What's On | September 2010 | Abu Dhabi

DHS 10 SEPTEMBER 2010 ISSUE 389

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CREATE YOUR PERFECT DINNER PARTY

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UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000

DISCOVER THE TASTIEST BURGERS IN THE EMIRATES MAKE A SPLASH WITH ABU DHABI’S BEST WATER SPORTS EID ESCAPES: FIND YOUR DREAM DESTINATION

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Contents Features 19 Come dine with us How to host the dream dinner party, with the ultimate chef’s cook-off, top tips, recipes and dining across the UAE 28 Eid escapes Our flow chart will help you decide where to spend the long weekend 31 Water, water everywhere Muck about on the rivers, seas and sands with our guide to waterbased activities 39 21 burgers: tested We go in search of the UAE’s best burgers, from fast food to fois gras

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p31

p28 SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 7

The round-up 14 Salaam The whole of September on two handy pages 17 Competitions Want to score some prizes? Weekend stays, bubbly brunches and a month of dining could all be yours 44 Films Our verdict on Vincent Cassel’s latest offering, plus Perrier’s Bounty, I Hate Luv Storys and more 49 Eating out We visit Dubai newbies The Gramercy and Rhodes Twenty10, plus the spicy side of Armani at Amal and The Critic on social networking in the restaurant world 57 Arts Al Quoz’s most exciting space, acting workshops, plus five to see this month

82 Club Diary The low-down on what's coming up in clubland

p49

85 Travel Charity challenges on Mount Kilimanjaro, plus Aleppo 97 Hot Lists The top ten brunches, restaurants, bars and spas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Hot stuff 106 Backchat Dubai 92’s Catboy on insecurities, halitosis and dodgy haircuts

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63 Shopping This season’s key trends and the lovely Sophia answers all your wardrobe woes 71 Mind & Body Teaming up with Dubai 92’s fit females, a trip to the Fairmont’s spa and the torture of back waxing 79 Sport & Outdoor Mr Fitness gets to grips with your workout gripes, plus this month’s sports news in short 8 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

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This month we’ve been...

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

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

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

10 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

Throwing dinner parties, p19

Embracing our Piscean side, p31

Scoffing burgers, p39

Editor’s note OK, confession time. Despite being the Editor of Abu Dhabi’s go-to magazine for fun and adventure, I have a weakness, well, obsession, with a certain TV programme that involves would-be chefs competing against each other for a cash prize. I’m sure you’ve seen it – it seems to be on 15 times a day on Showtime’s BBC Lifestyle – and I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t crack up at the sight of random wannabe-chefs laying into complete strangers just because their custard was lumpy.

Yes, I know being ‘Mr What’s On’ (and, by the way, you have NO idea how many people come up to me with, ‘Oh, What’s On? So, what’s on!’ It’s a classic gag, apparently…) means I have a responsibility to get out there and try the fun stuff for you, and, of course, I do. We all do. But give me a bag of pick’n’mix and a few do-it-yourself chefs arguing over a soufflé, and that’s me sorted for an evening.

But, simply staying at home isn’t the What’s On way. So, this month we’ve combined our favourite show with a cheeky feature on how to host and enjoy the perfect dinner party – it’s your complete guide to throwing a bash, and bar the odd argument (you can provide those yourself ), it’ll have you sorted for a fun night with family or friends.

Enjoy the issue.

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ABU DHABI Tel: 02 6745000 AL AIN Tel: 03 7541150 DUBAI: Deira City Center Tel: 04 2953780 Radisson SAS Tel: 04 2229687, Dubai Mall Tel: 04 3399330, Emirates Mall Tel: 04 3412424

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We're officially part of the Twitterati.

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

Salaam!

September in miniature

What’s hot Eco-Chicks According to their web page, EcoChicks are ‘a group of educated, empowered and eco-minded women’ out to ‘advocate environmental and social responsibility’. If it means they’re going to help with the capital’s less than perfect environmental record, we’re all for it. www.abudhabiecochicks.wordpress.com ADMC Sport The English Premier League is upon us once more and Abu Dhabi Media Company is offering live online streaming of all matches, plus match previews and highlights, for just Dhs367. To kick-off a season of footy joy, just log onto their site, enter your details and away you go. www.en.bpl.admcsport.com

What’s not

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES AND ISTOCK

Red Bull Air Race Bad news for aerobatics fans. Abu Dhabi’s hugely popular Red Bull Air Race won’t be taking place in 2011 after the stunt-flying tournament was axed over safety concerns.

BlackBerry It’s a tough time for BlackBerry owners as their little plastic friends sit on death row awaiting October 11, the day the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority says it will suspend service.

Guest list Rumours whispered in our shell-like

99%

LA PETITE MAISON The original bistro in Nice is said to have had French President Nicolas Sarkozy exclaiming ‘c’est magnifique’ and, following the success of the London outpost, La Petite Maison is rumoured to be opening a Dubai branch at DIFC. We’re hearing October.

75%

JAMIROQUAI Fast cars, sharp threads, beautiful women, superyachts and champagne – of course the Brit band and their disco dancing frontman, Jay Kay, are going to be at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

50%

10%

THE IVY This one is definitely just a rumour for now, U2 but word is circulating among those in the If the big names wooed to the capital for last know that the famous London restaurant is year’s F1 – among them Beyoncé and Kings set to open in Dubai.

This month we’re going to…

HEROES After a hiatus for Ramadan, our favourite underground pub in the capital reopens.

We’re looking forward to hearing new house band, the International Playboys, Walking pump out the rock numbers. While Shoe manufacturer RYN Middle East claims on September 16, it’s time to squeeze just four per cent of UAE residents set aside into your school uniforms for a Back To time for a walk on a weekly basis, compared to School night.

40 per cent in the UK. Just 150 minutes a week Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan will have a dramatic effect on your health, so Street, free, 8pm to late. Tel: (02) 6166132. walk, darn it, walk like the wind. www.cpabudhabi.ae 14 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

Of Leon – are anything to go by, we could indeed be welcoming Bono and his merry men in November.

Five Questions… Mary I Abu Dhabi-based LebaneseCanadian pop star, Mary I, scored a huge hit with her debut single,You Got Me Fallin’ which could constantly be heard booming from MTV Arabia and radio stations throughout the Emirates. She releases her first album later this year For those that still haven’t heard it, describe the Mary I sound.

Uplifting and fun – it appeals to anyone who has gone through the same type of emotions as my lyrics. Got Me Fallin’, is about the feelings you have when you’re starting to fall in love with someone – the roller coaster ride of emotions that you feel.

If we like your music, we’ll also like…

My producer says I sound like Celine Dion, which is quite an honour since she’s Canadian as well. A DJ once compared me to Jennifer Lopez. I also get a lot of comparisons to Nancy Ajram out here. As these singers are all my heroes, it’s amazing to be compared to them.

Is it harder to break into the music biz from an Abu Dhabi base?

There’s a lot of undiscovered musical talent out there. But we live in a global village at the moment. If you have what it takes to make it in one place, you can make it anywhere.

In the modern world, with social media like Facebook and YouTube, your talent can be easily broadcast on a large-scale.

ESPA If you’re in need of some serenity after the summer inferno, the opening of this new spa at the Yas Hotel will be a welcome relief.

With ten treatment rooms, a sculpture garden and the promise of some unusual therapies, it looks like it will be a truly relaxing spot.

ESPA, Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 10am. Tel: (02) 6560000. www.theyashotel.com

READ…

ROOM, EMMA DONOGHUE On the surface this novel, apparently inspired by the Josef Fritzl kidnapping case, is, rather appropriately considering its subject matter, darker than a windowless room with a burnt out bulb. But, longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, Room is being hailed by numerous critics as a beautifully crafted novel sure to stir up profound emotions. Emma Donoghue’s seventh book is narrated by five-year-old Jack, who lives in Room with his Ma, watching cartoons on TV, hiding in the wardrobe when his kidnapper visits and oblivious to the outside world – until his mother admits to its existence and he finds himself trying to come to terms with living in it. If you want to talk books this autumn, read Room.

Available from Magrudy’s, Borders, Jashanmal and Kinokuniya

PLAY…

How did you get into music?

I’ve had a passion for singing ever since I was four years old. But I’ve always been a bit shy. As I was working in the radio industry, I got to know a few producers and they encouraged me to record a song and it took off from there. Once I have a microphone in my hand, my shyness just changes.

Any advice for would-be starlets?

Make your dreams a reality. Live it every day.

Surround yourself with what you love. And realistically, you have to promote yourself.

Make a website, get involved with social media and meet people. www.twitter-maryimusic.com

UP CLOSE EXHIBITION Members of the Abu Dhabi-based art group, Fanaan, will be showing off their painting skills at this cool exhibition at the National Theatre. They will also be holding a series of workshops to impart their creativity to the masses. This is a great chance to see the wealth of art talent that exists in the capital.

Sept 21 to Oct 6, Abu Dhabi National Theatre, Airport Road, 7pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (02) 6215300. www.adach.com

F1 2010 There’s plenty of reasons to love the life of an F1 driver.

You get to drive the most technically advanced cars on the planet, visit exotic locations (including our very own Yas Island Circuit in Abu Dhabi), collect enormous pay cheques and, who can forget, the pit girls don’t hurt either. That’s why Codemasters has put together its latest fully licensed F1 game, meaning all the drivers, tracks and cars from the proper season are yours to play with. The game has one of the most complicated and diverse weather systems ever seen, along with stunningly realistic physics and graphics that will have you ogling the screen well past race weekend.

Xbox 360 / PS3 / PC, US$75

LISTEN…

THE SUBURBS, ARCADE FIRE If a band’s second album is notoriously tricky, then a successful third effort can be downright impossible. Luckily, Arcade Fire’s latest offering secures them a rather tasty hattrick, with The Suburbs emerging as a more studied collection of tracks, ranging from crashing, fiery punk to gentle acoustics. It’s the variety that will keep this album on loop in the What’s On office for weeks to come.

Top track: Month of May Available from www.amazon.com and iTunes Find us at www.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 15

REFINED DINING

Ramadan Kareem 2010 at the hawksbill restaurant Gather all of your family and friends and enjoy a wide variety of Iftar menu options at the hawksbill restaurant overlooking the breathtaking views of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

Be amongst the first to experience the specially designed hawksbill restaurant Arabic menu available exclusively throughout the months of August & September 2010. Offering a variety of traditional Arabic cuisine ranging from hot & cold Arabic mezze, mixed grill to the umm ali dessert.

Book a unique Iftar Banquet menu for families & groups to enjoy your own private dining experience.

You may also choose to sample our internationally inspired menu that offers more than 60 dishes from around the world.

The team at the hawksbill restaurant look forward to welcoming you throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

The hawksbill restaurant is open daily from 6am to 10pm & located only minutes from downtown Corniche with ample parking available.

For all reservations please telephone 02 499 8107 or email fb@sbgolfclub.ae Visit us at www.sbgolfclub.ae

Win with What’s On Want to get your grubby mitts on some lovely shiny prizes? Of course you do. To be in with a chance of winning, just click on www.winwithmotivate.com

WIN! A NIGHT’S STAY AT THE MÖVENPICK JUMEIRAH BEACH, PLUS FRIDAY BRUNCH FOR TWO

The new Mövenpick hotel on the beach at JBR is ideally located for a cheeky staycation, with its dining outlets, pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf and sea views from each room. For your chance to stay at this lovely seaside spot, plus brunch for two at The Talk (one of the best new openings in town), you need to get this question right: Which boombastic celeb paid The Talk a visit last time they were in town? a) Shaggy b) Hillary Clinton c) Bill Cosby

WIN! A MONTH OF DINING

That's right, 31 days of gastro delights await in Old Town if you win this prize. The lucky, and hopefully hungry, winner will get (deep breath)… cheese and wine in the Lobby Lounge at the Qamardeen Hotel, Q-Brunch for two in Esca at the Qamardeen, two Neze long lunches in Nezesaussi Grill at the Al Manzil Hotel, two dinners in Esca, two gourmet burgers in Conservatory at the Al Manzil, two dinners in Nezesaussi Grill, two Boulevard Brekkie sandwiches in Boulevard Café, two slices of cake and cappuccinos in Conservatory and two tasting menus in The Courtyard Restaurant at the Al Manzil with two shishas. Phew. For your chance to win, just tell us: Boulevard Café’s breakfast sandwich won which accolade in last month’s What’s On? a) Best roast dinner b) Best black cod c) Best sandwich

WIN! BUBBLY BRUNCH FOR FOUR AT THE FAIRMONT

Consistently one of our Friday favourites, the brunch at Spectrum On One at the Fairmont is a lesson in luxury. Bubbles, oysters, live cooking and so much more are on offer at this SZR monolith, and you could be taking three friends to enjoy its riches. For your chance at glory (and save yourself Dhs550 per person), simply tell us: The oyster is a variety of… a) Mollusc b) Insect c) Mammal

WIN! A STAY AT THE PALACE, INCLUDING DINNER FOR TWO AT ASADO

If you need a downtown mini-break, plus a side of steak, then this is the prize for you. One lucky winner will enjoy a one-night stay at The Palace, the luxurious Arabian five-star hotel with its stunning pool overlooking the Dubai Fountain, and dinner for two at Argentinean star Asado. This gorgeous grill serves up premium cuts, live entertainment and stunning views. To be in with a chance of winning, tell us: Which continent is Argentina on? a) Australia b) South America c) Antarctica SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 17

Forget the chips and dips, here three of the UAE’s top chefs show you how to throw the perfect dinner party with their own sumptuous soirees, plus a round-up of the best private dining rooms, at home catering, chefs’ tables and a murder mystery party

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 19

THE CONCEPT: EXPLAINED

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES AND ISTOCK

If you haven’t seen the TV show Come Dine With Me you’ve either been hiding under an extremely large rock for the past few years, or have a very exciting social life.

Set to a rolling boil in 2005, the British reality show spurned a glut of imitators across the globe from Australia to the US, spilled over onto UAE screens (BBC Lifestyle) last year, and is still bubbling away nicely.

The concept is simple. A group of strangers each host a dinner party in their home for their fellow contestants who give a score out of ten at the end of the night. The winner is awarded around Dhs5,600.

And, of course, there’s all the accompanying shouting and shenanigans we’ve all come to expect from reality TV. We asked some of our favourite chefs to design a menu, host their own dinner parties and judge each other’s efforts. And, naturally, we were there to adjudicate.

They’ve even supplied their dream guest list and some unique dinner party tips.

Whether you’ve seen the show or not, dinner parties are in. So here’s how to host your perfect evening. Bon appetite!

Chef Colin Clague Menu

20 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

16 ⁄ 20

Tuna tartare, veal cutlet with nori butter and pickled Japanese mushrooms, salt-grilled seabass with burnt tomato relish, black cod, dessert platter (fresh fruits, sorbets, chocolate fondant)

Recipe

Salt-grilled seabass with burnt tomato relish Ingredients

700g seabass (filleted and trimmed), Maldon sea salt, 3 lemons, 10 bamboo leaves, 10 tomatoes, 10 jalapeno peppers, chopped coriander, 10 onions, salt and pepper, chili oil, ginger juice.

Method

Roast tomatoes, either with a blowtorch or on the hob, until the skin is split and burnt, remove seed and dice into large chunks.

Finely chop onions, jalapeno and coriander and add to the tomatoes, add chili oil, ginger juice and salt and pepper to taste. Skewer each seabass fillet onto two metal skewers, wet the skewered fillets and season with Maldon sea salt.

Grill skin side down until the skin is crisp and nicely coloured and finish off on flesh side until cooked. Remove skewers and place fillets on bamboo leaves. Serve with a slice of lemon and the burnt tomato relish.

Dream guest list

M DREA S T S GUE

TOTAL SCORE

Arsene Wenger, Dennis Bergkamp, Billy Connolly, Tommy Cooper, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, Aretha Franklin, Paul Weller, Keith Floyd, my wife, Farah, and my two boys, Euan and Nael.

The scores

Chef Scott Price, Verre “Everything was absolutely fantastic from the canapés through to the starters, main courses and dessert platter. But, I’m a really big fan of desserts and would have loved an individual dessert as opposed to fresh fruits. I know this is the Japanese culture, but that’s my personal opinion.”

8/10 Chef Kuldeep Raturi, Options “The ambience was OK and the food, including the desserts, were good.

Unfortunately, the service was not quite up to the mark.”

8/10

Colin's five top tips

1

Do as much mise en place (set up) as possible so that you spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

2

Have a wow dessert, everybody always remembers the last course.

3

Create a mood. As with any good restaurant, the lighting and music are vital.

4

Cook for your guests, don’t cook what you would like to eat.

5

Instead of working on individual plates, try a sharing concept, it’s more fun and everyone can dig in.

COME DINE WITH US

WINNER! TOTAL SCORE

Chef Scott Price Tomato and basil tea, pressed foie gras terrine, pea risotto, canon of lamb, honey and fennel crème brûlée

fiancée, Emily, Bruce Lee. And, if possible, I’d really love to reform the Spice Girls so that they could do the dishes.

The scores

Louis Abdilla, General Manager, Zuma “The meal was Toasted fennel perfectly executed seed crème brûlée with outstanding flavours and top quality ingredients. We ate a tomato Ingredients infusion with fresh basil tea and 1.125ltr double cream, 600ml milk, a light tortellini, followed by 430g egg yolks, 60g fennel seeds an outstanding terrine of foie (toasted à la minute), 70g honey, gras served with brioche toast, 150g sugar. a selection of chutneys and infused salts. The main course Method was a succulent saddle of lamb, Place cream and milk in a pan garnished with a slab of pomme and bring to the boil. Quickly boulanger and lamb jus. We toast off the fennel seeds in a finished the meal with a delicious smoking hot pan and add to the crème brûlée flavoured with cream and milk. Beat the egg yolk fennel seeds and garnished with and sugar together, pour on the mango. A culinary experience to hot milk, cream and fennel seed be remembered.” mixture, whisk and add honey to 9/10 taste. Infuse for ten minutes.

Chef Kuldeep Raturi, Dream guest list Options Sir Alex Ferguson, Noel “Again, the ambience Gallagher, Jeremy Clarkson, was OK but there was Eric Cantona, Jim Morrison, my good service and I first boss, Andrew Macgeorge, enjoyed the soup and salad.”

Nick Alvis, Jason Manford, my 9/10

Recipe

AM DRE TS GUES

Scott's five top tips

1

Keep the dishes simple and prepare in advance as much as possible – that way you can spend more time at the table with your guests.

2

Do the washing up that night, whilst you are merry, so you don’t have to do it when you’re feeling rough in the morning.

3

Give the evening a theme – from the food to the dress code. This always adds another element of fun to the dinner party.

4

Don’t attempt to cook a dish you haven’t made before, or attempt to make anything too complicated.

Dinner parties are supposed to be fun and not too stressful; you want to be able to relax and enjoy the evening and not be scared of failing in front of the guests.

5

Organise: make sure your house is clean, the dog is out, place cards are at the table, candles are lit and all other possible things that need to be done are sorted before your guests arrive.

That way you only need to concentrate on looking after your guests and cooking your food. It’s all about planning.

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 21

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

Menu

18 ⁄ 20

COME DINE WITH US

TOTAL SCORE

Chef Kuldeep Raturi Menu Chandi kalyan, grilled scampi, boti kabab, tandoori veg, murgh makhani, raan buzkazzi, prawn kalimirch, lalla mussa dal, dhingry mattar paneer, dum puckt biryani, chikka rotiyan da, dariyal da mitha, rasmalai, gulab-e-gulkand, kulfi, tawa mithai chaat

Recipe

Chandi kaliyan Ingredients

Eight boneless chicken breasts, 2tbsp ginger paste, 2tbsp garlic paste, 2tbsp malt vinegar, 2-3 cups fresh cream, half cup grated cheddar cheese, 1tbsp chopped coriander leaves, half tsp green cardamom powder, quarter tsp mace powder, quarter tsp nutmeg powder, salt, butter, silver varq.

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

Method

Cut chicken breasts in half, apply ginger paste, garlic paste and malt vinegar and allow to marinate for 30 to 40 minutes in the refrigerator.

Mix the egg, fresh cream, cheese, coriander leaves, green cardamom powder, mace powder, nutmeg and salt. Marinade the chicken in this

16 ⁄ 20

mixture for a further four or five hours in the refrigerator. Skewer the tikkas and roast in a moderately hot tandoor (or the oven) for ten to 15 minutes. Remove, baste with butter and roast for two minutes. Remove, garnish with silver varq.

Dream guest list

My mum, dad and two little sisters, my boss, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, my former head chef, Aanada Solomon from Taj Mumbai, my dream girl, my favourite actress, Kajol, Sachin Tendulkar and Anna Kounikova.

DREAM GUESTS

The scores

Chef Colin Clague, Zuma “Excellent evening, great food, pleasant company. Have to go on a diet now, though.”

8/10 Chef Scott Price, Verre “I liked the ‘classic’ Indian restaurant style. We ate a variety of different meats and vegetables from the tandoor, all very tasty and cooked and seasoned well. I particularly enjoyed the butter chicken. A couple of the dishes were a little too spicy for my taste, but still good. Lots of

different breads and chutneys to complement each dish, and the raita was excellent. When the coconut mousse came out inside a coconut I was quite full. Then we went on to petit fours. We were very well looked after all night and the food was what you would expect from a good Indian restaurant.”

8/10

An Italian cookery masterclass Feeling inspired by all these recipes and tips? Already planning your dinner party? E-mail us the ten people that would come to your dream dinner party and you could learn how to cook the perfect three-course Italian meal, with a masterclass by Chef Paolo at Southern Sun Qamardeen Hotel. As Chef de Cuisine at the ever-popular Esca restaurant, Chef Paolo will share the secrets that give all his dishes an authentic Italian touch during your own private couples’ cooking class. Win the class and you can dazzle your guests at your next dinner party by passing the delicious menu off as your own.

Simply e-mail your fantasy guest list to editor-wo@motivate.ae by September 30 and we’ll pick the best.

