WIN!
Passes for Burj Khalifa, teeth whitening worth Dhs2,000 and an overnight stay!
Issue 409
May 2012
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18
FEATURES 18 Explore the seven emirates
Fancy learning to pilot a plane? Want to climb a mountain? How about a spot of polo? We’ve travelled the length and breadth of the UAE to bring you 24 activities to enjoy on air, land and sea before the summer hits
31 Comedy special
Prepare to laugh so hard you might fracture your funny bone. We speak to Monty Python legend Mr John Cleese ahead of his Madinat Theatre gigs, ask Irish comic Jason Byrne for his top heckles, introduce the five funny men on the Whose Line Is It Anyway? tour and enjoy a joke with the trio of comedians visiting The Laughter Factory
36 The takeaway test: curry
36
Time to pull out our trusty stopwatch again to see how quickly Dubai’s takeaways can deliver us a curry
41 Beach Road by bike
The bicycle might not be the obvious mode of transport in this city of eight-lane highways, but if you want to explore Dubai’s more peaceful byways nothing beats a bike. This month we jump in the saddle and rediscover Beach Road
31
41 may 2012 WHAT’S ON 3
ConTEnTS
THE ROUND-UP 14 Salaam
Dubai life in three pages, for the impatient reader
46 Film
87 Mind & body
Under pressure? Try out one of our surefire cures for stress and catch up on all the latest spa and beauty news
Up this month is We Need To Talk About Kevin, but not before taking in The Avengers, The Five-Year Engagement, The Three Stooges, Dark Shadows, Ishaqzaade and Jannat 2
95 Music & nightlife
49 Eating out
107 Travel
You will barely have time to digest this month’s foodie feast with eight new restaurants to visit, plus salmon with celeb chef columnist Gary Rhodes, the ins and outs of South African wine, how to cook a classic paella and a digestif of food news
We have a word with Fatboy Slim ahead of his Sandance set, plus the hottest happenings in clubland and our pick of the newest bars to try this month Discover Tokyo and Oman, the Gourmet Traveller on burying goats in the sand, our hotel of the month, travels with Lord Jeffrey Archer and the latest travel news and deals
117 Win!
Survey the city from the top of the world with tickets to the Burj Khalifa’s At The Top observation deck, enjoy an overnight stay at one of Dubai’s most popular hotels or tidy up your toothy pegs with a teeth-whitening session
121 Hot list
What’s sizzling on the city’s brunch, spa, restaurant and bar scenes this month
138 Backchat… with CatBoy Dubai 92’s star disc jockey ponders what happens when man and meditation meet – in a big chair
49
63 Arts
Iranian artist Shirin Aliabadi makes eyes (literally) ahead of her show at DIFC’s The Farjam Collection, the lowdown on Christie’s’ Sacha Jafri charity auction, interiors with La Galerie Nationale director Guillaume Cuiry, The Art Insider spills the beans on the UAE art scene, plus five exhibitions you simply must see
71 Shopping
Fashion courses to try this month, the wonderful world of mail order, plus all the latest store openings and shopping news
79 Sport & outdoor
Fearless (read: daft) staffer Matt braves the waters of the Arabian Gulf in search of pearls, six courses where you can enjoy a few rounds of night golf, plus our round-up of all the sports news
63
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107 4 WHAT’S ON may 2012
For Arabian nights For the magic of Morocco. For the authenticity of old Marrakesh. For a landmark Dubai dining experience, year after year. Tagine. For you. Open for dinner from 7.30pm Tuesday to Sunday. For reservations please telephone +971 4 399 99 99. oneandonlyroyalmirage.com
Dubai’s most romantic beach resort
Editor's note EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer GROUP EDITOR & MANAGING PARTNER lan Fairservice GROUP SENIOR EDITOR Gina Johnson | gina@motivate.ae SENIOR EDITOR Mark Evans marke@motivate.ae DEPUTY EDITOR Helen Spearman helen@motivate.ae FOOD EDITOR Gareth Rees gareth@motivate.ae FEATURES EDITOR, ABU DHABI Adam Workman adam@motivate.ae FEATURES WRITER Matt Priest matthew@motivate.ae ART DIRECTOR Freddie Colinares freddie@motivate.ae SENIOR DESIGNERS Sheila Carino-Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae Olga Petroff olga@motivate.ae PICTURE RESEARCHER – GULFPICS Wayne Fernandez wayne@motivate.ae CONTRIBUTORS Rob Adair, Naveed Ahmed, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Stef Burgon, Tom Cullen, Vikram Gawde, Catherine Jarvie, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell, Conor Purcell, Gary Rhodes, Farooq Salik, Thomas Shambler, Simon Smedley, Alysha Stirling SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae PRODUCTION MANAGER Sudhakar Chandran sudhakar@motivate.ae PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Murali Krishnan muralik@motivate.ae GENERAL MANAGER – GROUP SALES Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae PUBLISHER Gareth Lloyd-Jones | garethl@motivate.ae HEAD OF SALES Mark Pickup | markp@motivate.ae SENIOR ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Violeta Botorogeanu | violeta@motivate.ae GENERAL MANAGER, ABU DHABI Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE, ABU DHABI Hamdan Bawazir | hamdan@motivate.ae
Cover illustration: Balogh Gyöngyi
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Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436, Email: motivate@motivate.ae Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE,Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845
So the Editor is away, which means this month we’ll have no mention of his hometown, Sunderland, and instead we’ll be exploring somewhere altogether more civilised: the wilds of the UAE. I’ve just spent a small fortune on tyres (someone in Al Quoz is rolling around on a bed of hundred dirham notes and thanking his lucky stars that I don’t know how to haggle), so I’ll be damned if I’m going to keep my car confined to the commute. No, this month the Pajero and I will be hitting the open road, windows down and system up. Hopefully with some pals in tow – there’s nowt sadder than a solo road trip, even if it means you can eat all the Haribo. In our Seven Emirates feature (page 18) we are opening your eyes to the activities on our doorstep and beyond, from discovering up and coming artists in Sharjah to surfing in Al Ain (pretty radical, right?), flying in RAK and snorkelling with turtles off the shores of Fujairah. And we don’t want to put the pressure on, but the coming weekends could be your last chance to go out there for a piece of the action before you become a pale, flabby, brunch-fed, freshair-shy Dubai dweller for the summer. If you haven’t already jumped in your car, then this mammoth May mag also features a cyclist’s guide to Beach Road (you don’t actually have to bike it – we won’t judge), a cracking comedy special featuring a chat with everyone’s favourite funnyman John Cleese, essential information on which Indian takeout place will have your curry delivered in a hurry, a raft of new restaurants, the experts telling us how to beat stress, fashion courses to try, more music than you can shake a glowstick at, and the usual What’s On madness to keep you busy, well-fed and happy this month.
Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, Email: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae
Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai
Enjoy the issue.
MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 13
We're officially part of the Twitterati. Follow us @WhatsOnDubai for exclusive updates on nightlife, restaurants and more around the UAE. Tweet yourself
Salaam! What's going down in May
What’s hot SKY NEWS ARABIA Sky News will launch its new sister channel, Sky News Arabia, in the Middle East on May 6. The channel will be a 24-hour Arabic language news service promising impartial news reporting across the Arab world. MORE THE MERRIER Telecom companies du and Etisalat could see some stiff competition on the horizon as the UAE considers plans to allow new telecom companies to enter the market in 2015. SUPERSONIC From the UAE to the US in an hour? It could be possible, according to the people behind Virgin Galactic who are eyeing up the UAE as a potential spaceport in the future.
What’s not EXPENSIVE BUBBLY One big spender has splashed Dhs500,000 on a bottle of Champagne while partying at the Cavalli Club. The bottle of bubbly was just one of three available in the world, but even the hefty price tag couldn’t put off this buyer. RISE IN TAXI PRICES The RTA has hiked the price of pre-booked taxis from Dhs6 to Dhs10. The extra charge, which applies for all booked taxis, will only be used during peak hours in an effort to cut down long waiting times during weekends. CAR PROBLEMS The number of vehicles being left on the city’s streets and car parks is on the increase, according to latest statistics from the Dubai Municipality. Over 3,040 cars were abandoned across the emirate in the first quarter of this year compared with 2,738 in 2011. 14 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
Guess list
Rumours and shakers on our grapevine
J-LO Newly divorced and back on tour, the whispers have started that Jenny from the block is on her way here. Our man in the know assures us that a UAE concert will happen sooner rather than later.
50%
THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...
ENRIQUE IGLESIAS Things look pretty perfect for Enrique. Superstar missus, bags of cash in the bank and a few cheeky number one singles to boot. What could possibly be missing? Well apparently a stop in the UAE, if we’re deciphering the rumour mill correctly.
15%
35%
JAMIE OLIVER With talk of a new restaurant on the cards, expect the cheeky Essex chef to make a long-awaited return later this year. Apparently, he’ll be bringing his three friends: bish, bash and bosh.
BIG WEEKEND The Irish Village welcomes back its fourth annual Big Weekend with drink deals and live music. May 3 and 4, The Irish Village, Garhoud, 4pm to 1am, free. Tel: (04) 2824750. Metro: GGICO. theirishvillage.ae
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Claire Barlow, interiors writer and stylist. clairebarlow.com HIGH-END For high-end products you’re best off going to The Dubai Mall where you’ll find stores like Irony Home, Galleries Lafayette and Ethan Allen. The Dubai Mall, Downtown, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 8844888. thedubaimall.com
ILLUSTRATION BY: PAUL STERRY
EATING OUT Although atheistically very different, two of my favourite places to eat out are Okku and Maria Bonita. Okku, The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed Road, daily 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 5018777. okkuduabi.com Maria Bonita, Jumeriah, Dubai, daily 9.30am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3955576. mariabonitadubai.com
LOCAL DESIGNERS If you’re looking to buy local pieces then head to The Arte Souk and the Saturday market at Bastakyia where you’ll find independent artists and small businesses. May 4, Arte Market, Dubai Festival City, noon to 9pm. arte.ae May 11, Arte Souk, Time Square Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, noon to 7pm. arte.ae
BARGAIN HUNT You can keep costs down by shopping around. For upholstery I would source my fabrics from Silkland; it’s one of Dubai's bestkept interiors secrets. You can get a wide range of fabrics for as little as Dhs40 per metre. Silkland, Al Hareb Building, Bur Dubai, 8am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3356199. silkland.ae
BURLESQUE NIGHT
AN EVENING WITH…
For a night that’s a little bit different, Rare puts on live dancing every Thursday night. Thur, Rare Lounge Club, Media Rotana, Tecom. Tel: (050) 5057580. Metro: Dubai Internet City. raretheplace.com
Welsh rugby legend Colin Charvis. Join him for a three-course meal and plenty of banter. May 1, The Stables, Sheikh Zayed Road, 7pm, Dhs395. Tel: (04) 3425571. Metro: World Trade Centre. stablesdubai.net
GIRL ABOUT TOWN
Dubai 92’s Geordiebird gives us the heads up on the Dubai bar scene
THIS MONTH: FAI
What’s going on at FAI? Tuesday night is ladies’ night, but forget getting crushed at the bar waiting for glasses of fizzy rubbish, this is a million times better. Tell us more… FAI is right on the water next to the Burj Khalifa. It’s busy but chilled, the cocktails are amazing (girls get three for free) and the music gets two massive thumbs up. Good tunes on a ladies’ night? Surely not! Oh yes, DJ Denzel was spinning remixes of James Blake and Portishead earlier on, then played some quality 1980s tracks. Who goes there? It was a real mix of girls out for a gossipy night out, couples, and businessmen enjoying some drinks before dinner at Thiptara next door. Any food on the menu? There are three choices of Thai-style canapé platters (Dhs50) with prawn tempura, spring rolls and mini satays. How’s the service? Super, super quick and very sweet. What about taxis? Plenty waiting outside the hotel, but I could walk home so I couldn’t be happier. Geordiebird verdict: This has got to be one of the best ladies’ nights in Dubai. I’ll be back to watch the fountains with a Ski Breeze cocktail in hand. The Palace, Downtown, Dubai, 8pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4287888. Metro: Dubai Mall. theaddress.com
Find us at
www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 15
SALAAM
IN THE NEWS
65
Shark Week 08
SHARKS AT ATLANTIS
THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY IS SHARK AWARENESS WEEK. HERE ARE SOME FACTS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT OUR SHARP-TOOTHED FRIENDS
different species of sharks at Atlantis
All of the sharks
at Atlantis can be found in local UAE waters
Shark experts Mike Rutzen and Rima Jabado will be giving talks and dispelling the myths of sharks as part of Shark Awareness Week. May 4 and 5, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 7pm. Tel: (04) 4260000. atlantisthepalm.com
Sharks have a sense of smell so powerful that they can detect a single drop of blood in an Olympic-sized pool
LONGEST FLAG IN THE COUNTRY AN EMIRATI WOMAN HAS KNITTED THE BIGGEST FLAG IN THE UAE
5M THE LENGTH OF THE FLAG
Generally, sharks are afraid of humans and keep a distance from them
20KG HOW
MUCH IT WEIGHS
7 MONTHS
Great white sharks are known to jump almost three metres in the air
TO MAKE
Sharks normally start reproducing anywhere between five years old and up to 30 years old, depending on species
Earth World Heritage Hour NEW REAL
Dubai Creek Umm an-Nar Island Sir Bu Nair Island Ed-Dur The Emirate of Sharjah Al Bidya Mosque
MADRID HOTEL 450
number of hotel rooms
16 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
216,000
kWh
The UAE has no less than six locations that are currently being considered as contenders to be listed as world heritage sites.
amount of energy saved in Dubai during Earth Hour
The planned Real Madrid Resort Island in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to include a marina, yacht club, museum, shopping mall, football academy and five-star hotel. It is set to open in January 2015
10,000
number of seats in the stadium
US$1BILLION the total cost of the development
40
the size of the artificial island built in hectares
ABU DHABI AL WAHDA MALL DUBAI DEIR A CIT Y CENTRE
THE DUBAI MALL
MARINA MALL
KUWAIT 360 MALL
explore the
Seven emirateS‌
by land, sea and air
the humidity’s rising, the barometer is getting low… before you retreat inside for a summer of brunches and box sets, pack up your car, round up some pals and conquer the seven emirates, to enjoy everything they have to offer. from flying to fishing, waterparks to windsurfing, now is the time to take action may 2012 WHAT’S ON 19
explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air midnight, Fri 9am to midnight, Sat 9am to 11pm, Dhs100 all-day admission, Dhs50 7pm until closing, lockers Dhs25, towels Dhs20. Tel: (03) 7818422. wadiadventure.ae
air Strictly speaking you’ll never leave the ground with Abu Dhabi’s newest airborne attraction: a Boeing 747 flight simulator with life-size cockpit at Al Forsan International Sports Resort. The first of its kind in the entire country, the simulator gives wouldbe pilots a choice of 200 destination airports to learn/practise landing, Yas Island, around 250km west of take-offs and in-flight skills. From Abu Dhabi city. The Desert Islands a budget 15-minute take-off/ Resort & Spa has just opened a landing session to a mammoth full state-of-the-art stables facility, four-hour flight simulation, ten boasting space for 30 horses from cutting-edge computers control Arabia and around the globe. the whole experience. Perfect for The actual ocean might be a good Housing numerous paddocks, vertigo sufferers and scaredy-cats, 100km from Al Ain, but that won’t then, although if you’re feeling riding rings and a covered riding area, the centre caters for beginners diminish your enjoyment of its more adventurous Al Forsan has all highly popular Wadi Adventure to equestrian experts. The best kinds of land and water activities, waterpark. Whitewater rafting experiences are undoubtedly from wake-boarding to karting. (Dhs100 for 90 mins) and kayaking exploring the island’s extensive But if you’d rather hit the (Dhs100 for an all-day pass) are wildlife park by horseback or heights for real, adrenaline specialities on a world-beating trotting along the idyllic beach rushes are all part of the fun of 1km-plus course. The lack of on the two-hour Royal Bay ride. paragliding. Be quick to catch natural tides matters little in the Cash flashers take note: charter the tail end of the prime season, seaplane flights to Sir Bani Yas are surf pool (Dhs100 for 55 mins), which runs from October to which can generate towering waves May, with Micro Aviation Club, available from Jebel Ali Marina. over three metres tall every 90 Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Sir who will train you from scratch, seconds. Lessons are available, too, including the basics of opening Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7am priced per hour (kayaking group to 5pm, Dhs200 to Dhs350. and closing the canopy through Dhs100, private Dhs500, surfing Tel: (02) 8015400. desertislands. to take-off and landing. A course group Dhs125 to Dhs150, private anantara.com of ten to 12 sessions covers Dhs500 to Dhs600). ground handling, followed by For anybody who small hill training and, finally, wants to take things soaring through the sky. All at a more sedate pace, equipment is provided. there are swimming Al Forsan International Sports pools for adults and Resort, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Sun, toddlers. Aquaphobes Mon, Wed and Sat 10am to 2pm aren’t excluded either, and 3pm to 8pm, Thur 10am to thanks to a climbing wall 2pm and 3pm to 5pm, Fri 2pm to (Dhs40 for 20 mins), 10pm, Dhs120 to Dhs1,400. Tel: (02) high ropes course and 5568555. mutahida.com zip line (Dhs50 for an Micro Aviation Club, Abu all-day pass), and 14-foot Dhabi/Dubai border, times giant swing (Dhs25). by appointment, Dhs3,500 Wadi Adventure, Jebel (includes one-year membership) Hafeet, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, plus Dhs250 Emirates Aviation Sun, Tue and Wed noon Association annual fee. Tel: (055) to 11pm, Thur noon to 2120155. microaviation.org
sea
abu Dhabi Directions
From Dubai: It couldn’t be easier; just hop on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and keep on truckin’
The largest emirate by quite some distance, it follows that Abu Dhabi’s desert expanses contain abundant adventurous activities. From the bustling capital city to the greenery of Al Ain and the western region’s barren but beautiful confines, we have it all covered...
land Back when horsepower wasn’t a term attached to gas-guzzling supercars, traversing UAE terrain was a simpler pleasure on four legs rather than four wheels. There are few more captivating settings in which to saddle up than Sir Bani 20 WHAT’S ON may 2012
ajman Directions
From Dubai: Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) towards Sharjah. Stay on the E11 as you drive through Sharjah, following signs to Ajman
At 260sqkm, Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates – even its name translates to ‘small city’ in Arabic – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do in this quaint seaside town. The pristine beach, stretching the length of the emirate, is the focus of most of the family-friendly outdoor activities, but there is lots more going on besides
City tour If you’ve never been but are determined to tick Ajman off your list, perhaps the easiest way to do it is by booking a city tour trip. Deep Sea Adventure tours – don’t be fooled by the name – run a four-hour tour of all the best sights in both Ajman and Sharjah, including stop-offs giving you time to wander around and explore the areas. It is also quite handy if you live in Dubai, as they will pick you up and drop you back at your house – so you can nap on the way back home. Deep Sea Adventure, daily 8am to 6pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 2972511. deepseaadventure.net
land 25º 24´ 48.47˝ N 55º 26´ 44.17˝ E
Due to Ajman’s diminutive stature, it doesn’t boast the vast expanses of rolling desert dunes found in the larger emirates. Nor does it have a jagged mountain range running down its backbone. But what Ajman does best is showcase the simple laidback lifestyle that is all too often forgotten in the other emirates. The Ajman Museum, based in a traditional old Emirati fort, is the city’s must-visit attraction. Built in the late 18th century and used as a palace by the ruling sheikh, nowadays the expertly maintained and renovated fort is a fully functioning museum with historical exhibitions showcasing the traditional Bedouin way of life in this coastal town. Some of the museum’s displays, it must be said, are fairly unusual, highlighting
the weird and wonderful religious and medical rituals practised in the old days, and there is a rather haphazard collection of handcuffs and police uniforms. Visitors can also experience how the fort’s traditional wind towers work, and even have a poke around a charming reconstruction of an oldfashioned souk. Ajman Museum, Al Bustan, Ajman, Sun to Thur 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm, Fri 4pm to 7pm, Dhs4. Tel: (06) 7423824
sea 25º 25´ 25.5˝ N 55º 26´ 33.45˝ E
Watersports is where Ajman really excels. The 500-m stretch of private beach at the Kempinski Hotel Ajman is relatively undisturbed, making it the prime location for water-based antics. The onsite watersports centre offers a range of activities,
including jet ski rentals (Dhs150 for 20 minutes), but it’s important to note, however, that the jet skis are only available for people aged 16 and above. If you are planning a trip with younger children do not despair, as the tots can also get their adrenaline fix by clinging on to the back of a banana boat (Dhs100 for 15 minutes) as it races over the water, or, if you fancy a less energetic activity, you can rent sea kayaks (Dhs100 per hour) and explore the coastline. Dolphin WaterSports Centre, Kempinski Hotel Ajman, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, jet skiing Dhs150 to Dhs450, banana boating Dhs100, sea kayaks Dhs100. Tel: (06) 7425450. dolphinwatersports.i8.com
air 25º 25´ 25.5˝ N 55º 26´ 33.45˝ E
The regular onshore breeze in Ajman makes it one of the best areas for windsurfing in the UAE. The watersports centre at the Kempinski Hotel Ajman not only rents the equipment, but also offers beginners’ lessons teaching everything you will need to know in order to jump up on a board and manipulate the wind. If you already fancy yourself as a gnarly wave rider, there is ample space to try out some tricks and gain some serious speed. As always when it comes to windsurfing, you know you’re good if you can return to shore with a dry swimsuit. Kempinski Hotel Ajman, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Dhs100 per lesson. Tel: (06) 7145555. kempinski.com/ajman may 2012 WHAT’S ON 21
explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air
Dubai
Dubai offers activities by the bucketload, but the city really comes into its own if you want to try your hand at something a little bit unusual…
and brilliant – just remember to hold on tight. Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, 9am to 5pm, Dhs170 for 20 mins. Tel: (04) 8876771. watercooleddubai.com
air Sea planeS
land FenCing
Wannabe swashbucklers and master swordsmen alike can duel at the MK Fencing Academy. The courses, run by the brother and sister duo of Mihail and Maria, cater for everyone from keen enthusiasts (with all the gear) to first-time fencers, teaching across the three disciplines of épée, foil and sabre. MK Fencing Academy, Raffles International School, Jumeirah, Dubai, beginners épée Wed 6.30pm to 7.30pm, advanced épée and foil Wed 7.30pm to 9pm, Dhs60. Tel: (050) 7944190. dubaifencingclub.com
polo
There aren’t many places in the world where you can conquer the sport of kings. If you’d like to learn a pukka chukka (or even find out when one is) then the Dubai Polo Academy offers introduction sessions (Dhs800 for 90 minutes), private lessons (Dhs770 for 40 minutes), group classes (Dhs550 for 40 minutes) 22 WHAT’S ON may 2012
With all its landmarks, Dubai has some pretty spectacular views. None more so than the eyeful you get while flying over the emirate in a nine-seater seaplane. With unrivalled vistas of The Palm, the creek, Sheikh Zayed Road and The World, it really is the best way to see the city. You can set off for a 40-minute flight with Seawings from either Jebel Ali or the Dubai Creek, depending on your preference and their availability. Seawings, daily 9am to 5pm, Dhs1,325. Tel: (800) 73294647. seawings.ae
and a three-day intensive course (Dhs5,000) that covers practical and theoretical training and culminates in you playing a game. Social climbers with strong thighs, this is for you. The Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, Dubai, from Dhs550. Tel: (05) 8879847. poloclubdubai.com
sea Swimming witH SHarkS or dolpHinS Bobbing around in the water with humans is just so boring, don’t you find? Much better, we feel, to explore the underwater world with some of nature’s finest. Take your pick from dolphins at Atlantis and sharks in the aquarium at The Dubai Mall, and note that they’re wisely not in the same place – we wouldn’t want to witness a potential Flipper vs Jaws bloodbath… Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, from Dhs790. Tel: (04) 4261030. atlantisthepalm.com. The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed
Hot air ballooning
Road, Dubai, Dhs625 for certified divers, Dhs825 for uncertified divers including an introduction course with Al Boom. Tel: (04) 3422993. Metro: Dubai Mall. thedubaiaquarium.com
ZapCat
Imagine hurtling across the water at speeds of up to 80km per hour, cornering quicker than a Formula One car with 3gs of force pulling at you as you hold onto nothing but a rope. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then call the new Watercooled centre and book yourself a ride on their Zapcat. It is fast, intense
Your airborne adventure starts in darkness, with the sun rising over the dunes and revealing the huge balloon that you’ll be travelling in. May is the last month before Balloon Adventures ceases flights over the summer, so this is your last chance to see Dubai from the lofty heights of these gentle giants. Transportation from selected meeting points in the city, a flight certificate and cold drinks are all included, as is entertaining chat from the charming pilots as you fly over desert, oases and wildlife. A truly memorable experience. Balloon Adventures, Dhs995, Dhs850 for children aged five to 12. Tel: (04) 2854949. ballooning.ae
brought for you to snack on between dives; trust us, you’ll get a serious case of food envy, and for Dhs35 it is well worth it. Al Boom Diving Centre, Le Méridien Al Aqah, Fujairah, daily 8am to 6pm, Dhs250 for snorkelling (two trips), Dhs350 for diving (two trips). Tel: (09) 2044925. alboomdiving.com
air 25º 30´ 31.66˝ N 56º 21´ 50.38˝ E
land 25º 23´ 45.83˝ N 56º 16´ 10.60˝ E
Fujairah Directions
From Dubai: Make your way on to the Dubai Bypass Road (E611), head towards Sharjah and take the Al Dhaid Road (E88) turning towards Masafi. At Musafi turn right onto the E89 heading to Fujairah
Fujairah should be considered the exciting new upstart of the emirates. With a brilliant stretch of coastline, it has started ramping up its outdoor activities – and the adrenaline-loving crowds are taking notice
Declared a Protected Area by the Emirates Wildlife Society and the WWF, Wadi Wurayah is a natural national treasure. The 169-km2 area in Fujairah’s Hajar Mountains is home to some 1,350 species of plant and animal, and is a must-see for any off-road enthusiast or nature admirer. The area is dotted with streams and pools. People are allowed to visit, but because it is a protected area it is crucial that they treat the place with respect, do not leave any rubbish and do not take any of the flora or fauna. If you’re coming from Fujairah town, head north up the E99 coastal road turning right just after the village of Zubara and near the Al Bidiyah Thursday market. It is important to note that due to the nature of the Wadi the route is heavily dependent on the weather conditions, as the valleys are susceptible to flash floods, so make sure you research the conditions before setting off.
