What's On | December 2010

DHS 10 DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE 392

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For those with taste

With Ember’s chic seasonal menu, it’s easy to stay on trend. Located in the heart of Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall, Ember creates a stunning new culinary collection every season.

Dinner is served daily from 6.30pm to 11.30pm and lunch, on Friday and Saturday, from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. Closed on Sunday.

For reservations call +971 4 438 8999 or e-mail dine.dubaimall@theaddress.com

On trend, every season

Contents Features 15 What’s On Awards 2010 The winners, the gossip, the best dressed and more from the awards night of the year 29 Seventh heaven Find out what’s in store at this year’s Dubai International Film Festival 41 A month of music Guns N’ Roses, Bryan Adams and Creamfields compete for your ears this month 51 Festive season sorted We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up, plus the pick of what’s happening on NYE

p51

p15 DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 3

The round-up 12 Salaam December in Dubai sorted 38 Competitions It's a Christmas extravaganza this month. For more, see pages 72, 88, 96, 104, 128 and 160 70 Films Our verdict on the latest releases, including TRON: Legacy, Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours and Gulliver’s Travels 75 Eating out Brought to you by the letter M, we have reviews of Mezlai, Mistral and MezzaLuna, plus chatting with Giorgio Locatelli 91 Art Green Art Gallery’s new space, art news and five exhibitions to see this month

125 Music and clubs At the arcades with Tim Hassall & The August Company plus this month’s club diary 131 Travel A short trip to Cairo, travel deals and going on holiday with a falconer 143 Hot list Dubai’s top ten bars, spas, brunches and restaurants 162 Backchat Catboy on feeling festive before the rest of us

p81

99 Shopping A cracking Christmas gift guide and Sophia answers your sartorial head-scratchers 107 Mind and body A trip to the new ESPA spa, eyelash extensions, a roadtrip to Al Ain, his and hers at Armani/Spa and this month’s best beauty deals 117 Sport and outdoor Exercise expert Mr Fitness and top tips for latecomers to our running mission 4 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

p109

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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 Senior Editor Mark Evans | marke@motivate.ae Deputy Editor Helen Spearman | helen@motivate.ae Features Editor Gareth Rees | gareth@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, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Dominic Eliis, Hannah Fray, Vikram Gawde, James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Russell Kempson, Richard Luck, Farooq Salik, Simon Smedley, Sophia Triantafillou, Adam Workman General Manager Production and Circulation S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae Production Manager Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae Production Controller Murali Krishnan | muralik@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

Testing crackers, p51

Still running, p122

At the What’s On Awards, p15

Editor’s note I remember my best-ever Christmas gift. Stop! Police! was an electric car racing set, resplendent with a US style cop car, whose job it was to chase a juggernaut at breakneck speed around a figure eight racing track, over the Golden Gate Bridge (not to scale, unfortunately), and, well, back around the track again. It. Was. Ace. It might not sound much in these heady days of iPads and online trickery, but trust me, I had hours of fun with that thing until its sad demise, when my older brother swapped it for something or other that I probably didn’t want, but which he assured me was much, much better. (This is the lad, by the way, who once swapped an empty shoebox for a bike to the kid down the road, telling him it was ‘an Action Man deserter’. I kid you not.)

Today, when asked my Christmas wish list I responded with a Vivienne Westwood suit and a subscription to Monocle.

Times might change, but Christmas hasn’t – it’s still a great time of year, regardless of what’s on your wish list, and hopefully you get some time off to enjoy it. Should you be worried about what to do, where to go, what to eat or pretty much anything else Yuletide related, fear not, we’ve got you covered, with our Christmas made easy guide, p51 (check out our quick guide to the best Christmas markets, too, p13 – a personal fave). We’ve also taken the liberty of doing the same for New Year’s Eve, too, so your festive season’s all wrapped up, if you’ll excuse the pun.

Oh, and should you happen to see an electric police car-based game when you’re out doing your Christmas shopping, I’ll be more than happy to give it a home. Times haven’t changed that much.

Enjoy the issue.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 11

We're officially part of the Twitterati.

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

Salaam!

Stocking filler-sized December

Whale sharks A project has been launched to tag endangered whale sharks swimming in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The Shark Watch Arabia team, led by scientist David Robinson, is aiming to attach satellite tags to five whale sharks a year for the next five years in an attempt to monitor the fish’s movements.

Apparently the whale shark is the biggest fish in the ocean. You learn something new every day. www.sharkwatcharabia.com Gulf for Good Looking for a stocking-filler for the nippers? UAE-based charity Gulf For Good has released Incr-Edible, a food themed book for children featuring games, puzzles and recipes. It costs Dhs25 and all the money goes to support children’s charities in Haiti and Cuba.

Available in Early Learning Centre and other UAE retailers

What’s not

ISTOCK

Seasonal airfares Christmas is coming. You want to make it home in time for the big day. The only way to do it is on a plane. But your ticket costs twice the regular price so you can’t buy your gran a Christmas present. It’s not the customers they’re hurting, it’s their elderly relatives.

Carbon emissions British consultancy firm Maplecroft has named the UAE as the world’s most prolific carbon emitter, heading up a 183 countryranking table. The firm puts the UAE’s high carbon emissions down to the abundance of desalination plants. Whatever it is, we’re not happy.

12 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Guess list Really? What’s-his-chops? No, you don’t say?

90%

ATLANTIS FOOD FESTIVAL We were having lunch with a 'well-known Michelin-starred Italian chef' at Atlantis this month, and he let slip that a food festival was being planned for the start of 2011 involving all the hotel’s big name restaurants – Ronda Locatelli, Nobu, Ossiano and Rostang. He also said, "but keep that quiet."

Oops.

80%

EMINEM Every man and his hip hop-loving mutt has been telling us that the real Slim Shady is set to stand up on stage in Abu Dhabi some time very soon. We heard he was originally planned to appear on National Day, but someone wisely pointed he probably wasn’t the best man for that job… Nevertheless, he will appear in the capital soon, we’re assured.

GETTY/GALLO IMAGE

What’s hot

65%

HAKKASAN This one’s direct from the VIP end of the Grand Prix last month, where we met a very informed man in the Abu Dhabi food industry. Our man whispered that, following the success of the world beating Chinese Hakassan in the capital, Alan Yau is set to open a branch in Dubai. They’re also opening one in Mumbai, too, should you be over that way.

This month we’re going to…

FARMERS’ MARKET It’s terribly exciting that the UAE is embracing local, seasonal produce that has only travelled from farms in Al Ain or Abu Dhabi rather than clocking up the air miles like most supermarkets’ produce here. At the Souk Al Bahar Farmers’ Market you can buy a variety of veg (aubergines and courgettes are in season now), as well as organic eggs, poultry and meat. Wicker baskets at the ready, people. The revolution has begun.

Fri, Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, 10am to 5pm.

Tel: (04) 4252240. www.bakerandspiceme.com

Five Questions… Fred Fogherty Fred Fogherty has been an Illusionist, magician and selfproclaimed mentalist for 17 years, gracing the stages of Europe and Asia. This month he starts a new residency at the Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, where he’ll be wowing the crowd every Friday for the next four months

FESTIVE MARKETS Four Christmas markets for you to visit

MADINAT MARKET

Seasonal snacks, gifts and treats will be on offer at the Madinat’s annual Christmas market. Santa will be making an appearance from 6pm to 8.30pm daily, and there will be plenty of activities to keep the family entertained, such as a mini train and cookie bakery.

Dec 9 to 26, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 5pm to midnight, free. Tel: (04) 3666730

SWISS CHRISTMAS MARKET

Get a taste of Europe this Christmas at the Swiss market in the courtyard at Abu Dhabi’s Beach Rotana, where you’ll find regional delicacies and gifts, and hear traditional carols.

Dec 9 to 11, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 6979000

Why Dubai?

I’m currently touring in the Middle East and, luckily, Dubai is my first stop. And for good reason – everybody knows about Dubai.

I can guarantee one and a half hours of spectacular entertainment, including magic, illusion, mentalism, music and dance in firstclass luxurious surroundings.

How did you discover you were a mentalist?

Being a magician wasn’t enough, since magic was nothing new. So I studied psychology and NLP to learn more about human nature and myself. It’s reality; it doesn’t involve super natural power. As a mentalist, I can show you it is possible to go inside people's minds and extract information using my knowledge of psychology, logic and observation.

What’s the strangest reaction you've ever had?

I asked a member of the audience to assist me with a trick that involved cutting her in two and she was so scared that she fainted on the table. Pretending it was part of my show, I continued the act. She woke up to

an applauding audience.

Quick thinking. What’s the greatest feat you have ever managed?

With magic, it’s probably the levitation of a building of thousands of tonnes before a flabbergasted crowd. With mentalism, it's definitively playing Russian roulette.

Russian roulette?

Yeah, I can’t afford to make a mistake, because a .357 Magnum can blow a hole through a 50cm thick wall. It's a very intense experience. Sometimes, if I’m not feeling up to it, I stop the act. It's too dangerous otherwise. Only three mentalists have ever performed this feat, including me.

Dec 10 to March 31, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, daily 4pm and 8pm, afternoon show Dhs100 to 350, evening Dhs200 to Dhs 890. Tel: (04) 4484848. www. fredfogherty.com

KARMA KAFE Getting a table at Karma Kafe over-looking the fountains is near impossible, packed with a cool crowd tucking into tempura, black cod and wagyu. We will be heading along after work for a bento box and two drinks for Dhs99 (Sat to Thurs 6pm to 8pm) and staying later on Sundays, where there is 50 per cent off all drinks. Karma can be sweet.

Karma Kafe, Souk al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4230909. www.karma-kafe.com

WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP The FINA World Swimming Championship is sure to make a splash at Dubai Sports Complex this month, as 1,000 swimmers take part in the 25 metre event. So if you like to watch people splashing about in Speedos, purchase your tickets now.

Dec 15 to 19, Dubai Sports Complex, Dubailand, Dubai, 10am to 1pm and 7pm to 10pm, heats Dhs10, finals Dhs30, Dhs150. www.dubaiswimming2010.ae

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS MARKET

If you still haven’t done your seasonal shopping, then head to the gardens at the Al Ain Rotana, which will be home to stalls bursting with festive goodies for sale. Santa will be making an appearance and carol singers will provide the soundtrack.

Dec 16 to 17, Al Ain Rotana, Al Ain, from 5pm, free. Tel: (03) 7545111

ARTE WINTER MARKETS

ARTE (Artisans of the Emirates) hold monthly markets, with December's crafty offering dedicated to Christmas. Over 120 exhibitors will bring their creative wares to Times Square for one weekend, with everything from photography to gourmet food and fashion on offer. A great chance to get a one-off gift.

Dec 10 to 11, Times Square Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. www.arte.ae

Find us at www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 13

The Ultimate Al Muntaha which means ‘The Ultimate’ or ‘The Top’ in Arabic lives up to its name by offering unparalleled views of Jumeirah beach, The Palm and The World Islands while you enjoy ‘The Ultimate’ in contemporary European cuisine.

Lunch Business Lunch

12.30pm - 2.30pm 12.30pm - 2.30pm

à la carte starting from AED 150 per person starting from AED 395 per person

Friday Brunch* 10.00am - 3.00pm starting from AED 395 per person * Visit Al Muntaha for Friday Brunch at AED 525 per person between 10am – 12pm and receive a complimentary Wild Wadi voucher each valid for 6 months.

Dinner Dinner Degustation Menu

7.00pm - 12.00am 7.00pm - 12.00am

For reservations please contact: Telephone: +971 4 3017600 Email: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com

jumeirah.com

à la carte starting from AED 230 per person 8-course menu starting from AED 745 per person

Ladies and gentlemen, we present the What’s On Awards 2010. The winners, the dinners, the dresses and stresses.

Secret whispers, words of thanks and where you, the readers, have been dining this year

Because it’s a people’s choice award, it’s more important than other awards that have panels. It tells you a lot.

Scott Price

Chef Of The Year Temperamental celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay trusted 29-year-old Scott’s talent so much he installed him at the helm of Verre.

In a short space of time he has revitalised the menu and overseen the installation of a fabulous chef’s table at the restaurant. As we pointed out back in October, "Price is an exceedingly talented young chap". And that’s why we named him our chef of the year. Well done, sir.

– Rainer Becker, founder of Zuma

Zuma chefs

Ian Fairservice and the Zuma team

Zuma

Restaurant Of The Year and Favourite Japanese The big winner from last year with four awards, Zuma remains Dubai’s favourite Japanese as well as scooping the much-coveted big prize, Restaurant of the Year 2010. "It’s absolutely amazing," Zuma founder Rainer Becker told us over lunch shortly after Zuma’s win. "Because it’s a people’s choice award, it’s more important than other awards that have panels. It tells you a lot."

Eyaad Al-Kourdi, vice president and country manager MasterCard Middle East and Scott Price Thanks for a great evening.

The team is well happy – text from Scott Price the day after the awards

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 15

US Consul General to Dubai HE Justin Siberell and Shona McSweeney

Chef Norberto Palacios

Al Qasr pre brunch

Al Qasr

Asado

Favourite Brunch

Favourite Americas A regular on our monthly Hot List, Asado is one of our favourite restaurants in Dubai, thanks to its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

You clearly agree, with the Argentinean restaurant famed for its whole roasted baby goat scooping the Favourite Americas award.

Shona McSweeney

A continued star at the top of our Hot List, Al Qasr never fails to impress. Clearly the Dubai-voting public agree, with the chic brunch spot grabbing the star prize in a hotly contested category. Well done to all concerned.

Peter Skudutis The Barasti boys enjoying their award

Barasti

Favourite Bar

Peter at Barasti

16 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Once again Barasti walked away as the people’s favourite bar, and it’s not surprising, given that it’s a venerable institution here in Dubai. A

constant reminder to every visitor as to why they moved to Dubai in the first place, it’s a sun, sand and a solid plate of fish and chips haven.

Ashley Saxton and Andreas Schnidrig

WHAT’S ON AWARDS 2010

Boulevard Café Favourite café

We suspected Boulevard Café was onto a winner when we spotted a queue there, early one Friday morning. With a prime slice of Old Town pavement to call home, this Parisian-style café produces breakfasts, French favourites and divine desserts from dawn to midnight. It was also the winner of What’s On’s best sandwich taste test, and it seems the eating (and voting) public have come over all Francophile.

Boulevard's Ryan De Villiers receives the award from Eyaad Al-Kourdi, vice president and country manager MasterCard Middle East

Ryan De Villiers and CD Kotze

Thai Kitchen

I’m so happy for Rivington Grill.

Congratulations for the organisation of the event, it was amazing

Favourite Far Eastern Another What’s On favourite this. Park Hyatt Dubai can do no wrong in our eyes. Its relaxed bargain brunch is firmly ensconced in the top five of our Hot List, but we’re also regulars for dinner. We love the small sharing plates and are particularly partial to the roasted duck curry. And it seems you all agree, too. Good work, Dubai.

– e-mail from Emmanuel Sabater, operations manager, Caprice Holdings

Chefs Paul and Liz on the terrace

Action at Thai Kitchen

Rivington Grill Favourite European

Reef Fakhoury and Adrian Slater

Ah, Rivington Grill, the Riv, RG, our second home. The number of times we’ve sat upon its terrace enjoying the superb Saturday roast beef with Yorkshire pudding or lingered over an extremely long lunch revelling in what the kitchen

has created from some of the freshest produce in the city.

Head pastry chef Liz Stevenson was as pleased as we were that the team’s hard work had paid off, and spend the night with a huge grin on her face. Well done Liz and co.

Dee Kyriacoudes, Paul Bussey and Liz Stevenson

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 17

WHAT’S ON AWARDS 2010

Chef John at the helm Cooking up a storm at Teatro

Indego by Vineet Favourite Indian/Pakistani

John Sinjobi and Anthony Fernandes

We’ve had the honour of meeting the charming Vineet Bhatia on a number of occasions and he’s one of the nicest fellows ever to don an apron. He’s also one of the

most influential Indian chefs the world has ever known, with his distinctive dishes changing people’s perception of what Indian cuisine can really be.

Teatro

Favourite International International cuisine. What on earth does it mean? Most restaurants fail to find a suitable answer to that question and end up with, well, a bit of a mess. Not Teatro.

Incorporating dishes from India, Italy, Japan and Thailand it has a loyal following, so no surprise that they took home the Favourite International award. We’ll be back for a plate of the fabulous lobster pasta soon.

Sonia Casonato

The men behind the magic at Armani Ristorante

Armani Ristorante Favourite Italian

Leo Holli, Alan Snyman and Mark McCarthy

A stunning restaurant in Dubai’s first designer hotel, Armani Ristorante is a worthy winner for its blend of familiar Italian favourites and innovative dishes.

"Salutations, Signore Armani.

Armani Ristorante is our new favourite Italian," announced What’s On in June, and the public clearly agrees with us.

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 19

WHAT’S ON AWARDS 2010

A big thank you for a superb event last night. The Zuma team Dubai and internationally are all very pleased by the honour bestowed upon us by the What’s On Awards.

The two awards will be displayed with pride

Shabestan

Favourite Middle Eastern Given the (understandably) stiff competition in this category, Shabestan’s awardwinning streak is especially impressive, and to take the prize again was always going to be tough. However, its loyal following, which flock en masse for the fresh bread and sizzling grills, will have been in no doubt that they were more than up to the task. Shabestan, we salute you.

– Ajaz Sheikh, director of operations, Zuma

The whole Zuma gang

Zuma (Independent) Favourite Japanese

Estelle, Ajaz and Shab

Zuma has a habit of winning multiple awards. Voted Restaurant Of The Year by us, the What’s On team, our favourite Japanese restaurant also appears to be yours. For the second year in a row, Zuma is the people’s Favourite Japanese.

The LPM team was utterly thrilled at the win and went back to the restaurant to take the trophy on a lap of honour.

I thought I was watching the FA Cup Final or something The LPM hommes at work

– e-mail from an insider at La Petite Maison

La Petite Maison Best Newcomer

Opened a mere two months, gorgeous bistro LPM quickly won the hearts and taste buds of Dubai’s foodie scenesters, claiming the number one spot in our very own Hot List. Operations director Paul Weldon 20 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Browne put his dinner jacket on “just in case” when the nominations were announced, before gathering his thrilled team and taking to the stage.

Nice jacket, Paul, and well done, guys.

Cedric, Izi and Paul of LPM

Ali Fatehnezhad, Janet Fittzner and Uwe Michael

The Fish Market is Dubai’s favourite “market style” fresh seafood restaurant which offers unrivalled views of the Creek as well as the freshest seafood available. Choose from a wide selection of freshly caught fish and an array of seafood delicacies, then relax whilst our team of South East Asian Chefs prepare it exactly as you like it.

Fish Market, Seafood restaurant, is open daily for Lunch from 12:30 pm - 3:15 pm, Dinner 7:30 pm - 11:15 pm

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Baniyas Road, P.O. Box 476, Dubai UAE For Bookings, please call 04-205 7333 Infocenter.Dxbza@radissonblu.com radissonblu.com/hotel-dubaideiracreek

WHAT’S ON AWARDS 2010

Hisham Mchater and Lady Elizabeth Anson

The team at BBC The chefs responsible for Beach Bar & Grill's success

Beach Bar & Grill Favourite Seafood

Belgian Beer Café Favourite Pub Grub

We do like to be beside the seaside, and so do the dedicated diners at the Beach Bar and Grill, who voted it their favourite seafood restaurant.