22 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

Kuldeep's five top tips

1 2

Use premium quality fresh ingredients.

3 4

Present the food in an impressive manner.

Select your menu with your diners in mind (find out their likes and dislikes, allergies etc).

Good service is paramount. You must be attentive to your guests.

5

It may sound obvious, but the food must taste good.

Put some effort in, make sure you do your research, prepare and practise.

DISHING OUT THE WORLD’S MOST ORIGINAL

ingredients

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www.luluhypermarket.com

With 83 branches in easy-to-reach locations and award winning customer service catering to over 410,000 shoppers a day, no wonder the world comes to shop at LuLu.

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COME DINE WITH US

AKA At home catering Invite the gang to your place for a dinner party – without spending a moment in the kitchen

The Menu Parmesan shortbreads and minted pea puree Pumpkin blini with Gorgonzola and pistachio Smoked salmon mini-quiche with potato crust Roasted kumara with rare roasted NZ lamb Rice paper rolls with crisp vegetables and mango The Burger (gourmet mini-beef burgers) Gourmet cheese board Mini-chocolate tarts with a coconut crust Mini-raspberry cheesecakes with a black pepper crust

The venue

Your place. Easy. Your mates know where to go, there’s no dress code (unless you dictate it) and going home is just a short distance from the table. Getting help to feed your friends takes the pressure off big time, it’s just a matter of speaking to the catering company to create a bespoke menu depending on your criteria. Lime Tree Café dropped off the platters with simple instructions for the few dishes that needed heating and we were tucking in within no time. They just need 48 hours notice.

The food

The team at Lime Tree Café are used to catering gatherings requiring everything from giant gourmet salads and mini salmon burgers, to children’s parties and boardroom bashes. We were spoilt for choice with trays of tiny treats, a cheese platter and two desserts.

The details

Lime Tree Café & Kitchen, Dubai, from Dhs75 per person. Tel: (04) 3256325. www.thelimetreecafe.com 24 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

1

Know your guest list inside out. Your guests might be pregnant ladies or a pack of hungry, hairy men, either way, plan a menu that suits them best. Know dietary requirements ahead of time to avoid the embarrassment of having nothing to feed a special guest. It’s always safe to have at least one vegetarian option and a few non-seafood/fish options.

2

The people

Your mates, your family or business colleagues. Just think about the guests before you get carried away on the Lime Tree website – who likes what? Any fussy eaters or allergies? How hungry will everyone be? We had ten chums around to sample the café’s fare (very willing volunteers they were, too) and a civilised evening of canapés and bubby descended into a sing-off. Not pretty, but a cracking night.

Lime Tree Café’s top tips for the dream dinner party

Dish

Hot catering company, Dish, serves up barbecues in the desert, canapés at cocktail soirees and birthday cakes at parties across town, not to mention bringing great food to yachts, beaches, launches and more. A quick look on their website should get your tummy rumbling and the ideas flowing. Prices depend on head count and menu, but a three-course sit down dinner costs Dhs200 per person, based on a minimum of ten guests and ingredients include quail, snapper and lamb. This is no ordinary food delivery service and it doesn’t come on the back of a bike.

Dish, Dubai. Tel (04) 4221613. www.dish.ae

The Club

If you’re having a dinner party in the capital but can’t be bothered to cook, one of the most popular options is to order food from The Club. Whether you’re a member of the exclusive club or not, prices start at Dhs125 a head, and you can choose from seven set menus, with dishes such as brandy-glazed rack of lamb or angus beef medallions with mushroom and wine sauce. You can also hire waiters, for Dhs40 an hour for members, or Dhs50 for non-members.

The Club, Mina Port, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6731111. www.the-club.com

Outsource to the pros.

If you are too busy with work, kids, or are just too hot and flustered to cook and still enjoy yourself, then it’s better to enjoy the time with your guests and get someone else to do the hard work.

The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen can take care of the whole event, from the food to the flowers, staff and serving equipment and they can even prepare customised party favours for your guests.

3

Don’t forget the drinks, ice and glasses – you always need more than you think.

4

Remember, too much food is always better than not enough and everyone loves leftovers.

COME DINE WITH US

Other options AKA The private dining room Why slum it with the mere mortals of the world, when you can feel like you own the joint with your very own private dining room experience?

The venue

Let’s face it, Okku’s a nice place to eat. Housed in the Monarch hotel, complete with its cool ‘Number One Sheikh Zayed Road’ address, the Japanese restaurant will impress anyone, be they date or friend, family or business cohort. Yet just when you think they’ve hit the top of the cool-o-meter, they pull out their big guns – the private dining room.

Perched, literally and metaphorically, above the rest of the diners, the private room is your own secluded space where you and your pals can dine the night away without the distraction of Joe Public.

Resplendent with dropdown walls, which can be enclosed for total privacy or left open to see and be seen (yeah, guess which one we opted for), plus your own army of waiting staff, there really is no finer, or opulent, way to dine.

The people

With the dining room split into two to create one smaller room at one end, and one larger room at the other (both completely separated from each other, naturally), the choice of just how many of your friends to invite is all yours. We opted for a group of eight – it seemed like a good round number – and taking the smaller of the two rooms, we fitted nicely around our own table. A somewhat

Private Dining by Gordon Ramsay at Verre

Continuing the concept started by the man himself in London, Verre’s private dining space is a bespoke experience for up to 20 guests.

Decorated in the signature simple style, the room boasts a private entrance, exclusive bar and wine cellar, plus its own dedicated team of staff, including a maitre d’ and sommelier. Chef Scott Price personally oversees the menu, bringing you and your guests Gordo’s finest foods.

Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai, from Dhs395 per person. Tel: (04) 2277550

Traiteur

We’ve had a masterclass with Traiteur’s Chef Franck Detrait, so we know that you’re in safe hands at his special table in the open-plan kitchen.

Seating six to ten, you can watch the staff whipping up French fancies, or if you’re in a larger group, then take over the stylish Cave Privee. Both options offer a set menu.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, from Dhs280 per person. Tel: (04) 6021804

boisterous crowd – although strictly in the fun sense, of course – it made sense to separate us from the rest of the restaurant, allowing our gang to lord it up in our own private space without disturbing the restaurant’s regular diners.

Definitely a win-win situation for all concerned.

The food

“Instead of ordering from the menu, would you like us to choose some of our favourites for you?” Words of genius from our hosts, who then proceeded to bring out wave upon wave of Japanese dishes, each one a hit for all who tried them. Wasabi mushrooms? Yes please. Yellow tail carpaccio? Just the ticket.

Wagyu beef and fois gras? Yeah, just leave the tray down there, thanks very much, we’ve more than got this covered…

The details

Okku, The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, from Dhs350 per head (without alcohol). Tel: (04) 5018777. www.okkudubai.com

Frankie’s Abu Dhabi’s ever popular Italian has its own private dining room. Book for eight to 12 guests, and although you can choose from the a la carte menu, there is also a set list of courses. Booking the room, you also get your own maitre d’ and sommelier, as well as a chance to escape the bustle of the busy restaurants.

Frankie’s, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi, set menu from Dhs300 per head, a la carte Dhs2,000 min spend. Tel: (02) 6543333. www.fairmont.com

Italian Big Night Out

On September 16, The Bonnington is inviting fans of Italian fare to meet Executive Chef Thomas Gagliardi and Giacomo Puntel, the hotel's Italian food and beverage expert. These clever chaps will talk you through an evening of home-made dishes paired with fine wines from the boot-shaped isle. If you’re the proud owner of an Italian passport, you’ll even get a 20 per cent discount.

The Bonnington, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, Dhs600 per person including house wines, teas and coffee. Tel: (04) 3560400

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 25

COME DINE WITH US

AKA The chef’s table Get up close and personal with Thiptara’s head chef in his busy kitchen The venue

For a dinner party with a difference, Thiptara, The Palace’s luxurious Thai pad, invites you into the kitchen. Surrounded by fire torches and adorned with intricate woodcarvings, the restaurant is nestled at the base of Burj Khalifa, with 360-degree views of the lake and fountains.

The chef ’s table is separated from the sizzle of the hot plates by a pane of glass, leaving you feet from the drama. Watch as the team duck and weave around

a giant sharing platter of crab cakes, corn cakes, beef satay, salads and more, to the array The people of mains. The sharing concept The table can fit four, so this is (‘family style’) allows you to a good one for family groups try a range of dishes, including (even better if you don’t get along crispy sea bass and corn-fed very well – Chef Mac is utterly chicken green curry, but the charming and visits the table star of the show is a roasted, regularly to explain dishes and marinated duck with tamarind have a chat). The experience is also sauce and tempura onion. After a strong choice for entertaining being bombarded with flavours, clients or for a small celebration, the dessert selection is welcome as house beverages are included respite, with exotic fruits, and the sharing makes the evening chocolate spring rolls and a warm and friendly. You might want refreshing coconut ice cream. to avoid inviting people with spice The details issues though – this is authentic Thiptara, The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, Thai cuisine, ie darn hot.

Dhs490 per person for four courses The food and house beverages. Tel: (04) Chef Mac will guide you from 4287961. www.theaddress.com each other, chopping faster than the speed of light.

Murder Mystery Night For a truly unique dining experience, turn super-sleuth with the Yas Hotel’s Whodunit Package Ace female racing driver, Jo Shooie, has tragically died after a horrific crash during a Formula 17 motor race.

Subsequent investigations prove that her car’s brake cables were tampered with, meaning that this is… a murder case.

Police are baffled by the crime, despite many of her cohorts from the Formula 17 sport having a motive to knock Jo off.

The nine sleuths/suspects tonight are a team of What’s On staffers. Gathering at the Yas Hotel’s Noodle Box restaurant, the game starts 26 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

with each participant being assigned a character. These include pompous team owner, Pat McDonald, the outrageously misogynistic Mike Hacker and Jo Schooie’s sister, Wendy, who is suspiciously chipper considering her recent family bereavement.

And one of the nine is the ruthless killer.

After sitting down for the start of the delicious three-course meal, your aim is to talk to as many contestants as possible to glean some info about Jo’s death.

Quick tip. It pays to thoroughly memorise your backstory. When asked a probing question, you don’t want to have to refer to your character info on the laminated A4 sheet. While trying to unravel the mystery, there are also the last few races of the F17 season to win. Here, the game’s host – in our case a cheery and patient hotel employee called

Ramona – is tasked with finding out who ends up winning the F17 season.

The rolling of dice and dealing of cards determine the races. To be honest, it lacks the thrill of a real race, but it’s still fun. Plus the races take place between courses, so it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the evening.

We won’t give too much away about the plot, all to say that Formula 17 is a sport so shady it makes the scandal-hit F1 look as innocent as a children’s tea party.

And with a hearty meal, an overnight stay in the Yas hotel, nice drinks and a brilliantly entertaining role-playing game to take part in for less than Dhs1,000, the hotel owners clearly aren’t the ones making a killing here.

Whodunit Package, Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs640 for double occupancy, Dhs840 for single occupancy.

Tel: (02) 6560600. www.theyashotel.com

EID ESCAPES How far should you go this Eid?

START ........

ARE YOU A LAZY SO-AND-SO?

YES

NO

Lucky you. Into the environment?

Feel your shoulders.

Are they tense?

YES

And how deep are your pockets?

I’m pretty comfortable at the moment, thanks for asking GETAWAY THE LUXURYeh? Even high-end hotels in the

ISTOCK

y, Like a little luxur . The Shangri-La er a bargain at Eid Maldives can off a special four-night package s Villingili Resort ha , which includes one free r 18 until Septembe turn domestic e are booked, re night when thre Gan for two, daily breakfast, to flights from Male o beds free of Arabic dinner, tw complimentary under 12 and 25 per cent ren . The boutiquecharge for child nd villa is booked Chi, co se a if nt ou sc di spa res the five-star style resort featu villa catering, bicycle tours in, ne Zo e from private Adventur accommodation of the island and pical tree house villas. tro ocean retreats to Resort & Spa, Maldives, i gil lin Vil a i-L gr Shan 0) 6897888. per night. Tel: (96 from Dhs3,860 .com www.shangri-la

28 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

NO

YES

NO

I’m, umm, looking after the fils, to be honest.

Maximum budget of Dhs1,000

THE C I

If you fa TY RESORT nc can’t fac y getting away e a leng thy journ from central Ab choice. A uD ey lt capital, th hough it’s only , Yas Island is th habi, but e 2 recomm e island still has 5-minutes drive obvious a e fr get you nd the Crowne holiday resort fe om the an overn Plaza’s E el. We id on the is ight stay deal. Dh la in restaura nd, breakfast a one of the sm s499 will nd dinn nt that is er in the artest hotels Crowne Jing Asia quality O P . riental Tel: (02) laza Yas Island, Y 6563030 a . www.c s Island, Abu D habi, Dh pyas.com s499.

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the centr BREAK rub down. Isolated in t-coloured sand A P S E H a co T you need rolling apri tel in

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8 886208

Ok, but does the idea of a quick stroll get your heart pumping?

Willing to rough it?

YES

NO

NO

TAKE A TRIP TO IFLY AT MIRDIF CITY CENTRE. DHS195.

WWW.IFLYME. COM

YES

selves, we NTURE THE ADVEill be using Eid to gorge them, biking and

Do you like history? Ruins and the like?

NO

YES

JUST HAVE A WALK AROUND SAFA PARK

While many w active in Nepal, with hiking are home to lls get suggest you ng. The verdant, tropical hi for testing your fti ct whitewater ra d fast flowing rivers, perfe odation might m an trekking trails sense of adventure. Accom d a tent you’ll an d y an ra e sp nc g ra bu du e in m en ough to take t, but with so es en is fin ts e th gh ni be e fiv not rt or pe ur ex Fo ith p. , all w ort tri be set for a sh rafting and explore on foot ld a trip go n custom-bui ca al ep N Kathmandu, ft Ra and . od ew cr fo g ur in yo ud cl support from 0 per night, in tt Regency in 22 hs D y hl ug for you for ro advice? Book into the Hya r all that river te ur equipment. O 430) for your last night. Af ur life. yo hs Kathmandu (D u’ll have the best shower of yo water action, al.com www.raftnep

to this TOUR THE NATURE a rep for decadence, but there’s more nature

ve ise for Mauritius may ha ssage oil. A parad rose petals and ma nal Park is teeming with wildlife destination than ns, waterfalls, us Black River Natio lovers, the enormo s native and unique to the area. Lio nt ng a stay at eri pla off of s is red ata and hund s totally tropical. Dn y beach beside the Indian It’ . ait aw re mo d dolphins an d white sand ated on a seclude la are Dhs973 Sankhara Villas, loc r night rates in a three-bedroom vil guests. Book o pe n, tw rso for 4 pe r ,70 Pe s1 n.

Dh ea Oc ts, or ber 30, the offer ,217 for four gues for six guests, Dhs1 l only pay for five. Valid until Septem ildren under u’l Ch . yo es d an rag s seven night selected beve lunch, dinner and includes breakfast, dnata.com w.

12 stay for free. ww

THE CULTURAL TRIPseen to be believed. A mini-break to

be Petra, quite simply, has to k in the r nights will allow you to pac Jordan of five days and fou Jerash and Amman’s of city an Rom the to s ruin sights, from Petra’s four-star hotel, price is a double room in a old town. Included in the i offers flights uba Flyd s. taxe and ce ran transfers and travel, free insu from Dhs1,600. i, from 7. Tel: (04) 2868759. Flyduba Pro Holidays, Dubai, Dhs1,71 com Dhs1,600. www.flydubai.

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 29

WATER

WATER

EVERYWHERE

Have a splashing good time this month with What’s On’s pick of watery sports and fun

ISTOCK

YACHT MINI-CRUISE A mini-adventure that’s big on high-seas excitement

SUITABLE FOR Sightseers with very steady camera arms.

Want to see the sights of Dubai, but by sea?

Then hop aboard Dreamday’s mini-cruise voyage, which sets sail from Dubai Marina’s Yacht Club and heads to the Burj Al Arab, via the Atlantis Hotel and Palm Jumeirah.

Now, we’re not going to lie to you – things can get a bit, well, ‘choppy’ on this cruise. On our trip it was all we could do to stay standing upright, never mind kick back and take it easy. All thoughts of a gentle meander whilst enjoying a relaxing drink or two were quickly replaced with a trip of the more swashbuckling kind, and bar an appearance

by Captain Jack Sparrow himself we would have thought we were the stars of our very own pirate adventure. That’s not say it wasn’t fun – it’s hard not to be impressed (and impress those you sail past) when you’re in an ever-so-expensive yacht, and all those on board certainly had fun, even if they did leave a little green around the gills.

The whole trip lasts around one hour 30 minutes – 45 minutes to zip to the Burj, quick U-turn, and zip back again.

DETAILS Dreamdays, Dubai, from Dhs700 per hour.

Tel: (800) 2080. www.dreamdays.ae

EXHAUSTION LEVEL 6.5/10 Surprisingly high, considering the word cruise is involved.

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 31

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

TOP SUP TIP

WATERSKIING

Stay safe by getting the right equipment and a good instructor to help you with the correct technique. It’s all about starting off with the right education for the water.

Mimic your favourite action hero with this tricky sport The Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi has one of the capital’s oldest waterskiing centres.

The instructors here claim they can teach anyone the basics within an hour.

The trick to water-skiing is to keep your body relaxed as you’re pulled out of the water, then keep your balance on the balls of your feet. Keep your knees bent, legs together, head up, weight leaning backwards and arms straight – quite a lot to remember, especially when a powerful speedboat is pulling you along.

On our first attempt, inevitably, the handle slipped from our hands and we ended up smashing into the water face first. Undeterred, we tried again and our persistence paid off. Despite a couple more spectacular falls, by our second lap of the bay we were able to stand up for a few seconds before the inevitable splash.

Back on dry land, and with an impressive bruise forming on our leg, we were already dreaming of trying some snazzy ramp tricks.

EXHAUSTION LEVEL 8.5/10 Keeping your balance and a firm grip on the handle is hard work.

SUITABLE FOR: Thrill seekers who don’t mind a bit of pain.

DETAILS Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, Dhs60 for two laps of the bay. Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana.com

32 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

STAND UP PADDLING Master the art of standing up on a floating board Stand up paddling (SUP) is, quite simply, standing on a board and paddling. Having done our research (FYI, it’s one of the fastest growing water sports today), we did wonder how standing and paddling could be considered a ‘sport’, let alone a workout – but our lesson was about to be learnt.

The first ten minutes of the class were spent with Surf Dubai instructor, Scott, going through a safety debrief and a ‘this is the board, this is the paddle’ dummy’s guide to SUP. Fully prepped, we grabbed our boards and headed out to sea.

The first surprise was how easy it was going from kneeling and paddling to standing – just a small spring in your step and voila, you’re up and full on SUPing.

Then, after 30 minutes of doing just this around the Burj Al Arab, plus honing our ‘turning skills’ (which included several kamikaze wipe-outs) the second surprise came: the tiredness. SUP is quite the all-over

body workout and exhaustion – mixed with elation – saw us paddle swiftly back to sturdier ground.

As adventurous water sports go, SUP is easy to master, sociable, good exercise, fun (plus it’s a combo of ‘tan and train’), and it’s definitely an energising way to start the day.

Are we hooked? Quite possibly, but ask us again when our muscles return to life.

EXHAUSTION LEVEL 6/10 Getting up isn’t the hard part, paddling using your arms and body, whilst balancing with your legs, means almost every muscle is used.

SUITABLE FOR: Water babies and adventurous types looking for something a little bit different.

DETAILS Surf Dubai, Street 3, Umm Sequeim 3, Dubai, Group lessons from Dhs150 for 60 to 90 minutes. Board/paddle hire Dhs50 per hour. Tel: (050) 5043020. www.surfingdubai.com

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

SCUBA-DIVING AT DUBAI AQUARIUM Come face-to-face with hammerhead sharks at Dubai Mall’s giant aquarium It’s one thing to go scuba-diving with mere fish, but with sharks? We’ve all walked past Dubai Mall’s incredible aquarium, with its myriad of ocean wildlife swimming hypnotically around, but have you ever thought about actually getting in and going for a dive? Probably not – have you seen the size of some those sharks? – but that’s exactly were we found ourselves, staring, literally, into the fishy abyss.

We have to admit, when our instructor, Ryan, started briefing us with the dos and don’ts, we were a bit scared. There’s a big difference between Nemo and Jaws. Throw in what seemed like ten pages of various forms to fill in to ascertain that we were of sound mind and body (the word ‘will’ flashed through the mind about now), and our bottle wasn’t just gone, it was out the door, up the street and off home to hide under a bed.

However, Ryan knew exactly what he was doing and his confidence and professionalism soon put us at ease. And, let’s face it, this was not exactly the high seas – it was a giant aquarium in a vast mall, with happy shoppers strolling along.

What could go wrong?

Well, for a rank amateur like us, the dive to the bottom isn’t as easy as you’d think, and we resurfaced not once but six times – yeah, you read that right, six – before we were able to muster the skill and courage to reach the foot of the tank.

Ryan – ever the professional – had complete patience, and finally after around half an hour or so we were able to get to grips with the underwater breathing and descend to the depths the aquarium. The joy and elation we felt can’t be described. It was an amazing feeling to peer out of the tank – we could see a bunch of children waving at us through the glass. Swimming with the scalloped hammerhead shark and other fish was so incredibly therapeutic,

OUR PICK OF THE BEST BEACH CLUBS

1

AL SHALAL BEACH CLUB This boutique-style club boasts an infinity pool, bar, Mediterranean restaurant and a gym – and, best of all, with daily rates you don’t even need to live on The Palm to live like a footballer on his summer hols.

Palm Jumeirah, between Shoreline Apartment buildings Al Nabat and Al Haseer, The Palm, Dubai, Dhs100 per day, excluding gym, Dhs150 including gym.

Tel: (04) 4309466, www.ifa hotelsresorts.com

2

CLUB MINA At 1.2km, this ginormous stretch of sand is home to hundreds of loungers, a vast choice of water sports and Dubai’s favourite beach bar, Barasti.