sea 25º 30´ 23.70˝ N 56º 21´ 48.02˝ E
Mother Nature deals some destinations a good hand – and Fujairah is one of them. Blessed with excellent diving conditions, the Eastern emirate is the UAE’s prime spot for snorkelling with sea turtles. Just up the coast from Fujairah town lies the blossoming tourist town of Al Aqah and, more importantly, the location of the Al Boom Diving Centre. There they run three daily trips – leaving at 9am, noon and 3pm – to various dive stops along the coast. Regardless of whether you are a qualified diver or fancy a snorkel, you are pretty much guaranteed to see some incredible fish and, thanks to an extensive environmental drive by places such as Le Méridien Al Aqah, there is a strong chance of seeing the previously endangered sea turtles swimming around the reefs at places such as Sharm Rock. A note to the wise: it is best to take up the dive centre’s offer to have packed sandwiches
If being hoisted 200m up in the air attached to only a parachute and a speedboat doesn’t appeal to your adventurous side then it is best to turn the page now. Parasailing is the most adrenaline-fuelled experience offered by the aptly named Adventure Sports, based at the Fujairah Rotana in Al Aqah. For Dhs250 you get ten minutes of flying time at any point between sunset and sunrise, as long as the water conditions are good. If you don’t think that sounds like a long time, you’ll be surprised. To make things easier, the boat does on-board take-off and landing, so it is safer and more controlled. Perhaps the best part of the parasailing is that if you’re not keen to do it by yourself, they offer tandem flights with up to four people, dependent on your combined weight, however. Adventure Sports, Fujairah Rotana, Al Aqah, daily 8am to 6pm, Dhs250. Tel: (050) 7827736. adventuresports.ae
may 2012 WHAT’S ON 23
explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air sailing (Dhs100 for 60 minutes), wind karting (Dhs100 for 60 minutes), aquagliding (Dhs60 for 60 minutes), windsurfing (Dhs60 for 60 minutes), kayaking (Dhs60 for 30 minutes) and fishing trips (Dhs420 for four hours). It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for watersports in RAK, Al Hamra Fort is the place to go. Al Hamra Fort Hotel And Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah. Tel: (07) 2446666. alhamrafort.com
air 25º 40´ 47.57˝ N 55º 46´ 23.99˝ E
raS al Khaimah Directions
From Dubai: Follow Emirates Road until you reach Ras Al Khaimah
The northernmost emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is growing fast, with its newly appointed ruler Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi continuing to focus on the rapidly expanding tourism sector, but RAK still provides a quiet escape from city life in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with a glut of outdoor activities on offer It won’t be fully operational until October, but when it is, Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club will offer everything from sailing lessons to fishing trips. Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club, Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs2,000 for individual membership, Dhs2,500 for families. Tel: (07) 2434540. alhamramarina.com
land 25º 38´ 00.31˝ N 55º 51´ 56.09˝ E
We here at What’s On suffer from a bit of vertigo (OK, a lot of vertigo); nevertheless, we like to test ourselves regularly on the various climbing walls in the UAE. But indoor climbing is child’s play compared with the real deal, and the mountain ranges surrounding Ras Al Khaimah provide the ideal setting to test yourself in the great outdoors. Banyan Tree Al Wadi can arrange lessons with qualified instructors in climbing
Who hasn’t dreamed of piloting a plane? Sports cars are a thrill, motorbikes are cool, but gliding 1,000ft above terra firma in a tiny light aircraft is the ultimate freedom. And it’s probably a lot safer than a jaunt down Sheikh Zayed Road in your rented Yaris, too. The small Jazirah Aviation Club offers power parachute and paramotor experiences, but it’s the Aeroprakt A-22 light aircraft that will interest any wannabe Biggles amongst you. The 450-kg, two-seater planes are ideal for beginners, and the club offers 15-minute, 30-minute and 60-minute short flights over the city and coastline – during which brave would-be pilots can take the controls – as well as full lesson packages allowing wannabe 25º 41´ 21.82˝ N top guns to train for their pilot’s 55º 46´ 32.68˝ E licence. To earn your licence, Many of the hotels in Ras Al you’re looking at approximately Khaimah offer watersports Dhs17,000 for 20 hours’ theory activities, but the Al Hamra Fort and 25 hours’ flying before you can Hotel And Beach Resort, with its fly alone. Make sure you ask for impressive private beach, provides Captain Amith Pillai – RAK born the broadest range, including and bred, he is also a real pro, an banana boating (Dhs50 for ten excellent guide and teacher and a minutes), doughnut rides (Dhs60 safe pair of hands. Believe us, once for ten minutes), fly fishing (Dhs80 you’ve tried it, you will want to go for ten minutes), jet skiing (Dhs160 the distance and earn your wings. for 15 minutes), water skiing Chocks away. (Dhs180 for 30 minutes), wakeJazirah Aviation Club, Exit 110, boarding (Dhs180 for 30 minutes), Emirates Road, Ras Al Khaimah, knee boarding (Dhs150 for 30 Dhs150 for 15 minutes, Dhs275 for minutes), sailing lessons (Dhs150 30 minutes, Dhs550 for 60 minutes. for 60 minutes), catamaran Tel: (07) 2446416. jac-uae.net and abseiling, catering both to beginners and more advanced climbers. All safety equipment and tuition based on your experience will be provided. There is no better way to make the most of the last remaining month of cool weather, or to explore the mountainous terrain of the UAE. Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs300 for four hours, Dhs450 for eight hours. Tel: (07) 2067777. banyantree.com
sea
may 2012 WHAT’S ON 25
explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air
Sharjah muSt viSit The city’s art scene is getting everyone excited, with Sharjah’s museums presenting world-class cultural events and attractions. This month you can see rare Islamic design treasures from London’s V&A in the Owen Jones exhibit at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, and a retrospective of Sudanese artist Ibrahim El Salahi, organised by New York’s Museum For African Art at Sharjah Art Museum. Other highlights include a video installation by Basma Alsharif called “Farther Than The Eye Can See”, showing at Bait Al Shamsi in the Arts Area until May 18, plus the ongoing displays at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, the only institution in the Arab world dedicated to the art form. sharjahmuseums.ae
26 WHAT’S ON may 2012
Directions
From Dubai: Dead easy. Just hop on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), take Garhoud Bridge then keep on going. Sharjah is signposted
Often seen as Dubai’s drier, dustier little brother, Sharjah’s appeal lies in its scrappy can-do attitude, on-the-cheap activities and emerging art scene
land 25º 21´ 15.08˝ N 55º 29´ 16.92˝ E
Sharjah’s main hub of activity lies outside the city at the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. Here, as the website proudly proclaims, you can shoot ‘real guns with real bullets’ (costing from Dhs100 for
25 rounds on a .22 to Dhs250 for 25 shots on a 9-mm Luger Sport II), with lessons available. If The Hunger Games inspired you to take up archery, try half an hour of unlimited arrows (Dhs100) or give paintball a shot in the feature-filled indoor and outdoor parks from Dhs80. Non-sporty types will also find plenty to fill their day in this emirate, with Arabia’s Wildlife Centre situated in the Sharjah Desert Park 28km from the city. It displays over 100 species of animal that appear naturally on the Arabian Peninsula, with native leopards, venomous vipers and domesticated critters waiting to be photographed. Children can also feed and pet some furry friends (not the snakes…), with pony and camel rides at the weekend. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, Emirates Road, Sharjah, Sat to Thur noon to 10pm, Fri 10am to 10pm. Tel: (06) 5487777. golfandshootingshj.com. Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, Sharjah Desert Park, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah, Sun to Thur 9am to 5.30pm, Fri 2pm to 5.30pm, Sat 11am to 5.30pm, closed Tues, Dhs15, Dhs5 for children aged 12 to 16, free for under-12s. Tel: (06) 5311999. sharjahtourism.ae
sea 25º 17´ 10.02˝ N 55º 22´ 11.78˝ E
If you’re looking for the fish to bite, prepare for an early start in Sharjah. Leaving at 5am from the Grand Hotel,
Dophin WaterSports’ fishing trip offers a mighty 18 spots to make sure you don’t go home empty handed, with a GPS system finding the fishies. The boat can carry up to six people, your adventure lasts four hours, and soft drinks and snacks are included – they can even help gut your spoils so you’re ready for a breakfast barbecue. Meanwhile, over at the Radisson Blu, a beach packed with watersports awaits. Visitors pay Dhs150 for access at weekends (Dhs75 for under12s), with reasonable rates for activities. Try a pedalo at Dhs50 for 30 minutes, banana boating for Dhs35 per person or windsurfing for Dhs180 an hour. Sharjah Grand Hotel, Sultan Al Awal Road Al Khan Beach, Sharjah, Dhs1,500 for six people. Tel: (06) 7425450. dolphinwatersports.i8.com. Radisson Blu Resort, Corniche Road, Sharjah. Tel: (06) 5657777. radissonblu.com
air 25º 19´ 19.48˝ N 55º 22´ 29.31˝ E
One of the most noteworthy landmarks of the Sharjah skyline, The Eye of the Emirates is a 60metre-high observatory wheel with 42 air-conditioned gondolas that can each hold up to eight people. The wheel boasts views of the city and beyond to Dubai; on a clear day you can see up to 30 miles away, so it offers a unique vantage point and photo opportunities. Right on the water in the cultural hub of Al Qasba, the wheel was built in 2005, and welcomed over 100,000 visitors last year. A trip is particularly recommended in the evenings, when the city lights and nearby fountains come to life. Eye Of The Emirates, Al Qasba, Sharjah, Sat to Wed 10am to midnight, Thur and Fri 10am to 1am, Dhs30, Dhs15 for children. Tel: (06) 5560777. alqasba.ae
explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air
umm al Quwain
and, of course, slides. Granted, it’s not as modern as waterparks like From Dubai: Wild Wadi, but it has a certain To avoid Sharjah traffic, take Emirates Road (E311), which goes charm (and who can deny the through Ajman. Umm Al Quwain is pleasure of a few drinks in dappled shade?). If you want to make a signposted weekend of it, chalets and tents are One of the smallest and available for overnight stays, with more sparsely populated campers scoring an extra hour of private park time, barbecues – emirates, UAQ is a complete with meat – and camping 45-minute blast along equipment are provided, plus two Emirates Road from Dubai. full days of waterpark access. Note Once there, it’s a little like that Fridays are strictly for families. going back in time, but there Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al are enclaves of good-value, Quwain, Sun to Thur 10am to 6pm, family-friendly activities, Fri and Sat 10am to 7pm, Dhs135, Dhs85 for children, from Dhs373 with a few hidden gems. for camping. Tel: (06) 7681888. And we’re not talking about dreamlanduae.com that roundabout with the
Directions
giant fake fish on it
land 25º 35´ 30.83˝ N 55º 39´ 39.52˝ E
Dreamland Aqua Park is the main attraction in Umm Al Quwain, and the UAE’s largest waterpark, covering a vast area. It is packed with rides, both with and without the need to get wet, and prices are considerably lower than you’ll find in Dubai. It boasts green lawns, loungers aplenty, a swim-up bar, wave pool, tennis courts, beach volleyball, a petting zoo, game zone 28 WHAT’S ON may 2012
sea 25º 33´ 69.40˝ N 55º 33´ 88.10˝ E
Wake-boarders in search of a good value boat trip should head straight to Umm Al Quwain Marine Club. It costs just Dhs250 per boat for an hour (boats can hold up to eight people) with all equipment for wake-boarding or water skiing provided and a driver/instructor on hand. Kayaks are also available to rent at Dhs35 for a single or Dhs60 per double for an hour (more than enough time to paddle to the nearby mangroves), while donut and banana boats can fling you around to your heart’s content for half an hour at Dhs150. If you’d rather lounge on the grass or by the pool, it costs Dhs50 for day access, or Dhs25 for children, with a café
muSt viSit Umm Al Quwain is the last place you’d expect to find a top-notch deli, but make sure you don’t fill your car at Barracuda, because the shop next door is packed with treats. Finer Things has sourced foods from 18 countries, and the shelves groan with jams, chutneys, spices, tea, fresh French cheeses and cordials, plus high-end chocolates and cooking oils. A must for any foodie. Finer Things, Next to Barracuda Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain, 8am to 7pm. Tel: (06) 7681175
and play park on site. Camping spots can be rented at Dhs100, or Dhs50 for children, with barbecues provided for an extra Dhs75, with charcoal thrown in too, plus use of the showers, toilets and an indoor space with cable TV. Ideal for people wanting to master watersports in a weekend. Umm Al Quwain Marin Club, Umm Al Quwain, daily 24-hours, Dhs50, Dhs25 for children. Tel: (06) 7666644. uaqmarineclub.com
air 25º 34´ 46.51˝ N 55º 39´ 12.44˝ E
While this giant disused aircraft isn’t going anywhere fast, the plane that resides by the road close to Barracuda offers a topnotch photo op. Emblazoned with the faded contact details for the nearby Palma Beach Hotel, legend has it that the jet was once used by the Russian Air Force before being sold multiple times, eventually for scrap to the resort. Brave souls have climbed aboard to see the stripped-back interior (there are tyres stacked up by an open door), but we in no way recommend risking it – the ascent reeks of broken ankles.
com edy
*speciAl* What did the green grape say to the purple grape? “Breathe, idiot! Breathe!” OK, so jokes aren’t our strong point. But fear not, Dubai is set to see more funny than a clowns’ annual outing, which is pretty much what we have in store for you. This month, ladies and gentlemen, we have performing for you… comedy legend John Cleese… Stephen Frost, Andy Smart, niall Ashdown, Steve Steen and ian Coppinger from Whose Line Is it Anyway?, Irish jokester Jason Byrne… and, last but by no means least, Andrew Bird, roger monkhouse and phil nichol, performing at Laughter Factory. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear a round of applause for our first act… may 2012 WHAT’S ON 31
… And now
for something
completely different During a career spanning almost 50 years, John Cleese has become one of the most famous names in comedy. Best known for his role as misanthrope Basil Fawlty in 1970s British sitcom Fawlty Towers, or as “the tall one” from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Cleese lands on our desert shores with his autobiographical one-man-show: An Evening With… John. Can we call you John? Tell us about An Evening With… It’s a show I’ve been developing during the last four years. Most recently, I’ve been doing it in Australia, where we sold out for 54 performances. During the first half of the show, I am interviewed by a local Dubai radio host who takes me through my early life during the Second World War, my accidental entry into show business and my subsequent experiences working with comedy greats, such as David Frost, Ronnie Corbett, Ronnie Barker, Marty
32 WHAT’S ON may 2012
need to be performing, and that means a lot of travelling. Nevertheless, it’s an awful lot nicer than working down a mine. And the reception I’m getting from audiences is very heart warming. You’re in the UAE for a good few days. How do you plan on spending your time? I’ve only been to Dubai twice, and briefly, and Feldman, Peter Sellers and the Monty Pythons. it’s quite unlike anywhere I’ve been before. I like During the second half I appear on my own, it very much, but I don’t understand it. So, I’m talking about comedy that offends people, really looking forward to exploring it a bit. about how my black sense of humour derived Let’s go back in time a little. With the from my mother, about the real hotel that was Pythons, was it the case that whoever the basis for Fawlty Towers, about the genesis wrote the sketch would then play the of A Fish Called Wanda, and its three Oscar main character, or was it entirely a nominations. I can guarantee that anyone who collaborative process? liked these programmes will have an amusing You’re right, there was a tendency for the and informative evening. writer of the sketch to play one of the lead You’ve been touring on and off for three characters in it. It wasn’t a rigid rule. It was years, which suggests that you either love simply that if Michael Palin wrote a character, being on the road or it was his kind of character, and so he was that there are darker, likely to play it better. There were a few more sinister motives. exceptions, Michael and Terry Jones wrote Pray tell… the Silly Walk sketch, for instance, but had The activity I enjoy me play the Minister. I never thought it was most is writing. It’s as funny as everyone else did. much harder than What part of your career do you look acting, and fewer back upon with the most fondness? people can do it well. When I’m making television or film I am always Unfortunately, show slightly apprehensive about whether my work business is structured to the next day would be good enough, so I enjoy pay actors much more it most when I am appearing as myself. I’m very than writers. So, while fond of the documentary I did on lemurs. And I I have large quantities very much enjoy addressing business audiences, of alimony to earn especially when I’m teaching creativity, which I [thanks to his divorce understand better than anyone else in the world. from his second wife], I Have you found your tastes have changed as you’ve grown older? The problem about doing comedy for 40 years is that you really do know most of the jokes or, at least, you can guess them too easily. So my big laughs now tend to come from real life, from people like Dick Cheney and News International at the Leveson Inquiry. Which of your characters do you identify the most with? Basil? A Fish Called Wanda’s Archie Leach? Archie is the closest to the person I used to be 35 years ago. But any character you play involves highlighting some facets of your personality, and soft-pedalling others. For example, some actors just can’t do anger, because they’re uncomfortable with the
Photo: Garry Scott-IrvIne/MGM/everett
“while i hAve lArge quAntities of Alimony to eArn, i need to be performing”
emotion themselves. The hardest thing I used to find as an actor was smiling and gentle laughing, because it required real relaxation, and I was always a high-energy performer. You admit to having a dark sense of humour. What makes you laugh? I noticed years ago that, in many situations, everyone is thinking the same thing, but no one is talking about it – the ‘elephant in the room’ phenomenon. And I realised that if you did talk about it, you made people laugh, partly out of relief that it didn’t have to be
secret anymore. Who makes you laugh? A lot of people make me laugh, but I think the best English comedy actor is Hugh Laurie, and I hope that after House he does more comedy again. What is the funniest part of your body? I think the funniest part of my body is the base of my spine, where there is a hint of the beginnings of a tail. Curious. How much do you have left in the tank, then, John?
As I get older, I discover that, while I have plenty of energy for things I am really interested in, it’s hard to find it for projects that bore me – it becomes harder to fake enthusiasm. There are some documentaries I’d like to make eventually. I like documentaries, because you learn a lot, which you don’t when you are doing comedy. May 23 to 26, an evening With John cleese, Madinat theatre, Souk Madinat, 7.30pm, Dhs350. tel: (04) 3666546. madinattheatre.com may 2012 WHAT’S ON 33
comedy speciAl
lAughter fActory
the stars of this month’s laughter Factory tell us a joke…
Andrew Bird The best anti-ageing cream advert would be a baby covered in cream saying, “Help! I’ve used too much!”
whose line is it AnywAy?
you all know it. the premise is simple – shout out a scenario, and they act it. that’s right, the fabled improv comedy sketch show is back in town. let’s meet the players… Stephen FroSt
Who is he? One half of 1980s double act The Oblivion Boys, Frost also appeared in Blackadder and even in Mr Bean. Best joke: A penguin walks into a bar and asks the bartender: “Have you seen my brother?” The bartender asks: “What does he look like?”
Andy SmArt
Who is he? An Edinburgh Festival regular who was part of the award-winning street performers The Vicious Boys, he has also run with the bulls in the Fiesta de San Fermin in Pamplona more than 50 times. Best joke: I wouldn’t say that he was an alcoholic; I’d describe him more as a very good social drinker.
niAll AShdown
Who is he? An improv actor, master of the regional accent, and TV and radio comedy writer.
Best joke: The audience can suggest some obscure composers for us to sing – you can normally see me at the side going “How does that go?” The response is usually “Bing bong wap bong bing bong. You got it?”
Steve Steen
Who is he? Board-treader and long-time partner in crime of comedian Jim Sweeney, Steen has done several one-man stage shows based on the novels of Bill Bryson. Best joke: I played golf in the UAE in 50-degree heat. When the clubs start to wilt you know it’s time to stop playing.
iAn Coppinger
Who is he? Doing stand-up at a towering 5’2”, this hilarious Irishman has packed out comedy venues all over the world. Best joke: I went into a café and the daily specials board said, “toast”. Needless to say, it wasn’t an ambitious café.
May 10 to 12, Madinat theatre, Souk Madinat, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs185. tel: (04) 3666546. madinattheatre.com
34 WHAT’S ON may 2012
roger monkhouSe
These days, people are addicted to everything, no one is allowed to say, “I’m a little bit partial to cheese”. Nope, they are addicted to it.
phil niChol
Do you think snails make slugs feel homeless?
May 2 to 11, Grand Millennium tecom, Bonnington JLt, crowne Plaza hotel, Movenpick Jumeirah Beach, the address Dubai Marina, Dubai, 9pm, Dhs140. tel: (04) 3551862. whatsonboxoffice.com
JAson
having gone down a storm the last time he was in dubai, the irish funnyman is back with his critically acclaimed Cirque du Byrne tour. But he tells what’s on some audiences can be rather brutal. here are his top heckles…
byrne
* Bring on the real Jason Byrne! * I had your Ma * Krusty The Clown is funnier then you * My great granny could do a better five minutes May 10 and 11, almas tower, Jumeirah Lakes towers, 9pm, Dhs100 or Dhs190 with three food/drink tokens. tel: (04) 3560560. Metro: Jumeirah Lakes towers. mcgettigansdubai.com
After the unqualified success of our pizza takeaway test, you, the readers, have demanded we tell you who delivers curry in a hurry. So, we wound our stopwatch, grabbed our stack of takeaway menus and dialled for curry and rice.
This is how The conTenders fared‌
36 WHAT’S ON may 2012
The Takeaway TesT
Mirdif ALSO: AL WARQA/ INTERNATIONAL CITY/ RASHIDIYAH
Mirchi
Delivery time: 17mins Price: Dhs51 for chicken masala with steamed rice What’s On verdict: Mirchi is a real Mirdif institution, and the super speedy delivery time proved why. The curry itself was a mild, but solid, masala containing plenty of chicken. Long may it reign as Mirdif residents’ go-to curry house. Uptown Mirdif, Mirdif, Dubai, daily 11.30am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2888040. mirchidubai.com
Zafran Delivery time: 40mins
tasty. The trusty India Palace has long been a What’s On favourite for a quick masala. Normally an eat-in restaurant, it does have a limited geographical range for delivery, which, luckily for you Garhoud residents, includes you. The takeaway also comes with poppadums and large pots of cucumber raita and pickled limes. Garhoud, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 2869600. Metro: GGICO
Gazebo Delivery time: 76mins
Price: Dhs72 for lamb rogan josh with steamed rice What’s On verdict: On paper Zafran doesn’t seem to hold up well. It is not particularly quick, nor is it cheap, but the food is head and shoulders above its rivals. The rogan josh consisted of two huge chunks of lamb so perfectly cooked that they barely clung to the bone, in a flavourful sauce. It is not your bog standard delivery curry, this is high-quality restaurant food brought to your doorstep. Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (04) 2840987. facebook.com/ zafrandubai
Price: Dhs55 for a lamb rogan josh with plain rice What’s On verdict: Admittedly, Gazebo is based a bit further afield than the other outlets on our list, but even a journey from Rashidiya shouldn’t merit a delivery time this lengthy. Surprisingly not stone cold by the time it arrived, the curry was pretty decent with the right amount of burn for what can be a low spice dish. Rashidiya, Bin Sougat Centre, Dubai, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 2858338. Metro: Rashidiya. gazebo.ae
Nawab Restaurant
Ashrafi Restaurant
Delivery time: 17mins
Delivery time: 33mins
Price: Dhs34 for butter chicken with steamed rice (Dhs50 minimum delivery) What’s On verdict: Cheap, quick and surprisingly good, Nawab has all the basics down. The rich and creamy butter chicken is perfect for fussy eaters, with enough flavour to satisfy most curry lovers. However, there are a few issues. They brought no change for Dhs100, leaving us raiding the moneybox and, frustratingly, residents of Mirdif have a Dhs50 minimum delivery charge. Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif, Dubai daily. Tel: (04) 2845070
Garhoud
Price: Dhs14.50 for chicken masala with plain rice What’s On verdict: Arriving by bicycle in a speedy 33 minutes, this cheap chicken masala is an absolute bargain, containing a good amount of chicken and with a moderate level of spice. It even came with tiny pots of raita and chutney. The curry was rather watery, but you’d have to have a heart of stone not to appreciate Ashrafi. Tasty and cheap. Garhoud, Airport Road, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 2827201. Metro: Airport Terminal 1
ALSO: DIFC
India Palace
Curry Box
Price: Dhs48 for butter chicken with plain rice What’s On verdict: Quick, hot and very
British Tandoor Delivery time: 40mins Price: Dhs35 for chicken tikka What’s On verdict: You’d be a fool not to order a dish cooked in the tandoor oven at this longstanding favourite. We went for the chicken tikka, a dry dish with the chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices, and were wowed by the complex flavouring, succulent pieces of meat and the gently charred naan that came on the side. We’ll be calling again. Toyota Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 5pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3211778. britishtandoor.com
Jaipur Delivery time: 37mins Price: Dhs75 for tandoori platter (Dhs70 minimum order) What’s On verdict: Jaipur is a popular restaurant that just happens to deliver, hence the Dhs70 minimum order. We opted for the tandoori platter, which arrived beautifully presented in individual clear cartons, but lukewarm despite the speedy delivery time. The platter included hammour tikka (criminally overfished, it went uneaten), lamb seekh kebab, a really tasty peppered chicken tikka, two tandoori king prawns, baby naans, salad and dipping sauces. Probably better to visit the
Downtown
ALSO: DEIRA/BUR DUBAI Delivery time: 23mins
What’s On verdict: There’s a minimum order of Dhs30, but the popular chicken tikka masala was very nice indeed, consisting of a mild but tasty sauce, quality chunks of boneless bird and a vibrant hue (the result of spices rather than colouring). You’ll also receive some salad and pots of green raita to cool you down, all served in the signature box. We were even given some vouchers for discounts on future orders. Tower K, Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai, daily noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4572288. Metro: Business Bay. curryboxme.com
Delivery time: 45mins Price: Dhs44 for chicken tikka masala and rice (Dhs30 minimum order) may 2012 WHAT’S ON 37
The Takeaway TesT restaurant and get a takeaway from one of the cheaper places. Burj Residences, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4226767. Metro: Dubai Mall. theroyalorchid.com
Jumeirah ALSO: SATWA
Nawab Authentic Indian Restaurant Delivery time: 30mins Price: Dhs34 for chicken tikka masala What’s On verdict: This curry arrived medium hot in both temperature and spice. Five tender chicken pieces made up what was still largely a sauce-based dish and the flavour erred towards being tomato-rich with a touch of cream and a little too much oil in our view. A good choice if you’re seeking comfort food but if you’re calorie counting? Not so much. Comes with free poppadoms, raw veg and two side dips. Jumeirah Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3442330
India Pavilion Delivery time: 22mins Price: Dhs31 for butter chicken What’s On verdict: To borrow the sentiments of George Orwell, all butter chickens are equal, but some are more equal than others. And such was the case with this faultless version from long-standing Jumeirah favourite India Pavilion. In a primo version of this ubiquitous dish, the tender chicken pieces (mainly breast) were complemented by a perfectly balanced combination of sweet and creamy sauce that also packed quite a spicy kick. The slightly smoky flavour to the sauce added a delicious peppery dimension. This is a restaurant-quality takeaway. Comes with a side of mint-yoghurt dipping sauce. Spinney’s Centre, Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, daily noon to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3941483
Brick Lane Delivery time: 47mins Price: Dhs39 for chicken tikka masala What’s On verdict: For a restaurant with lofty ambitions of bringing the authentic London curry house experience to Dubai (yes, we see the irony) we fear you may need to travel slightly further than Al Barsha to find your real Brick Lane curry fix. The masala arrived double-wrapped in plastic which was a good thing given the thick film of oil that pooled 38 WHAT’S ON may 2012
around its edges. The chicken pieces were dry and the sauce overly sweet, giving it a distinctive supermarket brand curry-from-a-jar flavour. City House, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3996786. Metro: Sharaf DG. bricklanedubai.com
Chicken Tikka Inn Delivery time: 42mins Price: Dhs18 for chicken tikka What’s On Verdict: Five-star curry this ain’t, but for the bargain price of Dhs18 it is just about the best value takeaway curry in town. The chicken we ordered was tandoorgrilled with spices and although a little on the dry side had plenty of crunch and flavour. When you find yourself peckish at 1am after an extended liquid brunch, we reckon this is a slightly more salubrious option than a Macca’s run. Bonus points for asking whether we wanted breast or leg meat. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3445524
Dubai Marina ALSO: DISCOVERY GARDENS/ JLT/EMIRATES HILLS/THE MEADOWS/THE SPRINGS/THE GREENS/ TECOM/AL BARSHA/ AL QUOZ
Curry Box Delivery time: 62mins
astoundingly quick for food of this standard. Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon to midnight, Fri and Sat noon 11pm. Tel: (04) 3997357. Metro: JLT. facebook. com/zafrandubai
Arabian Ranches ALSO: MOTOR CITY
Curry & Noodle Delivery time: 18mins Price: Dhs45 for prawn jalfrezi and basmati rice What’s On verdict: A promptly delivered jalfrezi didn’t disappoint, displaying a delicious blend of tastes. The curry arrived burning hot with soft prawns mixed in with crunchy green peppers and onions, in a thick tomato sauce. Overall the mix of ingredients worked very well, and had a bit of a kick to it, but nothing that made us sweat too much. The Walk, Motor City, Dubai, daily 11am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4474757. 24h.ae/ curryandnoodle_dmc
Bhoujan Delivery time: 27mins Price: Dhs39 for butter chicken and rice What’s On verdict: The safe bet butter chicken arrived hot and in a thick and creamy tomato sauce, giving it an almost sweet taste. Minimal spice was detected and the chicken was well done (like a tikka kebab) but was not at all bland thanks to the richness of the sauce. Cheap and tasty. You can’t say fairer than that. The Walk, Near Spinneys, Motor City, Dubai, daily 11am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4475360. bhoujan.com
Price: Dhs46 for butter chicken and steamed rice What’s On verdict: There’s nothing particularly mind-blowing about the reliable Curry Box’s butter chicken, but the staff are friendly, it arrived hot and it didn’t break the Brick Lane bank. As the name suggests, it is delivered in a handy cardboard box, which makes disposal Delivery time: 47mins of the leftovers clean and easy. Price: Dhs58 for chicken tikka masala and rice Discovery Gardens, Zen Cluster, Building 17, (Dhs9 delivery charge) Dubai, daily 11am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4343043. What’s On Verdict: You can’t fault the Metro: Ibn Battuta. curryboxme.com staff who were friendly and delivered the Zafran very hot dishes reasonably quickly (after they said it would take an hour and 15 minutes), Delivery time: 20mins considering they were travelling to the Ranches. Price: Dhs70 for tandoori murgh and steamed But the food just wasn’t up to standard. Portion rice (including Dhs5 delivery) sizes were noticeably smaller than expected, What’s On verdict: Celeb chef Atul Kochhar while the chicken tikka masala was extremely has done an astounding job with Zafran, oily with an almost sickening aftertaste. Overall and the tandoori murgh – four succulent, a very disappointing performance. flavourful chunks of chicken – was far beyond City House, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, daily noon to the standard usually expected from a takeaway. midnight. Tel: (04) 3996786. Metro: Sharaf DG. It’s pricy, but worth it, and 20 minutes is bricklanedubai.com
C E L E B R AT E
F RI at brunch with Bubbly, Fine Food and a bit of fun Friday, Friday, Friday. The day we love. The day we can’t wait to arrive. But there’s only one a week so let’s celebrate it at the Sumptuous Friday Brunch. AED 395. Gorgeous flavours, exquisite tastes and a bit of clowning around.