Serving up fresh fish and succulent seafood on the torch-lit terrace, dining here is more of an experience than a mere meal.

Hisham Mchater

Is this really the first time our beloved BBC had walked away with a What’s On Award?

You people, you can be tough sometimes.

Fortunately, you came to your senses this year and rewarded the pub where we go to eat our grub. Cheers, BBC. Long may you reign.

Paul De Visser, Soumiya Bounyar and Michael Szczepanski

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Favourite Steakhouse

Steven Greenwood, Kieron Hunt, Tom Lord and Christian Knerr

No compromises are made on quality at Ruth’s Chris, a fact deeply appreciated by Dubai’s carnivores who voted in their droves for this SZR spot. The

addition of a new ladies’ night no doubt boosted the steakhouse’s appeal this year, with Monday nights packed at both the bar and in the cosy booths.

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 23

Season open.

Game on.

For reservations, please call 04 405 2703.

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

Only at Shangri-La

WHAT’S ON AWARDS 2010

Chi @ The Lodge

THE BAND

Favourite Nightclub

The Maple Jacks rocked the ninth What’s On Awards

A previous winner and stalwart of Dubai’s clubbing scene, if you’re looking for the party, then it’s probably at Chi. From fancy dress to Zane Lowe, this year has seen some crazy nights at this indoor/outdoor venue, with live acts and weekly DJ residenents keeping the clubbing masses dancing.

Sir Maurice Flanagan and Thomas Overson

Rugby 7s Favourite Sports Event More of an institution than an event, the rugby sevens is a weekend-long party. Crazy costumes, die-hard fans and an exuberant party crowd, for a few days in December This Sporting Life takes over Dubai. With capacity crowds at the new stadium last year, it’s no surprise that the gong went to this people-pleaser.

THE FOOD

The Chi chaps with Motivate Group Senior Editor Gina Johnson

Rod Stewart

Jebel Ali International Hotel put on their usual impressive spread

Favourite Event

Rod the Mod was at his legendary best at this year’s sell out show at The Sevens stadium. Packed with old and new fans alike, Dubai was buzzing for days after, with concertgoers and Dubai 92 listeners voting the rock'n'roll legend number one.

Rania Hamadeh and Anthony Younes

Jazz Festival Favourite Festival

A true highlight of Dubai’s musical calendar, this festival attracts jazz fans from the Middle East and beyond with its eclectic line-up of humble heroes and big names. This year saw David Gray and James Morrison grace the main stage, which obviously impressed you lot, as you thrust the award their way.

Jonathan Gosselin and Christine Santagelo

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 25

WHAT’S ON AWARDS 2010

Party people A few highlights from a spectacular night

TWITTER WHISPERS ON THE BIG NIGHT @WhatsOnDubai awards tonight!

Cracking out the heels again : ) – princess2802 Just arrived at the @WhatsOnDubai awards. The set up is amazing and the weather is perfect – thatdubaiguy

Regina Hackett

Is @TomCruise at the @WhatsOnDubai awards tonight...?

– rockingtheshow

Sune Pieterse

FACEBOOK CHAT THE MORNING AFTER

What's On with Rivington Grill

Chi @ The Lodge best nightclub in Dubai 2010 What’s On Awards! Thank u everyone for voting much luv and thanks – Sinbad Palanki

Tyra Nawaz

It was sooo much fun – Daleen Nel Kyriacoudes Thank you for having us : ) I really enjoyed the Mexican food, oysters and drinks – Jibran Qazi

Tom and Dan from Dubai 92

(Left) Tanya Abboud (Right) Carina Abboud

26 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

(Left) Masaharu Kondo (Right) Estelle Michel

So thrilled for LPM – a real honour!

Thanks so much for your support – Eileen Wallis

Ilana Vd Merwe

Sir Maurice Flanagan

Kate Bole

www.bertolucci-watches.com

ABU DHABI Tel: 02 6745000 AL AIN Tel: 03 7541150 DUBAI: Radisson SAS Tel: 04 2229687 Dubai Mall Tel: 04 3399330, Mall of the Emirates Tel: 04 3412424

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Seventh heaven The Dubai International Film Festival returns with a raft of great movies, all manner of stars and a rare opportunity to find out what life’s like behind the camera Entering its seventh year, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) continues to mature at a rapid rate. Just look at the films due to open and close this year’s cinematic celebration – The King’s Speech, which is already being tipped for Oscar success, and the long-awaited 3D extravaganza TRON: Legacy.

And the excitement doesn’t end there. For DIFF 2010 will also showcase 127 Hours, Danny Boyle’s harrowing follow-up to the his world-conquering Slumdog Millionaire, and The Way Back, the continent-spanning adventure film that sees Academy Awardnominated director Peter Weir head back behind the camera for the first time since Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World.

Like all good festivals, DIFF isn’t simply interested in Hollywood. From a season of must-see Mexican movies to an international selection of children’s films, the festival embraces cinema in all its forms. And if that wasn’t enough, this year movie buffs will also have the chance to learn directly from film titans like the aforementioned Mr Weir.

The Dubai International Film Festival – it’s what December was invented for.

ISTOCK

Dec 12 to 19, Dubai International Film Festival, Madinat Arena, The Walk, JBR, Mall of the Emirates and First Group Theatre, Dubai, from Dhs25. Tel: (04) 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 29

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

A Tiro De Piedra

Endamorada

Chicogrande

The Dead Sea

Down Mexico way This year, DIFF’s ‘In Focus’ strand casts special attention on the Latin American movie hotbed All manner of things come to mind when you think of Mexico – Aztecs, earthquakes, Acapulco... and, of course, awesome motion pictures. During the last decade alone, the home of luche libre and jai-lai has given us such masterpieces as Amores Perros, The Crime Of Father Amaro and Y Tu Mama Tambien.

If you think Mexico has only recently become a movie hotbed, you’re wrong – dead wrong. For proof of this, look no further than one of the highlights of the DIFF’s 2010 ‘In Focus’ season, Enamorada (Dec 15). A story of guerrilla warfare and illicit love, Enamorada was filmed in 1947 by the notorious Emilio Fernandez. A veteran of the Mexican Civil War, ‘Indio’, as he was 30 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

known, is perhaps most familiar to Western audiences for his portrayal of Apache, the villainous ‘generalissimo’ in Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch. While he made a good living playing heavies in Hollywood, Fernandez was first and foremost a filmmaker. And while no sane person would question his manliness – he arrived on The Wild Bunch set with 50 teenage concubines in tow – Fernandez’s films are anything but hymns to machismo. Indeed, in Enamorada, the women are every bit as ballsy as the men.

Photographed by the late, great Gabriel Figueroa, Enamorada looks for all the world like an animated series of Ansel Adams photographs. Featuring many of the era’s top Mexican stars, this is a great place to start exploring the nation’s cinematic history in general and Fernandez’s impressive filmography in particular.

If Enamorada doesn’t satisfy your appetite for western adventure Mexican-style, Felipe Cazalas’ Chicogrande (Dec 13) provides a fascinating counterpoint to Fernandez’s picture. Made this year but set in 1916, the film was commissioned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Mexican revolution.

Centring upon the US Cavalry’s attempts to

capture Pancho Villa following a raid on a New Mexico outpost, you’re unlikely to see a better horse opera all year.

Not that the season is solely concerned with the Mexico of Zapata and Zorro. In Presunto Culpable (Dec 13 and 14), documentary filmmaker Roberto Hernández examines the case of wrongly convicted criminal Tono Zuniga.

Sent down in 2005 for a murder he couldn’t possibly have committed, Zuniga’s trial is re-examined by a brace of young attorneys whose findings make Hernández’s film every bit as important as Errol Morris’ Academy Award-winning The Thin Blue Line.

It’s not just Mexico’s legal system that’s broke, however. Sebastián Hiriart’s A Tiro De Piedra uses the experiences of a young sheepherder to highlight the poverty facing his countrymen and the illusion of freedom that’s offered by the United States. Meanwhile, in Ortiz Cruz’s The Dead Sea (Dec 10 and 11), a blackout sparks off a crime wave that only comes to an end when the power is restored and the wrongdoers realise that they must put right their wrongs.

Various locations, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

THE ESSENTIAL ED HARRIS The film star’s must-see movies

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THE RIGHT STUFF He’s played countless memorable villains (see The Rock, The Truman Show and A History Of Violence) but Harris was never better than as John Glenn, the all-American hero who became the first astronaut to orbit the globe.

Ed Harris The Way Back star on working with Peter Weir and Colin Farrell

The Way Back is based on an incredible tale.

Were you aware of the story before you read the script?

I had heard something about it – which was just as well because if I’d only had the script to go on, I might have assumed a tale as remarkable as this could only have been dreamt up by a screenwriter. To think these people trekked from Siberia to India all but defies belief.

What would you say to those who claim The Way Back is just a film about people walking?

That’s a bit like saying the Mona Lisa is just a nice picture of a lady. And besides, those Lord Of The Rings movies were largely about two little guys walking, and audiences responded to them pretty positively.

This is the second time you’ve worked with Peter Weir.

Yes, although fortunately on this occasion, I had a bit more time to prepare. With The Truman Show, I signed on after the picture had already started shooting. Originally, Peter wanted Dennis Hopper to play the part of Christof, the TV producer, but that didn’t work out, so I got a call asking if I could come

down to the set ASAP. It turned out to be a terrific experience but, usually, I prefer it when I’m not flying by the seat of my pants.

Is your The Way Back co-star Colin Farrell the real deal?

Absolutely and utterly. I’ve been in the business a long time and I’ve seen a number of people seemingly reach the top of the tree in no time at all. The truth is, in most cases, the person in question has been working for ages. And that was the case with Colin – he wasn’t an overnight sensation. He’d been acting since he was a teenager. Anyone who thinks his success isn’t deserved clearly hasn’t watched his work. You can’t hold your own opposite Al Pacino [The Recruit] or Val Kilmer [Alexander] or Brendan Gleeson [In Bruges] unless you’re really good actor.

And which fine actors can we expect to see you starring opposite in the near future?

Well, I’ve just finished a movie called That’s What I Am with my wife [fellow actor Amy Madigan] and the WWE wrestler Randy Orton. And I’m just about to make a movie called Man On A Ledge which seems to feature every actor in Hollywood. Elizabeth Banks, Ed Burns, Kyra Sedgwick, Sam Worthington, Jamie Bell – quite a crowd, isn’t it?

Dec 15, Madinat Arena, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs80.

Tel: (04) 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com

WALKER Our man gives an Academy Awardworthy performance in Alex 'Repo Man' Cox’s demented period movie about William Walker, the 19th century American renaissance man who, not content with conquering Nicaragua, decided to make himself president.

APOLLO 13 Harris takes another stab at all things NASA, here essaying Gene Kranz, the veteran flight controller entrusted with rescuing Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) and his fellow Apollo astronauts from the far reaches of outer space.

POLLOCK Long obsessed with explosive action painter Jackson Pollock, Harris rightly received an Oscar nomination for his to-the-edge performance in this, a film made all the more remarkable by the fact he also directed it.

NIXON As E Howard Hunt, the CIA spook who masterminded the Watergate break-in, Harris provides both a masterclass in understated villainy and one of the high points of Oliver Stone’s dark study of America‘s most flawed president.

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 31

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

THE BEST OF THE REST

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The pictures you’d be an idiot to ignore

Colin Firth The most English of actors on his new period drama and his love of Bob Dylan

In The King’s Speech you play the painfully shy George VI. Was it hard to affect a stammer?

It was tough in as much as we never knew quite how bad George’s stammer was before it was suggested he seek treatment. The scenes in which he literally seizes up, we have no knowing if things were ever actually that bad. But playing an impediment is a bit like affecting an accent – it’s the sort of reason people become actors in the first place. If you can’t do it, you should probably find another line of work.

George never completely lost his stammer, did he?

No, and from what I’ve read, it seems that, even though things improved, he found the condition utterly debilitating. You can only wonder how things would have been had the future Queen Mother not introduced

him to [eccentric Australian speech therapist] Lionel Logue.

Is it true the Royal Family weren’t too keen on this story being told?

I don’t know whether they had a problem with us tackling it, but I understand that someone wanted to write about the King’s stammer back in the 1970s and they got in touch with the Queen Mother and she wrote back and said the events were so painful, she didn’t want the story told during her lifetime. That that was how she felt so long after these events took place give you some idea of how much this affair took out of the Windsors.

You’re a widely admired actor. Is there a particular performer you have a fondness for?

Bob Dylan. I am in complete awe of the man. I’m fortunate in that I’ve seen him perform any number of times and each concert is a special, life-enhancing occasion.

Dec 12, Madinat Arena and The Walk, JBR, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs25.

Still haven’t seen anything you like?

Then check out the family-friendly Cinema For Children segment, which includes entertainment from as far afield as Poland (The Magic Tree, Dec 19), Japan (Oblivion Island: Haruka, Dec 16) and France (Eleanor’s Secret, Dec 18), and also showcases a live-action 3D adaptation of The Nutcracker (Dec17) featuring Nathan Lane, John Turturro, Frances De La Tour and Richard E Grant together with eight original songs from Sir Tim Rice (The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar). And then there’s hit French comedy Copacabana (Dec 18) starring the mother-daughter team of Isabelle Huppert and Lolita Chammah, acclaimed German drama Suicide Club (Dec 17 and 18), new Romanian masterpiece If I Want To Whistle, I’ll Whistle (Dec 13 and 15) and Tamra Davis’ awesome art documentary JeanMichel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (Dec 13 and 14). All this, plus Corridor (Dec 18 and 19), an edge-of-your-seat Swedish psycho-thriller, and Biutiful (Dec 18) the new film from Alejandro González Iñárritu (21 Grams, Babel) which stars the mighty Javier Bardem (No Country From Old Men, Before Night Falls) as a street criminal coming to terms with mortality. In short, if there’s nothing here that takes you fancy, you can’t be that big a fan of film.

Various locations, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com

Oblivion Is land: Haru ka

ecret Eleanor’s S DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 33

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

DIFF’s Lifetime Achievement Award-winner You appear to dislike Los Angeles. Is it tough to work there?

My problem with LA is that each street corner is a reminder of something stupid I did in the past. That’s the reason I’ve spent much of my life living outside of the town – who wants to be reminded of all the dumb things they’ve done?

Sweet & Lowdown is showing at DIFF. While you don’t actually perform in the film, is it true that you learned the guitar so you’d look authentic?

Yes. It was a nightmare, actually. Time was pretty tight so I had to learn it really quickly - and while I picked things up pretty quickly when I was younger, it’s very hard for me to do nowadays.

Orson Welles used his acting pay cheques to finance his films. Have you ever gone down that route?

Sure. I made Carlito’s Way because I needed a huge chunk of change to get The Crossing Guard into production. That’s not the only reason I made that movie - working with Al Pacino is its own reward – but getting my movie made certainly influenced my decision.

Speaking of Carlito’s Way, was that a wig?

That was my own hair. I had it styled especially to make me look like a balding fortysomething.

You’re a favourite with the impressionists.

Who does the best Sean Penn?

I think I’m pretty good at it. And [Jerry Maguire actor] Jay Mohr’s very good, too – he hasn’t got the voice quite right, but he’s got my walk down.

You have a cameo in Being John Malkovich.

What kind of film would Being Sean Penn be?

It would be a horror movie. And there would be nudity.

Dec 17, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 3.45pm, Dhs25. Tel: (04) 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com 34 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

The Aussie legend on a lifetime of learning Seven years have passed between Master And Commander and The Way Back. I take if you haven’t been twiddling your thumbs?

Believe it or not, I’ve been very busy. What people forget is, it takes a very long time to make movies. One film can take up four or five years of your life. Back in 2006, I came very close to making a film with Johnny Depp called Shantaram. It was a thriller about a heroin addict who escapes from a maximum security prison and goes on the run. The problem was, me and the studio saw the film in a very different light.

They wanted one thing, I wanted another, and since we couldn’t agree, I moved on. I remember Oliver Stone once saying that he wanted to make a film about the quiz show scandals of the 1950s, and he was all good to go when he decided it wasn’t a story he wanted to tell. Of course, Robert Redford ending up telling that story, but I can identify with what Oliver was saying. You only get to make so many films in a lifetime.

Why tell a story that isn’t worth telling?

You’ve a very eclectic CV – from barkingmad comedies like The Cars That Ate Paris and the dark fairytale of Picnic At Hanging Rock to intelligent rom-coms like Green Card and Hollywood epics such as Master And Commander. Is there any pattern to the films you’ve made?

I think there is, yes. Not that I’ve set out to make these films with a plan in mind.

There’s an old saying in filmmaking that a director makes the same movie over and over again. I don’t think that’s quite true. What I can say is that, when you look back at your films, distinct patterns emerge. Certain themes, certain

journeys – it’s subconscious stuff but there’s no disputing those patterns are there.

Do you think any of your films are underrated?

I don’t know if it’s underrated, but I’m always happy to hear good things about The Last Wave [Weir’s 1977 crime drama about a lawyer, Richard Chamberlain, defending a band of Aborigines on a murder charge].

The Aboriginal issue has haunted white Australians for decades – I see our new Prime Minister [Julia Gillard] is very keen to address is, which is encouraging. But with The Last Wave what I wanted to say was that, everything I’d learned about Aborigines up to that point, at school and college, was complete rubbish.

What drew you to The Way Back?

It’s hard to say what draws you to any movie. I think ultimately I was drawn to the idea of endurance and the idea of walking – ostensibly it’s just a long walk and something like that is strange to film.

What inspires you?

All sorts of things. It might surprise you but I’m actually a pretty big Monty Python fan. The first time I saw their TV show back in the 1970s, I was a budding comedy writer. Seeing things like The Lumberjack Song had the most incredible impact upon me. Not that you’d necessarily know that from my films.

What advice would you give to film students?

Make mistakes – it’s a great way to learn.

Dec 15, Madinat Arena, 8pm, Dhs80. Tel: (04) 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com

WIN! DIFF TICKETS There are so many films showing at DIFF that you couldn’t possible see them all, but if you have as many must-sees on your list as we do it’s going to cost you a fair few dirhams to satisfy your hunger for celluloid. Unless of course you enter this competition to win tickets. For your chance to enjoy one of the fabulous films showing at the Dubai International Film Festival, visit www.winwithmotivate.com and tell us...

Sean Penn starred in which of these critically acclaimed films? a) Mystic River b) Mystic Pizza c) Magical Mystery Tour

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Sean Penn

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DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Film School DUCTAC

Dubai’s creativity hub has courses for children, teens and adults in diverse subjects from pottery to zumba dance, but is best known for its theatre and performance programmes

FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE

This writing and performance workshop focuses on how text and acting interact with each other, with seminars looking at poetry and the spoken word, improvisation exercises, character development, transforming personal stories to TV scripts and scriptwriting for theatre.

DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Mon, 7.30pm to 9pm, Dhs1350. Tel: (050) 9273621. www.ductac.org

ACTING FOR CAMERA

Over 13 and harbouring secret desires to grace the silver or small screen? Take the first step with these classes, which aim to reveal the secrets and techniques involved in acting in front of a camera. Aspects include the art of the close-up, auditioning, presenting on TV and screen versus stage. The twelve week course runs in line with school terms and the next session starts in January.

DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Tue 4.30pm to 5.30pm, Dhs1,350.

Tel: (050) 4541713. www.ductac.org

36 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

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Inspired by DIFF? From acting to editing, the UAE is geared up to get you involved

TWOFOUR54

Abu Dhabi’s leading training academy for media types has a huge range of both scheduled courses and specially tailored programmes, with emphasis on the technical side to get budding filmmakers into the industry

INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC EXPRESS 9 AND LOGIC PRO 9

If you dream of being the next Hans Zimmer, this is the one for you. With the Apple Logic certification course, students learn how to produce and compose electronic music.

Dec 12, three-day course Dhs3,800

APPLE FINAL CUT PRO

The Apple Final Cut Pro certification training teaches students how to edit professionalquality video, with hands-on and interactive instruction to explore the application’s functionality.

Jan 29, three-day introduction course, Dhs3,800

MOTION GRAPHICS

The Motion Graphics Short Course introduces students to the process of combining multiple media types such as video, animation, text and sound to create compelling, dynamic Motion Graphics.

Mar13, six-week part-time course, Sun and Wed, Dhs6,000. www.twofour54.com/en

SAE INSTITUTE

One of the best-respected institutes in the region, the SAE (School for Audio Engineering) provides courses from bootcamps to full degrees as part of a worldwide network of campuses

CINEMA BOOTCAMP

This two-day bootcamp is perfect for firsttimers, helping students learn the basic in order to create their own short films. Students will learn some cinema theory then dive into exploring the latest HDDSL cameras.

The second day will cover the language of cinematography, lights, crew, pre-production, the shoot, editing and post-production work.

Dec 3 to 4, SAE Institute, Knowledge Village, Dubai, Dhs2,100. Tel: (04) 3616173. www.dubai.sae.edu

NEW YORK FILM INSTITUTE

Part of the Abu Dhabi Film School, this training body offers a massive choice of programmes, from a one-week intensive course on creating music videos to a two-year film-making course.

Our pick is the four-week full-time film-making school, where each student will learn how to write, shoot, direct and edit three of their own films and acts as a crew member on nine other sets. It takes commitment, but for a month out of your usual schedule, this will open your eyes to the film industry. Without the dreaded casting couch.

Jan, Murour Road, E22 Next to Abu Dhabi TV, Abu Dhabi, Dhs11,100. Tel: (02) 4466442. www.abudhabifilmschool.com

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MALL TIMINGS: Saturday to Wednesday: 10am – 10pm. Thursday and Friday: 10am – 12midnight.

For more details contact Guest Services on 04 436 1020.

Between 9 and 24 December, visit our Goodies & Gourmet area in the Atrium, which includes a gingerbread replica of the mall and its neighbour, The Address Hotel! There are also carousel rides, a Christmas Tree made of water, fire jugglers and a host of other entertainment activities on the waterfront promenade, including surprise visits from Santa. The extravaganza continues at Dubai Marina Mall. It’s the place to hang out for fashion, fun, food and festivities.

HANG OUT FOR THE FUN OF IT

to a holiday mood …" "… Get in

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38 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

BIG THIS CHRISTMAS!

ABU DHABI MUSIC SPECIAL

APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION Better late than never, Axl Rose is finally promoting Guns N’ Roses’ not-so-new album, with Abu Dhabi at long last making it to his tour schedule. But why the wait?

Guns N’ Roses – or as his detractors like to point out, Axl Rose and a band of replacements – are at last in the midst of touring after the anti-climatic release of the 15-years-in-the-making Chinese Democracy almost two years ago.

Gone is top-hatted icon Slash, who left acrimoniously in 1995 citing creative differences (“I think the beginning of the end was when we put a synthesizer on Paradise City”, says the guitarist).

Drummer Matt Sorum was fired by Axl Rose and Duff McKagan bailed soon after... Slash, McKagan and Sorum went on to form Velvet Revolver. Original drummer Steven Adler was long gone, as was co-founder Izzy Stradlin.

A revolving door of new guitarists has included solo shredder Buckethead and Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nails, who entered the fray in 1997 and 2000 respectively and left their marks all over Chinese Democracy. Buckethead eventually bailed on the band (largely because he hated Finck) and later Finck, tired of waiting for Rose to move the project forward, returned to Nine Inch Nails – twice.

Still on board are Richard Fortus of Psychedelic Furs, who joined in 2002 (replacing Paul Huge who replaced Gilby Clarke who replaced Stradlin) and Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, who signed up in time for their 2006 tour and some (supposedly) final recording sessions.

The current tour is hosting the well-received debut of newly arrived Darren Jay ‘DJ’ Ashba, a guitarist for Motley Crue offshoot Sixx AM. Bass and keyboards have remained stable with former Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson a rock solid member of Guns N’ Roses since taking over from McKagan in 1997.

Keyboardist Dizzy Reed had been around since 1991 and shadowy programmer Chris Pitman quietly appeared on the scene in 1998.

The drum stool has seen a high rotation, with Josh Freese doing extensive work on Chinese Democracy, including co-writing the title track, before handing in his notice. A hurt and angry Rose re-recorded with Primus drummer Brain.

Later, session drummer Frank Ferrer helped out and it’s Ferrer who’s booked for the current tour.

Why the revolving door?And what took so long?

There are many reasons, say insiders, although the buck ultimately stops with Axl Rose.

The business and emotional impact of the original band’s break-up ate a good part of the nineties, and then when Rose finally gathered an all new line-up in 1998, he put them to work rehearsing and then (reluctantly) re-recording all the songs from the Guns N’ Roses debut, Appetite For Destruction and eating up a good part of the year. Rose himself would not show up for weeks at a time.

“He’d be ‘on’ for a couple of weeks and then ‘off ’ for a couple weeks,” recalls Dave Dominguez, an engineer who started the sessions

with Rose in the late nineties.

“He called in pretty much every day, though.

He’d ask who was there, what they were doing.

He’d say to tell them that, ‘I’m coming in, I’ll be there in awhile.’ I’d tell the band, ‘Axl called and said he’s coming in’.

Then he’d never show up.”

Every few months, say sources, somebody, if not everybody, would get fired – at least

ROCK OF AGES GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

Tracing the stroppy rock leviathans’ tumultuous career...

1985

1987

1988

1990

Formed in Los Angeles by motormouth frontman Axl Rose and original guitarist Tracii Guns, who departs later that year, replaced by iconic top hatted sixstringer Slash.

Release classic debut album Appetite For Destruction, wh ich becomes one of the biggest-selling records ever, shifting 28 million copies and counting.

Two fans die during GNR’s set at UK festival Monsters Of Rock at Castle Donington.

Drummer Steven Adler is fired.

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 41

ABU DHABI MUSIC SPECIAL management could step in and resolve the issue.

“It took two days to break the room down because he fired everybody,” confirms Dominguez. “(Axl) would show up at two, two-thirty, and no one would be around, he’d get upset.

‘Where are they?’ ‘I don’t know, they all left.’

Then he’d call the next day. ‘Who’s there?’ ‘Just Josh.’ ‘OK, have everybody leave. Have them break everything down. We’re done.’”

When the sessions were on track and Rose was in attendance, sometime’s he’d play with the band but he’d rarely sing.

He would talk, however.

The studio was all business in terms of never having guests, drugs or alcohol around, but many nights the sessions would give way to nights of storytelling as the entertaining front man held court.

“He was, quiet, soft-spoken, very amicable and friendly, and always very ‘up’,” recalls drummer Chris Vrenna, who turned down an offer to join the band after a few weeks of sessions that Rose rarely attended. “‘Hey, did you see the movie that opened last night?’ or ‘did you see the news today?’ Or ‘check out these records today,’ that sort of thing.

He loved to debate or discuss something.”

There were long conversations about his former band mates, especially Slash. “He spoke of them fondly,” says a source. “Like family members who were dead.”

The new material for years on end had no lyrics. Rose had the band record and log endless ‘bits’ of music.

“Some were three seconds long, some were three minutes long,” recalls Dominguez.

Sometimes it was just a guitar lick. ‘Oh, that’s cool.’ They were transferred to CD. Everything had an ID and a number, then the CDs were made for each member of the band. They could go, OK, on set four, CD three, idea 15, let’s do something with that.’ Then everybody would take their CD home, get the part and write something to that. It was intense.”

There was no hurrying or pressuring Rose.

‘Prodding’ often appeared to be grounds for the dismissal of numerous producers, record reps and managers.

Producer Youth was terminated; apparently after Rose learned the man had been offered a million dollar bonus if he met a deadline.

Sean Beavan, responsible for the unpopular soundtrack song, Oh My God, lasted a couple of years, as did Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker and Caram Constanza, with Andy Wallace the last one up with Rose eventually taking the project to his home studio and later declaring that he never did find a producer.

There were plenty of distractions taking Rose out of music mode including off-thewall therapists dishing out treatments and counselling in the new age centre of Sedona, Arizona, which apparently didn’t involve successful anger management – Rose was arrested for fighting with airport staff on his way home from there in 1998.

Rose was also constantly dealing with dozens of lawsuits with band mates, the record label and other business sources over the rights to the Guns N’ Roses material and other issues.

In 2002 when the album wasn’t ready as expected.

Rose was convinced to reinvigorate (and help finance) the project with a world tour in 2002 but that ended badly. Very badly.

After getting off to a good start in Asia in the summer, it disintegrated first with a no-show for the North American tour opener September in Vancouver and again in Philadelphia in December, both resulting in riots.

The rest of the tour was cancelled and Rose disappeared.

In 2004, the record company cut its support amid long-standing complaints that the project was out of control financially (and to a lesser extent, creatively) and that Rose was unappreciative and belligerent.

“They wrote him off,” says a source. “I think they finally recouped enough of their investment by releasing the live album and the greatest hits package,” says a source, “and weren’t really interested in making any new commitments.”

Subsequent bouts of touring in 2006 and 2007 were low-key with not a lot of hoopla.

Rose finally agreed to release Chinese Democracy in November 2008.

The resulting record, with its moments of brilliance with layers and layers of musical genius and true emotion was ultimately too complex to be accessible to radio.

And with the label support still minimal, an angry Rose refused to promote it beyond one emailed Q&A with Billboard magazine and some posts on a few Internet fan sites.

He withdrew from sight.

“He’s in one of his ‘down’ periods, revealed a source. They can’t get him to do anything.”

It’s taken some time, but Rose is now finally out of the doldrums and on the road, hitting the capital as part of a fractured world tour that saw him play the UK and South America.

Our advice is see him while you can – who knows when he’ll get round to the next tour…

1991

1994

2008

2010

Ambitious dual albums Use Your Illusion I and II hit shelves, topping the US Billboard charts. Fans riot after Rose halts a show in Missouri by leaping offstage to collar a fan with a video camera. Rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin quits soon afterwards.

GNR go on hiatus. Slash and bassist Duff McKagan exit in 1996 and 1997 respectively, leaving Rose as the only Appetite... era member.

After 14 years of ceaseless line-up changes, sporadic shows and aborted recordings, mythical album Chinese Democracy finally drops.

Slash claims US$100m offers haven’t tempted him to consider rejoining GNR. "One of us will die before a reunion," Rose suggests. McKagan reconciles rather sooner, playing four songs with GNR in London in October, days before the band announce their first ever UAE show.

42 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

For days without end For tranquility. For relaxation. For friends. For conversation. For timeless afternoons.

The Jetty Lounge, beachside at The Palace, One&Only Royal Mirage. Now open. For you.

For reservations please telephone The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage on +971 399 99 99 or email: fb.acourt@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae

18 ‘til he GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

Canadian rocker Bryan Adams left school at 15 to pursue a career in music, released his first album at 20, and topped the UK charts for 16 weeks with his record-breaking hit song Everything I Do (I do it for you) in 1991. Stopping off in Dubai on his world tour, the 30-year rock veteran shows no signs of slowing down

room before they become sensible and realise if you break it, you pay for it.

What have you got in store for us?

My shows are a little acoustic and electric, and I have the full band with me – so it will be fully rocking.

You’ve just released an acoustic album, Bare Bones…

Yeah. It’s been received very well, and the incredible thing about it is I never wanted to release it as a major album. It was just something I wanted to have available to fans that came to my acoustic show. When my record company heard about it, they asked me if they could release it.

Your first album was released in 1980 – that must seem like a lifetime ago.

Yeah, but it was the best thing that could have Dubai’s part of world tour, but this won’t happened to us. We were able to get out of the be the first time you’ve been here, right? crappy bars and into the better ones – I had That’s right – we were the first Western my foot in the door, I proved to myself it was band to ever play Dubai, way before it possible to move forward, I’ve never lost that was the metropolis it is now. So it’s good feeling. to come by every few years to make sure Did you ever imagine yourself doing you’re still making good humus and anything else? falafel.

Never. I couldn’t imagine anything better, It’s as good as ever. So how’s the tour can you? Play music, see the world, pay going so far? your rent. Perfect.

My life is lived on tour, one just rolls into What about the fame – is that something the next. I do 120 shows a year. It’s good to you enjoy? be on the road, to see things, meet people, I don’t care about being famous. I just care get out of your shell a bit, then go home about moving forward, that’s what interests with anticipation. I like being able to travel me. Music never gets dull. Ever. all over the place and see the world, it You’ve been in the music business for more never gets old. All the major capitals are than 30 years. What’s the most important fascinating. We have a big tour of India lesson you’ve learnt? coming up in February and I can hardly Don’t sign anything. wait to get there. It’s such an amazing Ha, is it true you learned that the hard way, country. by signing a deal for $1?

Touring with Bryan Adams doesn’t Yes, it’s true, back in 1978. It was a terrible sound too wild. Was there a stage of deal. I signed to get my music heard when I your career where you went slightly off was 18. Believe it or not, I’m still signed to the rails? that one-dollar deal today – but there have All young bands of any repute go through been a couple of renegotiations since 1978! a phase of demolishing at least one hotel If we gave you one dollar now what would

44 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

you spend it on?

A piece of fruit.

Sensible. Is that how you’ve kept in such good nick?

I had a conversation with the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer once, as he was turning 100 years old, and I asked him what the secret is to a long life. He said, “eat less and love women”. I couldn’t agree more.

Are you still enjoying the bachelor lifestyle at 51 or does some lucky lady have a chance of snaring you?

Ha! That reminds me of that brilliant song from the movie Elizabeth. “When I walk the tightrope, don’t stop me, let me try; I want to take chances, find out what it takes to fly, I don’t care at all if you agree, I belong to me.”

What do you look for in a woman?

She’d have to be funny, self-deprecating, gentle, ambitious, kind and clever.

OK, let’s talk about 'that' song – Everything I Do (I do it for you). Sixteen weeks at the top of the charts. 16! It’s fair to say, some people were over it. How do you feel about it?

I love it – it’s an amazing song. There are a few songs I’ve written, like Summer Of 69 for example, which are equally as big, but never got the accolades. The other song came at the right time, but songs like 69 put it there.

You’re an extremely successful artist. What would you like your legacy to be?

I don’t dwell on the past at all, I’m only thinking about the present and the future. My legacy? 18 ‘til I die.

What have you got planned for the next 30 years? Do you plan on being on tour in your 60s like Jagger?

Mick is amazing, one of the best rock songwriters of all time. If I can be half as in shape and bright at his age, I’ll be happy.

What’s next for Bryan Adams?

Bed. I’ve got to get up to fly to NYC. See you soon.

Dec 17, Dubai World Trade Centre Arena, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs250 to 500. Tel: (04) 3913460. www.bryanadams.com

e dies

ABU DHABI MUSIC SPECIAL

WIN!

A MEETING WITH BRYAN ADAMS

For a chance to win VIP tickets to this month’s Bryan Adams gig in Dubai, plus the chance to meet Canada’s most famous rock star, just visit www.winwithmotivate.com and answer the following question.

In what film did Bryan Adams’ song Everything I Do (I do it for you) appear? a) Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves b) Robin Hood: Men In Tights c) Batman & Robin DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 45

ABU DHABI MUSIC SPECIAL

CREAMFIELDS

ABU DHABI GARETH EMERY The Manchester-based DJ/producer reflects on a landmark year in his career, which saw him release debut album Northern Lights…

This has definitely been a watermark year: I turned 30, finished my debut album and bought a house for the first time. Now it’s all done it’s nice to look back and think, ‘that was a big year’ but whilst it was happening it was bloody tough. So many things happened. I wrote my album in seven months and during that time I was on tour, so I was abroad half the time and then while I was home I’d have three or four days a week in the studio writing music. There literally was no time for anything else: family engagements, friends.

I missed out on a lot of stuff. I didn’t have a chance to sit down and reflect on turning 30, it was lost in a world of gigs and planes and travelling. Creamfields in the UK was one of the best festivals of the year, so I’m looking forward to Creamfields Abu Dhabi.

I’m interested to see how it translates to the Middle East.

SASHA’S TOP 5 REMIXES Renowned for big name remixes, Sasha picks his five favourite re-workings from his glittering career…

FELIX DA HOUSECAT WATCHING CARS GO BY

For many people, this was the fly in the ointment on the first Involver album. But I really enjoyed working on it and we got nominated for a Grammy.

THOM YORKE THE ERASER

It was amazing to work on a Thom Yorke track. Kid A was a life-changing album for me.

MADONNA RAY OF LIGHT

The biggest remix I’ve ever worked on.

I remember getting the phone call to work with Madonna. It was great. I was jumping up and down on my bed.

UNKLE IN A STATE

In A State was a real pain. I’d just set my studio up and slaved over the mix for weeks, but the final result was epic.

LADYTRON DESTROY EVERYTHING YOU TOUCH I really liked the original and we were going to do a big version, but then came up with this stripped back, wonky version.

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 47

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

Back for its second running after last year’s debut event, hugely respected global dance festival brand Creamfields once again fittingly brings the absolute cream of the clubbing world to Abu Dhabi. The ten-hour blowout is headlined by French megastar David Guetta, supported by multicultural trance trio Above & Beyond, British progressive king Sasha (the only artist returning from 2009’s line-up) and Dutch dance floor destroyer Sander Van Doorn. They are also joined by two of the UK’s brightest talents: trance, techno and house-raiding rising star Gareth Emery and breaks/house innovator James Zabiela.

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

ABU DHABI MUSIC SPECIAL

JAMES ZABIELA’S FIVE-STEP GUIDE TO DJING CONSIDER YOUR SURROUNDINGS…

No two crowds are the same. If I’m playing somewhere I’ve played before and know what to expect, those gigs are obviously much easier. You know what to do this time.

USE THE BEST EQUIPMENT…

I helped develop the [industry standard Pioneer CD mixing decks] CDJ-2000s. All my music’s on a little SD card that goes in my pocket, you can arrange playlists, browse chronologically and search really easily.

PAAVO SILJAMÄKI (ABOVE & BEYOND) The other members of Above & Beyond played Yasalam in Abu Dhabi last year, but this is your first visit personally. What are you expecting?

I don’t know exactly, but I have high expectations. I’ve heard a lot of people say good things about Abu Dhabi and other Creamfields parties we’ve played around the world have been fantastic. But I’ve been really surprised how the Internet means that wherever we go, people know our songs almost instantly. That’s been really amazing in the last five years, everything’s happening around the world at the same time.

