACING

If you’re unsure if this is the sport for you (all those early mornings, all those dragons…) then give it a try for free. The UAE Dragon Boat Association has 11 clubs all over Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is always looking for members. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, free. www.dubaidragonboat.com

HIT THE SNOW PARK

Dhs100 gets you access to the 3,000 square metre snow park at Ski Dubai. Don your suit then hit the hills for tobogganing, bobsledding and tubing. There’s also a snow cavern with interactive experiences and an observation tower.

Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Dhs100. Tel: 8005347873. www.skidxb.com

VISIT THE ANIMALS

TENNIS LESSONS

Last month’s Wimbledon is sure to have had you striding onto the courts like Federer only to discover you’re sadly lacking in the talent department. There’s plenty of time to boost your skills, by starting with an hourlong lesson for just Dhs90.

Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs90.

Tel: (04) 3371234. www.alnasrll.com

GET BENDY

Your posture and your bank manager will love you if you sign up for these ultra-cheap but excellent classes at Abu Dhabi’s only dedicated yoga studio.

Yoga Tree, off 30th Street, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Dhs50. Tel: (02) 6676579. www.yogatree.ae

i JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 23

100 CHEAP THRILLS FOR DHS100 VISIT THE HISTORICAL GARDENS

If you’re into agriculture then the lure of a falaj irrigation system in the palm garden of Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s 1950s summer retreat is sure to turn you on. If not, it’s a lovely little piece of the UAE’s recent past, and it’s only Dhs1.

Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 8.30am to 8.30pm, Fri 2.30pm to 8.30pm, Dhs1. Tel: (04) 8521374

JOIN THE CYCLE CLUB

Do you own a bicycle? If you do, this one’s free. Dubai Roadsters are a club of people who meet up to cycle at various UAE locations on a weekly basis. They also organise overseas tours.

Explorer Adrian Hayes is a member. And if it’s good enough for him…

Free. Tel: (04) 3394453. www.dubairoadsters.com

GO CLIMBING

Scamper up Wafi’s 50ft climbing wall for only Dhs40 for two hours. Lessons are obviously recommended for beginners, but once you’re confident in your climbing kit the sky is the limit.

Pharoah’s Club, Wafi, Dubai, Dhs40 for a two-hour session. Tel: (04) 3240000

BOWL A FEW BALLS

Bowling, as we’ve discovered recently, is a relatively cheap pastime. Nowhere in Dubai is cheaper than Al Nasr Leisureland, where you’ll part with just Dhs15 and receive comical footwear and a frame of bowling. A beer is Dhs15 as well. Bowling and a beer for Dhs30. Bargain.

Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs15.

Tel: (04) 3371234. www.alnasrll.com

MASTER FENCING

CHEAPEST ICE-SKATING

DANCE CLASSES

CHILDREN’S SWIMMING LESSONS

Dubai Fencing Club has all the gear and a real idea how to turn you from mouse to musketeer. It offers classes in epée and foil for all levels, with equipment such as masks and weapons included.

Quay Health Club, Mina A’Salam, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Dhs50 for a group class. Tel: (050) 7944190. www.dubaifencingclub.com Expressions Of Dance And Drama teaches youngsters in dance classes covering 17 different styles, from ballet to ballroom to salsa.

Royal Marina Health Club, near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, various times, Dhs40. Tel: (02) 6262533. www.expressions-dance.com

VISIT A MUSEUM

If you’re looking for a dose of culture, why not head out of the city and pay a visit to the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah? The fort was occupied by the emirate’s ruling family right up until the 1960s and is now home to a variety of archaeological and historical artifacts. Tickets are just Dhs2.

Behind the Police Headquarters, Ras Al Khaimah, Wed to Mon 8am to noon and 4pm to 7pm, Dhs2. Te: (07) 2333411

CUT-PRICE HORSE RIDING

With a few of these super-cheap lessons you’ll be a better rider than the Lone Ranger and the UK’s Princess Anne put together in no time.

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, 19th Street, Al Mushrif, Dhs50. Tel: (02) 4455500. www.adec-web.com

Although there’s a spanking new ice rink at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi this old school rink is the original, the best and the cheapest in the capital.

Abu Dhabi Ice Rink, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, off Airport Road, 10am to 10pm, Thurs ladies only, Dhs10. Tel: (02) 4448458

Not only are these lessons incredibly cheap at Dhs65 each, you’ll also save a fortune on buying armbands and inflatable rings for the little ’uns.

British International School, Khalifa A, various times. Tel: (050) 8838091. www.aiss.ae

SHOOT SOME BULLETS

Throughout the summer, we often head to Abu Dhabi’s best shooting club to take out some targets.

Caracal Shooting Club, Armed Forces Officers’ Club, near Musaffah Bridge, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 11pm, Dhs100 for rental and bullets.

Tel: (02) 441644. www.afoc.mil.ae

TAKE UP PAINTING

Until the end of August you can purchase a canvas and enjoy the use of all paint and equipment for four hours for less than Dhs100. Dhs55 for a 12"x12" canvas, Dhs75 for a 15"x20" and Dhs95 for a 23"x24". Who said an artist has to struggle?

Jam Jar, Warehouse 45, RKM Properties, Al Quoz, Interchange 4, Dubai, Mon to Thurs 10am to 8pm, Fri 2pm to 8pm, Sat 10am to 8pm, Dhs75 to Dh55.

Tel: (04) 3417303. www.thejamjardubai.com

E M O S T O S O T H S BULLE i JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 25

100 CHEAP THRILLS FOR DHS100

Dinner & for your ZUMA LUNCH

Try world class Japanese food – even when you’re on a budget. The Ebisu Express lunch menu at Zuma consists of miso soup and any main course for only Dhs58. Our pick is the sliced duck served with somen noodles, spring onions and sancho.

Zuma, Building 6, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, Sun to Thurs, noon to 3pm, Dhs58 (plus ten per cent authority fee). Tel: (04) 4255660. www.zumarestaurant.com

SUSHI BUFFET

All we want in life is a sushi buffet, with sashimi, miso soup and green tea. The Shangri-La has been reading our mind and come up with Sushi-La in their Lobby Lounge where you can stuff yourself silly for only Dhs66.

Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 11.30am to 2pm, Dhs66. Tel: (04) 4052703

LEVANT DISHES

Warehouse

RIVINGTON GRILL LUNCH

Consistently our number one restaurant in Dubai, Rivington Grill’s business lunch is a triumph.

Opt for two courses at Dhs80 or three for Dhs100 and take your pick from the modern British menu. Try the Yorkshire pudding salad then a pie. Then maybe the lemon meringue ice cream. The price might be guilt-free, but sadly the calories still count.

Rivington Grill, Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, Sun to Thurs, noon to 4pm, Dhs80 to Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4230903. www.rivingtongrill.ae

PAKISTANI FEAST

Zuma

26 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

On Friday evening, the best Pakistani restaurant in Abu Dhabi puts on a fantastic food spread for just Dhs48. Even the decidedly horrid-sounding lambs’ brain curry was delicious.

Al Ibrahimi, Electra Street, behind Sands Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Fri 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs48. Tel: (02) 6346258

Sample some of Dubai’s finest Levant dishes and possibly the best fattoush we’ve ever had with this lunch deal from Dhs49, depending on dishes. Duck out of work and head to Old Town for a good feed, Lebanese style.

Mezza House, Burj Boulevard, Old Town, Dubai, Sun to Thur, 1pm to 3.30pm, Dhs49 to Dhs59. Tel: (04) 4205444. www.mezzahouse.com

WAREHOUSE DRINKS

One of our favourite bars has come up with an evening to keep everyone happy – which means men get a good deal for once. On Tuesdays, ladies pay Dhs69 for unlimited drinks, while the chaps get change from Dhs100 for the same. Even better, the first 20 ladies through the door don’t pay a dirham.

Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Garhoud, Dubai, Tues 9pm to 11pm. Dhs69 for ladies and Dhs99 for men. Tel: (04) 7022560 La Mamma

OKKU LUNCH

Get a taste of Okku with their brilliant midweek lunchtime deals, ranging from Dhs59 to Dhs99, depending on the number of courses you indulge in. We go the full four-course whack.

Obviously. With the new summer menu (see page 57) and these prices you may want to book ahead.

Okku, The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thurs noon to 3pm, Dhs59 to Dhs99. Tel: (04) 5018777

UNLIMITED BEEF RIBS

Vegetarians beware – on Monday nights at Spur it’s a feeding frenzy with unlimited beef ribs (served with fries and onion rings) for Dhs98.

Spur, Festival City, Dubai, Dhs98.

Tel: (04) 2738282. www.spur.ae

PIZZA AND A DRINK

We’ve had more than our fair share of pizza this month (see page 44). But we can never have enough; hence we often head to this quality Italian restaurant to enjoy their pizza and a drink deal for just Dhs55.

La Mamma, Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs55. Tel: (02) 6970258. www.sheraton.com

100 CHEAP THRILLS FOR DHS100

Drinks r Dhs100 Mango Tree

CHEESE & WINE

international place in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

City Café, Al Maha Arjaan Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs95. Tel: (02) 6106622. www. rotana.com

so heavy that you’ll abandon your retail adventure for the sofa.

Mango Tree, Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, Sun to Thur, noon to 3pm, Dhs80 to Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4267313

FRIDAY BRUNCH

TWO-COURSE ITALIAN

Finding decent Irish grub in Dubai is a battle, but finding a Friday brunch for Dhs65 sounds downright impossible. Luck of the Irish wins through though, with a main course and three drinks for that princely sum available each week at Dubliners.

Dubliners, Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Garhoud, Dubai, Fri 11am to 6pm, Dhs65. Tel: (04) 7022560

Wind down from the week or get ready for the weekend with unlimited cheese and wine in the Qamardeen Hotel’s lobby lounge. ALL YOU CAN EAT STEAKHOUSE Qamardeen Hotel, Burj Boulevard, Old Town, Dubai, Thur and Fri, 6pm This quality restaurant serves a range of meat, Indian and Chinese to 9pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 4285923 foods, with as much as you can EIGHT COURSES fit in your stomach costing just AT AFYA Dhs54 every day of the week.

Take in eight different Chinese Rainbow Steakhouse, Al Muroor dishes over lunch at the Road, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, international Afya restaurant for a 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to ridiculously low Dhs60.

11.30pm, Dhs54. Tel: (02) 6333434 Afya, Traders Hotel, Between The MANGO TREE Bridges, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm, LUNCH Dhs60. Tel: (02) 5098888. www.

Stroll across the bridge from Dubai shangri-la.com Mall into Souk Al Bahar to enjoy ALL YOU CAN their shopper’s lunch. At Dhs80 for EAT BRUNCH two courses or Dhs100 for three, An all you can eat brunch, for it’s a great chance to sample the less than Dhs100? Too good to Thai menu at a great price. The be true? Not at this great little papaya salad is fantastic and not

For a paltry Dhs45 you can get yourself a slap-up, two-course Italian meal at one of the most under-rated restaurants in the capital.

Lemon Tree, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, 31st Street, Al Muroor, noon to 3.30pm, Dhs45. Tel: (02) 6574858. www.holidayinn.com

BRUNCH AT HEROES

The rough and ready underground pub serves up a cheery Friday brunch, where you get as much bar food as you like, plus two drinks at a rock bottom price.

Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street, noon to 4pm, Dhs65. Tel: (02) 6210000. www.crowneplaza.com Margaux

THREE-COURSE LUNCH

For Dhs100 you can enjoy a three-course lunch at Manhattan Grill or Indian restaurant iZ, including coffee and water.

Grand Hyatt Dubai, Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 3pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3171235. www.dubai.grand. hyatt.com

LUNCH AT PARK HYATT DUBAI

Looking for lunch during the week? For Dhs99 you can enjoy a mezze buffet, grilled meat and Middle Eastern delights from the a la carte menu, dessert and coffee at Park Hyatt’s impressive Café Arabesque.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 3172222. www. dubai.park.hyatt.com

MARGAUX’S TWOCOURSE LUNCH

We love the work that chef Chef Sebastien Didierjean and his team are doing down at Margaux. You can now enjoy a two-course lunch with a glass of wine for just Dhs99, with a list of daily specials including fricassee chicken on Thursdays and veal stew on Sundays. Yummy.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 2.30pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 4397555. www. margaux.ae

i

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 27

100 CHEAP THRILLS FOR DHS100 TAKE IN SOME HERITAGE

There’s no better historical way to spend your weekend than making the trip to the 16th century village in Hatta’s Hajjar Mountains.

Two watchtowers, a mosque and a number of traditional houses. All for free.

Hatta Heritage Village, Hatta, Sat to Thurs 8am to 8pm, Fri 2pm to 8pm, free. Tel: (04) 8521374

CHOCOLATE-MAKING FUN

This summer, your children can learn the art of creating chocolate treats for just a Dhs100.

Best of all, you can eat what they make when they’re finished.

Choco-La, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Thurs and Fri, 11am, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 5098527

SALSA DANCING LESSONS

To some it’s a tangy dip for potato chips, to others it’s a form of dancing. It’s never both.

If you’d rather move like a whippet than pick it and dip it, sign up for Shelter’s salsa lessons for just Dhs40 a session.

Shelter, Industrial Area 4, Al Quoz, Dubai, beginners Tue 7pm to 8pm, intermediate Tue 8.30pm to 9.30pm, Dhs40. Tel: (04) 4345655. www.shelter.ae

DISCOVER ARCHAEOLOGY

Visit sites boasting artifacts from the seventh to the 15th century. It’s free, but you’ll need a permit to go on site, which can be obtained from the Dubai Museum.

Behind Emirate’s Hospital, Jumeirah, Dubai, 8.30am to 2pm, free. Tel: (04) 3496874

VISIT THE ANIMALS

If you thought seeing the animals at the UAE’s best zoo was a pricey affair, think again. Visiting Al Ain Wildlife Park will cost you no more than Dhs15 for adults and Dhs5 for youngsters.

Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Sat to Thurs 4pm to midnight, Fri 10am to midnight, Dhs15.

Tel: (03) 7828188. www.awpr.ae

MASTER THE ART OF CAGE FIGHTING

You too can be a mean, lean, cage-fighting machine with classes in mixed martial arts.

We won’t lie, you might throw up, be in agony for days afterwards and feel the need to get a dodgy tattoo, but you’ll also get super fit, super fast.

World Black Belt Centre, Sheikh Rashid Rd, Near Mazaya Centre, Dubai, Dhs80 for a public class.

Tel: (050) 1045008

SALSA LESSONS BECOME A CHI EXPERT

Learn all about the ancient Chinese medical philosophy of Chi and how to improve your health at these well cheap classes.

Méridien Tapping Technique classes, Khalifah Street, Abu Dhabi, Weds, 11am, Dhs30.

Tel: (050) 8641074

SWIMMING LESSONS

Whether you have never progressed further than a flailing doggy paddle or you’re a regular swimmer looking to perfect your butterfly, Speedo is offering a one-hour lesson for Dhs45 this summer and their qualified instructors can solve either problem.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Tel: (04) 3944898. www.speedodubai.net

KIDS’ COOKING CLASSES

Get your little angel well on the way to being the next Gordon Ramsay (or Jamie Oliver if you prefer) with these cooking classes at Al Raha Beach Hotel.

Al Raha Beach Hotel, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, Fri, 10am, Dhs60. Tel: (02) 5080486. www.al-raha-beach-hotel.com

LOW-COST BOWLING

The cheapest ten-pin bowling we could find in the capital was at the Armed Forces Officers’ Club, where it costs only Dhs8 per game. Steeee-rike!

Armed Forces Officers’ Club, near Musaffah Bridge, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 4415900. www.afoc.mil.ae JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 29

100 CHEAP THRILLS FOR DHS100

POTTERY CLASSES

Make a personal gift, entertain the children or try to re-enact some scenes from Ghost at Café Ceramique. We like to add a competitive edge and get the staff to judge. Not recommended on a first date.

Café Ceramique, Town Centre, Beach Road, Dubai, 9am to midnight, from Dhs27 including equipment. Tel: (04) 3447331. www.cafe-ceramique.com

HIRE AN ART STUDIO

If you’re handy with a brush but have nowhere to paint, DUCTAC’s open studio policy is a blessing. For Dhs75 you can have three hours of studio time, including use of equipment such as easels. Available times vary so call ahead and book first.

DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 9am to 10pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm, Dhs75. Tel: (04) 7845542. www.ductac.org

WAKEBOARDING LESSONS

RIDE THROUGH HISTORY

A NIGHT OUT ON THE CHEAP

RENT A BIKE

If you enjoyed the recent Abu Dhabi Wakeboard Festival, you may want to give the sport a go. And these 15-minute lessons at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Ghantoot won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Golden Tulip Hotel, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, Dhs25.

Tel: (02) 5629100. www.goldentulip.com

It’s the end of the month, money is tight, but it’s approaching cocktail hour on a Thursday.

We’ve all been there. But what can be done?

You make your way over to Cin Cin at Fairmont Dubai and enjoy a free cocktail before 10pm. After that they’re just Dhs20 each. That’s six you could sip for the bargain prices of Dhs100. Bottoms up.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs20.

Tel: (04) 3325555. www.fairmont.com/dubai

The Time Tunnel attraction at Khalifa Park gives you the chance to sit on a monorail train tour, with a visual show that teaches you the 7,000-year history of Abu Dhabi. And what’s more, it’s only Dhs3 for adults and free for children.

Khalifa Park, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm, Dhs3, free for children. Tel: (02) 6717000 A gentle ride down Abu Dhabi’s picturesque Corniche promenade is one of the most fun and cheapest activities in the capital. If you don’t have your own wheels, then rent some.

Fun Ride Sports, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Dhs20 per hour. Tel: (02) 5566113. www.funridesports.com

GO BALLROOM DANCING

Get with the ballroom dancing fever with these low cost lessons in Abu Dhabi.

Raha International School, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Sun 7.30pm, Dhs40. Tel: (02) 6262533

CHILDREN’S RIDING LESSON

Every little lady wants a pony. Every little lad has dreamt of riding into battle astride a snorting stead waving his sabre at the enemy. Or is that just us? Make your nippers’ dreams come true with a 45minute riding lesson for Dhs100. Giddy up.

Tel: (04) 4329392. www.dreamdays.ae

DRIVING RANGE

Dhs30 will buy you 91 balls, but for Dhs75 you can swing away to your heart’s content at an unlimited number of the little white blighters. The club can provide clubs if you don’t have your own, and the changing facilities – with Jacuzzis, sauna and steam room – are worth the money alone.

Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Dhs30 to Dhs75. Tel: (04) 6010101. www.albadiagolfclub.ae

VISIT AN UNDERWATER ZOO

The last thing you’d expect to see within seconds of New Look and Forever 21 is a crocodile. But this is Dubai after all. Visit the zoo at Dubai Mall (tucked behind the giant aquarium) and you’ll find otters, penguins, piranha, water rats – our favourite – and more.

Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, 10am to midnight, Dhs50, Dhs20 for children under seven. Tel: (04) 4485200. www.thedubaiaquarium.com

WHAT’S ON READER OFFERS After you’ve tried the 97 activities above, relax with one of these special What’s On reader offers

THREE-COURSES AT YUM

A three-course set menu and free-flowing ice tea at the popular noodle bar for Dhs79.

Only if you’re a What’s On reader with a copy of this issue, mind.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, Dhs79.

Tel: (04) 2227171. www.radissonblu.com

30 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

BOULAVAR LUNCH

If you have a copy of this wonderful issue – which of course you do – you can enjoy a huge buffet lunch at Boulavar for just Dhs99. Apparently there are more than 99 foods, so that’s one per dirham.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, Dhs99.

Tel: (04) 2227171. www.radissonblu.com

OPTIONS THREE-COURSE LUNCH

If you have a spare Dhs75 you can eat a three-course lunch at celeb chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s Dubai restaurant. During July only.

And don’t forget to take What’s On with you.

Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, noon to 2.30pm, Dhs75. Tel: (04) 3293293

2 1 It’s a brunch-eat-brunch world out there. But with so many new brunches on the scene, which one to choose? Let us guide you through the best of this year’s new contenders The Talk

THE TALK

Q

CUISINE

CUISINE

The Talk refuses to be pinned down to one particular cuisine, with a pizza oven, pasta station, tandoori oven, rotisserie, hot and cold buffet and a sushi bar.

Italian.

FORMAT

Food stations galore, plus a buffet.

FORMAT

Freshly prepared pizza and pasta, a carvery, barbecue on demand, fresh oysters, vegetable juice shooters, hot and cold buffet, plus all manner of desserts and a cheese station.

SELLING POINT

SELLING POINT

Pastries are delivered to the table by the very people who created them – The Talk’s dedicated team of pastry chefs. There are also stations devoted to vodka and mojitos.

Chef Pierpaolo Fadda worked with the highly acclaimed Heinze Beck at the three Michelin star La Pergola in his native Rome. So he knows a thing or two about Italian cooking.

LOCATION

LOCATION

The Talk is the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach’s main restaurant and it’s pretty impressive, offering a private dining room, lounge bar, serious wine cellar and a roof terrace for alfresco drinks and dining.

The Qamardeen Hotel is not much talked about, but Esca is gaining a reputation for good grub, especially of the Italian variety.

COST

ISTOCK

Dhs180 sans grog, Dhs350 if you want to enjoy unlimited drinks.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, noon to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 4498888. www.moevenpick-hotels.com

COST

Dhs295 with bubbles and house beverages, Dhs195 without.

Esca, Qamardeen Hotel, Downtown, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4285923. www.southernsunme. com/qamardeen

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 33

25 BEST NEW BRUNCHES THE OBSERVATORY CUISINE

International.

FORMAT

Esca

Chef Kevin Pohl offers up a buffet and an a la carte menu. There’s also a carving station, but the highlight is the seafood spread boasting oysters, mussels, clams, prawns and all manner of fish.

SELLING POINT

The two happy hours from 6pm to 8pm, during which drinks are discounted by 50 per cent and bar snacks by 20 per cent.

LOCATION

The 52nd floor, with grand views of Dubai Marina and the Palm.

Bubbalicious

BUBBALICIOUS

COST

MAYA

CUISINE

CUISINE

Thai from Spice Emporium, international buffet at Blue Orange and meat from steakhouse Hunters.

Mexican.

FORMAT

A blend of buffet and food cooked to order.

FORMAT

Huge platters of freshly grilled meat and fish from celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s talented team.