Reservations: 04 4445613 ibnbattutagate.hotel @IbnBattutaGate
Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Operated by Movenpick Hotels & Resorts
Beach Road by bike
In a city that is in thrall to the 4x4 and the flash red sports car, the common bicycle is often overlooked as a mode of transport. But no longer. We’re bringing back the bike. The perfect way to rediscover the unique shops and restaurants on Beach Road
may 2012 WHAT’S ON 41
FRom the BuRj al aRaB to the Flag at union tRouseRs into youR socks, pop on youR helmet, slatheR
staRt 01
Ride Bike Shop
If you’re planning to cycle Beach Road, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to start. Bike rentals at this stall range from one hour to one day. It’s pretty steep, and you’ll need to bring ID and, if you’re a tourist, leave a deposit, but it’s the only bike hire shop on Beach Road. RIDE Bike Shop, Eppco Garage, Jumeirah Beach Road, near Umm Suqeim Park, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, daily 8am to 6pm, Dhs40 to Dhs200. Tel: (050) 5882738. ridebikeshop.com
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Maison Chic
Shipping over first-rate furniture from Indonesia, this interiors showroom has some hidden 42 WHAT’S ON may 2012
gems, including an antique dentist chair and old-school Vespa with a sidecar when we visited. Worth a stop, even if you can’t fit a deckchair on the back of your bike. 733 Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm, Fri 11am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3282511. maisonchicdubai.com
03 Ahmad bin Ali Muzafai Far D Supermarket
It may look like your run-ofthe-mill rundown convenience store, but the shop vying for the longest name on Beach Road sells everything from batteries to swimming shorts, via mini cricket sets and frisbees. Perfect if you’re planning a visit to the beach. Next to Stitches, 677 Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
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Sweet Lane
A long bike ride deserves a treat or two, and Sweet Lane is the place to stock up on cupcakes and other mouthwatering baked goods.
Near Al Manara Street, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3944774. sweetlanecakes.com
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Picnico
If you’re planning to hit the beach, make sure you pop into this vast adventure emporium stocking everything from skim boards, kayaks and wetsuits to more rudimentary items like sunblock and towels. Eppco Station, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm, Fri 11am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3941653.
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And So To Bed
Chances are you’re not cycling around looking to buy a new bed, but the London-based supplier stocks some impressive beds at this showroom, and it’s well worth a gander – especially if you’re in the market for a place to lay your head. Villa 4, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3946832. andsotobed.co.uk
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Fatburger
There’s no denying it. We love a burger as much as the next cyclist. There’s nothing better than beef in a bap to refuel, and this What’s On favourite is a good choice for a quick lunchtime pit stop. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, Sun to Thur 11am to 2am, Fri and Sat 11am to 3am. Tel: (04) 3945296. fatburgeruae.com
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Turath Al Mandi
We’re big fans of this quaint Yemeni restaurant, and its reputation, built on its freshly baked flatbread and goat meat and rice, is on the rise. A fine spot for lunch or dinner. Near Umm Al Sheif Street, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3953555
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Reem Al Bawadi
You’ll struggle to find a table in the evening at this bustling Lebanese restaurant, but in the day it’s a good place stop to and enjoy a fruit juice, or, if you have a bit more time to spare, munch on some mezze or enjoy a shisha
_ ’ house it s 15km (and the same Back) so tuck youR youRselF in sun cReam and hop on youR Bike and a game of backgammon. Street 29b, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, daily 9am to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 3947444. reemalbawadi.com
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Mercato Mall
A long-standing favourite with families, Mercato is anchored by a giant Spinney’s supermarket should you want to make a picnic. Shoppers will like the high-street offerings, including Gap, Aldo, Laura Ashley, Massimo Dutti, Promod and Topshop, but if all that cycling has truly broken you then collapse in the Nail Spa or in front of a film at Grand Cinemas. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3444161. mercatoshoppingmall.com
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Beach Park Plaza
Shopping malls are one thing Beach Road does not lack. However, none of them have as eclectic a range of restaurants as Beach Park Plaza, opposite Jumeirah Beach Park. Thai, Russian and Indian cuisines are on the menu at, respectively,
Soi55, the Secret Russian Dubai, daily 1pm to 1am. restaurant and Sapne, while there Tel: (04) 3460009. butafish.com is also the fun and futuristic Manga Sushi, and the impressive Samad Al Iraqi restaurant. Something for everyone. Near Al Urouba Street, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, daily 9am to 1am. Tel: (04) 3428060. beachparkplaza.com
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Lime Tree Café
A long-time Dubai favourite, the Lime Tree does some exceedingly good cakes (sorry, Mr Kipling) and a tasty range of healthy salads. Get them to take away as a treat for when you reach the beach park later in the day. Near Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 7.30am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3256325. thelimetreecafe.com
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Bu Tafish
This cheerful diner-esque fish restaurant is always a fun place to dine. Where else does the restaurant manager dress as a sea captain? Either grab a booth or grab some fish and chips to take away. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1,
Flag pole / union house The halfway stop on your ride
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Loca
Our pick of the restaurants and bars at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort, Loca does some good quality Mexican staples (we recommend the chicken taco) and a superb selection of beers. Dubai Marine Beach Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 3461111. dxbmarine.com
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The Village Mall
The star of the show at this neighbourhood mall is S*uce, a boutique selling charming
jewellery and hard-to-find clothing from quirky labels. It is also home to shabby chic café Shakespeare & Co, one of the many Hey Sugar outlets for a sugar boost courtesy of a cupcake, and a branch of Boots, should you need a pharmacy for some blister plasters. Desperate for a mid-journey rub down? Ladies can take their pick from SensAsia Urban Spa and Sisters Beauty Lounge. On yer bikes, chaps. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm
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The Zoo
One of the coolest and most original shops in Dubai, The Zoo is full of pop-culture knick-knacks, retro clothing and trendy wall-art. It is worth having a look and coming back later to stock up on bits and bobs for your apartment. If you’re more of a vintage fan then check out adjoining store Bambah for carefully sourced original clothing and accessories. 142 Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (050) 5353875. facebook.com/thezooconcept may 2012 WHAT’S ON 43
Rent a Bike
Where to hire your cycle…
Wolfi’s Bike Shop
There are both road and mountain bikes available for hire at Wolfi’s for Dhs100 a day, or, if you’re a more serious cyclist, you can go all out and hire a bike with a carbon fibre frame for Dhs200. Sheikh Zayed Road, between interchange 2 and 3, Dubai, Dhs100 for 24 hours. Tel: (04) 3394453. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. wbs.ae
Adventure HQ
You can hire road or mountain bikes from this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise for just Dhs100 per day, helmet included. Remember to take photo ID along with you. Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily Dhs100 for 24 hours. Tel: (04) 3468824. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. adventurehq.ae
44 WHAT’S ON may 2012
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Sunset Mall
Burgers, sandwiches, cakes A good one for the city’s and nibbles are all available. fashionistas, Sunset Mall is a As the name suggests, Biker’s shiny new spot boasting some Café is popular with the biker high quality boutiques, including community and, if you’re lucky, Rivaage and VallyDez for there will be some handsome designer labels, plus the recently hogs hanging about outside. Just opened Collars & Cuffs tailors. remember, no jokes about beards You’ll also find Tropicana Flowers or leather. should you want to add some Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah blooms to the basket on your bike 2, Dubai, Sat to Wed 7.30am and pretend to be all French and to 1am, Thur and Fri 7.30am Amelie-esque. to 5am. Tel: (04) 3493585. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah bikerscafedubai.com 2, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel 20 Kite Beach (04) 3307333. sunsetmall.ae This public beach is one of the 18 Jumeirah few places where Dubai’s kite Beach Park surfers are given free rein. Find One of the best beach parks a spot on the sand and watch the in the country, and definitely surfers out on the water, grabbing worth a stop. It’s just Dhs5 to some speed and pulling off tricks. enter, and you will have access Nessnass Beach, between to the pristine beach, picnic Jumeirah Beach Park and Dubai spots and, most importantly, Sailing Club, Dubai public toilets. It is important for gentlemen to note that Saturday 21 Barracuda Restaurant is ladies’ day. Barracuda is the place to pull Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah up if you’re in the mood for 2, Dubai, Sun to Wed 7am to some fresh, uncomplicated 10.30pm, Thur to Sat 7am to 11pm, Dhs5. jumeirahbeach.org/ fish dishes. And why on earth wouldn’t you be? The restaurant jumeirah-beach-park serves a simple, uncluttered 19 Biker’s Cafe menu that allows you to pick You might feel a little your own fish and have it embarrassed rolling up to this grilled to your taste. motorcycle-themed café on Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah your pushbike, but the friendly 3, Dubai, daily noon to staff will help you get over that. midnight. Tel: (04) 3940408
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Kartell
Quirky shops are what Beach Road is famed for (as well as its many restaurants, of course), and this swish designer furniture store is definitely one of them. The high-end chairs, tables and lamps don’t come cheap, but they are awfully pretty. Villa 746, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3488169. kartell.it
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Dhow And Anchor
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the perfect end point to your mammoth bike ride. It’s not far away from the bike rental shop, and you can nip inside to reward yourself with a refreshing drink at the Dhow and Anchor pub. If it’s a weekend, they also have several screens showing the weekend’s games. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (04) 4068999. jumeirah.com
stop
film
The Avengers
New releAses
We Need To Talk About Kevin
Jannat 2
We need To Talk about kevin
Jannat 2
The avengers
Who?
Tilda Swinton, John C Reilly, Ezra Miller, Ashley Gerasimovich, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Lynne Ramsay (director)
Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Imran Zahid, Esha Gupta, Kunal Deshmukh (director), Pritam Chakraborty (soundtrack)
Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Joss Whedon (director)
Tagline
“Mummy’s little monster.”
None
“Some assembly required.”
once upon a Time...
A mother looked back at her traumatic experiences of raising a child who went on to be jailed for an atrocious crime, searching for clues as to how and why a difficult childhood ended in horror.
A smooth-talking gun-runner was co-opted onto an undercover police team hell-bent on bringing down a smuggling racket supplying arms to the city’s seedy underbelly.
When global security was threatened, Nick Fury (Jackson) – director of peacekeeping agency S.H.I.E.L.D. – assembled a crack team of Marvel Super Heroes to kick serious baddie butt.
ideal if you’re in The mood To...
Be equally intrigued and depressed – this fascinating but profoundly disturbing tale, told largely in a series of troubling flashbacks, flatly refuses to offer any easy answers.
Indulge in a typically highoctane Bollywood action sequel stuffed to the gills with have-a-go heroes, unrepentant villains and swoonsome romantic clinches.
See Iron Man (Downey Jr), Captain America (Evans), Hulk (Ruffalo), Thor (Hemsworth), Black Widow (Johansson) and Hawkeye (Renner) team up, basically. And you do, don’t you?
WaTch This if you like...
Tilda Swinton, whose convincingly frayed performance as Kevin’s mother carries the film and won widespread acclaim as arguably her career best to date.
The first Jannat movie, a hit back in 2008 – although the director has stressed in interviews that this instalment is more the continuation of a franchise than a direct follow-on.
Pretty much any superhero movie ever made, although an affinity with either of the two Iron Man flicks to date would stand you in particularly good stead.
Top Trivia
Lionel Shriver’s critically acclaimed 2003 novel, on which this is based, has already been adapted once – it was serialised as ten 15-minute episodes broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.
As if to prove the director’s point about this not exactly being a sequel per se, working titles included both Informer and Blood Money.
Most of the Marvel characters are being played by the actors that portrayed them in previous movies, but Ruffalo is a new Hulk – Edward Norton declined to reprise his 2008 role here.
WhaT’s on Ten Word or less revieW
Grippingly disquieting in its artful blend of drama and horror.
Another satisfying crimebuster from the Bhatt brothers’ production team.
A safe bet for a bit of popcornmunching distraction.
raTe or slaTe?
★★★★✩
PREVIEW
PREVIEW
46 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
Ishaqzaade Dark Shadows
The Five-Year Engagement
The Three Stooges
The five-year engagement
ishaqzaade
The Three stooges
dark shadows
Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Alison Brie, Rhys Ifans, Chris Pratt, Nicholas Stoller (director), Judd Apatow (producer)
Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Anil Rastogi, Pravin Chandra, Habib Faisal (director), Amit Trivedi (soundtrack)
Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, Larry David, Jennifer Hudson, Farrelly brothers (directors)
Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Danny Elfman (music), Tim Burton (director)
“A comedy about the journey between popping the question and tying the knot.”
None
“Just say Mo.”
“Every family has its demons.”
Violet Barnes (Blunt) and Tom Solomon (Segel) were destined to marry – but circumstances kept delaying their nuptials to the point where the engagement risked complete derailment.
Unpredictable Parma (Kapoor) and ferocious Zoya (Chopra) were the central figures whose passions were ignited by hatred over a simmering small town clan feud.
Three brothers left at an orphanage grew up as the titular bumbling trio who – later employed as the home’s inept maintenance men – decided to try to save it from financial ruin.
Barnabas Collins emigrated from England to America in 1752, and became head of a wealthy estate – until he broke a witch’s heart, was cursed as a vampire and buried, reawakening in 1972.
Settle back with a witty if relatively slow-paced relationship movie making a solid effort to appeal equally to both genders.
Pick a side, but be prepared to switch allegiances – this study of human emotion and its influence at times of conflict looks likely to challenge your initial impressions.
Guffaw along to a few pratfalls – comedy rarely requires less brainwork than this, but can a modern feature achieve the innocent charm of the muchloved 1930s and 1940s shorts?
Indulge in yet more idiosyncratic Burtonisms fronted by the everengaging Depp – although you might be in a minority if the coupling hasn’t begun to feel a little safe these days.
Bridesmaids, The Hangover… anything involving problematic wedding build-ups. (A Very Long Engagement might seem a more literal comparison, but that’s set in WWI France.)
A considerable percentage of the vast output from well-known production house Yash Raj Films, who built the male lead role here around newcomer Kapoor.
Familiarity with the knockabout work of the classic Stooges line-up (Larry, Curly and Mo) would help, but Laurel & Hardy fans might also get a kick (in the pants) here.
Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd, Alice In Wonderland…as we said, this is starting to feel like familiar territory for Burton and Depp.
Segel and Blunt have been onscreen love interests once before – in 2010’s Gulliver’s Travels – so we might reasonably expect some natural chemistry.
Acclaimed young Gujurati composer Amit Trivedi put together the music for Ishaqzaade, having shot to fame after winning a National Film Award for his work on 2009’s Dev.D.
A vast number of famous names floated around the key roles prior to the cast being confirmed, including Johnny Depp, Jim Carrey, Benicio Del Toro, Paul Giamatti and Sean Penn.
If Depp is looking a little more undead than usual here, it’s hardly surprising – he apparently went down to 140lbs for the role by living on fruit and green tea.
Some decent gags lighten this thoughtful romcom’s mature underlying message.
A passionate, heated journey through emotional tumult and rural politics.
More apt for Farrelly brothers fans than Three Stooges aficionados.
Stylised comedy-horror mugging from team Burton. Surprised? Us neither.
PREVIEW
PREVIEW
PREVIEW
★★✩✩✩ MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 47
WHAT’S ON
EATING OUT Reviews, recipes, columnists and the latest food news
KEY @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING No local fish, or only overfished local species e.g. Hammour At least one sustainable local fish dish, but also one or more overfished local species More than one sustainable local fish dish, but also one or more overfished local species At least one sustainable local fish dish, no overfished local species Several sustainable local fish dishes, no overfished local species
Toshi
Fully signed up members of the Choosewisely.ae campaign serving only local, sustainable fish species
p51 RIVINGTON GRILL · p55 THE CONNOISSEUR · p58 THE CHEF · p60 ON THE MENU MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 49
EATING OUT
FOOD EDITOR'S LETTER I don’t know, you wait all year for a barrage of new restaurants to open, as they trickle through one or two each month, and, just as the summer approaches, and the fear starts to set in that you will have to wait until at least October for a new place to eat – bam. Eight come along in one month. That’s right, in this month’s Eating Out we bring you our verdict on eight new restaurants. And they are all box fresh, mind you. Not just new menus, new chefs or a few new ergonomic chairs. Brand spanking, just this minute opened their doors-restaurants. It’s the kind of month a food editor lives for, and sometimes, if he’s not careful what he orders, perishes because of. On top of all that, we have just officially launched The Black Hat Guide – the UAE’s only rated restaurant guide. It features more than 1,000 restaurants and is available at all good bookstores. But you already knew that, because you have been poring over, or maybe even pawing at, the copy you received free with your March issue of What’s On. So, heading into the sweltering months, you are well set to enjoy a UAE food scene that is buoyant, bold and bulging with restaurants baying for your dirhams. You can try DIFC’s Italian seafood specialist Roberto’s (p54), the second branch of Rivington Grill at Souk Madinat (p51), M’s Seafood Bistro and The Address Dubai Marina’s Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (p56), as well as – oh no, it doesn’t stop there – The Farm, Donatello Restaurant & Lounge, A La Turca and Abu Dhabi’s Toshi (p57). If you’re still hungry after that (of course you are), you can cook a classic paella (p52), pucker your lips for a South African pinotage (p55), cook Gary Rhodes’ salmon (p58) and devour a dessert of food news (p60). To the elastic waistband. Cheers.
Gareth Rees Food Editor
If you have any comments or opinions on Eating Out or the UAE food scene, please e-mail gareth@ motivate.ae
Rivington Grill Will the second incarnation of the London favourite at Souk Madinat be as successful as the Souk Al Bahar original?
J
NEED TO KNOW
Location: Souk Madinat, ust as it is in its native though, the food, cooked by a Al Sufouh Road, Dubai land, there are now team presided over by Simon Tel: (04) 3666464 two Rivington Grills Conboy – who has worked Web: rivingtongrill.ae in Dubai. In London, at both the Rivington Grill at Open: daily noon to the restaurants are located in Souk Al Bahar and The Ivy – midnight, bar daily 7pm trendy Shoreditch and less is exactly as you would expect. to midnight trendy Greenwich. In Dubai, Simple, British bistro classics Cuisine type: British they reside in two bogus created without pretension, Must eat: potted duck souks – tourist magnets, Souk using fresh British produce. Bill for two: Dhs595 for Al Bahar and Souk Madinat, There was a perfectly two (without alcohol) where the new Riv sits amidst enjoyable Devonshire dressed the souk’s labyrinthine crab, and a standout potted alleyways rampant with duck served with plenty of IN TWEET FORM dawdling vacationers. toast and a sharp piccalilli for Fans of the original And, just as the locations starters. Next up was a lamb Rivington Grill will not are to all intents and leg from the specials board that be disappointed with the purposes identical, so too offered everything a true Brit second outlet at Souk are the restaurants. The only could ask for from a Sunday – Madinat. difference is that the newer or in this case Saturday – roast, Follow us at outpost has an impressive and a truly first-rate chicken @WhatsOnDubai and upstairs bar and is making and leek pie, for mains. For @WhatsOnAbuDhabi an effort to appeal to dessert there was a cold, dry theatregoers – just like the brownie that would have been London version of its sister restaurant, The a lot better had it been heated up, and a superb Ivy. Madinat Theatre ain’t the West End, but apple and rhubarb crumble served with custard we applaud the creative thinking. (never forget the custard). One issue is that the large terrace feels, Rivington Grill is yet to seriously disappoint. well, very much like the Madinat. The mock So why change a winning formula, eh? Arabic façade of the building grates with the Riv’s pared @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: With no back, minimalist charm. local fish on the menu, Rivington Grill scores nothing at all Those minor quibbles aside MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 51
EATING OUT
Cook a classic Paella
Bravo chef Sergio Meneses Bustamante knocks up his version of a classic paella
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INGREDIENTS
* 180g shrimp * 180g calamari * 80g mussels (meat only) * 100g toro rice * 30ml olive oil * 60g garlic and onion * 50g cubed tomato * 60g mixed vegetables * 8g saffron * 400ml fish stock * 5g sweet paprika * 5g turmeric * 30ml white wine * Salt and pepper * Mussels, mixed pepper strips, parsley and olive oil
52 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
METHOD Colour the rice with olive oil in the paella pan until it is brown, ensuring that it stays al dente. This gives a better shade to your paella. Add the tomatoes to the rice and stir well, then and the garlic, onion and vegetables, plus saffron, paprika, tumeric, salt and pepper. Cook for one minute. Deglaze with white wine, and reduce by half. Add the seafood, starting with the shrimps, then the calamari and, finally, the mussels. Add the stock, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked. Add more liquid, if necessary. Remove from heat and cover with baking paper. Place the paella pan in the oven for 15 minutes at 1800C. Remove and cover with foil. Rest for eight minutes. Decorate with mussels, mixed pepper strips, parsley and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Bravo Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 6.30pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com
EATING OUT
Roberto’s Is Dubai restaurateur Roberto Rella’s eponymous Italian seafood restaurant bellissimo or orribile?
seaweed pesto and accompanied by the nutty crunch of quinoa. The flavours and the textures were unbelievably good. As was a cool, fresh tuna tartare, a beef tartare with sweet pear and the spice of horseradish, and the slices of red shrimp curled around dabs of ratatouille with crème fraiche and blood oranges. As good, if not better, than any sashimi you will find in the UAE. Bold but true. A large bowl of salty-vinegary fried calamari was everything you could wish it to be, though a heavy appetiser, while an asparagus soup with shreds of chorizo and a IN TWEET FORM delicately poached egg was just so If you haven’t already – if not mind blowing. It is soup, booked a table at nyone who has been in Dubai for Add to that the preafter all. Roberto’s, do it now. more than ten minutes and loves mium location – DIFC A veal chop bashed with a Right now. Why are you Italian cuisine – what fool doesn’t? is the place to open a mallet, breaded and fried, and still reading? – will know, or at least know of, restaurant in 2012, and served with mozzarella balls, Follow us at Roberto Rella. Formerly restaurant manager will continue to be so, cherry toms and a rocket salad @WhatsOnDubai and at Hilton’s Italian institution and What’s On we’re sure – the sleek but was big enough to defeat the @WhatsOnAbuDhabi Award winner, Bice, Roberto is everything an inviting décor, and the butchest of carnivores, but is Italian restaurateur should be – passionate, fact that Roberto’s has certainly worth a pop. As is a knowledgeable and 100 per cent Italian. He is been the subject of foodie chatter for nigh on rich dish comprised of silky sirloin tagliata just the kind of man the Dubai dining scene six months, and half the battle is won. (sliced) on a bed of meaty oyster mushrooms needs and is very lucky to have. Even if his The other half is, of course, the food. To flavoured with garlic rosemary oil. new DIFC restaurant wasn’t bustling with compete with the aforementioned culinary If you aren’t defeated after that little lot, diners – and there were a fair few people in big beasts, LPM and Zuma, as well as Gaucho the mango and passion fruit cheesecake was when we visited – Roberto, flitting from table and, across the road at Emirates Towers, delightful, and how could you possibly go to table, gesticulating wildly, would make it Hakkasan, The Ivy and Alfie’s, chef Andrea wrong with white truffle ice cream sat atop seem so. The atmosphere at Roberto's, as it is Mugavero’s menu needed to be something what can only be described as a booze-soaked at his two neighbour-competitors La Petite special. Fortunately, just reading it is enough slice of Christmas cake? Well, we’re sure the Maison and Zuma, is just right. to make one dribble. kitchen would probably describe it differently, We suggest starting with a few but that’s what it was, as far as we could tell. plates from the crudi (raw) section, The long and the short of it? Go there. @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: including several delicate slivers of Roberto’s is Dubai’s new culinary hot spot. You With no local fish on the menu, Roberto’s scores zero cuttlefish adorned with a drizzle of heard it here first.
NEED TO KNOW
Location: DIFC, Gate Village 1 Tel: (04) 3860066 Metro: Financial Centre Web: robertos.ae Open: daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm, bar daily noon to 2am Cuisine type: Italian/ seafood Must eat: sepia (cuttlefish) Bill for two: Dhs590 (without alcohol)
A
54 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
The connoisseur
Raffles Dubai’s sommelier Sydney Rathnayake says that you will rarely find a disappointing bottle of wine from South Africa South Africa is, obviously, on the southern tip of Africa, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, so there is a moderate, maritime climate with cool breezes coming in off the ocean. That creates the perfect conditions in which to produce complex wine with a distinct character. The Wine Of Origin system (WO) is in place throughout South Africa, guaranteeing that each particular wine has been made entirely of grapes from a certain region; there are 60 appellations within that system. Because of the WO system, South African wines are produced by single vineyards, which are not allowed to be more than five hectares in size. This is a very similar system to the one in France, so if you’re going to open a bottle of South African wine, there is no need to worry about the quality. They are also reasonably priced, many of them are experimental, and you will always get something different. Sixty per cent of our wine menu at Raffles is made up of New World wines, and many of those are from South Africa, because they
are easily understood by the commercial palate – that is, by people looking for nice wines that go well with their food. Some of the main production regions are Cape Town, Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek Valley and the Breede River Valley, and you can find pretty much any grape in South Africa – from cabernet and merlot to chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. But if you’re looking for a red, start with a pinotage. It’s an experimental, hybrid grape variety, a cross between cinsault and pinot noir, which was introduced to South Africa in 1925 and has since become the country’s best known. It’s full-bodied and rich, and it has a lot of red berry character. With white, try a chenin blanc. It’s a French grape variety from the Loire Valley that grows very well in South Africa. The South African varieties are very well balanced – perfect for enjoying with food. You can find good pinotage and chenin blanc anywhere in South Africa. In fact, you can find excellent wines from all over the country.
1/2 AD
NEXT MONTH: GERMAN WINE MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 55
EATING OUT
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Is the long-awaited second outlet of the American steakhouse a boot sole-tough flop or a seared hunk of meaty perfection?