A day pass will also get you access to five swimming pools and the health club.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Sun to Thurs Dhs175, Fri and Sat Dhs250. Tel: (04) 3993333. www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

any fears we had quickly floated away.

For an unusual and unforgettable day out, swimming with the sharks in a giant fish bowl surely has to be up there with the best of them, and it’s certainly one that will stay with us for a long time.

EXHAUSTION LEVEL 9/10 Diving is not for the faint-hearted or weak-lunged. Expect clogged ears afterwards.

SUITABLE FOR: Adventurous types, marine lovers.

3

GOLDEN TULIP AL JAZIRA BEACH CLUB Beach bums should read on. This friendly club is a real community (it even has a dog), but is still welcoming to new members. There’s a gym, spa and health club in the hotel, but the main draw is the stretch of beach and water sports on offer, not to mention that all important feeling of being out of the city.

Golden Tulip Resort, Al Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, beach, gym and sauna access Dhs100. Tel: (02) 5629100. www.goldentulip.com

DETAILS Arabian Adventures, Dubai, Dhs1,025 for beginners, Dhs625 for certified divers. Tel: (04) 3034888. www.arabian-adventures.com SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 33

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

ISLAND HOPPING Discover Abu Dhabi’s many islands

SAILING

again). It ain’t easy, but when you succeed you can immediately wave goodbye to your old landlubber self and embrace your inner salty seadog.

We’ve actually been trying to sign up for Ahoy there, me hearties. What rugged, redsailing lessons at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club blooded adventurer doesn’t want to learn how (DOSC ) for two years. It’s not easy. It seems to sail? Aside from the sense of freedom and everyone wants to take to the high seas, and fun, there’s the windswept look – hair slightly the waiting list is long. But now, at last, we bleached by the sun, tanned skin blasted by all have our chance. There’s a weekend group the wind and waves, piratical glint in the course, Friday and Saturday from 10am to eye – and, of course, there’s nothing cooler 5pm, or a private mid-week course consisting than being able to brag to your buddies (or of eight two-hour lessons. Pay a visit to the ladies) about life on the ocean waves. But DOSC to check availability and add your before you reach that stage, there’s a lot of name to the waiting list for one of the courses hard, and wet, work to be done. starting this month (the sooner the better), Our extremely patient instructor, Wren pay Dhs500 deposit and wait for the call.

English, gave us an intensive two-hour introductory lesson on a laser – a one man, EXHAUSTION LEVEL single-sail dinghy – starting with a brief run- 7/10 Two hours is pretty tiring. You’re going to down of the nautical terms. There are quite a capsize the boat a lot, which means heaving few of them, it seems: boom (pole attached to yourself back on board. the sail), rudder (used to steer), stern (rear), bow (front), sheet (rope used to control the SUITABLE FOR: sail). And then it was straight into the water Energetic folk with a good level of basic fitness who don’t mind getting a bit wet and have the to start learning tacking (turning). Two temperament to repeat the same actions over hours later and we’d just about managed to tack successfully a couple of times, a feat that and over until they get it right. involves several simultaneous movements (pushing the rudder away from your body, DETAILS Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Beach Road, letting out the sail by loosening your grip Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs1,600 to Dhs2,000. on the sheet and ducking under the boom as the laser turns, before straightening up Tel: (04) 3941669. www.dosc.ae

Feel the wind in your hair with a sailing lesson

34 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

The waters around Abu Dhabi are teaming with idyllic desert islands.

However, many of these are owned

by Sheikhs and are strictly out of bounds, so rather than risking arrest by the police, it pays to charter a boat company to take you out to the ones you can legally camp and picnic on.

Empros is one such firm, and will take you out on a tour of the islands on a 37-foot boat. We visited Bahraini Island, where we were able to enjoy a nice picnic and played some beach football before returning home.

Overnight camping is also legal on the island, making it a popular spot for locals and expats to party. You can also visit the nearby Lulu Island and its pristine beaches, although the centre of the island has been earmarked for development and is closed to the public, and a ban on overnight camping is strictly enforced.

If you want to take your own boat you’ll need a seafaring licence, which costs about Dhs3,000 a year.

EXHAUSTION LEVEL 1/10 Lounging on a boat and eating sandwiches on the beach requires no effort at all.

SUITABLE FOR: Anyone looking for a relaxing day out on the ocean waves.

DETAILS: Empros, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Dhs300 per hour.

Tel: (02) 6736600. www.empros.ae

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

KITESURFING Harness the power of the wind and off you go

Kitesurfing is one of those activities you look at with a mixture of mild awe and envious yearning, thinking, “I would love to do that.”

You gaze from your lazy sunbathing spot as a bunch of kitesurfers cut dynamic curves across sea and sky. It looks so impressive – the grace of the kite as it traces an arc up to its zenith and then swings with the wind to propel the surfer rapidly across the waves. Then it’s headphones back in, and back to your tan. Yearn no more.

You can not only throw caution to the wind, but learn how to control it with a course of kitesurfing lessons from Air Water Earth. This company offers expert tuition on how to go from dunce to dude in as little as six hours.

We opted for the beginner’s course and our instructor, Osama, was as cool as they come.

He’s a multi-skilled outdoor sportsman who teaches everything from paragliding to rock climbing. First off it’s the all important safety features and some basic wind theory before you get to grips with a training kite. This is great fun

and something of the inner kid comes out as you draw figure eights in the sky, getting used to how the bar works, angling it to steer, drop, raise and land the kite. Once comfortable with the small kite, you advance to the 14-square-metre beast with an inflatable edge.

To control this bad boy, you need a harness and a bit of confidence and strength – these things are powerful. Once you can launch, land and control your kite, you’re ready for the water.

Kitesurfing is not a dangerous sport, but you can do yourself a mischief if you don’t learn properly. If you get the right teacher and stick to the rules though, there’ll be no more looking on from a distance – you’ll be the one zipping across the horizon.

EXHAUSTION LEVEL 8/10 Kitesurfing is not quite as easy as the professionals make it look. There are technicalities to observe and some serious wind power to control. However, with these elements duly respected, it’s a great way to keep fit while enjoying the sun and sea.

SUITABLE FOR: Beach lovers and adrenalin junkies.

DETAILS Air Water Earth, Umm Suqeim 1, Street 2C, Beachside, Dubai, 90-minute introductory course Dhs250, six hours Dhs1,995.

Tel: (050) 5586190

FLOW-RIDER No, not the tattooed rapper with a fondness for ‘boots with the fur’, we’re talking about body boarding at Wild Wadi. With some help from the pros, you too could be on those muchwatched YouTube videos of surfers dominating this simulator, impressing guests and splashing spectators. Actually, if you do get good at flow-riding, please don’t do that. It really is very annoying and we saw a man’s digital camera get damaged last time.

And be sure to book ahead, there’s only ten slots per class.

Wild Wadi Waterpark, Beach Road, Dubai, Sat 7.30am to 9.30am, Dhs75, spectator pass Dhs15. Tel: (04) 3484444. www.wildwadi.com

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 35

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

FISHING

JETSKIING

It’s a life on the ocean waves for us – even if the fish don’t want to oblige Fishing in Dubai is a world away from soggy afternoons in a smelly anorak. We booked an afternoon trip with Al Wasl Fishing & Cruising through Day Out Dubai, rounded up some non-squeamish troops and set off to find our sea legs.

Behind the rickety Dubai Creek dhows we climbed on board a sleek fishing liner, all leather lined and boasting fresh fruit and chilled drinks. Our little yacht even came with a bedroom, complete with circular bed.

Very What’s On. Setting sail (or starting motor) at 4pm, we’d missed the searing heat of summer and travelled up the creek and out to sea. A quick look at our passports at the checkpoint and we were off to…? How far could we we go in four hours? After vetoing Muscat, Mussandam and Norway, we found ourselves sailing past the QE2 to a quiet spot where our captain assured us another group that very morning had caught the equivalent of Dubai Mall’s aquarium. We weren’t so lucky.

After loading the rods with bait, we cast off.

Nothing. This was a fish-free zone.

Luckily, with hot tea and enough Pringles to sink the Titanic, we were happy to sit on the deck in the fading light, waiting. Finally we landed one! And another, and then one

Jet off into the sunset

more. We suspect they were all the same fish, one that had developed a taste for celebrity and being papped, but the point is we’d caught the critter.

Our happy clan returned at dusk, snaking up the creek as Bur Dubai and Deira were coming to life. We hadn’t caught enough fish for the feast we’d envisioned, but an afternoon of sea air, views and gentle (OK, brutal) competition made for a fine afternoon.

EXHAUSTION LEVEL 5/10. They weren’t biting for us, but if the fish are leaping onto your rods you’ll need some strong biceps to reel them in. All the fresh air will wipe you out though. Zzzzz...

SUITABLE FOR: Lovers of seafood and sunbathing.

DETAILS Day Out Dubai, Dhs2,800 for up to eight people on a 33ft fishing boat. www.dayoutdubai.com.

HAPPINESS IS A SWIM-UP BAR We’ve found the finest

1

LE MÉRIDIEN AL AQAH Granted, you need to travel to the east coast to sample this chlorinesoaked gem, but the giant frozen margaritas, live music (the Madonna covers were a delight) and friendly staff make the journey worthwhile.

Le Méridien Al Aqah, Fujairah. Tel: (09) 2449000. www. starwoodhotels.com

36 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

2

DREAMLAND AQUA PARK Wild Wadi and Aquaventure might have cornered the flashy waterpark market, but for some bargain fun in the sun, a vast range of slides and a cold brew, Dreamland can’t be beaten. The swim-up bar is usually packed with people regaling tales of a terrifying trip down the family tyre ride (not recommended with six fully grown adults and no children).

Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, Dhs100 (Dhs70 for under12s). Tel: (06) 7681888. www.dreamlanduae.com.

3

H2O AT HILTON Do a few laps, pull up an underwater bar stool, enjoy a fresh juice and pretend you’re on holiday. We, at What’s On, have a dream. A dream of owning a private pool, with a swim-up bar and personal mixologist. Until we sell the film rights on this magazine, the Hilton’s offering will have to do. It’s not a bad stop-gap.

H2O, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3991111. www.hilton.com

The turquoise waters surrounding the capital are so inviting it seems a shame to waste your weekends messing about on solid ground.

Jet-skiing is hugely popular in Abu Dhabi and at weekends swarms of water sports fanatics can be seen darting around the coastline.

It looks easy enough, but for beginners there are some important lessons to learn before you’re allowed to start, the most important of which being attaching the engine stop off to your wrist. This means if you’re thrown off, the engine will stop.

However, the biggest danger is collisions. As the Yamaha VX 700s have top speeds of 80km/h and no brakes, if you’re going too fast you’ll end up smashing into rocks, sandbanks or other jet-skiers.

Thankfully, on our day out we had our experienced guide, Umar, keeping our speeds low as we headed out to sea.

Once we reached open waters, it was time to let loose. It takes a bit of time to get used to the feel of the machine, but once we mastered turning and going over waves it was an exhilarating experience.

EXHAUSTION LEVEL 6/10 Manoeuvring a jet ski requires a bit of brute strength.

SUITABLE FOR: Anyone wanting to blast across the open seas at high speeds.

DETAILS Empros, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Dhs280 per hour.

Tel: (02) 6736600. www.empros.ae

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Meat in a bun is always fun, but so many get it so, so wrong. We team up with Dubai 92 DJs Tom and Dan to discover where to buy the best burger in the UAE. Go on, you know you want to

BURGERS

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 39

21 BURGERS: TESTED CLASSIC DOUBLE 9/10

OVERALL WINNER

This is fast food at a good price, but the difference is the quality of meat. Fatburger uses USDA choice beef, imported from the US, and you can tell. This double patty is topped with cheese, grilled onions, mustard, relish, pickles, mayo, lettuce and tomato, all between soft buns, just like they’ve been serving since 1952. If it ain’t broke… Great value, top quality and they even chant your order back at you.

Fatburger, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs24.

Tel: (04) 3398493

TRIPLE PRIME BURGER 9/10

The must-eat choice for the committed carnivore, the Triple Prime Burger is, as the name suggests, chock-full of top-quality beef and when it’s cooked this well, it just can’t be faulted. The melt-in-the-mouth bun perfectly partners the fresh crisp salad, with the addition of garlic mayo an inspired touch.

Put them all together and it’s an unbeatable combo. Totally scratches the burger itch.

Ruby Tuesday, Rimal Building, JBR, Dubai, Dhs45. Tel: (04) 4243771.

HOME-MADE BLACK ANGUS BURGER 8/10

PETITE KOBE SLIDERS 8.5/10

Brioche and beef might not sound DEP ED HELEN’S like a winning combo, but this trio PICK of mini-burgers makes it work. High quality beef, the sweetness of the glazed bun, a hit of flavour from the pickles and condiments and you’re in burger heaven.

Share with a few drinks or go for the hat-trick and eat all three yourself.

Caramel, Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, Dhs80.

Tel: (04) 4256677

DELUXE BURGER 8/10

Jones the Grocer is one of our favourite spots MUSHROOM BURGER in the capital to enjoy high-end café food.

8.5/10 Its deluxe burger might be an expensive For those of a vegetarian persuasion not bite, but it’s made from super-soft wagyu wanting to miss out, this burger has it all. The beef and comes in a butter-toasted bun huge grilled Portobello mushroom packs a with caramelised onions, truffle-infused meaty punch, while the cheddar, rocket and mayonnaise and olive oil-fried chips. Simply pesto add the prerequisite extras. Stacked so delicious. The best burger we’ve ever snacked high it’s almost impossible to eat, gently attack on in the capital. with cutlery and indulge guilt-free. An order of Jones The Grocer, Al Mamoura Building, 4th ‘skin on’ fries is essential. and 15th Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs99.

GBK, Lower P, Marina Mall, Dubai, Dhs30.

Tel: (02) 4438764.

Tel: (04) 2889057

THE CHEF’S SPECIALITY RIB BURGER 8/10

Not technically a burger, but too good to leave out, this rib & DAN’S sandwich is packed with tender TOMPICK meat (braised for three hours), sweet onions, crispy lettuce and chunky Roma tomatoes.

Ribs & Rumps, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs65.

Tel: (04) 4340468 40 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

FEATURES ED There are a number of factors that GARETH’S make up a great burger – premium PICK meat and a fresh bun being the most important – but the main rule is, don’t mess about too much. Epicure has it just right, with a thick, well-seasoned, 180g patty of quality black angus beef, served in an airy sourdough bun with lettuce, tomato and sweet onion jam. A classic combination.

Epicure, Desert Palm, Dubai, Dhs80.

Tel: (04) 3238888

CHEESE BURGER 7.5/10

No frills here, just angus beef, traditional cheddar, jammy caramelised onions and a tasty sauce conspiring to create a burger that tastes home-made. A true star of the foodcourt at a cracking price.

Ribs & Rumps, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs35.

Tel: (04) 4340468

MEDIA ONE SPECIAL BURGER 7/10

A burger, is a burger, is a burger? Well, not exactly. The special chicken burger from Media One is a delightful mix of fresh meat, onions, coriander and chillies. It’s chunky enough on its own, but the addition of raw onions and fresh tomatoes create a juicy tower. The toppings on offer range from fried egg and ham to different cheeses, and the mushroom sauce will make your mouth water. However, this is a burger that deserves chunky chips, not the sad fries it comes with.

CaféM, Media One Hotel, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 4271000

21 BURGERS: TESTED

ROCKET SINGLE BURGER

BLEDISLOE BURGER

7/10

Laid-back and packed with stuff-your-face atmosphere, this is what a burger joint EDITOR’S PICK should be. There are over 15 types of burger, from its beefy namesake, the Rocket single, to the gut-busting bacon cheddar double, all are big, all are tasty, and all make you want to come back for loads more. We suggest you start with the single and work your way up.

Johnny Rockets, various locations, Dhs32.

Tel: (04) 3447859

6.5/10

This upmarket sports bar has wowed us with its ribs, and the burger didn’t disappoint.

Stacked high with quality meat, egg, beetroot and more, it’s a man-sized meal fit for Jonah Lomu. A bit too big for us, though.

Nezesaussi, Al Manzil Hotel, Old Town, Dubai, Dhs65. Tel: (04) 4285927

LONG’S BEEF BURGER 6.5/10

TANDOORI CHICKEN TIKKA BURGER 7/10

With a fresher taste than the traditional beef burger, this lightly spiced chicken surprise sat happily in a soft wholemeal bun, with crunchy vegetables and a sweet mango chutney. This feels like a healthy choice (but probably isn’t).

The Conservatory’s Gourmet Burger Bar, Qarmadeen Hotel, Old Town, Dubai, Dhs55.

Tel: (04) 4285888

MIRABEL BURGER 7/10

The owner of this new mall-based restaurant boasted to What’s On that his burgers were the best in the capital. And to be fair, the tender angus beef, caramelised onions and deliciously toasted bun were definitely up there with the finest we’ve sank our teeth into.

Mirabel, Fotouh Al Khair Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Dhs55. Tel: (02) 6315111

BEEF ‘N’ CHEDDAR MELT 7/10

The Beef ‘N’ Cheddar Melt boasts thin slices of roast beef and onion, smothered with red sauce and cheddar cheese, all inside a toasted sesame seed bun. It was made to order, a welcome change from the usual foodcourt fodder. And a bargain.

Wendy’s Arby’s, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Dhs17. Tel: (04) 2328500

Despite the shoe-leather beef bacon, this is a delightful burger. Juicy beef, tangy red onion and a perfectly-fried egg are finished off with a slice of tasty Swiss cheese. Creamy coleslaw on the side is the perfect addition to this mammoth sandwich, at least two bites in height. A good, solid mid-week burger with no fireworks, just try to wrap your jaws around it – but be sure to whip off the beef bacon first.

Long’s Bar, Towers Rotana Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dhs57. Tel: (04) 343 8000

WAGYU BEEF & FOIE GRAS BURGER 6/10

More of a visual treat than a taste sensation, this extravagant affair comes in its own velvet box, and is topped with gold leaf.

Oh so Dubai. Despite being served with caviar tomato salsa, truffle aioli, purple mustard and cep mushroom croquettes, the flavours are a bit underwhelming, but the presentation is guaranteed to impress.

Majlis Al Bahar, Burj Al Arab, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Dhs280. Tel: (04) 3017600 SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 41

21 BURGERS: TESTED

COLUMBIA BURGER 6/10

A steady effort from the café at the Beach Rotana Hotel. The thick wad of meat is served in a bun with a huge layer of lettuce and giant slices of tomato. Use a knife and fork, as you’d probably suffer from lockjaw if you tried to get your mouth around this superthick sandwich.

Columbia Café, Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, Dhs59. Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana.com

HALF-POUND PATTY 6/10

One of the newest restaurants in the capital, Hawksbill’s giant burger is just what you need to build up your energy after a tiring 18 holes.

As well as half a pound (that’s 227g in new money) of nicely cooked meat, it comes with bacon, fried egg, cheddar cheese and grilled onions. Even heavyweight golfer John Daly would struggle to finish this one.

Hawksbill, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, Dhs60. Tel: (02) 5578000. www.sbgolfclub.ae

BLACK ANGUS BURGER 5/10

One of our favourite places to escape the summer sunshine, and when we visit we always order one of their monster burgers.

Nice, tender ground angus beef and plenty of cheese. Our only complaint was that it could have done with a bit more salad.

Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs78. Tel: (02) 6210000. www.crowneplaza.com

HEMINGWAY’S BURGER 5/10

ISTOCK

This old-school bar is a multiple What’s On Award-winner for its hearty pub grub, and the burger served here doesn’t fail to disappoint.

Expect a massive portion of meaty burger with plenty of cheese and salad.

Hemingways, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Dhs55. Tel: (02) 6911900. www.hilton.com 42 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

QUARTER POUNDER WITH CHEESE 4/10

Ah, the classic. Big beef burger, two slices of cheese (that have probably never seen a cow), pickles, onions and that lip-smacking ketchup-mustard combo, all inside a sesame bun. It won’t be winning a Michelin star any time soon, but it’s a cheap, reliable choice.

McDonald’s, various locations, Dhs11.

Tel: (04) 3440911

FROM BELGIUM TO BRAZIL, DISCOVER THE FLAVOURS OF THE WORLD

InterContinental Abu Dhabi offers you a delicate combination of world-class cuisine and waterfront dining. From the classically European experience of the new Belgian Café, to Chamas, the region’s rst Brazilian churrascaria and bar, to the authentic taste of Italy at Boccaccio, to the beachfront favourite, Fishmarket, offering the freshest Thai seafood. Overlooking Abu Dhabi’s most picturesque marina, the ever stylish Yacht Club, provides an exquisite Pacic Rim cuisine while Selections serves up an international menu for all day dining.

Do you live an InterContinental life?

For further information or reservations call: 800 423 463 email: abudhabi@icauh.ae intercontinental.com

FILM Let Me In

The Slammin’ Salmon

Let Me In

The Slammin’ Salmon

The Way Back

WHO?

Chloe Moretz, Kodi SmitMcPhee, Richard Jenkins, Jimmy ‘Jax’ Pinchak, Elias Koteas, Matt Reeves (writer-director)

Michael Clarke Duncan, Jay Chandrasekhar, Jeff Chase, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Kevin Heffernan (writer-director-star)

Colin Farrell, Mark Strong, Saoirse Ronan, Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Peter Weir (writer-director)

TAGLINE

‘From the director of Cloverfield’

‘Bring a bib, it’s gonna get messy’

‘From the director of Master And Commander and The Truman Show’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

A put-upon kid called Owen (Smit-McPhee) became close friends with Abby (Moretz), a young girl with an appetite for blood and a thing for crucifixes.

A Miami restaurateur tried to get the local Mob off his back by arranging a potentially lucrative contest.

A band of soldiers broke out of a Siberian gulag, only to find themselves miles from anywhere with only the excruciating cold for company.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

Watch the Swedish masterpiece Let The Right One In but can’t be bothered with all those fiddly subtitles.