SELLING POINT

SELLING POINT

There’s a petting zoo (yes, you read that right), cinema, acrobats and smoking cocktails. Take your pick.

There’s a live DJ and a mariachi band, but beach and pool access gives this brunch its edge.

LOCATION

With the action spread across three restaurants you have the luxury of choice.

Spice Emporium is where the serious eating goes down, Blue Orange is where the party’s at and Hunters is nice and relaxed.

During the cooler months we’ll be on the poolside patio.

COST

Dhs450 with Laurent Perrier and house beverages, Dhs299 without alcohol.

The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 5117136. www.starwoodhotels.comn

BLADES CUISINE

Thai.

FORMAT

There’s a la carte, a cold buffet, a live cooking station and plenty of desserts, including the obligatory chocolate fountain.

SELLING POINT

It has to be the a la carte menu. The hot buffet is dead. Long live freshly prepared victuals.

LOCATION

It’s not that well known and, as a result, it’s pretty tame, but if you’re looking for a quiet spot for a sophisticated nibble, this is it.

COST

A bargain at just Dhs199.

Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Fri and Sat noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 7011128. www.albadiagolfclub.ae 34 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

LOCATION

The Playa Buena Vista brunch takes place on the beach, in the pool and in one of our favourite Mexican restaurants. Couldn’t ask for more, really.

COST

Beach and pool access with lunch for Dhs300, plus a 30 per cent drinks discount from 5pm to 7pm.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 10am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3165550. www.leroyalmeridien-dubai.com

BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ CUISINE

Belgian.

FORMAT

A cold buffet with some superb meats and cheeses, salad and fresh bread to keep you going. Then there’s an a la carte menu of hearty Belgian classics.

SELLING POINT

The finest selection of quality European beer in the UAE. LOCATION

A true European pub atmosphere, something that’s still quite rare in the UAE, despite the huge expat invasion.

COST

Dhs199, introduced this year, which took this brunch from obscurity into the top five of our Hot List. So cheap we still can’t quite believe it.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 7011128. www.ichotelsgroup.com

Dhs400.

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai Marina, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3194000. www.marriott.com

BICE MARE CUISINE

Italian with an emphasis on creatures from the deep blue sea, though there’s some pasta and fabulous bread.

FORMAT

Shared platters of beautifully fresh seafood.

SELLING POINT

The sharing concept makes for a friendly meal with mates.

LOCATION

Souk Al Bahar is at the centre of Dubai’s food renaissance and there’s a terrace with a view of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.

COST

Dhs190 per person with a minimum of four diners, with Dhs100 extra for alcohol.

Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, noon to 4pm.

Tel: (04) 4230982 Bice Mare

25 BEST NEW BRUNCHES MEDIA ONE

The Observatory

CUISINE

Various, including seafood, roast beef, pizza and pasta.

FORMAT

It’s mainly a buffet, but the pizzas are made to order.

SELLING POINT

In winter it would be the outdoor seating.

Nowadays, make sure you ask about the most recent deals when you book your brunch – there’s always a bargain to be had, including room deals at the hotel.

LOCATION

Media One has eased itself nicely into the brunch scene in this part of town.

COST

Dhs240.

Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4271000. www.mediaonehotel.com

GRAND GRILL CUISINE

Barbecue.

FORMAT

Based on the South African braai, you help yourself to as much freshly grilled meat and salad as you can handle.

Belgian Beer Café

SELLING POINT

It’s a barbecue. That’s pretty unique in Dubai.

There’s also a DJ, too, who ensures a real party spirit with some fun tunes – so expect things on the boisterous side.

LOCATION

The Habtoor Grand is a pretty fancy address, but Grand Grill is committed to keeping it simple. It’s a restaurant, with a grill and plenty of meat.

COST

Dhs295 with alcohol, Dhs265 without alcohol.

The Grand Grill Steakhouse, Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3994221. www.thegrandgrill.com

HEROES

Heroes

ASSYMETRI CUISINE

Covering all corners of the world.

FORMAT

A giant buffet, with live sushi station and a barbecue.

CUISINE

SELLING POINT

Think bar food – burgers, bangers and chips.

This one’s for the nippers. There’s entertainment including a children’s pool, face painting, computer games and more.

FORMAT

A huge buffet stacked high with hearty tucker.

SELLING POINT

LOCATION

Heroes is as unpretentious as it can be. No one’s going to look down their nose at you if you arrive in shorts and flip-flops.

Assymetri’s a cool, modern Italian restaurant at the Radisson Blu Yas Island. Once the weather cools off, grab a seat on the terrace, with its ace views over the nearby Yas Links golf course.

LOCATION

The underground pub is the best place to escape the summer heat.

COST

Dhs65, plus two drinks. Ridiculously cheap.

Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street, noon to 4pm. Tel: (02) 6166132. www.crowneplaza.com

COST

Dhs130 including soft drinks and water, Dhs160 with alcohol.

Assymetri, Radisson Blu Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. www. radissonblu.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 35

Biryani Festival at Handi for Aed 99/- per person* *Subject to 20% service charge and municipality fees

P.O.Box 42211, Dubai – United Arab Emirates Tel +971 4 2232222, Fax +971 4 2278222, www.tajhotels.com

25 BEST NEW BRUNCHES COOPER’S CARVERY

BED AND BRUNCH

CUISINE

CUISINE

CUISINE

Joints of roast lamb, turkey and beef, served with all the trimmings.

An international buffet, covering all the food bases.

Seafood, from fresh oysters to fresh fish, lobsters and prawns.

PEARLS & CAVIAR

FORMAT

FORMAT

FORMAT

Head to one of the cooking stations and have slices of meat cut before your very eyes.

A lengthy buffet, which covers one end of the restaurant.

LOCATION

SELLING POINT

An a la carte menu, plus a live cooking station, where you can see your choice of fish being cooked before your eyes.

Cooper’s is a smart, English-style pub with brick A meagre Dhs275 will get you a decent walls, leather armchairs and a wooden bar. brunch and a night’s stay in the hotel. Sounds COST like a bargain to us.

Dhs159, with free flowing drinks, makes for LOCATION Holiday Inn may not be the most glamorous an affordable Friday feast.

SELLING POINT brand, but the new hotel is smart, modern Ignore the blazing sunshine outside, this could and clean. Ditto the Silk Route restaurant.

COST be an afternoon lunch in a nice country pub.

Dhs275, with unlimited bubbly plus a room Cooper’s, Park Rotana, near Khalifa Park, Al for the night. The brunch on its own costs Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm. Tel: (02) Dhs150 with bubbly, Dhs125 without.

6573333. www.rotana.com Silk Route, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, 31st Street, BELGIAN CAFÉ 11.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6574848. www.

CUISINE holidayinn.com A swathe of classic Belgian treats, from pots of Pearls & Caviar mussels, to chunky fries and mayo to waffles.

SELLING POINT

It’s 100 per cent seafood. The best brunch in the capital for fish fanatics.

LOCATION

Pearls & Caviar’s restaurant is impressively chic. Once summer is over, the cool upstairs bar will be open for business too – a huge bonus for sundowners.

COST

Dhs199 with unlimited house drinks or Dhs299 with champagne.

Pearls & Caviar, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. www.shangri-la.com

FORMAT

A la carte, but you can order as much from the menu as you like.

SELLING POINT

A slice of Europe in the capital – there aren’t too many places in Abu Dhabi that offer such a European feel.

LOCATION

The Belgian Café accurately resembles a fin de siècle European bar. You could easily forget you’re in the Middle East.

COST

Dhs265 with free-flowing drinks or Dhs165 for just one drink.

Belgian Café, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, 11am to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. www.ichotelsgroup.com

Cooper’s

JING ASIA CUISINE

Just what is says on the tin – Asian food, including sushi, dim sum, stir-fry and noodles.

FORMAT

Choose your stir-fry ingredients at the live cooking station, or help yourself from the buffet. Plus brunch-goers also have access to the pool.

SELLING POINT

Their huge live cooking station – it has to be one of the biggest in the capital – plus pool access too.

LOCATION

An impressively large Far Eastern restaurant, with an open kitchen slap bang in the middle.

COST

Dhs170 including booze, Dhs125 without and Dhs60 for children aged 12 and under.

Jing Asia, Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 6563000. www.crowneplaza.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 37

25 BEST NEW BRUNCHES Ginger

Silk Route

Assymetri Yacht Club

CHOICES CUISINE

Take your pick from an international spread that includes Italian and Arabic food, plus meat from an outside barbecue.

FORMAT

It’s the classic buffet style all the way.

SELLING POINT

The Mexican cooking station, with its ace fajitas and burritos, is worth the visit alone.

LOCATION

A 24-hour diner with a colourful interior.

COST

Dhs148 with soft drinks, Dhs178 with freeflowing wine.

Choices, Yas Island Rotana, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: 6564000. www.rotana.com Jing Asia

GINGER

YACHT CLUB

CUISINE

CUISINE

Pan-Asian, taking in dishes from China, A quality international selection. All the dishes are fresh and enticing, while the Arabic Japan and Thailand. The sushi is particularly good. mezze is particularly impressive.

FORMAT

FORMAT

It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Order as much as you like from the menu.

SELLING POINT

SELLING POINT

Book a table for four people, and they throw in a massage for you in the hotel spa.

It runs from 2pm to 6pm, so no need for an early start after the night before.

LOCATION

LOCATION

Gingers is a bright, clean and modern all day diner.

One of the best bars in Abu Dhabi, and once its outdoor terrace is in use again, it’s the best bar in the capital.

COST

Dhs150, including house beverages.

Park Rotana, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm. Tel: (02) 6573333. www.rotana.com

38 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

COST

Dhs165 for as much food as you like, but only one drink.

Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, 2pm to 6pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. www.ichotelsgroup.com

Norwegian Salmon

Egyptian Olives

EVER WONDERED WHY THE WORLD COMES TO

SHOP AT LULU‌ www.luluhypermarket.com

It's because we keep diverse shopping needs in mind.

Across 78 supermarkets and hypermarkets across the Gulf, we bring satisfaction to more than 410,000 shoppers a day.

Put simply, we bring you a world of choices, every day.

HYPERMARKETS | SUPERMARKETS | DEPARTMENT STORES

ABU DHABI

AL AIN

DUBAI

SHARJAH

AJMAN

UAQ

FUJAIRAH

RAK

MIRDIF

I S S A M Long hailed as the reliable suburb for families, Mirdif has had something of a facelift of late, with the arrival of a new mega mall. We go exploring in the ‘Dif to bring you our top picks of the shops, dining and more

MIRDIF SHOPPING CITY E American CENTR Eagle Outfitters

Like Gap’s younger cousin, this shop is full of casual clobber that won’t break the bank. The regular sales are ideal for your holiday wardrobe (we picked up three cotton tees for Dhs75) and, while we’re not normally in favour of cheapo fashion, the quality of the garments mean you’ll probably wash these clothes when you get back, rather than binning them.

Tel: (04) 2316631. www.ae.com

Bobbi Brown

Yalla! Bowling

40 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

Queen of the neutrals, Bobbi Brown has created an empire (and a fortune) from making women look like better versions of themselves. This sleek store stocks her must-have products,

all wrapped up in the trademark black packaging, and offers make-up lessons for the truly uninitiated – or just those who want a mini-makeover before going out.

Tel: (04) 2843676. www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Boutique 1

One of What’s On’s regular haunts come payday, Boutique 1 has set up (a massive) shop at the new mall. Packed – in a glamorous fashion, of course – with exclusive labels, the 13,000 square foot store is inspired by art galleries, so expect white spaces and items showcased to stylish effect. In additions to top togs by the likes of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane von Furstenberg and Paul & Joe, you’ll also find books, homewares and stationery.

Tel: (04) 2843777. www.boutique1.com

Crate & Barrel

New to the UAE, Crate & Barrel is what your balcony has been craving. There are some lovely interior pieces but the brightly coloured picnic plates, tablecloths and plastic tumblers are the main draw. It’s not cheap, at Dhs300 for a solid wood salad bowl, but the quality is excellent and you’ll get a much-needed injection of energy into your summer.

Tel: (04) 2843151. www.crateandbarrel.com

WIN!

MIRDIF MASSIVE

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See By Chloé

See By Chloé is a delicious mix of girlie and hip, and is the ideal shop Deepak’s is a Satwa classic, if you dream of looking like the but if you can’t face the sweaty cute singer in a rough rock band. torture of Plant Street in July, More youthful (and affordable) then head to this branch for your than the main Chloé line, this fabrics. It has everything from store is a welcome addition to this basic cottons and suit material big brand mega mall. Don’t leave to embellished silks for gowns, without a handbag. but don’t be overwhelmed – the Tel: (04) 2840409. www.chloe.com staff can talk you through the tailoring process.

Tel: (04) 2840785.

Abou El Sid www.deepakstextiles.com People are often encouraging us to Michael Kors walk like an Egyptian, but it’s not We developed a soft spot for often that eating like one is advised.

American designer Kors after he Based on the fine fair on offer at created Rene Russo’s wardrobe for Abou El Sid, we’d say it’s just as The Thomas Crowne Affair remake worthwhile. Despite the location, and appeared as a judge on Project it’s a cosy little restaurant and the Runway (it’s a very inspiring show, Egyptian staff extend a more than OK?). He was previously at Céline friendly welcome. The food is a but now runs his own label, much lot better than your standard mall to the delight of celebs such as grub, with tahini, taameya (falafel) Heidi Klum and Jennifer Lopez. and stuffed sausage Abou El Sid’s If you want a piece of his versatile way – with tasty rice and herbs – and self-assured style, then this is solid starters and carbtastic koshari the shop for you.

– macaroni, rice and a rich tomato Tel: (04) 2843462. sauce – and fettah (Egyptian www.michaelkors.com risotto) the pick of the mains.

Tel: (04) 2840040.

Pottery Barn www.abouelsid.com Made famous worldwide by Phoebe’s ‘apothecary table’ in Fat Burger Friends, Pottery Barn is full of classic furniture and enviable accessories. It’s all pretty grownup (with prices to match) but the napkins are gorgeous and a few key pieces should up the game of your humble abode.

Tel: (04) 6062610. www.potterybarn.com

Deepak’s

DINING

Mango Tree Bistro

Carluccio’s

The man we wish was our grandfather continues to expand his UAE empire with a third branch of Carluccio’s. Keeping with the duck egg blue theme, this Italian café is a calming spot for refuelling from breakfast until supper. Particularly recommended is the spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage, followed by a traditional panna cotta.

Tel: (04) 2843728. www.carluccios.com

Fat Burger

When What’s On tummies are rumbling, it has to be a burger.

And if you’re looking for quality, lean meat, crunchy lettuce and a fresh bun, Fat Burger is the place to go. The California burger bar has 95 restaurants around the globe, billing itself as ‘the last great hamburger stand’ and it’s hard to disagree. We especially love that the staff harmoniously sing your order and for us it’s always ‘One fat burger, one fat fries, one Coke’.

What could be better than that? It’s like The Beach Boys reassuring you about your dinner decisions.

Tel: (04) 2843741. www.fatburger.com

Lemongrass Express

Sometimes only the spicy, creamy goodness of penaeng chicken (Dhs38) from Lemongrass can get us through the weekend.

MSG-free and super-quick, this Express branch of the muchloved Thai restaurant alone worth a trip to the mall. A true star of the foodcourt.

Tel: (04) 2843437. www.lemongrassrestaurants.com

Mango Tree Bistro

Speedier (and considerably cheaper) than its Souk al Bahar relation, this Thai pad is a surprisingly good slice of spice in the busy mall. The menu is massive, full of sharing platters, cold and hot starters, classic dishes and some specialities.

We opted for a beef salad then shared a whole barbecue chicken, a red curry with tender duck and a pad Thai packed with plump prawns. And then had a little sleep. A nice one for the evening too.

Tel: (04) 2843635. www.mangotreethaibistro.com

MBCo

This smart Canadian café knows the way to our (increasingly clogged) hearts: mini burgers.

There are also a number of sandwiches and salads available, from the grilled three-cheese on white, to the somewhat healthier organic chicken salad. Don’t skip dessert though; those clever French-Canadians make a killer crème brulee.

Tel: (04) 2843807. www.mbco.ca

PF Chang’s

Hailing from the States, this hugely popular chain of Chinese restaurants has arrived in the UAE amid much fanfare. Is it worth it? Well, mostly. The lettuce chicken wraps are an ideal snack, while the Mongolian beef with spring onions was surprisingly tasty. Our advice is to stay away from the more ambitious dishes – scallops served in a mall are rarely going to be a winner.

Tel: (04) 2316660. www.pfchangs.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 41

MIRDIF MASSIVE

HEALTH & BEAUTY Lily Pond

Great for a mid-shop pick me up massage or quick spruce before heading out, Lily Pond is one of the more reliable beauty salons in Dubai. A manicure is a mere Dhs55 so it won’t break the bank either.

Tel: (04) 2845923

Sister’s Beauty Lounge

One of our favourite spots for a facial and (almost) pain-free waxing, Sister’s is now also open in Mirdif. Offering hair, body and beauty services, the friendly therapists use products by Tigi, Dermalogica, OPI and Essie to buff you to perfection. It’s also one of the few salons offering eyelash extensions (Dhs600 for a full set).

Tel: (04) 2843554. www.sistersbeautylounge.com

LEISURE

Aquaplay

Children up to eight years old can dig for gemstones, play on bumper boats, ride the flumes and more at this 2,200 square metre water-themed entertainment centre. They’ll also meet the Aquapals, a collection of characters including Muriel the crab and Nelson the whale.

Tel: (04) 2316306

CineStar

Film fans wanting more than the usual sticky carpets and limited screens need to book a seat here.

With a whopping 20-metre screen, two 3D screens, two Gold Class screens and all manner of VIP upgrades in all cinemas, this is the place for a truly luxurious movie-going experience. See you in the big chairs.

Tel: (04) 2840001. www.cinestarcinemas.com

iFly

Yes, you might look a bit of a wally in the suits, but for a shot of adrenaline iFly’s wind tunnel can’t be beaten. This indoor sky dive is suitable for everyone over the age of five (unless over 100kg and/or pregnant), so amateurs and experts alike can pretend they’re in Point Break for a few exhilarating moments. Each 45-minute package includes equipment, training and two flights. We recommend reading the FAQs on the website, which includes such gems as ‘Is it possible to eat inside the tunnel?’

That would be a no.

Dhs195, Dhs145 for under-13s. Tel: (04) 2316292. www.iflysfbay.com

off some steam during the neverending summer holidays. They’ll be issued with a rechargeable card and can win tokens redeemable against toys and more games. It’s not strictly for young ones though, and we don’t mind admitting that we’ve dabbled on the dance mat…

Tel: 800 5347873. www.magicplanet.ae

Yalla! Bowling

We challenge you to wear those clown shoes without singing songs from Grease 2. Yalla! is one of the newest (and cheapest) bowling alleys in the city, with loads of super helpful staff, a graffiti theme and 12 lanes boasting state-of-the-art video simulation. “We’re gonna bo-o-o-wl tonight”.

Dhs20 to Dhs25 per game per person. Tel: 800 5347873

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Boutique 1

Magic Planet

Yup, you’ll also find the noisy paradise of Magic Planet at MCC. Packed with games, rides, attractions and more flashing lights than Las Vegas, this is a great place to let children blow

Magic Planet

UPTOWN MIRDIF A closer look at this buzzing ‘burb Shopping

Dining

While it’s far from the kind of shopping destination Dubai dwellers are used to, Uptown Mirdif has more than enough to keep its residents happy.

There’s a huge Paris Gallery, Beyond the Beach and a wealth of mother and baby shops, in addition to Spinneys and several furniture outlets.

Café culture rules in Uptown, with Starbucks, Le Pain Quotidien, Mugg & Bean and Caribou. It’s an alcohol-free zone, and Desert Palm hotel and the bars at Festival City are the nearest watering holes. The restaurants are more day dining spots, however, there are also a couple of places that deserve a special mention.

42 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

The staple food for the suffering masses come Saturday morning, GBK’s menu is a shrine to all things burger. There are some unusual additions to the usual meat and bread, including beetroot, pineapple and babaganoush. Don’t knock it until you try it.

Uptown Mirdif, Mirdif. Tel: (04) 3700775. www.gbk.co.uk

Pane Caldo We first visited this fresh-faced Italian in Muscat and came back raving about the antipasti platters, so we were thrilled to find one on our Dubai doorstep.

The menu covers many Italian regions, and includes asparagus gnocchi, fresh fish, pizzas made to order and cracking cannoli.

Uptown Mirdif Mall, Mirdif, noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 2888319. www.pane-caldo.ae

www.shangri-la.com

OUR CHEFS WILL HAPPILY PUT ON A SHOW FOR YOU.

The New Dunes Café offers you an all-day dining experience with live cooking stations, where food is freshly prepared by our world-class chefs as part of our international buffet. Aside from this, an à la carte menu is available to suit every mood and palate from breakfast through to dinner.

For reservations, please call 04 405 2703.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 75880, Dubai, U.A.E.

Only at Shangri-La

UAE’S TOP 20 PIZZAS

Team What’s On joined forces with Catboy and Geordiebird to put the UAE’s pizzas to the test. Carb sweats broke out, health was compromised and here are the results

EPICURE

MARGHERITA Fresh tomato sauce, more tomatoes and salty mozzarella on a crispy thin crust. Basic but beautiful. It’s a great one to nibble on, over a few drinks on DP’s terrace or by Epicure’s pool.

Dhs55 Epicure, Desert Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3238888 What’s On rating: 19/20

CASA MIA

800 PIZZA

EDITOR’S DIAVOLA PICK Covered in bright, shiny discs of spicy pepperoni, this pizza hits you like a tasty truck. The charred edges of the crispy base sealed the deal.

Dhs43 Various locations. Tel: 800 74992 What’s On rating: 17/20

BOCCACCIO

DIAVOLO The topping of tomato, mozzarella, basil, sweet marinated onions and peppers with a chilli kick set the taste buds a-tingling, and the base was perfect. Thin and crispy, thanks to a wood-fuelled Italian stone oven.

Dhs36 to 47 Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud. Tel: (04) 2170000.

What’s On rating: 18/20

PERCELLINA A wafer-thin, crispy crust, just the right amount of cheese and tomato sauce, some chewy salami and not too much grease. The best pizza in Abu Dhabi in our books.

Dhs80 InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6666888 What’s On rating: 17/20

RONDA LOCATELLI

ZOLA E SPECK The intriguing sounding pizza zola e speck is smothered with tonnes of Gorgonzola cheese and smoked Italian meat. The ingredients combine perfectly to create an unusual, but delicious taste.