S
potting that we had ordered a 24oz T-bone steak that was easily bigger than a toddler’s head, the maître d’ at Ruth’s Chris promised to dance around the restaurant if we managed to devour the beast. That’s the kind of place the new RC is. The trio of barmen at the long cocktail bar in the lounge area performed magic tricks for us as we sipped our pre-prandial martinis, and the smiling hostess handed us a rose as we made
our way out the door with a doggy bag containing half a cheesecake. The place has a definite, and very welcome, sense of fun. Which is enough alone to recommend it. The Ruth’s Chris steak itself pops up in pretty much every conversation about UAE steakhouses – these are many and often – thanks to RC’s trusted technique of quickly cooking USDA prime cuts under an eye-bleedingly hot grill (we know, we’ve cooked on it before) and hurrying it out to the table, sizzling and spitting angrily, before the generous sphere of butter placed atop it has fully melted. It’s food theatre at its best, and it’s what American steakhouses are all about. We knew what to expect, and our exquisitely huge, flavourful
@WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: With no local fish on the menu, Ruth’s Chris doesn’t trouble the scorers
and tonguesearingly hot T-bone and far smaller but beautifully tender petite filet did not disappoint. There is no doubt that Ruth’s Chris does a cracking hunk of seared beef. But, hailing from New Orleans, it also does a deliciously thick Louisiana seafood gumbo – alluringly dark orangey-brown in colour and with a heady fish taste – and a dish of six sautéed shrimp in a powerful garlic, butter and white wine soup. So the kitchen scores highly in the appetiser department, too. Sides of sautéed spinach and a dangerously gooey potato gratin slathered in bright orange cheese were just the ticket. We also enjoyed a couple of glasses of Chianti recommended by the Italian sommelier. Just the dessert to go, then. We won’t say too much, because we don’t need to. We had the cheesecake. One serving is enough for four. A dense, almost chewy biscuit base, and a sweet but not too sweet creamy topping adorned with a couple of blueberries.
NEED TO KNOW
Location: The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Tel: (04) 4549538 Metro: JLT Web: ruthschris.ae Open: Sun to Thur noon to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11.30pm, Fri and Sat 6pm to midnight, bar daily 6pm to midnight Cuisine type: Steakhouse and grill Must eat: Cheesecake Bill for two: Dhs800
IN TWEET FORM
If you want to have fun while enjoying a lovely slab of prime beef, Ruth’s Chris Steak House offers big servings of both. Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi There’s one serving left in our fridge, and it would take a big, brave man to wrestle it away from us. That’s all you need to know. The only thing missing from our visit to Ruth’s Chris? The maître d’ still owes us that dance. And we will be back to collect.
M’s Seafood Bistro
Is Café Chic’s replacement catch of the day or a tiny tiddler? soft chunks of crab encased in light, crunchy, moreishly salty tempura batter that arrived from chef Yvan Rocher’s kitchen were anything but. Served with a scattering of rocket leaves and a pot of chilli mayo, it was a delightful surprise. Alongside the salad, we ordered ceviche – a dish that is so often a disaster – and were again rewarded with a gem. Peppery baby octopus, with just the right amount of chew, marinated in lime juice, coriander, red onions, ginger and vinegar. If a ceviche makes you suck in your cheeks, there’s
something wrong – this one was balanced to perfection. e Méridien Dubai’s former We also tried a deliciously rich signature restaurant Café Chic seafood chowder, before tucking was a decent enough European, in to a beautifully seasoned but the kitchen could be a little and soft skate wing fillet on a overzealous – overdoing and bed of ratatouille – the tang of overthinking some dishes. tomato balancing the salt of the M’s Seafood Bistro, the simple fish – and a lobster impressively restaurant with a straightforward flambéed tableside by Monsieur name and a no nonsense menu Rocher himself. that has replaced it, could never be For dessert, the “traditional” accused of the same offense. As the cheesecake didn’t let the rest of name suggests, it serves seafood. the meal down. Crumbly base And very fine seafood, at that. and thick cheesy topping – a far Crabstick salad would usually cry from the sweeter American be a pretty dull order, but the cakes so prevalent in Dubai. Café Chic is no @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: M’s Seafood Bistro more. Long live M’s serves the sustainable local sea bream, and no other local fish, meaning it scores three Seafood Bistro.
L
56 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
NEED TO KNOW
Location: Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Dubai Tel: (04) 2170000 Metro: Dubai Airport Web: lemeridien-dubai. com Open: Sat to Thur 12.30pm to 11pm, Fri 7.30pm to 11pm Cuisine type: Seafood Must eat: Deep-fried crabstick salad Bill for two: Dhs522 for two (without alcohol)
IN TWEET FORM
Café Chic’s replacement at Le Méridien Dubai is a riproaring success, serving some seriously impressive seafood dishes. Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi
EATING OUT
TRIED AND TESTED
NEW OPENINGS OUR VERDICT ON FOUR OF THE UAE’S RECENTLY OPENED RESTAURANTS
DONATELLO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE A rare five-star Italian away from a five-star hotel, Donatello is a pricy but undeniably luxe restaurant (think dove grey velvet, dramatic lighting and acres of agate) serving an elaborate array of high-end dishes. With a menu combining regional specialities, be sure to order the soft and lightly flavoured baby octopus with diced potato, oxtail (Dhs84) and smoked ricotta ravioli with rosemary jus (Dhs80), then, to finish off, the layered chocolate cake (Dhs50). Italian wines are, of course, on hand, with tastings in the decadent bar on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 10pm. World Trade Centre, Dubai, noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3863577. Metro: World Trade Centre. gleehospitality.com
(Clockwise, from top left) Donatello Restaurant & Lounge • Toshi • The Farm • A La Turca
A LA TURCA
TOSHI
THE FARM
Considering the Rixos Hotel Group’s Turkish roots, we were expecting the signature Turkish restaurant at the new resort on The Palm to be the hotel’s pride and joy. Instead it is an all-daydining buffet restaurant for Dhs300 a head. You can’t win ‘em all, eh? But we went along anyway. And it wasn’t bad. Some decent soups and cold seafood, delicious, greasy kebab skewers and a small but OK selection of desserts. Not all Turkish, and not all of a high standard. And you know how we feel about buffets. But the staff was welcoming and two musicians serenaded diners on the large patio. So, if you’re in the market for a buffet, you could do a lot worse. If you’re looking for a Turkish restaurant, perhaps start the search elsewhere. Rixos The Palm Dubai, The Palm, East Crescent, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4575555. rixos.com
The newly reopened Toshi is experiencing a few teething problems. The Alaskan king crab maki rolls (Dhs40) and salmon sashimi (Dhs30) made for a tasty and light starter, but our milkfed veal teppanyaki (Dhs185) main was not such a success. The request for our meat to be cooked medium fell on deaf ears and we were instead presented with a chewy, most certainly well done, lump of protein. For dessert, there was one choice – tropical fruit. We passed. Full marks to Toshi for supporting the Choose Wisely campaign for the use of sustainable local fish, however, even if they did mistakenly inform us that the fish of the day was the criminally overfished hammour. Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels.com
You’ll feel you deserve a treat after making the trek out to the Al Barari estate, but The Farm is a more than adequate reward. From the terrace seating amidst idyllic, lush green surroundings, complete with waterfall, to an interior that is as sleek as the iPad menus, aesthetically, it is stunning. The Farm serves and sells its own organic products, so it’s best to focus on vegetable dishes such as the flavour-packed tomato tatin (Dhs28), but the lemon and rosemary corn-fed chicken (Dhs80) – ethically treated, naturally – is also pleasing to both body and soul. Although it is currently in the process of applying for its alcohol licence, The Farm is at its best on a weekend morning. Al Barari, Emirates Road, Dubai, daily, 7am to 11pm, Dhs250 for two. Tel: (04) 3925660. thefarmdubai.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 57
Eating Out
PAN-FRIED SALMON WITH PEAS, BROAD BEANS AND ASPARAGUS SERVES FOUR
"I would always try and talk anybody out of making vegetable stock at home"
The chef
boil, add barely a splash of cream, throw in your peas, blitz them and you have the richest sweet pea green sauce that you can imagine. Absolutely divine. It’s almost like making an instant pea soup. Drizzle that on top of the dish, adding all of those lovely green vegetables and the shellfish. Maybe use some form of pasta, even if it is just simple spaghetti. When it comes to stock, I would always try and talk anybody out of n the UK, May is one of the most exciting making vegetable stock at home. Vegetables months before the summer season, when can really change flavour. If you’re buying the broad beans and fresh peas are coming cheapest vegetables you can, you’re not going in. And these lovely ingredients will be to have any strength of flavour in them, so available here in the UAE, whether fresh or you’re better off buying a pre-made vegetable frozen. stock – providing you add a little extra water, But if anything is unavailable, as usual because it can be powerful. You can always there are plenty of options. Nice little button throw in half an onion or a little bit of leek mushrooms work or some of the superbly, for example, mushroom trimmings and it can easily to give it an extra bit become a vegetarian of taste. dish if you replace On the other hand, the chicken stock if you want to make with vegetable stock. a really good chicken You can add leeks, stock, the best way to asparagus and little do it is to think ahead florets of broccoli, or a and buy in a simple, mixture of fresh herbs. honey-roast bird, put I find that shellfish it into a large pot, works well as a add one small onion, replacement for the one roughly chopped salmon. Especially lobster, scallops or prawns – carrot, a leek, and maybe even throw in a clove prawns in particular go very well. The prawns of garlic. Throw in a couple of peppercorns, themselves should be cooked gently in oil and then cover it in water. Simmer for 90 and butter, without tossing or stirring them. minutes and you will have the most sensational You’re just allowing them to warm, rather than chicken stock. Then you’ve got the chicken tighten in any way or become too firm. there ready for the next day. You can either Make a sauce. If you can’t find fresh, take make bang bang chicken, chicken curry, a soup half a cup of frozen peas, allow them to defrost, or sandwiches. There are endless things you then take your vegetable stock, bring it to the can do with that chicken.
As summer approaches, our celebrity chef columnist Gary Rhodes whips up a lovely piece of fish with sun kissed greens
i
INGREDIENTS
Two large shallots, peeled and sliced into rings; one bay leaf; squeeze of lemon; 300ml chicken stock; 100g peas (fresh and shelled) or half a cup of frozen peas; 100g shelled broad beans; eight to 12 asparagus spears, cut into five to six centimetre sticks; two tbsp olive oil; four 175g salmon fillets, pinboned; salt and pepper; 50g butter, plus a knob of butter for the fish; one heaped tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley.
METHOD
Gently soften the shallots in a knob of butter, not allowing them to colour. Add the bay leaf and chicken stock and simmer gently. Meanwhile, blanch the peas for four to five minutes (if using frozen, follow the packet cooking time) in a saucepan of boiling salted water or until tender, removing with a slotted spoon into iced water. Cook the broad beans and asparagus together for two to three minutes, lifting them from the water when ready and adding them to the iced peas. Once cold, drain off the water and skin the broad beans to reveal their rich, green colour. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, season the salmon with salt and pepper and place skin-side down in the pan. Cook over a medium heat until the skin has become golden and crispy and the fish cooked half to two-thirds of the way through. Add the knob of butter and turn the fish, removing the pan from the stove and basting the fillets with the butter. While frying the fish, add the peas, beans and asparagus to the stock, stir in the butter and remove the bay leaf. Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice and the parsley and divide among four bowls, topping with the panfried salmon.
NEXT MONTH: LEMON VICTORIA SPONGE WITH ENGLISH STRAWBERRY JAM AND VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM 58 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
EATING OUT
ON ThE MENU
new openings, camel burgers and the latest menu tweaks – it’s all go on the uAe food scene this month
NEW RESTaURaNT OpENINGS
NEW OpENING
Just when you thought you’d dined at every restaurant in town, more open their doors. There’s no stopping the UAE dining scene. Kicking things off is the long-awaited launch of Polynesian-themed bar Mahiki’s menu. British chef Marcus Chat, formerly of Rhodes Mezzanine, has created a menu embracing the laidback sharing style. Meanwhile, The Palace Café has opened its doors on the popular Emaar Boulevard, providing a charming spot to nibble on some Arabic favourites. Sultry restaurant-lounge Caramel opens its second UAE outlet at the St Regis on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Al Mersat is the latest addition to the Radisson Royal’s F&B portfolio – serving grilled meats and seafood. While, finally, Kebab Bistro, just off Al Wasl Road, offers simple Arabic and Indian food, as well as a handy delivery and catering service. Tuck in.
TWITTER RECIPE
chopstick lessons
CAMEL BURGER, ANYONE? Here at What’s On we enjoy the occasional camel burger, so the news that Emirates Palace is taking heed of what has become a bit of a trend and serving up camel burgers is welcome, indeed. Camel meat, zataar brioche and chickpea fritters should make for an interesting spin on the modern Emirati classic. Le Café, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6907999. emiratespalace.ae
BLUE MARLIN
Cooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters
OYSTER, GRAPEFRUIT & BASIL GRANITA Blend pink grapefruit/basil/ sugar/black pepper. Strain, freeze, grate over oyster & enjoy
Head chef, Maxime Le Van, Embassy Dubai, Grosvenor House Tower Two Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 7.30pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3176000. Grosvenorhousedubai.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnabuDhabi
60 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
TRIED aND TESTED
Setting up a swanky beach club and restaurant halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was always going to be a pretty ambitious project, but, using a similar blueprint to its remote Ibiza-based namesake, Blue Marlin UAE has
nevertheless set up shop on the remote Ghantoot Al Jazira Island – the idea behind it being simple: exclusivity. The menu is uncomplicated, consisting of six starters, mains and desserts, with all the dishes displaying a touch of Mediterranean flair. From the more
inventive beef tartare with anchovies and roasted white asparagus (Dhs95) to the simpler heirloom vegetable salad (Dhs60), the starters are pricey, but well put together. Although there are two meaty options, fish is the order of the day here. Despite none of it being locally sourced (tut tut), the miso-glazed halibut with bok choi (Dhs190) is delicious, infused with strong but not overpowering Asian flavours. Everything about Blue Marlin reeks of trendy people with plenty to spend, but the restaurant is commendable. Whether it’s a big enough draw to persuade people to undertake the journey is yet to be seen. Blue Marlin UAE, Golden Tulip Hotel, Ghantoot, 1pm to 11pm. Tel: (056) 1133400. bluemarlinibiza.com
Royal China Dubai injects a bit of fun into the regular family brunch this month. While the grown ups are gorging on a collection of dim sum and other Chinese fare at the DIFC restaurant, Royal China’s chefs will teach the nippers how to properly handle a pair of chopsticks. Royal China Dubai, Precinct Building 4, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3545543. Metro: Financial Centre. royalchinadubai.com
Tip-top takeaway We like nothing more than being out and about, but sometimes the situation calls for one to confine oneself to the house and enjoy a meal in one's pyjamas. Fortunately, Abu Dhabi's Ushna, one of our favourite Indians, introduces a delivery service this month. So now we, and you, dear reader, can enjoy the tandoori salmon and jhinga kalimirch (prawns) in the comfort of our own home. Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges, daily 12.30pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 5581769
RestAuRAnt Week
Voi
For one week this month (May 23 to 29) 39 Jumeirah restaurants will be running threecourse set menus from just Dhs130. The Restaurant Week concept is adapted from similar events in New York, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and allows you to eat at various restaurants at the Souk Madinat, Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Etihad Towers and other Jumeirah properties. Our advice is to arrive early, as tables are sure to fill up fast. May 23 to 29, Jumeirah Restaurant Week, Souk Madinat, Emirates Towers and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, and Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. jumeirah.com Armani/Ristorante
NEW MENUS It's always nice to see that the UAE's restaurants are dedicated to keeping things fresh and exciting, and in the spirit of revitalisation a number of K Grill UAE chefs have rolled out new menus this month. Under the new guidance of chef Emmanuel Pauliat, cosy French restaurant Oscar's is going back to its roots with a more
provincial menu, including classics such as tian de légume aux herbes and tarte au citron. The Armani Hotel Dubai's flagship Italian, Armani/Ristorante, has revamped its degustation menu (Dhs1,100 with wine pairings) expanding its range beyond Tuscan fare to include specialties from around the entire peninsula. And from one restaurant moving away from Tuscan classics to another featuring them as their monthly specialty, Souk Al Bahar's BiCE Mare focuses on the central Italian region as its monthly-changing culinary coastal tour continues. Carnivores will be flocking to the ever-popular K Grill at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, and its menu of prime cuts and succulent seafood. Abu Dhabi is also getting in on the act with the Park Rotana's Teatro putting an Asian spin on proceedings with seared king scallops, baby bok choi and enokitake mushrooms. Not to be outdone, the charming Italian restaurant at the Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Filini, will be adding dishes incorporating Italian spring vegetables. Tuck in, ladies and gents.
1/3 aD
TIME TO ShOp lOcal We take a certain pride in seeing a homegrown company, committed to selling wholesome, local produce, doing well. So we are particularly excited that RIPE – the company behind one of the UAE's most popular farmers' markets – is set to open a farm shop in Dubai in mid-May. A street over from Jones The Grocer, a RIPE business partner, the store will sell vegetables produced on UAE farms, with plans to sell locally reared meat in the future. Right up our street. Al Manara, Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3807602. ripeme.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 61
WHAT’S ON
ARTS
artists, galleries, news, events and more
p64 WRITTEN ON THE BODy · p66 THE aRT INsIDER · p68 fIvE TO sEE may 2012 WHAT’S ON 63
ARTS
Shirin Aliabadi
Written On the BOdy
Pop-cultural Iranian artist Shirin Aliabadi on the eve of her new Dubai show Close-up depictions of women’s eyes have become one of your trademarks – what’s the on-going appeal of that for you? On the surface, eyes are the most beautiful part of the body and the most emotional in their expression and all that they take in. I have come to realise that sadness, happiness, hunger, passion, kindness and fear, and all those other sensations, are but a few emotions that can be noticed simply in the eyes. So the contour of the eyes and eyebrows for me is like a blank canvas, and that has become a starting point for my drawings, which then go on to relay a story, incident, event or message. How does your experience as an Iranian woman and artist inform what you do? The project Girls In Cars came about when I was stuck in traffic 64 WHAT’S ON may 2012
on a weekend night in a pretty posh part of Tehran. We were surrounded by beautiful girls made up to go to a party or just cruising in their cars, and I thought then that this image of women chained by tradition and the hijab is not even close to reality here. They all had music on and were chatting to each other between the cars and making eyes and conversation with boys in other vehicles. Although respectful of the laws, they were having fun. I chose to relay this side in my art, as
Girls in Car, 2005
opposed to what is depicted via the Western media and in the works of some artists that are still conveying the notion of Middle Eastern women heavily draped, confined, dark and submissive under the chador. Ironically, yet proudly, 60 per cent of students in Iran are females. With this strong focus on women in your art, do you view your work as feminist or a social commentary? I see myself as an artist in this period of time. I am not trying to convey anything, merely to show what I see, what I experience, and what happens around me. I want to express that there is a youth culture in Tehran, thriving with ideas, bustling with energy and loudly playing with identity and traditions. You play with the balance between Middle Eastern and Western notions of female beauty. Tell us about that…
There are endless traditional codes or ideals of beauty in every country that measure and make up a society, people or person. Take teeth for example: Japanese women were known to blacken their teeth as a sign of beauty, the people of Tajikistan prefer theirs to be gold, and in the United States, diamonds are all the rage. Also, in the past few decades we’ve witnessed Western women show their bellybuttons, a habit evidently adopted from the Indian tradition. So I feel very fortunate to be living in an era in which sociocultural arenas – those that were once closed to each other – have now become fantastic global swap meets. Does that transfer back into Iran? In the Middle East, we have kept and cherished our traditions. I am very aware of that. I also know that this generation are not the same as their grandmothers’, but while they’re trying hard to be different, they somehow maintain the ability not to get lost. Their intelligence makes them play with traditions but they always go back to it as an idea or a concept from which everything starts to bloom and how they make it their own. Until Jun, The Farjam Collection, DIFC, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3230303. Metro: Financial Centre. farjamcollection.org
ARTS
Child Of Our Time
H
e counts the likes of Kevin Spacey and David Beckham among his collectors and collaborators, and was the youngest artist to ever be awarded a tenyear international retrospective, but for Anglo-Indian artist Sacha Jafri some of the most important work he does is that done for charity. Untouched Beginnings: The Child Within Us and Expressions Of The Soul is the result of Jafri’s four-year tour of refugee camps and orphanages around the world, meeting and working with special needs children and those orphaned by war. Covering 42 countries in all five
continents, it was an ambitious project that culminated in an epic final artwork – as anyone who saw Untouched Beginnings during its recent installation at DIFC can attest. Nine canvases convey ‘the story of our childhood’, reflecting our collective journey from infancy to adulthood, and are intended to reignite the child within. Commissioned by Majid Al Futtaim, the project is to be auctioned by Christie’s this month, with all profits (estimated to be up to Dhs4 million) to go to Dubai’s Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs. May 9, Christie’s, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4255647. Metro: Financial Centre. christies.com
five minutes with...
Guillaume Cuiry
director of interiors gallery La Galerie Nationale Why have you decided to open a gallery dedicated to furniture and design? When I first came to the UAE in 2005 to promote 20th century art designs and designers, I found that the market wasn’t yet mature enough to sustain a presence for original vintage furniture. Seven years later, I find the market to be much more sophisticated and refined – we are so proud to be the first gallery of this kind in the UAE and importantly in Dubai. We launched at Design Days Dubai in March and the reaction from the public was so positive and enthusiastic; it was an incredible reception for the team and myself. Is furniture art? I believe that the art market will need a long time to discover that furniture can be integrated within the art family, but we have to consider the work of these designers as original creations. Twentieth century designers dared to create unique shapes, tailor-made without any business consideration or agenda. That is the criteria that I consider makes these works ‘art’. This is the only type of art that you can use in your home; you can interact with it in a way you can’t with traditional art. Who are your top three designers? Jean Royère, the leader of the ‘French elegance’ style is my favourite designer – I love the creativity, the simplicity and high quality of his work. Carlo Mollino, for the touch of Italian class – he was for me the link between the old and new generations. Finally, Maurice Calka, who dared to include modern materials in his design. If you could own one piece, what would it be? It’s one of my dreams to get the 1969 original Boomerang PDG desk by Maurice Calka in my office, or also the huge Liane light from Jean Royère, and many others. Like all other connoisseurs and collectors, for me the perfect piece is always the one you haven’t yet got. Sum up La Galerie Nationale in a single sentence… The quintessential destination for authentic 20th century designs. Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3804652. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. galerie-nationale.com may 2012 WHAT’S ON 65
ARTS
CHARLES POCOCK
THE ART INSIDER
T
he opening of Treasures Of The World’s Cultures at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat is a continuation of the programme that was initiated with Splendours Of Mesopotamia in 2011 and is part of the lead-up to the opening of Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. It is also an opportunity to educate yourselves and, perhaps more importantly, your children. The exhibition, put together by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and the British Museum, is open until mid July and tells the story of two million years of human civilisation through 250 of the world’s most magnificent treasures taken from a collection at the British Museum. These riches include pharonic objects such as the canoptic jars of Neskhons; Achaemenid items 66 WHAT’S ON may 2012
from Iran; Ancient Greek and Roman artefacts; Benin bronzes from the 16th century; works by Michelangelo, Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens and Toulouse-Lautrec from Europe; incredible pieces from Asia and the Americas, such as Gandhāran Buddhist reliefs from Pakistan, Taino figures from the Caribbean and Ming Dynasty jade plaques; and, finally, contemporary and modern work by Bridget Riley and Pablo Picasso. The exhibition also presents objects from the Al Ain National Museum and the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, bringing key pieces from the region to a wider audience. Viewing these wonders from such an array of different cultures and religions from across the world will allow visitors to develop a better understanding of the past. This
is a key part of the educational outreach programme of the Abu Dhabi government. Giving the audience, be they old or young, this opportunity, encouraging cultural awareness and opening the minds of all to cultures foreign to their own, is a gift we should embrace and an initiative we should celebrate. What we are seeing in Abu Dhabi with exhibitions like this, as well ongoing developments like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and The Zayed National Museum, are cultural projects of an
international standard that are second to none and show the way forward for the 21st century. But the real treasure is the educational benefit, especially to our children. You would be a fool to miss this exhibition. Art historian, dedicated collector and managing director of Dubai’s Meem Gallery, Charles Pocock knows the UAE art scene like the back of a Picasso. Do you have an art question for Charles? E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae
NEWS FLASH
The Art Bank
We’re always delighted to discover new ways to view and buy art, so news of the recently launched Art Bank had us happy – and the fact that it is dedicated to supporting up-and- coming artists was just the cherry on top. If you’re looking for affordable art for your home,
this may well be the place for you. They’re promising ‘no clichés, just art’, which is about as good a place as any to start. artbankdubai.com
Get Creative
The new term at DIAC kicked off two weeks ago, but don’t let that put you off – it’s early days, so there’s still time for you to sign
up and get creative. With courses in everything from etching to painting and fashion design, there’s bound to be something that appeals. And if you can commit to a full term, the centre also hosts one-off events and weekend workshops. DIAC, Villa 27, Street 75b, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3444398. artdubai.com
Bringing the Joy of Music to Millions Around the Globe
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DUBAI • Dubai Festival City, Level 1, Near Marks & Spencer, Tel: 04 2329900 • Ibn Batutta Mall, China Court, Tel: 04 3669385 • Deira, Salahuddin Street Tel: 04 2668181 • Wafi Mall, Level 1, Tel: 04 3242322 • Deira, Fish Roundabout Tel: 04 2229370 • Deira, Sabkha Road, Tel: 04 2260988 ABU DHABI • Hamdan Street, Tel: 02 6724703 / 6779230 • Dalma Mall, GF082, Tel: 02 5508821 For more information Call 04 2693359, E-mail: info@thomsun.ae
ARTS
Five to see... 1) Referencing History
Green Art Gallery continues its good work in bringing international contemporary art to these shores with this new show. Featuring the work of five Eastern European artists, including Mircea Cantor (recent winner of the prestigious Marcel Duchamp prize), the show draws upon their shared interest in history, both collective and personal. Intriguing stuff. May 9 to Jul 15, Green Art Gallery, Unit 28, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3469305. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. gagallery.com
2) Treasures Of The World’s Cultures
Staged in collaboration with the British Museum, this blockbuster show is the second (after last year’s Splendours of Mesopotamia) in the build-up to the opening of Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum. Over 250 items are featured, from the dawn of human existence in Africa to more local finds on loan from Sharjah Museum. There will be talks and workshops, too. Until Jul 17, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 6575800. artsabudhabi.ae
3) It’s No Longer About Me
This solo showing by Mohannad Orabi continues the Syrian artist’s trademark portrait style, but here his hyperstylised, child-like figures have, according to the artist, been forced to ‘open their eyes’ to the world around them in the wake of the Arab Spring. The references may still be oblique, but the haunting melancholy that pervades this show reveals much of the artist’s state of play. Until Jun 16, Ayyam Gallery DIFC, Building 3, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 4392395. Metro: Financial Centre. ayyamgallery.com
4) Farther Than The Eye Can See
Basma Alsharif ’s video installation plays with ideas of the impact (or otherwise) of geo-politics on individuals – not just those of our experience, but those carried with us from past generations. It’s a bold exploration but one that’s treated with a deft touch here, inviting the viewer to reflect on his or her own experience too. Until 18 May, Bait Al Shamsi, Arts Area, Heart of Sharjah, Sharjah. Tel: (06) 5685050. sharjahart.org
5) Versus
Surreal worlds and fractured moments of chaos feature at Carbon 12’s newest show. Featuring the work of US-based photographer Jamie Baldridge and Austrian painter Bernhard Buhmann, there is pleasing symmetry in the push and pull of ideas on show here, despite the obvious differences in medium and approach. May 7 to Jun 15, Carbon 12, Warehouse D37, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3406016. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. carbon12dubai.com 4
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WHAT’S ON
SHOPPING Designers, shops, trends, hot spots and more
p74 HOW TO...GET INTO THE FaSHION INDUSTRy · p77 SHOp Talk May 2012 WHAT’S ON 71
SHOPPING
T-Post
Not Another Bill
HOT MAIL Panty By Post
T-POST
Is it fashion? Is it media? Well, it’s both. Swedish company T-Post produces limited edition T-shirts for its members every six weeks, with an article on a hot topic (or crazy theory) printed on the inside and a specially commissioned illustration by one of their favourite artists on the front. What started as a discussion between friends about forgotten news stories has grown into a company that sends these quirky pieces to more than 50 countries worldwide. Subscribers can even apply to model the shirts. Think of it as an online community with a very cool uniform. Dhs100 per T-shirt. tpostmag.com
STACK
By reading What’s On we have already established that you have excellent taste when it comes to reading material, so you’ll no doubt appreciate the good work by the creative folk over at Stack. Dedicated to introducing you to up and coming magazines with limited print runs or specialist output, when you sign up to Stack you’ll be sent an independent magazine each month,
If the most exciting thing you’ve had in the post recently was a cheaper than usual credit card bill, then be prepared for the latest in mail order trends. From tees to tunes, we find the best companies to send you treats to your door (or desk)
all beautifully made and offering a fresh perspective on the world. Dhs690 per year. stackmagazines.com
NOT ANOTHER BILL
This hipster-friendly site sources unique gifts from international artists, designers and brands to deliver a nice surprise to you each month. Past presents have included limited edition prints, wooden necklaces from Italy, novelty oven gloves, vintage toy cars and wooden toothbrushes, promoting emerging artisans and delivering some offbeat charm. Dhs1,400 per year. notanotherbill.com
PANTY BY POST
There’s no dressing this up (or down), Panty By Post sends you new undies every month. Started by Francophile Natalie Grunberg, the site allows you to choose a style and size to be delivered, with three lines to choose from and pretty or plain packaging if required.