And what can we expect?

We’re working on an artist album at the moment, so we’ve been test-driving new tracks. And our record label Anjunabeats is ten-years-old now so we’ve asked our 48 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

favourite producers to remix classics from the label, so we’ve got a lot of exclusive new mixes.

Above & Beyond are massive festival crowd veterans, having played to a million people on a Brazilian beach in 2007. That’s one mind-boggling big dance floor…

Yeah. The beach was 5km long and full of people, soundsystems all along and with us at one end. I don’t know if you can actually see a million people on a beach because of the curvature of the planet. There were hands for as far as our eyes could see. It was incredible.

Can constant global touring become dizzying sometimes?

We do so much flying around it is all a little bit of a blur for me, so to trace my tracks I Google myself to see where I’ve actually been.

BE PREPARED…

I always get nervous before a gig but I’m more organised now and more relaxed before I play. The more prepared you are, the more you can improvise.

TAKE A CHANCE…

It’s easy to play big tunes and rock a crowd. Anyone with a basic understanding of mixing can do it, but then there’s nothing to differentiate you from the next person. You have to have the X-factor. I’ll still risk it every time because I’d feel dissatisfied if I didn’t.

HIRE THE RIGHT PEOPLE…

When I started out I just wanted to play records. I still do. But it’s a competitive business. Without agents and managers I’d be lost. Send your mix CDs to agents. That’s how I got my break. Until I got signed to an agency I’d never even been abroad.

December 9, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs250. www.creamfields.ae

Looking for the most magical way to spend the festive season?

Set your sights on Grand Millennium Dubai Hotel Sun kissed during the day and lit up by a kaleidoscope of festive lights at night, this is the perfect playground to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re in search of a luxury getaway or on the lookout for a place to party, our collection of restaurants offer a perfect venue for everyone. From a romantic soiree or opulent dining experience to an exciting live display of culinary skills, expect to be mesmerised by spectacular choice this festive season.

Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha South - TECOM, P.O. Box 212422, Dubai - United Arab Emirates T +971 (0) 4 429 9999

F +971 (0) 4 374 3777

www.millenniumhotels.com A Member of Millennium Hotels and Resorts

E fb.reservations@grandmill-dubai.com

We’ve got the holidays all wrapped up, from where to meet Santa to the best NYE parties. Hang up your stocking, grab a mince pie and get into the Christmas spirit

CHRISTMAS MEET SANTA IN CHRISTMAS AT TREE LIGHTING THE SANDS BLOOMINGIf a night of carols, mulled wine, mince pies Combine a trip to the desert with meeting Santa. and the annual lighting of the Christmas This year Gulf Ventures is hosting a festive evening DALE’S tree doesn’t warm your cockles, then you might as well change your name to Grinch McScrooge.

Dec 6, Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, 7pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 2824750. www.theirishvillage.ae

BUY THE BEST MINCE PIES Extensive tastings by the team unanimously

concluded that most moreish mince pies are available at Baker & Spice. Just bigger than bitesize, with a home-made feel, delicious spiced filling and flaky pastry means we’ll be buying these and passing them off as our own.

Baker & Spice, Souk al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4252240

near Al Awir, with a grotto, Christmas crackers, sledge rides, sand boarding, barbecue, two house beverages and unlimted soft drinks.

Dec 17, Gulf Ventures, Duba, Dhs175, children Dhs50. Tel: (04) 4045880

PIERRE GAGNAIRE, PROPRIETOR REFLETS PAR PIERRE GAGNAIRE "WE HAVE OYSTERS FROM A FRIEND’S OYSTER FARM IN BRITTANY, HOMEMADE FOIE GRAS, BEEF, A GRATIN DAUPHINOIS, ROASTED CHESTNUTS, A BIG CHEESE PLATTER, A FRUIT SALAD AND A SOUFFLÉ" MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS

One of the world’s best department stores has a calendar of events to get you in the mood this Christmas. Our picks are the gingerbread house and festive desserts cooking demo at 10.30am on Monday, December 6, the tree decorating for kids from 3pm on Saturday, December 11, and the cupcake frosting on Saturday, December 18. Aside from the special events, Bloomingdale’s has some of the best Christmas windows on display and some lovely gifts in the souvenir shop – we’ve got our eye on the Bloomie’s bear. Just saying.

Bloomingdale’s, Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3505333

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 51

DISHING OUT THE WORLD’S MOST ORIGINAL

ingredients Walk into LuLu and you'll find a world of difference in everything we bring to table. Fresh foods, ready-to-cook, fruits & vegetables, spices, cheese, seafood… anything you need to cook up your favorite meal is flown in daily from around the world.

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.

ABU DHABI

AL AIN

DUBAI

SHARJAH

AJMAN

UAQ

FUJAIRAH

RAK

MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

LIZ STEVENSON, HEAD PASTRY CHEF, RIVINGTON GRILL "THE FAMILIAL ASPECT OF WORKING WITH A CLOSEKNIT TEAM MAKES THE DAY SPECIAL. WHETHER AT WORK OR AT HOME, THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS IS ONE WHICH LEAVES EVERYONE CONTENT, WARM AND SATISFIED"

LET IT SNOW The weather outside might be far from

frightful, but DUCTAC is still celebrating the white stuff with Let It Snow, a stage extravaganza with award-winning singer Alison Jiear performing festive favourites, show tunes and Disney classics, with her live band and a specially formed local choir.

Dec 3 to 11, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, from Dhs120. Tel: (04) 3414777. www.ductac.org

WORK PARTY NIBBLES

Sadly, stale crisps and flat fizz usually prevail at office Christmas parties, but BokaBento at The Bonnington is putting the sparkle back this year.

There are three menus available for lunch and dinner, starting from Dhs165 per person, featuring salt crusted rib of beef, tian of bell pepper, organic turkey roulade, chocolate mille fuille and spiked eggnog. You can pay Dhs145 extra per head for two hours of unlimited wine and beer – often necessary at a work do.

BokaBento, The Bonnington, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3560600

TAKEAWAY TURKEY Christmas dinner at home, without the hassle of shopping, cooking and faffing around with a meat thermometer? We’re in. Here’s our pick of places that will prepare your festive feast. Gobble, gobble TASTY BIRD

CHRISTMAS COOKING

If slaving over a hot stove brings you out in a cold sweat, then sign up for a masterclass at MezzaLuna, where you can learn how to make festive favourites with an Italian twist. You’ll start off with a hearty breakfast, conquer cooking three courses, master the perfect cocktail, and enjoy lunch with the chef.

Dec 18, MezzaLuna, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 10am to 2pm, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 7011127

RUBEN HERRERA AGUILERA, CHEF, MAYA BY RICHARD SANDOVAL "THE FESTIVE SEASON IS ALL ABOUT THE WHOLE FAMILY COMING TOGETHER TO COOK TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOOD FOR NOCHE BUENA""

Where? The Palace What do we get? A 6.5kg turkey, roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary, honey carrots, Brussels sprouts, apple stuffing and chipolatas.

How many people will it feed? Eight Price? Dhs750 The Palace, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4287808

BIG BIRD

Where? Le Méridien Dubai What do we get? Served alongside the turkey is chestnut and bread stuffing, glazed chestnuts, buttered broccoli and carrots, roast baby potatoes, veal chipolata sausages and cranberry sauce.

How many people will it feed? There are three sizes of marinated bird, from 5kg for eight people up to a whopping 10kg for 18 people.

Price? From Dhs440 Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Garhoud, Dubai. Tel: (04) 7022445 POSH BIRD

BARGAIN BIRD

Where? City Centre Hotel & Residence What do we get? A 6kg turkey, apple and chestnut stuffing, Brussels sprouts, roasted potatoes, carrots, cranberry sauce and gravy. Order before December 10 and you’ll get a free 450g Christmas pudding.

How many people will it feed? Eight Price? Dhs395 City Centre Hotel & Residences, Deira, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 6038600

Where? The Address Dubai Mall What do we get? Roasted turkey with black truffle and goose liver filling, cranberry and thyme sauce, Brussels sprouts, Vichy carrots, potatoes and green beans.

How many people will it feed? Six to eight, depending on appetites.

Price? Dhs750 The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4388888

MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 53

MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

CHEF PAUL LUPTON, RHODES MEZZANINE "CHRISTMAS IS NEVER JUST ABOUT GIVING OR RECEIVING PRESENTS, BUT ABOUT SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, DRINKING AND EATING, AND ENJOYING THE COMPANY OF LOVED ONES"

CHRISTMAS AT CARLUCCIO’S

If we were casting for the What’s On grotto, Carluccio would be the man giving out the presents. He’s jolly. Celebrate Italian-style this year, with a festive shopping event from 6pm to 9pm on December 9 where you’ll get 15 per cent discount, plus canapés and deli nibbles at both the Mirdif City Centre and Dubai Mall branches. Children can decorate their own piece of gingerbread on December 21 from 10am to noon at Carluccio’s in Dubai Mall, where they’ll get free hot chocolate and wear their very own apron, just like the big man’s.

Carluccio’s, Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4341320. Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2843728

PANTOMIME FAVOURITE

What’s Christmas without a little entertainment?

Aladdin at the Madinat is this year’s hot ticket, with comedy, dancing and enough ‘he’s behind you!’ mischief to exhaust the children.

Dec 22 to Jan 2, Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dubai, various show times, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 3666546. www.jumeirah.com

RAINER BECKER, FOUNDER OF ZUMA "I’M VERY TRADITIONAL. I DO A SMOKED SALMON WITH POTATO RÖSTI, LOTS OF CAVIAR AND SOUR CREAM, A TRADITIONAL ROASTED GOOSE AND CARAMELISED CHESTNUTS. NO SUSHI FOR CHRISTMAS" CHRISTMAS MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS

THE ULTIMATE CRACKER

TEA PARTY AT THE PALACE

Children can meet Santa and the elves (and have a photo taken) at this one of a kind tea party, where there’s face painting, story telling and plenty of sweet treats, finger sandwiches and a hot buffet. Booking recommended.

Dec 18, The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, 3pm to 6pm, Dhs120, free for under-tens.

Tel: (04) 4287852

SINGALONG WITH SANTA

Gather the family around the Christmas tree for carol singing with Santa.

Dec 16, Millennium Hotel, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, free. Tel: (02) 6146000

Only two – yes really – of these beauties from Asprey are in Dubai. To be found at Bloomingdale’s, they might not look so special, but at Dhs850 per cracker, you can expect to find something pretty special inside. You’ll get the standard hat and motto (no joke though – we suspect sense of humour might be lacking at Asprey) plus a sterling silver gift, such as a bracelet, watch, pen or money clip, making for either a very extravagant cracker on the dining table, or a really rather lovely present.

Asprey at Bloomingdale’s, Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, Dhs850. Tel: (04) 3505333

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 55

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

PREPARE THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DINNER Chefs from three of our favourite restaurants share their culinary knowledge, providing you with all the ingredients for a classic Christmas meal

ORANGE GLAZED CARROTS, BRUSSEL SPROUTS AND PEAR RED CABBAGE BY RHODES MEZZANINE’S PAUL LUPTON FOR THE CARROTS INGREDIENTS 1kg of carrots 250ml orange juice (from carton) 125g castor sugar Salt White pepper

t t t t t

METHOD Place orange juice and sugar in a pan, reduce by half and put aside for finishing the carrots Peel the carrots and cut into 1cm discs Cook carrots in boiling water until tender, drain and leave to cool to room temperature Return carrots to pan, add orange juice reduction and heat before adding salt and white pepper to serve FOR THE BRUSSEL SPROUTS INGREDIENTS 800g Brussel sprouts 100g almond flakes 80g butter

t t t

METHOD Peel off outer leaves and cut a cross in the bottom stalk of each sprout Place sprouts in a pan of boiling, salted water and cook until tender in the middle Remove from heat, drain, leave to cool in a container of ice water, drain again and put aside Melt butter until bubbling, add sprouts and almonds and sauté until golden

TRADITIONAL ROASTED POTATOES BY VERRE’S SCOTT PRICE INGREDIENTS Five large potatoes (King Edward, desiree, Marris piper) Five tbsp goose fat, Maldon sea salt, black pepper

t t

METHOD Pre heat the oven to 190˚C Peel and cut the potatoes to your preferred size Place in a lightly salted pan of cold water, slowly bring to the boil and allow to cook for five minutes Turn down heat and simmer until the potatoes start to break at the edges Drain off the water and return to the pan to dry on the stove for a couple of minutes While drying, start warming your goose fat in a roasting tray until hot enough to fry the potatoes Season potatoes with salt and pepper; add to the roasting tray and stir until coated in goose fat Place tray in the oven and roast for 20 to 30 minutes Check and stir every five minutes until golden and crispy

56 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

FOR THE CABBAGE INGREDIENTS One small, red cabbage thinly sliced Three pears, peeled, cored and cut into cubes One large onion, sliced 500ml red wine Two tbsp honey Knob of butter Salt and pepper

t t t t t t t

METHOD Pre heat oven to 170˚C Place all vegetables in a braising pot, season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, cover with parchment paper and a lid and cook in the oven for two hours, until syrupy. Check after one hour and, if dry, add water

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

WHAT’S ON WISH LIST What the team are asking Santa for this year

TURKEY, GRAVY, AND CHESNUT AND APRICOT STUFFING BY RIVINGTON GRILL FOR THE TURKEY INGREDIENTS Free range 4kg turkey Salt and pepper 175g unsalted butter Muslin

t t t t

METHOD Pre heat oven to 180˚C, place turkey in roasting tin, season with salt and pepper and massage the seasoning into the skin Melt butter in a large pan, fold muslin in four and lower into the pan until it soaks up all the melted butter Lay the muslin over the turkey, completely covering the breast and upper thighs Pour 300ml of water into the roasting tin, place into the oven and cook for three hours and 20 minutes, basting the bird every 30 minutes with pan juices Pierce the thickest part of the bird with a skewer.

If the juices run clear, it’s done. If it’s pink, place back into the oven until done Transfer to a large serving dish, discard the muslin and leave to rest for 30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the meat going cold

FOR THE GRAVY INGREDIENTS 500g peeled shallots 15g thyme 8ltrs veal jus 200g T45 flour 200g Lurpak butter

t t t t t

METHOD Sweat down shallots and thyme in butter Make a roux with butter and flour, add fat from roasting tray Add veal jus, simmer and cook out the roux FOR THE STUFFING INGREDIENTS One small onion, peeled and chopped 25g butter 125g dried apricots, roughly chopped 4450g sausage meat Grated zest and two tbsp lemon juice 225g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped 50g brown bread crumbs Two egg yolks Pinch of salt and pepper

t t t t t t t t t

METHOD Fry onion in butter until soft and golden, then set aside to cook slightly Place remaining ingredients in a bowl, mix well using your hands to knead. Use to stuff turkey or cook separately

Mark, Senior Editor I love Christmas. Top of my list would be a Vivienne Westwood suit, a pair of Technics 1200 record decks (in silver, very important, that) a subscription to Monocle and, like the rest of the world, an iPad. Although I’ll be more than happy with the normal Sunderland AFC home shirt, aftershave and socks that I always get... Merry Christmas!

Helen, Deputy Editor If a new motor is out of the question (the Pajero mockery must stop in 2011), I’m jumping on the bandwagon and requesting an iPad – despite suspecting I have no actual use for it. Much more practical, however, would be new sunnies and I’ve got my (squinting) eyes on a pair of skull detail Alexander McQueen aviators to pay tribute to the big man. If all that is out of budget, I’d be happy with a packet of Percy Pigs from M&S and some running socks, to be honest.

Gareth, Features Editor Rumour has it I might be unwrapping an iPhone, if I’m a really good boy.

But I’m planning on giving up digital cameras and re-embracing film, so I’d also like a Pentax SLR film camera to sit alongside the Polaroid I got for my birthday and the 1950s Kodak Brownie 127 I picked up for my more visually appealing other half in Venice. I’d also like a partridge in a pear tree, dinner with an elf and a ride on FC’s sled.

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 57

MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

JOHN SINJOBI, CHEF, INDEGO BY VINEET "II ALWAYS TRY AND CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

BY COOKING SOME OF MY FAVOURITE DISHES SUCH AS APPAM WITH CHICKEN STEW AND CHRISTMAS PLUM CAKE"

SWEET STUFF

Dentists should be on call this December; the Grand Lobby at the Beach Rotana is packed with enough treats to keep them busy until summer. Expect traditional favourites like puddings and pies, plus a giant gingerbread house.

From Dec 5, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6979000

PARTY TIME

Dubai’s Sheraton hotel is throwing the ultimate party for children this year, with a visit from Santa (with a surprise promised), Mr Magician performing, a special buffet and bouncy castle.

Dec 10, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers, JBR, Dubai, 4pm to 7pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3153218

KICK-START CHRISTMAS

It can be hard to get into the Christmas spirit when it’s 30 degrees outside, but if this festive day doesn’t help then your only hope is a flight to Lapland. Children can decorate their own gingerbread house, Santa will pay a visit, the Christmas Tree will be lit, a choir will be singing and you can tuck into mulled wine, eggnog and mince pies. Prepare to feel Christmassy.

Dec 15, Sheraton, Abu Dhabi, from 4pm, Dhs50, Dhs95 for children. Tel: (02) 6970224

FREE LIMO

Book a table for four in Ember on Christmas Eve and you’ll arrive in style in a limo, free of charge. Ember is also offering an hour of free babysitting so you can enjoy the chateau briand, bubbles and live music without naughty nippers.

Ember, The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs650 per couple including house beverages. Tel: (04) 4387888. www.theaddress.com

DESERT DINNER

Blend Middle East and West at Bab Al Shams. Arabian restaurant Al Forsan is serving up a festive buffet, complete with oud player, traditional entertainment and, of course, a visit from Santa.

Al Forsan, Bab Al Shams, Dubai, Dhs210 including soft drinks, Dhs90 for children age five to 12. Tel: (04) 8096194

BRUNCH BY SINGING ON BURJ KHALIFA this one to remember. Fazaris is SHEIKH ZAYED Make hosting a brunch with alfresco dining, ROAD views of Burj Khalifa, international dishes The Shangri-La’s lobby should bring some cheer on the night before Christmas with old-fashioned carols and contemporary seasonal favourites performed by their choir. Santa will be stopping by at 7.15pm.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm, free. Tel: (04) 4052703

MEXICAN MAYHEM

Superstar chef Richard Sandoval brings you a Mexican sharing feast to remember this Christmas Eve. Live music from The Bottom Line and a dip in the pool are included. Bet you wouldn’t do that at home – unless you’re from Mexico, in which case, feliz navidad, amigo.

Maya, Le Royal Méridien, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs300 including pool and beach access. Tel: (04) 3165550

and entertainment so you can eat, drink and be merry.

Fazaris, The Address Downtown Dubai, Old Town, Dubai, Dhs325 including soft drinks or Dhs475 including house beverages and a glass of bubbly, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4368799

DOWNTOWN BUFFET

A celebratory spread awaits at The Conservatory in Al Manzil on the night before Christmas. All-time favourite dishes will grace the straining buffet tables, with five hours of eating on offer at this Old Town eatery. Denim or constraining clothing not recommended.