See a group of people who should know better suggest that they probably don’t.

Watch an epic story of survival, such as superior TV drama Endurance and top doc Touching The Void.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

Efficient Hollywood reworkings of overseas horror movies such as... hmmm... give us a minute... there must be something... no, sorry, it’s gone.

The Broken Lizard ensemble’s previous motion pictures, namely the self-explanatory, the sexedup comedy thriller Club Dread and the Police Academy-esque Supertroopers.

Colin Farrell, whose appeal has eluded most of the world with the notable exception of Hollywood’s casting directors.

TOP TRIVIA

Matt Reeves’ first movie was the David Schwimmer romantic drama The Pallbearer. His followup, the monster movie Cloverfield, was made over a decade later.

Broken Lizard alumnus Jay Chandrasekhar also directed episodes of Arrested Development (yes!) and the big screen adaptation of The Dukes Of Hazzard (no!).

The biographical book upon which The Way Back is based was recently exposed as a work of fiction.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD REVIEW

Not bad, as American remakes of European horror movies go.

The Broken Lizard boys remain an acquired taste.

Peter Weir’s yet to make a completely useless film.

RATE OR SLATE?

★★★✩✩

★★✩✩✩

PREVIEW

44 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

FILM | NEW RELEASES Mesrine: Death Instinct/Public Enemy #1

Perrier’s Bounty

The Resident

Mesrine: Death Perrier’s Bounty I Hate Luv Instinct/Public Storys Enemy #1

Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Christopher Lee, Lee Pace, Michael Massee, Antti Jokinen (writer-director)

Vincent Cassel, Gérard Depardieu, Cécile De France, Ludivine Sagnier, Mathieu Amalric, Jean-François Richet (writer-director)

Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, Jodie Whittaker, Domhnall Gleeson, Ian Fitzgibbon (director)

Sonam Kapoor, Imran Khan, Sammir Dattani, Samir Soni, Aseem Tiwari, Punit Malhotra (writer-director)

‘You’re never alone...’

‘Vincent Cassel is Mesrine’

‘Blood is thicker than water.

Nothing is thicker than thieves’

‘A new comedy from a new director’

Dr Juliet Dermer (Swank) moved into a palatial Brooklyn apartment only to discover that her landlord had become obsessed with her.

France’s most infamous bank robber, Jacques Mesrine, (Cassel) went on the rampage and then spent his time in jail writing about his remarkable life.

Dublin Mr Big, Darren Perrier, (Gleeson) set out to avenge the death of his right-hand man.

Jay (Khan), a cynic with little time for love, encountered Simran (Kapoor), a dreamer besotted with the very idea of romance.

Watch a woman being frightened to within an inch of her life in the name of entertainment.

Watch two very good movies about a bloke few people have heard of this side of Marseilles.

See Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent, Batman Begins’ Cillian Murphy and the utterly brilliant Brendan Gleeson savour a heady cocktail of blood, violence and wry Irish wit.

Find out whether Sonam Kapoor’s the equal of her old man Anil, the Bollywood legend who starred in 1942: A Love Story and Slumdog Millionaire.

Women-in-peril pictures such as Rosemary’s Baby (which is awesome), Dark Water (which is OK) and Single White Female (which is a relic from the dim and distant days when Bridget Fonda was famous).

Pulsating crime biopics, such as Peter Medak’s The Krays, Michael Mann’s Public Enemies and Bronwen Hughes’ Stander.

Irish crime comedies such as The General (also starring Brendan Gleeson), Ordinary Decent Criminal, Intermission and Divorcing Jack.

The fact the Bollywood romcom is currently in far ruder health than its Hollywood equivalent

Finnish writer-director, Antti Jokinen, was instrumental in helping heavy metal trolls Lordi win the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest.

Eva Green (Casino Royale, The Golden Compass) and Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose, the aforementioned Public Enemies) were originally set to play the women in Mesrine’s life.

The voice of the Grim Reaper (don’t ask) is provided by Usual Suspects star Gabriel Byrne.

I Hate Luv Storys was a top five hit at the UK box office, in spite of it opening opposite DreamWorks’ Shrek Forever After.

The scares are there, but so are the boring bits.

The first film’s fine, but part two is truly superb.

Perrier’s Bounty’s a little flat, but it bubbles with enthusiasm.

Slight, but superior to, say, your average Meg Ryan mawkfest.

PREVIEW

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩

★★★✩✩ SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 45

The Essential Arabian Library In celebration of the centenary of the birth of Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the last of the great explorers, we offer 17 books and a limited edition print from The Arabian Heritage Series.

Described as a “Masterpiece” in The Times, this classic of travel literature is a must-read for anyone interested in the Arab world. The special Centenary Edition celebrates the anniversary of Thesiger’s birth in 1910, and includes 84 photographs and a old-out map.

The authorised biography of Sir Wilfred Thesiger investigates this fascinating figure’s family influences, his wartime experiences, his philosophy as a hunter and conservationist, his writing and photography, and his friendships with tribal people.

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

Dhs 120 *

Dhs 185 *

Dhs 165*

normal retail price

This title by Daniel and Serga Nadler takes an in-depth look at the world of silver and how it is valued for its many purposes by different cultures around the globe.

A wonderfully illustrated book that covers the fascinating history of shawls from their earliest origins. The history of the Kerman shawl, is one of its delightful highlights.

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

Dhs 295 *

Dhs 295 *

Dhs 55 *

This enchanting book is a showcase of the people of the Emirates during the mid-20th century. A superb collection of photographs by Ronald Codrai, documenting times gone by.

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

This personal record of the seafarers of the Emirates focuses on a time when the Gulf was home to the largest merchant-sailing fleet in the world.

In this concise, yet thorough, description of

Dhs 185 *

Dhs 185 *

Dhs 185 *

Dhs 85 *

Tel +971 4 282 4060 Tel +971 2 677 2005

Fax +971 4 282 7898 Fax +971 2 677 0124

books@motivate.ae motivate-adh@motivate.ae

the Arabian countries benefiting most from 21st century affluence, Edward O’Sullivan summarizes years of experience.

Order online:

SUMMER OFFER

Entire collection now only Dhs 1450

including free delivery in the GCC A saving of over 50% off the normal retail price of Dhs 3000

Free Limited Edition Print Worth Dhs 350 Launching a Dhow, Abu Dhabi, 1948 by Sir Wilfred Thesiger (16� x 12�)

Dubai

an aerial tour

Dubai

Dubai is an emirate of spectacular sights.

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

an aerial tour

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

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

Dirk Laubner

Dirk Laubner

This book by internationally acclaimed photographer Dirk Laubner takes you on a breathtaking aerial tour around the emirate of Dubai.

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

This book is part of the ‘Noor Ali Rashid’s Royal Collection’, and includes beautiful historical images, highlighting the 40 years of remarkable transformation undergone by the UAE.

Dhs 145 *

Dhs 185 *

Dhs 125 *

Dubai

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

#& !#! #

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

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

Patrick Lichfield

Dubai

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

" % # # " !# ! #

#& !#! #

P a t r i c k

L i c h f i e l d

Patrick Lichfield’s portrait of Dubai presents images of a cosmopolitan city, a vibrant emirate and a dynamic people in tribute to one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

A beautiful heartfelt tale of two cultures, and a love and understanding between a Western and Arab family. The Times called it “a deeply sympathetic evaluation of a culture�.

A compilation of poetry by Dubai’s leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Mohammed reveals his passions but tempers them with justice and tolerance.

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

Dhs 185 *

Dhs 55 *

Dhs 75 *

Dhs 120 *

EATING OUT As you may have guessed, restaurants are very much our thing. That’s why this November we will host the ninth What’s On Awards at Dubai Media City’s impressive Ampitheatre, to reward the establishments that you, the people, have decided are the best in town. If you haven’t made your decision yet, turn to page 51 for full voting details.

If more proof of our attachment to all things edible is required, there are enough pages dedicated to grub in this issue to sate even the greediest gastronome’s appetite. If you haven’t already enjoyed our Come Dine With Us cover feature (p19) and discovered where to ingest the best burger in the UAE (p39), do so, immediately, if not sooner.

Then make your way swiftly back to these Eating Out pages to read what we thought of our pal Gary’s Rhodes Twenty10 (p50), Armani’s Indian eatery Amal (p52) and DIFC’s new sports bar cum restaurant, The Gramercy (p53), plus The Critic on the effect of social networking on people’s dining habits (p54) and rare restaurants in the capital (p55). Hope you’re hungry, ladies and gents.

Gareth Rees, Features Editor

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 49

EATING OUT

On the menu

Rhodes Twenty10

Three things that UAE foodies need to know CLAWS FOR THOUGHT With its rustic beach hut setting and amazingly fresh seafood buffet, Fishmarket at the InterCon is one of our favourite dining spots in the capital. It's closed during Ramadan, but will open again on September 12 when you can enjoy a slap-up lobster dinner and unlimited champagne for just Dhs395.

Fishmarket, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6666888. www.icauh.ae

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is celebrating its tenth anniversary, but you’re the ones receiving all the presents.

It will be deals galore until October 31, with Italian eatery Bice offering a three-course menu served for ten in its private dining room at lunch or dinner for Dhs210 per person, Friday brunch for 10 at Oceana for Dhs100 per person or Caiparinhas for just Dhs10 each at Pachanga. A great deal better than a box of Roses and a bunch of forecourt flowers in our books.

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3182502. www.hilton.com KIDS’ MEAL If you’re ever going to persuade your little darlings to move out of the house and leave you in peace they’ll need to learn how to survive out in the big, bad world. Why not start them off young with some cooking lessons? DIFC Italian Sana Bonta will teach your bundles of joy to prepare a lunch menu and dress it up as a fun time with cake and party hats for just Dhs80. You’ll never have to cook again, until they leave home, that is.

Sana Bonta, Level 1, The Gate Building, DIFC, Dubai, 11am to 11pm.

Tel: 800 26682. www.sanabonta 50 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes’ new Dubai grill is something a little bit different The blinking jewel in the UAE’s culinary crown is, undoubtedly, its smattering of restaurants patronised by globally distinguished ‘celebrity’ chefs.

Those with the keenest glimmer are responsible for ensuring the Emirates at least warrant a mention from international critics and commentators, and at best has chefs – including Gary Rhodes – calling it a food hub.

So the opening of Rhodes Twenty10 is a big deal. If nothing else, it shows that the world’s recent and ongoing financial woes have not dulled Dubai’s luster. It is still an appealing sandpit for the big boys to come and play in.

But, unlike previous celeb restaurants, Rhodes Twenty10 doesn’t bill itself as a fine dining establishment. It’s a grill, pure and simple.

Of course, Gary claims there is a ‘twist’. Having visited a number of Dubai’s many grills, he felt there was something missing – customer choice. So the menu is compiled of 12 sharing plates,

various grilled meats and fish with a choice of sauces, salads and sides for mains and, finally, desserts.

OK, so it’s not a revolution, but it doesn’t do any harm.

The décor is, according to Gary, “a little bit gangster”. There’s even an intriguing, smoking cocktail named the Purple Gangster (which begs to be tried). Again, as with the concept, there’s nothing radical about the design, but it’s perfectly nice. A comfortable bar area hung with Jack Vettriano prints sits beside the lower floor’s dark wood floors, booth seating and statement chandeliers. Upstairs is a smaller dining area with a wine wall and friendlier lighting.

The food itself is simple and skilfully prepared.

We shared several plump pieces of sesame-glazed duck with orange

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and maple dressing on a bed of bean shoots (duck a l'Orange with a nod to Asia), a tangy minestrone soup with lobster and eel, fried in fine brioche breadcrumbs, which tasted sublime – one bite coating the mouth with the intense, fatty fish flavour.

Next up, perfectly pink lamb chops – the meat buttery, with a lovely, flavourful crunch of fat at the edges and served with a restrained mint sauce and an extra Café de Paris butter with a subtle curry edge. And then a huge chunk of meaty, organic salmon with a thick lemon butter sauce.

For sides, crunchy, sweet carrots, fluffy, new potatoes tossed in butter, salt, and a peppery rocket and Parmesan salad.

With just enough space for dessert, we ordered the warm treacle tart with marmalade ice cream and custard. The tart, as soft and warm as a hug on a cold day, was followed up nicely by the slight bitterness of the marmalade.

Paddington Bear would have loved it, and we did, too.

Gary Rhodes may be a big name, but if it’s pretentious plates and pernickety presentation you’re after, go elsewhere. Rhodes Twenty10 specialises in homely, honest grub and accomplished cooking. And we’ll raise a Purple Gangster to that.

Need to know Location: Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa, Dubai Tel: (04) 3995555 Web: www.garyrhodes.com Open: 7pm to midnight Cuisine type: grill Must eat: roast rack of lamb Bill for two: Dhs630 (without alcohol)

In tweet form… Much talked about grill with a twist from celeb chef Gary Rhodes offering simple, well-prepared food and something a little bit gangster. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

What’s On Awards 2010 – VOTE NOW! The people’s choice awards are back – it’s time for you to have your say. Here’s how to start voting for your favourite restaurants There’s nothing restaurants love more than a sparkling plaque to proudly hang in the entrance to their eatery and, as a result, there are plenty of awards ceremonies around.

But we like to be unique here at What’s On, so our awards, launched in 2001, are the only major prizes presented to the UAE’s restaurants voted for by you – the dining public.

The power is in your hands.

Now here’s how you can use it.

The more observant of you have probably already spotted the voting cards currently adorning the tables of the UAE’s finest venues, and may even have already cast your vote.

If not, there are now three ways to vote for your favourite restaurant, café, bar, brunch, concert, club, sporting event, festival and getaway. The old fashioned way entails filling in one of those marvellous voting slips already mentioned (they should come with your bill if you’re eating at a nominated establishment), but this year – for the first time – you can also vote online at our dedicated awards website (www.whatsonawards.com) and via SMS for a measly Dhs3 charge, by texting the name of the nominee you would like to vote for along with your e-mail address to 3908 (Etisalat) or 4478 (Du).

And, because we’re not only the best-selling entertainment magazine in town but the nicest too, casting your vote will ensure you’re entered into a draw to win our grand

prize – a five-night stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Resorts in the Maldives, with return flights.

When you’re on the What’s On Awards site, be sure to check out the delectable discounts offered by our award sponsors MasterCard.

Venues across town are giving MasterCard holders money off their bills, just for using their flexible friend.

Last year’s awards were a resounding success, especially for our favourite Japanese restaurant Zuma who walked away with four What’s On Awards. Now, it’s down to you to ensure the What’s On Awards 2010, to be held at the impressive Dubai Media City Ampitheatre on November 2, are just as special.

Will Zuma triumph again? Or will one of the UAE’s many new restaurants walk away bathed in glory? It’s up to you.

Now get voting. www.whatsonawards.com

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 51

EATING OUT

A taste of Amal things to Doing it the designer way, at Armani’s come contemporary Indian New places to satisfy your hunger ZAFRAN Michelin-starred Indian-British chef Atul Kochhar – proprietor of London’s famed Benares restaurant – has had a hand in creating the impressive Zafran menu. Head chef Ankur Chakraborty will serve up delights such as tandoori murg, duck confit with citrus fruit jelly and tomato green apple and coriander soup. The restaurant also offers a fine range of chutneys, but its speciality, as the name suggests, is dishes with saffron – everything from salad to biryanis and well-known dessert kulfi. Pass the poppadoms.

Mirdif City Centre, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 2840987. www.mirdifcitycentre.com

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MIRABEL Eating in malls can be a pretty depressing experience. But finally Abu Dhabi has a place that bucks the trend with the opening of this new French bistro. Serving some fantastic European cuisine, we’re counting on Mirabel to take mall dining to a whole new level.

Fatouh Al Khair Centre, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6315111 FRESHII If we keep the financiers healthy, maybe they will keep the economy in good nick. Freshii, purveyors of fast, healthy food, set up shop in Canada in 2005, spread across North America and have now decided that Dubai needs to eat clean and green, opening its first Middle East branch, where, post-Ramadan, you will be able to build your own salads, burritos, wraps, soups and rice bowls. The moneymen should keep their beady eyes out for the VIP coupons due to be handed out at DIFC. Expect Freshii to spread across the city soon.

DIFC, Dubai. www.freshii.com 52 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

Armani, Armani Armani. These days it’s entirely feasible to put on an Armani suit, splash on some Armani aftershave, drive an Armani inspired Mercedes-Benz to Dubai’s Armani Hotel, go to an Armani restaurant, gorge yourself on Armani food and then crash out for the night in an Armani room under Armani sheets on an Armani bed.

But that all comes with an Armani price tag, so a Marks & Spencer two-piece, a blast of deodorant and a taxi will do. You don’t necessarily have to shell out for the Armani room, either, but you might not want to miss out on dinner at Armani/Amal.

This contemporary Indian restaurant might well have been a snagged thread in the Armani restaurant fabric.

While the brand’s translation to an Italian, Mediterranean or modern Japanese format was always going to be relatively seamless, some felt Indian cuisine – vivid, bold and rarely synonymous with understated sophistication – might be a stitch too far. But Armani has a way of weaving things together, so that the exciting elements of the Indian restaurant experience don’t overshadow the brand’s trademark neutrality.

Take the live music, for example.

Instead of having the sitar and tabla players in the dining room, where a misplaced twang could easily cramp one’s style, they can be found in the uncluttered and serene reception area. Out here you can choose whether to sit and listen to the mellifluous musicians before you eat, or not. They don’t intrude, they invite. Which is all very Armani.

Bearing all this in mind, what Amal doesn’t do is dazzle you with the strong and pungent

flavours you might expect from Indian food. Just as the soft, downplayed beige/grey tones and linear simplicity of classic Armani design won’t blind you, neither will the food bash your taste buds into submission. You might start with the samundari milan crispy tiger prawns, but instead of a surge of shuddering spice, you’ll be more taken aback by the texture of the seafood, or the mild piquancy of the pomegranate and cinnamon dip.

Likewise, as you unravel the delights of the slow-cooked braised lamb shanks with pickled mashed potato, you won’t feel the need to gulp cooling lassi in between mouthfuls – although the occasional sip comes highly recommended. The seared seabass with crab meat and moilee sauce will reveal further evidence of the ingredients being complemented rather than dominated by herbs and spices.

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In fairness, the aam phirni mango and rice pudding, with its gold leaf embellishment, or the apricot cream with coconut jelly and apricot foam, are perhaps the showiest items in the restaurant.

But even if you don’t wholly buy into the Armani brand, Amal’s temperate approach will ensure, if nothing else, that you remain cool in every sense. Isn’t that what Armani is all about in the first place?

Need to know Location: Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Tel: 800 276264 Web: www.dubai. armanihotels.com Open: Open 7pm to 11pm Cuisine type: Indian Must eat: samundari milan crispy tiger prawns Bill for two: Meal for two Dhs650 (without alcohol)

In Tweet form… Armani/Amal, a seamless blend of high fashion and contemporary Indian cuisine, stylishly positioned in the world's tallest building. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

The Gramercy A lively bar serving decent food at reasonable prices We would like to describe The Gramercy as a gastropub – and we’re pretty sure they wouldn’t mind if we did, either – but it’s not. For in a gastropub, food is the main draw. Whereas The Gramercy has, it seems, primarily gone for the sports bar angle, complete with a multitude of big screens showing whatever main game happens to be on.

This, we think, is a shame, as they’re really selling themselves – and their menu – somewhat short.

It is predominantly French, but there are a few Yank and Brit classics thrown in to shake things up a bit. There are a couple of soups, a handful of salads, a list of sandwiches, including a burger and a club, mains ranging from moules marinière to bangers and mash, a few sides and several, mostly Gallic, desserts – the most appealing of which is a trio of crème brûlée.

We ate a garden’s worth of fat snails in parsley and garlic ‘foam’ (butter), soaking up the remaining butter with slices of crusty white bread. This dish alone would be ideal for lunch, accompanied by a glass of restorative rouge. Then there was the winter buffalo mozzarella and tomato, which was supposed to come with crostini (little toast) but didn’t.

Instead we were presented with fist-sized chunks of cheese on a raft of tomato slices, drizzled with pesto and a scattering of pine nuts. This dish alone could see you through the winter.

The soft cod in crunchy

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batter, served with a tart tartare sauce would be acceptable in any respectable British pub.

It’s just a shame the ‘chips’ were in fact fries – a rooky error, unforgivable in the UK, bothersome yet understandable in the UAE. The hungry carnivore should splash out the not too extravagant Dhs155 for the entrecote steak with a velvety béarnaise sauce, served – quite properly this time – with thin-cut fries.

As a sports bar, The Gramercy isn’t a bad option to catch your big game (although it was showing ladies basketball when we visited, which didn’t seem to be anybody’s game, big or otherwise). But we think as a place to eat, it’s better still.

Need to know Location: DIFC, Unit 7, Level 2, Building 3, Dubai Tel: (04) 4377511 Open: noon to midnight (food to 10.30pm) Cuisine type: Pub grub Must eat: escargot persilles Bill for two: Dhs350 (without alcohol)

In Tweet form… A busy sports bar slap bang in the middle of DIFC serving surprisingly good grub at startlingly wallet friendly prices. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 53

THE CRITIC

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

Don’t miss his monthly musings every issue In the Middle East, eating is a social act. From the Levant to the Gulf, food is all about sharing – as anyone who has ever been faced with a table plastered with a mind-boggling spread of mezze will testify. Perhaps this goes back to the Bedouin origins of the region, when hospitality became a cornerstone of the culture. But since the family is a huge part of modern life in the Arab world, it’s rare not to share – especially during festive periods such as Ramadan.

So consider the plight of those who arrive to work in the UAE without family and friends.

When new work colleagues are all otherwise engaged with their own lives, it can be tough trying 54 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

to avoid being ‘Billy No-mates’ when eating out. You’ve all seen him. He’s the solitary chap in the corner of the restaurant, staring vaguely into space and trying to single-handedly work his way through a fattoush the size of a football stadium. He needs a spot of help. He needs social networking media.