Stack
Ladies listen up, this could be a good way of encouraging your man to ditch those ratty boxers. Chaps, if you’re ordering these as a gift for your lady, make sure you get her size right or your thoughtful idea may backfire somewhat. Dhs1,100 per year. pantybypost.com
WEEKLY INDIE
These days music is delivered digitally, and Weekly Indie will send you ten tracks by unsigned bands, you guessed it, every week. Aiming to give exposure to aspiring musicians, the site sifts through thousands of tracks to curate a cool soundtrack that is sent to your email address for download, complete with band biogs in case you want to hear more from any of the featured young upstarts. Dhs40 per month. weeklyindie.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 73
SHOPPING
HOW TO…
GET INTO THE FASHION INDUSTRY If you’ve ever dreamt of creating clothes and dominating the catwalks then this month sees fashpack experts arrive in the UAE to show you show it’s done
A
long with becoming a musician, actor or artist, the decision to crack the highly competitive fashion world is one that separates the dreamers from the doers. The hours are long, the money is too tight to mention and fads move faster than supermodels running from a buffet, so if you’re committed to making it you’ll need to be determined. Until recently, the UAE wasn’t on the global fashion map, but an army of up-and-coming designers, home-grown boutiques and style bloggers have started something of a creative movement here, and the next wave of fashionistas look set to truly put us in the spotlight. One of the world’s most prestigious design institutes, London College Of Fashion, has also noticed that we’ve got a good
thing going on, and this month brings a series of short courses to encourage and establish the local style scene. Taking place at the Pullman Hotel, the programmes cover everything from fashion history to luxury brand management. Forget any Project Runway fantasies; these sessions are less about messing around with swathes of fabric and more about hard-nosed business insights from seasoned industry experts. Tutors include designer Richard Sorger, celeb make-up artist Lucy Wearing and Toby Meadows, author of How To Set Up & Run A Fashion Label. Just remember us when you’re dressing the A list – we’d like some new What’s On T-shirts, please. May 17 to 31, The Pullman, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, from Dhs870. Tel: (055) 1156674. fashion.arts.ac.uk/shortcourses/ middle-east
OUR PICK OF THE PROGRAMMES
With 16 LCF courses running throughout May, we pick the top five to get your fashion career off to a winning start 1 Essential Guide To The Fashion Industry If you’re not sure if this is the career for you then a one-day session should give you a taste of what the job could have in store. May 19. Dhs870
2 Fashion Design 1 Guest tutor Richard Sorger takes you through the basics and beyond, sharing his personal experiences and some insider info. May 17 to 20. Dhs4,900
74 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
3 Business Start-up Consultancy It’s not all red carpets and glamour, unfortunately. Fashion is a business like any other, so there are some basic moneymaking principles to learn. May 27. Dhs2,600
4 Fashion PR So you have the brand (or the client) but how can you get the name out there? This two-day course will impart the communication know-how. May 17 to 18. Dhs3,335
5 Principles Of Fashion Styling If you’ve dreamt of being the next Rachel Zoe then this four-day seminar will teach you how to put looks together for runway, street style and editorial. May 22 to 26. Dhs5,480
Meet the tutor
Designer Richard Sorger was named as a rising star by Vogue back in 2009, and since them has had his pieces worn by countless celebs. He comes to the UAE this month to share his expertise and knowledge, but here’s the inside scoop before the classroom doors open What was the best bit of advice you received about designing? While I was at university, I was working through the night towards a deadline. I could no longer be objective about my work, so one of my oldest friends, Richard Gray, the fashion illustrator, held a cigarette packet close to my face and asked me what it was. Obviously it was too close to my eyes to see, and he said that’s like your work right now – you’re too close to it to see it for what it is, meaning that I should just trust myself, finish the work and worry about it later. What essential kit should an aspiring designer have? I always carry a notebook and pencil, but a camera phone is essential in case I see something inspiring. I also recently started to use magic markers, and I’m in love with them. What should attendees expect? I’m firm but fair. The course is a mix of lectures and practical- based exercises, so it will be educational and fun. I want the people taking the course to learn the basics of fashion design from the beginning to the end of the design process (although obviously without making any clothes), so they can leave the course with an understanding of how designers design.
SHOPPING
Any wise words for any wannabe designers? Work hard and don’t be in a rush to succeed. Gain experience and allow your style to develop (this will take time!). Network hard and don’t give up. For every person who doesn’t like your work there will be someone who loves it. richardsorger.com
Meet the designer
Rana Jamshed turned her back on a career in private equity to set up her own label, Polka Dot Cat. Based in Dubai, she has won awards, dressed Miss England and continues to keep the city’s fashionistas on trend with her stunning collections What's it like being a fashion designer in the UAE? Dubai is just the perfect base to have to design and promote a fashion brand; the support for local designers is growing and I am very optimistic for the region as a whole. How did you get started? I just began sketching and making some pieces for myself and friends to test, read loads of ‘how to start your fashion label’ books on Amazon and took courses with the likes of Toby Meadows. Any advice for people in the UAE who want to get into fashion? Exhibit internationally (Paris, London, Milan or New York) to learn more about the fashion world and meet buyers to gather feedback and data, at least once a year. What has been the highlight of your career so far? Diane von Furstenberg loving my Simplicity Sequence dresses when I had dinner with her. I had to pinch myself to believe it was not a dream. polkadotcat.com
Where to go to sew and sew
Inspired to become the next Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs or, if you really want to commit to the lifestyle, Karl Lagerfeld? We’ve found the best on-going courses to take you from fingers and thumbs to red carpets and catwalks
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WHAT? Machine Sewing – Easy WHERE? Craftland WHAT WILL I LEARN? Taking place over two sessions of two and a half hours, this short course is suitable for beginners and provides the perfect introduction to your sewing machine. You’ll be taught how to make a simple wrap and pencil skirt under the tutelage of Kay Bruce and Stephanie Deaves. Materials are provided but you’ll need your own machine. WHEN? 29 May and 5 June, 12.30pm to 3pm. HOW MUCH? Dhs180. Craftland, Town Centre, Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3429224. mycraftland.com
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WHAT? Sewing And Construction WHERE? DUCTAC WHAT WILL I LEARN? Taking your skills to the next level, this nine-week course offers the opportunity to develop various sewing techniques with tutor Tsufa Bijelic, and is suitable for all levels of experience. Material fee is Dhs150. WHEN? Every Wednesday starting from mid July, 9.15am to 12.15pm. HOW MUCH? Dhs1,300 plus Dhs150 for materials. DUCTAC, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3414777. ductac.org
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WHAT? Fashion Design And Pattern Making WHERE? Esmod Dubai WHAT WILL I LEARN? If you’re really serious about making a career in the industry then a full-time course (35 hours a week) will teach you the basic techniques of fashion design. Entry conditions apply along with significant creative abilities. WHEN? Sunday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, starting September 16. Closing date for registration is 15 July. HOW MUCH? Dhs60,000. Esmod Dubai, Dubai International Academic City, Block 4, Al Ruwayah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4291228. esmod-dubai.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 75
SHOP TALK
The hottest news, products, trends and openings with Deputy Editor Helen Spearman
DATE FOR THE DIARY
Charity flea market
The Sheraton is hosting a charity flea market this month, with all proceeds from table fees going to an orphanage in Tanzania. If you’d like to clear out your home of unwanted items hiring a table to sell from costs Dhs250 (call to reserve a s pot) and entry is free if you’re going along to shop for bargains. This is retail therapy at its charitable best. May 12, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Hotel, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 9am. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com
Made to measure
Many fashionable folk like the idea of a tailor-made suit but can’t face the Bur Dubai traffic, so Collars & Cuffs, the latest store to open its doors at Sunset Mall, has come to the rescue. Most bespoke suits will take a few weeks, but there is a three-day express service available upon request in case you have a last-minute special occasion or big meeting, and you can track your order via SMS, BBM or through the website. We love some technology with our tailoring. Collar & Cuffs, Sunset Mall, Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3808283. collarsandcuffs.ae
SHOPPING
THIS MONTH WE ARE…
Injecting some colour Pretty Homeware megastore 2XL (it’s that big) has opened its largest branch yet in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi. Packed with glamorous pieces, our pick of the shelves is this vibrant turquoise lamp (Dhs289), which will brighten up any space, whether it’s switched on or not. 2XL Furniture & Home Décor, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 295. 2xlme.com
BEATLEMANIA
Fans of the fab four should head to Harvey Nichols this month where recently discovered photographs taken in 1963 and 1964, before the band hit the big time, are going on display. There will also be original waxworks from Madame Tussauds, a pop-up shop selling memorabilia and limited edition merchandise, as well as the images taken by Paul Berriff, who went on to become a BAFTA award-winning director. From May 3, Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 4098888. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. harveynichols.com
please… Kate Spade New York has just landed in The Dubai Mall, so it would be rude not to buy this gorgeous hinged bangle (Dhs675) to celebrate. With a modern chevron graphic and engraved with the words ‘off the beaten path’, it is part of the jewellery line from the famed handbag designer. Kate Spade New York, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs675. Tel: (04) 3253518. Metro: Dubai Mall. katespade.com
Basket case
Whether heading to the polo or the beach, this gloriously old-fashioned picnic basket (Dhs555) will make sure you make a style statement with your sandwiches. Containing two wine glasses, ceramic plates, cutlery, corkscrew and salt and pepper pots, this beauty is truly on our wish list. Harvest Home, Jumeirah Centre, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs555. Tel: (04) 43420225. harvesthomegroup.com
Must-buy of the month
WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
ananasa.com
If you’re a struggling artisan or creative type who wants to start your own business but don’t have the cash for your own online store then Ananasa is the answer. This store acts as a platform for regional artists, jewellers, designers and more, allowing them to set up a virtual shop, take orders and ship their products all over the world in a bid to promote the Middle East’s reputation for original pieces. Highlights include UAE label Daring Dopa for T-shirts from Dhs80 and Jordanian jewellery maker Mariam Ajaj, whose bracelets add a touch of Arabian style for Dhs275. ananasa.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 77
WHAT’S ON
SPORT & OUTDOOR Alive and kicking
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SPORT & OUTDOOR
DIVING FOR PEARLS
‘Danger’ Matt
Once the most important industry in the UAE, pearl fishing is the subject of a new day-trip that hopes to teach people the intricacies of traditional pearl diving. Does it work? Our man Matt plunges into the country’s history
the easy route and went on the organised shuttle bus leaving from the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. BRIEFING Unexpectedly, I arrive at a completely modern beachside cabin at the base of the Palm, the kind that you would see on the shores of Lake Como (equipped with indoor fireplace – swanky). There, I am met by the president of EMEG, Ali Saqar Al Suweidi, or Major Ali as he prefers. Major Ali is a third-generation pearldiver whose family, like many hese days, outdoor pursuits pearls you find), most importantly, Instead, I would be taking part others, had to abandon their all seem to be about financial reward. Sign me up. way of life in the 1940s when the in a new day-trip set up by the grandeur. Everything is international pearl market became Emirates Marine Environmental the region’s quickest, or GETTING STARTED saturated by Japanese divers who Group (EMEG) allowing locals, tallest, or longest. That’s why it was First off, it was important to clear residents and visitors a chance had developed pearl-farming refreshing to see that this month’s up that I (thankfully) would not techniques. “It was a difficult time to experience this proud Emirati task has much more of a cultural be reliving the gruelling ways for many families back then, but tradition. twist: learning the traditional of divers of old – sharing an old Although you can arrange to get now it is great to see people who methods of pearl diving used by dhow with 40 people for three are interested in learning about there by yourself, trying to get all the Bedouin people. On paper, months, surviving on a fish-only the way to the base of the Jebel Ali our culture and seeing how we it has everything: bags of skill, diet and only three coconut used to live,” he says. Palm via various security checks oodles of tradition and (after scoops of water per day doesn’t After a short briefing, Ali and unsigned roads could prove to hearing that you get to keep any rank too highly on my to-do list. be another mission in itself. I took shows me his impressive personal
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Major Ali
“With no idea where to start, I scramble around desperately looking for oysters” collection of pearls – worth a fair bob or two – and I change into a customary white robe, which was used as rudimentary protection by all divers in order to protect them from jellyfish, and board the traditional dhow. DIVING FOR TREASURE Once we drop anchor, Ali jumps into the waters, explaining how divers would search for the perfect spot for diving, and then demonstrates the techniques used. He goes under and, like an old pro, resurfaces a couple of minutes later, grinning, with a couple of oysters in his hands. Easy. I’m up. I jump in and follow what I’ve been taught, wrapping my foot around a weighted rope, breathing deeply and once ready, I let go of one end of the rope and hold on as the weight hauls me down to the bottom of sea. Luckily, we’re only diving at five metres. I reach the floor in seconds, and it takes a few more to acclimatise to the surroundings.
With no real idea where to start looking, I scramble around kicking and turning, desperately seeking the oysters. Ali had assured me that there were “so many of them down there”. I resurface empty handed. Determined, I try again. The key is learning not to waste any precious air when underwater. So this time, as I already know what to expect, my movements are calculated and less frantic. Just when I thought hope was gone and I’m running out of air, I see one. And another. And another. And another. I burst up to the surface hauling an impressive six oysters in my hands, to the cheers of the people aboard the boat. Now, it’s time to open the shells and discover the priceless pearls inside. I’ve already spent the proceeds from my first haul (one private island, please). Alas, nothing. Not a single crumbsized bead. It turns out that this pearl-diving malarkey is harder than you think. However, all my disappointment is forgotten on the way back to shore as we sit down to enjoy a lunch of fish and rice, hearing Ali’s stories of the family industry in times gone by, which prove to be the real pearls of the afternoon.
1/2 AD
VERDICT I’m not sure what I enjoyed more, the stories about the arduous life of the pearl divers or the thrill of the diving, which for me means that it was an excellent day out. Pavilion Dive Centre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, Tue to Sat, 9am to 3pm, Dhs700. Tel: (04) 4068828. jumeirah.com
The booty
MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 81
SPORT & OUTDOOR
seven of the best:
night golfing the MontGoMerie
BEST FOR: part-time golfers
While the full 18-hole course at the Monty doesn’t do golfing after dark, the driving range and the par three courses are both floodlit. Open until 10pm, with no handicap restrictions, and at just Dhs135 for two – including a round on the par three course and unlimited range balls – it’s an attractive option for the more casual golfer to enjoy a post-work round. Equipment hire starts at Dhs30 for three clubs. Emirates Hills, Dubai, daily 6pm to 10pm, Dhs135 for two. Tel: (04) 3905600. themontgomerie.com
eMirateS Golf Club
BEST FOR:
One of two 18-holers at the seasoned golfers Emirates Golf Club, the fully floodlit Faldo course is the place to be after sunset. Designed by the legendary British golfer Nick Faldo, it is the only full 18-hole night golf course in the UAE, and as such caters to the more serious golfer (rather than bunkerbound duffers like us), staying open until 9.30pm. If you don’t fancy the full slog, you can also opt to play nine holes. 82 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
With the temperature continuing to rise, a once leisurely stroll on the golf course will soon become a sweaty mess. The answer? Night golf. Here’s our round-up of the best Emirates Hills 2, Dubai, daily 7pm to 9.30pm, Dhs425 for 18 holes, Dhs255 for nine holes. Tel: (04) 3801234. dubaigolf.com
Sharjah Golf & ShootinG Club
BEST FOR: late night golfers
If you don’t mind a bit of traffic, the trusty floodlit nine-hole Sharjah Golf Club course is roomy enough for those with a wayward drive looking to put in some serious practice. The latest tee-off time is set at 7pm, but the lights stay on until 11pm, meaning you can enjoy a casual round. There are only nine holes, but the club encourages you to go around again should you not have satisfied your golfing fix. On
weekends at 5.45pm the club runs ‘shotgun golf ’ sessions, which see nine groups playing at the same time, with everyone starting on a different hole. Rental of a full set of Top-Flite clubs is Dhs100 for nine holes, or you can borrow Calloways for Dhs75 for nine holes. Emirates Road, Sharjah, Sun to Thur 4pm to 11pm, Dhs220, Fri and Sat 4pm to 11pm, Dhs190. Tel: (06) 5487777. golfandshootingshj.com
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
SPORT & OUTDOOR
arabian ranCheS Golf Club
BEST FOR: frugal golfers
Emirates Road may not run through the same lush green landscape you would enjoy in some other golfobsessed countries, but you wouldn’t believe that if you were standing on the first tee at Arabian Ranches. The club’s nine-hole night golf package is just Dhs115 for two, making it the cheapest round of night golf for a pair in the country. If you don’t feel up to the walk, then the floodlit driving range allows you to hit balls long into the night – well, until 9pm at least – and you can hire three clubs for a measly Dhs22. Arabian Ranches, Emirates Road, Dubai, daily until 9pm, Dhs85, Dhs115 for two. Tel: (04) 3663000. arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
abu Dhabi Golf Club
BEST FOR: Depending on your tee-off versatile time, it’s possible to play a golfers mixed round of both sunset golf and night golf on this mammoth 27-hole course. With holes 19 to 27 under lights, you can choose to play those nine holes once the sun has set, or if you reach that point a bit earlier, catch the last of the sunshine and play holes ten to 18, before completing their round under the glare of the floodlights. Nine holes will set you back a slightly pricey Dhs225, but for a course that boasts Tiger Woods as one of its fans, we think it’s worth it.
Emirates Golf Club
with a last tee-off time of 8.50pm, and the lights on until 10pm. Best of all, a round is a bargain Dhs80 (without club hire). Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira, Dubai, daily 7.45pm to 10pm, Dhs80. Tel: (04) 3801234. dubaigolf.com
the traCk
Opening this month, The Track Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 9pm, Dhs395 for is part of Meydan’s drive to 18 holes, Dhs225 for nine holes. Tel: (02) 5588990. become much more than just adgolfclub.com a place to watch the horses. The impressive nine-hole course is fully flood lit, and offers Dubai Creek Golf a nomembership pay-as-you-play scheme BEST FOR: Club allowing literally anyone to turn up, play business Set on the banks of the Dubai until as late as midnight and then head next golfers Creek, this is one of the most door to the newly opened Qube sports bar to picturesque courses in Dubai. unwind. Fully floodlit, the nine-hole, par three course Meydan, Al Meydan Road, Dubai, until midnight, welcomes both experienced golfers and newbies, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 3671080. meydangolf.com
how to... play out of the rough
The trick to hitting from the rough is predicting how much grass to allow between your club and the ball when you hit it. If you catch only a little grass, it’ll go miles. If you catch a lot of grass, you'll lose swing speed and distance. Think about this before selecting your club.
BEST FOR: nonmembers
Open your stance and the face of the club when you set yourself. You’ll want to hit the ball in the middle of your stance, and grip the club tightly – this will keep the clubface from closing as it enters the grass.
Because if you play like us, you’ll need to know
Make a three-quarter backswing, keeping more weight on your front foot. Your goal is to catch the ball as cleanly as you can. Try a steeper, more V-shaped swing for deeper lies. But don't be greedy when your ball is really buried. The best thing to do is pitch back to the fairway, and play for the green with your next shot.
MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 83
Sport & outdoor
The RounD-up
It’s a busy month for UAE sports fans
Taming The dragon
For those who missed it, last month’s Dragon Boat Festival saw teams of twenty-strong racing against each other in a knockout competition. We’re proud to note that a team comprised of Motivate staff claimed a very respectable third place. Well done team!
new F1 powerboats
Petrol heads rejoice; a new breed of powerboat racing is soon to be launched in the UAE. The P1 SuperStock series have announced that they have set the wheels (rudders?) in motion to bring the high-octane racing to the UAE by November, adding to the already established series in the UK and US. Powerboat racing has long been one of the most popular sports in the country and the UAE boasts several past world champions across different disciplines. p1superstock.com
84 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
Best golf courses The capital’s Yas links golf club has been named as one of the world’s best golf courses, outside of the Usa, by the Us version of our sister magazine Golf Digest. The club, which only opened in 2010, was named as one of the top 25 golf clubs, which is no mean feat considering the huge number of courses around the world, including many courses in popular places such as scotland and australia.
Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 8107777. yaslinks.com
Etisalat Cup Final
1/4 AD
News flash
The UAE football league season comes to a climax on May 19 as Al Ahli and Al Shabab face off in the final of the Etisalat Cup. The all-Dubai final will see Al Shabab come in as favourites after soundly beating the defending champions, Al Jazira, in the semi-final 4-0. Their opponents, the muchfancied Al Ahli, have never won the Etisalat Cup before, but earned their place after beating Diego Maradona’s Al Wasl 1-0 in their semi-final. May 19, Al Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai, 7.45pm. proleague.ae
Arabian Ranches’ new cycle route
Dubai is about to get a whole lot more cycle-friendly, as the transport authority has revealed plans to install close to 900km of cycle track in the emirate by 2020. The first to benefit from the new programme will be residents of the arabian Ranches, where 25km of track is currently being built to link the residential area to the Bab al shams desert resort – already a popular cycling route.
WHAT’S ON
MIND & BODY The inside scoop on health and well-being in the UAE
p89 STRESS IN THE CITY · p92 GLUTEN FREE IN THE UAE · p93 MIND & BODY NEWS MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 87
The new dining experience A Mediterranean seafood restaurant in a unique setting with awe-inspiring views. Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Call 02 509 8777. email pearls&caviar@shangri-la.com
www.pearlsandcaviar.com
A combination of work worries, financial pressures, being far from home and social woes mean many UAE residents are affected by stress, with the number of sufferers rising faster than our collective blood pressure. So what can we do to stay sane and healthy? We speak to the experts and find the best ways to keep calm and carry on
01 The STreSS TeST
While most of us will know if we’re a bit stressed out (the pulling out of hair, disturbed sleep patterns, and problematic skin usually give it away), plenty of people are going through life thinking it’s normal to have anxiety, headaches and mood swings. If you’d like to establish exactly what strains you’re under, head to Breath & Health, where a 90-minute session with their high-tech Indigo machine measures biofeedback, reactions
and responses via five sensors. It’s pain-free and provides an accurate reading of which body parts and organs are suffering, and even indicates intolerances, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and mental health issues. Breath & Health, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, Dhs550 for 90 minutes. Tel: (04) 3488030. breathandhealth.net
02 Tai Chi Chuan
Everyone thinks they know all about the Chinese martial art tai
chi chuan, but, although sixth dan black belt master John Duval of the Golden Eagle Martial Arts describe it as, “meditation and medication in motion”, tai chi chuan is not just for elderly people in parks. Focused on body kinetics, or balancing your ying and yang energy through controlled movement and breathing, it has numerous health benefits, ranging from increasing flexibility and muscle strength to lowering blood pressure and reducing stress. It is also a highlevel martial art and the intensity of a session, can range from
simply raising and lowering your arms while breathing in and out through your nose to produce pure calm to performing complex movements perfected over years. It can be extremely physically challenging (we know, we’ve tried it). So, anyone out there pumping iron in the gym and shunning tai chi, be warned – master John Duval could take you out with one finger. Dubai Herbal And Treatment Centre, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, Mon and Wed 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Dhs300 for private session, Dhs350 for five classes. Tel: (04) 3351200. dubaihtc.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 89
Mind & Body
03 aCupunCTure
One of the most ancient techniques for stress relief, acupuncture works by unblocking energy flow around the body, often helping with neck pain and tension headaches at the same time. It also releases pain-killing chemicals called endorphins, improves blood circulation and relaxes muscles. We visited Dr Wang Xiaolin who placed tiny needles on our hands, head, arms, neck and feet where they stayed for half an hour before he treated us to a vigorous head and shoulder massage. There was no pain, just a strange sensation of energy waves up and down our limbs, and we left feeling lighter and brighter. Dr Wang Xiaolin, Mercato Family Clinic. Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs300 for an hour. Tel: (04) 3448844. acupuncturedubai.com
04 aromaTherapy
Putting a few drops of essential oil on a washcloth then placing it at your feet as you shower is a quick (cheap) way to de-stress with scent. Look for sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, jasmine, peppermint and neroli oils, available from Organic Foods & Café from Dhs15. Organic Foods & Café, The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4340577. Metro: Dubai Mall. organicfoodsandcafe. com
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Dr Chandy George, an Ayurvedic doctor at Balance Wellbeing, says “Consuming easily digestible food at night, can really help ensure uninterrupted sleep, which in itself can relieve individuals of a huge amount of stress. At the same time, satisfying all the six tastes in your diet is crucial to lowering stress levels. A healthy diet, including comfort food like warm oatmeal, can actually boost levels of serotonin, a calming brain chemical, to aid in fighting stress. A nutritious diet, with the likes of oranges, spinach, avocado, pistachio and black tea are recommended to counteract the impact of stress, by boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure.” Balance Wellbeing Club, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, consultation with Dr Chandy George Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3747010. Metro: Business Bay. balance-wellbeing.centre.com
06 yoga
It’s not exactly news that yoga helps with stress, but a new breed of techniques could add some excitement to your regular mat class. From the soon to be
launched SUP Yoga (that’s postures on stand up paddleboards) at Watercooled at Jebel Ali hotel to AcroYoga, which combines acrobatics and yoga, these lighthearted sessions aren’t as serious as traditional disciplines, with more emphasis on cardio to get the heart pumping. AcroYoga is particularly playful, blending stretching and strengthening poses with the dynamic power of acrobatics in a 90-minute weekly class in Safa Park. The session is free, but donations to charity are welcome. AcroYoga, Safa Park, Dubai, Fri 10am, free. Tel: (050) 7359683
07 meDiTaTion
Dr Herbert Benson, founder of the Mind-Body Medical Institute, which is affiliated with Harvard University and several Boston hospitals, reports that meditation induces a host of biochemical and physical changes in the body collectively referred to as the "relaxation response". The relaxation response includes changes in metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and brain chemistry. The word ‘meditate’ stems from the Latin root meditatum, meaning to ponder. Meditation is generally
an inwardly oriented, personal practice, which individuals do by themselves, but classes are available. There are many misconceptions about meditation and the most common one is that only monks meditate regularly. Shivani Adalja of The Alignment Institute learnt the science of meditation in the Himalayan foothills for three years. Combined with NLP and hypnosis, she has developed her own unique technique of meditation where a complete novice can experience instant calm in minutes by following her instructions. She has designed a library of 600 meditations that can help with everything from busting stress to dealing with depression, and here shares instructions for quickly finding calm: Lie down or sit in a comfortable position Breathe in for a count of eight and breathe out for a count of 16 a few times until your body is completely relaxed Visualise beautiful violet light circling above your head and slowly entering your body from the top of your head Feel the light spreading from your face to the rest of your body gradually and relaxing your body instantly Visualise yourself soaking in this violet light for about ten minutes and continue to breathe in deeply. Shivani Adalja, The Alignment Institute, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 6811728. shivaniadalja.com
MIND & BODY
GOING GLUTEN-FREE IN THE UAE
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hink that turkey salad on wholegrain bread is the healthy option? For many, those pesky grains can be the main cause of weight gain, IBS and a whole host of digestive problems, so cutting out gluten for a few weeks is a worthy experiment. It’s not, however, very easy, as gluten lurks in bread, pasta, cake and biscuits, but also in unexpected places like supplements and soups. So where can you shop and dine if you’re taking gluten out of your diet?