The Conservatory, Al Manzil, Old Town, Dubai, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs195 including soft drinks, Dhs275 including house beverages or Dhs375 including bubbly. Tel: (04) 4285888

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 59

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

CRACKERS: TESTED Which Christmas crackers went off with a bang?

BEST LUXURY

1) TOM SMITH DELUXE CRACKERS What’s On says: These rather lovely looking crackers promptly covered us in glitter (which remained for the next two days), but we’ll forgive them for the high quality gold crowns, gifts including an iPod case, cufflinks and jewellery box, and booming bang. A luxury choice for a fancy festive day.

Dhs190 for six from Spinneys 2) MINI RED CRACKERS WITH GAMES What’s On says: While they’re pretty expensive given their number and size, you also get a box of three mini games (Trivia, What’s My Word?, and Buzz Words) so the fun

lasts long after the bang. Perfect for families who don’t like each other, these should fill the long, awkward silences of Christmas Day. Dhs100 for six from Marks & Spencer 3) LUXURY CRACKERS What’s On says: Poor quality hat, but a joke AND a brain teaser saved it for Debenhams, not to mention some nice little novelties like mini make-up brushes, folding scissors and a photo frame. A very good price for 12 very good looking crackers.

Dhs150 for 12 from Debenhams BEST OVERALL

4) WHO AM I? CRACKERS What’s On says: Akin to that game where you write the name of a famous person on

a Post-It and stick it on your head, this is a (alarmingly fun) Christmas version involving antler headbands. Goodies include colouring pencils, playing cards and an eggcup, all revealed with a very satisfying snap.

Dhs125 for 12 from Marks & Spencer BEST FOR FAMILIES

5) FAMILY CRACKERS What’s On says: Whoopee cushions and those 'magic' red fish that predict the future? Our kind of crackers! Aimed squarely at children, the colourful hats, trivia and jokes ("what is white, lives at the North Pole and runs around naked? A polar bare") will keep you amused, too.

Dhs125 for 12 from Debenhams

CHRISTMAS BARBECUE

SEE SANTA ON A JET SKI

MICHELIN MENU

BARGAIN BELGIAN

Poolside favourite Cabana is firing up the barbie on the 25th, so if you’re tired of turkey and sick of sprouts you can seek refuge with Aussie-style grills and complimentary pool access.

Cabana, The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs195 per person include soft drinks or Dhs350 per person including house beverages.

Tel: (04) 4387888. www.theaddress.com

Scott Price, What’s On’s chef of the year, has devised a four-course lunch, including Gordon AWARD Ramsay’s signature WINNER sage, apple and chestnut stuffing, Verre’s roast potatoes and traditional turkey. See page 56 for some expert cooking tips from Scott.Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai, Dhs495. Tel: (04) 3182111

As far from log fires and the Queen’s speech as you can get, kick back on the white sands of Nasimi beach, where you can enjoy a beach barbecue for lunch then watch Santa zip past on his traditional jet ski and ‘reindeers’. We might just go out of sheer curiosity.

Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Dhs295.

Tel: (04) 4261001

The Belgian Café is closed for Christmas lunch but is serving up a wallet-friendly three-course set menu in the evening.

Expect a mix of Belgian dishes and seasonal favourites, all washed down with a wide selection of beers from the drinks list.

Belgian Café, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Dhs175. Tel: (02) 666688 MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS

OLIVIER BILES, HEAD CHEF, REFLETS PAR PIERRE GAGNAIRE "I’VE I’VE NOT BEEN AS EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS TO COME SINCE I WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD, AS THIS YEAR WILL BE THE FIRST THAT MY THREEYEAROLD SON WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON AND ENJOY HIMSELF AS MUCH AS I USED TO" 60 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

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CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

SEAFOOD SPECIAL

Pierchic’s romantic setting and fine fish fare is a winner year-round, but offers a welcome change from turkey and the trimmings this Christmas. And included in the set menu is half a bottle of champagne and free flowing house beverages. Merry Christmas indeed.

Pierchic, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Dhs650. Tel: (04) 3666730

ITALIAN FEAST

Gather the family for an Italian-style Christmas dinner at Sevilo’s. There’s a huge six-course menu, complete with turkey, trimmings, unlimited wine and beer included. Santa will be there with gifts, too.

Sevilo’s Italian Restaurant, Millennium Hotel, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs225, Dhs110 for children. Tel: (02) 6146000

CHAMPAGNE AND FINE DINING

Gary Rhodes’ Dubai outpost is serving Christmas in its signature flair. A four-course menu created by the man himself is guaranteed to set the bar for years to come, with a glass of champagne on the terrace at sunset and even a gift to take home.

Rhodes Mezzanine, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs1250. Tel: (04) 3176000

BUSSOLA ON THE BEACH

Dine alfresco at Bussola this year, either downstairs for the five-course set menu (Dhs330 and Dhs165 for children) or upstairs for a la carte pizza.

Bussola, The Westin, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 5117139

BARGAIN DINNER FOR GOURMET AT UNDER DHS100 THE ONE Vista has two choices for the big day; slow roasted poussin with all the trimmings for Dhs95 per head, or roast beef with horseradish mash, green beans and red wine jus for Dhs130.

Vista, Holiday Inn Express, Internet City, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4275500

LIVE COOKING STATIONS

Fill your boots at Jing Asia on the 25th, where you’ll find international cuisines, live cooking and festive favourites until midnight.

Crowne Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs160, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6563000 MOUNSSEF OUAHDANI, HEAD CHEF, BISTRO MADELEINE "THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS IS ONE SPENT WITH FAMILY IN FRANCE. WITH COLD WEATHER, SNOW COVERED LANDSCAPES, AND CHILDREN PLAYING BY THE OPEN FIRE IN THE LIVING ROOM" MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS

62 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

The One has created a special Christmas menu featuring ‘seasonal starters’, ‘magical mains’ and ‘festive finales’ with dishes like turkey with the trimmings, salmon stack and eggnog and pecan cheesecake. Two courses will set you back a mere Dhs64, or go for the full three courses for Dhs79. You’ll even get a coffee for free.

Until Dec 30, The One, Khalidiya Theatre, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6811900

TRIED AND TESTED AT RIVINGTON GRILL Winner of Favourite European at this year’s What’s On Awards, Rivington Grill is a AWARD fantastic choice for top fare this Christmas.

WINNER British The team is serving up a set four-course menu from noon to 5pm

(Dhs350) using their usual outstanding seasonal produce, such as Severn and Wye smoked salmon, ‘Kelly Bronze’ roasted turkey and chestnut stuffing with all the trimmings, your favourite puds and a winning cheeseboard. The Riv will also allow their loyal customers to go a la carte, choosing much-loved dishes (including a roast for traditionalists) as they can on any other day.

Rivington Grill, Souk al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4230903

BARASTI BARBECUE

A solid pick for Dubai’s party people on the big day, Barasti is serving an a la carte menu throughout AWARD Christmas Day then a WINNER barbecue from 6pm. Live music from Emanuel and Stompers, plus DJs later on should get you in the spirit. Failing that, there’s always the frozen cocktails.

Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3181398

NYC STYLE

Manhattan Grill will transport you and your clan to the big apple with its fourcourse menu (available for both lunch and dinner) packed with meaty cuts and a fantastic selection of wines to complement your yuletide meal.

Manhattan Grill, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs350 per person including soft drinks.

Tel: (04) 3171234

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greetings

Mall of the Emirates: 04 341 4844 - Deira City Center: 04 295 8404 - Burjuman: 04 351 7009 - Mercato: 04 349 9115 Wafi City: 04 327 9669 - JBR - The Walk: 04 437 6494 - Mirdif City Center: Tel. 04 284 3223 - Dubai Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Airport - T3: 04 220 3360

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

From yachts and luxury hotel packages to six-course meals and superstar DJs, we’ve rounded up the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve 2010

PAUL VAN DYK

The Grammy Award-winning superstar DJ clearly likes Dubai. He makes a return for a New Year’s Eve party at Dubai World Trade Centre that will also include vocalists, dancers and acrobats. Cool.

Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, Dhs200 to Dhs350. Tel: (04) 3326345. www.peppermintexperience.com

360˚

OK, so charging an eponymous entry fee doesn’t excuse the fact that you gain nothing but entry for your money, but 360˚ is all about location. You’re sitting over the waters of the Arabian Gulf, sipping cocktails – the ideal way to celebrate another year spent in the city of bling.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, from 9pm, Dhs360. Tel: (04) 4068999. www.jumeirah.com

PEARLS & CAVIAR

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 65

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

SKYLITE

THE YACHT CLUB

Free? Yep, that’s right, the Must Have Soul lads are not going to charge a fil for their New Year’s extravaganza at The Yas Hotel.

And they’re promising a ‘secret special guest DJ’. There must be a catch? No? OK, then – we’ll be there.

The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1249640. www. musthavesoul.com

The Hot List favourite is offering a set menu with champagne and selected spirits for Dhs795, house beverages and canapés for Dhs495 or just Dhs150 entry. And everyone can enjoy the DJs, singer Lee Fields and a dance show.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150 to Dhs795. Tel: (02) 6666888. www.ichotelsgroup.com

ARMANI/PRIVE

BICE

You only receive one glass of champagne for your Dhs500, but we’re sure Prive didn’t name this night ‘Mysterious Seduction of Dark Passion’ just for giggles. All we know is that it will involve resident DJs, a visual show and a special menu.

Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Dhs500.

Tel: (04) 8883308. www.dubai.armanihotels.com

Start off the evening with a five-course Italian meal before moving on to your party of choice. You should never celebrate on an empty stomach, after all.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Dhs450.

Tel: (02) 6924993. www.hilton.com/Abu-Dhabi

ZENITH

ATELIER

360° Six Defected DJs, including ATFC, Copyright, M People’s Shovel, Miss Divine and Andy Daniell, and a possible 2,000 people sounds like a recipe for a pretty decent New Year’s party at Dubai’s newest club.

There’s no more stylish way to celebrate Emirates Towers, Dubai, Dhs250 to Dhs450. than with a Masquerade Gala Dinner. A Tel: (050) 5655427 champagne reception, oyster bar, five-course menu with wine pairings and fireworks over the water with a view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Spectrum On One is offering all the elements Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 8pm of its popular brunch package, with a few to 3am, Dhs1,100. Tel: (02) 5098777. added luxury extras. Cosmopolitan cooking www.shangri-la.com stations, endless Moet & Chandon, plus caviar and foie gras should allow you to sashay into 2011 in style.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm Look down on everyone else’s celebrations to 12.30am, Dhs795. Tel: (04) 3118316. from the 52nd floor of the Marriott Harbour www.fairmont.com Hotel, where you should be able to see all the fireworks in Dubai as you enjoy bubbly, beverage carts, buffet and a DJ until 2am.

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 8pm to 2am, Dhs1,000. Tel: (04) It may seem a little bit pricey, but if you 3194000. www.marriott.com really want to impress your better half you get quite a lot for your hard-earned loot, including an Armani Classic Suite, breakfast, 32 Italian Armani chocolates, 30minute spa treatments and dinner for two Spend the early part of the evening focused at Armani/Mediterraneo. If that doesn’t on more pressing concerns and eat late at the impress her (or him) nothing will. international buffet while sipping half a bottle Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, of red or white wine and a creek cruise. Not a Dhs4,480. Tel: (04) 8883999. www.dubai. bad way to see in the New Year. armanihotels.com Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, Dubai, 9.30pm to 12.30am, Dhs549. Tel: (04) 2057033

PEARLS & CAVIAR

SPECTRUM ON ONE

THE OBSERVATORY

ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI

AL MANSOUR DHOW

It’s Arabic Night at Zenith this New Year’s Eve. DJ Shady spins Arabic beats, there’s a belly dancer and your drinks are included in the price. Tables can be booked for Dhs2,000 to Dhs3,500.

Zenith, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi, Dhs400, ladies Dhs200. Tel: (02) 6773333

VISTA ROOFTOP BAR & RESTAURANT

Four courses, wine and beer and fireworks all for Dhs550. Not a bad deal, really, is it?

Express by Holiday Inn Dubai Knowledge Village, Tecom, Dubai Media City, Dubai, Dhs550.

Tel: (04) 4275500. www.hiexpress.com

BARASTI

It’s Barasti as usual but it just so happens to be New Year’s Eve. Bands, big DJs and just Dhs150 for a standard ticket bought in advance, including a food voucher. A table for four with a bottle of bubbly and tapas is Dhs3,500, a table for ten in the VIP lounge with drinks is Dhs5,000 and the upper deck will set you back Dhs1,500 per person including buffet and a bottle of champagne.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 7pm to 3am, Dhs150 to Dhs5,000.

Tel: (04) 3993333. www.lemeridienminaseyahi.com

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 67

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

THE IRISH VILLAGE

The classic Dubai expat New Year’s Eve. Cheap entry, a buffet, music, midnight fireworks and a traditional pub atmosphere.

Those who fail to plan always end up at the IV, which is why most of them failed to plan in the first place.

The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs250 to 300. Tel: (04) 2824750. www.irishvillage.ae

ASADO

Winner of the Best Americas prize at this month’s What’s On Awards, there is no more inviting restaurant in Dubai. For your dirhams you get a four-course grill menu, an Argentinean band and access to the late night party at Ewaan afterwards.

The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, from 7pm, Dhs700.

Tel: (04) 4287808. www.theaddress.com

DUBAI MARINA YACHT CLUB

The timing of this cruise will allow you and your pals to enjoy a pleasant meal or start the evening off with a pub session before embarking on a cruise at 11pm, in plenty of time to celebrate the chiming of the clock at midnight. A glass of fizz and canapés are included in the price.

Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 11pm to 2am, eight to ten people Dhs7,500.

Tel: (04) 3627900. www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com

SHUJA YACHT Just Dhs300 to celebrate the arrival of 2011 aboard a Yacht? We’re in. The package includes buffet dinner, a cocktail, belly dancer, live music and, of course, a cruise along the coast of Abu Dhabi.

Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs300. Tel: (02) 6742020. www.leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

IKANDY

Half a bottle of champagne, house beverages, numerous nibbles and Pacha, Ibiza resident DJ Greg Sahara. If you don’t want to suffer the taxi home, why not book a suite with breakfast for Dhs2,011.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, from 7pm, Dhs590. Tel: (04) 4052703. www.shangri-la.com

STILLS

Everybody’s favourite Yas Island bar is one of the cheaper options for December 31, providing a New Year’s Eve set menu, a DJ and it’s usual laid-back style.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from 7pm, Dhs175. Tel: (02) 6563000. www.crowneplaza.com

You only receive one drink (a glass of fizz at midnight), but for Dhs150 the tiny Tamanya Terrace offers a DJ and some decent views.

Intimate and, most importantly, cheap.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, from 8pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3669111. www.radissonblu.com

RHODES MEZZANINE

A five-course menu designed by our pal Gary, plus wine pairings, a glass of fizz as the clock strikes 2011 and house beverages at Buddha Bar and Gallery Bar for the after party.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs1,900. Tel: (04) 3998888. www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

DINNER UNDER THE STARS

Atlantis’ infamous beach is keeping it relatively low-key with a sophisticated affair offering a poolside aperitif, live cooking stations, DJ and a fireworks display. OK, so it’s not that low-key.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Dhs1,875 to Dhs2,500.

Tel: (04) 4261000. www.atlantisthepalm.com

DHOW AND ANCHOR

Whoever came up with the idea of combining the excitement of New Year’s Eve with an Agatha Christie murder mystery theme obviously knows what our idea of a good time is. There’s also a BBQ buffet, house beverages, half a bottle of champers, a jazz band and fireworks at midnight.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 1am, Dhs990. Tel: (04) 4068999. www.jumeirah.com

EMBER GRILL AND LOUNGE

Wow your other half with a romantic evening for two at Ember, including a fourcourse dinner and a saxophonist.

The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs799 per couple. Tel: (04) 4388010. www.theaddress.com

RHODES MEZZANINE

VERRE

If you fancy taking it easy this year, you could do worse than dinner at celeb chef Gordon Ramsay’s Dubai restaurant, where What’s On Chef of the Year Scott Price is serving up a Dhs695 six-course menu.

Hilton Dubai Creek, Dubai, Dhs695.

Tel: (04) 2277550. www.gordonramsay.com

TAMANYA TERRACE

THE IRISH VILLAGE

CHECK OUT OUR CLUB DIARY FOR FULL NEW YEAR’S EVE CLUB LISTINGS, P126 68 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Where all your wishes come true

Raffles Celebrations Brimming with festive cheer, all our restaurants and bars have an exciting choice of Christmas and New Year celebrations for you and your family to enjoy. You can also stay in luxury amidst the enthralling festivities, on special seasonal packages. If you need inspiration for festive presents, our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gift of Living Wellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; customised spa packages, stocking fillers or gift certificates are great ways to show how much you care.

To make your booking, please call +971 4 324 8888 or email bookus.dubai@raffles.com www.raffles.com/dubai

FILM 127 Hours

TRON: Legacy

TRON: Legacy

127 Hours

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

WHO?

Jeff Bridges, Michael Sheen, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Bruce Boxleitner, Joseph Kosinski (director)

James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn, Treat Williams, Kate Burton, Danny Boyle (writer-director)

Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Will Poulter, Liam Neeson, Michael Apted (director)

TAGLINE

‘The game has changed’

‘Every second counts’

‘Return to magic. Return to hope.

Return to Narnia’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

In a virtual world, a drone worker plotted to override the master control program.

Mountaineer Aron Ralston (Franco) paid a visit to remote part of Utah... and found himself trapped under a boulder with little hope of survival.

Lucy and Edmund Pevensie (Henley and Keynes) returned to Narnia to travel with the newly crowned King Caspian (Barnes) to the very end of the world.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

Revisit that wonderful time in the early 1980s when anything computer related felt impossibly exotic and exciting.

Experience the sort of true story that would be dismissed out of hand if it had been dreamt up by a Hollywood screenwriter.

Revisit a more innocent age of fantasy cinema where nobody’s too nasty and everything’s resolved in time for tea.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

The original Tron, naturally. And Epic, against all odds survival unless you’re one of those odd stories such as Touching The Void. people who doesn’t like Jeff Bridges, there’s at least one terrific reason for making space for this in your diary.

TOP TRIVIA

Garrett Hedlund (Troy) was in competition with Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson) and Chris Pine (Star Trek) for the role of Sam Wise.

After attending the picture’s premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, the real Aron Ralston was so overcome with emotion he had to be helped from the cinema.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD REVIEW

The computer age is about to experience a reboot.

We’d be lion if we said it Danny Boyle has somehow managed to top Slumdog Millionaire. was a classic.

RATE OR SLATE?

PREVIEW

★★★★★

70 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

The earlier Narnia movies and similarly themed fantasy pictures such as Willow and The Never Ending Story.

Voiced by Eddie Izzard in Prince Caspian, swashbuckling mouse Reepicheep is here performed by Simon Pegg.

★★★✩✩

FILM | NEW RELEASES The King's Speech

Megamind

Monsters

The King’s Speech

Megamind

Gulliver’s Travels

Whitney Able, Scoot McNairy, Gareth Edwards (writerdirector)

Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, Tom Hooper (director)

Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Ben Stiller, Tom McGrath (director)

Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly, Rob Letterman (director)

‘Now it’s our turn to adapt’

‘From the director of The Damned United’

‘What if the bad guy won?’