Dhs60 Sheraton Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6773333 What’s On rating: 16/20

DIAVOLA Simplicity is the key word here. No overthe-top, piling on of ingredients; just fresh tomato, cheese and spicy pepperoni, plus the unmistakable taste of a thin base cooked in a traditional oven. Just as it should be.

Dhs80 Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4262626 What’s On rating: 18/20

LA MAMMAS

ESCA

BAFANA BAFANA CB & GB’S Wowsers. So loaded with South PICK African barbecued sausage, sweet peppers, grilled onion and button mushrooms we could barely see the base. Bursting with colour and flavours.

Dhs40 Qamardeen Hotel, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4286888 What What’s On rating: 15/20 44 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

PIZZA EXPRESS

SOHO This olive and garlic pizza is hidden by a mountain of fresh, peppery rocket and sliced parmesan so you get your greens and lose the gloopy cheese. Crunchy, fairly healthy and a new favourite.

Dhs38 Various locations. Tel. (04) 3945616, What’s On rating: 14/20

APRES

CAPRICCIOSA We went off-piste with this quail egg and anchovy combo, but wish we’d stuck to the sweet chilli chicken topping we know and love.

Sometimes pizzas can get a bit too exotic…

Dhs66 Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3412575 What’s On rating: 14/20

UAE’S TOP 20 PIZZAS MARZANO

PIZZA HUT

CAPRICCIOSA Turkey ham and mushrooms galore. Marzano is a proven cure for the morning after the night before, but the thin crust stops it being too stodgy. And it tastes even better cold. Fact.

Dhs50 Soul al Manzil, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4201136 What What’s On rating: 14/20

CROWN CRUST HALF & HALF GRILLED CHICKEN It’s a crown shaped pizza with a crust as chunky as a well fed Italian mama, decorated with balls of cream cheese, meat balls, chicken, peppers, tomato sauce, mushroom, onion and black olives. It looks like a child made it and is far from authentic.

Medium Dhs32, Large Dhs45 Various locations. Tel: 600569999 What On rating: 8/20 What’s

PREGOS

PIZZA CALABRESE We went for the salami and pepperoni at this popular Italian. Plus, there’s an open kitchen, so you can see your pizza being created.

Dhs80 Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6979000 What On rating: 14/20 What’s

SPACCANAPOLI

MIXED METRE-LONG This huge, one-metre long pizza is a feast for the eyes and the appetite. But quality matches the quantity with tonnes of topping, a thick, crunchy base and an even thicker layer of cheese.

Dhs50 Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6210000 What’s On rating: 14/20

ROUND TABLE

YOUR CHOICE This beast would easily feed all the knights of the round table. Toppings include crunchy courgette, spicy beef and too many others to mention.

Dhs54 Various locations. Tel: (04) 3966999 What’s On rating: 13/20

ITZZA PIZZA

VEGETARIAN As green as Al Gore, this veggie delight boasts courgette, peppers and broccoli. As carnivores we missed a bit of meat, but it’s a cracker for our leaf-loving friends.

Dhs43 Various locations. Tel: (04) 2888192 What’s On rating: 13/20

DOMINO'S PIZZA

AMALFI

MEAT CALZONE The calzone pizza served at Le Royal Méridien had a crispy outer shell and ample cheese and tomato sauce. But the chefs could have been more generous with the pepperoni we were promised.

Dhs70 Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6742020 What’s On rating: 13/20

LEMON TREE

VEGETARIAN The vegetarian pizza had just the right quantities of cheese, tomato paste and vegetable topping and, as it was cooked in a wood-fired oven, had a nice, smoky taste. Our only slight complaint was that it could have done with a tad more cooking.

Dhs45 Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6574888 What’s On rating: 12/20

EXTRAVAGANZZA FEAST The worst base we’ve ever tasted. Like cardboard. The topping of pepperoni, sausage, beef, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and olives was far from inspiring.

Small Dhs23, medium Dhs37, large Dhs47 Various locations. Tel: (04) 3455151 What’s On rating: 6/20

CAPRI GRILL

CALABRIA Not a winner in our books. Looked more like a quiche and tasted like a poor man’s pie. Sadly we won’t be adding this one to our speed dial.

Dhs38 World Trade Centre, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3314673 What’s On rating: 4/20

CERTO

PEPPERONI A nice effort from the chefs at this quality Italian, however, the pepperoni pizza we ordered was somewhat oily and the base was a bit too floury and stodgy.

Dhs69 Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5581161 What’s On rating: 9/20

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 45

FILM Scott Pilgrim Vs The World

Salt

Salt

Scott Pilgrim Vs The Last The World Airbender

WHO?

Angelina Jolie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Liev Schreiber, Zoe Lister Jones, Yara Shahidi, Phillip Noyce (director)

Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick, Jason Schwartzman, Edgar Wright (writer-director)

Jackson Rathbone, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz, Cliff Curtis, Noah Ringer, M Night Shyamalan (writer-director)

TAGLINE

‘Who is Salt?’

‘An epic of epic epicness’

‘Four nations, one destiny’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

Top CIA operative Evelyn Salt (Jolie) had to go on the run after a Soviet defector (Daniel Olbrychski) accused her of being a Russian spy.

The nerdy Scott Pilgrim (Cera) discovered that, in order to win the heart of the comely Ramona (Winstead), he must vanquish her seven ex-boyfriends!

Young avatar Aang (Ringer) was entrusted with saving the nations of Water, Earth and Air from the war-like nation of Fire.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

See Brad Pitt’s beautiful beau in a film that appears worthy of her remarkable talents.

Either open up a can of whoopass on your love rivals or see what happens when cinema and computer gaming collide.

See whether the once hot M Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable) has lost it once and for all.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

Sharp, action-friendly spy thrillers such as No Way Out, the Jack Ryan movies and the Jason Bourne saga.

Edgar Wright’s oeuvre which includes romzomcom Shaun Of The Dead, Home Counties cop movie Hot Fuzz and the sublime slacker sitcom Spaced.

Recent Shyamalan films such as Lady In The Water and The Happening, in which case you probably need psychiatric help.

TOP TRIVIA

Law Abiding Citizen scribe Kurt Wimmer wrote Salt with a male lead in mind. Angelina Jolie only came on board after first choice Tom Cruise dropped out.

Ramona’s exes include the incumbent Superman Brandon Routh and the future Captain America Chris Evans.

Based on the hit TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender, Shyamalan had to change his film’s title following the release of a certain James Cameron epic.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD REVIEW

We should be in for a Jolie good show.

Edgar’s right on the money, yet again.

If this isn’t a hit, it could be goodnight, Shyamalan.

RATE OR SLATE?

PREVIEW

★★★★✩

PREVIEW

46 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

FILM | NEW RELEASES The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

The Expendables

Raavan

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

The Expendables

Raavan

Predators

Nicolas Cage, Alfred Molina, Monica Bellucci, Alice Krige, Jay Baruchel, Jon Turteltaub (director)

Jet Li, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone (writer-director-star)

Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram, Govinda, Prithviraj, Mani Ratnam (writer-director)

Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Danny Trejo, Laurence Fishburne, Alice Braga, Nimród Antal (director)

‘From the director and producer of National Treasure’

‘Choose your weapon’

‘Ten Heads. Ten Minds. A Hundred Voices. One man’

‘Fear is reborn’

Ordinary Joe Dave Stutler (Baruchel) found himself recruited by master sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Cage) to save New York City from evil warlock Maxim Horvath (Molina).

Soldier of fortune Barney Ross (Stallone) assembled a team of mercenaries to overthrow a brutal Latin American dictator.

Bandit Beera Munda (Bachchan) kidnapped the wife (Rai) of the policeman who murdered his sister. Naturally, it’s only a matter of time before the bad guy and the good woman fall in love.

The world’s finest warriors became prey for the be-dreadlocked stars of the Predator series.

Enjoy a brand of live-action adventure that Disney Studios once specialised in and are still rather good at.

Revisit a time when Stallone, Willis and Schwarzenegger were more famous for breaking heads than for smuggling growth hormones, supporting George W and running California into the ground.

Familiarise yourself with Bollywood’s ultimate power couple, Abhishek Bachchan and his wife and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai.

Watch a pulpy, highly entertaining feature of the sort we’ve come to associate with Predators producer Robert Rodriguez (the Spy Kids movies, Sin City, Once Upon A Time In Mexico)

The Harry Potter pictures and the similar-but-not-to-the-extentanyone-could-sue Percy Jackson & The Olympians.

Action movies where engaging the brain isn’t the first (or, for that matter, the last) order of business.

American action movies but would prefer there to be as much emphasis upon acting and emotion as there is on blowing things up.

John McTiernan’s original Predator film or Kontroll, director Nimród Antal’s highly diverting debut.

If supporting actress Alice Krige looks familiar, it might be because she played the villainous Borg Queen in Star Trek: Voyager.

Chemical engineer-turned-karate champion Dolph Lundrgren has killed more people on screen that Arnold, Bruce and Sly combined.

Raavan was ‘remixed’ for Western audiences by Brett Ratner, director of the Rush Hour movies.

Robert Rodriguez came up with the idea for Predators way back in 1994 when he was shooting his first Hollywood picture, Desperado.

Should please lovers of bona fide family entertainment.

A film more fun in theory than in practice.

Bacchan and Rai could teach Brangelina plenty about superstardom.

A definite improvement upon the dire Alien Vs Predator films.

★★★✩✩

★★★✩✩

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩ JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 47

EATING OUT “Not that you can tell from my rather flattering headshot – the extra chin is hidden beneath the facial hair – but we like food, a lot. Fortunately, it is dotted about this month’s issue like a sumptuous feast on a royal banquet table. There’s the UAE’s newest brunches and our pizza test up front, then here in the Eating Out section you’re about to find out what we thought of Dubai’s West Beach Bistro (p51), the mighty Hakkasan (p53) at Emirates Palace in our glorious capital, plus our essential guide to steakhouses (p54), a round-up of all the new summer menus (p57), The Critic (p60) muses on designer restaurants and we tell you what fish you should be eating (p61). Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we, well, we do it all over again.”

TERRA FIRMA STEAKHOUSE

Gareth Rees, Features Editor

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 49

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EATING OUT

West Beach Bistro

West Beach Bistro. It really should be on a beach. The name suggests as much but, unfortunately, it’s not. It’s on The Walk, in an overly large room at the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach.

Nevertheless, a valiant attempt has been made to create the kind of casual dining atmosphere one might enjoy at a beachside restaurant.

Sure, there’s a bar, its empty stools bereft of barflies. And, yes, there’s the band playing the odd jazz classic – Chet Baker’s My Funny Valentine swayed nicely through the air on our visit. Unfortunately the lighting’s not quite right, the design is a little utilitarian (where are the private booths?) and the waiting staff ’s uniforms are a bit too Burberry check. The space lacks soul. But we’re being picky here, because chef Jason Wass’ tidy and appealing menu certainly does not.

After all, people visit restaurants primarily to eat. And they will eat well here, beach or no beach.

An eminently talented chef, Wass plied his trade with London luminaries Pierre Koffman and Tom Kitchen before joining the team at Gordon Ramsay’s Verre in Dubai in 2008. But the dishes gracing the menu at West Beach Bistro are pure gastro pub, albeit presented with a finesse honed in high-end restaurants. It is one of the most exciting we’ve seen of late.

Eight starters, eight mains and eight desserts. Eight being the magic number. Any more becomes confusing. Any less seems stingy. There were also chef ’s specials that would benefit from being advertised on a board rather than whispered by the waiters and soon forgotten.

Though we remembered the razor clams, which were excellent.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY NAVEED AHMED

Chef de cuisine Jason Wass launches an exhilarating menu at the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

Artichoke soup with black truffle didn’t come with the salsify chips aspromised, but was delicious. Rich, creamy, all the things it should have been.

Small chunks of poached lamb fillet were delightful, but an unnecessary accompaniment to the meaty sweetbread – always an exciting ingredient – and shallot ravioli with sweet onion confit.

A good size roast rack of lamb, cooked medium as requested and served with a warm couscous salad, spiced aubergine (egg plant to some) and mint yoghurt, was pink, tender and as warming as a woolly jumper on a cold day. Beef tenderloin, bloody and rare – just how we like it – and the size of a man’s fist was as plump as a panda’s paunch and as juicy as the gossip at a coffee morning. And it came with lovely shreds of braised oxtail and roast bone marrow –

slurped straight from the bone, naturally. You may not like it, but you will respect the marrow.

For dessert, we had everything.

The chef ’s special, a platter of six of the eight desserts – the missing ones being cheese and roasted fig – boasted baked custard tart, spiced apple soufflé, rhubarb and strawberry strudel, cappuccino cheesecake, pear and almond tart and chocolate fondant. All consummately prepared, if we had to pick, which we clearly don’t, it would be the fondant.

West Beach Bistro. Life’s a beach. This is a restaurant. And a fine one at that.

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Need to know Location: Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai Tel: (04) 4498888 Web: www.moevenpickhotels.com Open: 6.30pm to 1am Cuisine type: European Must eat: prime beef tenderloin Bill for two: Dhs500

In Tweet form… West Beach Bistro.

My Funny Valentine, a talented chef and an exciting gastro pub menu that makes up for the setting. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 51

EATING OUT

Hakkasan

A taste of things to come

The Emirates Palace muscles in on the celebrity restaurant scene with its chic Chinese offering It’s a tried and tested formula – take a successful brand from one of the food capitals of the world, set up a branch in the UAE and watch the tables fill up with eager diners.

Dubai’s achingly cool Japanese spots Nobu and Zuma set the benchmark in the region for this trend. Abu Dhabi, never one to lose ground from its somewhat showy neighbour, followed suit with the opening of Marco Pierre White’s steakhouse, and now they’re at it again. Hakkasan, at the Emirates Palace, is the latest incarnation of the bring-a-brand merry-go-round, making the jump from its London base (they have a branch in Miami, too) to the UAE. Created by Alan Yau, the man behind the hugely popular Wagamama fast-food chain (although expect little in the way of similarity), Hakkasan was the first Chinese restaurant to win a Michelin star, and is, as you’d expect, adored by the good and the great of London.

Over in our own capital, it’s pretty much as you were, with its intricate and alluring (and, dare we say, expensive) décor sure to please the eye of even the most A-list of celebrities.

As for the food, first mention must go to the house speciality of dim sum – a basket of perfectly steamed dumplings packed with culinary oddities such as jellyfish and venison.

Amongst the other starters, the jasmine tea smoked beef ribs were a standout dish, with chunks of super-soft beef, smothered in a smoky, sweet sauce so tender it disappeared the moment it hit our tongue. While roasted mango duck – alternating slices of crisped duck and mango,

New eateries worth venturing outside for RED BOX LOUNGE Being trapped in a box is a childhood fear, but we won’t delve into those murky waters. We will, however, pop into the Red Box Lounge at Galeries Lafayette and sample the ‘pretty multinational’ cuisine on offer. Cakes, risotto, salads and a seafood grill. Remember: big fish, little fish, Red Box Lounge.

Galeries Lafayette, First Floor, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3827300. www. thedubaimall.com

swimming in a syrupy, tart lemon sauce – was also a delight.

Make sure your feast continues with the charcoaled silver cod in champagne and honey sauce. The flaky chunk of silver cod is seared black on the outside and doused in subtly sweet gravy, and would put up a decent fight against any of its famous Japanese miso cod counterparts.

The wild prawns in a delicate green tea sauce were a treat, although when it came to dessert the heavy chocolate soufflé with banana icecream was our fifth choice, after our (very) apologetic waiter informed us our previous choices weren’t available yet. Admittedly, this was only Hakkasan’s second day of business, so we’re sure this will be rectified by the time of our next visit. Which, given the standard of the rest of the meal, will no doubt be very soon.

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Need to know Location: Emirates Palace Tel: (02) 6907733 Web: www.hakkasan.com Open: 6pm to 11.30pm Cuisine type: Chinese Must eat: silver cod in champagne and honey sauce Bill for two: Dhs1,200

In Tweet form… Hakkasan. International success arrives at Emirates Palace. Chinese delights that don't disappoint. Order dim sum and tea smoked beef ribs. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

BRUNETTI The list of delights on offer at Aussieborn Italian café Brunetti had us out of our seat and hot footing it to Dubai Mall even before we reached the bit about the 24 varieties of cake. It has a gelateria offering gelato (ice cream), a cioccolateria for the chocoholics, a pasticceria producing pastries by the basket load, a menu of traditional Italian dishes and some exciting teas and coffees. Really, what more can one ask of an Italian café?

Ground Floor, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 339 8173. www.brunetticaffe.com MEZLAI It’s a strange phenomenon in Abu Dhabi that you can eat food from almost any country in the world apart from the UAE itself. That’s all about to change with the opening later this month of Mezlai at the Emirates Palace, a restaurant specialising in contemporary Emirati cuisine. Expect spiced rice dishes, seafood and roast lamb to figure large.

Emirates Palace, opening hours TBC. Tel: (02) 6907999. www. emiratespalace.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 53

Essential...

STEAKHOUSES Steak – it’s enough to bring out the growling, salivating cave person in all of us. There’s nothing more primal or more comforting than a beautiful bit of flesh cooked to juicy perfection.

This month Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill's executive chef John Cordeaux imparts his knowledge of the mighty meat, plus there’s our pick of the UAE’s steakhouses

WIN!

O DINNER FOR TW RE WHITE AT MARCO PIER & GRILL STEAKHOUSE w you have the

and no He's talked the talkt if Marco Pierre White chance to find ou executive chef John ll's Gri & Steakhouse a chance lk the walk. For Cordeaux can wa inwithmotivate.com w.w to win, go to ww following question. and answer the comes from A rib-eye steak al? which anim a) Parrot b) Orangutan c) Cow

JOHN CORDEAUX ON… I would always eat a rib-eye before …THE INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO COOK A GOOD STEAK

A properly aged, well-marbled piece of beef, salt, pepper and butter. I’m not a fan of steak spices and rubs for great cuts of beef as they smothers the natural flavours.

…SERVING A STEAK

Simply grilled served with béarnaise sauce, grilled new potatoes, Roma tomato and balsamic salad.

…TESTING FOR DONENESS

Press the steak gently with the tip of your finger. Rare should be soft and supple, well done should be firm and medium inbetween. I like mine medium-rare.

…THE BEST STEAK IN THE WORLD

tenderloin – the marbling gives a rib-eye a more juicy texture and a greater flavour profile.

…A GREAT STEAKHOUSE

Is all about great food, simple cooking, clean and tasty presentations – no fluffy hype, just professional, friendly and knowledgeable service. The quality of the sides is always key. Many forget how important it is to make a great mashed potato or hand cut French fries. Simple desserts and a robust wine list that caters to all tastes but does not break the bank. Comfortable chairs, quality stemware and flatware, appropriate music and superlative service.

…HIS FIRST STEAK MEMORY

My grandfather took my father and I to London’s Sloane Club when I Personally, I prefer US Prime, bewas eight and we were treated to cause of its distinctive flavour, steak Diane ‘flambéed’ tableside. I superb marbling and value for mon- will never forget those flames from ey. Wagyu is fabulous and a great the headwaiter’s rather generous treat, but I like to chew my beef and splash of brandy. And beef, as I had savour the flavours. Wagyu tends to never tasted before. melt in your mouth like butter.

…THE BEST CUTS

This is a matter of opinion, but our guests at the MPW Steakhouse overwhelmingly prefer tenderloin and rib-eye. I would suggest beef tenderloin is the most popular. But 54 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

…THE BEST STEAK EVER The best steak I’ve ever eaten was a 350g rib-eye at a Morton’s steakhouse in New York City. My desert island steak would be a strip loin served with a rich creamy green peppercorn sauce.

JOHN CORDEAUX’S PERFECT STEAK Follow this formula and you will never ruin a beautiful cut of meat again INGREDIENTS A steak of your choice, groundnut oil or melted butter, salt, pepper PREPARATION Make sure your steak is at room temperature for 20 minutes prior to cooking. Heat a griddle or frying pan over a high heat until hot, but not smoking. Brush the steak with oil and season.

Place the steak in the pan (it should sizzle). For medium, cook on one side without touching for three to four minutes, reduce to a medium heat and cook for a further two to three minutes. Turn and cook for a further six minutes. Remove from the pan and rest to allow the meat to hold its juices.

EATING OUT

STEAKHOUSES

HOT LIST

Our pick of the UAE’s meaty eateries

TERRA FIRMA EXCHANGE STEAKHOUSE GRILL ATMOSPHERE It can be pretty quiet at

RUTH’S CHRIS MPW RODEO STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE GRILL & GRILL

Terra Firma, but it’s ideal for a romantic meal – especially if the evening is cool enough for the veranda.

Traditionally a little formal, but new chef Fabio Pineda is promising to ditch the fine dining and make things more exciting.

Dark and alluring, but with just enough reserve. There’s a small but lively cocktail bar for pre and post-dinner tipples, too.

Warm and intimate.

It’s like being in a cosy little barn.

Always busy, with a chatty, warm atmosphere to match.

INTERIOR

Clean and contemporary with soft lighting, dark floors and furniture and a star-studded feature wall illuminated with lilac light.

Dark leather, dark walls – one adorned with bow ties (you heard) – and crisp, white table linen. Classic steakhouse with that dab of eccentricity.

Shadowy lighting envelops the bright furnishings at dinnertime, and we love the high-back chairs.

The dark walls, dark furniture and dim lighting mean you should remove your sunglasses before entering to avoid injury.

Pictures of cowboys on the walls and silver statues of bucking broncos. Yep, this is an American restaurant.

FOOD

Spot on for a steakhouse, with pan-fried scallops in whisky sauce and a superb lobster bisque to start, juicy Aussie beef from David Blackmore for mains – the 300g Angus is our pick – and a mischievous half-cooked chocolate cake to finish.

A new two-course lunch menu is just Dhs140 with dishes such as strip loin sarnies and Wagyu burgers on offer.

Dinner is a pricier affair, but again, chef Pineda is shaking things up with prime rib-eye for Dhs195.

We’ve worked the hot grill at Ruth’s Chris and it’s all about meat and heat – with a lot of butter. Forget calories, this is pure indulgence.

Pick your preferred cut of US prime steak, devour it and then order the utterly devine cheesecake.