01 Kambaa Art Lounge 02 Candelite 03 Carluccio’s
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01
bakery creates breads and sweet treats, selling at the Baker & Spice market on Fridays and Ripe farmers’ market on Saturdays. The website is also a useful resource for information on ingredients and cooking tips. sweetconnectiondubai.com
Carluccio’s
The big man offers a special menu, including long-standing favourite Penne Giardiniera (Dhs58), which is served with courgette, chilli, parmesan and garlic and made with gluten-free brown rice pasta. Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3997844. Metro: Dubai Marina. carluccios.com
Kitsch Cupcakes
Think going gluten-free means missing out on the good stuff? Wrong. Those crafty kids at Kitsch have created a cupcake using gluten-free flour (Dhs14), flavoured with almonds and topped with caramel icing. The Souk at Central Market, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6398100. Villa 611, Jumeirah 92 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3956963. kitschconcept.com
Organic Foods & Café
The UAE’s go-to store for all things healthy, this nutritionpacked shop offers glutenfree pasta, biscuits, cereals, flour, gravy, custard powder, wafers, chocolate, cakes, crackers, pizza and more, and the Dubai Mall branch bakes gluten-free bread (Dhs20) on the premises every Tuesday. The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4340577. Metro: Dubai Mall. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5571406. organicfoodsandcafe.com
Sweet Connection
This 100-per-cent gluten-free
Glutenfreesupermarket.ae
Recently launched in the UAE, this website is packed with products to make your glutenfree diet as easy and tasty as possible, with pizzas, pastas, breads, cereals and biscuits available to buy online. Orders are delivered to your door within two days, with a fixed shipping rate of Dhs30 to Dubai and Dhs45 for Abu Dhabi, so it pays to stock up. There are loads of recipes on the site too, should you need inspiration. glutenfree-supermarket.ae
Bateel Café
With branches all over the UAE, Bateel Café is a popular spot for a coffee and asnack (dates, of course, feature heavily on the
menu). Gluten-free gnocchi is available, served with a choice of sauces. Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3684696. Metro: Dubai Marina. bateel.com
Candelite
This huge candy store is full of products that are strictly offlimits, but you'll also find a range by a company called Goody Good Stuff, which has produced a range of gluten, dairy, gelatine and fat-free sweets in eight varieties, priced from Dhs10. And they taste good too. Ibn Battuta Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3631602. Metro: Ibn Battuta. candelitesweets.com
Kambaa Art Lounge
While a tower of decadent carbohydrates might looks like the enemy, this lovely café serves up a gluten-free afternoon tea so you can indulge in raisin scones, banana and lemon lollipops and an indulgent chocolate whipped ganache, plus a selection of teas and coffees. The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 3pm to 6pm, Dhs95. Tel: (04) 4367777. Metro: Dubai Marina. theaddress.com
BODY AND SOUL
NEW OPENING
Rayana Spa
Spa fans in Abu Dhabi should be racing to try the Hyatt Capital Gate’s new pampering palace, which promises to be an ‘oasis in the sky’. Influenced by the natural elements of Arabia, the spa even has desert gardens in the treatment rooms. The products by June Jacobs are luxury collection free from parabens, preservatives and synthetic dyes, and are fragrance-free whenever possible, making therapies particularly suitable for sensitive skins. Hyatt Capital Gate, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 5961234. abudhabi. capitalgate.hyatt.com NEWS FLASH
Dr Maurizo Viel at ShuiQi Spa
If you like the idea of a plastic surgery consultation but don't want to go it alone (and would rather go to a five-star spa than a clinic) then head to ShuiQi Spa at Atlantis to try the new Rejuvenation Parties. From this month Dr Maurizo Viel will be hosting groups of up to five friends, who will enjoy a head, shoulder, foot and ankle massage while nibbling on chocolates and strawberries before the surgeon administers Botox on eyes, forehead or both and offers advice. ShuiQi Spa & Fitness, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, from Dhs1,500. Tel: (04) 4261020. atlantisthepalm.com
must buy
MIND & BODY
The latest products, spas, news and reviews from the world of well being to keep you looking good and feeling great
Human 1847 deal + Kind
The only thing better than a company that produces quality, effective beauty products is one that has good ethics too. If you like skincare with a conscience then you’ll love Human + Kind, an Irish brand that has created a small but beautifully formed line of four multi-functional products that use all-natural ingredients and come in charming packaging. We love the restorative AllIn-One Family Remedy Cream (Dhs120), which is great for healing, and the fact-acting All-In-One Multi-Tasking Anti-Ageing Cream (Dhs160) that works as an eye cream, moisturiser and night cream to plump and smooth the skin. Boots, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3399383. Metro: Dubai Mall. humanandkind.com Also: Al Wadha Mall, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4437167
SPA
Any discerning gentleman of good breeding loves being a member at a club, and 1847 spa on The Walk is offering a three-month executive membership for Dhs2,200. OK, that sounds like a lot, but for your money you will be able to enjoy three haircuts, three shaves, six manicure and pedicures, four massages and two facials. It would make a cracking birthday
gift from a caring lady to her kempt (or not, as the case may be) man, and having enjoyed a manicure and pedicure, massage and shave recently, we can thoroughly recommend a visit to the intimate 1847 to all our gentlemen readers. Just what the doctor ordered after a stressful day at the office. Jumeirah Beach Residence, Rimal, The Walk, Dubai Marina. Tel: (04) 3861364. Metro: Dubai Marina. thegroomingco.com
BELLE FEMME AT HOME
Whether you’re stuck for time or can’t face the traffic, Belle Femme’s new at-home services will have you party-ready from the comfort of your living room. This JBR spa has selected some of its most popular treatments and, for no extra cost, will come to your place to style, massage, wax, file and pamper you. Best enjoyed with a friend and some junk TV, this can either be the dream girls’ night in or the precursor to a seriously glam night out, with a classic manipedi for Dhs130 and blow dries from Dhs80. bellefemme.com
WIN! A CUSTOMISED TREATMENT AT ARMANI/SPA Are you in need of some TLC, designer style? We have teamed up with one of Dubai’s chicest spots, Armani/ Spa, to offer one lucky reader an 80-minute treatment, including a one-on-one consultation to establish which of the spa’s many therapies is best suited to you, from effective facials to relaxing massages. The winner will also enjoy time in the five-star relaxation lounge, a footbath ritual and access to Armani Terme, a hydrotherapy experience with sauna, steam bath, ice fountain, laconium and sequential showers. For your chance to win this glamorous pampering session, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘Armani’ in the subject line, your contact details and the answer to this question. What is the name of the famous designer behind Armani/Spa? a) Gordon b) Giorgio c) Graham MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 93
WHAT’S ON
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE The gigs, the nights and all the latest news and reviews
p97 fATboY SliM TAlkS SAndAnce · p99 club diArY · p104 club neWS MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 95
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- Chow Down Mรถvenpick Hotel Deira - 800 DEIRA (33472) wokin.deira@moevenpick.com
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Nightlife
YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY
Sandance might be winding down for the summer with its season-closing all-dayer, but there’s no let-up in the monster line-ups. Brighton beatsmith and all-round musical maestro Fatboy Slim is the latest huge headliner to hit the beach. What’s On gave the man otherwise known as Norman Cook a call… The last time you were in the UAE was in November for the Yasalam festivities. How was that for you? It was great. It’s a fantastic beach party. I think people in Abu Dhabi were slightly bemused; in Dubai there’s more of a scene. It was a very interesting audience down there. They were a bit shellshocked. We made a lot of new friends
Music & Nightlife We did talk about doing it before, but it was never the right time, so maybe now is. So you’ve never played the track live before? No. He’s threatened to a couple of times. I was playing Hyde Park [in London] and he just phoned me up in the afternoon and said “I’ll come and do the tune.” I was like “Ahhh, it’s quite a lot of people there to do something unrehearsed.” The beach is almost your natural habitat, considering your history running the Big Beat Boutique on Brighton beach. Is there something extra special about beach sets? Yeah, I think – apart from in Abu Dhabi – there’s a wild abandon you get on beaches. Dance music works a certain way in nightclubs. At a festival, people get even more excited-there’s something in Abu Dhabi, but there are a lot of old friends about being out in the open air. If you add sea in Dubai that I want to revisit too. and sand – or pebbles – to the equation, it seems What have you been up to since then? to lift everyone even more. They tend to lose I went to Dubai for New Year on holiday with their inhibitions even more than at a festival. my family, and I’ve played in Brazil, Australia, Are there any Fatboy Slim tracks you get Peru, Miami, Mexico, Washington DC, and tired of playing? on a rave cruise round the Bahamas. I’ve been Certain classics I have to nod to, but I just fairly busy. mash them up and distort them. Most of the Dizzee Rascal, who collaborated on Fatboy tunes I wouldn’t play in their original the single Toe Jam under your Brighton form, but it’s nice to drop the vocals of Right Port Authority guise, is also at Sandance. Here Right Now, or top and tail the set with Any chance of performing that track Praise You. I don’t mind. It’s good because together live? you get that big cheer, but I don’t have to sit Knowing Dizzee, it might be quite hard to through the whole record. keep him off the stage. We’ll see what happens. fatboyslim.net
SANDANCE
This month’s Sandance sees three British big-hitters line up alongside Fatboy Slim, plus local talents Smokingroove, David Craig, Romain Pelletti, matthew Charles and Dion mavath. Here’s our idiots’ guide to the international contingent…
DIZZEE RASCAL
WHO? Council estate kid turned chart-topping rapper who’s grown from grimy east London roots into an awardwinning megastar.
HITS: Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers, Holiday and Dirtee Disco were all UK number one singles and really rather massive party starters. MISSES: Don’t expect to hear Off 2 Work, a 2004 non-album sin-
gle flop that, to date, is Dizzee’s only effort to miss the Top 40.
MORCHEEBA
WHO? London trio that released some of the most chilled tunes of the late 1990s/early
2000s, with elements of trip-hop coursing through blissed out soundscapes. HITS: Most successful album Big Calm shot Morcheeba to prominence in 1998, and two top-ten LPs followed. MISSES: Original vocalist Skye Edwards was sacked in 2003, coinciding with a gradual decline in success, but rejoined in 2010.
TRAVIS
WHO? Oftenmorose Scottish indie-rockers that dominated the airwaves at the turn of the millennium, elevating the band, led by Fran Healy, to multi-millionselling householdname status. HITS: Why Does It Always Rain On Me? and Sing are, appropriately, singa-long, lighter-in-air
anthems on a similar stadium-filling level to Coldplay’s. MISSES: The last few Travis albums have failed to set the world alight in the same way as multi-platinum smashes The Man Who and The Invisible Band. May 4, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs295, Dhs250 adv, Dhs450 VIP. Tel: (055) 2004321. sandance.ae may 2012 WHAT’S ON 97
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Club diary
Music & Nightlife
MAY
WEEKLY BEIRUT NIGHTLIFE @ CINNABAR DJ Sam on the decks, plus live performances from Lebanese singer Rosario. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com WEEKLY CIRQUE DU SOIR @ FAIRMONT HOTEL Acrobatic party extraordinaire every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10.30pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3324900. Metro: World Trade Centre. cirquedusoirdubai.com WEEKLY FLY TUESDAYS @ N’DULGE Mass Ramli, Shero and Rone Jaxx on rotation. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4360891. atlantisthepalm.com
3 MAY
tHuRsday
WEEKLY URBAN MA$HUP @ ZINC Old and new school urban flavours from DJ Andy Swift and Rone Jaxx. Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. Metro: Financial Centre. ichotelsgroup.com
WEEKLY 80S NIGHT @ ZENITH Jump in the aural time machine with Chicago spinner DJ Blendz. Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton. com
Al Barsha, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3996699. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. facebook.com/ groups/deepcrates
WEEKLY
STRANDED @ ROYAL ISLAND BEACH CLUB
4 MAY
It’s been quite a wait since The World was announced, but the first island in the globe-recreating development is finally open. New night Stranded has the (boat) keys to Lebanon Island. Promoter Simon Reid explains all… Stranded, eh? Sounds a bit Desert Island Discs? Stranded is all about escaping everyday city life in Dubai and truly getting away from it all, quite literally stranding yourself on your very own desert island. Royal Island Beach Club, our venue, is the first to open on The World islands so we’re pioneering in that respect. I honestly don’t think you’ll find anything quite like it anywhere. What’s it like out there? It’s taken a long time to complete the island, down to the logistics of building out at sea, but we’re very happy with what we have to play with for Stranded. It’s as good as any beach club you’d get on the mainland and very affordable. This is about quality not quantity. This party is for everyone and we want it to be nonpretentious. What DJs can we expect? Our resident DJs consist of various Dubai stalwarts including Da Sendri, Tom Chubb, Safet, Matthew Charles, Tristan Bain and Dan Chadwick. We aim to bring some very big names to the island in the future. Royal Island Beach Club, Lebanon Island, The World, Dubai, noon to late, boat crossings every hour from Palm Jumeirah Marina Dhs200 return, entry via guestlist only. Tel: (050) 6879959. e-mail: stranded@ themusthavegroup.com. royalislandbeachclub.ae WHAT’S ON
PICK WEEKLY APERITIVO @ MEDIA ONE Ease into the weekend with four hours of chilled post-office beats. Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 4271000. Metro: Internet City. mediaonehotel.com
WEEKLY CLUB ANTHEMS @ ZINC Greg Stainer, Andy Swift and Mr Hush select commercial house, R&B and the eponymous club anthems. Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. Metro: Financial Centre. ichotelsgroup.com
WHAT’S ON
PICK CULOE DE SONG @ MUSTHAVESOUL South African talent from the same Soulistic Music stable as Black Coffee. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (056) 6826617. myspace.com/ culoedsong
WEEKLY DEEP CRATES @ CASA LATINA DJ Lobito and Frezidante lay down the dirtiest funk, soul, classic hip hop and more (special album launch and art exhibition for Deep Crates Cartel’s Desmo on May 17). Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road,
WEEKLY JAMROCK @ SUBLIME LOUNGE Caribbean and urban hits from revolving DJ cast including Shero, Sir Taz, Dany Neville, Brooklyn and Emtee Pockets. Ibis Hotel, World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, couples free before midnight, free for ladies until 1am. Tel: (050) 4360891. Metro: World Trade Centre. ibishotel.com WEEKLY RESIDENTS @ AUDIO TONIC Soulfisher, JC, Mr Mr, Raxon and Vas Floyd handle the tunes, with the season closing party on May 24. Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2am, free. Tel: (056) 6037275. audiotonic.net WEEKLY ULTRA FRIDAYS @ 88 ULTRA LOUNGE Deep and soulful beats from resident spinner DJ Phil. Traders Hotel, Deira City Centre, Dubai, 6pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 2657288. Metro: Deira City Centre. shangri-la.com WEEKLY URBAN EDUCATION @ PEARLS BAR The hottest hip hop, R&B and urban sounds from Rone Jaxx. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae
4 MAY
FRIday
1
tuesday
This month’s clubbing highlights
WHAT’S ON PICK
ACOS COOLKAS/SEVA K @ AUDIO TONIC A Russian double header of artists with releases on the Audio Tonic label. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 99
Music & Nightlife
6
suNday
9
WedNesday
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ALAN FITZPATRICK @ WEEKLY ILL COMMUNICATIONS RETROFLECT In-demand techno @ PEARLS BAR DJ Vanilla producer/DJ, affiliated with Post-brunch MAY MAY the Drumcode label. sounds moving WEEKLY WEEKLY Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, into the night from BACK TO MINE @ SKYLITE THE CREW LOUNGE 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 DJ Afroboogie, spinning deep Chilled comedown sounds to @ PEARLS BAR before midnight, free for ladies house and retro classics aplenty. round the weekend off with Ladies and Etihad crew night, until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, with DJs Cliff Townley and alanfitzpatrickmusic.com Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, DJ Matty. Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Soulninja. 4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 6pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6560000. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, WEEKLY 509855. decadent.ae viceroyhotelsandresorts.com Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, BEATS AND BASS @ CHI 4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) R&B/hip hop from DJ Badir and SANDANCE WEEKLY 5098888. decadent.ae Flowmaster J, while DJ DLB digs @ NASIMI BEACH INDUSTRY NIGHT @ ZINC out club classics. Fatboy Slim, Dizzee Rascal, Greg Stanier and David Newsum Chi @ The Lodge, Oud Metha Morcheeba and Travis head up dole out R&B, dubstep, ragga Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Sandance’s season closing party and more. Dhs100, ladies, couples and (see p97 for our full preview). Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed mixed groups free. Tel: (050) Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 2pm MAY Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. 957714. chinightclubdubai.com to 2am, Dhs295, Dhs250adv, Tel: (04) 3311111. Metro: Financial DJ ROXY JUNE VIP Dhs450. Tel: (055) 2004321. @ YACHT CLUB Centre. ichotelsgroup.com DJ VANILLA @ MINISTRY sandance.ae Globetrotting Thai lady DJ stops OF SOUND off for a two-night stand in Abu WEEKLY All-day pool party, featuring WEEKLY Dhabi (also May 10). RESIDENTS @ DJ Vanilla, Shane Kehoe, Joelle UNDERGROUND InterContinental Abu Dhabi, MUSTHAVESOUL PRESENTS Atkins, Marty Metcalf and more. PROCEDURES @ ZINC Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm ECLECTIC CIRCLE Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, DJ Brooklyn spins R&B and to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. MHS’s mixologists get busy with Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, hip hop (also every Sun with facebook.com/djroxyjune far out sounds (season finale on 1pm to late, Dhs100 (including rotating residents). one beverage), free for ladies Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, May 19). WHAT’S ON PICK WHITE PARTY 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, until 3pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) @ SAX & OCEANS Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com 3311111. Metro: Financial Centre. Kid Chris, Aleksey and DJ 1076405. musthavesoul.com ichotelsgroup.com WEEKLY FRIDAY LIME @ GOLD Urban and Caribbean hits. Monarch Hotel, Sheikh Zayed The Liverpudlian disco re-edit king debuts house traditions Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, in Dubai at Dust, alongside residents Ian in Liverpool. I free. Tel: (050 4360891. Metro: Yeti, Wriggly Scott, James Locksmith, and would say the Financial Centre. goldubai.com Megadon Betamax, who is launching his scene in the city new record, Falling. We spoke to Mr Boogie, is, in general, LIQUID RAIN PARTY aka Stu Robinson... not for me. @ ALOFT Can you briefly explain the art of the disco When you’re Pool party japes with DJ Natalie edit/re-edit? touring the Brogan. In this context it’s making a disco track longer globe, are The ADNEC, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, MAY or different. A film producer re-edits too, taking Beatles still most people’s musical Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 3am, Dhs100 sections of film and placing them in a different point of reference for the city? (including two beverages). Tel: way to which they were shot. Taxi drivers know Liverpool for The Beatles and (02) 6545000. aloftabudhabi.com Is it an exercise in improving records from the football club, but most of the people in the past or bringing more obscure tunes to a the cities I go to in other countries know more WEEKLY wider audience? about electronic dance music than I ever could. RESIDENTS @ In theory it should be because you want to make These people are obsessed, in a good way, if MUSTHAVESOUL a track more relevant to a dance floor, but in that’s possible. Open-air house gems from a reality now much of the kudos gained is from What do you know about Dubai? revolving cast of Dan Chadwick, finding it in the first place. Making it work better I’ve never been, although my cousin lives there, Tristan Bain, Melohman, Tom for a modern dance floor should be the most and a few other friends, so I hope to hook up Chubb and Simon Reid. important part. with a few people. I think it’s going to be hot, and Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Liverpool has a significant clubbing history. I might see some very nice cars. Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu What’s the scene like currently? The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dhabi, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (02) It changes all the time. The bigger stuff is future Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs60. Tel: (050) 2484054. 6563500. musthavesoul.com dubstep-based at the moment, but there are cosmicboogie.co.uk
COSMIC BOOGIE @ DUST
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100 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
Raffles Roast - Diamond Edition Join us to celebrate the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Friday 1 June, 12:30 to 16:00 Raffles Ballroom
Win exciting prizes: A round trip to London inclusive of a two night stay for a lucky couple at The Savoy, a diamond ring courtesy of Dubai Diamonds, a gift voucher valued at AED 500 from Wafi, table for ten at People by Crystal with a bottle of bubbly, Raffles Spa experiences and culinary treats from Raffles Dubai while you celebrate “Street Party” style. AED 475 per person inclusive of house beverages Children from the age of 6-11 years dine at AED 150 2 Children per couple below 6 eat for free
For reservations please call +971 4 324 8888
Music & Nightlife WHAT’S ON
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WHAT’S ON PICK
ANTHONY COLLINS French house/techno DJ and man behind the Scissor & Thread label. Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, free for ladies until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277 DJ LouLou
17 MAY
DJ RABIH @ YACHT CLUB The Yacht Club resident DJ, plus saxophonist and dancers (also May 18). InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com
RESIDENTS @ AUDIO TONIC Cutting edge house sounds from Mr Mr, Raxon and Julian Jinx. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net
24 MAY
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wheels of steel. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net tHuRsday
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PICK SEASON FINALE @ MUSTHAVESOUL Residents Tristan Bain, Simon Reid and Dan Chadwick wrap up another successful MHS season. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (056) 6826617. musthavesoul.com
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Roland turn Abu Dhabi white to recreate the celebrated Amsterdam-born party. Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa MAY Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 3.30am, FULL MOON THIRD Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (02) ANNIVERSARY PARTY 6741094. coreygibbons.com @ NASIMI BEACH If last year’s celebration is anything to go by, expect several thousand revellers and surprises WHAT’S ON at this commemorative bash. PICK MAY Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 5pm CONAN LIQUID @ DOOMPH! to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 or ladies First of a new night free before 8pm. Tel: (04) 4262626. encompassing disco, jazz, soul, infusion.ae funk, boogie and contemporary beats, with residents Matty IMMACULATE TOUCH @ Wainwright and Brendon P. AL MAYA ISLAND & RESORT Skylite, Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Natalie Brogan, Chadphunk, Stew Dhabi, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (02) Magoo and Pro-Moe spin the 6560000. viceroyhotelsandresorts. pool party soundtrack. com Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to late, Dhs100, free for ladies DARKO DE JAN @ RELAX@12 until 2pm. Tel: (055) 6506337. Soaring house and dancefloorimmaculatetouchabudhabi.com filling rhythms from the DubaiWHAT’S ON PICK based DJ. JADE @ ILL Aloft, Abu Dhabi National COMMUNICATIONS Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, Beirut DJ, radio presenter and 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) club owner comes to town. 6545138. darkodejan.com Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 MO’FUNK @ INFUSION before midnight, free for ladies Ibiza-rocking Aussie, tour DJ for until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. The Cuban Brothers, drops in en facebook.com/ihatejade route to the Balearics. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, LOCAL SHOWCASE Dubai, 5pm to 2am, free. Tel: @ AUDIO TONIC (04) 4068999. facebook.com/ Mike Daniel, Yunome and mofunkthedj Thomas Mina commandeer the
INFUSION @ 360º Charl Chaka and Smokingroove play the pre-summer finale. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 5pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. infusion.ae
LOADED FIRST BIRTHDAY @ CASA LATINA In just a year in the business, Loaded’s mix of indie and alternative dance floor fillers has made its mark on Dubai nightlife, attracting revellers by the hundreds. As they prepare to celebrate Andy Buchan unpacks the musical presents... Happy birthday. How was your first year? Incredible. If anything we were too busy when we opened, but we’ve hit a nice groove now where the dance floor gets busy at 10.30pm and stays busy until the end, but there’s still room to get your indie shuffle on. Year two is hopefully about bringing live music back into our nights. This night is going to cover an hour of every decade from the 1960s onwards. Why? We’re an open-minded night and wanted that to come across on the birthday. Running through the decades makes it a lot more structured than trying to mix Chuck Berry into The Prodigy, something we tried to do and, naturally, failed. We play 75 per cent indie. The rest is funk, 102 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
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hip hop, 1980s, drum ‘n’ bass, northern soul... anything as long as it’s big and fun, basically. Will there be cake? Yes, there will definitely be cake. MAY Yum. The movie Team America will be screening throughout. Does anybody dressed as a marionette get special treatment? Absolutely. We’re also likely to be screening Thundercats, Danger Mouse and cult cartoon Monkey Dust, so any Lion-O action will be well rewarded. Did you discover any tunes that cleared the dance floor quicker than a fire drill over the past 12 months? We have played dubstep and that really, really didn’t go down well. But apart from that, pretty much anything else seems to go down a treat. Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 8825675. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. facebook. com/loadedjustgoodmusic
Music & Nightlife
SEASON CLOSING PARTY @ AUDIO TONIC A whopping ten DJs in ten hours handle Audio Tonic’s final blowout of the season. Among them is JC, aka Jason Pinto, one of the driving forces behind brand new label one28... What made you start one28? It was born out of a necessity to give back to the electronic music scene. We think we have MAY something to say. But more than that we wanted to create a platform for budding regional talent and get them exposed to the larger international scene, and introduce new artists from our extended overseas family to Dubai. Why does the world need another record label? We’re going to be different (laughs). I do believe this region could use one. There’s only a handful out there doing what we do, so there’s a need to represent what comes out of this neck of the woods. Digital or vinyl? For the time being, and because we’re small, it’s going to be a digital label. However, most of us grew up buying and playing vinyl so without doubt we’ll be looking at tapping into the physical aspect further down the line. What releases are coming up? A track by local artists Nasrawi, Salar and Mehdi called Dub Doubt, with remixes from Mark Chambers and Andre Salmon. It’s pure genius. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to late, Dhs100, free for ladies until 2pm. Tel: (055) 6506337. immaculatetouchabudhabi.com
MAY
DJ LOULOU @ PINK PAW CLOSING PARTY Australian-born spinner helms
the final Tamanya Terrace party before the summer. Tamanya Terrace, Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 1am, free. Tel: (04) 3669111. Metro: Internet City. radissonblu.com
1 JUNE
Paul Van Dyk
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WHAT’S ON PICK
PAUL VAN DYK @ PEPPERMINT The Berlin big hitter promotes his new album, Evolution, as Peppermint celebrates its eight birthday. World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs150, VIP Dhs250. Tel: (040 3326343. Metro: World Trade Centre. paulvandyk.de
AD
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
NEWS
News, reviews, deals and discounts to keep your social life buzzing
THE GRAMERCY
NEW BARS TO TRY A trio of hotspots to get you out of the house this month
Ladies' night of the month
Warehouse Marina
If you’re a) a lady and b) working or living in or around DIFC then on Tuesdays you should get yourself over to The Gramercy to be looked after. From 7pm you’ll be treated to four free drinks and selected dishes for Dhs40, with a dinner for four to be won – and on your fourth visit you’ll receive a bottle of bubbly to be enjoyed with four friends. Sounds four-some (sorry). Level 2, DIFC, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4377511. Metro: Financial Centre. thegramercybar.com
Vote for your favourite at The Fridge The cool kids at The Fridge have come over all X Factor, with a new website that allows the UAE’s music lovers to vote for their favourite acts that have performed at the art space over the last few years. The most popular of the 50 acts, who cover everything from dance to classical music, will be invited back for an upcoming concert series to celebrate ten seasons of great original material. This is musical democracy and we love it. concertseries.thefridgedubai.com
Abu Dhabi’s newest bar-club is open from lunchtime to 4am; that’s one heck of an alldayer, especially with a happy hour from noon to 9pm. Lucky, then, that the atmosphere changes throughout the day, turning from sports-friendly spot to superclub after hours. It also boasts a state of the art sound system, live music, a food menu starting from Dhs16, and drink deals including a ladies’ night offering unlimited selected drinks on Wednesdays for the fairer sex. Marina Club, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 4am. Tel: (02) 6723321. warehousemarina.com Qube
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Aspiring crooners on the Abu Dhabi scene can take to the stage at alfresco bar B-Lounge this month. The event has already attracted some established talents including barbershop choir Voices Of Harmony and instrumentalists Jazan and Ibrahim, but anyone can take part – you just need to register. Not of the singing persuasion? These performers will need an audience, and there will be more open mic nights on the first Saturday of every month if you decide to have a go. May 5, B-Lounge, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Hotel, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheratonabudhabihotel.com
News flash Mansion
We had our dancing shoes re-heeled and polished for the opening of Mansion nightclub at the end of last month, but sadly the launch was postponed a few weeks. The organisers, however, promise it will be ready to welcome the partying public by the end of May. Melia Hotel, Port Rachid, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (050) 1440753. facebook.com/MansionNightClubDubai 104 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
Cigar Lounge
Qube
One of the biggest and best sports bars has opened at one of Dubai’s most iconic sporting venues. Qube, located at Meydan, has everything you need for a night (or weekend) of big screen action, with massive flat screens, games tables for pool, foosball and shuffleboard, darts, and loads of hearty pub grub. Plus, of course, memorabilia from the likes of Shane Warne and Sergio Garcia. Meydan, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, Sun to Wed 4pm to 1am, Thur and Fri 4pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4233456. qubesportsbar.com
Cigar Lounge
Cigars may be on the menu at this spanking new bar in The Address Downtown, but it’s the cocktails that have really grabbed our attention. Drinks like The Vesper (first mentioned in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale novel back in 1953) and The Turf Club, which was devised in 1882, will have you reveling in old-fashioned elegance. Add in some caviar, cheese and a very chic space and we’re coming over all James Bond. So it’s lucky there’s a classic vodka martini available too. The Address Downtown Dubai. Downtown, Dubai, daily 6.30pm to 2.30pm. Tel: (04) 4368888. Metro: Dubai Mall. theaddress.com
WHAT’S ON
TRAVEL
Destinations, insider tips, deals and news
p108 THE TOKyO EXPRESS · p111 GLOBE TROTTER · p112 GOURmET TRaVELLER may 2012 WHAT’S ON 107
ThE ToKyo ExpREss If you let it, the fast-paced city of Tokyo will dump tackle you like a Dubai Dragons full back in the Sevens final. But play it smart, and the Japanese capital will be one of the greatest trips you’ll ever take. For the adventurous, and only the adventurous, read on...