Somebody once described Facebook as a place to get in touch with old friends, and Twitter as a place to meet new ones. So the Twitter phenomenon of the food ‘tweetup’ (tw-eat-up?) – where people arrange to meet and eat – can be a lifesaver for the solo diner.

Members of the UAE’s steadily growing community of Twitter users – or tweeps, as they are sometimes called – regularly arrange restaurant rendezvous such as the recent #dxbparatha, where fans of the famous Indian flatbread met up at Paratha King

in Dubai for a night of flour-andwater-based fun and games.

But it’s not just the punters who are using Twitter to their advantage. Media-savvy restaurants are getting in on the act to promote themselves and become an active part of the social media community.

Local food heroes, Wild Peeta, helped to spread the word about their revolutionary fusion shawarmas through

“MEDIA-SAVVY RESTAURANTS ARE GETTING IN ON THE ACT TO PROMOTE THEMSELVES AND BECOME AN ACTIVE PART OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNITY”

very skilful use of Twitter. And D’fusion Indian restaurant, at the Grandeur Hotel in Dubai, offers a 20 per cent discount to all Twitter members who follow them – which is ideal for tweeting, meeting and eating.

Despite the many top-end restaurants in the UAE, not to mention the broad sweep of independent places, it’s a relatively new dining culture here. Where other cities, such as London, New York and Tokyo, have sophisticated food and restaurant counter-cultures – with secret restaurants and supper clubs in private homes – this has yet to materialise in the UAE. But social media may change all that.

The grapevine is spreading, who knows where it’ll end up?

Far from the madding crowd Looking for somewhere to eat in the capital that’s slightly off the beaten track?

Look no further CUISINE: Russian NAME: Russian Waterfalls Café Once you find this hidden café, you're in for a real treat. The décor may be slightly on the old side, but the service is friendly and the Russian-style food is truly superb – think plenty of authentic soups, stews and pastries to choose from.

MUST EAT: Beetroot borsch Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, noon to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 6311662 CUISINE: Mongolian NAME: Mongolian Chinese Restaurant Forget the unimaginative name, this is one of the best Far Eastern eateries in the city. Many of the dishes are your usual Chinese fare, but there are plenty of Mongolian options as well. Our favourite dish is the Mongolian special noodles, which is rammed with beef, chicken, nuts and dried fruit.

MUST EAT: Mongolian special noodles Opposite Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6451500

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CUISINE: Romanian NAME: Transylvania There’s certainly nothing run-of-the-mill about this Eastern European café, with a menu that boasts, among a vast array of dishes, such delights as brains, lungs and various other internal organs. Quite. But if offal is not up your street, there are plenty of other delicious options waiting to be discovered. So for the more timid diner, we recommend the delightful ostropel puicupiure – diced chicken served in a mild tomato sauce.

MUST EAT: Ostropel puicupiure Hamdan Street, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, noon to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6311662 CUISINE: Nepalese NAME: Kathmandu Café A ramshackle little joint it may be, but the Kathmandu café serves up an amazing selection of Nepalese treats. Don’t miss the momos – chicken dumplings you dip in a mild curry sauce. Expect the place to be packed – good food tends not to stay secret for long.

MUST EAT: Momos Electra Street, Al Markaziiyah, Abu Dhabi, 11am to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6344912 SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 55

ARTS

Gundlach Kopie

p58 Seeking Shelter p59 Vocal Adrenalin p59 September’s courses and events p60 Five to see p61 Fashion Forward SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 57

ARTS

Seeking Shelter tive industries, As a drop-in business centre for the crea ing the wider Shelter has proved surprisingly adept at serv creative writing arts with a series of workshops ranging from . Communications and photography to entrepreneurial skills marriage of art manager, Janine Fiveash, tells us how the tch and commerce proved to be a perfect ma

Shelter’s been open for about 18 months now – how has it developed over that time?

We’re primarily a business centre – we offer a full range of drop-in facilities for self-employed and small-business professionals – and we also have the membership facility. What has grown from all this, meanwhile, is all the events, all the workshops and classes that we run – from photography and creative writing courses to IT workshops. In this type of space, your clients are your customers, so it’s all developed organically – all the classes have been developed by people in the community coming and telling us what they need.

So the business centre is set up is to encourage that sort of interaction?

It is. That’s the whole idea. We’re for the creative community, anything from publishing to PR to graphic designers. It’s really important when people are in the creative industries to network, to share ideas, because those types of industries are so reliant on each other. Our idea is for people to be able to use Shelter as a space to meet people and other interactions could come from that.

A lot of your most popular courses, such as writing and photography, are creative rather than simply practical. Why do you think there’s such a thirst for that?

Everybody does their job during the day and has hobbies or something they’d like to develop on the side. Workshops focused on learning about how to use specific software tend to attract people who need the skills in their work, but if it’s writing, or if it’s photography, a lot of it comes down to personal interest. There’s a lot of self-development that people want to do on the side [of their day jobs]. That said, quite a bit of what we’ve got going on at the moment is entrepreneurial workshops – for Dhs50 a session anybody looking to start up a business can come and listen to different entrepreneurs from the UAE talk about their experiences and offer advice.

Do you think people’s growing interest in pursuing creative or entrepreneurial work is a result of recent economic events?

Very much so. There are a lot of people who have lost their jobs but had ideas up their sleeve they’ve 58 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

been wanting to develop for a long time, and now’s the opportunity to do it.

Do you run exhibitions in the space?

We don’t really have the capabilities of a gallery to put on exhibitions, but if it’s something more multimedia then we can accommodate it – we recently we had a skateboard exhibition, for example. We have our store at the front where people in the community can showcase their art or anything they’ve created – it could be notebooks, it could be T-shirts. So there is the opportunity for local artists and designers to showcase their talents at Shelter.

You recently opened a branch in Sharjah, right?

Yes – we have a lot more focus on students in Sharjah because of the universities there. And also, a lot of people who live there don’t want to come to

ARTS

Vocal Adrenalin

“Most people walk out with a good feeling about the space, they come back again, they tell their friends” Dubai to use the space here. They’ll maybe come every two weeks, whereas with the space in Sharjah we wanted to create a community for the people there. We’re located on the first level of the Maraya Arts Centre – there are two galleries above us, so it’s a great creative space, too. There might be the possibility for us to move into Abu Dhabi as well.

We’re still in negotiations, but there’s the potential for that.

It shows how popular the initiative’s been...

Exactly – it’s growing. Most people walk out with a good feeling about the space, they come back again, they tell their friends about us.

Shelter, Warehouse 209, 318 Road, Al Quoz, Industrial 4, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4345655. www.shelter.ae

If you’ve ever had a secret yearning to see your name up in lights, this little number could be right on the money for you. The Desert Monologues is a seven-week, 16-hour course of acting workshops that takes participants through various drama-based activities, working on voice, presentation and stage craft, among other things, and which culminates in a recorded live performance, complete with lighting, sound, make-up and costume – just the thing to kick your show reel off in style.

Courses are open to all levels, from experienced performers to first-timers, and it’s not just budding actors who benefit. “A lot of people take the course to help them with their confidence in public speaking or business presentations,” explains Tiffany Shultz of Drama Workshops Dubai, the group behind the programme. Better yet, she notes, the Monologues offer “a great way to overcome shyness and come out of one’s shell in a fun and supportive environment”.

The next course is scheduled to start at Ductac in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates at the end of this month (although there are some planned for Abu Dhabi, too; find out more through the website). Plenty of time, in other words, for you to get ready for your close-up.

Sept 30 to Oct 2, Drama Workshops Dubai. www.dramaworkshopsdubai.com

September courses and events ● Go Solo Entrepreneurial Workshops (Wednesday, September 8, 8pm to 10pm) ● Internet Marketing Training (five weekly sessions from Monday, September 20) ● Speak Dating (Sunday, September 26) ● GeekFest (Thursday, September 29) SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 59

ARTS

Five to see

ÅSUMAYYAH AL SUWAIDI’S RAMADAN ART BAZAAR

ÅTHE STORY OF ISLAMIC ART IN 99 OBJECTS

This exhibition in honour of Ramadan – the culmination of an educational partnership between the Farjam Collection and Zayed University – sets out, as the name suggests, to offer an overview of the history of Islamic art, from the first to 14th century AH. Encompassing manuscripts, Qurans, calligraphy, metalwork, jewellery, miniatures and more, it’s an enticing introduction to the centuries-long creative history of the region.

Until mid-Sept, Farjam Collection, Gate Village 4, DIFC, off Zabeel Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3230303. www.farjamcollection.com

Abu Dhabi’s Ghaf Gallery has been “overwhelmed”, it tells us, with the community spirit of the Holy Month and is giving a little back courtesy of this impressive show. Original work by 24 artists is on display and all for sale – at no more than Dhs400 per piece. The idea is that almost everyone is given the opportunity to own an original artwork. A noble cause indeed.

Until Sept 9, Ghaf Gallery, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, free.

Tel: (02) 6655332. www.ghafgallery.com

ÉSUMMER

COLLECTION

After a half-time break for August, this fascinating group show is back on XVA’s walls for another few weeks. If you were unlucky enough to miss it the first time around (all the way back in July), don’t make the same mistake again. The bold and colourful photography from new-to-the-UAE artist, Sameer Reddy, is worth the visit to Bur Dubai alone.

Until September 22, XVA Gallery, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3535383. www.xvagallery.com

ÅA STORY OF ISLAMIC EMBROIDERY IN NOMADIC AND URBAN TRADITIONS

Not so much back by, as still here by, popular demand, A Story of… has been extended until the end of September. And there are several more reasons to visit if you haven’t already – namely a series of workshops throughout Ramadan, including one that teaches you to create your own llgich wall hanging. Don’t miss your very last chance (we think) to catch this impressive show.

Until Sept 25, Gallery One, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, free.

Tel: (02) 6908207. www.artsabudhabi.ae 60 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

Translating from Arabic to English as ‘words’, Kalimat is a group exhibition of pieces that, while they all contain elements of the written word, reveals the depth to which traditional and current practices are brought together in contemporary Middle Eastern art.

Until Sept 13, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3414777. www.ductac.org

Artist: Salman Al Hajiri

ÑKALIMAT

WATSON

Fashion Forward

Zafran

spices up Mirdif City Centre with Indian contemporary cuisine

Up until the middle of the last century, fashion photography was mostly confined to the studio, a largely formal exercise in displaying the wares in as straightforward a way as possible. Sir Norman Parkinson, however, changed all that with a series of photoshoots – for Vogue, among many others – that not only took models outside, but into exotic locations that few readers at the time would have had the chance to visit. Where he led others followed, and the ‘location’ shoot became commonplace, as much a part of the fashion story as the smocks and frocks themselves.

A new exhibition at the Empty Quarter gallery sets out to showcase this with a typically Middle Eastern slant. Not only because the deserts and monuments of the region held a special fascination for snappers from FC Gundlach to William Klein, but to reveal a link to fashion heritage that has perhaps up until now not necessarily been associated with the Middle East.

Alongside classic fashion imagery from the trade’s most legendary 20th century names, this is done with a special focus on the life – and wardrobe – of Parveen Shaath, who worked tirelessly through the latter part of last century to bring fashion to the women of Saudi Arabia, building an unrivalled collection of couture garments along the way. Featuring imagery as well as garments from Shaath’s collection, the show succinctly proves that art and fashion are most certainly cut from the same aesthetic cloth.

Sept 17 to Oct 14, Empty Quarter Gallery, Gate Village building 02, DIFC, off Zabeel Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3231210. www.theemptyquarter.com

Welcome to an experience full of flavors in Zafran, NOW OPEN in Mirdif City Centre.

Zafranʼs Chef Ankur Chakraborty has reinvented Indian cooking offering a wide selection of traditional favorites, unusual and modern tastes coupled with a range of dishes featuring saffron in homage to its name.

Enjoy Indian contemporary cuisine with a twist, presented in a bright and modern setting.

Indian Contemporary Cuisine Central Galleria, 1st Floor, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai, UAE T: +971.4.2840987 | F: +971.4.2840915 zafranmirdif@zafran.ae | www.landmarkgroupme.com

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 61

SHOPPING

p65 Catwalk countdown p68 Sophia says...

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 63

THE DUBAI MALL DEIRA CITY CENTRE MERCATO BURJUMAN MIRDIF CITY CENTRE ARABIAN CENTER MARINA MALL AL WAHDA MALL AL JIMI MALL gap.ae

The styles that matter, the designers who count and how to pull it all together this coming autumn/winter

MENSWEAR DSQUARED2

Sasha Pivovarova the New Stretch Legging Jean

DENIM DELIGHTS

Ever since the 1980s, the jacket, tee and jeans combo has fought valiantly to cast off its Miami Vice references, causing chaos for legions of men stuck in a dubious smart-casual wasteland. The call to arms this autumn came in the shape of nicely tailored jackets in a restrained colour palette, with nary an eye-poking shoulder pad in attendance. Pair with raggedy-chic jeans and a decent dose of ‘don’t mess with me’ attitude as seen at DSquared2, or prep it up Moschino style.

Don Johnson may have won the battle, but it looks like good taste could yet bring home the war. © Gap 2010

LANVIN

MAN OF MYSTERY

This is a look that says: ‘Yes, I have just paraglided out of that top floor window to escape my evil nemesis and save the world’, with its sharp suiting so playfully tucked into bovver boots. Nice. Although, truth told, we’re not sure just how well it’s going to translate on the mean streets of DIFC. Versace typically took things a little too literally on the tight trousers memo with some gasp inducing leather numbers (ditch their glovelets, too; the world isn’t quite ready for a Prince style revival). That aside, neat cuts are key in slimline trousers and natty jackets. The devil is in the detail: finish with a tiepin and well-polished boots, a la Lanvin.

DOLCE&GABBANA

HARD KNOCK LIFE

Gap’s Best Fitting Premium Jeans Are Now All In The Details

Born To Fit

While womenswear designers (with the exception of spring/summer’s egalitarian dalliance by Ralph Lauren) steadfastly refuse to make any sort of aesthetic nods to the dastardly recession, menswear is altogether a little more realistic. The dress down working man hoisted up his haversack and hitched a ride to fashion week. While a little bit of us died inside at the news of the resurgence of cargo pants, this trend does have much to recommend it, not least the excuse to really dress down. Opt for scruff-luxe over gone for broke by smart colour blocking and upmarket accessories – read good shoes and belt.

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 65

WOMENSWEAR

LANVIN GUCCI

ALTUZARRA

If ‘black tailoring’ sounds more like M&S’ menswear suiting department than a bona fide fashion trend, this autumn/winter may cause you to think again. Supremely cut, head-totoe noir dominates, running the full stylistic gamut, with more variety of shape than a bag of pick-n-mix.

Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton proudly announced ‘breasts are back’ with fabulous, uplift bestowing, cinched in waist, full skirted 1950s dresses paired with cute cropped jackets, while the likes of Altuzarra had raided the dominatrix dress-up box for laced leather numbers. Elevate this from the ranks of yawn-dom by ensuring the tailoring is determined and the fit is flattering.

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

© Gap 2010

BACK IN BLACK

Sean O’Pry Straight SplitPocket

GOLD INDEX

LANVIN

With the price of the bling stuff on every savvy investor’s watch list, it’s only inevitable that glitz features large on the fashion radar. In this town, oh so beloved of all that sparkles and shimmers, stay classy by selecting the more burnished hues, and dilute with monochrome and tan bedfellows in the style of Mary Katrantzou and Lanvin. Further avoid tack-orama by ensuring the fit is more tailored than tight and please, by great Odin’s raven, never ever wear gold whilst flashing both legs and décolletage; unless, of course, lady of the night is the look you had in mind.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

MOSCHINO

SUNSET SPECTRUM

It’s that magical hour of dusk when the sky is filled with a veritable rainbow of shades: from deep brick red, through flame orange, to peachy pink. Osman experimented with coral, a bold departure from his all white last season, while more autumnal hues of burgundy highlighted the Gucci collection. This spells a brilliant compromise between winter’s darker side and the joy of colour; and good news that purple, so long ruling the cold weather roost, has seen its day.

The piece de la resistance sashayed its way down the runway in the form of flowing pink Bottega Veneta, the very epitome of summer’s last sunset.

BOTTEGA VENETA

BOTTEGA VENETA

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 67

Sophia says...

Got a fashion question for Sophia?

E-mail editor-wo@motivate.ae

We drag the oh-so stylish Sophia Triantafillou away from the helm at Emirates Woman into the grubby What’s On office to answer your wardrobe woes What height high heels should I be looking out for this season?

Susan, Mirdif It’s not so much heel heights this season, but the height of the styles themselves. As we now turn the corner into A/W10, there are a plethora of boots on offer from shoe boot, over the knee, flat and yeti style – the shelves are stocked with them all. If boots are not on top of your shopping list, high heels should be as bigger (or in this case higher) is best this season.

All shoes available from Boutique 1

I’m off to Italy soon for a holiday. What items should I take to fit in with the stylish locals?

Benjamin, Bur Dubai

Jasmine Tookes the Graphic Cuffed Real Straight

First things first – leave your socks at home.

Your jeans should be replaced with chinos (the more colourful the better) and a crisp white shirt and pinstriped jacket will see you suitably dressed for dinner at any palatial palazzo. For the beach, a V-neck T-shirt with your swimsuit will suffice and if you really want to give the Italians a run for their money, don a pair of espadrilles or Gucci loafers for a classic Mediterranean look.

© Gap 2010

Where should I be shopping for a good lightweight suit? I don't want to look like the man from Del Monte, but everywhere I look seems to sell regular fabrics.

Carlos, Dubai Marina

68 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

As far as I am aware, the racing season has not begun in the UAE, therefore there is no reason for you to purchase a lightweight suit that is associated with such events. Trust me and go with the ‘regular’ fabrics – a wool and cashmere mix is best and guaranteed to keep you as cool, and far more fashionable, than a suit made from any other fabric.

White jeans. Too Liz Hurley and a laundry disaster waiting to happen?

Or a good fashion staple for this part of the world? I'm conflicted. Help!

Karen, Al Ain In our warm climate, white jeans are a wardrobe do, so knock yourself out trying different styles. If you have a special place for skinny jeans, Gap 1969 and Top Shop (Baxter style) are the best and H&M also do a great slim fit. The one, very important key to white jeans is to keep them clean and white, so soak them overnight before putting them in the washing machine.

If you want to take a step in a fashion forward direction, try this new take on white jeans from Zadig & Voltaire and accessorise with autumnal colours for a cool look at a summer classic.

I travel a lot for work and need to invest in a good winter coat. Any suggestions on style?

Ali, Abu Dhabi The coat of choice for men this winter is of the double-breasted variety. Whether it’s long or short, leather or cashmere, this coat is a classic that has been born again this season and it is a stunning as ever. To stay on the safe side, don’t buy it so big that it swamps you, but make sure it's big enough to fit a shirt or sweater underneath.

MIND & BODY p73 p75 p76 p77

His ‘n’ hers Slim with us!

Spa deals The verdict: back waxing

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 71

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His‘n’hers

MIND & BODY

Our guy and gal check out the Fairmont’s spa

Hers

His

ENRICH LUXURY MASSAGE

DEEP MUSCLE MELT

TALK US THROUGH IT… A ten-minute steam in the vast Hammam-style steam room, a quick Jacuzzi among the kitsch Roman columns and then one of the best massages I’ve had in some time. Ginger and black pepper (two of my favourite smells) essential oils are liberally applied and then a deep tissue massage of the highest calibre is administered, honing in on all the achy bits with finger point accuracy. Throw in foot and scalp massages and you’re golden.

THE BEST BIT? Having asked the therapist to concentrate on my upper back – sore after my beginner’s sailing lesson (p31) – it has to be the blissful few minutes the talented gentleman spent kneading away the pain.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? It’s always the pants, isn’t it?

Willow Stream doesn’t keep them in the lockers, which means there’s an awkward ‘would you like undergarments, sir?’ moment. You never know, do you? Fortunately, I said yes. Wouldn’t want to Jacuzzi au naturel. It’s just not done.

ISTOCK

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? It was pretty snug in those navy net briefs, but not too bad, so all was well in the end.

SLEEP FACTOR? You don’t want to fall asleep during this one. You’d miss all the

fun. The pleasure is in feeling the pain retreat. This is truly expert muscle manipulation.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? Anyone who likes a no fuss massage that gets the job done, but in a luxurious setting.

TALK US THROUGH IT… Arrive early to use the Grecianstyle steam rooms and Jacuzzi, then snuggle down on the heated massage bed. This one-hour treatment uses Aromatherapy Associates’ Enrich oil, a nourishing blend of rose and vanilla (definitely one for the ladies), to hydrate your skin while muscles are manipulated into a state of slumber.

THE BEST BIT? The oils smell delicious, so I had HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? the faint aroma of vanilla ice A not too expensive Dhs550 for 90 cream for a few hours afterwards. minutes – but you’ll wish it lasted ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? just a little bit longer.

Nope, none. Quite the feat for What’s On’s clumsiest kid.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? Stretchy, navy knit mini-shorts.

M&S might want to get in touch about selling them.

SLEEP FACTOR? High. There was a bit of chat with the English therapist, then the conversation stopped abruptly when I fell into a coma.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? The oils are really hydrating, so it’s great if you’ve spent too much time in the sun or just want to feel and smell fantastic.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? Dhs420 for an hour of sweet smelling, muscle relaxing bliss.

Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3118800. www. celebrateaclassic.com SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 73

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MIND & BODY

Slim with us!

It’s all about girl power this month, with a team of Dubai 92 listeners signing up for a clash of the sexes World War 92. A bloody battle of nerve, strength and fitness. Two teams, two genders, one goal – to improve the most in 12 weeks.

I unwittingly volunteered for the challenge, swept up in captain Nathalie’s enthusiasm and turned up for the first session. It all became worryingly clear. We were up against the boys’ team and, with the help of Amy from Urban Energy Fitness, it was our mission to get fighting fit and beat them at a series of exercises. Panic swept through the group – how could we, a bunch of girls, compete against an army of hairy men when it came to burpees, push-ups and worse?