Australian Wagyu and Angus beef steaks share the menu space with classic English dishes, like fish and chips and Cornish crab cakes.

The US theme continues with dishes like Louisiana crab cakes, and Philadelphia cheesecakes, plus, of course, there are some fine, chunky steaks to be had.

LOCATION

The restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem, unless you’re a golfer.

But it’s worth asking your caddy (or us) for directions.

Fairmont Dubai is nice and central and has just undergone a Dhs35million refurbishment project.

The Monarch Dubai has earned its place on the UAE culinary map with the hugely successful Japanese restaurant Okku and, of course, the meaty fine Ruth’s Chris.

British super chef Marco Pierre White couldn’t have picked a cooler location in the UAE than the glitzy new Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

The nearby Pregos restaurant has a great wine bar, and is a perfect spot for your post-meal tipple.

PRICE

Dhs1,000 for two (excluding drinks).

Dhs850 for two (excluding drinks).

Dhs1,000 for two (excluding drinks).

Expect a bill for two to come in at around Dhs800.

Around the Dhs700 for two.

WHAT'S ON SAYS

The most impressive steakhouse menu in Dubai.

We’re excited to see what other improvements are in store for this Dubai institution.

Grill burning at 1000°C. Check. Huge slab of prime US beef. Check.

Butter. Check. Cheque, please.

Marco, we take our hat off to you, sir. You’ve graced Abu Dhabi with a seriously good steakhouse.

All-round excellence means the capital’s first US-style steakhouse is up there with the best.

INFO

Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai, Tue to Sun 7pm to midnight.

(04) 7011128. www. albadiagolfclub.ae

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3118316. www. fairmont.com/dubai

The Monarch Dubai, 1 SZR, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 7pm to 11.30pm, Fri and Sat 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 5018666. www. ruthschris.ae

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6543333. www. marcopierrewhite.org

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. www. rotana.com

NEXT MONTH… CAFÉS

Catch the

World Cup Finals LIVE and

The other begins

Watch the

Tri Nations LIVE Metropolitan Palace Hotel, Al Maktoum Street Deira 04-228-9466

EATING OUT

Summer lovin’ Nothing has food lovers jumping with joy quite like a new menu. Enjoy our round-up of the summer’s best new offerings CAFÉ CHIC

Nobody does lunch quite like the French, and Café Chic doesn’t disappoint with it’s new three-course lunch menu offering Gallic classics like escargot and Pot-au-Feu for the traditionalists, along with some fine fish dishes.

The sea bream in citrus sauce with a nice glass of white is a great shout.

Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 12.30pm to 2.45pm, Dhs170 to Dhs190.

Tel: (04) 2170000. www. starwoodhotels.com

BISTRO MADELEINE

At this time of year, Europeans rave about asparagus – seriously, there's some passionate debate between food nerds – and this month, Bistro Madeleine has a three-course menu honouring the gorgeous green spears, served with a carafe of wine for Dhs180.

Our pick? Asparagus mousse with white chocolate.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, noon to 5pm and 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs180.

Tel: (04) 7011128. www.ichotelsgroup.com

TERRA FIRMA

Summer is truffle time, ladies and gents. Now, people react to the fabulously expensive fungus in different ways. Some are indifferent. While others go completely bonkers for the fungal little blighters. We’re firmly in the bonkers camp.

Our favourite Dubai steakhouse is offering a four-course truffle-heavy menu for Dhs325 this month.

Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Tue to Sun 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 7011128. www. albadiagolfclub.ae

EMBER

Foie gras and truffle terrine, caramelised sweetbread tart (yes, please) with summer truffle and chocolate fondant with honey truffle ice cream.

What do they all have in common? Yep, it’s more truffle. All three dishes are from the fivecourse Italian truffle tasting menu available this month for Dhs350 at Ember.

The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs350. (04) 4388888. www.theaddress.com

SEVILLE’S

Why are there not more Spanish tapas restaurants in the UAE? Hungry diners are gobbling up the tasty little morsels across Europe and we think it’s about time tapas replaced sushi as our cuisine de jour. Seville’s saw the light years ago and with sous chef Carles Colomé’s new menu, offering adventurous delights like black squid ink paella with vongole clams, it’s sure to stay ahead of the game.

Okku

Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, Sat to Mon midday to 1am, Tue to Fri noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3244777. www.wafirestaurants.com

EXCHANGE GRILL

It’s all new at Exchange Grill, with chef Fabio Pineda introducing both a new lunch menu and a revamped dinner menu.

The Dhs140 lunch menu promises wagyu burger, crab cakes and seared tuna, whilst the dinner menu offers beautiful steaks and a fair few seafood dishes.

You can see a full review of the new menu in our August issue.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 3.30pm, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3118317. www. celebrateaclassic.com

RHODES MEZZANINE

Last time we talked to Gary, the celeb chef was looking forward to working with Mezzanine head chef Paul Lupton on an exciting new menu. The result is

enough to make a grown man cry with happiness. Roast fillet of beef with snail, garlic and parsley risotto, braised squab pigeon, red mullet with spring onion champ potatoes. There’s also a ‘pudding plate’ with bread and butter pudding, jam roly-poly and sticky toffee pudding.

Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (04) 3176000. www. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

NOODLE HOUSE

Following a recent visit from celebrity chef Sam Leong, Noodle House is incorporating a number of new dishes into its menu, including the chef ’s speciality wasabi prawns and delights such as steamed noodle with crab and ginger and salt and pepper calamari. Chopsticks at the ready, noodle fans.

Various locations, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Tel: (04) 3749536. www.thenoodlehouse.com

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 57

EATING OUT

MARGAUX

Chef Sebastien Didierjean is really changing things up for summer at Margaux with new lunch and dinner menus.

Slip out of the office for the two-course daily Dhs99 lunch menu – we’ll be there Tuesday for mussels in white wine with homemade chips, and Friday for bouillabaisse – and enjoy chilled pea soup, cold lobster with Greek veg and lamb ravioli for dinner.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4397555. www.margaux.ae

OKKU

Okku has never disappointed us, so it’s no surprise that the new menu is an unmitigated success. We tried it recently and with every nibble our taste buds fell further under Okku’s spell. By the end of the night they were ready to elope.

Miso baked lobster on crispy rice, truffle fried rice, grilled sansho-pepper rib-eye, grilled foie gras and eel – need we go on?

The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3998888. www.okkudubai. com

FINZ

And you can bet chef Chris Lester and his team will do the produce proud.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4230903. www.rivingtongrill.ae

BORD EAU

Our favourite Abu Dhabi restaurant has introduced a new five-course blind tasting menu, with surprise chef 's choices (don’t worry, dietary preferences are checked beforehand). We recently ate some jaw-dropping blue lobster soup, crab ravioli and a tender Black Angus steak.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11pm, Dhs333.

Tel: (02) 5098888. www.shangrila.com

Exchange Grill

There’s nothing like seafood for the summer, and we recommend trying the new set menu at the excellent Finz restaurant at the Beach Rotana. The three-course meal starts with a king crab salad and gazpacho soup, followed by a seared tuna loin with quinoa and fruit chutney, finishing off with a chilled charentais melon with mint and yogurt sorbet. Better still, this will only cost you a mere Dhs225. Expect to see us on the table next to yours.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm, Dhs150 for two dishes, Dhs225 for three. Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana.com

Rivington Grill

RIVINGTON GRILL

Always on the ball when it comes to seasonal produce – albeit the British seasons – RG will be incorporating a host of fruit into their menu this summer. Expect cherries, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, Tayberries, peaches, nectarines and Mirabelle plums, as well as salad leaves like dandelion and watercress, marsh and rock samphire and, come August, skate wings to all make an appearance. July’s star is the Scottish girole mushroom.

58 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

Ember

Café Chic

THE CRITIC James Brennan knows food. Having written on everything from bhajis to burgers for a string of international publications, James is now the Middle East chairman of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel.

Don’t miss his monthly musings every issue

A warning for those with sensitive ears, you’re about to hear a name get dropped. Gordon Ramsay (whoops, butterfingers...) once told me that he could have lots of restaurants around the world and not cook in any of them, for the same reasons that Giorgio Armani can have his name on millions of suits without committing a single stitch.

And he had a point. Just because you made your name as a chef, it doesn’t mean you can’t trade off it as a restaurateur. But what about people who became famous for their achievements outside the culinary world opening up restaurants? Fashion designers, for example. Like Giorgio Armani?

The recently opened Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa is everything you’d expect from this doyen of Italian style and sophistication, with its cool clean lines and filthy rich guests. Of course, the place is meticulously fitted with Armani-branded dining options, from the elegant Italian fine-diner Ristorante, to an Indian restaurant (Amal) and the obligatory contemporary Japanese (Hashi). But why should we trust restaurants that bear the name of fashion designers any more than we’d trust pharmaceuticals designed by David Hasselhoff?

60 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

“WHY SHOULD WE TRUST RESTAURANTS THAT BEAR THE NAME OF FASHION DESIGNERS ANY MORE THAN WE’D TRUST PHARMACEUTICALS DESIGNED

BY DAVID HASSELHOFF” It’s all about image. Today’s undisputed and infallible heroes are not world leaders, musicians, film stars or chefs. They are the people who can make us look good. The more we wear them, the more we buy into their brand and lifestyle, so that hotels, homes and restaurants are the logical next step.

It’s a little too soon to be conclusive, but the early signs for Armani’s restaurants are good. And with all the power and money behind the Armani brand, you’d expect them to be. Are there better, cheaper restaurants in town? Undoubtedly. But that’s missing the point. Just as they’ll happily pull on an Armani suit, people will eat in his restaurants in the hope that some of that understated cool, refinement and finesse will rub off on them.

Of course, Giorgio isn’t the only designer with a finger in the UAE’s

restaurant pie. At the other, more spangly end of the bling-o-meter is Roberto’s eponymous Cavalli Club, though the results are rather less palatable. Yet the place is regularly jam-packed (presumably with people for whom sparkly things are more important than tasty ones).

And a Gucci hotel – no doubt with one or two shockingly stylish eateries –is slated to open in Dubai at the end of the year.

Designer restaurants may well be here to stay, but will we see chefs start to turn the tables on their sartorially superior counterparts?

The rumours are unconfirmed, but I have heard that Gordon Ramsay has put his name to his own brand of designer jeans.

Apparently they’re somewhat inyour-face, exceptionally uptight and a little too far up your own backside for comfort.

Armani Ristorante

Cavallli Club

EATING OUT

Fishy business Everyone loves hammour. But the species’ future is in danger. Time to try some sustainable alternatives.

We all like a nice piece of fresh fish. In fact, more than 66 per cent of us eat fish at least once a week, according to the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) and the

World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The problem is, 60 per cent of the time that fish will be hammour. And lovely though the national fish is, stocks have declined by 87 to 92 per cent since 1978 due to overfishing, according to a recent assessment carried out by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD).

And it’s not the only Gulf fish that is in danger – also to be avoided is Shaari, Fersh,

Zuraidi, Kanaad, Yemah, Safi Arabi and Qabit.

“Sixty per cent of fish caught locally is being fished above sustainable levels,” Nessrine Alzahlawi, spokesperson for EWSWWF’s recently launched Choose Wisely consumer awareness campaign told us. “It’s high time consumers were made aware of the problem and informed about what alternative sustainable varieties are out there.” www.choosewisely.ae

Fishy you can put on your dishy Faskar Two bar sea bream

Anfooz Yellow bar angelfish

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EWSWWF

Ebzimi Black streaked monocle bream

Jesh Um al hala Orange spotted trevally

Naiser Ehrenberg’s snapper

Yanam Sordid sweetlips Shaari Eshkeli Pink ear emperor

On the menu Some seriously juicy food news has made the specials board this month BETTER BY HALF It’s the age-old problem – what type of cuisine to choose for dinner? Maybe the answer lies on the first floor of the Fairmont Dubai, where Spectrum On One offers Indian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, European or Middle East cuisine. And the best bit? Until September 11 you’ll have your bill sliced in half. That’s right, 50 per cent off.

Spectrum On One, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 6.30pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3118316. www. fairmont.com/dubai FAMILY YUM Asado – the very word conjures up memories of sizzling flesh and succulent steaks.

It’s time you made another booking at our favourite Argentinean restaurant, and this time for the whole clan. Dhs180 per person for the Fiesta de la familia (family feast) set menu is as reasonable a price as one could ask for. It’s where the What’s On family dinner will be taking place this month. Do not disrespect the family.

Asado, The Palace, Downtown, Dubai, 7pm to midnight, Dhs180. Tel: (04) 4287888. www.theaddress.com FRENCH REVOLUTION We love to go for a spin in Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi’s revolving restaurant Al Fanar. So we’re pretty excited about the menu changes promised by new French chef Alain Roin, who earned his spurs under Michelin-starred chefs such as Alain Ducasse and Bernard Loiseau.

Al Fanar, Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. www.starwoodhotels.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 61

Summer fun for everyone, everywhere!

This Summer in Abu Dhabi, you'll discover fantastic deals on everything! Buy one ticket and get another free on the stellar Big Apple Circus and Fantasy on Ice shows. Plus, get even more value offers for hotels, restaurants, mall specials, and ADNEC! It all awaits you June 24 - August 4, across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Call 800 555 or visit summerinabudhabi.com for details.

Presented by

Partners

ARTS

Top of the pops Camp-tastic Wider world Five to see

CARBON 12

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JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 63

ARTS

Top of the Pops One of the leading international musicals of the past decade is about to hit the Dubai stage.

Mixing homegrown performers with West End stars, theatre producer Julian Chenery takes time out of rehearsals to talk big hair, big numbers and even bigger moves So why Hairspray?

When I first saw it in London two or three years ago, I was immediately struck by how much fun it is. The music is infectious and it leaves you with that feel good factor. The songs are so uplifting – to be in the audience is exciting enough, but to be on stage performing these numbers has got to be one of the most uplifting things you can do. It’s got things for so many different people and it’s full of comedy.

It’s just a wonderful show. What we aspire to do is very common in the UK, where we’re based.

During the summer, professional theatres across the country will have a youth-style workshop where they’ll take a show – usually a musical – and people come and join a summer workshop scheme and they prepare as professionally as they can to put on a show to a paying audience.

Sounds good, but what makes this special?

We decided not only are we going to use very high-quality, professional creative people, like my choreographers, co-directors and musical directors, to work with local people and young adults to put on the show, but we thought it would also help to 64 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

A brief history of Hairspray Who’d have thought, all the way back in 1988, when the man who is arguably America’s greatest – or at least strangest – alternative film auteur, John Waters, released his celluloid tale of dance, hair and race relations, that it would have a life beyond late-night re-runs and DVD curiosity? Set in suburban 60s USA, it brought the world Ricki Lake, gave Sonny Bono (former musical partner of the inimitable Cher) a late career boost, and featured the gloriously ironically named Divine as Tracy’s dragged-up mom, Edna Turnblad. So far, so B-movie. But one Broadway adaptation and its inevitable Hollywood remake later, and Hairspray the musical is a multi-award-winning keeper – a stalwart of stages from Broadway to the West End, and now, of course, Dubai. With great tunes, great energy and some crazy costumes, what’s not to love? As the song says, you can’t stop the beat.

have professionals at the highest level working every day with the students to teach them what they’ve been taught themselves.

For Hairspray, we have the Olivier Award-winning Leanne Jones playing Tracy Turnblad.

Leanne opened the show in London as the lead and played her for 18 months and she is absolutely delighted to be coming to Dubai. But more importantly, as a young performer herself, she knows what it’s like to go up the ladder – how she started, and how she enjoyed working with people who can directly teach you skills, tricks, tips and pass down information just by working together and putting on a show together on a daily basis.

Camp-tastic With more people staying in the UAE over the summer months than ever, there’s a growing need to offer fun, indoor activities for children to participate in: hence the rise of the summer camp.

Where better to send your budding Kahlo or Van Gogh than to one of the art summer camps that are springing up like Warhols on a printing press all over the UAE? The Farjam Collection’s inaugural Art Camp has been created in conjunction with Zayed University and presided over by students from the UK’s prestigious Oxford, Cambridge and Durham universities. Its philosophy, according to the Farjam’s exhibitions and collections manager, Emilie Faure, is “to create, explore and enjoy”, giving kids the chance “to discover art in all its varieties”.

Over at trusty old DUCTAC, meanwhile, the creative brief is wider still. All aspects of the arts are catered for, from art and pottery to dance and film-making. If there’s a better way to keep your artist-in-waiting occupied this summer than one of these camps, we’ve yet to discover it.

Jul 18 to Aug 12, Art Camp at the Farjam Collection, Dhs500, including all craft materials and activities. Tel: (04) 3230303. www. farjamcollection.com Jul 4 to Aug 12, Art Summer Camp 2010, Mall of the Emirates, Dhs900 for one week, Dhs1,500 for two. Tel: (04) 3414777. www.ductac.org Any other plans for this year?

My main company, Shakespeare for Kids, is extremely successful in the Middle East and Gulf – we’ve just returned from bringing our version of Macbeth to Dubai and Bahrain. And we return to Dubai in January with A Midsummer Night’s Dream – we’re just going through final auditions for that. We have got a lot of other surprises to spring in other shows that we’re bringing over, other shows, plays and musical concerts – I think there’s a big demand for high-quality theatre, music and culture from all over the world in Dubai. We’re delighted to be part of it.

There’s an argument that too much of what shows in the UAE comes from international touring companies. What are your thoughts on that?

I think the legacy, or the history, of why a lot of stuff has been imported from overseas is the way that theatres in the region have traditionally worked with pro-

moters and producers to bring shows in. There hasn’t been an infrastructure for theatres to become production partners, the promoter has been the ‘inbetweener’, if you like, linking the venue and the show.

That said, there should be more homegrown stuff and I hope that something like Hairspray will help that. I think that people like ourselves who inspire young people to look at the performing arts as something that’s important to them can become the cornerstones of companies that are based in Dubai and the UAE. With the number of different cultures and nationalities represented in the region, it would be lovely to create our own hybrid mix of theatre, which would be inclusive to everyone. That would be the really exciting thing.

Jul 13 to 17, Centrepoint Theatre DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3414777. www. hairspraydubai.com

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JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 65

The Rotana 20,000 one night stay giveaway

Spend AED 699 in one of our 53 Rotana restaurants across the UAE and get a complimentary night stay in one of our UAE hotels & resorts.

Wherever your culinary mood takes you, we have the choice for you across our 53 Rotana restaurants, where you can spend AED 699 and receive a voucher to scratch and find out in which of our UAE hotels & resorts you won the one night stay.

Why not go with a group of friends and earn more than one voucher, after all, you get one complimentary night with every AED 699 you spend.

That’s not all! Rotana Rewards Exclusive members will also benefit from their regular summer promotion and will get a dining voucher worth 50% off, redeemable on their next visit.

To learn more about the participating Rotana restaurants, simply visit www.rotana.com/699 *Terms & conditions apply.

rotana.com

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE THIRDLINE

ARTS

An entirely more dazzling, but no less thought provoking, approach is taken in The Third Line’s current group exhibition, I. U. [Heart]. While ostensibly a show about Iran filtered through the eyes of individual Iranian artists, it too takes a broader look at the nation’s recent history with the USA, the most obviously striking of which is Shahab Foutouhi’s Towards Salvation (In Commemoration Of Epic 11 September), a monumental installation of dragonflies encircling two ‘towers’ of light, that is the largest single installation the gallery has ever shown. Other witty out-takes in a show that aims to identify, among other things, the interaction between Iran and the US, include Mahmoud Bakhshi’s red, white and blue carpet of stripes with no stars.

The language may be less literal than Hager’s, but both exhibitions offer a powerful insight into the world we’re living in today.

PORTFOLIO GALLER

There’s no doubt that the interaction and antagonism between the Middle East and the West has been at the heart of early 21st century history. The legacy of the attack on New York’s World Trade Centre in 2001 and the subsequent wars that resulted from it are finding an increasing presence in art on the international stage, two examples of which make it to Dubai this summer in very different ways.

As a photojournalist, Tina Hager describes herself as “crouching in the corner of history”. Modest, considering her fascinating record of the Iraq war that begins at the West Wing of the White House (where Hager served as an official photographer) and continues to this day. Iraq: Transition To Peace, reveals a country recovering from turmoil and, for all its pictures of George W Bush and Condoleezza Rice, goes behind the headlines to reveal the fortitude of the land and its people with admirable restraint.

Y

Wider World

Until Aug 15, Iraq: Transition To Peace, Portfolio Gallery, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04 3232395. E-mail: portfolio.uae@email.com Until Jul 31, I. U. [Heart], The Third Line, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3411367. www.thethirdline.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 67

ARTS

Five to see ÉXVA SUMMER EXHIBITION

Another group show featuring the likes of UAE and XVA first-timer, US artist Sameer Reddy, and gallery regular Saba Qizilbash. Contrasting yet complimentary, Reddy’s bold, bright photographic imagery works beautifully against some of the exhibitions the more studied works. Continues in September.

Until Jul 31, XVA Gallery, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai, free. Tel: (04 3535383. www.xvagallery.com

ÑVIVID, VIBRANT AND IRANIAN

Doing exactly what the name says, this colourful selection of largely abstract art sets out to uncover some of Iran’s freshest new talents, including Shahpour Pouyan, Mansour Rafie, Mohsen Jamalinik.

Total Arts at the Courtyard, Courtyard Building, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3475050. www.courtyard-uae.com

ÅBLUE SKIE’D AND CLEAR

Group photography show at the Al Quoz gallery, in which six international practitioners prove there’s rather more to their photographic method than mere point-and shoot. At times lyrical and beautiful, it’s a worthwhile introduction to ‘art’ photography.

Until Sep 25, Carbon 12, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, warehouse D37, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (050) 4644392. www.carbon12dubai.com

ÇA STORY OF ISLAMIC EMBROIDERY IN NOMADIC AND URBAN TRADITIONS

Last chance to catch this historical look at the significance – not to mention the skills – of this most ancient of Islamic crafts. If you haven’t already done so, trip along to Emirates Palace this month while you still have the chance.

Until Jul 28, Gallery One, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 6908207. www.artsabudhabi.ae

ÅSET ME FREE FROM MY CHAINS

For her first solo show in the UAE, 2009 Abraaj Capital Art Prize winner Zoulikha Bouabdellah employs her now-familiar neon forms to create installations of Arabic letters that evoke both human movement and the spirit of legendary Egyptian performer, Umm Kolthoum. Stunning.