EAT AND DRINK Ninja
Food in Tokyo can be a pointand-hope affair. The innumerable noodle bars serve what locals would consider standard dishes, but the vast majority beat most UAE noodle bars on taste, and 108 WHAT’S ON may 2012
price, hands down. If you’re feeling flush, Ninja can be found in Akasaka (not to be mixed up with Asakusa, believe us, we speak from experience), where ‘ninja’ magicians (staff dressed in black catsuits) burst out of trap doors to deliver food with a trick. Go for the ten-dish set menu for some of the finest (if absurdly named) Japanese dishes that come thick and fast. Laughs are guaranteed, although your wallet may end up a little bruised. 2-14-3 Akasaka Tokyu Plaza 1F, Tokyo. Tel: (+81) 351573936. ninjaakasaka.com
sometaro
Mid-range pricing for high flavour food, this is ideal for cold or
TRAVEL rainy days, but should be visited whatever time of year you're in the city. At Sometaro you'll try okonomiyaki – savoury Japanese style pancakes with meat, seafood and vegetables that you cook yourself. The vine roofed house is impeccably traditional, while the handy 'how to' guide will assist even the most culinarily challenged, and the staff will help if asked. The restaurant also serves faultless traditional noodle dishes, but remember, the tatami floor will require you take your shoes off at the door, so be careful when you choose your socks in the morning. 1-7-12 Komagata, Taito-ku, Ginza. Tel: (+81) 338424001
harajuku Market
Harajuku is, somewhat unsurprisingly, where every Saturday you’ll find the Harajuku girls dressed in stunning traditional outfits. It's worth a visit for that alone, but it’s also home to one of the finest food markets we’ve ever visited. An incredible array of weird and wonderful dishes are on offer, the difficulty is picking which to go for. Prices are incredibly reasonable and the noodle burgers are a real hit. Here's a tip: don't be afraid to ask what they're cooking. The level of friendliness here is incredible. All the Japanese ask for is politeness and a smile. Even if you don't understand the answer, you'll feel closer to the city if you try. Harajuku Station, JR Yamanote Line, two stations south of Shinjuku and one station north of Shibuya
Private booths mean that you can limit your embarrassment to close friends only. Hunt out KaraokeKan in Shibuya. A typical chain karaoke joint, this outlet is where Bill Murray serenaded Scarlett Johansson with Roxy Music’s More Than This in Lost In Translation. Ask for the exact same booth, and they'll provide it if it's free.
ExLoRE shinjuku
Walking the streets of Tokyo is the finest activity the city offers. It feels as if half of the metropolis’ 13 million people do just that every day, although they won’t be dragging their jaws along the ground like you will. Brave the subway (you will get the hang of it) to reach the city’s contrasting districts, then make with your feet. A great starting place is Shinjuku, which houses the busiest train station in the world - 3.7 million passengers use it each day – so avoid it at rush hour. Outside you will find the neon madness that Tokyo is famous for. Nearby Nishi-Shinjuku is home to Tokyo’s skyscraper community – a dizzying view from below, and breath-taking from above. Visit one of the many hotel sky bars to grasp the city’s sprawling geography.
Tsukiji Fish Market
Need to slow your spending? Tsukiji is home to the biggest fish market in the world. Ask first, and friendly fisherman won’t mind you snapping away as they saw heads from the bodies of some of the most sizable seafood the ocean has to offer. Arrive early (7am at the latest) as things calm down around 9am. And calm isn't what this place is all about.
Karaoke
Mercifully, karaoke in Japan is a more intimate affair than at, say, Harry Ghattos in Emirates Towers.
shibuya
Speaking of Lost In Translation, Shibuya is a must, if only to witness that crossroads. A couples’ heaven and the go-to place for your defining Tokyo photograph. Simply head for Shibuya train station and leave by the main exit. Then allow the culture clash to fill your veins. The nightlife and bars in the district are also unmissable.
needed rest for all tourists – and you will need a rest. The peace and quiet, combined with brands you'll recognise, provides a safe haven, especially for those who are struggling with the Japanese culinary experience. Shop prices aren't far off those in the UAE, but there are no language issues, and every shop you can imagine is right here. And we mean every shop. Break up your spending spree with a trip to the observation deck with views across Tokyo from 250m above sea level.
sTAy Keio plaza
shoppING Akihabara
This is anime town – witness a sea of Tokyoites dressed as their favourite anime characters. It’s perfect for souvenir shopping, and has the world’s most advanced arcade machines. Top of the range electronics are sold at incredibly low prices (photography buffs should go with plenty of Yen), while clothes shopping here is an absolute must. Stunning manga emblazoned outfits will make it impossible for you not to add some Far East style to your wardrobe.
Ropponghi hills
Opened in 2003, Roppongi Hills is a city within a city, providing residential space, offices and recreational facilities all within one epic complex. It's a much-
GettinG there
· Emirates flies to Tokyo daily from Dhs6,620. emirates.com
The key when booking here is to insist on a mountain-facing room as high up as possible. The Keio's views of Mount Fuji are simply gobsmacking, and it sits above a major subway station meaning travelling around Tokyo is simple. And the beds? Big. 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjukuku, Tokyo. Tel: (+81) 333440111. keioplaza.com
Capsule hotel Riverside
Fancy the legendary Japanese experience of capsule hotels? It's worth one night at least, and your wallet will thank you for it, even if your mild claustrophobia condition won't. The impeccably clean Riverside sells an encapsulated night's sleep right by the river for about Dhs150. Unlike most capsule hotels, it accepts both men and women, with the 8th floor reserved for ladies only. 2-20-4 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Tel: (+81) 338445117
· Etihad flies to Tokyo daily from Dhs5,650. etihadairways.com may 2012 WHAT’S ON 109
GLoBE TRoTTER
Welcome to your one-page destination guide So, where are we going thiS month? Just a hop, skip, 40-minute flight or four-hour drive to the Sultanate of Oman. why, exactly? If you’re sick of city life then a trip to Oman is in order – it’s a sleepy place, offering five-star hotels, brilliant diving and a dose of culture, thanks to the new Royal Opera House. And because Oman is slightly cooler than the UAE due to the mountains, May is a good month to go before the summer hits. oK, you’ve Sold me. well, the promiSeS of diving and five-Star luxury Sold me. tell me more… It couldn’t be easier to get there, Omanis are a friendly bunch and the scenery is stunning. Oman is basically a dream mini break, and when it comes to accommodation you can spend a little or as much as you like. So where Should i be Staying? For all-out glam, head to The Chedi, where you’ll find a dark-tiled infinity pool, outstanding restaurants (head to the one on the beach for unbelievably fresh seafood) and an award-winning spa. If you’re more of a back-to-basics type, the Oman Dive Center offers diving, snorkelling, kayaking and more, plus a small number of one-bedroom huts on the private beach, with outdoor showers. talK to me about the food… Rice, mutton and fish dominate Omani cuisine, with cafés across Muscat serving mezze and platters. For a great-value feast head to Turkish House in Al Khuwair, where you’ll be served grills and pieces of fresh bread the size of your head, with huge local prawns the star attraction, or if you fancy some fine dining, the Al Bustan Palace’s Beach Pavilion is a stylish spot for seafood. where Should we go with our Spending money? Forget the malls (they pale in comparison to the UAE’s) and instead head to the traditional souk on the corniche at Muttrah. Far less touristy than those in Dubai, the stalls sell Omani silver – look out for the shop boasting photos of Kate Moss trying on its wares – and jewellery, lanterns, spices, pashminas and antiques alongside day-to-day groceries. The souk is also a great place to pick up a spicy shawarma and fresh juice. SoundS good. you mentioned the royal opera houSe? Indeed. Newly opened and downright enormous, this cultural hotspot has already played host to Andrea Bocelli and Placido Domingo, with an upcoming programme of opera, ballet and choral performances. any other tipS? Be aware that many hotels, including the Oman Dive Center, Shangri-La and Al Bustan Palace, are a 45-minute drive from the airport, so calculate this into your travel time. Taxis are more expensive than in the UAE, but the Omani drivers are often more than happy to act as tour guides too, so they offer good value for money.
neeD tO KnOW
FlyDubai flies to Muscat several times a day from Dhs500 return. Flights take approx 40 minutes. Dhs10 = OMR1 (Omani rial)
may 2012 WHAT’S ON 111
TRAVEL
GoURMET TRAVELLER Food and travel are abiding passions for the middle East Chairman of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel, James Brennan. This month he travels west to dig up a traditional cooking technique
f
or some people, the prospect of digging up meat from a pit in the ground doesn’t exactly stimulate the appetite. For them, that kind of thing is for scavengers and weirdos only, and best avoided. But they probably haven’t heard of zarb, an ancient Bedouin preparation of meat that can still be found in parts of the Middle East today. Earth ovens have been used in the desert for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. They were often used by Bedouin travellers who, far away from their settlements, had little equipment with which to cook. A pit would be dug in the ground near a campfire, and hot embers and stones would be tipped into it. A whole lamb would then go into the pit, sometimes wrapped in palm leaves, before being covered up with burlap cloth and then buried under the sand. After a night’s slow cooking, whatever goes into the zarb comes out gloriously smoky and tender. It’s the antithesis of microwave cooking.
There was a time when you could find lamb zarb being cooked under the beaches of Dubai. These days you may still find it out in the desert or occasionally revived as a promotion in some five-star hotels. But for a taste of real zarb, head west. In the sprawling moonscape of Jordan’s Wadi Rum, you can have lamb zarb cooked by Bedouin tribesmen. Eating slow-cooked lamb falling off the bone under the stars in the middle of the desert is surely as close as it gets to the romantic Bedouin ideal, albeit in a touristy set-up. For a more authentic experience, Palestine is hard to beat. In a land where meat is often used sparingly, zarb is reserved for special
occasions and religious feasts. In few places is zarb enjoyed so fervently as in Nablus, where the Samaritan community cook it at Easter. Many Nablusian homes with land will have a zarb oven, which is fired with burning olive tree branches and lined with bricks to hold the heat. Lamb, chicken, onions and potatoes will all go into the zarb, along with plenty of black pepper, ground coriander, cardamom and salt. The oven is closed with a heavy iron lid smothered with mud to seal in the heat and smoke. When it comes to precious things you can dig up out of the ground, who needs diamonds, gold and oil, when you have luscious lamb cooked in a traditional zarb?
HOTEL OF THE MONTH
W Istanbul Spring has sprung, which means it’s time for a much-needed city break full of culture, strolling and drinks in the sun. Maybe the occasional kebab, too. Istanbul offers all of this and more, with the W providing the perfect base for stylish visitors to the historic city. Situated in the fashionable area of Beşiktaş, the hotel is housed in an imposing stone building which 112 WHAT’S ON may 2012
belies the modern design that lies within. With purple aplenty, stylish restaurants and tiny touches like scented lifts (one smells of Thierry Mugler’s Angel perfume), it is frequented by fashionable tourists and residents alike. For a taste of contemporary Turkish cuisine, head to Okka, where you’ll find plates of mezze, local wines and cool décor. Plus a
3D holographic belly dancer, of course. Rooms, meanwhile, boast Bliss toiletries, private gardens, iPod docking stations and signature W
beds (sink into 350-thread-count linens, goose-down comforters and down-filled pillows), blending Ottoman motifs with 21st century chic. And the Extreme Wow Suite takes contemporary city living to a rock star level, offering a private lift, retractable roof, wet bar, circular bed, in-room Jacuzzi and a terrace with views over the Bosphorus. With all that purple and a rainforest shower, this is a pad fit for Prince. Suleyman Seba Cad, Akaretler, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, from Dhs660 per night. Tel: (90) 2123812121. wistanbul.com.tr
TRAVEL
EXTRA
Advice, deals and other tasty travel titbits
Travels WiTh…
Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector, Conor Purcell, answers your travel dilemmas
Jeffrey Archer
Best-selling author of 16 novels, Lord Jeffery Archer, the former Tory candidate for Mayor of London, temporary inmate of London’s Belmarsh Prison and life peer, has led what he describes as “a full life”, which has included plenty of foreign adventures What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had? My wife, Mary, and I went to Tuscany with one of our closest friends, Simon, who is an art scholar. We hired a villa on top of a hill and did a city a day for ten days, taking in all the great paintings and sculptures of Italy. We would only look at three or four pictures and three or four sculptures in each gallery because, as Simon kept pointing out, people often miss the great pictures. After walking through 20 rooms they’re so tired they don’t notice them. That was the greatest holiday I’ve ever had. I like to take active holidays. We’re not sit-on-the-beach people. Any travel disasters? We were on the Queen Elizabeth [ocean liner] quite recently, and I thought we had to be back on board by 5.30pm, whereas it was actually 5pm. So they set off without us. Luckily, they were
In your opinion, which is better for a relaxing break: the Maldives or Mauritius? Deepesh, Al Barsha The Maldives is all about luxury – its endless atolls provide a level of escapism unlike going through the fjords, and we palaces, the Winter Palace and the anywhere else were able to get a car to where the Summer Palace, are stunning. And on earth. There pilot boat was and then back on the opera is good, but the ballet is are a number of resorts a board. Otherwise it would still be out of this world. speedboat ride out there floating without us. It What are your tips for from the airport; was a tremendous trip. surviving a long stopover? otherwise you If you could advise people to A good book gets you through. are looking at visit one destination, what My favourites are mostly dead: a seaplane to would it be? John Steinbeck, Scott Fitzgerald, your resort. We went up to St Petersburg H H Munro, R K Narayan, Guy It is expensive, so be prepared via Stockholm and Oslo on that de Maupassant. Of the modern to splash out – but it’s definitely Queen Elizabeth trip, it was one of authors I’m a great admirer of worth it. Mauritius is probably the best holidays I’ve ever been on. John Le Carré. better for those looking to be St Petersburg is such a great city. What do you never travel active as well as chill out, with The State Hermitage is arguably without? plenty of hiking, adventure and one of the two or three greatest I have a Kindle that is with me water sports on offer. There is a bit art galleries on earth. Then the the whole time, so if something more local flavour in Mauritius, comes out and I have to have it, I can. I much prefer to have a book, its French and African heritage creating a lovely laidback vibe. but if I’m stuck on an airplane or If I had to choose, I would say I’m abroad and I can’t get a book, Maldives, both for ease of travel I only have to press a button and and the remarkable location. Kindle gives it to you. Jeffrey Archer's The Sins Of The Father is available from all good bookstores
CHECK IN
This month’s travel news THE NILE OR THE SEINE?
Paris and Cairo. There couldn’t be two more different cities. Nevertheless, they are both must-visits, and Emirates Holidays is offering 15 per cent off trips to both destinations as part of a new monthly initiative that offers discounts to Visa cardholders. Until May 31. Tel: (04) 3439999. emiratesholidays.com 114 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
THE STAMP COLLECTOR
APP OF THE MONTH
Travelocity Recently launched for the iPad, Travelocity allows users to book hotels, cars or flights. The app is also available for all Android and Windows 7 smartphones, and features maps, itineraries and photos of hotels. The iPadspecific app offers mobile-exclusive deals aimed squarely at those travellers looking to book quickly while on the move, making it ideal if you’re a ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ type. itunes.apple.com
WIN! WIN! WIN! It’s competition time. Are you feeling lucky?
WIN! An overnight stAY And brunch for two At the towers rotAnA One of Dubai’s favourite hotels, the Towers Rotana is home to some of the city’s best-loved restaurants, including international eatery Teatro and the ever-popular Flavours On Two. If you’d like to sample some five-star hospitality then read on, as we’re treating one What’s On reader to an overnight stay for two, plus brunch at Flavours On Two, and the winner will also enjoy access to the pool, Jacuzzi and fitness centre. For your chance to win a mini-break at the heart of the action simply e-mail withwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘TOWERS’ in the subject line, include your contact details and tell us the answer to this question… Which road is the Towers Rotana situated on? a) Sheikh Zayed Road b) Al Wasl Road c) Beach Road
WIN! four pAsses for At the top, burj KhAlifA This prize will have you on top of the world, with four passes to the observation deck on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet, up for grabs. For one lucky reader this is the perfect opportunity to tick a Dubai must-do off their bucket list, and take three friends along for the ride. The experience includes access to the multi-media exhibits, a high-speed journey in a super-speedy elevator and panoramic views of the city from the lofty heights of At The Top, Burj Khalifa. For your chance to win, e-mail withwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘AT THE TOP’ in the subject line, include your contact details and tell us the answer to this question… On which floor of Burj Khalifa is At The Top? a) 1 b) 114 c) 124 MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 117
WIN! WIN! WIN! A duo of delights to keep you looking good and feeling great this month
WIN! A TEETH WHITENING TREATMENT WORTH OVER DHS2,000 Do you dream of flashing a smile as bright as an A-lister’s? Dream no more. We have teamed up with Dr Joy Dental Clinic, a Dubai-based dental practice, to offer one reader in need the chance to hop into Dr Joy Anthony’s famed chair and try Zoom professional whitening. Featured in makeover shows including Extreme Makeover, this tooth whitening treatment takes less than an hour and is a highly effective way of lightening the colour of your gnashers without damaging or removing the enamel. If you’d like to win some new pearly whites, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘TEETH’ in the subject line, include your contact details and tell us… Which Irish singer would benefit from a session of teeth whitening? a) Bono b) Shane McGowan c) Andrea Corr
WIN! A PAMPERING TREATMENT FOR TWO AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA To celebrate the fact that spring has sprung The Spa at The Address Dubai Marina has introduced a luxurious two-hour treatment called Tea Of Spring Spa that offers guests the revitalising effects of tea including the regenerative quality of white tea, stimulating attributes of black tea, soothing properties of red tea, and antioxidant potentials of green tea. The treatment commences with a Nepalese tea exfoliation, followed by a Singapore massage, and concludes with a green tea facial. And as the generous souls, we have two of these gorgeous treatments, each worth Dhs765, to give away to two readers. Want to score one? For your chance to win, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@ motivate.ae with ‘THE SPA’ in the address line, include your contact details and tell us… Which of the following is not a popular type of tea? a) English Breakfast b) American Pancake c) Earl Grey 118 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
H O F B R Ä U H A U S AT J W M A R R I O T T® H O T E L D U B A I
Celebrate Maifest with friends at Hofbräuhaus. JW Marriott Hotel Dubai welcomes the traditional German celebration of springtime from May 3rd to 31st at the Bavarian favourite, Hofbräuhaus. The spirit of Maifest will be alive all month, with live entertainment provided by German duo ‘Fresh Alpin’. ENJOY A BAVARIAN BUFFET FROM AED 230 EVERY THURSDAY & FRIDAY, 7PM TO 11PM A LA CARTE IS AVAILABLE FROM SATURDAY TO WEDNESDAY, 6PM TO 2AM
Book online at marriottdiningatjw.ae or call +971 4 607 7977 / 7009 / 7588.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit marriottdiningatjw.ae or call +971 4 607 7977 / 7009 / 7588. JW Marriott® Hotel Dubai, PO Box 16590, Hamarain Centre, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Dubai, UAE. jwmarriottdubai.com
THE HOT LIST The best of the best
KEY
Alfie's
New entry Non-mover Up Down
p123 RESTAURANTS · p127 BARS · p131 BRUNCHES · p135 SPAS MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 121
The hoT lisT
RestauRants Table 9 By Nick And Scott
RobeRto’s
1
Atmosphere Having just opened its doors after months of anticipation, Roberto's is the hottest culinary ticket in town. Interior The design is sleek and contemporary, while soft lighting, and proprietor Roberto Rella, create a welcoming feel. Food The small dishes from the raw bar are the highlight. Check out our review on page 54. Location Another contender enters the DIFC ring to take on Dubai's culinary heavyweights. Price We ate far too much and paid Dhs590 for two (without alcohol). Reasonable. WhAt’s On sAys… Everyone is talking about Roberto's. Get there. Now. DIFC, Gate Village 1, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm, bar daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3860066. Metro: Financial Centre. robertos.ae
Okku
2
Zuma
3
tabLe 9 by nick and scott
La Petite Maison
Atmosphere T9 is always going to struggle to create the kind of buzz that comes seemingly without trying at DIFC, but it never lacks custom.
Atmosphere It will be interesting to see what effect the arrival of Roberto's at DIFC has, but LPM is still one of the most popular restaurants in town.
Interior The chef's table, video screen and painting providing a nod to the local art scene are all commendable but the lads just need to be given the green flag on a full renovation.
Interior A long cocktail bar, open kitchen, perfect lighting and well-spaced tables. The perfect match for the menu and clientele.
Food The most exciting menu being served in Dubai. Location Hilton Dubai Creek is not ideally located, but the lads offer plenty to entice you there, including some superb cooking classes. Price The seven-course tasting menu is Dhs450. WhAt’s On sAys… Book a table on the new website table9dubai.com Hilton Dubai Creek, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 2271131. Metro: Deira City Centre. table9dubai.com
Food Cooking dishes with fresh, seasonal, European produce, LPM has a special place in our hearts – and stomachs. Location DIFC, the heart of the Dubai food scene. Price Dhs1,000 for two is a lot, granted, but we guarantee a satisfying experience at LPM. WhAt’s On sAys… We defy anyone to find a serious chink in LPM's armour. DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. Metro: Financial Centre. lpmdubai.ae
okku
4
Atmosphere Okku's small size and underground location mean that the bar atmosphere permeates the restaurant as well, creating an intimate environment. Interior The basement-like location, dim lighting and adjacent bar mean martini o'clock. Food The Okku kitchen is a creative force, providing a constantly changing menu of skillfully prepared and always tasty Japanese dishes. Location One Sheikh Zayed Road. Price Dhs800 for two is not at all bad. WhAt’s On sAys… A homegrown brand going toe-to-toe with the global big boys. The Monarch Dubai Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Thur noon to 3pm and 7pm to 3am, Fri and Sat 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 5018777. Metro: Trade Centre. okkudubai.com
ZuMa
The elite of the eating out scene
5
Atmosphere The restaurant has a nice buzz and the upstairs bar and lounge area does serious business every night. Interior Zuma's bar/restaurant combo came first, and the rest of Dubai followed the formula. Food Both the hot dishes and plates from the sushi and sashimi counter are consistently first-rate. Location DIFC. We've said enough already, haven't we? Price If you're not willing to spend at least Dhs1,000 for two, you're best off heading elsewhere. WhAt’s On sAys… If you haven't been to Zuma, you aren't serious about contemporary Japanese food. Book a table now. DIFC, Dubai Sat to Thur 12.30pm to 3pm, Sat to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thur and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4255660. Metro: Financial Centre. zumarestaurant.com
MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 123
Indego By Vineet
RiVinGton GRiLL
Alfie’s
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
6
Atmosphere We will put our rep on the line and say that the Riv at Souk Al Bahar will remain the more popular of the two outlets. Interior It's hotting up, but Saturday lunch on the terrace will remain a joy for a couple more weeks. Food Go for one of the dailychanging dishes on the specials board. Location Souk Al Bahar provides an escape from the mayhem of nearby Dubai Mall if you fancy a spot of lunch. Price If you're careful, two can dine for less than Dhs500 (without drinks) WhAt’s On sAys… The new Riv at the Madinat (p51) is good, but the original is still our favourite for dinner. Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai, daily noon to 7pm. Metro: Dubai Mall. Tel: (04) 4230903. rivingtongrill.ae
Hot on tHe HeeLs 11. M’s Seafood Bistro, Le Méridien Dubai 12. Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire, InterCon DFC 13. Donatello Restaurant & Lounge, DWTC 14. The Farm, Al Barari 15. Gaucho, DIFC
124 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
indeGo by Vineet
7
Atmosphere Indego is not about hustle and bustle, it's the place to go for fine food and tranquillity. Interior The perfect environment in which to enjoy Indian cuisine Food As you can see from our takeaway test (p36) Dubai offers cracking Indian food from budget to bank breaking, but Indego is something truly special.
8
tRaiteuR
RutH’s cHRis steak House
9
aLfie’s
10
Atmosphere It depends what night you go, but Traiteur is usually quietly buzzing.
Atmosphere The barmen do magic tricks, so what are you waiting for?
Atmosphere With just 54 covers, Alfie's has the feel of a private members' club.
Interior The open kitchen and high, vaulted ceiling make Traiteur one of the city's most memorable restaurants.
Interior With a long cocktail bar, TV and comfortable sofas, the lounge is sure to be a hit with cocktail lovers.
Interior Pop in for a cocktail at the small bar, read the papers and have a snack in the lounge area or enjoy the full three-courses in the intimate restaurant.
Food We were concerned when What's On chef of the year Franck Detrait left, but new chef Simon Wipf is doing a fine job with a new menu of French fancies.
Food Steak is the USP, naturally. Try the T-bone. It's massive, delicious and worth the money.
Location Pop over the road for a post-dinner cocktail at Embassy.