Luckily, it’s all done on a percentage improvement so we wouldn’t be expected to do more than the men, just beat our own fitness levels. But first, our fitness would have to be tested. For anyone who hasn’t done the ‘beep test’, I hope for your sake it stays that

way. Many of us had immediate flashbacks to smelly sports halls, unflattering gym kits and sadistic PE teachers with whistles. A quick check confirmed that trainer Amy had a whistle. The test involves running between two cones 20 metres apart before the beep sounds, with the beep getting gradually faster.

Sounds simple, but it’s truly horrendous.

After that little gem (no, I’m not telling you how I did – but let’s just say I wasn’t leading the pack…) we moved on to one-minute challenges. With 60 seconds on the clock we partnered up and did as many pushups – no knees on the ground here – as we could manage. Then the same for sit-ups

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and burpees. The stopwatch came out again to see how long we could last doing a wall squat, with superstar Simone barely breaking a sweat at four minutes, and we ended with the plank, many of our broken bodies barely lasted past the 30 second mark.

Admittedly, if we were a dishonest bunch we could have underperformed in this initial test, so our improvement was exaggerated 12 weeks later, but we were all keen to show we deserved a place on the team so sweated it out and suffered the subsequent aches and pains.

We recently reached a month of training so our fitness was tested again. With many of us doing more classes with Urban Energy, like kick-boxing on Mondays and circuits on Wednesday, in addition to our weekly Sunday sessions, we predicted big changes. I won’t say too much in case Dubai 92’s Tom and Dan are reading (check out my sabotage on p39), but there was massive progress across the board and with two months to go, we’re bound to be crowned the queens of fitness. Watch out lads.

And lay off those burgers.

Urban Energy Fitness. www.urbanenergyfitness.com SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 75

MIND & BODY

Spa deals The best beauty bargains this month

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER!

Take this page to Natural Elements Spa at Le Méridien Dubai and you’ll get 50 per cent off when you book a iLa Kundalini back massage (usual price Dhs400).

This treatment uses breathing techniques and gentle massage to awaken the powerful Kundalini energy at the base of the spine, to balance chakras, relax and energise.

Natural Elements Spa, Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Garhoud, Dubai, Sat to Fri 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 2170000 PASTELS Pastels is giving you plenty of addons this month. Book a Guinot or Dermalogica facial and you’ll get free eyebrow waxing or threading.

Or, if you opt for a full set of eyelash extensions, you can complete the look with a complimentary eyebrow tint or threading. Hands and feet aren’t neglected, with a half price paraffin wax treatment when you book a manicure or pedicure.

Pastels, Villa 873, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 9am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3947393. www.pastels-salon.com THE SPA AT THE ADDRESS Spoil yourself this summer with a cheeky trip to the spa. Ladies can enjoy a 30 per cent discount on treatments, plus free access to the fitness centre and pool Sunday to Thursday, from 10am to 2pm at The Address Dubai Mall until the end of September. Choose any treatment from the vast menu then enjoy the facilities at this downtown hotel.

The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4388025 76 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

THE SPA AT THE PALACE Only have an hour but need some serious pampering? The Palace’s 60-Minute Wonder package allows you to choose three treatments from a list, including a hydrating facial, Oriental scalp massage, foot and ankle massage, Oriental body scrub, hot stone massage and a neck and back massage. Each treatment lasts 20 minutes and you can then enjoy access to the relaxation room, Oriental bathhouse, steam room, Jacuzzi and outdoor pool, if you have time, all for Dhs360.

The Spa, The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, Sun to Wed 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4287805 CHI SPA Book a signature massage at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri’s tremendous Chi Spa this month and they’ll offer you 50 per cent off the detoxifying coffee scrub. The treatment, which normally costs Dhs400, is guaranteed to perk you up and is much better for you than a vanilla frappuccino.

Chi Spa, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 5555888. www.shangri-la.com THAI PRIVILEGE SPA Until September 15, the talented team at TPS are offering a special Eid package, valued at Dhs525, for just Dhs350. It includes henna on the hands, an organic natural hair treatment, wash and professional blow-dry followed by a 30-minute back massage. It’s perfect for a pre-Eid party pamper.

Thai Privilege Spa, 1047 Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3489679 ZEN SPA Being wrapped in Cellophane is not a treatment designed for the claustrophobic. But if you can brave the restricting experience for an hour, it’s one of the most beneficial therapies out there. The treatments, which use a variety of skin revitalising oils, including frankincense and vanilla, all cost Dhs377.

Zen Spa, Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana.com

The verdict: back waxing

/GADGETS /GEAR /TECHNOLOGY /ONLINE

Need to rid yourself of a bit of excess fur?

Try Man/Age spa’s back wax – if you’re brave enough THE SALES PITCH: Aside from a dentist, there’s probably nobody we would wish to annoy less than a person who is paid to rip strips of hair from your body. So it’s with some trepidation that we edge slowly into Dubai Media City’s Man/Age spa, where we’ve been promised one of the most dreaded of all male grooming treatments – the back wax. It’s all smiles from the staff inside – well, it would be – who assure us that we have nothing to fear. In fact, they insist the back wax is increasingly popular with men, pointing out that many a Hollywood star flaunts their hairless back on the silver screen these days and that ‘manscaped metrosexuals’ are all the rage in the pages of glossy fashion magazines.

Struggling to think of a hairybacked movie star, bar maybe King Kong or Clyde from Every Which Way But Loose, we concede the point, and feel happy when our therapist points out that it is also more hygienic to be hairless. So making the transition from hirsute yeti to something resembling a bald bodied Daniel Craig is not just a sign of vanity. We’re doing it to stay clean, and the ladies will, apparently, love it.

THE TREATMENT: Ah. We knew there’d be a catch to this movie star treatment. Despite the soothing music being piped in, we can’t help but feel, well, a

little nervous as we lie facedown on the massage table. A liberal spreading of antiseptic to the skin, plus a magnolia numbing cream to minimise the pain, doesn’t really help with the nerves, before the hot wax is spread on our back.

Placing a strip on the wax, the therapist quickly tears it off, taking with it the wax, a lot of hair and a small part of our dignity. We’re not going to lie to you – it was no picnic. The process becomes more painful as the therapist nears the neck, but after 45 minutes our back was as bare as a baby’s proverbial and it wasn’t as bad as we first feared. Indeed, our therapist even says that one of her regular clients is so used to it he falls asleep (what a man he must be), so maybe we’re just on the wimpy side?

THE VERDICT: If it’s good enough for Beckham and Bond, it’s good enough for us. There was, shall we say, the odd pang of pain, but the smooth results made it worthwhile, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff put us at ease.

Arjaan Bld, Media City, Dubai, back and shoulders Dhs190, full body Dhs550. Tel: (04) 4370868

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“Despite the soothing music, we can’t help but feel, well, a little nervous as we lie face down on the massage table” SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 77

Got a fitness question for James?

E-mail otivate.ae o editor-w @m

SPORT & OUTDOOR Mr Fitness

extensions. Now that we have the exercises out of the way, we need to focus on the rest of the story. Flabby triceps, or ‘bingo wings’ can be closely linked to low levels of androgens, ie testosterone, which is why it generally affects the female population.

So alongside a well-structured training programme, here are some lifestyle changes that will aid in their reduction: Limit your alcohol consumption; eat more vegetables; up your protein intake; stay hydrated; consume red meat; get adequate sleep.

Our resident exercise guru answers your health and fitness questions I’ve just signed up for a 10km run. At the moment, I can just about jog once round Safa Park.

Neil, Bur Dubai The important thing to remember is that plodding around at a comfortable pace is not necessarily going to equal a fast time. Make sure you are getting in the gym and working with weights to get your muscles, tendons and ligaments as strong as possible and ready for the job in hand. You should look to start doing some interval work around Safa Park.

So rather than just jogging all the way round, run harder for a set distance, then walk/jog until you have recovered and repeat. One of the things that made me faster was doing a hard hill program on a treadmill once per week, alongside the intervals, as well as one long, slower run. On top of all this, if you are carrying excess weight then get your diet in check and watch the body fat drop off. Lastly, whatever happens, run your own race and finish it. Next time you will have a time to compete against.

What’s the benefit of protein shakes and when should I have them?

Praveen, Jumeirah First, let me be clear. I would always recommend trying to get all of your sources of macronutrients (protein, fats and carbohydrates) from whole food as a first choice. However, this is not to say that I don’t recommend supplementation, where

PROUDLY OPERATES

info@rmalhospitality.ae

appropriate. One of the most important times is directly after you have finished your training session. At this point your body is under extreme stress and is looking for nutrients in order to help it start re-building itself, so I would definitely recommend a fast ingesting carb/protein style drink with ratio of 2:1. If you feel that you are going to go a long time without being able to eat a proper meal, then I would also suggest a protein supplement of some sort. If you are looking to drop body fat, then base most of your meals around sources of proteins and good fats and save the protein and carbohydrate meals for training time. You can eat vegetables to fill you up in abundance.

Are tricep dips enough to keep the dreaded 'bingo wings' at bay?

Yvette, Dubai Marina Effective tricep dips are performed with body weight, off parallel bars (imagine a gymnast) as opposed to the version which are done off the side of a bench (insert all sorts of shoulder dysfunctions). If you struggle with ‘proper’ dips then look to substitute them with close grip dumb-bell or barbell press variations or lying tricep

Can you recommend a quick 25minute training programme that I can do each morning? I need to lose about 5kg and have given myself a month.

Jeff, Mirdif Firstly, losing 5kg in a month is possible, but it is going to take commitment. Just ensure that you put the same energy into getting your nutrition right, as that is perhaps more important than exercise.

For a workout, try a variation of something called Energy Density Training (EDT).

Choose two big movements, such as the body weight squat and push up. Alternate these two exercises, completing six to eight reps of each, in sequence, for ten minutes and record the number of total rounds completed. Then rest for three minutes and do the sequence again using two different exercises. The aim is to complete more rounds than your previous workout.

What Mr Fitness James Houghton doesn't know about staying healthy isn't worth knowing. In his seven years as a personal trainer, he's helped West End actresses lose the pounds and worked with the Arabian Gulf rugby sevens team to keep them in peak condition.

wagamama The Greens Tel 04 361 5757 wagamama Al Fattan Towers Tel 04 399 5900 (Open daily noon to midnight, deliveries) www.rmalhospitality.com/wagamama.asp

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 79

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Sports shorts High-octane happenings

Start your engines

Some may argue bowling is not a real sport, but we share the great Homer Simpson’s love of garishly coloured balls and silly shoes. So our bowling fingers began twitching at the news that a new ‘stateof-the-art’ bowling centre is open in Ibn Battuta Mall. What exactly makes it so different isn’t clear, but Switch Bowling promises not just 12 lanes, but billiard tables and four karaoke studios as well. It’s like rock ‘n’ bowl.

Switch Bowling, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4405961. www.ibnbattutamall.com

If the vicarious rush of November’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix doesn’t sufficiently jiggle your juices and you think you could do a better job behind the wheel than Button, Hamilton and co, October’s Formula Gulf 1000 is just the thing for you. If you are between 15 and 25, hold a FIA National Race Licence in a Gulf country, have competed in three races in a recognised race series, have one year of karting experience or have completed a race school, you have September to sign up for one of the 15 FG 1000 places. Oh yes, and you’ll need Dhs309,400. But for that you’ll be schooled in the art of driving by top professional coaches and take part in 16 races at Yas Marina and Dubai Autodrome for the chance to win a scholarship to compete in the UK’s Formula Renault BARC Championship. This could be the first step on the road to F1 glory.

Only serious petrol heads need apply. The rest of us can watch come October, though.

Tel: (04) 3415438. www.fg1000.net

ISTOCK

Rock‘n’bowl

Enter the dragon

ISTOCK

The Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival is now in its third year and has become one of the highlights of the capital’s sporting calendar.

You’re invited to form a team with your mates and row your way to glory this October. It costs Dhs10,000 for corporate or social teams, Dhs2,000 for schools or universities or Dhs500 for single entries, which includes two training sessions, use of a boat and tickets to the after-party. Each team can have up to 20 members, but you’ll need to get your entries in by September 23.

Oct 8 to 9, Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (04) 3944048. www.sirenconsulting.com

Hoop dreams Duplays, the UAE’s biggest sports league organisers, will be starting up a weekly basketball tournament in the capital this month. Here’s your chance to show that you’re a better baller than LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal put together. We’ve always dreamt of doing a spectacular slam-dunk, which shatters the glass board behind the hoop.

Duplays, Al Jazira Sports Club, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Tuesdays from Sept 21, 7.30pm, Dhs400 for individuals, Dhs3,200 for teams. Tel: (055) 2240186. www.duplays.com 80 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND DUBAI VE ON YOUR OWN-WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS GET ACTI DESERT SAFARI

A COOL EVENING IN THE MYSTERIOUS DUBAI DESERT..

Dune Bashing - Sand Boarding - Camel Riding Henna Tattoos - Shisha - Belly Dance & Lavish Buffet cum BBQ Dinner - Coffee - Soft Drinks Pick-up and drop by 4WD Timings: Pick-up 3.30-4.00pm , Drop Back 9:00 to 9:30pm (approx.)

DHS 170 Per Person

DHOW CRUISE WITH DINNER AN EVENING OF CHARM & ELEGANCE On a Traditional Two Tier Arabian Wooden Dhow Two Hours Cruising - Soft Music Lavish Buffet Dinner -Tea - Coffee - Soft Drinks

DHS 140 Per Person

Timings: 8.30PM To 10.30 PM (approx.)

MOUNTAIN SAFARI TO HATTA WADI DUBAI RED DUNES, MOUNTAINS & WADI SPECTACULAR Dune bashing at Big Red, Sand Boarding, Thrilling Mountain & Wadi drive, Hatta Freshwater Pools, Heritage Village, Lunch at Hatta Fort Hotel

DHS 300 Per Person

Pick-up and drop by 4WD Timings: Pick-up 8.00 AM, Drop Back 2.30 PM (approx.)

DEEP SEA FISHING

A MUST DO DUBAI DAY OUT EXPERIENCE Exclusive charter or on Sharing basis in the hottest sailfish venue in the world. Fishing equipment - Equipped & Fully Insured - Experienced Skipper & Crew - Light Refreshments Pick-up and Drop-back facility included

DHS 500

Sharing Per Person

0 DHS ive240 Upto Exclus 8 Pax.

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HAVE A PRO-ACTIVE DAY OUT

Cruising - Swimming - Snorkeling - Banana Boat ride & hand line Fishing Refreshments & Buffet Lunch served on board.

DHS 320 Per Person

Pick-up and drop back facility included Timings: Pick-up: 7.00 -7.30 AM, Drop Back: 6.30 - 7.00 PM (approx.)

SPECTACULAR KHASAB

HAVE A GREAT DAY OUT Cruise to Scenic Fjords, Swim, Snorkel & Do Dolphin Watching Refreshments & Lunch served on board.

Six Hours Dhow Trip from Khasab Harbour

DHS 520 Per Person

Pick-up and drop back facility included Timings : Pick-up 6:30 - 7:00AM, Drop Back : 6:30 - 7:30PM (approx.)

Other Experiences: Sea plane spectaculars - Dining in Burj Al Arab

Luxury Yacht Cruising - Water Sports - Scuba Diving - Heli Sightseeing and many more...

24 Hrs. Reservation

Tel: 04 2959948 - 04 2959949

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PLEASE NOTE NIGHTCLUBS WILL NOT BE OPEN UNTIL AFTER RAMADAN

CLUB DIARY As the new clubbing season gets into full swing, we provide the low-down on what’s happening in the UAE’s hottest nightspots

Rooftop

Sanctuary

WHY? The awesome views of the Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah are worth coming for alone. Throw in some chilled out beats and a few drinks, and you’ve got all the makings of a perfect evening.

Not cheap, but a must-visit venue. After Ramadan, OHM Records will launch the award-nominated club brand DIGITAL, which will host international DJs, visual artists and live performances. DIGITAL will take place every Friday night at the mega club – the giant space is spread over three floors providing ample space for 1,500 clubbers to shake their thang.

GO: For the views, stay for the music.

Rooftop, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.jumeirah. com/MadinatJumeirah

WHY?? The founder of Bhudda Bar certainly knows how to create an all-out clubbing experience. This Baroque-style, stateof-the-art club boasts an outdoor terrace and an awesome sound system, so if electro is your thing and you’ve got some cash to splash, this is one of your best options. From house and funk Mondays, to Russian Saturdays and Sanctuary’s signature Fridays, complete with circus performers, live artists and renowned international DJs, it guarantees to please.

GO: If you’ve got ‘professional clubber’ on your CV. Sanctuary, Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4260561. www.sanctuarydubai.com

Cavalli Club WHY? There's black quartz and Swarovski Crystal everywhere you look, but would you expect anything less from Dhs110 million superclub from one of the world's top designers? This is where the fabulous people go, with fabulous wallets to match. Starting off the working week in fine form is Just Sundays with DJ Enzo Mirak playing

the hottest tunes in the charts. Those looking for an opportunity to dig out their animal-print partywear will rejoice at the news that Cavalli turns one in October. It’s expected to be the party of the year!

GO: If you want to see, be seen, or simply laugh at those trying far too hard to look cool.

Cavalli Club, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free, guest list only. Tel: (04) 3329260. www.fairmont.com

Nasimi Beach

Tiësto in the capital Fresh from Ibiza and en route to Miami, the legendary DJ Tiësto brings his record breaking Kaleidoscope World Tour to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on October 1. Inspired by U2’s huge stadium concerts, the biggest DJ tour in history will get clubbers raving with lasers, light shows and giant LED screens, plus some of the biggest tracks of the summer, including hits from Tiësto's fourth album, Kaleidoscope, played on one of the world’s most powerful sound systems.

Oct 1, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150. www.ticketingboxoffice.com

82 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

WHY? This beachfront location is a playground for socialites and the sartorially confident. Opening season starts on September 10 with an epic pool party, expect stilt walkers, fire breathers and a BBQ. Play is Nasimi's Saturday blow out, with top DJs offering a laid-back end to the weekend. For hardcore dance fans, there’s Ministry of Sound on the September 17, while September 24 sees the return of the Full Moon pool party. Keep October 15 free in your diaries for a mega 12-hour music festival from 3pm to 3am. Acts include Zero 7, Chicane and Armand Van Helden.

GO: If you’re looking for a touch of the Balearics in Dubai.

Nasimi, Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 4pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4260700. www.palmjumeirah.ae

Alpha WHY? Alpha celebrates a return to the party scene with some unbeatable promotions. From Saturday to Thursday, 9pm to 1am, drinks cost just Dhs3 for women, plus there’s no entrance fee, while football fanatics are well catered to with Premier Weekends screening live matches. If that wasn’t enough, the infamous Dhs149 late brunch also returns on Fridays with DJ Matt Grieves spinning indie tunes. In honour of its recent birthday, Alpha has also undergone a facelift. Those expecting to see the relics of Aphrodite – Alpha was a Greek restaurant in its former life – will be pleasantly surprised with the makeover.

GO: If you’re looking for the top DJs, live music and a guaranteed great night out.

Alpha, Le Mériden, Garhoud, Dubai, 9pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 7022640. www.alphaclub.ae

CLUB DIARY

GETTY/GALLO IMAGE

Relax@12 WHY? Whether it’s for sundowners, ladies night on Tuesdays, house night Thursdays or mojito night on Saturdays, Relax@12 is an all-encompassing hot spot, and the fact it’s a rooftop bar with mesmerising views of the Gulf makes it all the more appealing. DJ David Craig starts the celebrations on September 16 with his popular, soulful beats. As Relax@12 is one of the chicest nightlife options in Abu Dhabi, we recommend booking ahead as it's likely to fill up quick.

GO: To experience the stunning panoramas of the captial.

Relax@12, Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. www.relaxat12.com

Warehouse WHY? Wine bar, restaurant, nightclub, we’re not altogether sure what Warehouse is, but it’s one of the few swish options around that doesn’t ram its opulence down your throat. From September 10, every Friday will be Desi night with DJ Tushar. For live action, Urban Band perform a blend of R&B, funk and soul from Saturday to Thursday. Tuesdays may be ladies night, but men get a good deal, too. Visit between 9pm and 11pm and pay just Dhs69 (women) and Dhs99 (men) and drink as much as you like, plus the first 20 ladies in enjoy free drinks all night.

GO: If you want to avoid both spit and sawdust and high society.

Warehouse, Le Mériden, Garhoud, Dubai, noon to 3am, free, Fri Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (04) 7022560. www.diningatmeridiendubai.com

Armin Van Buuren in Dubai

ONE TO LOOK OUT FOR

The Dutch spinner seems to like Dubai, a lot. The world’s preimier trance DJ is back once again for one night only on October 15. If his previous shows at the Dubai World Trade Centre Arena are anything to go by, this is sure to be a big night.

Oct 15, Dubai World Trade Centre Arena, Dubai, 9pm to late, Dhs120 to Dhs400.

Tel: (050) 3571113

Armani/Privé Chi at the Lodge WHY? While Chi maintains its regular performers, September brings a plethora of DJs to the decks. On September 16, Aggro Santos performs in Dubai for the first time, while underground UK garage star, DJ EZ, comes to the club on September 17, and Mobo-winner DJ Shortee Blitz spins his tunes on September 23. DJ Scottie B and MC Harvey, of So Solid Crew, fame end the month with performances

on September 30. British rapper, Professor Green, is also due to make an appearance this month, but dates are yet to be confirmed. We can, however, confirm Edward Maya will be live on October 21 as part of a 45-minute show followed by a two-hour DJ set.

Tickets are priced Dhs150. And October also sees the grand reopening of Chi's massive garden.

GO: If you want an evening reminiscent of a student night out, albeit without the cheap drinks.