‘Something big is going down’

While on assignment in South America, photojournalist Andrew Kaulder (McNairy) agrees to escort tourist Samantha Wynden (Able) back to the US – a task that would be far simpler if they didn’t have to cross the ominously monikered Infected Zone.

The abdication of Edward VIII (Pearce) left the painfully shy George VI (Firth) to cope with both a kingdom and a crippling speech impediment.

Super villain Megamind (Ferrell) defeated the heroic Metro Man (Pitt), only to discover that life without a nemesis is pointless rather than pleasurable.

Travel journalist Lemuel Gulliver (Black) set off for Bermuda only to find himself stranded in Liliput, a place where he dwarves the locals by a good six feet.

See a science-fiction film where the special effects play second fiddle to strong storytelling and spine-tingling suspense.

Catch the sort of film Merchant See an animated movie that isn’t Ivory might make if a) they afraid to balance out its sugar weren’t so in thrall to EM Forster, content with a decent dash of salt. and b) they hadn’t both been dead for ages.

See what happens when the arch satire of Jonathan Swift is blended with the Frat Pack comedy stylings of Jack Black.

Equally intelligent genre offerings like Neill Blomkamp’s District Nine.

Classy royalist dramas such as The The recent Despicable Me which also depicted events from the Madness Of King George and The evildoer’s point of view.

Queen.

Fair-to-middling Blackxploitation pictures like Year One, Nacho Libre and Shallow Hal.

Monsters was made for a mere $200,000. By comparison, James Cameron’s Avatar was budgeted at over $230 million.

This is the second time Michael Gambon has essayed George V: he previously played the part in the TV drama The Lost Prince.

Tom McGrath wanted to call the film Mastermind but was forbidden from doing so by the manufacturers of the oncepopular board game.

Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) turned down a leading role in Iron Man 2 to star in Gulliver’s Travels.

The evolution of sci-fi cinema continues at a pleasing pace.

Forget The King’s Speech: Firth should prepare an Oscar speech.

Perfectly serviceable, but Pixar do this stuff so much better.

You will be entertained. Jonathan Swift would be appalled.

★★★★✩

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩

★★★✩✩ DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 71

WIN

Win with What’s On

BIG THIS CHRISTMAS!

WIN! DINNER FOR FOUR AT QAMARDEEN HOTEL Still not full of mince pies and chocolates from your advent calendar? You and three friends can win a delectable Italian four-course dinner, including a bottle of Prosecco, that will have you celebrating the festive season in style. Indulge in the gastronomic delights of Italy at Esca Restaurant, the elegant dining destination at Southern Sun Qamardeen Hotel. You’ll find a dinner buffet, a la carte menu in elegant interiors, state-of-the-art oven that serves baked bread and pizza in a variety of flavours, and an array of delicious salads and desserts, so get ready for a generous helping of Italian hospitality. For your chance to win, tell us…

What cheese is normally used on a pizza? a) feta b) stilton c) mozzarella

WIN! A FESTIVE TEA AND SPA DAY FOR TWO AT THE PALACE Unwind from the Christmas shopping then get in the mood with this seasonal sensation from The Palace. You and a friend will enjoy the 60-minute Spa Wonder treatment, followed by a four-hour festive tea (think mince pies, Yule log, apple cinnamon crumble and scones). For your chance to win this lovely day, simply tell us: Which fruit will you find in mince pies? a) Pineapple b) Raisins c) Mango

72 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

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Celebrations are in double measure at the Village. Loads of fun, food and festive fare for young and old. All the way from a scintillating Xmas setting to a promising New Year dawn.

Xmas Starburst & Xmas Bazaar Christmas lights smile on 1st December with the opening of the Xmas Bazaar. It’s entertainment unlimited with Santa’s gifts for kids, games and fun fare, cookies, eggnog… so much to enjoy!

Bazaar gates open 5:30pm & Lights up at 6:00pm.

Enjoy a lavish variety of festive treats & entertainment throughout this season at Resto, Wokcano, 18oz, Sahriye and The Village Club.

Weekend room rates starting from AED345* *Rates subject to availability, exclusive of 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

For more information & reservations, please call +971 2 495 2000

Al Salam Street, p.o.box 128967, Abu Dhabi, UAE. t. +971 2 4952000 f. +971 2 4952001 info.thevillage@onetoonehotels.com onetoonehotels.com GPS coordinates +24° 28' 31.11", +54° 23' 16.84"

EATING OUT Firstly, we’d like to congratulate all the winners in this year’s What’s On Awards, including Zuma, for their Restaurant Of The Year prize, and Verre’s Scott Price, who scooped our Chef Of The Year trophy, in what was a magnificent awards ceremony last month. Well done all of you.

OK, down to December business. It’s that time of year again – the festive season. And you know what that means, don’t you? Food, and lots of it. Golden turkey, fat roast goose, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, brandy soaked Christmas pudding, oven fresh mince pies – and all of it guilt free. You can feed your face for the entire month until your New Year’s resolutions kick in January 1 (or, if you’re us, January 2). To help you on your way, we drank greedily from the overflowing cup of seasonal spirit and asked three of our best chef pals to show you how to prepare the perfect festive feast up front (p56). Also in Eating Out this month, we trumpet the arrival of Mezlai, a new Emirati restaurant at Emirates Palace (p76), enjoy an exclusive tasting of Bice’s tenth anniversary menu (p79), join Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli for a catch up (p81) and dine like Ibn Battuta at Mistral (p82). Plus our verdict on MezzaLuna (p85), The Critic on celeb chefs (p86) and Pierre Gagnaire on Reflet’s lunch menu (p87).

Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and good eating to you all.

LOCATELLI

Gareth Rees, Features Editor

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 75

EATING OUT

Mezlai The region’s first '100 per cent' Emirati restaurant opens You may have lived on these desert shores for a few years now, perhaps know the odd Arabic word and can comfortably navigate your way around the menu at your local Lebanese when guests are in town (“Manakish is just like cheesy bread, mum, you’ll like it”), but you haven’t scratched the surface yet, young ‘un.

Your favourite platter of fattoush and hummus might be delicious, but it’s not as local as you think (sorry, Al Mallah, old late-night friend). And for a taste of truly Emirati cuisine you might need to step out of your comfort zone a little, as we found at Mezlai.

Claiming to be the first Emirati restaurant in the UAE – and to be fair, we can’t think of any others – Mezlai has tapped into a market others have foolishly ignored; offering authentic cuisine to Abu Dhabi dwellers and tempting tourists with the promise of a once in a lifetime dining experience.

Where they cleverly strike the balance is boasting unusual items alongside the faintly familiar, although we would advise against their listing Kraft cheese as an ingredient. You can take familiarity too far.

They could have gone all out on the décor (camels and the like), but instead you’ll find two distinct dining areas; one near the open kitchen and another tucked around the corner with more luxurious seating and alcoves for private dining, where Emirati customers were feasting behind silk curtains. Rather than a cheesy theme, the result is an elegant space with double height ceilings, huge lanterns and warm colours, and the promise of the terrace opening soon.

Food-wise, the easiest option might have been to go for a set menu (there are two, priced at Dhs380 and Dhs550 per head depending on how elasticised your 76 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

dripping in a fragrant, warming oil that cried out to be mopped up with bread.

While there are some dishes you might recognise, such as chicken biriyani, on offer steel yourself and stay local, with UAE raised lamb slow simmered for 18 hours, local seafood and mixed grills all coming out of the kitchen with fanfare. We opted for the Omani lobster, served with saffron rice and three types of mayonnaise, although it didn’t need them. Served in its shell, with juicy chunks of meat brilliantly seasoned and topped with cheese, it was faultless.

While our fellow diners were clearly in it for the long-haul, with plate after plate brought to their tables, we ordered a ginger ale and lime mocktail and called it a night, despite the siren song of the carb and cream heavy dessert list.

The well-planned menu, charming staff and sedate surrounds might jar with your usual Friday night Arabic feast, but Mezlai has created a tribute to the cuisine, a place where you can sample dishes like nothing else, and truly tap into food from this part of the world. And not a plastic chair in sight. trousers are) and if dining with a large group this is definitely the way to go, with a tableful of dishes to sample. However, there were a few items on the a la carte menu that caught our eye, so we decided to go off-piste and share – a decision we wouldn’t regret.

Your meal, of course, starts with bread, a staple in Emirati cuisine. A basket of paper thin rgag came to the table with three dips, including a piquant sundried tomato with almond combo, swiftly followed by rgag zataar. A million miles from the 3am stodge you might have tried, the near-transparent crepelike rgag was light, delicate and served with honey and cheese to nicely off-set the spice.

Next, the shark veloute. That’s right, Jaws soup. Small, pale cubes

of fish arrived in a bowl, and were promptly covered with a veloute of cream, garlic and saffron, then topped with a mussel. While the chef was obviously aware of not drowning the mild flavour of our finned friend, the soup could have used a little more seasoning and risked swimming into bland waters. Luckily the next dish was far from flavourless, a plate of homemade lamb sausages. Dark and dense, they were packed with peppery punch, covered in tomato and caramelized onion and

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Need to know Location: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6907999 Web: www.emiratespalace.com Open: daily 7pm to 11pm Cuisine: Emirati Must eat: homemade lamb sausages Bill for two: Dhs400 (without alcohol)

In tweet form… Upmarket Arabic fare that might educate but never shock. Go with a group, ask for recommendations and prepare to be impressed. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

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

ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI Every Monday from 6pm ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ & ALL DAY A LA CARTE DINING Every Friday FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE ACOUSTIC GUITAR WITH DANNY SHIRRAN Every Friday from 6pm - 9pm SATURDAY FLOATIN’ FILMS Every Saturday from 7pm NEW HOME-MADE POOLSIDE PIZZA Take - aways are also available

EATING OUT

Bice

A taste of things to come

The veteran Italian is bringing back a handful of old classics to celebrate its tenth anniversary this month In 1926 Dubai didn’t exist – at least not as the thriving metropolis we recognise today. But far away in the Northern Italian city of Milan, an industrious woman named Beatrice Ruggeri (Bice to her friends) was busy setting up a family orientated trattoria called il Ristorante Da Gino e Bice (later Bice Milano). And that’s where it all began. Eighty-four years later there are 23 Bice restaurant spread across the globe from the USA and Latin America to Europe, Africa and the Middle East – including three outlets in the UAE. Bice, Hilton Abu Dhabi and Bice Mare, Souk Al Bahar Dubai (a seafood speciality restaurant opened just last year) are both popular, but it is at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort that is set to celebrate its tenth birthday this month with a selection of favourite dishes from the past decade featuring alongside the regular a la carte menu.

We were granted an exclusive tasting of the old favourites before they hit the menu following the official birthday celebration on December 7 and it’s clear to see that Bice is still going strong after ten years. Going more than strong, in fact. It was bustling, even though it was a Sunday evening.

And remember, a decade in Dubai is worth several anywhere else, making Bice’s ongoing popularity even more impressive.

Our meat-free feast started with a light lobster salad. The soft flesh of several large lobster parts resting on a smooth avocado tartar, with a couple of salty spoonfuls of caviar and a lemon dressing putting a spring in its step. Then came three al dente parcels of homemade tortelli filled with spinach and ricotta and smothered in a truffley cream sauce and a sprinkling of

Could one of these three restaurants become your new favourite?

black truffle shavings just for good measure. Followed by a main course of sea bass fillet – yielding flesh, skin on but not crispy enough – surrounded by a small posse of vongole (ever so slightly shrivelled) and swimming in a puddle of custard-bright saffron and lime sauce, it was bang on the money. Dessert was raspberry crème brûlée, red berry sauce and a white truffle ice cream that didn’t seem quite right, but was – especially with a spoonful of the berry reduction. Each course was served with a fitting wine pairing.

All in all, impressive stuff.

And, having dined at Bice, we’re never going to be satisfied with fewer than four trolleys again.

There was a seafood trolley, a drinks trolley, a trolley loaded with different bottles of olive oil and, finally, cheese trolley. Bice clearly loves trolleys. Luckily, so do we.

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BAKER & SPICE Dubai has come late to the culinary revolution in organic and sustainable produce. How many café in the UAE talk about 'food miles' and their 'carbon footprint'?

How many know what those terms mean? Well, Baker & Spice sources its food locally, from Omani fishermen and Abu Dhabi farmers, making it one of a kind in Dubai. This second outlet, located souk-side behind Al Manzil Hotel, specialises in freshly made breads, pastries and cakes and operates a home delivery service. Healthy takeaway. Whatever next?

Dukkan Al Manzil, behind Al Manzil Hotel, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 7am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4279856. www.bakerandspiceme.com

Need to know Location: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, The Walk, JBR, Dubai Tel: (04) 3991111 Web: www.bicegroup.com Open: noon to midnight Cuisine type: Italian Must eat: lobster salad Bill for two: Dhs1,050

In tweet form… There are no birthday blues at BiCE, with a menu that’s definitely worth celebrating. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

BOHOUSE CAFE We attended the grand opening of Bohouse Café recently and came away mighty impressed. Possibly because they presented us with an eggplant and fed us mini burgers.

Aimed squarely at the UAE’s arty types, Bohouse is decidedly bohemian, with white walls, bright fabrics, indoor shisha lounge and a vast terrace that overlooks the beach, perfect for enjoying some gelato and organic nibbles.

The Walk, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4298655. www.bohousecafe.com STAY BY YANNICK ALLENO Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno has had a hand in the development of all the One&Only’s new restaurants. Zest, serving Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine, a marina-side lounge specialising in Mediterranean cuisine named 101 and finally, the pièce de résistance, Stay. The fine dining restaurant has a unique seating policy offering 'conversation' and 'sharing' tables, as well as a pastry library.

One&Only The Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4401010. www.thepalm. oneandonlyresorts.com

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 79

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Christmas Eve Japanese Buffet | 24 Decemberr 2010 Price

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hhe Lobby Lob y Caféfé Festive Treats | From 16 December 2010

Traditional roast turkey complete with trimmings, festive gourmet hampers, freshly baked cookiees, indulgent Christmas logs, delicious Marzipan Stollen and Panettone, colourful ginger houses and many more…

Reservation : 04 207 1719 / 1216

a Dinner in Ballroom ala New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner | 31 December 2010 Price : AED700 per person Entertainment by : DJ and belly dancers Reservation : 04 207 1405 / 1216

SHERATON DUBAI CREEK HOTEL & TOWERS

PO Box 4250, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai | E-mail: dubai.creek@sheraton.com | Web: sheraton.com/dubai

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EATING OUT

Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli runs one of London's most popular restaurants Locanda Locatelli, as well as Ronda Locatelli at Atlantis in Dubai How are things going at Ronda Locatelli?

We’ve been open more than two years and things are going well.

Very well. We did 200 covers last night. It was like a hurricane. I like to come to Dubai and I’ve been here 17 days already this year, but when I’m here I like to stay in the restaurant – in my kitchen.

Why’s that?

Maybe it’s because I kind of like it [laughs]. It’s just natural. I grew up in the kitchen. When I had problems when I was young, that’s where I hid. It’s almost like not working for me. So if there’s one place I feel comfortable, it’s in the kitchen.

Will you still be behind the stove in your 60s, like Pierre Koffman?

Pierre is a big beast. Mama Mia! He will never let go. It’s physically demanding. I’m only 47, but sometimes after we do service at lunch and I’m sitting in my office, I feel like I’ve been through hell and he and the boys are ready for the evening!

On the menu Three things you need to know about the UAE food scene

if the guide came to Dubai.

How many would Ronda Locatelli get?

We set out to be a family restaurant that produces high quality food with fresh ingredients. We don’t have the little garnishes and things like Gordon does. Maybe he cares about things like that. I really don’t give a monkey’s!

You don’t care about Michelin?

Yes, of course. As a chef, it was How does the team here compare to the team in London? one of the best days of my life when they gave us the star in In London the boys are crazy.

London. I have had a Michelin Here they are calmer. That calm environment is better to learn in. star now for 17 years and it’s useful to have somebody that is Cooking should not be rushed. a guarantor of your quality. But You’re not a shouter like business-wise, I don’t see anyone Gordon Ramsay, then? coming to the restaurant with the No. It makes good TV to see Gordon going crazy and shouting, guide under their arm.

Ronda Locatelli, Atlantis The Palm, but I must admit that it doesn’t Dubai, Sat to Wed 1pm to 11pm, make for a productive kitchen.

Thurs to Fri 1pm to midnight.

We spoke to Gordon last Tel: (04) 4260000. month and he said Verre www.atlantisthepalm.com would get two Michelin stars

BARGAIN BREAKFASTS Not one, not two, but three restaurants have launched breakfasts available for Dhs35 or less. Carluccio’s Breakfast Magnifica includes scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, sautéed mushrooms, tomato, toast, juice and tea or coffee for Dhs35. Bite Café at Iconic, meanwhile, serves eggs, sausages, beef bacon, toast, tea or coffee for Dhs14 on Fridays and Saturdays and Dhs20 weekdays. And, our favourite, Bistro Madeleine has just introduced a spin on its classic breakfast for Dhs35 – eggs, turkey bacon, tomato, French fries, toast and jam, juice and a coffee.

Carluccio’s, Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre and Marina Mall, Dubai, 9am to 11am. Tel: (04) 4341320. www. carluccios.com.

Iconic, Deira City Centre, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 8.30am to 10.30am, Fri and Sat 10am to noon. Tel: (04) 2943444. www.theiconicstore.com.

Bistro Madeleine, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 8am to 11am. Tel: (04) 7011111. www.ichotelsgroup.com GAME ON Hot on the heels of its ladies night (free mocktails for the girls 6pm to 9pm every Monday), dim sum specialist Ping Pong has teamed up with Hamleys toy store to launch Sunday Funday. Test out your multi-tasking capabilities, while trying to use your chopsticks and play Monopoly, Scrabble, Cluedo or chess.

Ping Pong, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Sun 6pm to midnight. Tel: 800 74641664 CURRY NIGHT What better way to say goodbye to the working week and wolf whistle at the weekend than with a curry night, which is actually more of an evening brunch. An Indian banquet with house beverages for just Dhs195. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Atrium, Grand Millennium, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Thurs 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 4299999

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 81

ISTOCK

Mama Mia!

EATING OUT

Mistral Ibn Battuta Gate’s Middle Eastern offering opens its door Ibn Battuta is perhaps one of the greatest travellers in the history of the world. The 21-year-old set off on a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1325 and returned 30 years later. He was the original rolling stone, traversing the entire Islamic world from Africa to Europe, the Middle East, India and Asia (a reputed 75,000 miles), writing the Rihla – an in depth account of his wanderings – upon his return. The great man ate a good number of meals in numerous countries in his time and mentioned a few of them in the Rihla.

Mistral, at the relatively new Ibn Battuta Gate hotel, has drawn inspiration from Battuta’s writings, creating what they call a ‘new era answer to the buffet’. We struggled to spot anything ‘new era’ about what was, undeniably, a traditional Middle Eastern buffet with a few Asian and Western touches.