Location Park Hyatt Dubai. A lovely hotel, indeed.
Location Tucked away on the ground floor of The Address, word of RC's quality might take time to circulate. But it will become a favourite.
Price Just under the Dhs1,000 mark for two.
Price Around Dhs750 will buy you a fine dinner for two.
Price Dhs800 for two (without alcohol).
WhAt’s On sAys… If the dishes produced by Vineet Bhatia's team don't impress you, we'll eat all 140 pages of this month's issue.
WhAt’s On sAys… Traiteur still provides one of the most pleasant dining experiences in town. Who needs Franck, eh?
WhAt’s On sAys… Check out our review on page 56.
Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thur 7.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. Metro: Dubai Marina. grosvenorhousedubai.com
Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.park.hyatt.com
12
The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Sun to Thur noon to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11.30pm, Fri and Sat 6pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4549538. Metro: JLT. ruthschris.ae
Food Chef Christopher Driver's refined British classics have had us yearning to return since we reviewed Alfie's last month. Location Emirates Towers Boulevard is fast becoming a heavy hitter, boasting The Ivy, Hakkasan and now Alfie's. Price Dhs515 for two without alcohol. WhAt’s On sAys… Can Alfie's turn Emirates Towers into real competition for DIFC? Emirates Towers, The Boulevard, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (04) 3198088. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com
RefLets PaR PieRRe GaGnaiRe
It might have dropped out of the Hot List this month, thanks to a rash of new restaurant openings, but multi-Michelin starred master chef Pierre Gagnaire’s
Dubai outpost is the only place to go for inventive French fine dining in the city. If you like French food and awe-inspiring cooking, you will never leave unhappy.
InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Mon to Thur noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 7011128. ichotelsgroup.com
Bahrain - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - UAE - Oman - Kuwait - Jordan - Lebanon www. maya-la-chocolaterie.com follow us www.twitter.com/maya_choco www.facebook.com/maya-la-chocolaterie
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The hoT lisT
baRs
MaHiki
Jetty Lounge
360°
Mahiki
1
ZuMa
2
Loca
3
360°
4
Atmosphere Very lively indeed, with each night packed, so book ahead. There's salsa on Saturdays now, too, if you have the moves.
Atmosphere A chic space with a clientele cooler than a penguin with frostbite. This isn’t the place for flip-flops and a dirty T.
Atmosphere Loca is unpretentious without being scruffy, which is a rare and welcome achievement in Dubai.
Atmosphere One of Dubai’s most iconic bars, 360° is famed for its party atmosphere, Friday guest list and soulful Saturdays.
Location It's at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, but has its own entrance, so you don't need to stumble out into the bright lobby.
Location Zuma keeps DIFC’s finest well fed and watered. A number of hangouts in its ‘hood would do bad things to nab its customers.
Location Marina-dwellers may think it's a bit of a trek to this part of town, but they won't regret it.
Location Surrounded by the Arabian Gulf, the views are spectacular and guaranteed to knock your socks off. We're pretty sure that James Bond would hang out here.
Best For A party. The infamous treasure chests full of cocktails, cheesy tunes and a good-time crowd guarantee sore feet and a sore head the next day. Good times. Price It's pretty steep, but the cocktails are delicious, with free drinks from 9pm to midnight for ladies on Tuesdays. See you there. WhAt’s On sAys... The new food menu offers some treats including truffle egg toast move Mahiki to the top spot. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 380773. mahiki.ae
Best For Mingling until 2am in high style. And don't leave without trying the Clover Club cocktail. The staff are also excellent, with recommendations galore. Price Drinks aren’t cheap, but the quality is sky high. Treat yourself to some bar snacks, too. The baked potato is amazing. WhAt’s On sAys... Chilled drinks at 8pm, then crazy partying from 11pm. Love it. Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, Fri to Wed noon to 2am, Thur noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 4255660. Metro: Financial Centre. zumarestaurant.com
Best For Loca is ideal for group nights out when you can dominate a long table, but couples might get jostled about a bit. You can tuck into some good Mexican grub, too. Price Average, but don’t get carried away with the ‘serve yourself’ beer taps dotted around. Enjoy now, pay later... WhAt’s On sAys... A genuinely cool bar in an unexpected spot, with some quality tunes to match from resident DJ Conan Liquid and his bag of records. Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3461111. dxbmarine.com
Best For Some of the best music the city has to offer, from visiting DJs to local talent, with the MustHaveSoul boys leading the charge. Price It's pretty pricey, but you get what you pay for, and it's buy one get one free on Tuesdays. WhAt’s On sAys... What's On editor Mark Evans will take to the decks on May 19, so expect eclectic beats and rare grooves aplenty. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Sun to Thur 5pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4068744. jumeirah.com
The finest for beverages and bites
Jetty LounGe
5
Atmosphere Lovely for sundowners with a view or a sophisticated (but unpretentious) night out, Jetty Lounge is always busy but never chaotic. Location Right on the beach at the original One&Only. It’s a dreamy spot, complete with light-up seats and a very cool blue bar inside. Best For Sundowners, predinner drinks, romantic evenings, nights out en masse. Price On the expensive side of things – even the snacks will raise eyebrows. A Pimms will set you back Dhs45, which is pretty brutal. Stick to vino. WhAt’s On sAys... With the heat rising, this really is your last chance to enjoy this alfresco spot. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai, daily 2pm to late. Tel: (04) 3999999. oneandonlyresorts.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 127
Belgian Beer Café
tHe stabLes
Left Bank
McGettigan’s
6
Atmosphere Despite its multiple levels and large space, The Stables manages to stay cosy and intimate, with plenty of horse racing memorabilia. Location Taking over the building next to Fibber Magee's, it is tucked away behind Sheikh Zayed Road. Best For Monthly lads' nights with guest speakers, weekly ladies' nights (and free drinks on Friday afternoons) and great platefuls of comfort food.
baRasti
7
Atmosphere We prefer Barasti for a weekend lunch or Saturday evening drink, when the hordes are elsewhere – Friday nights there can be scary… Location It’s a Dubai institution for its prime beachfront location, split-level bars and proximity to the Marina. Best For It’s full of familiar faces, so make sure you’re feeling sociable. The fish ‘n’ chips are well worth ordering.
Price There are plenty of deals and the menu is very reasonably priced, too, from Dhs15 for a sarnie.
Price Stick with beers and you'll be OK. The food is well-priced and tasty, too. Order the calamari.
WhAt’s On sAys... Welsh rugby star Colin Charvis kicks off the month's sporting action on May 1.
WhAt’s On sAys... Soon the heat will have you hiding in the toilets, so enjoy this beach bar while you can.
Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 8am to 3am. Tel: (04) 3425571. Metro: Emirates Towers. stablesdubai.net
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 11am to 2am. Tel: (04) 3993333. lemeridienseyahi.com
Hot on tHe HeeLs 11. West Beach Bistro, Mövenpick 12. At.Mosphere, Burj Khalifa 13. Caramel DIFC 14. Armani/Privé, Armani Hotel 15. Oeno, The Westin
128 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
beLGian beeR café
8
Atmosphere The new BBC at the Madinat hosts a mix of holidaymakers and Dubai-based revellers who don't want to taxi it to Festival City. Location The BBC adds a muchneeded watering hole to this part of town and now is the perfect time to nab a table on the terrace, with its views of the Burj Al Arab, pint in hand. Best For Beers, obviously, but there are late opening hours, knowledgeable staff and quality pub grub too. Price There are drink and dinner deals through the week, but it can be on the expensive side. WhAt’s On sAys... Similar in design to the Festival City outpost, the tried and tested formula is a winner. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3388563. belgianbeercafe.com
11
9
10
McGettiGan’s
Left bank
Atmosphere Packed. As more people move into JLT, McG’s just gains in popularity. And it’s a good crowd, too.
Atmosphere Busy during the week and downright packed come Thursday and Friday night. Good luck getting a table...
Location Situated at the Bonnington, it has its own entrance so you don’t need to leave via the hotel. Always a bonus after a night on the Guinness. Best For The outdoor patio plays host to live music and visiting comedians, and there’s a quiz night. Plenty going on. Price Seriously hefty portions of good food at decent prices, and the drinks bill won’t make you wince, either. WhAt’s On sAys... McGettigan’s received the gong for favourite pub grub at this year’s awards. Well deserved. Bonnington Hotel, JLT, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3560470. bonningtontower.com
Location Souk Al Bahar's best drinking spot, ideal for post-dinner drinks at the nearby Rivington Grill or Karma Kafe. Best For Popular for groups and couples, there's mingling at the bar and gossiping in the booths. Price Cocktails will set you back around Dhs45, but they're very good, while bar snacks and platters are great for sharing, if pricey. WhAt’s On sAys... Totally different to its sister branch at the Madinat, Left Bank is a sultry space that entices you with drinks and keeps you there with its atmosphere. Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, daily 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3684501. emiratesleisureretail.com
West beacH bistRo
West Beach Bistro is oddly located in a space that was probably designed as a hotel conference room, but Mövenpick has turned it into an attractive and
popular sports bar, incorporating a pool table, large, curved screen, bar menu and regular drinks deals. One of the best sports bars in Dubai Marina.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, daily 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4498888. Metro: Dubai Marina. moevenpick-hotels. com
The hoT lisT
bRuncHes Traiteur
tRaiteuR
BiCE Mare
Al Qasr
1
Atmosphere Crisp shirts and pretty dresses are the order of the day at this elegant creekside setting. Food Classic French brassiere favourites will remind you that you’re living the good life in the UAE. Location The calming getaway feel of the Park Hyatt Dubai makes it one of our favourite hotels. Best for Rounding up your closest friends, dressing to impress and enjoying a bevvy of well prepared dishes. Price Dhs375 without booze, Dhs450 with wine and beer, Dhs595 with bubbly and Dhs1,998 for show-offs who require a limo pick-up. WhAt’s On sAys... Holding the top spot for the past few months, Traiteur has had a winter to remember. But will its dominance survive the hotter weather? Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.park.hyatt.com
ZuMa
2
Atmosphere Busy and fun. Zuma is stylish modern-day dining at its best. Food Don’t fill up on the freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, as there’s a fine selection of hot a la carte dishes, too. You have been warned. Location Reason alone to tempt you to DIFC on a Friday, and from there Dubai is your oyster. Best for Young, trendy people living it up in the big city. This is how you brunch in style. Price Kitsu (no alcohol) Dhs315, Kowaku (with alcohol) Dhs425, and Kyasha (with bubbly) Dhs550.
Our pick of the brunch bunch
aL QasR
3
Atmosphere A brunch heavyweight. Al Qasr’s three enormous rooms are guaranteed to be packed, despite the price tag. Food Oysters, grilled meats, cheeses, sushi, salads, roasts, lobster – if you want it, you’ll find it at Al Qasr. Location The best way to get to Al Qasr is by boat from the Madinat, so there are plenty of post-brunch options. Best for Rounding up everyone in your address book and sitting down to enjoy a serious feast. Price The unwaveringly large Dhs525 price tag shows just how happy people are to splash out on this brunch.
WhAt’s On sAys... With a lively atmosphere and cracking food, bring the right people with you, and this will be a brunch to remember.
WhAt’s On sAys... Book Al Qasr for a special occasion and you won’t be disappointed.
Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4255660. Metro: Financial Centre. zumarestaurant.com
Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. jumeirah.com
bice MaRe
4
Atmosphere Slow and steady. A lazy brunch overlooking the sun-drenched Dubai Fountain. Bliss. Food While there is a set menu, you’ll be better off chatting to the chefs, who will find out what you are really after. Plus, starting this month is a new 'shaken and stired' Martini drinks package. Location Book a table out on the balcony while the good weather is still here. Best for It’s Italian Sunday lunch on a Friday. The all-Italian stable of chefs bring a real authenticity to the afternoon.
beLGian beeR cafe
5
Atmosphere A newcomer to the UAE brunch scene, the terrace at the BBC at Souk Madinat was full when we visited. Food A choice of unlimited Belgian classics a la carte follow a giant bread basket, accompanied by all the beer and wine one could wish for. Location Souk Madinat Jumeirah might be a tourist hot spot, but the laidback BBC will bring you right back to the real world. Best for A long and filling pub lunch for not very much money at all, considering the quality of the food.
Price A very reasonable Dhs250 without alcohol, Dhs350 with house beverages.
Price Dhs269 with alcohol, which is an absolute bargain. Dhs180 sans booze.
WhAt’s On sAys... Enjoy the personal touch from chefs who treat you as a guest and not as a customer.
WhAt’s On sAys... A quality brunch, for less than Dhs300, and no buffet. Win, win, win.
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 4239082. Metro: Dubai Mall. bicemare.com
Souk Madinat, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4470227. belgianbeercafejumeirah. com
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Toro Toro
GRand GRiLL
Armani/Peck
Thai Kitchen
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Atmosphere Dubai’s quintessential party brunch. There isn’t a mass of space, so it is well worth booking ahead for birthdays, parties, etc. Food Buckets of beer perfectly accompany the plates piled high with ribs, steak and various sides and salads. Location The Habtoor Grand is well placed for all the post-brunch options in the Marina. Best for Joining in with the incorrigible waiting staff’s impromptu singing and dancing. Price A fairly priced brunch at just Dhs295 with alcohol, or Dhs225 without. WhAt’s On sAys... Loud, friendly and social, brunch at The GG just zips by. Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Lobby level, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3994221. thegrandgrill.com
Hot on tHe HeeLs 11 Legend’s, Dubai Creek Golf Club 12 Toshi, Grand Millenium, Tecom 13 Spectrum On One, The Fairmont 14 JazzSumptuous, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel 15 The Observatory, Marriot Harbour Hotel
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toRo toRo
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tHai kitcHen
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Picnic bRuncH Atmosphere A perfect way to while away a Saturday afternoon, ensuring that you recharge your batteries for the week ahead.
Atmosphere More grown-up lunch than rowdy brunch, with small groups of families and friends.
Atmosphere The lovely outdoor terrace is ideal for peaceful creekside dining.
Atmosphere Classy and unpretentious. We applaud the flexible, all-day, three-hour time slot.
Food No buffet here, instead a seemingly endless flow of dishes from Toro Toro’s menu arrive at your table.
Food It’s an all you can eat a la carte set up. Keep ordering until you can’t eat another bite.
Location In Grosvenor’s newest tower, Toro Toro has cool neighbours in Buddha Bar and Embassy.
Location A mere chopstick throw from The Terrace, which will be less appealing come the summer, so make the most of it now.
Food An antipasta salad bar, dedicated charcuterie and cheese rooms, and that’s before you even consider ordering a la carte or visiting the carving station.
Best for Sampling the outstanding menu, with hot and cold starters, chunks of skewered meats and jugs of cocktails. Price Dhs400 with beers, wines and cocktails or Dhs300 with soft drinks. WhAt’s On sAys... With delicious dishes and an elegant vibe, this is the perfect brunch for foodies who take their brunches seriously. Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3998888. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
Best for The peaceful surroundings of the Park Hyatt Dubai make this a laidback way to spend your Friday with a small group of friends. Price A wallet-friendly Dhs245, making it one of the best value brunches in Dubai. WhAt’s On sAys... If you are looking for a tranquil bargain brunch, then call off the search. This is it. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.park.hyatt.com
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aRMani/Peck
Location The world’s tallest building. You can’t miss it. Best for Taking your time. Like everything in Italy, there is no need to rush. Price Dhs240 without alcohol, Dhs340 with house beverages and Dhs550 with premium beverages. WhAt’s On sAys... Brunch on your terms. Choose the time that suits you, and pick from the uncomplicated menu. Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 8883888. Metro: Dubai Mall. dubai.armanihotels.com
Food Our pick has to be the buffet ribs – well, that and the coma-inducing dessert selection on offer. Location Regardless of where you live, it is a bit of a drive, but where else do you have to be on a Saturday? Best for Making the most of the last of the good weather Price Dhs225 without alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages. WhAt’s On sAys... Enjoy the sun, lounge out on a picnic blanket and eat more than your fair share. Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 701127. albadiagolfclub.ae
tosHi
Perched on the 18th floor, Toshi is an good option for a evening brunch with a view. Several stations covering all types of Asian cuisine from sushi
to Thai curries via Malaysian satay and Indonesian-style nasi goreng. You can make a night of it too by going downstairs to the Belgian Beer Cafe.
Grand Millenium Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs235 with house beverages. Tel: (04) 4299999. millenniumhotels. com
Flamenco at the Palace Leonor Leal is coming to Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi 18th May 2012 Jose Manuel Leon will accompany Leonor on guitar with the incredible voice of Rocio Marquez Tickets from AED 295 Available on www.timeouttickets.com
You’ll never want to leave emiratespalace.ae
african + eastern stores are all over town! With 12 conveniently-located African + Eastern stores all across the city; you will always find one in your neighbourhood. And where there’s African + Eastern, there’s always an extensive portfolio of labels across ales, grape, malt and more from all over the world. Visit your nearest neighbourhood store for all the brands you love.
For more information call us on 800
CHEERS (243377) or ask our staff in-store.
Al Wasl Road* • Arabian Ranches* • Bur Dubai* • Deira • Dubai Marina Mall* • Dubai Marina Walk* Green Community** • Jumeirah* • Karama • Le Méridien Dubai** • Mirdif • TECOM *Stores also open on Fridays from 2:00pm - 9:00pm **Stores open Saturday to Thursday from 2:00pm - 9:00pm
www.africaneastern.com
The hoT lisT
sPas
One&Only Spa
SensAsia Express
Raffles Spa
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one&onLy sPa
aMaRa sPa
therapists Trained in O&O spas worldwide, the therapists are among the best in Dubai.
therapists The Park Hyatt has a knack of keeping great staff, so many of the therapists here have been with the hotel for years and have their own loyal following.
Menu You can enjoy a speedy, efficient massage, have a foot makeover with a medi-pedi pro, or spend hours being pampered with a day-long ritual. the spa Sumptuous treatment rooms with gorgeous terracotta, wood and turquoise, and a VIP area for couples, to complete the experience. Price You can choose wisely and have a treatment for less than Dhs300, which is a bargain for a spa of this quality. WhAt’s On sAys... The perfect choice for a girly spa day. Make sure you have lunch in the sun at Zest or book a private poolside cabana. One&Only The Palm, The Palm, Dubai, daily 10am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4401010. thepalm. oneandonlyresorts.com
Menu Arranged by theme, with luxurious treatments, it's best to opt for a spa day that includes access to the stunning pool. the spa From the outdoor showers to the music menu, Amara is gorgeous. It is especially good for couples, with romantic VIP suites. Price It is not cheap, but there are usually monthly offers that take the sting out. We reckon the quality of products, spa and therapists are worth it. WhAt’s On sAys... Check out the healthy poolside menu for tasty, healthy dishes. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 6021234. dubai. park.hyatt.com
RaffLes sPa
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therapists This highly trained team specialise in different areas, so you're sure to be treated by an expert. Menu With an emphasis on luxury, as you'd expect from Raffles, the therapies boast ingredients like caviar , gold and diamonds. Very Dubai indeed. the spa Truly five-star, there are touches of gold throughout the spa, from the relaxation lounge to the treatment rooms. Price You get what you pay for, and Raffles Spa uses products by Kerstin Florian, Aromatherapy Associates and Eve Lom. WhAt’s On sAys... If you're in the market for a facial ask for Yande. She is as talented as she is charming. Raffles Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3149870. Metro: Healthcare City. raffles.com
b/attitude
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therapists Knowledgeable and intuitive, staff will put you at ease whether you’re a first timer or seasoned spa goer. Menu The vast treatment menu features Tibetan treatments, facials, scrubs, wraps, foot treatments, traditional and signature massages and hammam rituals.
The daddies of the health and leisure scene
sensasia eXPRess
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therapists Friendly, efficient and well trained to the high SensAsia standards. Menu With shorter (and cheaper) treatments than the other SensAsia spas, this is the place to go for a massage on the move or a fast facial.
the spa Check out the five hammam pools ranging in temperature from 18˚C to 38˚C.
the spa The sassier younger sister of the other branches, this spa is pared down with everything you need in your small but perfectly formed treatment room.
Price The bespoke Intuitive massage is Dhs420 for 60 minutes or Dhs540 for 90 minutes. Tailored to your specific needs, it’s one of the best we’ve had.
Price Very reasonable indeed at Dhs155 for a back, neck and shoulder massage, mini-facials costing Dhs60 and Dhs225 for a body wrap.
WhAt’s On sAys... Remember your swimmers and make time for the hammam pools.
WhAt’s On sAys... Don't fear, you still get the famed ginger tea (in a takeaway cup to go).
Grosvenor House, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 9.15am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3998888. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3549228. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. sensasiaspas.com
MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 135
Talise Spa
taLise sPa
The Spa
The Spa
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therapists Jam-packed with experts; there’s a mix of nationalities and specialities, from massage therapists to a GP. Menu In addition to a vast spa menu, Talise also has some other cards up its sleeve, including a naturopath and medical testing. the spa A lovely setting, with treatment rooms tucked away among leafy pathways, and a private pool for spa-goers. Price Not bad for such a high-end establishment. The 80-minute Royal Hammam costs a fair Dhs450. WhAt’s On sAys... The yoga classes are outstanding. Go on Saturday evenings for a relaxing close to your weekend. Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3666681. jumeirah.com/talise
Hot on tHe HeeLs 11. The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall 12. Banyan Tree Spa, Banyan Tree Al Wadi 13. Armani/Spa, Armani Hotel 14. ShuiQi Spa & Fitness, Atlantis The Palm 15. Mandara Spa, The Monarch
136 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
tHe sPa
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therapists Quiet, courteous and just the ticket if you need a soothing afternoon of expert pampering. Menu Packed with Natura Bissé products, luxurious rituals and a special gents’ menu, with rituals designed to help you relax, re-energise and more.
aHasees sPa
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therapists Really impressive; our therapist was super sweet, very proficient and clearly loved her job. Menu Some nice Middle Eastern-inspired treatments, plus rituals and even specials for brides and grooms.
tHe sPa
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therapists Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, they are keen to share their expertise and recommend treatments.
Menu You won’t be spoilt for choice here, but there are still a decent selection of rituals for lengthy pampering.
Menu Seriously impressive, with everything from yoga classes and Ayurvedic techniques to high-tech hydrotherapy sessions.
the spa This spa is a rabbit's warren of treatment rooms and lounges. Price Mid-price, but with high-quality products and well-trained therapists on hand, the bill is justified.
Price An hour-long massage or facial will set you back around Dhs450, while a three-hour ritual costs a reasonable Dhs1,200.
Price It may seem pricey, but you’ll get your money’s worth by enjoying the relaxation and steam areas.
WhAt’s On sAys... Treat yourself to a massage then poolside drinks at Shades for the ultimate Saturday afternoon.
WhAt’s On sAys... There's a pool and great facilities, making it perfect for a spa day.
WhAt’s On sAys... If you have a free day to hang around the Downtown area, then this is a lovely spot to relax in before dinner at Asado.
The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4367777. Metro: Dubai Marina. theaddress.com
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therapists Be prepared for the therapists to whisk you away from the daily grind into a cocoon of comfort.
the spa The spa is brand new and seriously stunning; make sure you have time for a soak in the Jacuzzi, which is surrounded by fresh orchids. Blissful.
Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3171234. Metro: Healthcare City. dubai.grand.hyatt.com
baLance WeLLness
the spa High-quality spa real estate – the relaxation rooms overlook the lakes at the base of Burj Khalifa.
The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4287888. Metro: Dubai Mall.theaddress. com
the spa Balance Wellness is a vast space with endless rooms, relaxation areas and studios. Price Because the spa isn't in a five-star hotel, costs are much more reasonable than you'd expect. WhAt’s On sAys... Check out the monthly discounts on weightloss, post-natal treatments and more. Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 6am to 9am. Tel: (04) 3847010. Metro: Business Bay. balance-wellnesscentre.com
banyan tRee sPa aL Wadi
Ras Al Khaimah isn’t far, but Banyan Tree Spa Al Wadi is not exactly a place to pop for a quick massage. Fortunately the spa is huge, and it offers a full day package,
incorporating a morning and afternoon session, including massage, lunch, rainforest experience, facial and foot massage for Dhs1,800. Better
yet, book a weekend away and enjoy the whole resort. Banyan Tree Al Wadi, RAK, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (07) 2067777. banyantree.com
@Stranded_RIBC
facebook.com/strandedRIBC
Escape the city every Friday and join us for a pioneering party on Lebanon, the first island to open on the world. Enjoy the best view of the Dubai Skyline throughout the day, chillout then party into the night with international guest DJs alongside a hand picked selection of residents.
www.royalislandbeachclub.ae
The Royal Island Beach Club, Lebanon Island, The World Islands, Dubai.
For info and bookings email: stranded@themusthavegroup.com or call: 050 687 9959 This event is brought to you by:
www.themusthavegroup.com
International guest DJs plus residents on rotation.
Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird Breakfast Show, Sun to Thur 6am to 10am, Dubai 92. dubai92.com
BACKCHAT
WITH CATBOY
GETTY
Our man on the radio is getting contemplative. Pass him his slippers, won't you?
I
just got the e-mail informing me I was late sending in the copy for this page. Not only did this e-mail arrive immediately after I retuned from a foreign holiday and had struggled through that horrible first day back at work but it also came during what I like to call a period of manditation. The more astute of you will have noticed manditation is a portmanteau of ‘man’ and ‘meditation’. It’s that magical time when a man does absolutely nothing. Unlike meditation, it doesn’t
require a yoga mat or a mantra. There’s no pillock called Seb in a faded black vest and disturbingly loose pants, clinking bells and lighting joss sticks. There’s no cabin retreat, no chakras, no philosophy and definitely no whale song. It’s just a man and comfortable seating. Most of us first notice manditation, albeit without comprehension, when seeing our fathers indulging. My own dad had a daily ritual. Home from work, food, assume the position. Both my grandfathers were in
an almost perpetual state of manditation. So much so, for a brief period I convinced myself one of them was a statue. As a teenager (you know… when I knew absolutely EVERYTHING in the world), I pitied these old duffers. How could they stagnate when there was so much life to live? As their eyes glazed over, the vibrant heart of the city was just minutes away, with live music, pubs, clubs, bright lights and excitement. Reading back over that last paragraph, I have to smile as I sit in a room with nothing
NEXT MONTH: WHERE TO WATCH EURO 2012 IN DUBAI, DRESSING FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE AND WIN A SUMMER HOLIDAY! 138 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012
but the hum of the A/C and a cat licking itself to disturb the peace, whilst just down the road is one of the tourism capitals of the world, golden consumer palaces of decadence, catering to every whim. I could drive down there now, walk into a food court or arcade and grab a ‘youth’ by the back of his comb-over moptop and tell him the wonders of manditation and history would repeat itself. Teenagers and twentysomethings cannot relate to it because the rest of their lives aren’t sufficiently taxing enough to require it. To achieve the Zen state one must first acquire the following… kids, job, wife, bills, credit cards, big belly, love handles, the first whiff of a midlife crisis, one or two health and/or dental worries, a receding hairline and one or two appointments at the National ID Card office. Once you’ve got a certain combination of the above, the manditation experience is there for the taking. And the bonus is you can do it in the office, in a crowded room, on a bench outside Debenhams, at a red light on Umm Suqueim Street or sat at home on a Monday night as your inbox pings with a demanding e-mail from a magazine editor. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got to get back to it.
family & bubbly brunch at focaccia Focaccia, the Italian restaurant at Hyatt Regency Dubai & Galleria offers you the best value for money with Friday Brunch. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with live cooking stations and free-flow of premium French bubbly for a mere AED399 per person. Children under 12 years eat for free (maximum two children per couple). Time: 12:30pm to 4:00pm For reservations, please call +971 4 317 2222
dubai.regeny.hyatt.com facebook.com/hyattregencydubai Hyatt Regency Dubai reserves the right to alter or withdraw this promotion at any time without notice. HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. ™2012 Hyatt Hotels Corporation. All rights reserved.
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