Chi at the Lodge, Oud Metha, Dubai, 9.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3379470. www. chinightclubdubai.com

WHY? One of the newest clubbing options in Dubai, Armani/Privé brings the chic of Milan to the desert. With high-end design and top-level service, it’s the sort of place where the staff anticipate your next drink order with almost telepathic skill. Resident DJs play to a stylish crowd, while those who make it to the VIP lounge can have the pleasure of listening to international turntable stars.

For something more exclusive, be sure to experience 360 degrees of sound and visuals at From The Speakers, the season’s opening party on September 16.

GO: If you want to feel special.

Armani/Privé, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 8883308. http://dubai.armanihotels.com

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 83

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TRAVEL

How to change

your life with one holiday

Venturing out on a challenge holiday is more than just a physical journey, as we discovered when we tackled Africa’s highest peak in the name of charity

It’s midnight, we’re 5km above sea level and we’re about to spend the next six hours attempting to scramble up the vertical slope of a volcano.

The stinging minus 20 winds, combined with a lack of oxygen, makes every step a colossal achievement. Lines of head torches create a procession of the damned.

We’re truly testing ourselves on this bizarre pilgrimage, throwing tired limbs at the mercy of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s largest freestanding mountain.

A light dashes out of the line and runs to a boulder, doubles over it and wretches violently into the darkness.

We had only just begun and the journey ahead was already looking a grim prospect. Our water supplies had frozen and those who had suffered the effects of altitude sickness were paying the price of dehydration.

Toes numb with cold and dawn hours away, all we could ask was: ‘What on earth are we doing?’

FIVE MONTHS EARLIER Feeling that something was missing in our otherwise comfortable lives, we thought it was high time to give a little – hey, that’s just the kind of people we are – and what better way

CHARITY TRAVEL

to give than combing charity with adventure? GulfForGood, a UAE-based group specialising in trips to locations around the world while raising money for charity, was going to attempt to climb the highest mountain in Africa – Kilimanjaro – so we signed up and set about begging, borrowing, but never stealing (we promise) money for a Tanzanian school that needed classrooms and equipment.

Training feverishly by regularly climbing Dubai’s Marriott Harbour Hotel’s many steps, we built up our volcano-beating calf muscles. You know you have begun a surreal voyage when SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 87

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TRAVEL | AFRICA you find yourself traipsing up a stairwell in a five-star hotel, dressed in full climbing gear and rucksack. Before we knew it we were packed and ready to face the challenge of a lifetime. Were we scared? Yes. Excited? Yes. Prepared for what we were about to experience? Not in the slightest.

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THE CHARITY VISIT Our group was a mix of people of various ages, professions and personalities – a ragtag bunch of nerves and anticipation, all ready to battle Kilimanjaro for different reasons.

Following a ten-hour dirt track journey from Kenya, we fell asleep in the town of Arusha before the following day heading out to visit the school where our charity money was destined to end up.

Jumping from the coach, the vastness of the African landscape and the sound of melodic singing drifting towards us as the school came into view left a lump in our throats.

After a tour of the classrooms (ones we thought needed to be demolished were in fact the good ones, broken window panes are not an issue) we realised the school had no electricity.

Sat in front of the assembled students, we were treated to a dance by the local Masai women, although artistic differences within the group brought about an early end to the performance.

As we returned to the coach, a young Tanzanian girl said in perfect English, “thank you very much”. Hearts in mouths we waved our goodbyes, the silence on the minibus testament to the humbling experience we’d just had.

A CHALLENGE FOR YOU THE REVOLUTIONARY RIDE 2010 WHERE? Cuba WHEN? November 4 to 13, 2010 WHAT? Over five days following a 328km route from the infamous Bay of Pigs through national parks, lush countryside and sugar plantations, over hills and mountains and along the shimmering Caribbean coastline.

THE CLIMB Our focus turned to the mountain and the following morning we watched 44 porters prepare for the off. Yes, 44 porters. Our 20-strong group clearly thought, despite popular belief, the kitchen sink would be necessary.

We were told of the dangers and delights of the trip and recommended to “throw Imodium down our throats until it became like cement” if necessary.

Within half an hour we were at the gates of Kilimanjaro National Park, before plunging into the thick rainforest.

Golden Rule number one – ‘pole pole’, Tanzanian for ‘slowly, slowly’.

Due to the height of Kilimanjaro, people need to give their bodies every chance to acclimatise. It’s recommended you only gain 500m in altitude a day, but we would be doing 1000m.

We were told to “walk as if in the garden with your grandmother”, one participant piped up he would have to dig her up first – a moment that cut through a bit of the tension.

Above: African girls Below: Mount Kilimanjaro

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE MULTI-CHALLENGE 2010 WHERE? Northern Thailand WHEN? November 11 to 20, 2010 WHAT? Roam high amongst the hills of Northern Thailand and visit the remote hill tribes that foreigners rarely see. Cycle on rural back roads through rolling hills, kayak through the jungle past remote riverside villages and stay in a jungle camp and village longhouse.

EVEREST BASE CAMP CHALLENGE 2011 WHERE? Nepal WHEN? October 14 to 29, 2011 WHAT? An adventure to the mightiest mountain in the world with 12 days on the trail, including two rest days.

Explore altitudes of more than 5,500m where, surrounded by the majesty of these mountains, life will surely take on a new perspective. The terrain is immensely varied with rhododendron forests, roaring mountain rivers, alpine meadows and impressive glaciers, all towered over by the awesome backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas.

SIMIEN MOUNTAIN TREK 2011 WHERE? Ethiopia WHEN? March 10 to 19, 2011 WHAT? Adventure in Ethiopia among the rugged peaks and sheer cliffs of the Simien Mountains. Although in Africa and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points and night temperatures often fall below zero. The trek will pass through cultivated lower slopes, mountain grasslands (fescue grasses, heathers, Red Hot Pokers, Giant Lobelia) and alpine regions.

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 89

TRAVEL | AFRICA

TOP TEN TIPS ON CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH A HOLIDAY

The first night was spent in a hut and the following morning we necked porridge and black tea and started walking.

Emerging out of the monkey-filled forest onto moorland, we were greeted by staggering scenery as we bested the clouds – a view we had only ever seen from an aeroplane’s window.

But while we beat the clouds, altitude sickness began beating its early victims. Three and half kilometres up and sickness, diarrhoea and splitting headaches were an all too unpleasant reality.

A rest day followed, but the day after we walked seven hours to Kibo Hut, the last camp before the summit attempt.

We ate a little dinner before trying to get some sleep.

THE SUMMIT Woken at 11pm, anxiety was rife as the dark dampened people’s spirits. Had we known what was about to ensue, we would have returned to bed, but none the wiser, we were corralled together and headed into the night.

For six dark and freezing hours we zigzagged up a scree hill. Freezing winds made a mockery of our modern clothing and thick gloves made refuelling with chocolate frustrating.

Within two hours, our water had frozen. Futile attempts to keep this from happening by using old socks only added a terrible whiff to the icy contents of our bottles.

Some decided enough was enough at this point. Diarrhoea and vomiting were making hydration a near impossibility, Like a shell-shocked caterpillar, we crawled up the mountain face, losing 90 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

● Pick an experience you think you will enjoy ● Go with an open mind ● Find a charity you believe in ● Prepare yourself mentally as well as physically ● Leave your day-to-day life behind ● Bring a sense of humour ● Get a good camera to record your trip ● Take a friend or family member ● Find another challenge when it is over ● Take what you learn and apply it to your life

Top: Group of trekkers on their way to School Hut, Kikelewa Route, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Above: The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro seen from the aeroplane

children at the school, loved ones and all those who contributed towards the fund raising – it was just enough.

After what seemed like a lifetime the sign appeared.

After a few rushed photos we started to head back down. Emotions ran through those that had any energy left to have them.

Months of anticipation, dreaming of the peak were over in minutes. We were too tired and nauseous to revel in the energy and heart with every step. We bizarre lunar landscape, the staggering had walked in the garden with granny views, the enormity of the glacier, all we hundreds of times, but it never felt wanted was oxygen and water. like this.

A few of our group had to be Then came the boulders, and any stretchered down, people had given remaining energy was stripped everything they had and more, and the away as small steps were replaced next few hours were spent crawling with clambering. down the slope we had just conquered.

But then dim shapes were spotted As oxygen become more plentiful and outside of the direct beam of the head a rest back at Mandara Hut took effect, torches. A look around showed we were the smiles began to return. minutes from the crater rim and that All agreed it was far harder than they dawn was approaching. expected, but an incredible experience We stood in exhausted ecstasy as we all the same. watched dawn break over Africa to our A day later we were heading back to left and night cling to itself on our right. our lives in the UAE. Now we were faced with a decision.

The intention was to give something Should we go for the true peak, another back – make a positive change in three-hour round trip across the glacier someone’s life who hadn’t had the on the crater rim? advantages that we had been fortunate A few of us started stumbling enough to have. towards the famous wooden signpost, However, while the children but not all made it. benefited from the money raised, with Exhaustion and dehydration cut all the experiences we gained from through the challengers like a German this holiday challenge, we know we footballer through an English defence. probably took a lot more than we gave.

Charles, our lead guide, told us to fall And we’re already asking, what’s next. in behind him and take it one step at GulfForGood, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3680222. a time. We reminded ourselves of the www.gulf4good.org

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TRAVEL

Aleppo

REGIONAL TRAVEL

During its 8,000-year history Syria’s second city, Aleppo, has played host to Agatha Christie, Lawrence Of Arabia, and its souks and markets still teem with life “You Christian?” asks the driver the second we climb into his battered yellow taxi. His craggy mouth is like an old letterbox beneath window-sized spectacles. We can barely offer a shrug before he says, “I Christian,” and points to a dog-eared, sun-bleached portrait of the Virgin Mary – one of several religious images that surround his rear-view mirror. By the haphazard way he drives out of the airport, we can tell he doesn’t look up there much.

The ramshackle Iranian-made vehicle swerves into a swarm of traffic, miraculously avoiding a collision with the throngs of dented cars and trucks that swing and veer across the road. On the streets people play out a similar scene: women in flowing black abayas weave through the crowds, old men move slowly to avoid broken slabs, while young boys heave their bundled carts in the sun. In some places life plods along. In Aleppo, however, it courses like a flash flood.

It’s not a modern phenomenon. People have been thriving here for 8,000 years. Alongside the Syrian capital, Damascus, it’s one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.

As one of the main stops on the Silk Road between China and Europe, Aleppo became a commercial centre that prospered from the flow of goods, money, people and ideas. Hittites, Assyrians, Neo-Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Mongols, Mamluks and Ottomans have all overrun it. Today, a rather less fearsome force is invading Syria’s second city: What’s On. And we’re coming into town in a taxi held together by duct tape and the grace of God. We’re amazed when the car pulls up outside our hotel without so much as a scrape. The driver turns around, points at the faded portrait again and cackles through a wrinkled grin. The Sheraton Aleppo is a shiny modern edifice, plonked somewhere between the dusty, traffic-choked streets of the Old City and the New City.

If we’d wanted character, we’d have gone to 92 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

A taxi in front of the Citadel, Aleppo, Syria

“The ramshackle taxi swerves into a swarm of traffic, miraculously avoiding a collision with the throngs of cars and trucks that swing across the road”

TRAVEL | SYRIA

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Aleppo, Syria the venerable Baron Hotel nearby. Built 100 years ago, it was once one of the finest hotels in the Middle East, playing host to such early 20th century luminaries as TE Lawrence and Theodore Roosevelt. It is said that Agatha Christie began writing Murder On The Orient Express at The Baron. These days, with its name written in flickering neon and its grandeur faded, its retro bar is a bigger draw than its tired rooms.

We waste little time in getting out on Aleppo’s streets and exploring on foot. We know we’re moving in the general direction of the Old City, the famous souks and the imposing Citadel, but the map stays in the backpack. This allows Aleppo to do what it does best – throw up surprises from its manic streets and twisting alleys. By a crumbling wall, we step on something soft and sticky, a fig shed from a tree that’s spreading its branches over an old black 1970s Chevrolet. Less surprising are the numerous photographic tributes to the current President, Bashar al-Assad, on almost every shop window, wall poster or building-side.

Although Syria was once considered part of George W Bush’s ‘axis of evil’, the people here are anything but. After an hour of trudging

Old bazaar along Aleppo’s sun-baked streets, an old man beckons us into his tiny shop by the Citadel.

He offers us a plastic chair and water to drink and wash our sweat-streaked face and hands with. We’d heard many stories about Aleppo’s legendary hospitality, a trait that survives from the Bedouin days, when desert-weary travellers and nomads would be encouraged to take refuge and refreshment at their camps. We end up paying for the bottle of water, but it’s the thought that counts.

The man points us in the direction of the Citadel, and soon the giant fortified mound is looming before us. Although the majority of the current structure was built by the

Mamluks in the late Middle Ages, the hill was used as a temple in the third millennium BC. It’s believed that the prophet Abraham pastured his flock on the hill, distributing the milk to the poor. Even today, Aleppo is known colloquially as ‘Halab’, Arabic for ‘milk’.

We climb the steps leading to the impressive fortified keep, and enter a labyrinthine walkway through elaborate doorways guarded by stone-carved lions to the remains of the Ayyubid Palace. Walking through the old amphitheatre, we wander down some renovated steps into an ancient hammam, where a crowd of naked plastic mannequins preserve their modesty with modern towels that might have been bought in Aleppo’s souk.

And what a souk. Opposite the Citadel, we find one of the largest, most evocative and authentic market places in the Arab world. The winding alleys vibrate with colour, movement, noise and smells that intensify under cavernous stone ceilings. Women carry their shopping on their heads and old men run their empty carts through the crowds as thousands of feet pound on cobbles worn smooth by centuries of trade. We criss-cross SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 93

TRAVEL | SYRIA

Trips from Aleppo

Qala’t Samaan – Just north of Aleppo is the Saint Simeon basilica, a ruin named after the enigmatic holy man who in the fifth century AD decided to live on top of towering pillars as an exercise in asceticism. The church and basilicas were built around the pillars.

Palmyra – The jewel in Syria’s archaeological crown, Palmyra (City of Palms) is a spectacular collection of restored ruins stretching across a 50-hectare site.

The palm oasis in the north-eastern desert was colonised by the Romans in the second century AD, and then fell under the rule of Queen Zenobia, who went on to conquer Palestine and part of Egypt. Bus journeys can be arduous, so take a taxi and stay the night. from stalls selling brightly hued textiles, to jewellery shops and rope merchants; from spice traders and bakeries to the bloodspattered walls of butchers, who hang their animal carcasses, bundles of entrails and sculpted lobes of fat for all to marvel at. We eventually strike a deal for some olive soap, handmade in Aleppo and stamped with a decorative pattern to prove it.

We lose all sense of time and direction in the frenetic, chaotic souks, but we stumble out just at the right spot. We find ourselves almost floating in a sea of tranquillity at the Great Mosque. Also known as the Umayyad Mosque, it still has its original minaret dating back to 1092, although an earthquake has caused it to lean a little. Inside all is quiet, but for the shuffling of shoeless feet on the hot

Umayyad Mosque sprinkled with chopped parsley and wrapped in flatbread to soak up the meat’s glorious juices.

Due to its position on the Silk Road, not to mention its Ottoman and Armenian influences, the cuisine of Aleppo has a depth of richness, sweetness and spice that sets it apart from all other Middle Eastern food.

It’s dark by the time we leave Beit Sissi, but the streets are still abuzz. A soft orange glow from an occasional lantern is all that illuminates the enchanting alleyways of Al-Jdeida. Many of the shops and businesses Souk are rolling down their shutters for the night, and we make our way through the narrow backstreets to the broad main road of Almarble floor. Around 90 per cent of Syria’s Quwatli. Between our hotel and us is a gush population is Muslim, yet as a young man of incessant traffic. Buses heave and splutter, keen to practice his English later tells us: trucks wheeze and little yellow taxis sheer and “Muslim, Christian or me, we are all Syrian.” pullulate. With no pedestrian crossings, traffic Later, we explore the Christian/Armenian lights or breaks in the stream of vehicles to neighbourhood of Al-Jdeida for another of help us cross, we summon courage, step out, Aleppo’s famous attractions: its food. It is here merge into the flow and walk. that several old traditional Syrian homes have In Aleppo, sometimes, you’ve just got to been converted into guesthouses with cafés or have faith. restaurants. Beit Sissi dates back to the 17th century, yet has recently been restored to its Need to know former glory. Its restaurant – one of Aleppo’s How to get there best – is set in a beautiful courtyard, richly Flydubai flies direct to Aleppo from decorated with dark wooden carvings and Dhs1,080 fine-spun carpets, enclosed by walls of thick pale stone.

Accommodation We sit down to a vibrant fattoush salad with The Sheraton Aleppo, (963)(21) 212 111, hunks of white cheese and a muhammara dip occupies a superb location for exploring of roasted red peppers and walnuts sweetened both the old and new parts of town, and is with pomegranate molasses. And we can’t leave an ideal place to unwind after a hard day’s without trying the speciality of the region, the trudging round the souks – you’ll never be kebab d’Alep – a tender minced lamb kofta more thankful for a dip in the pool

“We lose all sense of time and direction in the chaotic souks, but we stumble out at the right spot” 94 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

Currency 100 Syrian Pounds = Dhs7.8

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Dead Cities – Spooky is a good word to describe this cluster of ancient and abandoned ghost towns. The town of Jerada is close to the Aleppo-Hama highway, and its ruins include a fifth century Byzantine church. Buses and service taxis are available from the Pullman bus station.

At your leisure Abu Dhabi Golf Club, serving up the best in quality entertainment and leisurely dining options.

WATCH LIVE TRI NATION RUGBY This August and September @ 1001 Nights THE ‘KEEP WALKING’ GOLF SERIES Every Wednesday until September 29th @ 4:30pm ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI From 13th September Every Monday @ 6pm FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE ACOUSTIC GUITAR WITH DANNY SHIRRAN FRID From 17th September Every Friday @ 7-10pm HAPPY HOUR From 17th September Every Friday @ 9-12pm

THE HOT LIST THE TEN BEST BRUNCHES, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND SPAS THIS MONTH

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DUE TO THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN SOME OUTLETS MAY NOT OPERATE REGULAR OPENING HOURS. CALL AHEAD FOR DETAILS.

Brunches Bars Restaurants Spas SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 97

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES

PLEASE NOTE BRUNCHES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL AFTER RAMADAN

OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH Sofra

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

PRICE

BEST FOR

LOCATION

FOOD

ATMOSPHERE

Al Fanar

1Elements –

2 LeVendome Brasserie –

3 Sofra Boulevard „

4 Al Fanar „

5 Yacht Club „

Everyone’s here to have fun, but it rarely gets too rowdy.

This brunch attracts a classy, well-behaved crowd.

As chilled as a lazy donkey sleeping under a tree.

It starts out quiet, but has been known to become a bit boisterous later on.

A relaxed a la carte brunch in a cool bar.

A truly international blend of curries, sushi and Arabic food, as well as a great cheeseboard.

Enough seafood to fill a trawler, plus a vast selection of meats and salads.

Your usual brunching options, plus some fine Moroccan tagines and a live seafood cooking station.

A good array of seafood and salads.

Some truly superb Pan-Asian cuisine, including sushi, noodles and tempura.

The glitzy Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is just minutes away from a raft of other bars and restaurants at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri.

Dare you venture outside to view the Emirates Palace’s stunning gardens? It won’t be long before the heat subsides, thankfully, but for now just a quick glance will do.

Sofra’s a giant, spacious restaurant in the decadent Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri.

Al Fanar’s the capital’s original revolving restaurant and its lofty location makes for some spectacular views. It’s also near Oceans bar and Sax nightclub – two of our favourite nightspots.

The outdoor terrace is just a pipe dream. Time to get acquainted with the cool interior.

Birthdays, leaving dos or any other special occasion.

Impressing visitors with Middle Eastern luxury.

Anyone and everyone. There’s enough room for families and party people.

A memorable brunch in a truly unusual restaurant.

As the Yacht Club brunch finishes at 6pm, it drifts perfectly into an evening out.

Dhs399 with Moet & Chandon champagne, Dhs299 with wine and beer, Dhs222 without alcohol.

Dhs565 includes the finest Laurent Perrier Rosé champagne.

Dhs220 for unlimited wine and soft drinks – around average for Abu Dhabi’s brunching scene.

Dhs220 with wine. It’s slap bang in the middle of Abu Dhabi’s brunch price range.

The Dhs165 with unlimited a la carte food and drinks is cheap in our books.

Top notch food and freeflowing champagne. A worthy champion.

You’re paying through the nose for this brunch, but it’s worth splashing out for.

All-round excellence is what makes Sofra one of our top brunching spots in the capital.

Al Fanar’s new French chef, Alain Roin, has improved the quality of food at the restaurant, hence a rise up the charts.

A great way to waste an afternoon while you wait for summer to end.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi 11.30am to 3pm Tel: (02) 6543000 www.fairmont.com

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi 12.30pm to 3.30pm Tel: (02) 6907999 www.emiratespalace.com

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

Le Royal Méridien, Khalifah Street, Abu Dhabi 12.30pm to 3pm Tel: (02) 6742020

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

98 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES Chamas

HOT ON THE HE, RaEdiLssSon Blu

unch 11 Friday Br Island Yas u Dhabi za, Hilton Ab 12 Le Terraz d Shine Brunch, 13 Rise An u Dhabi Sheraton Ab owne Plaza ch, Cr un Br al nt 14 Orie Yas Island , cht Brunch 15 Shuja Ya éridien Le Royal M

One To One

6 Chamas ‰

7 Belgian Brunch –

8 Pearls & Caviar –

9 One To One –

10 Rosebuds –

The aroma of barbecued meats and the Latino beats from the live band make for a merry vibe.

Expect the clatter of a friendly pub lunch.

A healthy bustle of brunchers.

A lot of people’s favourite brunch, so be sure to book ahead.

If it’s a party you’re after, you’re in the wrong place. Rosebuds is strictly for families.