Restaurants with buffet stations are not usually our bag, but the Battuta connection is more than just a gimmick. Well, maybe it isn’t, but the food was very good indeed and the story of Ibn Battuta is enthralling and provided something to talk about over dinner.

baked bread started things off nicely. We particularly enjoyed a couple of crispy lamb sambousek and an intriguing beetroot baba ghanoush – an interesting twist on the typical Arabic dip. Then it was on to the main buffet for meat galore – kebab, a couple of fine shawarma, slices of roast turkey carved to order (not sure where in the Islamic world old Battuta ate this, but the meat was tender) and innumerable rice dishes. All agreeably prepared and not allowed to stew in their heated incubators for too long.

Some homemade strawberry ice cream, a finger dipped in the chocolate fountain and we were ready to follow in Battuta’s footsteps. Taxi!

Mistral is a gigantic, highceilinged, open plan room with a large open kitchen servicing a hot buffet, a bread station producing za’atar to order, a salad bar, a cheese station and a dessert area. For just Dhs165 for dinner and Dhs125 for lunch you can scoff as much as you

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like, so this is a handy place – just a brisk trot from Ibn Battuta Mall – to slake a mean post-shop hunger or a bargain brunch alternative (alcohol is extra, but a decent wine list is available).

The vast selection of mezze accompanied by hot, freshly

In tweet form… Discuss the travels of Moroccan adventurer Ibn Battuta while enjoying a plentiful, predominantly Middle Eastern buffet for just Dhs165. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

Need to know Location: Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, opposite Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Tel: (04) 4445568 Web: www.moevenpickhotels.com Open: from 6.30am Cuisine type: Moorish/ Middle Eastern/ International Must eat: beetroot baba ghanoush Bill for two: Dhs330

IBN BATTUTA TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS

1304 Born in Tangier, Morocco

1325 Sets of on the Hajj to Mecca 82 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

1330 Visits Somalia and the Swahili Coast

1332 Meets Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos in Constantinople on his way to Afghanistan and India

1351 Visits the Sahara Desert, Mali and Timbuktu

1346 Begins his journey home to Morocco from Quanzhou, China

1368 Dies in Morocco, having spent his final years as a judge

1355 Completes the Rihla

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1326 Explores Egypt before spending Ramadan in Damascus and travelling to Mecca

EATING OUT

MezzaLuna There’s a decent Italian hidden away at InterContinental Residence Suites

and pizza to order and serving a Resisting the urge to go for traditional Italian a la carte menu. pizza or pasta (you don’t need We went for dinner, but with to hear us bang on about those floor to ceiling windows that old friends, do you?), we tried to would allow plenty of daylight in order the fegato alla Veniziana – a and outdoor tables, it’s probably dish of slow braised veal liver more of a lunch option. We hear it with an onion and white wine The InterContinental Residence also does a decent breakfast. gravy, described as ‘a foundation Suites. Few people have heard of From the antipasti selection stone of Venetian gastronomy’. it, and even less know where it is we ordered what turned out to Unfortunately, the foundation (although we did hear a rumour be an enormous plate strewn stone was off the night we visited that former England cricket with a fabulous variety of Italian – isn’t that always the way in life? star Freddie Flintoff was staying cold cuts, cheeses, pickles and – so we opted for a nicely roasted there), so it’s not what you’d sundried tomato. Not common baby chicken, or rather the various describe as an easy place to find. in Dubai. It would have done for separated parts of one, that was Let’s just say if you head towards two, but being a bit greedy we also supposedly marinated in red chilli, Dubai Festival City, somewhere devoured a bowl of slowly stewed mustard, rosemary and lemon but near Al Badia Golf Club, you’ll beef brisket in a thick, tangy red lacked the punch those ingredients be on the right track – but you wine sauce – superb for dipping promised, and a respectable should probably check the website a few too many hunks of white, breaded lamb rack in a port for directions before venturing crusty bread. Proper salt of the wine jus with a side of eminently out to find it. earth peasant food, this. passable peperonata.

But do try and find it, because you’ll discover a rather nifty little In tweet form… A quiet Italian hidden Italian restaurant there, just off from the hordes at Dubai Festival City, the lobby, that’s great for a spot of serving traditional dishes in a pleasant lunch or a quiet dinner. environment. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai MezzaLuna is clean and bright and WhatsOnAbuDhabi with an open kitchen making pasta follow me

This is not food to blow your mind (though it may give your gut a go), but it’s hearty and honest, two can eat a couple of courses for less than Dhs300 and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to try the Venetian gastronomy.

And if you fancy a tipple after dinner – MezzaLuna is sans alcohol – there’s Level 17, a pleasant bar with a terrace located, perhaps not unsurprisingly, on the 17th floor.

Need to know Location: InterContinental Residence Suites, DFC, Dubai Tel: (04) 7011128 Web: www.ichotelsgroup. com Open: 6:30am to midnight Cuisine type: Italian Must eat: selection of Italian cold cuts Bill for two: Dhs280 DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 85

THE CRITIC

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

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.

According to Gordon Ramsay’s ex-business partner, and still, but only just, father-in-law, Chris Hutcheson, Gordon is “a very strange character.” His words, not mine. He’s so strange, in fact, that when their company opened a Ramsay restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, “Gordon never asked once how it was going.”

Thankfully for UAE-based Ramsophiles, the volatile chef with the cesspool vocab cares a shade more about his Dubai venture, Verre. So much so, in fact, that he recently spent a whole 24-hours in the city – well, it was his first visit for two years. Naturally, a fair chunk of that 24-hours was spent racing Audis at the Autodrome with 86 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Dubai’s press. Nothing strange about that.

Of course, Ramsay’s got his work cut out, what with opening a new chain of gastro-pubs on Mars, and filming yet another TV show where he makes hardened chefs cry by just standing there, folding his arms and glowering. And that’s not to mention conducting his ongoing family dramas in the media like a bad season of Dallas.

We can forgive Ramsay because, underneath all that on-screen bravado and intensity, he’s a jolly sort. And it’s a credit to his head chef Scott Price that Verre is still a fine restaurant.

But Ramsay’s lack of presence raises certain questions about the UAE’s celebrity chef restaurant phenomenon. Are these places just cash cows for chefs who pop their name over the door and stand back as the mindless dupes come rushing in with their dirhams? How much of their time do these chefs owe their customers? And are they really worthy of their lofty status?

One chef who might be is Pierre Gagnaire. Like Ramsay, he’s got a glut of Michelin stars and restaurants around the globe.

But he spends more time visiting his kitchens than he does in TV

“WHEREAS RAMSAY’S TEAM HAVE AN IDOL, GAGNAIRE’S PEOPLE HAVE A MENTOR. SOMEONE TO GUIDE AND INFLUENCE THEM ON A ONE-TO-ONE BASIS” studios or on racetracks. He makes it out to Reflets in Dubai at least three or four times a year. And he’s usually here for over a week, getting to know staff, and inspiring them. “The team is the spirit of the story,” says Gagnaire. “It’s them who carry the spirit of this place.”

Whereas Ramsay’s team have an idol, Gagnaire’s people have a mentor. Someone to guide and influence them on a one-toone basis. For all of Ramsay’s charisma, star-quality and sense of fun, I know which type of boss I’d prefer.

Soon Dubai’s gastronomes will have yet another celebrity chef restaurant to patronise.

Jamie Oliver will be opening his new Italian place at Festival City, and it remains to be seen what the socially aware chef will get up to when he comes here.

He’ll get a big thumbs up if he decides to protest outside Chili’s in Garhoud. But if he takes Dubai’s press racing round the Autodrome in VW camper vans, then I’m quitting this foodwriting lark to become an arms dealer. Enough’s enough.

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Lunch with Pierre Gagnaire Multi-Michelin starred culinary magician Pierre Gagnaire on his restaurant’s new lunch menu and his plans for the UAE, plus our verdict on lunch at Reflets Why should we come and try the new lunch menu?

The idea behind the lunch menu is to offer a great meal within your lunch hour. Just because you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy quality.

You’ve just visited Reflets.

How’s it doing?

Very well. I am extremely happy with the work done by the team.

My plan for the future is to gain even greater recognition for the quality of the food and service. And to be the best restaurant in Dubai.

What plans do you have for further UAE restaurants?

None. I'm concentrating on

Reflets. It is very easy to open and close soon after, or simply let go. A restaurant is a story you write every day, and as I am not a man of concepts, I have to be extremely attentive to details in order for each restaurant to have its own story.

How do big name chefs, such as you, benefit the Dubai restaurant scene?

Perhaps by giving pleasure; exposing both guests and the restaurant team to quality and a new approach to food.

“Just because you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy quality.”

THE WHAT’S ON VERDICT Here’s what we thought of Pierre’s new lunch menu We ate four amuse bouche, including a cleverly constructed dish of white beetroot ice cream and glazed eel, followed by a huge lump of frozen mozzarella with radish, beetroot and cherry tomato and a dish of poached cod in a traditional béarnaise sauce with crunchy winter roots and Darphin potatoes. To be able to eat food this inventive in Dubai for just Dhs180 is a minor miracle, enabling anyone with a spare couple of hundred dirham to sample Pierre Gagnaire’s unparalleled culinary wizardry without forking out Dhs1,000 or so for the full dinner experience.

Reflets, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Mon to Fri noon to 2.30pm, Dhs180.

Tel: (04) 7011199. www.pierre-gagnaire.com

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WIN

Win with What’s On

BIG THIS CHRISTMAS!

WIN! DINNER FOR FOUR AT INDEGO BY VINEET To celebrate winning Favourite Indian/Pakistani at this year’s What’s On Awards, we have dinner for four with wine at this amazing restaurant. With a fusion menu devised by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, an elegant dining space and wonderful staff, it was a very deserving winner indeed. For your chance to enjoy this awardwinning food, simply tell us...

Which of the following are not staples in Indian cuisine? a) Spices b) Rice c) Angel Delight

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FESTIVITIES ON THE HILL

From cozy Christmas lunches to New Year’s Eve parties hosted by some of Europe’s top DJs, Christmas and New Year at InterContinental Abu Dhabi promises to be remembered well into 2011. Find out more about our festive lunch and dinner specials across seven outlets, by calling 800 423463 or email us at dine@icauh.ae.

Don’t miss the carols and gingerbread house at our tree lighting ceremony in the Piano Lounge from 5-7pm on December 12th.

intercontinentalabudhabi.com

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Pastures new Green Art Gallery is one of the most established on Dubai’s art scene, but after 15 years in Jumeirah it’s upped sticks and moved to Al Quoz. Gallery director Yasmin Atassi gives What’s On the low-down on the move

You’ve recently moved the gallery to Al Quoz – what was behind that decision?

For the past two years we’ve been expanding the gallery and programme and we needed a bigger space that could accommodate upcoming exhibitions and also give our artists the freedom to exhibit without limitation. The most important aspect for me is that it gives my artists, and the curators we work with, the ability to create and exhibit bigger works without the limitation of space irrespective of medium. For artists, such flexibility is extremely important.

Do you see Al Quoz – and Al Serkal Avenue in particular – as the new centre of Dubai's art scene?

Absolutely. Actually, right from when we first made the decision to move, we wanted to move to Al Quoz. We were particularly interested in moving to Al Serkal Avenue as it has a very interesting cluster of art galleries and offers big warehouse spaces.

Our old gallery was in Jumeirah and we have been there since the gallery opened in 1995.

Back in the day, Jumeirah was the place to be and was a very natural choice to open an art gallery there. But, of course, times have changed and, more importantly, artists’ works have changed and that requires bigger rooms, higher ceilings and a more “rough looking” space.

Green Art Gallery was established in 1995 – how have you seen Dubai’s art scene change over the past 15 years?

It’s changed tremendously. I think what’s amazing about what happened in Dubai is that it was a very underground grassroots movement of young people setting up and really trying to build an art scene. We all operate without any government support and have all worked together in creating a very solid collectors’ base both in the city and beyond. Unlike other cities in the Gulf region, our galleries were not set up as a result of a 92 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

“Times have changed and, more importantly, artists’ works have changed and that requires bigger rooms, higher ceilings and a more “rough looking” space” citywide cultural policy. It’s been incredible seeing the quality of the exhibitions being mounted in Dubai’s art galleries and the support they provide to their artists, each with their own identity, but with a huge collective camaraderie.

Tell us a little about what we’re going to see in the gallery…

This month’s show – the first in our new space – is a group show from our collection.

It will give visitors a chance to see what we’re

about. Then in January, we’re planning a solo show for Turkish painter Ebru Uygun. She basically paints on canvas, then destroys the work into pieces and reconstructs them again.

Uygun’s work can be seen as a metaphor for the deconstruction of traditional artistic practice. Yes, painting plays a role, but so does performance, collage, sound making and sculpture. This is going to be her first solo in the Middle East so we are very excited. www.gagallery.com

ARTS

SARAH MARTIN @ ICANDYFOREVER.COM

It’s Christmas!

It won’t have escaped your attention in this merry month of December that Christmas is just around the proverbial with its promises of parties and presents, while wilfully ignoring the fact that we live in a sun-soaked desert by rounding all of that off with lashings of fake snow. What we most look forward to at this time of the year, however, are not the material gains of the season, but the rather more soul-sweetening ones that come in the form of seasonal entertainment – and the cheesier the better, we say. Which is why we’re delighted to see that the Madinat Theatre is continuing its annual panto tradition with one of the genre’s finest – Aladdin. Billed as ‘family entertainment’ it may be, but there are few things more fun at any age than the chance to shout dire warnings and chanted reposts at men and women dressed in drag.

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

If a slightly more measured approach to seasonal traditions is called for, may we recommend Let it Snow? An evening of music and song led by Olivier Award-nominated performer Alison Jiear and a specially-formed

local choir. As the name suggests, punters can expect Christmas classics aplenty, alongside jazz numbers and well-known show tunes.

Best of all? Singing along is most definitely encouraged – we’re warming up our vocal chords right now.

Let it Snow, Dec 3 to 11, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3414777. www. ductac.org. Aladdin, Dec 22 to Jan 2, Madinat Theatre, Madinat, Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3666546. www.madinattheatre.com

All roads lead to Al Quoz Just in case you were still in any doubt that Al Quoz is where it’s at in terms of the local scene, another of the city’s wellestablished galleries has upped sticks and moved there this month. Traffic, the design gallery-cumshop, has gone mega – two gallery spaces (one currently showing work from the Traffic collection, the other a solo show by Iranian painter Hesam Rahmanian), a pop-up education space that will be used for discussions and talks, bookstore and on-site studio space for the gallery’s resident artists. All of which leaves What’s On’s whistle well and truly whetted. See you there! www.viatraffic.org

News in brief MATHAF OPENING IN QATAR The Middle East’s ongoing development as a major player on the world art stage has just taken another step forward with the announcement that Mathaf (which means "museum" in Arabic) Arab Museum of Modern Art is set to open in Qatar on 30 December.

With an inaugural exhibition that promises to showcase 100 years of modern Arab art and a pre-exhibition programme that kicks off as far afield as Cairo, we think it’s fair to say that this, not unlike the UAE’s equally ambitious culture projects such as Saadiyat Island, goes a long way to put the region very firmly on the world stage. www.qma.com MIX AND MINGLE It’s never been easier to share ideas with likeminded individuals, as two very different events taking place this month reveal. Get your cultural knowledge up to speed at one of Art Couture’s monthly Art & Coffee mornings, which offer discussions with an artist, curator or other professional over a nice cuppa in the pleasant surrounds of JBR. Or take a tip from Shelter and take your normally online musings offline at GeekFest, an "offline social for online people" taking place on December 17.

It’s good to talk, after all. www.artcoutureuae.com www.shelter.ae DUBAI MUSEUM It’s amazing just how few of the emirate’s residents have paid a visit to this, the official guardian of Dubai’s maritime and cultural history. Make like a tourist for an afternoon by wandering its cool, calm corridors in the restored Al Fahidi Fort – you won’t regret it. www.dubaitourism.ae

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 93

ARTS

IMAGE COPYRIGHT OF THE ARTIST AND COURTESY OF THE FARJAM COLLECTION

Five to see

ÅART IN IRAQ TODAY

Meem’s comprehensive overview of the contemporary Iraqi art scene continues until the middle of this month. This second part of a four-exhibition series running until April 2011 is a fascinating insight into the art of a country that has many, many stories to tell.

Fascinating.

Until Dec 12, Meem Gallery, fourth interchange, Umm Suqeim Road (near Marina Interiors), Dubai. Tel: (04) 3477883. www.meem.ae

ÑTHE UNBEARABLE

LIGHTNESS OF BEING

This group show from some of the brightest and best of the Carbon 12 stable features works from What’s On favourites Gil Heitor Cortesao and Sara Rahbar, alongside US portraitist Katherine Bernhardt and sculptor Rui Chafes. Quite honestly we’d be happy to find any of these in our Christmas stocking.

Until Jan 10, Carbon 12, Warehouse D37, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, free. Tel: (050) 4644392. www.carbon12dubai.com

ÅNUJOOM: CONSTELLATIONS OF ARAB ART

This latest group show – drawn from the seemingly infinite resource that is the Farjam Collection – is like a who’s who of contemporary Middle Eastern art. Featuring works from the likes of Lara Baladi, Youssef Nabil and Mona Hatoum in media from painting and sculpture to photography, it’s an ideal entree into the artists and techniques of the region.

The Farjam Collection, DIFC Gate Village 4, off Zabeel Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3230303. www.farjamcollection.org

ÉOPENING THE DOORS  COLLECTING MIDDLE EASTERN ART

Organised as part of Abu Dhabi Art and with works secured

by Christie's – with a pedigree like that, anyone with even a passing interest in the region’s art would be daft to miss this show.

Featuring 90 works by leading practitioners from the 1920s to today, the exhibition is the latest in Abu Dhabi’s cultural arsenal.

Until Jan 8, Gallery One, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6909000 94 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

ÅTOMORROW IS NOW

The apparently simple lines of some of Ines A Landmesser’s latest series of works belie a complex rumination on the changing society in which we live. Get up close and the 'wide open spaces' of her paintings reveal tight lines and layered paintwork – works that, like the Emirates themselves, teem with life and hidden stories.

Dec 5 to 15, Ghaf Gallery, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, free.

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

Get with the programme

Archaeology and history buffs have several reasons to head to Sharjah this month with a series of talks and demonstrations set to take place in and around its Heritage Centre. Those keen to know more about the region’s architecture can round off an exploration of Bait Al Naboodah’s unique system of wind scoops and Islamic-influenced light system with a practical workshop on plasterwork on the 11th of the month. There’s also a discussion about mleiha coins led by UAE University’s Dr Hamed M Bin Seray, which takes place at Sharjah Archaeology Museum on the 22nd. But for the truly dedicated – or those who will simply do anything to avoid tinsel and turkey at all costs – the Meet The Curator programme at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation finishes its 2010 programme with a discussion on 'Islamic Architecture Between East and West' on December 25. What are you waiting for? www.sharahmuseums.ae

ABU DHABI

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WIN

Win with What’s On

BIG THIS CHRISTMAS!

WIN! A NIGHT IN THE FAIRMONT’S IMPERIAL SUITE, PLUS DINNER FOR TWO The newly refurbished Imperial Suite at Dubai’s Fairmont hotel is a spectacular two-storey penthouse, boasting a Jacuzzi, rooftop terrace and Bose home entertainment system. In addition to a night’s stay, we also have dinner for two at The Exchange Grill, one of the city’s finest steakhouses. For your chance to wind down from the madness and merriment with this fantastic prize, simply tell us...