Until Jul 23, Gallery IVDE, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3403965. www.ivde.net 68 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

EXPAND YOUR LIBR ARY THIS SUMMER!

The Essential Arabian Library 17 Arabian Heritage Titles

In celebration of the centenary of Sir Wilfred Thesiger – The Last Of The Great Explorers – we offer three books and a limited edition print together with 14 other selected Best Selling books from The Arabian Heritage Collection.

Free Limited Edition Print of Wilfred Thesiger’s unique photograph Launching a Dhow, taken in Abu Dhabi in 1948 after his legendary second crossing of the Empty Quarter. Size: 16” x 12”, valued at Dhs 350.

Sir Wilfred Thesiger. Born June 1910.

Dhs 120 Described as a “Masterpiece” in The Times, this classic of travel literature is a must-read for anyone interested in the Arab world and its people. The special Centenary Edition celebrates the anniversary of Wilfred Thesiger’s birth in 1910, and includes 87 photographs and a fold-out map.

Dhs 185 This enchanting book is a showcase of the people of the Emirates during the mid-20th century.

A superb collection of photographs by Ronald Codrai, documenting times gone by.

Dhs 185 This book is a breathtaking pictorial edition of the travel classic Arabian Sands, and contains the same colour map which appeared in the first edition of Arabian Sands in 1959.

Dhs 185 A wonderful photographic memoir by world renowned photographer Ronald Codrai. This book focuses on Codrai’s time spent in the Arab world during the past half-century.

Dhs 165 The ultimate authorised biography of Sir Wilfred Thesiger – written with Thesiger’s support before he died in 2003 and with unique access to the rich Thesiger archive – investigates this fascinating figure’s family influences, his wartime experiences, his philosophy as a hunter and conservationist, his writing and photography, and his friendships with tribal people.

Dhs 185 This enchanting book focuses on a time when the Gulf could claim to be home to the largest surviving merchantsailing fleet in the world.

This personal record of the seafarers of the Emirates is a true historical jewel – a must for every library!

PO Box 2331 Dubai UAE Tel +971 4 282 4060 Fax +971 4 282 7898 books@motivate.ae PO Box 43072 Abu Dhabi UAE Tel +971 2 677 2005 Fax +971 2 677 0124 motivate-adh@motivate.ae

The entire collection now only Dhs 1450!

Dhs 295

Dhs 295

A wonderfully illustrated book that covers the fascinating history of shawls from their earliest origins. The history of the Kerman shawl, which has never been revealed before, is one of its delightful highlights.

This title by Daniel and Serga Nadler takes an in-depth look at the world of silver and how it is valued by different cultures around the globe. “Silver triumphs in every step as the Nadlers cheer it on From Fetish to Fashion�.

Retail Value Dhs 3000

Dhs 55 Arabian Destiny is an insightful autobiography and a very personal account of the life of the late Edward Henderson – a man whose life was inextricably linked to the history of the UAE.

John Loring, Design Director, Tiffany & Co.

Dhs 85

Dhs 185

Dhs 120

A concise but complete description of the Arabian countries benefiting most from 21st century affluence sweeping the Middle East. Edward O’Sullivan summarizes years of experience and specialized knowledge into a single volume. A fascinating read!

The UAE - Visions of Change is part of Noor Ali Rashid’s “Royal Collection�, and comprises of beautiful historical images, in black and white, sepia and colour.

This book highlights the extraordinary transformation undergone by the UAE over the past 40 years.

Dr Frauke Heard-Bey’s definitive history book of the UAE is a must-read for all individuals fascinated by life in the seven Trucial States before the wealth of oil, and events leading up to the 21st century UAE.

Dhs 145 This intimate and colourful view of the Emirates is a faithful reproduction of one of famed British artist Trevor Waugh’s journals, kept while travelling the length and breadth of the land.

Dhs 55

Dhs 75

A beautifully written heartfelt tale of the coming together of two cultures, and a love and understanding between a Western and Arab family.

The Times called this book “a deeply sympathetic evaluation of a culture�.

A stunning compilation of poetry by Dubai’s visionary leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “Sheikh Mohammed reveals his passions but tempers them with justice and tolerance. These two qualities make for a legacy of any man on this earth�.

Paulo Coelho

Dhs 125 Beyond the city’s limits, turquoise-blue waters with sandy beaches, symmetrical palm trees and ancient desert landscapes provide photographers with many opportunities.

Dirk Laubner

MORE THAN

SAVING

Patrick Lichfield

Dirk Laubner

This marvelous tribute to Dubai is a true portrait of a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, an emirate and its people. Patrick Lichfield’s iconic images speak of a rich study of one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

Patrick Lichfield’s photography has spanned four decades of change. His iconic images from the early 1960s to the present day, include notable personalities and events that characterised their times.

A cousin of Queen Elizabeth, The Earl of Lichfield, launched himself as a photographer in 1962. He soon progressed from photographing London’s party set to editorial work for national daily newspapers. Success in notable London magazines, such as the highly influential magazine, led to commissions from , and #& ! magazines in the United States.

#& !#! #

International aerial photographer, Dirk Laubner, has produced a fine portrait of the emirate that reveals why Dubai is such a popular tourist destination. Published in a single, five-language edition, Dubai – An Aerial Tour is a collection of brilliant images of the emirate and a fascinating record of Dubai from the air as we see it today. Placing tourist attractions and significant landmarks in perspective, it provides a magnificent aerial tour for visitors and residents alike.

Dhs 185 Dubai

Dubai

an aerial tour

Dubai

an aerial tour

This book by internationally acclaimed photographer Dirk Laubner takes you on a breathtaking aerial tour around the emirate of Dubai. This five-language edition is a must-have for visitors and residents alike.

Dubai is an emirate of spectacular sights.

With post-modern architecture and high-rise towers that jostle with one another, the city’s aerial views provide a magnificent insight into its different landscapes – be they manmade islands or landscaped villas, magnificent highways or grand hotels, verdant green parks or giant shopping malls – taking the reader on an awe-inspiring scenic tour.

Since that time, his pictures – ranging from formal and informal portraits, including many members of royalty as well as celebrities, prominent figures from the world of fashion and beauty to high profile advertising – have become well known around the world.

Dubai

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In recent years, Patrick Lichfield has been a frequent visitor to Dubai, a destination he admires and enjoys and one which certainly provides a wealth of fascinating subjects for his camera. ' #& !#! # is the outcome of these visits; it is a rich study of one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing cities.

" % # # " !# ! #

For bulk orders contact Javed Akrami (04 205 2496 / 050 588 8956 / javed@motivate.ae) or visit to order your collection today!

DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN THE GCC LIMITED EDITION THESIGER PRINT WITH EVERY PURCHASE

SHOPPING

p74 Scorching summer bargains p76 Sophia says...

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 73

SHOPPING

Scorching summer bargains

With outdoor activities grinding to a halt, it’s time to crank up the air-con and get ready for Dubai Summer Surprises. With giveaways galore in shops across the city and stuff to do for all the family, you need not sit in front of the TV for the next couple of months The mercury is rising and Modhesh is back.

When the strange yellow creature appears it can only mean one thing: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). The shopping festival runs until August 7 and is costing a whopping Dhs60 million, with organisers saying it is bigger and better than ever.

Shopping is a pastime in Dubai, but there is nothing better than saving money – while spending, of course. This year, 25 malls and 6,000 retailers are participating in DSS, with 40 of Dubai’s most renowned spas also offering special rates on selected treatments and therapies for women and men. Plus there are numerous free events to keep all the family entertained this summer. As DSS heats up, we look at what’s in store.

FASHION

From high street to high-end, retailers are offering up to 75 per cent off much of their stock. And it’s not only last season’s clothes being dusted off from the stock room floor – there are lines from the current summer collections, too. Credit cards at the ready.

For casual everyday wear head to Aéropostale, which has up to 60 per cent off everything from T-shirts and jackets to shorts and vests. For catwalk trends look no further than Forever 21, which is offering a part sale on six keys ranges including ‘trendy’ and ‘denim’, and Mango which has 50 per cent off selected items from maxi dresses to jeans, bags and belts.

Shoe emporium Aldo is 74 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

offering massive reductions of up to 60 per cent on a range of styles for both men and women. Ladies, grab the gorgeous gold skyhigh stilettos and save them for winter – you won’t regret it. Debenhams is doing a buy-two-get-one-free promotion on labels including perennial favourites Warehouse and Oasis, as well as Designers at Debenhams, Coast and Dorothy Perkins, while Next is giving the first 150 daily customers who spend Dhs600 a voucher worth Dhs300 – get your winter wardrobe stocked up now.

For luxury designer gear head to department stores Bloomingdale’s in The Dubai Mall and Harvey Nichols in Mall of the Emirates which are offering from 30 to 50 per cent off selected items including shoes, clothes and accessorise from top labels including Helmut Lang.

Upmarket fashion chains BCBGMAXAZRIA and Escada have 50 to 70 per cent off selected dresses, while Galeries Lafayette has incredible offers on labels such as See by Chloe, Vanessa Bruno and Nicole Miller. What’s On found Burberry heels down from Dhs3,095 to a more affordable Dhs2,160 and a pair of Diesel jeans at Dhs489, down from Dhs699. For more unusual pieces, head to Wafi where Desert Rose has sales on unique jewellery and Boutique 1 in Jumeirah Beach Residence which has slashed prices on many big designer names including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane von Furstenburg, J Brand and Paul & Joe.

ELECTRONICS

If you still haven’t got round to getting a new TV for the World Cup, there are just two weeks left to enjoy the beautiful game on a decent sized telly. Customers who spend Dhs500 at Jacky’s Electronics will get a free

meal at Americana and be entered into a draw for the chance to win a 42” LCD TV. There are also a range of incredible deals on Notebooks and laptops. Every Notebook sold comes with a scratch and win voucher where customers can walk away with free accessories worth up to Dhs500, and for every Dhs399 spent in store customers receive free food at a range of outlets including KFC, Pizza Hut and Krispy Kreme – now that’s what we call a sweet deal.

Jumbo Electronics, Plug-Ins and Harman House are also giving away free vouchers and gifts on selected purchases and there are discounts throughout each store across all the malls on cameras, laptops and other electronic items. There are also piping hot deals at Carrefour at Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre and Mirdif City Centre with selected electronics marked down by 25 per cent. We found portable CD players starting from Dhs199, a top-of-the-range Canon camera at Dhs599 and mobile phones from an incredibly low Dhs139.

HOME AND GARDEN Now is a great time to do up your house or apartment. There’s no guilt about being inside, and it’s cheaper to get great looking home accessories and furniture. Head to The

SHOPPING

CHILD’S PLAY

ENTERTAINMENT

SEGA Republic

Fashion show

Featuring 17 games and rides, including a rollercoaster and simulators, loads of fun awaits at SEGA Republic. We challenge you to survive the half-pipe.

When: From July 1 Where: The Dubai Mall

Check out the latest fashions in abayas from local and GCC-based designers.

When: July 8 to 11 Where: The Dubai Mall

Kids Olympic Games Grab the kids and head down to Mirdif where they can work off some energy at this competitive event. Children from nine months to 10 years are welcome and even parents can join in.

When: July 25 to 31 Where: Mirdif City Centre

ISTOCK

Kids Fashion Week

Dubai Mall for discounts at iwanngohome and Index Living Mall where a huge range of items from furniture to kitchenware, through to bedding and household accessories all have up to 75 per cent off.

In Miri at Mall of the Emirates, handpainted ornaments and rugs have up to 50 per cent off. At ID Design, spend Dhs500 and get a gift voucher worth Dhs250 and at Home Centre customers get a Dhs50 voucher for every Dhs250 spent. Lifestyle has slashed prices on home accessories with vases, dried flowers and glasses all hugely reduced.

And Dubai Garden Centre has a range of discounts and promotions on selected outdoor furniture.

SPAS

This year DSS is offering a variety of packages aimed at both sexes. Spa enthusiasts can enjoy amazing discounts of up to 50 per cent, two-for-one offers and pampering complimentary extras on a number of treatments including therapies massages, scrubs, reflexology sessions, Ayurveda treatments and Moroccan baths.

Raffles Amrita Spa has a host of summer packages including hot stone therapy, massages and scrubs, as well as wraps and facials. The treatments start from Dhs599 for

Dedicated to young fashionistas across the emirate, this show has little ones walking the catwalk for the likes of Benetton, Pumpkin Patch and Kenzo.

When: August 1 to 7 Where: Deira City Centre

Hello Kitty Jungle Party Head to the Star Atrium for live musical shows from the colourful cast of Hello Kitty.

When: July 1 to 31 Where: The Dubai Mall

60 minutes. At Amara at the Park Hyatt Dubai, guests can rejuvenate with two summer offers – the Spirit Of The Summer or the Sensual Summer Ritual. See page 84 for details.

The Spa at The Hilton Jumeirah has 30 per cent off facials, massages and body treatments from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and the Ritz-Carlton Day Spa is offering use of the pool and hotel facilities for Dhs200 when a massage or facial is booked.

A great way to make the most of the DSS promotions is to grab a friend and head to a spa together. Cleopatra’s in Wafi is offering buy-one-get-one-free on exfoliation treatments followed by a full body massage for Dhs710 between two.

One distinctive of this year’s spa packages is the emphasis on men, with several of the city’s finest offering anti-fatigue massages and salon grooming packages specially created for gents.

Elixir at the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa has the Ultimate Men’s Energiser for Dhs630 and Raffles Amrita Spa has The Noble Man – a deep-cleansing facial designed for the skin care needs of men.

Min Bladi Al Emarat Explore the traditions of the UAE and get a unique insight into Emirati culture through presentations, shows and activities.

When: July 17 to 26 Where: The Dubai Mall

Collectors Show Featuring amazing artefacts and collections from fashion and jewellery to coins and cars, this unique exhibition is well worth a visit.

Where: BurJuman When: July 12 to 24

Fame the musical Relive those childhood memories of one the world’s best loved and most popular musicals as The First Group Theatre puts on this hit show.

When: July 13 to 17 Where: Madinat Jumeirah. www.madinattheatre.com

Hairspray Professional actors from London’s West End join Dubai youngsters to perform this funny and charming musical set in the 1960s. It will have you dancing in the aisle.

When: July 13 to 17 Where: DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates. www.ductac.org

MODHESH WORLD Nothing says DSS quite like Modhesh, and as the mascot of the festival he quite rightly has his very own amusement park. Spread over 37,000 square metres at Airport Expo, Modhesh World is made up of 40 themed zones and includes popular attractions such as Magic Planet. Plus,for worn out parents there are live games from the World Cup. JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 75

SHOPPING Got a fashion question for Sophia?

E-mail editor-wo@motivate.ae

Sophia says...

We dragg the oh-so stylish Sophia Triantafillou away from the helm at Emirates Woman into the grubby What’s On office to answer your wardrobe woes I’ve noticed some men around Dubai with the bottoms of their trousers rolled up, exposing a bit of (usually white) ankle. What’s that about?

Ali, 32, The Greens, Dubai Unless you are over six feet tall, tanned and devilishly handsome, this trend is not for you.

Best suited to men of the French or Italian variety, cropped or rolled up trousers is a trend that is difficult to pull off with panache.

If you do want to give it a go, you will need to invest in pair of Capri pants (three quarter cargos are a no-go zone) and the footwear of choice should be loafers, or flip-flops if you are heading to the beach.

Necklace: New Look Headband: Aldo

Top: Reiss

Dress: Hoss Intropia

Blazer: Mango

Jeans: Diesel

Bangles: Mango

Finances are on the (very) tight side, but every time I open my wardrobe in the morning I want to weep. I desperately need some new clothes – what should I be buying to update what I’ve already got? Please don’t make it designer…

Nadia, 19, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi I have some boat parties coming up so I need a few new bikinis – the only problem is that in this plastic fantastic town there are a bevy of inflated beauties around and I’m a little lacking on top. What styles, colours etc, will give me a ‘boost’? I can’t face detagging photos that make me look like a Tenyear-old boy.

Desperate of Dubai Avoid bandeaus altogether as this will flatten you completely. Think halter all the way.

You can even get these with padding if you are so desperate for a ‘boost.’ The busier the colour the bigger the breast, so knock yourself out with Pucci-esque prints.

76 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

You can, without a doubt, look fabulous on any budget – you just have to be creative and always remember that money doesn’t buy style. First on your fashion agenda should be to choose your style. Are you a boho beauty, rock chick or do you love classic elegance? Once you have established this, head to your favourite mall to stock up on your basics – things that you can build an entire wardrobe around. Whatever your style, you will need a great pair of blue jeans, a good quality (cotton) white T-shirt or vest, a black dress that can be worn by day or night and a day jacket – think boyfriend, biker or blazer. If you have any dirhams left, buy some great bangles, a chunky necklace and pretty headband to perfect your look.

Summer is well and truly here and I’m already sick of wearing linen. Is there a cool alternative? I’m a size 14 and not a massive fan of skirts or shorts so feel a bit stuck. And look rather crumpled.

Pippa, 26, JBR, Dubai For starters, you shouldn’t be wearing linen in the first place. Possibly the most unattractive fabric ever invented, it crumples, hangs and sweat stains in all the wrong areas. It’s all about cotton. Think easy summer shirts teamed with cropped trousers and stylish slip ons which will keep you cool on the fashion (and weather) front.

My girlfriend’s birthday is coming up and it’s a bit soon to give her jewellery, so I was thinking about clothes. She says she’s a UK size 10 to 12 and I can spend up to Dhs500. Can you help?

Dan, 34, Old Town, Dubai FACT: It is NEVER too early to give a girl jewellery. I’m not talking five carats, but she may like a pretty bangle or brooch. If this is still ‘too soon’ for you, stay away from clothes altogether, it will stress you out trying to find them and her more so when she has to pretend she likes them. Opt for a nice canvas bag and fill it with goodies she loves like picture frames, perfume, CDs and sweets.

Frame: Zara Home

Canvas bag: New Look Perfume: The Body Shop

p81 p82 p82 p84

THE SPA, THE PALACE, OLD TOWN

MIND & BODY

His ‘n’ hers Armani/Spa Dermalogica facial Spa deals JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 79

His‘n’hers

MIND & BODY

We take a nap and get iced at Radisson Blu Yas Island

Hers

His DEEP SLEEP TREATMENT

TALK US THROUGH IT… A complete body rubdown, starting with your toes and working up to a head massage.

The emphasis of the massage is on gentle strokes, rather than pain – you’re rubbed down in chamomile and sandalwood oils, which are renowned for their calming properties – so it’s soon snooze time.

INDIGO ICE INDULGENCE

have worn them home if they hadn’t been a tad on the transparent side.

THE BEST BIT? The deep back massage from Karen the masseuse was sublime.

She should insure her magic hands for millions.

SLEEP FACTOR? Half way through the treatment I suddenly found myself sharing a taxi with Megan Fox, Yoda and Carlton from The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. Yes, I was dreaming and was well and truly out for the count.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? Not really, apart from the fact I was constantly dropping off during the massage. But I think that was pretty much to be expected.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? Insomniacs, jet-jagged travellers or those that like to stay up well past their bedtime.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? Large, stretchy shorts. I would

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? Dhs375 for two hours.

TALK US THROUGH IT… There are three parts to this deep cleansing and anti-wrinkle treatment for the face, neck and décolletage. It begins with a gentle exfoliation, followed by a soothing facial massage. The final firming and tightening of the skin is done by the application of anti-ageing, nutrient-packed ice cubes, which melt into your skin on contact.

THE BEST BIT? The ice cubes. Believe it or not, after being soothed into a state of relaxation with the massage and facial treatments, the ice cubes are not too cold, just very refreshing and they smell amazing – lavender, nice.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? I was a little bit apprehensive before the ice was applied. But it was nothing to worry about.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? Pretty standard. White and badly fitting. Nothing to write home about.

SLEEP FACTOR? The ice cubes aren’t applied until the end of the hour-long treatment, so surprisingly, sleep factor remains high. The soft face and neck massage along with some temple rubbing soon ensures you’re nodding off.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? Anyone looking for brighter,

fresher skin – which is probably all of us. And as it leaves no red marks, it’s great for a special occasion or a night out.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? Dh355 for 55 minutes, with a facial analysis thrown in.

The Spa, Radisson Blu, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. www.radissonblu.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 81

MIND & BODY

Dermalogica Facial WHERE? In one of the many villas that line Al Wasl Road, Dubai is Pastels, a beauty salon and hairdressers. Behind unassuming gates lie some seriously skilled therapists and luxurious products, with treatments to sort you out – literally – from head to toe.

WHY? Our skin has taken something of a battering of late. Between late nights, sunburn, the UAE’s smoggy air and not drinking our recommended two litres of water a day, it was time to bring in the professionals. Juliette at Pastels suggested a Deep Cleansing Facial from Dermalogica, ideal for younger skin that needs de-clogging and hydrating. We didn’t envy her job.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY NAVEED AHMED

HOW? Dermalogica is unique in that it uses face mapping to determine various problems and the massive range of products mean your facial will address each one. The face is split into 14 ‘zones’ that the therapist studies – we had some problems in zone two (between the eyebrows) which can mean we may indulge in rich foods a little too often. No comment. A recent poolside toasting session had left its mark too, so after steaming and extractions (the least painful we’ve ever had) there was some intensive moisturising. A quick massage and we were done – sporting super-soft skin and promising to wear sunscreen.

Pastels, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 9am to 7pm, Dhs330 for 75 mins.

Tel: (04) 3947393. www.pastels-salon.com

82 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

Armani/Spa Armani is a foreign country: they do things differently there. We take a trip to the spa to see if la dolce vita is waiting Imagine a restaurant with no menu. Where you simply book a table, answer some questions and your meal is decided for you.

That’s pretty much the concept at Armani/ Spa. There’s no treatment list as such, so your only decision is how long to make your appointment, from 90 minutes to a full day.

Upon arriving you have a brief consultation with a therapist who discusses options with you; wraps, massages, facials, body parts, pressure, complaints… Then a customised treatment is devised. Kooky.

For those who haven’t visited Armani yet, its dark neutrals, minimal design, masculine overtones and that inimitable style (they have black shower caps for crying out loud) conspire to create a hotel truly unique to Dubai. The spa is no different.