On arrival, you’re handed a twosided card. Turn it to green to keep the meat coming, turn it to red when you’re ready to explode.

A massive choice of Belgian food, including meatballs, mussels and waffles.

A boatload of fish awaits consumption at the P&C buffet.

Three fine restaurants stacked on top of each other with three different cuisines. It’s Oriental food from Wokcano, steaks from 180z and international from Resto.

Steaks, curries, roast meats and a live omelette cooking station.

Plenty of choice for everyone.

The InterCon is a bit out on a limb, but great bars such as Yacht Club and Belgian Café should keep you from wanting to head elsewhere.

The Belgian Café is so convincingly European in style it’s easy to forget you’re in the Middle East.

Pearls & Caviar’s waterfront location has great views of the Grand Mosque.

We’re still waiting for someone to put up signposts to the One To One Hotel, as its backstreet location makes it a nightmare to find.

Two great bars – Brauhaus and Trader Vic’s – are right next door.

While the hotel also has one of the best beach clubs in the city.

Ravenous carnivores.

A quiet pub lunch or a merry afternoon out.

Seafood fanatics.

A merry party that won’t leave you broke.

A clown and face-painter will ensure the little’uns won’t be bored.

Dhs165 with one cocktail is good value, but if you want to down drinks you could notch up a hefty tab.

Dhs165 will get you mountains of food and one beer. Not excessively expensive.

Dhs299 with champagne, Dhs199 with other drinks. On the upper end of the scale, but bubbly’s included in the bill.

Dhs200 with alcohol, Dhs140 without.

The Dhs174 includes one glass of beer or wine.

A superb brunch you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Perhaps best not invite your vegetarian friends.

Post-Ramadan, the Belgian Brunch will also be available on Saturdays. We reckon we can do both days.

Is it too hot to lounge on the alfresco upstairs terrace? We’re up for braving it.

One of the most popular brunches in town. With a friendly atmosphere and choice of three cuisines, it’s easy to see why.

Enjoy a quality brunch without having to fork out for a babysitter.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi 12.30pm to 3pm Tel: (02) 6666888 www.ichotelsgroup.com

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi 12.30pm to 4pm Tel: (02) 6666888 www.ichotelsgroup.com

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

One To One Hotel, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi noon to 3pm Tel: (02) 4952000 www.onetoonehotels.com

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi 12.30pm to 4pm Tel: (02) 6979000 www.rotana.com

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 99

HOT ON THE HEEneLPlSaza

THE HOT LIST BARS

Crow 11 Heroes, Abu Dhabi ays, Hemmingw 12 Jazz Bar/ u Dhabi Hilton Ab t Al Beri Souk Qarya 13 Sho Cho, ’s, Park Rotona 14 Cooper Méridien 15 NRG, Le

THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

PRICE

BEST FOR

LOCATION

ATMOSPHERE

Oceans

Left Bank

1 Left Bank –

2 Belgian Café –

3 Relax@12 –

4 Yacht Club „

5 Brauhaus „

Friendly and busy, like a good bar should be.

A near perfect recreation of a fin de siècle European bar.

Within a few months of opening, Relax@12 is one of the busiest bars in the capital.

It’s chilled early on, while later in the evening the party vibe kicks in as the DJ spins some house grooves.

As homely as a wooden chalet in the Black Forest.

With its raft of great bars and restaurants, the Souk Qaryat Al Beri is our number one entertainment spot in the capital

Some of the capital’s best bars and restaurants – Yacht Club and Chamas to name but two – are located at the InterCon.

Perched on top of Aloft, one of the hippest new hotels in the city.

There are few cooler locations in the capital than this marina-side bar.

The Beach Rotana hotel also has the superb Pregos, Rodeo Grill and Benihana restaurants, and the ace Trader Vic’s bar, all under one roof.

Mingling and meeting new people.

A few Belgian lagers after a meal.

A nightclub vibe, without the queues to get in and cover charge.

Dressing up to the nines and being seen.

A plate of German sausage and sauerkraut and a stein of lager.

Around average drinks prices for the capital, although some of the cocktails can send the bill creeping up.

It’s on the expensive side, but justifiably so.

Refreshingly affordable.

Your wallet will be considerably lighter after a night out at Yacht Club.

You’ll rack up a hefty bar tab if you order too many of the speciality beers.

The stylish interior makes a welcome draw and, come the end of the month, you might even be able to brave the large terrace.

Don’t leave without trying the Belgian waffles.

Relax@12 is rapidly becoming one of our favourite weekend haunts.

As sitting on an outside terrace becomes more bearable, the Yacht Club will rise up the Hot list again.

Brauhaus will be closed until the end of Ramadan, but once it’s open again make sure you pay it a visit.

Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi Sun to Wed 5pm to 2am, Thurs to Sat 5pm to 3am Tel: (02) 5581680 www.emiratesleisureretail.com

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi 5pm to 1am Tel: (02) 6666888 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Aloft Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street 5pm to 2am Tel: (02) 6545000 www.aloftabudhabi.com

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 3pm, 7pm to late, Fri 2pm to 6pm, 7pm to late Tel: (02) 6666888 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi 4pm to 2am Tel: (02) 6979000 www.rotana.com

100 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

THE HOT LIST BARS

Stills

6 Heroes ‰

7 Chameleon –

8 Stills –

9 Trader Vic’s „

10 PJ O’Reilly’s –

Heroes has old school charm in spades. The air’s thick with smoke, the queue at the bar is three deep and there’s the smell of beer in the air.

A petite bar with quiet alcoves that are perfect places to sip a few cocktails with friends.

With the huge bar and leather seating, there’s a smart city pub feel.

There’s a Polynesian island feel, with various island bric-a-brac lining the walls.

Packed with punters enjoying the craic.

With Spaccanapoli and Cho Gao, the Crowne Plaza can boast two first class dining spots.

The bar is a few paces from the quality Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, Frankie’s and Cedar Lounge restaurants.

Stills would be our favourite local pub, if it only it were a bit more, well, ‘local’.

The Beach Rotana’s one of the city’s oldest, but classiest hotels.

Le Royal Méridien’s home to the ever-popular Sax nightclub, should you fancy busting some moves on the dance floor.

Ideal for escaping the heat outside.

A few relaxed drinks in an elegant setting.

A couple of after-work pints.

If you like your cocktails large, ice cold and packed with fruit, head here.

An unpretentious night on the tiles.

Cheap as chips.

Beer and wine are moderately priced; cocktails and champagnes will sting your gold card.

The drinks are reasonably priced, but the food tends to be a bit pricey.

Too many big nights at Traders and that’s goodbye to your holiday savings.

The super-cheap prices will mean your dirhams will go a long way.

During the summer, Heroes deserves its place in the Hot List as it’s as anti-sunshine as you can get.

If unusual beverages are your bag, we recommend the signature candyfloss cocktail.

Stills serves one of the finest beef pies in the city. That’s no small thing in our book.

Try the Mai Thai. It’s the cocktail that made the Trader Vic’s brand world famous.

Some of our best nights out in Abu Dhabi have taken place in PJ’s.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi Sun to Wed noon to 1am, Thur to Sat noon to 3am Tel: (02) 6210000 www.rotana.com

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi 6pm to 3am Tel: (02) 6543333 www.fairmont.com

Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi noon to 2am Tel: (02) 6563000 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi 12.30pm to 3pm, 7pm to 11.30pm Tel: (02) 6979000 www.rotana.com

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi 7pm to 1am, noon to 1am Tel: (02) 6446666 www.lemeridien.com

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 101

THE HOT LIST RESTAURANTS THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE Hakkasan

MPW Steakhouse & Grill

2 Hakkasan „

3 MPW Steak- 4 Chamas – house & Grill ‰

5 Ushna –

Effortlessly sophisticated.

The restaurant is huge, but always packed with diners eager to see if Hakkasan lives up to its esteemed reputation.

Warm and cosy.

The open kitchen and the swarms of waiters dashing about carrying chunks of meat makes for a bustling vibe.

Modern, sophisticated, but definitely Indian.

The chandeliers and oil paintings are the epitome of understated elegance.

Small alcoves, divided up

by Oriental wooden panels create a maze-like feel to the huge restaurant.

The dim lighting and dark walls make the dining room feel like a snug, little barn.

A cavernous restaurant, decked out in a chic black leather theme.

The earth-brown theme and sleek furniture mean we give Ushna’s interior designers two thumbs up.

European cuisine served without the unnecessary foams and jellies.

The jasmine smoked beef is out of this world.

The finest steaks and British cuisine in the capital.

Prior to visiting Chamas, skip some meals to save room for the barrage of meat that will be sliced onto your plate.

The finest Northern Indian cuisine made with delicate combinations of spices.

The Between The Bridges area is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of superb restaurants.

A Michelin-starred restaurant in the world’s most expensive hotel. Yes, this is luxury living.

This shiny new hotel is one of our favourites in Abu Dhabi.

With Yacht Club close by, it’s the perfect spot for a postmeal tipple.

The Souk Qaryat Al Beri has plenty of shops and bars, so you won’t be stuck for activities after your meal.

Dhs800 for two, sans alcohol, is a good estimate of what you’ll pay.

Your bill’s going to hit the four-figure mark. Deal with it.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to at least Dhs800 for a threecourse meal for two, we advise eating elsewhere.

Dhs600 is more than worth it for all this meat.

When your bill arrives, expect it to be in the region of Dhs500 for two.

Our favourite French restaurant in the capital.

After getting over the stresses of a new opening, Hakkasan’s now hitting its stride. Expect the battle for the top spot to continue.

Along with the Italian Frankie’s, which sits next door, British super chef Marco Pierre White has created two of the city’s finest restaurants.

We love meat, hence we love Chamas.

The best curry house in Abu Dhabi.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi 7pm to 11.30pm Tel: (02) 5098888 www.shangri-la.com

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi 6pm to 2am Tel: (02) 6909000 www.hakkasan.com

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi 7pm to 1am Tel: (02) 6543333 www.fairmont.com

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi 6pm to 11.30pm Tel: (02) 6666888 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi 12.30pm to 6pm, 7pm to 11.30pm Tel: (02) 5581769 www.cplmg.com

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

PRICE

LOCATION

FOOD

INTERIOR

ATMOSPHERE

1 Bord Eau –

102 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

HOT ON THasEabi,HAlEDiaErLMS ina

THE HOT LIST RESTAURANTS

11 W , Abu Dhabi 12 Sardinia Country Club s Palace na, Emirate Al Bahr 13 Mezzalu irmont Bab Fa , e’s ki ental tin 14 Fran on rC ket, Inte 15 Fishmar bi Abu Dha

Etoiles

Ushna

6 Toki –

7 Nautilus –

8 Finz –

9 Etoiles „

10 Mombasa Grille „

Our favourite spot for sushi, and clearly most other people’s too, as it’s generally packed to the rafters.

A favourite spot for VIPs and jet-setters.

The wooden chalet is a charming and romantic dining spot.

Very relaxed at the start of the evening, with the pace more than picking up as the night moves on – this is a restaurant-cumnightclub after all.

Busy, without being rammed, meaning you should be able to find a table here.

A neon illuminated sushi station in the corner is the focal point in the darkly decorated, dimly lit dining room.

The glass walls mean there’s plenty of light during in the day in this ultra-modern restaurant.

With its shark skulls, fishing nets and lobster baskets lining the walls, Jacques Cousteau would feel right at home in Finz.

The tables overlook a dance floor, leaving you in no doubt of its alter ego.

Eclectic, to say the least, with African masks, spears and animal skins lining the walls.

An extensive menu, which contains some unusual regional Japanese dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the UAE.

The freshest fish, crabs, lobsters and shellfish cooked beautifully with a selection of pureed vegetables.

Up there with the best seafood creations in the capital.

European and British dishes, cooked with flair.

A huge array of fine dishes from around the world, from Indian curries to African grilled meats.

The Hilton’s slightly dated, but has a certain old school charm.

The space age Yas Hotel looks like NASA scientists have designed it.

Towards the end of the month, you might just be able to brave Finz’s beachside terrace.

At the far end of the Emirates Palace’s gigantic lobby, and with the sauvé air to match.

Pop into Left Bank, our number one bar in the capital, after your meal. It’s virtually next door.

Expect change from a Dhs500 note for a three-course meal for two.

Pushing close to the four-figure mark for a three-course meal for two.

Dhs700 is about average for a three-course meal without booze.

A meal for two should come in at around Dhs700.

Around Dhs600 will do for a meal for two.

We love the bento boxes, which are a great way to sample a variety of Japanese cuisines.

Yas Hotel’s undergoing a major refit at the moment, and a number of outlets are closed. Thankfully, Nautilus isn’t one of them.

Freshly caught seafood and top quality ingredients are what Finz is all about.

The steamed monkfish with lobster tail is a dish that will knock you sideways.

A rare case of an international restaurant that manages to master a variety of cuisines.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi noon to 3pm, 6.30pm to 11pm Tel: (02) 6814151 www.hilton.com

The Yas Hotel, Yas Island 6.30am to 10am, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm Tel: (02) 6560600 www.theyashotel.com

Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 7pm to 11.30pm Tel: (02) 6979000 www.rotana.com

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi 7pm to 11.30pm Tel: (02) 6909000 www.etoilesuae.com

Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi Sun to Thurs 3pm to 11pm, Fri 12.30pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm Tel: (02) 5581868 www.mobasagrille.ae

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 103

THE HOT LIST SPAS THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

PRICE

THE SPA

MENU

THERAPISTS

Anantara Spa

The Spa

1 Anantara Spa –

2 Chi Spa –

3 Zen Spa –

4 Anantara Spa –

5 The Spa –

The staff, who mostly hail from Thailand, are true geniuses in the art of pampering.

Professional and welcoming, they’re all guaranteed to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

They aim to please by asking whether the temperature of the room and the music being played is just to your liking.

They are as friendly and skilful a group of therapists as you’ll find anywhere in the UAE.

A multinational team of therapists, hailing from as far a field as Zimbabwe and Nepal.

Extremely luxurious.

Treatments such as Journey To The Island Of Java and Gateway To Arabia are as opulent as they sound.

From Filipino Hilot massages to caviar facials, it’s extensive to say the least.

Almost every month a new, innovative treatment is added.

All your usual massages, plus some unusual ones thrown in, such as exfoliating sand baths and water-based Vichy spas.

The separate menus for men and women are both packed with imaginative treatment options.

This palatial spa is so big it has its own wing of the Emirates Palace all to itself.

Imagine a small temple hidden in the Himalayas, and that’s what the Chi Spa’s rooms resemble.

The spa’s located in the basement of the Beach Rotana. But it’s so large and spacious you won’t feel like you’re underground.

The views from the windows of the undulating dunes of the Liwa Desert add to the relaxation quotient of your therapy.

They haven’t gone overboard with the décor. It’s sparse and functional.

You wouldn’t expect a seven-star hotel spa to be cheap, and it isn’t.

Most of the treatments come in around the Dhs1,000 mark.

Far from cheap, but worth the extra expense.

It’s a five-star hotel, but prices aren’t excessive. For example, the aromatherapy massage costs Dhs348 for an hour.

Expensive, but not unreasonably so.

We’d say it was mid-range.

We’re big fans of the diamond facial, which will knock years off your ageing skin.

The spa has one of the best Jacuzzis in the capital. It’s worth getting here early to leave a bit of soaking time.

Try the signature treatment – a combination of Thai massage, acupressure and aromatherapy. Your high stress levels and knotted muscles will be nothing but a distant memory.

The spa is another reason to visit the amazing desert retreat that is Qasr Al Sarab.

With the Yas Hotel’s spa due to open later this month, it remains to be seen whether The Spa can hold on to the crown as Yas Island’s best spa.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi 10am to 10pm Tel: (02) 6909000 www.emiratespalace.com

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi 10am to 10pm Tel: (02) 5098888 www.shangri-la.com

Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi 10am to 10pm Tel: (02) 6979000 www.rotana.com

Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi 10am to 10pm Tel: (02) 8862088 www.qasralsarab.anantara.com

Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 10am to 10pm Tel: (02) 6562000 www.radissonblu.com

104 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

THE HOT LIST SPAS

HOT ON EELS y Hotel THE H Diar Regenc

a, Al 11 Zenzu Sp ul Health Club & Spa, So 12 Body & ach Hotel Al Raha Be s, Spa & Fitnes 13 Oriental Al Bateen , et 32nd Stre a Mall Spa, Marin 14 Man/Age tness, Fi & lth ea H 15 Le Club habi Hotel Abu D Millennium

Zen Spa

6 Serenity Spa –

7 Hiltonia Health Club & Spa –

8 Eden Spa ‰

9 Sharinas Wellness Spa –

10 The Lounge –

They’re all very serious about making sure you get the right treatment for you.

The all-female staff won’t interrupt you with small talk.

You’re free to snooze through your therapy if you like.

They’re all knowledgeable, but therapist Fe has been there for 15 years and is a master in knot busting.

Well trained and well informed, the girls here know which treatment you need to make you feel better.

A crack team of hairdressers and masseurs. They’re all dedicated to making the men-folk look, and feel, better.

We are big fans of the Aroma Massage, which combines body exfoliation and a deep tissue massage.

A wide-ranging menu, including waxing, manicures and luxurious packages.

With a spa, hammam and hair salon, it’s extensive to say the least.

From waxing to blow-dries, Sharinas covers all the treatment bases to make ladies look better.

The whole spectrum of treatments – from haircuts to hammam baths.

Located on the mezzanine floor above a shop with separate rooms for facials, massages, Moroccan baths and hairstyling.

Small and intimate with an Oriental themed décor. No complaints here.

Slightly dated, but pleasant enough.

The huge relaxation pool is the centrepiece of the spa.

The huge villa in Khalifa A can be a bit tricky to find, but its far-flung location makes for a relaxed atmosphere.

A large villa that’s centrally located, but also has plenty of parking.

Treatments are generally cheaper than the hotel equivalent.

Dhs450 for the 90 minute Aroma Massage is cheap as chips.

Surprisingly affordable for a hotel spa.

The Spa Prestige Moisturising Facial will set you back Dhs660.

About mid-range for the capital.

You’ll pay less than you would for the equivalent treatment in a hotel spa.

Dhs240 for a full body massage is far from being pricey.

Undoubtedly the best femaleonly spa in the capital.

Hiltonia is also home to one of the best beach clubs in the city.

See you there at the weekend.

Make time to relax by the pool after your spa. You won’t regret it.

If a day of pampering with the girls is what you’re after, Sharinas is the place for you.

The best Moroccan bath in the capital. The invigorating body rub down will leave you feeling reborn.

Serenity Spa, above Paris Gallery, Zayed The First Street, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi 10am to 10pm Tel: (02) 6778880 www.uae-parisgallery.com

Hiltonia Beach Club, Corniche, Abu Dhabi 10am to 9pm Tel: (02) 6924324 www.hilton.com

Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi 9am to 11pm Tel: (02) 6446666 www.starwoodhotels.com

Corner of 35th and 62nd Street, Khalifa A, Abu Dhabi 9am to 9pm Tel: (02) 5562601 www.sharanisspa.com

Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi 11am to 10pm Tel: (02) 6677377 www.thelounge.ae

SEPTEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 105

Backchat with Catboy

This month, our favourite radio star battles his insecurities – not to mention his local lifeguard – in a tale of life, love and one man’s curly mullet There are certain things in life – halitosis for instance – that you can never be sure about unless you ask someone. There are those extremely lucky alpha-types who are actually good at everything so don’t have to worry. There are delusional fools who have the self-belief to go through life assuming that they'll pass everything with flying colours, and, finally, there is the category that I (and, I expect, most of the world) fall into. Our group are the incessant worriers; lying awake at night, gnawing our nails down to the quick; feigning happiness, but secretly feeling the crushing weight of insecurity. It seems every decade of our lives, from our teenage years

radio professional, because all he ever did was listen to the paranoid blathering of broadcasters. We are a very whiny breed, but then if you’ve heard the show, you know that already.

That pretty much brings me to the present. I have spent plenty of time analysing and rationalising my own insecurities and have been fairly forward in asking people for honest answers about my singing, dancing, good/bad breath, hairstyles and weight, and I finally thought I onwards, brings a new set of worries. For had discovered Zen. me, as a teenager in the 80s, it was pretty Then a new one surfaced. In an effort to typical questions. Was my curly mullet not die of a heart attack this year, I have attractive to girls? Was my Pringle sweater taken to swimming considerable distances and Farah slacks combo attractive to girls? every day. I plod along to the pool after the At our school discos, was the random flailing Dubai 92 Breakfast Show, whip off my shirt of my arms and legs whilst snarling like Elvis and get the belly underwater as quickly as after a stroke attractive to girls? possible, so as not to cause fainting women, Of course, come the 1990s, I was in crying children and uncontrollable mayhem. my 20s and had matured immeasurably.

The problem is, I taught myself to swim as However, insecurities remained. Was a kid and have had no proper training, ergo, being in a very amateurish rock’n’roll band my technique is not one formally recognised attractive to girls? Could I sing, or were by most sporting bodies. Half the battle is these people coming to my gigs as part explaining to the lifeguard that he must of a collective ironic joke? Would driving a stop dragging me out of the pool, as I am Citroen 2CV be seen as getting a 15-year not in the throes of epilepsy. jump on all hipsters, or could people see it You may giggle at the mental image of a was all I could afford? bright red, overweight, panting Brit being Roll on the noughties. The decade I wrestled poolside by a slight Indian lad, hellconquered the world of broadcasting (or bent on administering the kiss of life, but to be more correct, the decade I managed ask yourself this… Are you really sure your to blag a gig in radio and maintain an technique isn’t stupid? There you go. An adequate standard to ensure employment). insecurity shared is an insecurity halved.

Don’t get me started on the insecurities Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird that brought with it. My first boss once Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs 6am to told me he felt more like a therapist than a 10am, Dubai 92. www.dubai92.com

Don’t miss next month’s What’s On for – the best in evening brunches, plus a look at the UAE’s live music scene, aerial sports and much more 106 WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2010

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