Far from the oh-so popular Asian-inspired spa retreats we see throughout the region, Armani is bringing some Italian chic to our dusty shores. It’s all cool greys and marble, linear lines and long corridors. The space is luxurious but stark, no doubt appealing to the moneyed businessmen we saw stalking around (several looked remarkably like Mr Armani himself, which was momentarily thrilling). It’s unlikely, however, that Giorgio’s offering will become the destination du jour

for Dubai’s ladies who spa – it simply feels a little too functional and is missing the all important free use of a sauna/steam/Jacuzzi, although there was some lovely dried fruit in the relaxation lounge and guests are free to use the outdoor pool.

Back to the treatment. For our 90 minutes we were prescribed a deep tissue massage and mini facial with scalp massage. It was excellent. Our South African therapist was exceptionally well trained, the gorgeous room was studded with tiny glass tiles and completed with an electronic bed for maximum comfort, while the massage was, quite simply, one of the finest we’ve ever had. Warm compresses were placed down the spine and a custom-blended Armani cedarwood oil was used to coax muscles into a state of somnolence. Our brain wasn’t far behind and, despite the pressure points and deep massage, a little nap was had. The mini facial followed but was something of a sleepy blur, so it was a nice surprise to wake up looking fresh and glowing.

In short, the products are beautiful, the staff are fantastic, the space is knock-out and the treatment was one of the best. If you’re looking for an effective massage at an impressive address then look no further, but if you need the feminine touches of a day spa, then Armani might not be in fashion for you.

Armani/Spa, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm, Dhs650 for 90 minutes, Dhs800 for two hours, Dhs1,100 for three hours, Dhs1,500 for a half day and Dhs2,500 for a full day. Tel: (04) 8883888. www. armanihotels.com

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MIND & BODY

Spa Deals

DSS SPECIAL!

Go from rough to rockin’ with our pick of the best discounts in Spa Land

EXCLUSIV E READER OFFER! The spa at Le Méridien Dubai is offering What’s On readers a whopping 50 per cent off a hot oil hair and scalp massage followed by a blow-dry. Present this page and you’ll pay half price.

Natural Elements, Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Garhoud, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2170000

MANDARA SPA The name says it all. Revitalise yourself at the Monarch Dubai with their Rejuvenating Summer ceremony. Take 110 minutes out of your busy schedule and get an aroma foot ritual, traditional body scrub, back neck and shoulder massage and a foot massage all for Dhs595. This package also includes access to the sauna, steam, Jacuzzi and swimming pool.

Mandara Spa, 3rd Floor, The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5018270 THE SPA AT THE PALACE Take a break and indulge in a De-Stress Massage with Detoxifying Clay Mask at The Palace. You’ll get a footbath, then a thoroughly relaxing massage and body treatment plus a selection of herbal tea and fruits, for Dhs685 (one hour and 30 minutes). Also included is access to the fitness centre, oriental bathhouse (complete with steam room, Jacuzzi and monsoon showers) and the outdoor pool overlooking the Burj Khalifa.

Until Aug 31, The Spa, The Palace, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4287805 AMARA SPA Get into the spirit of DSS at one of our favourite spots, Amara Spa, with the Spirit Of The Summer package for Dhs350 from Sunday to Thursday (Dhs400 for Friday and Saturday).

You’ll start with an outdoor rain shower in a private terraced garden, get a foot and hand rose petal bath, and a 45-minute body massage with soothing oils. There's also complimentary full-day use of the 25-metre swimming pool, fragranced steam room, lounges and gymnasium.

Amara Spa, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai. Tel: (04) 6021660. www. dubai.park.hyatt.com MAN/AGE The chaps aren’t left out this month with cash back vouchers from Man/Age. Spend Dhs300 and you’ll get Dhs50 to spend either at the spa or at M2M tailors. Splash Dhs500 and you’ll receive a voucher worth Dhs100.

That’s our kind of mathematics.

Man/Age, Rimal, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4355780.

84 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

e r i F y M t h g i l Re ly u J h t 9 y a d i r F

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Man of the match Mohammed Najeeb is the face of UAE football, having presented sports shows for 35 years.

He'll be fronting the English Premier League coverage next season for Abu Dhabi Sports, who recently won the rights to broadcast all of the games Picture the scene. The UAE football team is embroiled in a crucial qualification game for the 1990 World Cup with China.

With less then three minutes left on the clock, the UAE are 1-0 down, needing to win to secure a place at Italia ’90.

Then, suddenly, a reversal of fortune leads to the UAE firing in two quick goals. They win the match.

Watching in the television studio is the UAE’s most famous football presenter, Mohammed Najeeb. As the camera cut to him after the final whistle, instead of providing expert analysis on the glorious victory, he’s choking back the tears.

“I was in the studio with my pundit and when the second goal went in, we were just overcome with emotion,” recalls Mohammed.

“Before we scored, I was saying ‘it’s not fair, we’re playing better then them and we’re still down.’

All of a sudden we were winning.

“We both had tears in our eyes and the director was yelling ‘for God’s sake, get it together. We will be on air very soon.’ But we couldn’t help it, we were so taken

Sports scooped the rights to broadcast the English Premier League (EPL) from ShowSports.

Mohammed – a diehard Manchester United fan – will be involved in both the Arabic and English coverage of the sport.

“We’re all so excited because the EPL is still the best league in the world,” he boasts. “Why? Because when a great team like Manchester United plays a small team like Hull City, there is competition. Any team can beat any other team. This doesn’t happen in Spain or Italy.

“In fact, when I heard from the EPL that we had been successful in our bid, tears came to my eyes again. It was almost as emotional as when we beat China back in 1989.”

HOW TO WATCH… "WE BOTH HAD TEARS IN OUR EYES AND THE DIRECTOR WAS YELLING ‘FOR GOD’S SAKE, GET IT TOGETHER. WE WILL BE ON AIR VERY SOON" – MOHAMMED NAJEEB aback,” he chuckles.

The event has gone down in the UAE’s footballing folklore and helped make Mohammed a star to the country’s local population.

But he’s also renowned for his forthright opinions on footy the scene in the Arab World. Once he even offended the whole of Saudi Arabia by claiming the country’s football clubs weren’t up to scratch.

And whenever a football

legend has visited Abu Dhabi, Mohammed’s the man who comes to meet them. Now he counts footy legends such as Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson and Lionel Messi, who he met when Barcelona played the World Club Championships in Abu Dhabi last December, as pals.

And he’s set to become a household name for the country’s expat population after Abu Dhabi

t Abu Dhabi Sports will be showing all 380 EPL games live. t Satellite viewers will need to buy a Humax HB decoder and smartcard, which will cost Dhs999 in total. t Users with a Humax decoder can buy a smartcard for Dhs370. t Cable users can subscribe through their cable provider.

The EPL package should cost around Dhs75 a month. t Internet users can also stream the matches online. It will cost Dhs370 for all the matches, although it is recommended you have a broadband width of at least 2Mb to view the games clearly.

Tel: (02) 4144000. www.admcsport.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 87

Got a fitness question for James?

E-mail otivate.ae o editor-w @m

SPORT & OUTDOOR Mr Fitness

at the right times, you’ll have more energy to train, you’ll recover better from intense workouts and you’ll maximize the muscle building process.

Our resident exercise guru answers your health and fitness questions

Is there such a thing as the ‘fatburning zone’?

Grace, Dubai Marina

What is the best way to get back into a fitness routine after not exercising?

Dennis, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Getting back into an exercise routine is a fantastic step forward. Where I find most people fall down is that they get frustrated that they cannot pick up where they left off. What we need to realise is that times change and our bodies adapt to our way of life. Use it or lose it. With this in mind, I would suggest that firstly you go and have a check-up with your GP, just to ensure that you are all good to get back into things. Assuming everything is OK, you could then either enlist the help of a fitness trainer or go it alone. If you decide to go it alone, then set yourself small, realistic and measureable targets. As an example, start with bodyweight exercises and create yourself a small circuit. Repeat the circuit two to three times and time how long it takes. Once you have your benchmark time, aim to improve it upon your next attempt and so on and so forth.

What are the best exercises to get rid of the dreaded ‘love handles'?

Sohail, Karama, Dubai Despite the endearing name, the fat on the sides of your abdominals is often the last to go when you’re losing weight. Firstly, you did not get love handles overnight and they won’t go away overnight. Secondly, you can’t simply ‘spot-tone’ and do movements that

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88 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

focus on this specific area. Although it’ll strengthen the ab muscles underneath, it won’t get rid of the fat on top.

To lose your love handles, you need to reduce your overall body fat. That means focusing on your nutrition and training hard. Ask yourself if you’re been slacking off on either weight training or Energy System Development (ESD), or cardio, since even the most dedicated athlete often favour one or the other. Focus on compound movements with short rest periods between exercises.

Should I eat before I exercise, or is it better to exercise on an empty stomach?

Marcus, Jumeirah, Dubai Some people say that training on an empty stomach burns more fat. However, in my opinion, and what I have learnt from some of the world’s best nutritionists and coaches, is that in order to build strength and lean muscle you need to fuel your body properly before and after your training session. By eating the right foods

Ah, the legend that is the fat-burning zone. It states that a certain level of exercise results in a larger number of calories burned being derived from fat.

This does not mean that stored body fat is the selective source. It only describes the relative percentage of utilisation of three substrates: fat, carbohydrates and protein.

The truth is, the fat-burning zone actually describes the percentage of calories burned that are derived from fat as an energy source. Do you know when you are burning the most calories from fat?

Sorry, but the highest percentage of fat utilisation is at rest. The more intense the exercise becomes, the more carbohydrate is used as a source.

Losing weight is about the number of calories burned, not the number of those calories that come from fat as a source. If the fat-burning zone idea actually worked, we could get extremely lean by simply sitting still.

Unfortunately, I feel that the fat-burning zone has been the culprit for many a boring and wasted workout.

What Mr Fitness James Houghton doesn't know about staying healthy isn't worth knowing. In his seven years as a personal trainer, he's helped West End actresses lose the pounds and worked with the Arabian Gulf rugby sevens team to keep them in peak condition.

wagamama The Greens Tel 04 361 5757 wagamama Al Fattan Towers Tel 04 399 5900 (Open daily 12noon to 12 midnight, deliveries until 11.30pm) www.rmalhospitality.com/wagamama.asp

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CLUB DIARY Get your groove on

1

Ministry of Sound @ Sanctuary MoS heavy hitters Gareth Cooke and Scott Langley bring Summer Sessions to Sanctuary, while Mass Ramli and Mark Pickup keep the back rooms busy.

Sanctuary, Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (04) 4475532. www. sanctuarydubai.com

2

Leeroy Thornhill @ SYNF Former Prodigy dancer Leeroy shows his skills on the Alpha decks. Should be fun.

Alpha, Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, free for ladies before 11pm and Dhs75 after. Tel: (04) 34479479. www. platinumlistdubai.com

6

WEEKLY

Asylum The lunatics are taking over the asylum, well, 400 Club anyway, with the Sheikh Zayed Road venue transformed into a clubbing madhouse. Expect white padded walls, drinks served in syringes and models in straitjackets dancing in cages. Sounds crazy…

The 400 Club, Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3324900

8

Terry Francis @ iLL Communications

8

Terry Francis @ iLL Communications Top British DJ Francis is a legend in clubland, famed for his blend of electrotechno and earthy house.

Rooftop, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, ladies and FACE card holders free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.ohmrecords.com

15

Cassy @ iLL Communications

15 Stanton Warriors @ SYNF We go to battle with Dominic, one half of breakbeat duo Stanton Warriors, to find out how hard he really is…

What’s the most dangerous thing you’ve ever done?

Played breakbeat music to a thousand house-loving Italians on the Space terrace in Ibiza. Not fun.

Could you hot-wire a car?

No, but Mark can re-wire a keyboard.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep?

Four days. You end up going a bit mad.

Ever punched a wall in anger?

I punched a window once and slashed my hand up. Far more hardcore than punching a wall.

What’s the best thing you’ve ‘liberated’ from a hotel room?

The entire mini bar most weekends.

Do you have any good scars?

One on my thumb from punching that window.

Ever spent a night behind bars?

Never. Prefer hotels.

Could you start a fire without a lighter or matches?

With the right bassline, yes.

Complete the sentence. My handshake… …works well on the turntables.

Alpha, Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, free for ladies before 11pm and Dhs75 after. Tel: (04) 7022640. www.stantonwarriors.com

DJ Mark Pickup @ Relax@12 Fresh from his Sanctuary gig, Mark Pickup heads to Abu Dhabi with his box of San Fran deep house.

Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. www. aloftabudhabi.com Charl Chaka @ Blizzard The football maybe all but over but Barasti’s megadome is still in demand.

Charl Chaka plays jackin’ house for the music-loving masses.

Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 5pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 3181313

9

WEEKLY

Step On @ Home New addition Rude Larry adds more mayhem to your weekly indie fix.

Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 8pm to 3am, Dhs100, free before 11pm, ladies free before midnight.

Tel: (04) 3379470 WEEKLY

Blizzard @ Barasti Head down to the beach for 70s, 80s and 90s music from ‘Retro Jedi’ Rohan Nunez.

And it's all in air-conditioned comfort.

Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 5pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 3181313

10 WEEKLY

Just Sundays DJ Enzo Mirak helps you get over the back

90 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

CLUB DIARY to work blues with commercial house and radio hits.

Cavalli Club, Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3329260

13

20 Afrika Bambaataa @ MUZIK WHAT'S ON PICK

There was no problem, because we were conscious of our roots and all I did was return my ancestral name back to me.

You went in search of those roots with a trip to Africa as a young man. How did that influence you?

Africa was amazing. To see many places, speak to the people, feel the vibration of the land, music and animals. To hear Brother Fela Kuti and Afro-beat music for the first time. It was dynamic, spiritual, exciting and powerful.

And now you’re in your 50s. Are you still able to embrace music and technology like you used to?

Now, how you know I am in my 50s? I am way older than that and way younger than that. I am as ancient as the sun, moon and stars but as young as a newborn flower. I love technology when it is used to help all beings on this planet, but dislike it when it’s used to cause destruction. That is why intergalactic beings from other planets and dimensions are now watching what our world leaders and scientists do.

Oh. Erm, back here on planet Earth – you were inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. How did that feel?

It was nice to hear I was nominated, as it is now nice to hear there are petitions all over the net to honour me with The Nobel Peace Prize.

WEEKLY

Bewitched@ Relax@12 Progressive house and more at the everpopular capital city spot.

Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. www.aloftabudhabi. com

15

Kiko Navarro @ Armani Prive Pacha DJ Navarro takes a break from Ibiza with a night at Prive. Expect deep house, afro fusion and a very glam crowd.

Armani Prive, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 8883888. www.armanihotels.com Cassy @ iLL Communications Covering all manner of musical and cultural influences, Cassy is guaranteed to bewitch Rooftop goers with her blend of European house.

Rooftop, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, ladies and FACE card holders free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.ohmrecords.com

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Derrick Carter @ We Are Chi Chicago’s finest DJ and producer graces the decks at Chi, blasting out underground house.

Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 8pm to 3am, price TBC. Tel: (04) 3379470 Mr Mr @ Relax@12 Dubai favourite heads to the capital to give Abu Dhabi dwellers a dose of house.

Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. www.aloftabudhabi.com Matthew Charles @ Blizzard Barasti’s beach dome is put to good use with Matthew Charles and his beats.

Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai, 5pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 3181313

23

We get deep, meaningful and a bit bizarre with the Godfather of hip hop, the one, the only… Afrika Bambaataa You started life as Kevin Donovan.

How did the folks react when you changed your name?

The peace prize? Wow. Weren’t you involved in gangs growing up?

All armies or gangs always had songs, chants or music to cheer you up for battles, to sooth, to relax, to dance, or to love or kill. Music plays a major role in everything we do on this great planet.

What about hip hop?

Hip hop today is controlled by corporations. But hip hop culture is still being taught by the true pioneers of the movement. These are the ones that need to be running these so-called hip hop labels.

Any advice for someone starting out in the business?

To know what you’re getting into. To do the research. Without a clear study of whatever art or profession you are entering, then you can get hurt down the line, become a slave to the rhythm as Grace Jones sang, and without knowledge anyone with knowledge can trick or trap you, even without you knowing.

How long will you be doing it for?

I will be making music in this life and beyond this life.

Rooftop, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, tickets Dhs150, ladies and FACE card holders free before 10pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.ohmrecords.com

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WHAT'S ON PICK

Zane Lowe @ Home The big man in a beanie is back. His last gig was an eclectic spectacular of drum‘n’bass, indie, R&B and more, voted by one What’s On staffer as ‘the best DJ performance he’s seen in the UAE’. Unmissable.

Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 8pm to 3am, Dhs100, free for FACE card holders all night and ladies before midnight. Tel: (04) 3379470. www. thelodgedubai.com

Derrick Carter @ We Are Chi

Dirty Disco @ SYNF Nu disco, classic house and more from Da:Funct, Just Some Kid and Matt McBriar.

Alpha, Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, 9pm to 3am, Dhs50, free for ladies before midnight.

Tel: (04) 7022640

Lady Lea @ Home Big in South Africa, Lady Lea visits our shores for a night of funky, progressive house, SA style.

Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 8pm to 3am, Dhs100, free for FACE card holders all night and ladies before midnight. Tel: (04) 3379470

29

Battle of the DJs @ Relax@12 It’s Stew Magoo vs Chad Phunk in this battle of the funky house DJs. Sure to be a winner.

Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to late, free.

Tel: (02) 6545138. www.aloftabudhabi.com

30 Zane Lowe @ Home

GETTY/GALLO IMAGE

WHAT'S ON PICK

M.A.N.D.Y Minimal German techno served up by one of the finest acts in dance. Don’t miss it.

Rooftop, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, ladies and FACE card holders free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www. ohmrecords.com

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 91

TRAVEL

p95 Birmingham p101 Udaipur JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 93

FULL RANGE OF OFFSET PAPERS Print 2 or 5 Books? Leather or Hard Cover?

50 Postcards?

Wide Range of FSC CertiďŹ ed & 100% Bright White Recycled Paper Full Color at No Extra Cost

TRAVEL

Yummy Brum

WORLD TRAVEL

Take a culinary tour of Birmingham, England’s second city, a metropolis bursting with flavour It’s probably better known for its Dunlop tyre factory than its Michelin-star restaurants. But while Birmingham was once the industrial powerhouse of Britain, now it’s gaining a worldwide reputation as a culinary force. With its rich manufacturing heritage, Birmingham is still famous for global food brands like Cadbury’s chocolate, HP Sauce, Bird’s Custard and Typhoo Tea. Yet it’s Birmingham’s kitchens, rather than its factories, that are whetting the appetites of epicureans in search of the UK’s next gastronomic hotspot.

In Purnell’s, Simpson’s and Turner’s, it has three restaurants with a Michelin star, which is more than any other English city outside of London. On top of that, Lasan, an upscale Indian restaurant in the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter, was recently named Britain’s best local restaurant on Gordon Ramsay’s F-Word TV show. It’s one of a glut of up-and-coming eateries vying to grab Birmingham’s next haul of Michelin accolades. Together they make up a burgeoning movement of high-end restaurants that for the last few years have been at the heart of a gourmet renaissance.

But it hasn’t always been this way.

For many years the London press took great delight in lambasting Birmingham as a food and restaurant backwater – a fact that local chef Glynn Purnell knows only too well. “It is frustrating,” he bemoans in the understated reception room at his restaurant in the financial district. “When I first started up in Birmingham in 2003, it was named a culinary desert. It was supposed to be the second city,

Selfridges and St Martin’s Church at dusk

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 95

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TRAVEL | BIRMINGHAM

Where to eat MICHELIN STAR Simpson’s 20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Tel: (+44) 121 4543434. www. simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk

FUTURE STARS Love’s The Glasshouse, Canal Square, Browning Street, Birmingham.

Tel: (+44) 121 4545151. www.loves-restaurant.co.uk

Turner’s of Harborne 69 High Street, Birmingham.

Tel: (+44) 121 4264440. www. turnersofharborne.com

Edmunds BALTI Al Frash 6 Central Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham. Tel: (+44) 121 6334944. 186 Ladypool Road, Birmingham. Tel: (+44) 121 www.edmundsbirmingham.com 7533120.

Lasan www.alfrash.com 3 to 4 Dakota Buildings, Shabab James Street, St Paul's Square, 136 to 165 Ladypool Road, Birmingham. Tel: (+44) 121 Birmingham. Tel: (+44) 121 2123664. www.lasangroup.com/ 4402893 restaurant

Purnell’s 55 Cornwall Street, Birmingham.

Tel: (+44) 121 2129799. www. purnellsrestaurant.com

Victoria Square

Shahi Nan Kebab 353 Stratford Road, Birmingham. Tel: (+44) 121 7722787

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and although there have always been great places to eat, it was all roll-your-sleeves-up, faggots and mushy peas, Chinese, baltis, curries, curries and curries. When I first opened people were scratching their heads wondering why it didn’t say Patel’s on the front, let alone Purnell’s.”

It’s true that the city’s diverse multicultural population has helped to shape its restaurant scene.

This is the birthplace of the balti, invented in the Sparkbrook area of the city by Pakistani and Kashmiri migrants in the 1970s. Cooked and served in a wok-like steel bowl, and traditionally eaten with scoops of naan bread rather than cutlery, the no-frills curry can be found in hundreds of small independent restaurants in Birmingham, and many more across Britain.

But the balti is most ubiquitous in its ancestral heartland – the network of streets a few miles south of the city centre known as the Balti Triangle. It’s there, in a tiny balti-house called Shahi Nan Kebab that we share a table with Andy Munro – balti aficionado, spokesman for the Asian Balti Association and the man who’s trying to reclaim the balti for Birmingham. As we get stuck in with our hands, he tells me about his application to get the Birmingham balti granted protected geographical status, like Cornish clotted cream or Arbroath smokies.

“I’m going to call it the ‘Birmingham balti’, because that’s where it started,” he says over his steaming chicken and mushroom

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TRAVEL | BIRMINGHAM

(Above) On the canal (Right) The BT Tower

(Above) Sea bream at Lasan CORBIS

balti. “I don’t really care – if anyone says they want to do a balti chicken, they can. They can do it in Scotland, and do it badly for all I care. But what I want is the Birmingham balti to be the Birmingham balti.” While the balti has long enjoyed legendary status and a devoted following that’s bordering on the fanatical, it’s only recently that Birmingham began to flourish at the other end of the culinary compass.

Birmingham, or Brum as it is affectionately nicknamed, is traditionally a working class city.

During the Industrial Revolution it was known as ‘the workshop of the world’ before it became a manufacturing hub for the British motor industry, producing the Mini and Rover car marques.

Brummies are typically among the most down-to-earth people in Britain, customarily self-effacing and usually with an irreverent sense of humour. No wonder it’s taken a while for them to get used to the idea of fine dining.

“As soon as people hear the words ‘Michelin star restaurant’ it puts the fear of God into them,” says Purnell with a distinctive Birmingham twang. “They think it’s going to be too expensive, full of people in dicky-bows and waiters with serious faces. We take our food seriously, but we’re also in the hospitality industry. Our job is to invite, to make people feel at home.

It’s executed at a very high level, but anyone can understand it wherever they’re from, from Buckingham Palace to a council estate.”

Purnell’s own council estate upbringing in Birmingham

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 97

TRAVEL | BIRMINGHAM Birmingham be dismissed as the concrete jungle it was in the 1960s and 1970s. Inner city decay has made way for urban regeneration, and recent developments like the TASTE OF BIRMINGHAM BBC GOOD FOOD Mailbox, the Bull Ring and the Featuring local restaurants, plus exhibitors from SHOW canal-side Brindleyplace complex all over Britain, from Aga Rangemaster See the likes of Gordon have brought exciting shops, bars ovens and kitchen appliances, to Yum Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and and restaurants to the city, along Yum Tree Fudge.

James Martin cooking live with a new lease of life.

Jul 16 to 18, Cannon Hill Park, at one of Britain’s biggest and Next to Purnell’s in the Michelin Birmingham, Dhs80 to Dhs229. best food shows.

Guide is Simpson’s, a modern E-mail: info@marketingbirmingham.

Nov 24 to 28, NEC Birmingham, Birmingham.

French restaurant occupying a com http://taste.visitbirmingham.com www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com grade II-listed Georgian townhouse in the Edgbaston area, not far from the Botanical Gardens and the resonates throughout his food. One Cornflakes in a Michelin-star map is evident in his restaurant, famous cricket ground. Owner of his signature dishes is poached restaurant? You’d better believe which is full of grainy monochrome Andreas Antona and executive chef egg yolk with smoked haddock it. From the sauce to the garnish, photographs of the city’s diverse Luke Tipping have retained their infused milk foam, scattered with Purnell’s food is strewn with and often maligned architecture.

Michelin star since the restaurant curry oil and cornflakes. “My mom childhood references, quirky “I paid a guy to go and walk moved to Birmingham from nearby used to cook me haddock,” he flourishes and post-modern gags. around within a square mile of Kenilworth in 2004. Then there’s reminisces. “We used to go down “My food’s got a sense of humour,” the restaurant and take pictures.

Turner’s on Harborne High Street, the Bull Ring market and get the he says with a mischievous grin.

Now people have lunch and they which offers one of the cheapest smoked fish, which she’d put in “If you know me and you eat my say, is that New York, or is that the Michelin star lunches available a pan with milk on the electric food, then you get it. If you’re going Parthenon in Athens? No, it’s the anywhere, at Dhs130 for three cooker. She’d poach the eggs in the to put Birmingham into the shell town hall in Birmingham.” courses. Owner and head chef milk, because the milk tasted more of a person, that would be me. I’ll Indeed, a stroll around the Richard Turner, like Glynn Purnell of haddock than the haddock did. tell you how it is. We do have a joke town centre reveals a city with a and Luke Tipping, was born and So my dish is basically egg with about ourselves, but at the same rich history, a vibrant present and bred in Birmingham. smoked haddock foam. And then time it’s quite a nice way of looking a penchant for reinventing itself.

They are three young chefs who cornflakes because I was always at yourself. You can’t take yourself Grand Georgian and Victorian have sparked the city’s restaurant starving and my pockets were always too seriously.” designs sit beside undulating renaissance, but the hope is that full of cornflakes. I used to go in That Purnell is deadly serious modern edifices like the Selfridges many more will follow in their the cupboard, get the box, grab a about establishing Birmingham store at the revamped Bull Ring footsteps. “It’s make or break in the handful of cornflakes, whack!” as a destination on the culinary shopping centre. No longer can next couple of years, I think,” says Purnell. “For me, Birmingham has just started to make a bit of noise, we need to maintain that and just embrace what we have. My dream is to have a three-star restaurant in Birmingham. Now we’re one step closer.”

Food festivals in Brum

Need to know How to get there: Emirates flies daily from Dubai to Birmingham, from Dhs3,495 Accommodation: The City Inn hotel on Brindleyplace is within walking distance of the bars and clubs of Broad Street, the Bull Ring, the Convention Centre and the Mailbox bar and restaurant complex. From Dhs400 per night Lasan 98 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

Currency: GBP1 = Dhs5.3

DESERT SAFARI

A COOL EVENING IN THE MYSTERIOUS DUBAI DESERT

Dune Bashing - Sand Boarding - Camel Riding Henna Tattoos - Shisha - Belly Dance & Lavish Buffet cum BBQ Dinner - Coffee - Soft Drinks

DHS 150 Per Person

Pick-up and drop by 4WD Timings: Pick-up 3.30 to 4.00pm, Drop Back 9:00 to 9:30pm (approx.)

DHOW CRUISE WITH DINNER AN EVENING OF CHARM & ELEGANCE

On a Traditional Two Tier Arabian Wooden Dhow Two Hours Cruising - Soft Music Lavish Buffet Dinner -Tea - Coffee - Soft Drinks

DHS 120 Per Person

Timings: 8.30pm to 10.30pm (approx.)

MOUNTAIN SAFARI TO HATTA WADI DUBAI RED DUNES, MOUNTAINS & WADI SPECTACULAR

Dune bashing at Big Red, Sand Boarding, Thrilling Mountain & Wadi drive, Hatta Freshwater Pools, Heritage Village, Lunch at Hatta Fort Hotel

DHS 300 Per Person

Pick-up and drop by 4WD Timings: Pick-up 8.00am, Drop Back 2.30pm (approx.)

DEEP SEA FISHING

A MUST DO DUBAI DAY OUT EXPERIENCE

Exclusive charter or on Sharing basis in the hottest sailfish venue in the world. Fishing equipment - Equipped & Fully Insured - Experienced Skipper & Crew - Light Refreshments

DHS 400

Sharing Per Person

0 DHS 200 e Upto Exclusiv 8 Pax.

Pick-up and drop-back facility included

AMAZING DIBBA HAVE A PRO-ACTIVE DAY OUT

Cruising - Swimming - Snorkeling - Banana Boat ride & hand line Fishing Refreshments & Buffet Lunch served on board.

DHS 320 Per Person

Pick-up and drop back facility included Timings: Pick-up: 7.00 to 7.30am, Drop Back: 6.30 to 7.00pm (approx.)

SPECTACULAR KHASAB HAVE A GREAT DAY OUT

Cruise to Scenic Fjords, Swim, Snorkel & Do Dolphin Watching Refreshments & Lunch served on board.

Six Hours Dhow Trip from Khasab Harbour Pick-up and drop back facility included

DHS 520 Per Person

TRAVEL | UDAIPUR

City Palace In Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

A royal welcome

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Rajasthan is rich with magic, mystery and adventure, but only in Udaipur is it possible to fully experience the former wealth and splendour of the Maharaja

palace roof and the royal treatment officially begins. The red carpet, although dutifully present, is hardly worth a mention.

Welcome to Udaipur, a fairytale concoction of palaces that stretch over city blocks, float upon lakes or hide above the clouds. A fantasy turned reality by the ruling dynasty of Udaipur, the Maharajas, in the mid 16th century, who, wishing to trump the splendour of rival Rajasthani rulers, set about enlarging Lake The arrival of a boat at the jetty of Pichola, before planting two the Lake Palace Hotel never goes sparkling white palaces slap bang unnoticed. The towering figure of in the middle of the water. With an authentically clad Indian butler, the City Palace Complex also with his refined moustache and stretching dominantly across the uniform glistening in deep red eastern shore of the lake and the and gold, is immediately on hand Monsoon Palace perched upon to guide you under the shelter one of the distant hillsides, the of an equally large and elegant Maharaja had smugly created an parasol up the hotel’s winding exotic palace playground. stairs. Once at the top, a shower Modernity and expansion of of regal petals descends from the the surrounding city, combined

REGIONAL TRAVEL

with the ecological effect on Lake Pichola, has inevitably sucked some of the grandeur and mystique from the palaces. Measly monsoons in recent years have left the once huge expanse of water little more than a large pond during the summer months, sprouting a ring of green vegetation around the lake’s former banks. Yet with the present-day Maharaja astutely converting part of its current residency into an impressive museum and allowing both floating palaces to become luxury hotels, Udaipur still offers hospitality fit for a king – albeit with a touch of faded charm.

Cropped behind the City Palace Complex, the old city certainly adds an element of rough and tumble. All the city’s narrow winding streets lead uphill to Jagdish Temple, where the chaotic explosion of colour, smell and sound reminds you that you

Gangaur boat are firmly lost in the subcontinent. Endless shops selling every conceivable form of Rajasthani handicraft spill out into the path of the unwary passerby and the occasional meandering cow. Here the tradition of Rajput painting is still in visible flow. Local artists beaver away in shady courtyards recreating the formulaic twodimensional, yet deeply intricate miniatures that were once used JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 101

TRAVEL | UDAIPUR

ROYAL PURSUITS

L Re-watch the 1983 film

Octopussy, where Mr Bond suavely frolics in the Lake Palace, Monsoon Palace and Old City.

L Sip on a decadent dry Martini, shaken not stirred of course, in the open air Sunset Terrace at the Fateh Prakesh Palace Hotel. The terrace boasts arguably the best views of the nearby Lake Palace Hotel and you will be served by an elegant waiter in white Rajasthani uniform complete with saffron-coloured turban and regal sash.

L Become a court painter for a day and spend a few hours under the talented eyes of one of the city’s artists who will help you create your very own Rajput miniature using traditional techniques on vibrant silk.

Help can be stretched to its euphemistic limits for those less artistically inclined.

L Dine like a Maharaja on the finest local cuisine at Ambrai. Set within the walls of the stunning Amet Haveli Hotel on the western banks Lake Pichola, the restaurant’s evening views of the illuminated Lake and City Palaces are nothing short of magical. They do a mean tandoori chicken, too.

L Visit the Maharajas’ impressive collection of vintage and classic cars at the Garden Hotel.

An automobile fanatic’s paradise, it includes the 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom featured in Octopussy and comes with a delectable allyou-can-eat vegetable thali and soft drink for the not-so kingly sum of Dhs12.

102 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

Lake Pichola to portray the extravagant lifestyle of the Rajasthani elite. Today these artists exist not only to delight tourists, but also to help restore colour to the whitewashed city walls. Life-sized paintings of princely figures from the royal court atop noble elephants are found in their former glory dotted around the Old City and City Palace Complex.

To view the best examples of these, while getting maximum royalty for your rupee, buy a package entrance ticket for the City Palace Museum, which also includes a tour of the lake.

Although only roughly 30 per cent of the City Palace Complex is open to the general public – the majority remains the private residency of the Maharaja – the museum alone is worth a good half day’s wander owing to its exhausting collection of Mughal statues, regal paintings and evocatively coloured rooms. The tour leads you through bright bedrooms with stained glass windows – where meticulous miniatures depicting royal tiger hunts or famous past battles have again been given a fresh lick of paint – and up through winding

Sajjan Niwas Suite at Taj Lake Palace staircases to the palace’s upper terraces. The views from the top are some of the finest of Lake Pichola.

A short walk along the bank of the lake leads to Bansi Ghat jetty, which has a production line of small boats that follow one another across the murky water like a chain of idle ducks. The boat tour provides a tranquil way to absorb the imposing lakeside palace walls and distant cascading hillsides. After ten minutes or so, it stops off for a brief visit to Jagmandir Island, home to the Maharaja-owned palace-cumhotel. Guarded by a façade of aggressive looking stone elephants, the entrance to Jagmandir is striking but the interior is less

so. There is little but a central courtyard to explore inside, which although large, mainly comprises redundant space and has seen better days. While it is a pleasant and shady enough spot to enjoy a refreshing beverage or two, it is impossible not to glance enviously across at the ethereal Lake Palace Hotel.

These days, the only way to infiltrate the Lake Palace’s watery defences is to splash out on one of the hotel’s 66 rooms or 17 suites. The palace was leased to Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces in 1971, which has since completed extensive restoration work to the property, helping to make it one of India’s most unique hotel experiences. With its fountain-filled courtyards and pillared enclosures, the palace was once an obvious cool retreat for the Maharaja during the summer and a similar rationale can be applied now.

However, as tempting as it would be to stay forever in the marble womb of the Lake Palace, the definitive spot for sunset in Udaipur lies at the top of the Avaralli hills. Sajjan Garh Palace – or the Monsoon Palace – is a half hour’s rickshaw ride away from the city centre, followed by a brief but hefty climb in a jeep to the top. Although far less aesthetically pleasing and far more neglected than Udaipur’s other palaces, it nevertheless offers unrivalled panoramic views. And it’s the pink desert sun’s closing ceremony that really captures the imagination, providing a suitably rich and sumptuous royal farewell to the city, lake and hill palaces of Udaipur.

GETTING THERE Flights from Dubai to Udaipur with Emirates via Delhi cost from Dhs3,000. The rail journey from Delhi to Udaipur City takes 12 hours and will set you back a mere Dhs150 for a first class ticket.

“Welcome to Udaipur, a fairytale concoction of palaces that stretch over city blocks, float upon lakes or hide above the clouds”

A BUSINESS HOTEL THAT SPECIALIZES IN HAVING FUN. HOW COME?

When it comes to Family Fun, we mean business.

Welcome to Cristal Hotel.

For the executive who’s on the go all week, Friday offers you a relaxed, extra special family treat.

International buffet in GEMS Restaurant with kids entertainment including a magic show, face painting and Coco the clown, all for only AED 119* per person.

(Children under 5 free) Call us a Hotel if you want, we prefer to be thought of as dynamic hospitality.

Try us, you will enjoy.

Call 02 652 0000 Zayed the 1st Street, adjacent to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre * Subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee

HOTEL / ABU DHABI

Part of the Cristal Group.

DYNAMIC HOSPITALITY

THE HOT LIST THE TEN BEST BRUNCHES, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND SPAS THIS MONTH

Key

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p106 p108 p110 p112

Brunches Bars Restaurants Spas

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 105

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH

Traiteur

Thai Kitchen

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

PRICE

BEST FOR

LOCATION

FOOD

ATMOSPHERE

1 Thai Kitchen „

HOT ON THE H, YaEchEtLClS ub

11 Aquara , Le 12 Yalumba ubai Méridien D el ardeen Hot 13 Esca, Qam Souk Al Bahar , ee Tr 14 Mango f Club Al Badia Gol 15 Blades,

Zuma

2 Belgian Beer Café –

3 Zuma „

4 Traiteur „

5 Spectrum On One „

It’s popular with families, but great for a laugh with your mates. It’s all things to all men (and women).

It’s a proper pub so expect a very lively time, especially during the summer months when everyone will want a table indoors.

It’s always busy but never overly raucous.

The live band and open kitchen put a spring in Traiteur’s step.

Book well in advance. This cool shelter from the summer sun will be incredibly popular for the next two months or so.

Endless tiny plates of joy. We predict sharing is going to be big in 2010.

Sturdy Belgian grub a la carte and a beautiful buffet.

Freshly made sushi and sashimi, and a nice selection of dishes from the menu.

Chef Franck Detrait and his team produce the best brasserie dishes in Dubai.

With eight kitchens providing cuisine from Europe, Thailand, China, India, Japan and the Middle East, you’ll have more choice than a person is entitled to.

It’s summer so you’ll want to dine inside. Fortunately the interior is one of the most attractive in town.

The terrace, which gives the BBC its edge during the cooler months, is a no-go area during the summer months. So expect it to be pretty busy at the buffet.

DIFC has a royal flush of luxury brands and Zuma is the king.

It’s an architectural delight. The most memorable restaurant in the city.

It has its own floor in the hotel and there’s no better place to escape the summer sun.

Those seeking a sophisticated afternoon’s eating.

An extended pub lunch or a right old knees-up.

Do you want the best Japanese food in town? Zuma is for you.

Romantics and foodies.

Anyone who’s sick of the summer heat and fancies and endless flow of bubbles.

Just Dhs225 with alcohol. That is what we refer to in the trade as a bargain.

At Dhs199 it’s the best value brunch in Dubai.

Not cheap at Dhs385 with alcohol. But you’ll have no complaints.

Up to you. Dhs295 sans alcohol, Dhs425 with house beverages, Dhs550 with Veuve Cliquot or Dhs1,500 with a limo pick up.

Dhs550. Are you kidding? Nobody charges that much for brunch anymore.

Just pipping the BBC to the post, Thai Kitchen is a worthy winner of the best brunch in town title.

Blimey it’s tight here at the top. There really is very little separating Thai Kitchen and the BBC.

Best Japanese restaurant in the UAE.

Ooh la-la.

Here comes the sun. Here go the brunchers.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai noon to 4pm Tel: (04) 3172222 www. dubai.park.hyatt.com

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai 1pm to 4pm Tel: (04) 7011128 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai 12.30pm to 4pm Tel: (04) 3172222 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai noon to 3pm Tel: (04) 3325555 www.fairmont.com/dubai

106 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai 12.30pm to 4pm Tel: (04) 4255660 www.zumarestaurant.com

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES Al Qasr

Bice Mare

6 Al Qasr –

7 Media One –

8 Maya ‰

9 Bubbalicious –

10 Bice Mare –

This is one brunch that will never be lacking patrons, despite the exorbitant price.

Not as popular as it was for the first few months after opening, but it still entices enough brunchers to create a buzz.

It’s outside so it depends on the number of people willing to brave the heat. We’ll still be there. There’s no better place to be in the summer than submerged in a cool pool.

A live band, acrobats and a giant feast. Bubbalicious is never quiet.

It’s a la carte so it’s not too much different to eating lunch.

They serve oxtail burger, sushi and everything in between. And a lot of the food is prepared to order.

Seafood and salad, roast beef, pizza to order and an inviting dessert counter.

Authentic Mexican from the team at celeb chef Richard Sandoval’s Mexican restaurant. Platters of grilled meat and fish with jugs of sangria are served between 1pm and 4pm on the Maya terrace.

Ten live cooking stations across three restaurants (Spice Emporium, Hunters and Blue Orange). You won’t go home hungry.

As the name suggests, seafood is what Bice Mare is all about. But there’s also some lovely focaccia, and a sublime crème brûlée.

There are three rooms at Al Qasr so who cares if you can’t go outside?

It’s just a hop, skip and a jump, or a lazy taxi journey, from Dubai Marina’s many bars. Perfect for those party people looking to continue the revelry.

The setting is the great outdoors, which could be a problem at this time of year. But with access to Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort’s pool and beach, a live DJ and mariachi band, there are worse places to be this summer.

It’s all about indoors for the next couple of months and Bubbalicious has plenty to keep you occupied.

The terrace looks out at the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

Anyone and everyone should brunch at Al Qasr at least once a year.

Families and friends will both fit in nicely.

Brunchers who simply must go outside.

Nobody could turn their nose up at a petting zoo, cinema and acrobats, could they?

Ideal for a birthday lunch or catching up with friends over excellent food and a few Peronis.

Dhs495 is far too much for a brunch in these tight times.

Just Dhs240. That’s more like it.

Well done, Media One.

Dhs300 for pool and beach access from 10am to 6pm, plus lunch and a 30 per cent beverage discount between 5pm and 7pm. Bargain.

It’s Dhs450 for free-flowing Laurent Perrier, cocktails, beer and wine, or Dhs299 excluding alcohol. Splash out – the cocktails are impressive.

Dhs190 per person based on a minimum of four people.

Alcohol is an extra Dhs100 each.

Expensive, but we can’t help but love it.

Make sure you ask about the most recent deals when you make your booking.

If you’re going to go outside, go here.

Is there another brunch in Dubai with a petting zoo?

Not your typical Dubai brunch, but the food is superb.

Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai noon to 4pm Tel: (04) 4271000 www.mediaonehotel.com

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina 10am to 6pm Tel: (04) 3165550 www.leroyalmeridien-dubai.com

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

The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai 1pm to 4pm Tel: (04) 5117136 www.starwoodhotels.com

Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai noon to 4pm Tel: (04) 4230982

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 107

THE HOT LIST BARS THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES Zuma

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

PRICE

BEST FOR

LOCATION

ATMOSPHERE

Caramel

1 Belgian Beer Café –

2 Armani / Prive

3 Neos

Still riding high at number one, the BBC is our top pick for watching the World Cup, beer in one hand, waffle in the other.

Enjoy it before the big final.

Dark and sultry, Prive has spared no expense. There’s a sweeping staircase, giant LED screen and illuminated marble booths. It’s a show-stopper.

There’s valet parking and a cracking view of the skyline.

Add in all the matches and we don’t think you need anything else on a balmy Dubai night.

*

4 Caramel ‰

5 Barasti ‰

Dominated by a jaw-dropping window and art deco pillars, Neos is very smart, very adult and reassuringly expensive.

Buzzing. Caramel cleverly conspires to whisk you away from the desert to some slick city far from home.

Barasti’s World Cup stadium is staying up throughout July for the rest of the football and some music action on Thursday nights from Dubai DJs.

In the Armani Hotel in the tallest building in the world. Surely one of the most prestigious addresses on the planet? And it’s all indoors. Perfect for summer.

Sky high on the 63rd floor, you’ll need to take two lifts to reach this slick spot with its cracking view over Dubai.

The clever kids at Caramel have enclosed the back patio and chilled it to icy perfection for the summer. Ideal respite from the shimmering DIFC heat.

Right on the beach, the Mega Dome can fit 1,200 footy fans.

Upstairs you’ll find the usual mix of live music and postbrunch antics.

Enjoy football fever in style, with an extensive European menu and a cosy pub feel.

Dropping your dirhams and the people watching. You’ll spend the night wondering what on earth everyone does for a living.

Checking out the skyline, martini in hand. The drinks list will impress even the most jaded Dubai dwellers.

We went for cocktails but it turned into a very late night.

Trust us, Caramel is ideal for mid-week mischief.

We reckon Barasti will have the best atmosphere in town this summer. See you there.

Some of the beers will set you back over Dhs50 each, but there are goal-related discounts on the last 16 category matches.

Ouch. We paid Dhs500 for three drinks. You may want to sip slowly and stay away from double measures.

The cocktails are around Dhs50 but spirits are as steep as the Burj Khalifa.

Given the neighbourhood it’s far from cheap, but ladies get half price Cosmos on Tuesdays from 6pm to 9pm.

It’s not the cheapest, but a bucket of beers between mates will be all you need for the big match.

Who doesn’t love great food, cold drinks and good chat at a decent price?

This lounge is more of a VIP lifestyle choice than simply a place to buy a drink. It’s packed with Dubai’s wealthiest party people, but with prices like that we’re keeping it for special occasions.

With its 1920s style in the middle of Bladerunner skyscrapers, Neos is a great choice for wowing visitors, taking a first date or just enjoying a mingle at the bar.

Still enjoying its first flush of success, it can be rather busy at Caramel and the service can be dismissive at times. Our advice?

Book a table.

Barasti is a reliable favourite that will come into its own this summer. We were dreading the Mega Dome coming down after the footie final so these Thursday night DJ sessions are great news.

Crowne Plaza, DFC, Dubai Sun to Mon, 6pm to 2am, Tue to Wed, noon to 2am, Thurs to Fri, noon to 3am Tel: (04) 7012222 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Old Town, Dubai Mon to Sat 10pm to 3am Tel: (04) 8883888 www.armanihotels.com

The Address Downtown Dubai, Dubai 6pm to 2.30am Tel: (04) 4368927 www.the address.com

Building 3, DIFC, Dubai Sun to Thurs 11am to 2am, Fri 5pm to 2am Tel: (04) 4256677 www.carameldubai.com

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Dubai 11am to 2am Tel: (04) 3993333 www.lemeridien-minaseyahi. com

WHAT’SON ON JULY JULY2010 2010 108 WHAT’S

*

HOT ON EELSs THE H , The Addres

Nezesaussi Grill

THE HOT LIST BARS

11 Shades a Dubai Marin owntown e Address D Th s, eo N 12 Burj Dubai s , The Addres 13 Amatista Mall ai Dub ge, Garhoud 14 Irish Villa , Madinat nk 15 Left Ba Jumeirah

6 The Terrace ‰

7 Warehouse „

8 Zuma ‰

9 Nezesaussi Grill –

10 Calabar ‰

The Terrace is a sophisticated spot to recline, drink in hand, and watch the rest of the football. Ideal when the screaming gets too much.

Warehouse is close to a giant majlis that’s screening the matches, but this super-sized space also has a beer bar, Japanese restaurant, bar, VIP rooms and club space.

It’s always nice to go a bit Mad Men with suits and frocks for an upmarket night at Zuma. You’ll find a crowd of professional minglers who play as hard as they work.

One of the finest sports bars in town, with Flintstones-style ribs and screens everywhere. Thanks to the World Cup, Nezesaussi is back in the Hot List.

It’s too hot to enjoy Calabar’s lovely outdoor space but the location keeps it in the Hot List. Just.

When the World Cup is over The Terrace remains one of our favourite spots. It’s too hot to sit outside but the bright bar still offers great views across the creek.

Right in the middle of Le Méridien Village so ideal for a post-brunch drink or taking things up a level after drinks at the Irish Village.

The football-hating contingent of What’s On will be hiding from the hooligans at Zuma this summer.

Then maybe shopping at Dries Van Noten. Downtown chic at DIFC.

It’s a welcome hideaway from the ever-so glam bars elsewhere in Old Town, but well-positioned so you can have the best of both worlds.

Check out the Burj Khalifa upclose, this place is at the heart of Old Town.

We always head to The Terrace after brunch at Thai Kitchen. It’s unrivalled for sundowners.

You’ll please everyone at Warehouse, from sushi lovers to those who prefer beer and frites.

It’s all multi-levels, glass and trendy folks, so head here if you want to feel grown-up for a few hours. Then ruin it with Sake.

Meaty, meaty goodness. Ribs, pies, steaks and ‘fush and chups’ all washed down with surprisingly good wines.

A very popular choice for groups, Calabar is great for cocktails and a catch up or a birthday party.

There are promotions galore. Half price drinks between 6pm and 9pm on Saturday and Monday and many more.

We love the ladies’ night on Tuesday where the fairer sex pay Dhs69 for all they can drink while the gents get the same for Dhs99.

We’ve paid over Dhs90 for a glass of house white. Best to stick to beers and cocktails.

Food is on the pricey side for a pub but portions are huge and the ingredients are top-quality.

It’s not cheap, but this bar is stylsh enough to forgive and you won’t be knocking them back anyway.

A glass of bubbly and the Raw Bar seafood platter will mean you may have the most civilised football Terrace in existence.

We thoroughly recommend lining your stomach in Warehouse before joining the crowds in the massive majlis for some sporting action.

It’s a shame the patio is out of action (hence the slip down our charts), but hot bar staff, a smart international crowd and one of the slickest brunches in town keeps Zuma in the Hot List.

Nezesaussi strikes the balance between sports and style. It’s friendly enough for non-athletic types but the banter at the bar should get some healthy discussions going.

On Wednesdays check out the sushi buffet (Dhs210 with sake) next door at Fazaris before rounding off the evening at Calabar. The weekend starts here.

Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, Dubai noon to midnight Tel: (04) 7022500 www.lemeridien-dubai.com

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai Fri to Wed, 12pm to 2am, Thurs, 12pm to 3am Tel: (04) 4255660 www.zumarestaurant.com

Al Manzil Hotel, Burj Boulevard, Old Town, Dubai Sun to Thurs, 6pm to 2pm, Fri and Sat, noon to 2am Tel: (04) 4285927 www.southernsunme.com

The Address Downtown Burj Dubai, Dubai 6.30pm to 2am Tel: (04) 4368888 www.theaddress.com

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai noon to 2am Tel: (04) 6021234 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 109

THE HOT LIST RESTAURANTS HOT ON EELSa THE H rma, Al Badi

THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE Traiteur

11 Terra Fi Golf Club Grill, 12 Exchange t The Fairmon ce e Pala 13 Asado, Th Al Bahar , Souk 14 Margaux hen, 15 Thai Kitc ai Dub Park Hyatt

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

PRICE

LOCATION

FOOD

INTERIOR

ATMOSPHERE

Rivington Grill

1 Rivington Grill –

2 Traiteur –

3 Verre „

4 Zuma –

5 RefletsParPierre Gagnaire ‰

Everyone should visit the Riv at least once a month. Many already do. Book a table.

If you’re looking for somewhere special to wow your significant other or potential beau, there’s nowhere better in the UAE.

A true fine dining experience.

The Ramsay name ensures a constant flow of new customers, whilst Scott Price’s food wins new devotees. A winning formula.

Busy, but harmonious. Just as a restaurant should be.

Eating at Reflets is a special occasion and everyone treats it as such. It’s not stuffy, but pop on a nice dress or a suit and throw yourself into the experience.

Still fresh, simple and stylish, just like the food. White walls and linen, dark wood floors and furniture, and chalkboards carrying the day’s specials.

They don’t call it the restaurant with the most memorable design in Dubai for nothing.

Slick, modern and monotone, with a chef’s table and private dining room.

Eat downstairs in sleek, sexy surrounds and drink upstairs at the busy bar.

Think Paris, think glamour, think ever so slightly camp.

Check out our Summer Lovin’ feature on page 57 for the new produce adorning Rivington’s summer menu.

Chef Franck Detrait’s brasserie menu is full of faultless French classics.

Scott Price is another Ramsay protege destined for greatness.

We’re going to have to go back to try the daily special of beef Wellington soon.

Colin Clague and his team are skilled and inventive. Things never seem tired at Zuma.

Ostentatious, extraordinary and seemingly endless. It’s not just dinner – it’s a culinary holiday.

You can’t go wrong with Souk Al Bahar. The terrace is out for the summer, though.

Park Hyatt Dubai is still our favourite hotel.

Deira. Not inspiring. Verre.

Worth the journey.

Without Zuma DIFC would not have become the ‘it’ destination it is today.

The InterCon at DFC does everything right as far as we’re concerned.

Dhs400 for two. Dhs100 for the lunch menu. Can’t say fairer than that.

Three courses for two for Dhs615. Dhs280 per person for the three-course set menu.

Dhs395 per person for threecourses and Dhs495 for the six course menu.

Worth every dirham of the Dhs1,000 you’ll pay for two.

Dinner should be reserved for special occassions, but the Dhs230 lunch makes Reflet accessible to all.

It’s going to take something pretty special to shift RG from the top spot.

Just thinking about it makes our tummies rumble.

The new fixed pricing system sends Verre shooting up the Hot List.

The best Japanese restaurant in Dubai. Is anyone ever going to take away Zuma’s crown?

The daddy of Dubai’s fine dining scene.

Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai noon to 11pm Tel: (04) 4230903 www.rivingtongrill.ae

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight Tel: (04) 3172222 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com

Hilton Dubai Creek 7pm to 11.30pm (closed Saturdays) Tel: (04) 2277550 www.gordonramsay.com

Building 6, Gate Village, DIFC noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight Tel: (04) 4255660 www.zumarestaurant.com

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai 7pm to 1am Tel: (04) 7011128 www.ichotelsgroup.com

WHAT’SON ON JULY JULY2010 2010 110 WHAT’S

THE HOT LIST RESTAURANTS Indego

Armani Ristorante

6 Armani Ristorante –

7 Okku „

8 Rhodes Mezzanine „

9 Indego ‰

10 Rare –

As you’d expect from the fashion maestro, Ristorante is suave, louche and sophisticated. And with head chef Alessandro Salvatico and restaurant manager Roberto Di Pierno schmoozing with diners tableside, there’s never a dull moment here.

Every table at Okku has been occupied every time we’ve visited.

Book ahead to avoid missing out on the delights of the recently reinvigorated menu.

The recent menu changes are sure to set tongues wagging and boost bookings.

Vineet Bhatia’s name brings them in, the mould-breaking cuisine brings them back time and again.

The terrace is out and Rare without its alfresco option is a lesser beast. But it will give us a chance to enjoy the true restaurant buzz indoors.

The lighting is right, the view is appealing, there’s comfortable booth seating and a bright open kitchen. Armani certainly knows how to impress us.

Subterranean, sexy and as cool as a cucumber in dark glasses.

White with the odd touch of neon and a tiny, tantalising glimpse of the busy kitchen.

Warm lighting, modern design and comfortable furniture. A delicious blend of Michelin and Mumbai.

As smart as a dandy at a wedding.

Faultless. Check out the menu changes in our Summer Lovin’ feature, p57.

Every time we eat at Bhatia’s place we’re suprised by the inventiveness of the cuisine. This is Indian food as you have never seen or tasted it before.

Rare (see where the name came from?) meat is the speciality.

Where else in the UAE can you order elk or bison carpaccio?

Simple Italian dishes with a flourish We tried the new menu this month.

We liked it. We liked it a lot. Miso cooked and presented beautifully. lobster with crispy rice was the star.

The Burj Khalifa is pretty much the best one can hope for.

Number One Sheikh Zayed Road.

Surely a Sheikh should live there?

Grosvenor House. Not half bad.

Or even a little bit bad. In fact, it’s all good.

Grosvenor House has two celeb chefs in residence. The most the competition can muster is one.

Desert Palm is a true hidden gem.

It doesn’t need a trendy location to bring the punters through the door.

Dhs850 for two.

We’re looking at three courses, sushi and sashimi for less than Dhs700. It undercuts the big boys (Zuma and Nobu) by Dhs300, at least.

At Dhs760 for two it’s one of the cheaper fine dining restaurants in Dubai.

Dhs800 for two for truly inspiring Indian cuisine is almost cheap.

Approaching the Dhs800 mark for two, so far from cheap, but money well spent in our book.

Our favourite Italian restaurant.

And we like Italian restaurants.

Okku has upped its always special game with an impressive new menu, earning its Hot List rise this month.

Gary’s tinkered with the menu.

Another excuse - not that one was needed - to visit.

Mr Bhatia does Indian like no other chef.

We love the terrace, but Rare is still a winner.

The Monarch Dubai, SZR noon to 3pm and 7pm to 2.30am Tel: (04) 5018777 www.okkudubai.com

Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai Mon to Sat, 7pm to midnight Tel: (04) 3998888 www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai Sun to Thurs, 7pm to 11pm Tel: (04) 3176000 www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, after International City, Dubai Mon to Sat 7pm to 10.30pm Tel: (04) 3238888. www.desertpalm.peraquum.com

Armani Hotel Dubai, Old Town midday to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm Tel: (04) 8883888 www.dubai.armanihotels.com

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 111

THE HOT LIST SPAS

HOT ON THE HEOldEToLwSn

, 11 Lilypond s Spa, 12 Timeles Al Maha a, Al Qasr 13 Talise Sp , JBR 14 Man/Age , 15 Assawan Burj Al Arab

THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE

Banyan Tree Al Wadi

2 Amara –

3 SensAsia Urban Spa –

4 Armani / Spa

5 The Spa ‰

The staff are among the best in the business following extensive training at Banyan Tree academies.

Inconspicuous and very professional, these guys make your experience at Amara truly pleasant.

Quiet and charming, they get the job done without causing a fuss but can answer any question you may have.

Staff have come from all over the world to work for Mr Armani. Our therapist was from South Africa and a pro at knot-busting.

Modern zen awaits you at this vast spa, with experienced therapists on hand to guide you from reception to relaxation.

MENU

Luxurious. Very luxurious. The Asian-inspired treatments will take you from the desert sands to distant shores.

Vast and decadent. Treatments are grouped by theme and there’s an emphasis on pampering packages. The food menu is great, too. Try the barbecue chicken.

Loads of choice and the innovative team behind the brand are always coming up with new treatments. We love specific massages like The High Heeler.

There’s no treatment list here, you just book a time slot (from 90 mins) and the therapist decides. See our full review on page 82 for details. Our deep tissue massage was outstanding.

With separate menus for ladies and gents you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Aromatherapy Associates treatments are highly recommended and the Jetlag package has saved our sanity.

THE SPA

The treatment rooms are lovely but The Rainforest hydrotherapy experience is the reason this spa is number one.

Gorgeous, with rooms boasting their own garden and outdoor shower. There’s even a music menu.

Small and intimate, it’s the ideal place to escape on a hot weekend. And the dressing gowns are amazing.

As stylish as you’d expect from Giorgio. The spa is slick, with dark greys and clean lines. Not a lot of relaxation space though.

You’d never expect this shrine to relaxation to be within five minutes of the manic Dubai Mall. A welcome surprise.

This is a five-star retreat and on the pricey side, but an hour in The Rainforest is only Dhs77 or free if staying at the resort.

Far from cheap, but there are monthly deals, and this is a retreat worth every fil, especially when you use the pool.

Pick wisely and treatments are reasonably priced, with an hour-long Balinese massage for Dhs310.

Actually, it’s not as bad as your bank manager might fear, with 90 minutes costing Dhs650, up to Dhs2,500 for a full day.

It’s steep, but the quality of treatments, therapists and postmassage snooze justify the bill.

Walk through The Rainforest and discover an ice igloo, brine cave, tropical rain showers, hammam and more. Not what you expect in Ras Al Khaimah.

Book a treatment costing more than Dhs460 at the weekends (or longer than an hour during the week) and you can use the pool, steam room and gym all day. And what a pool it is.

Allow some time afterwards to enjoy the amazing ginger tea and vegetable crudités in the turquoise relaxation room.

Seriously, that ginger tea is like golden nectar.

Answer some questions and a treatment is suggested for you.

Great for spa amateurs but not so suited to the control freaks out there. Our treatment was top-notch. Recommended.

Make time to nibble on the juicy dates and sip tea in the relaxation room. They nearly had to ask us to leave...

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah 10am to 10pm Tel: (07) 2067777 www. banyantree.com

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai 9am to 10pm Tel: (04) 6021234 www. dubai.park.hyatt.com

The Palm Jumeirah Beach Club, Dubai 10am to 10pm Tel: (04) 4227115 www.sensasiaspas.com

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Old Town, Dubai 9am to 9pm Tel: (04) 8883888 www.armanihotels.com

The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai 9am to 9pm Tel: (04) 4388888 www.theaddress.com

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

THERAPISTS

1 Banyan Tree Al Wadi –

PRICE

SensAsia Urban Spa

WHAT’SON ON JULY JULY2010 2010 112 WHAT’S

*

THE HOT LIST SPAS

The Spa

6 Thai Privilege Spa ‰

7 Lime Spa ‰

8 Mandara Spa ‰

9 Spa & Fitness Centre ‰

10 One&Only Spa ‰

The female therapists at this ladies-only spa undergo two years of training and the results are impressive.

The all-female staff will talk you through your treatment or leave you to snooze, depending on your preference.

Super friendly and guaranteed to make your spa time as enjoyable as possible.

The team at Atlantis will greet you with ginger tea, treat you to a top quality pamper then bring you more tea. We were chuffed.

Knowledgeable but unobtrusive, the staff are pros dedicated to creating a haven for you and your aching bones.

Extensive with everything from waxing and blow-dries to luxurious packages. They are pretty hot on discounts so give them a call to see what the monthly deal is.

From massage and body polishes to reflexology and ear candling, plus manis, pedis and haircuts, it’s all here. We haven’t tired of returning again and again.

Try the four-handed Mandara Massage. You’ll be pushed, pulled and pulverised into a state of somnolence by two therapists.

The extensive menu covers everything from expert pedicures and shaves to rituals to revel in.

Particularly recommended are the Clarins facials.

With spa, hammam, fitness centre and hair salon it is extensive, to say the least.

In a villa on Al Wasl Road, it’s a decadent escape with a lovely garden for yoga.

Clever one-way windows in the treatment rooms allow you to gaze onto lush green polo fields as you are indulged.

The softest dressing gowns in town, Elemis facials and a beautiful steam room are our highlights.

It’s an impressive space with vast staircase, beautiful ‘floating’ corridor and underwater-themed treatment rooms.

Silent, with cosy treatment rooms and a tranquil relaxation room, whilst the hammam offers a unique Arabian experience.

Surprisingly reasonable at around Dhs350 for an hour-long massage but they have deals running throughout DSS.

Sixty minutes of reflexology is a quite reasonable Dhs400.

We’d say it was mid-range. The excellent Muscle Ease massage is Dhs470 for 65 minutes.

It’s expensive, with two hour-long packages costing around Dhs1,000, but you’ll emerge a more relaxed and glowing version of yourself.

Various, but the Royal Hammam treatment is a fair Dhs450 for 80 minutes.

The pick-up service (in a Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes no less) and knowledgeable staff make for a truly relaxing spa experience.

Enjoy a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and heated recliners before and after your treatment.

Then head to Epicure or Rare for a top feed.

If you’re lucky enough to work nearby, keep an eye out for Mandara’s mid-week hook-up with restaurants in The Monarch.

Lunch and a massage for Dhs295?

Sign us up.

We were pleasantly surprised by Atlantis’ spa offering. Far from a token hotel effort, this is truly a destination spa that will have you coming back for more.

The hammam is a fantastic choice for out of towners or single sex groups. The tiled room is really beautiful.

1047 Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira Dubai 10am to 10pm Tel: (04) 3489679 www.thaiprivilegespadubai.com

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, after International City, Dubai 9am to 9pm Tel: (04) 3238888 www.desertpalm.ae

The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai 9am to 10pm Tel: (04) 5018888 www.themonarchdubai.com

Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai 10am to 10pm Tel: (04) 4261020 www.atlantisthepalm.com

One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, Dubai 9am to 9pm Tel: (04) 3999999 www.oneandonlyresorts.com

JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 113

Backchat with Catboy

Whilst speaking to my parents the other day I was saddened to hear that my aunt is selling her house. Auntie Stella has lived in this simple two-up two-down for as long I can remember. It has been a constant in my life since my life began.

This is the house where I discovered that real butter would always taste better than margarine on toast (made with white sliced bread, of course). It’s the house where I went to over 30 birthday parties, ate countless butterfly cakes and played numerous games of pass-the-parcel, wishing for the prize but dreading the forfeit.

This is the house where my cousin Lindsey (now a lawyer in the Big Smoke that is London, and who will kill me for writing this) and I recorded make-believe radio station tapes, talking in-between David Bowie tracks and interviewing each other about nonsense.

If only somebody had put a stop to it then, maybe you wouldn’t have to endure what you do now on the drive to work every morning .

I have a million other memories and snapshots of this little house. Stella always

has a real Christmas tree and it is always, without fail, too big for the room. Every Christmas evening my ever-growing family would crowd into the kitchen and living room to eat, drink, laugh, reminisce and while away the evening before heading off to different homes in different cities and, in my case, a different continent. Other than a few emails or an occasional hello on Facebook, that annual festive get-together is the glue that bonds a family.

Part of me was tempted to ask Auntie Stella how much she wanted for the house.

I’m at that age where I’m drowning in a sea of change, clinging on to every memory I can before they float away forever.

I have been wondering if I’ll ever feel this way about my time in the Middle East.

Some expats leave Dubai when they’ve had enough. They feel like they’ve been chewed-up for however long before being spat-out straight into the departure lounge.

They leave wanting nothing more than to never see another replica Burj Al Arab for the rest of their days.

I’m not there yet, and probably never will be. I love it here. There are things I don’t get along with, but there were plenty of those feelings in Britain, too. For the most part, life is pretty good in the Emirates and has been since I arrived here.

So, earlier this week I thought I’d have a go at summoning some short-term nostalgia.

I drove to my old villa in Mirdif. I lived there for my first four years in the UAE and only left because the landlord had perfected his Basil Fawlty impression a little too well.

I started thinking about how many drives home from the studio I’d done along that road past Festival City. Everything I drove past held a different memory. Uptown Mirdif – that was just a Spinneys and a pile of bricks when I arrived. Open House takeaway, where I’d spent at least a quarter of my wages on butter chicken. And the villa itself, where there had been barbecues, pool parties, karaoke nights, numerous cat experiences, neighbours who became good friends, and others I was glad to see the back of. Lots of late nights and even more early mornings.

I realised that at any point throughout the rest of my life I would be able to return to this little corner of Mirdif and these feelings would return… Or, at least until someone builds the world’s biggest, solid-gold, diamond-encrusted, camel-shaped hotel on top of it.

Catboy presents The Catboy & Geordiebird Breakfast Show, weekdays on Dubai 92. www.dubai92.com

Don’t miss next month’s What’s On for the ultimate guide to Ramadan 114 WHAT’S ON JULY 2010