Which of the following is not a steak? a) T-bone b) Rib-eye c) T-bird

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SHOPPING p101 Sophia says p102 12 gifts of Christmas

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 99

© Gap 2010

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

It's my first work Christmas party since I arrived in Abu Dhabi and I'm stuck on what is appropriate attire. It's a youngish company and we're having dinner and a disco in a hotel ballroom. I'm 27 and a size 12 to 14.

Sophie, Abu Dhabi If the party is a formal occasion, go for a cocktail dress that is more on the chic side; think short or three quarter sleeve.

Team it with a cropped jacket or shawl for the dinner, which you can whip off once you arrive on the dance floor. If it is a black tie event, ensure you have a floor length gown and it’s best to avoid any halter or backless styles.

All dresses available at Reiss

My wife hates my Velcro wallet (which I have had since university). Should I buckle under the pressure and get a leather one?

Mark, Hatta Velcro wallets are for children and must be avoided by men over the age of 13. Make her happy and put it on your Christmas list.

Wallets by Giorgio Armani

What accessory would you recommend buying to liven up a LBD? Jennifer, Satwa

“A seat for every kid at the table.”

– Lauren Bush Co-Founder of FEED Projects

There are so many! Start with shoes. A statement pair, whether metallic or matte, will do the trick every time. Jewellery comes next, so opt for either a stunning necklace or earrings – never both, unless you are going to a black tie affair. Have some fun with your handbag and get a cute clutch, think crystals, feather and luxurious leathers.

Necklace by Agatha What do you want this holiday?

Shoes by Jimmy Choo

Where on the high street can I find a good tux? I rented before moving to the UAE, but there are loads of black tie events coming up so I need to take the plunge but can't afford to go designer.

Paul, Old Town Zara and H&M are your best bets; you just have to get in fast as they are one of the most popular items – especially at this time of the year. If you still have some dirhams in your pocket after your visit, invest in a good quality pair of coloured socks to spruce up the suit. Shoes should be of the patent variety, but black leather will suffice if short on funds. Most important of all, even more than the socks, is the bow tie itself. Purchase the type where you have to tie the knot (not clip).

The clip ties look cheap and clown-like, whereas a hand-tied bow tie looks super chic, even if you are wearing high street.

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

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 101

SHOPPING

gifts of

Christmas ISTOCK

Your guide to perfect presents for man, woman and child Hobie kayak From Dhs2,500

Transform your weekends with this kayak.

ACT Marina

Turtle adoption Dhs200

Kymera wand remote control Dhs330 One step closer to being Harry Potter. www.aido.com

Adopt a Hawksbill turtle with the Marine Turtle Conservation Project. This turtly great gift includes a cuddly toy turtle, adoption certificate, sticker, photo card with turtle facts and info on the programme. www.gulfturtles.com

Diptique candles Dhs270 A lovely gift to last the year.

Harvey Nichols

Globe-Trotter luggage From Dhs1,590

Expensive, yes, but you can't put a price on baggage carousel envy.

Harvey Nichols 102 WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON DECEMBER 2010

© Gap 2010

Cath Kidston purse Dhs150

Encourage loved ones to spend in style with this floral purse.

Bauhaus

BlackBerry Torch 9800 Dhs2,699

BeatsPro headphones Dhs1,815 Serious headphones for a serious music-lover.

Virgin Megastore

“For kids to know where they’re headed but remember where they’ve been.”

The smartest smartphone around. www.du.ae

– Naveen Selvadurai Co-Founder of Foursquare

Alexander McQueen booties Dhs4,200 Surely an investment?

Harvey Nichols

MacBook Air From Dhs4,499

Super light, portable and stylish. www.abmme.com What do you want this holiday?

Braces by Thomas Pink Dhs300

Add some stylish festive cheer to a dark suit.

Harvey Nichols

Fortis watch Price on application

Sporty bling for the man in your life. www.fortis-watches.com

gap.ae

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WIN

Win with What’s On WIN! A SPA EXPERIENCE AT THE GRAND MILLENNIUM AL WAHDA We’ve teamed up with one of the newest spas in Abu Dhabi to offer one lucky couple and afternoon of pure pampering. Zayna Spa at the Grand Millennium Al Wahda is the biggest spa and health club in Abu Dhabi, with an extensive treatment menu and elegant surrounds. We have 'his and hers' experiences up for grabs, including a caviar facial and body wrap for the ladies, and Swedish massage and face treatment for the gents. For your chance to win a day of holistic relaxation, simply tell us…

What is the name of the new spa recently opened in the Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel, Abu Dhabi? a) Zeyna Spa b) Zayna Spa c) Zina Spa

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BIG THIS CHRISTMAS!

“For everyone to find The One” Lily Aldridge, Model, Supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® THE DUBAI MALL | DEIRA CITY CENTRE | MERCATO | BURJUMAN | MIRDIF CITY CENTRE ARABIAN CENTER | MARINA MALL | AL WAHDA MALL | AL JIMI MALL gap.ae

Villa G2/U1, Al Wasl Road, Street No.79 / Jumeirah 1, (opposite McDonalds, same side as Life Pharmacy)

Mobile Hotline: 056 7283008 Telephone: 04 3420 420

MIND & BODY

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SPACES

ESPA at Yas Hotel His ‘n’ hers Eyelash extensions Nurturing experience p113 Tips & Toes p114 Spa deals DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 107

Celebrating the Season Enjoy a variety of traditional treats with your family and friends, with our splendid selection of festive promotions in our restaurants and bars.

For bookings or more information 800 CROWNE (276963)

www.crowneplaza.com

MIND & BODY

ESPA at Yas Hotel Will Yas Island’s newest spa live up to the hype?

There’s no such thing as a ‘quick tour’ of the ESPA spa at Yas Hotel. This place is vast.

There’s even a lift, for Pete’s sake. And we got lost trying to get back to the lobby. While size can matter at a spa (there are few things more uncomfortable and pointless than an overcrowded relaxation room), ESPA clearly has some design boffins behind the scenes, and despite the acres of slate floor and seemingly endless corridors, it has been laid out in a way that creates a comforting feel. Rather than rooms the size of aircraft hangars, there are many different areas, from the modern hammam and alfresco deck with loungers overlooking the marina, to Metronap pods for an energy-boosting snooze and the amazing light therapy space (a bit like that sky-high Bubble Room in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) that changes colour every five minutes.

The men’s lounge even has a view of the F1 race track, so you can feel manly while sipping your ginger tea. And don’t get us started on the Irish cotton chocolate brown robes – a klepto crime was nearly committed.

So, it’s fair to say we were impressed. But would the treatments live up to the chic surrounds? In a word, yes. A million times yes.

As the only ESPA spa in the Middle East, they’ve taken this modern brand on board

“It’s fair to say we were impressed. But would the treatments live up to the chic surrounds? In a word, yes” and run with it, so you’ll find no other products in sight. The signature treatments use 98 per cent natural oils, and begin with a foot ritual (nice wash in a petal-filled footbath) before you choose which products will be used, all based on smell. With an afternoon appointment we opted for the two-hour Tension Soother with energizing oils to stop us falling asleep at the many traffic lights on Yas Island. The treatment includes dry body brushing (scratchy), exfoliation and facial cleanse, then hot volcanic stones being placed on chakras to release deep-seated tensions, before a full body and scalp massage to force you into near slumber. Therapist Rinti was fairly amused by our ‘very crunchy’ shoulder

knots, but they were no match for her expert touch and she advised against spending so much time at the computer. We love a bit of life advice with a massage.

While we suspect many a businessman might just nip in for a 40-minute Muscle Reviver (Dhs300) which promises to get rid of tension related headaches, ESPA has all the makings of a destination day spa, with a food menu, extensive facilities and a menu packed with treatments to address all manner of ailments or demands. We’ll be doing our best to try every one.

ESPA, Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm, Dhs725. Tel: (02) 6560862 DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 109

swiss made

watches

His‘n’hers

MIND & BODY

Our guy and gal put the Armani/Spa through its paces

Hers

His

CUSTOM TREATMENT

SIGNATURE COLLECTION

TALK US THROUGH IT… The Signature Collection involves donning a pair of silk pyjamas and enjoying a decent 60-minute massage combining shiatsu, Thai and acupressure followed by a pleasant (none of that hideous squeezing and steaming) facial with Skin Minerals products. Ask for Jacopo, the senior therapist.

THE BEST BIT? Aside from the silk pyjamas, it would have to be the relaxation lounge – soft drinks, food, a pot of tea and a selection of quality reading material.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? The treatment bed, or ‘ceremony couch’, may have been created by one of the foremost designers of our age, but it almost suffocated me. Placing your face in that airless space is a bit like being smothered by a pillow, so unless you can breathe through your ears, turn you head to the side.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? Pointless. Who needs throwaway undies when they’re rocking a pair of silk PJs? SLEEP FACTOR? Mr Armani’s ceremony couch is actually a low-lying bed, making it the most comfortable treatment table in Dubai (aside from the defective head hole). Sleep should not be a problem.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? Anyone who is a fan of Giorgio Armani’s celebrated style.

Nobody else could have created this spa.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? Dhs820 for 90 minutes.

TALK US THROUGH IT… Unsurprisingly, bespoke is Armani’s modus operandi. You pay for time rather than specific treatments, so are welcomed by an Armani-clad expert who will find out what you need, via a short questionnaire. For my form-filling I was awarded a 50minute cleansing facial and deep tissue back massage then headed to the hydrotherapy area for rain showers, steams and more.

THE BEST BIT? The high-tech massage bed was pretty heavenly when combined with scalp massage and a heated beanbag effort. That sounds a bit elderly, but trust me on this. Top marks for new UK magazines, cereal bars and pomegranate juice in the relaxation lounge, too.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? The whole spa felt a bit chilly, so I ended up covered in blankets during the treatment and didn’t warm up until waiting outside for my car.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? Well, presumably Mr Armani was involved so they must be Dubai’s only designer disposables. Small, black and stretchy.

Molto Italiano.

SLEEP FACTOR? High, but that was because my custom treatment was designed to relax. If you need to be ener-

gised, then no doubt the team could help you with that.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? Truth be told, this spa is one for the boys – all clean lines and dark grey – rather than a girlie spa. Head here for a functional treatment with superb products by accomplished therapists.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? Dhs650 for 90 minutes.

Armani/ Spa, Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 9am to 9pm.Tel: (04) 8883888. www.dubai.armanihotels.com DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 111

MIND & BODY

Nuturing experience What’s On reader and mum-to-be Hannah Fray went in search of a pregnancy-friendly massage in Dubai… and finally found the pre-natal pampering she’s been looking for Ever since I became pregnant I’ve barely managed to relax for a minute. From three solid months of violent morning sickness through to that crippling backache that takes hold in the later stages of pregnancy, the condition offers little mercy.

For months now I have been looking for a spa that understands and can help – if only temporarily – take the stresses and strains away. As a spa enthusiast I had no problems picking up the phone to some of my regular haunts to ask if they could cater for a woman in the family way … but my requests were apparently too specialist for most.

So it was with great relief, now that I am seven months pregnant, that I found The Spa at The Address Dubai Mall accommodating and more than willing to meet my needs.

As a first-time customer to this particular spa, I was more than impressed.

The ambiance was second to none and the selection of drinks and fruits offered topped off a feeling of real luxury.

The masseuse was attentive and asked a series of incisive questions about the way I felt and how my body was responding to pregnancy. The way she positioned bundles of pillows suggested that she had done this before. When the treatment started it became clear they were experts.

I had come to the right place. Working on my stretched muscles and aching calves, months of tension simply melted away.

The therapy was well worth waiting for. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find some time after the baby’s born to go back and indulge once more.

The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, Tel: (04) 4388888. Dhs460. www.theaddress.com 112 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Eyelash extensions Will longer lashes lead to a fuss-free beauty regime, or will they be shedding quicker than a Christmas tree on Boxing Day?

THE VERDICT

THE SALES PITCH Bin the mascara and chuck the curlers out, if you can spare the time and money then spend the party season with lashes to make a cartoon cow jealous. Sisters Beauty Lounge will affix your peepers with extensions that should last up to a month.

THE TREATMENT The look you’re going for with these Before enhancements is doe-eyed ingénue, not Lily Savage, so when the therapist asks if you’d like a ‘natural’ or ‘dramatic’ look, it might be wise to go for the more subtle approach. You can also choose from colours like violet and green – not exactly in keeping with what nature gave you, but attention grabbing nonetheless.

Far from the strip of fake eyelashes you see clumsily stuck to the eyelids of showgirls and hen party attendees, Sisters uses between 70 and 100 individual lashes per eye, placing each one 1mm from your lash line. Your After eyelids are separated with special tape – not as A Clockwork Orange as it sounds – and two-week mark, and a few were determined the process takes around an hour and a half enough to hang on until week three, but you (longer if you opt for a more dramatic look), can go back for maintenance every fortnight. so we recommend a little nap.

Reactions were varied, from girls asking quietly if we’d had extensions and if so where, THE VERDICT how much and begging for details, to a You’ll wake up with lashes so long and thick certain member of What’s On not noticing we suspected an enthusiastic flutter might and saying that men don’t care about these trigger a tornado somewhere in Middle things. Well, they might not care, but for a America. Use your new weapons with few weeks of waking up looking good without caution. In theory you can shower, swim reaching for the mascara, we’ll definitely be and sleep as normal, but need to keep your getting involved again. new lashes away from water for 24 hours, be careful with the make-up remover and, as we Sisters Beauty Lounge, Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: discovered, avoid getting smashed in the face (04) 3399307. 1 Shk Shakhbout Street, Zaab, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 2222501. Dhs600 for a full by giant waves. These babies are strong, but set with in-fills from Dhs200. not invincible.

Our new lashes started shedding around the www.sistersbeautylounge.com

“You’ll wake up with lashes so long and thick we suspected an enthusiastic flutter might trigger a tornado somewhere in Middle America”

Tips & Toes Luxury? In Al Ain? We take a road trip to investigate It might be best known for roundabouts, the zoo and the (frankly, amazing) Hili Fun City, but a secret spa is lurking in the Garden City. Situated opposite Al Ain Mall and above a bank, Tips & Toes is the last thing you’d expect to find in this part of town, yet plenty of pampered ladies have sought it out. Far from the dusty car park below, the spa is a bejewelled space of red and purple silks, reclining chairs, treatment rooms and dark woods, with a team of staff waiting to massage, file and enhance.

If you’re taking the time to drive the 90 minutes from Dubai, then it makes sense to make a day of it, and luckily Tips & Toes had a treatment list to inspire even the most jaded spa fan. As the name suggests, nails are a strong suit so we kicked off with a special mani-pedi with a ginger scrub and masque (Dhs180) for a refreshing – and Christmassy – spin on the classic.

Face next, and Hollywood’s favourite brand Yonka makes an appearance, with a selection of facials to suit all skin ages, conditions and problems. We opted for Le Grand Classique (Dhs350 for 90 minutes), a deep cleansing treatment that will get rid of all those pore-blocking nasties without using too much steam, which can damage and stretch skin. After the fairly painful extractions, you’re treated to a massage and mask so you don’t leave the room with the dreaded red face.

Other unexpected treatments are available, from eyelash extensions (Dhs500) to LPG slimming (Dhs400 per session), which should get you ready for that LBD and ill-advised work party indulgence.

While the day spas of fivestar hotels offer a (frequently expensive) poolside retreat, it is possible to spend an afternoon being treated like a princess and get polished results. You might just need to get in the car.

Tips & Toes, Opposite Al Ain Mall, Al Ain. Tel: (03) 7640511 DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 113

MIND & BODY

Spa news Get party ready with these discounts and deals in the land of all things pretty SPACES Spaces, an in-store spa concept, offers speedy treatments and good value packages so you can fit in your Christmas shopping around a little pampering. The Express Package (Dhs270) includes a 30-minute facial, mani-pedi and free 30-minute body massage. Impressive stuff indeed. Men aren’t neglected either, with a relaxing facial, mani-pedi and 30 minutes of reflexology for a mere Dhs200.

Spaces, Oasis Centre, Level 3, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5154400. Spaces, Iconic, Deira City Centre, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 2957271

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PASTELS You could be a bit cheeky with this one. Buy any product from the Cloud 9 range (for curling or straightening) and the team at Pastels will give you a free demonstration on your own hair. Our plan is to buy some kit for a gift and walk out with a lovely barnet. Giving and receiving in the same visit. Thumbs up.

Pastels, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3947393

30 per cent off when you book the Siam Heritage package. You’ll get 180 minutes of detoxifying relaxation including the use of Thai herbs to steam and draw toxins to the surface, then a signature massage to improve energy flow and blood circulation.

Villa 1047, Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, Dhs455. Tel: (04) 3489679

HEAVENLY SPA Treat yourself and your harried other half to the two-hour 55-minute Cherish Moments package for two, this December. You’ll both enjoy a welcome foot ritual, Arabian body scrub, 85-minute massage, facial and light lunch from the spa menu.

The Westin, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs1,217 per person. Tel: (04) 5117901

NATURAL ELEMENTS Sign up for the two-week December package at Le Méridien Dubai’s fantastic gym and you’ll get full use of the two pools, Jacuzzi, steam room, fitness centre, a free body composition test, day pass voucher and 50 per cent off in either the spa or salon. Perfect for losing a few pounds, before gaining them over Christmas.

Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs1,200 peak and Dhs900 off-peak.

Tel: (04) 2170000

THAI PRIVILEGE SPA The new year sales have started early at Thai Privilege Spa, where they’re offering

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p119 Anyone for tennis? p121 Mr Fitness p122 Run with us!

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SPORT & OUTDOOR

Anyone for tennis?

With grubby whites, borrowed racquets and Wimbledon aspirations at the ready, we hit the courts How lovely it must be to be from one of those families that are good at tennis; powerful father with the killer serve, elegant mother with her impeccable outfit and nifty volley, and little Charles and Henry with their miniature racquets and tournaments at the weekends. Sadly, the team at What’s On are more The Bash Street Kids than Enid Blyton. But could it be too late to learn the sport?

Inspired by the Mubdala Community Cup and Federer’s thighs, we roped Sergio from Tennis 360 (who are helping to host the competition) into giving us a lesson. The poor mug. Firstly, he needed to assess what level we were at, which resulted in one of the least dignified performances the Ritz-Carlton courts have probably ever seen.

Gareth had kept it quiet that last year he’d played every week, while I had lessons approximately 20 years ago – a revelation that succeeded in making me feel both old and unaccomplished. Super. Still, Sergio didn’t seem too appalled (or hid it well) so we got to work. Starting with forehands, he talked us through each motion, connecting each movement with the eventual hope of us connecting with the ball. What was especially appreciated was the fact he explained why each stage was necessary, rather than just instructing us into the right pose, which meant it all made sense much more quickly. With

“We covered forehand, backhand, volleys and serves in just 45 minutes”

two players at (dramatically) different levels, Sergio covered the basics, elevating both our games with ease and Gareth’s serve was instantly improved. I even hit the ball onto the correct court a few times. Maybe the fact that the Tennis 360 team work regularly with children meant that he was able to relate.

We covered forehand, backhand, volleys and serves in just 45 minutes, using some inventive bits of kit, from plastic spots to help with feet positioning (Gareth didn’t need them) to a giant fishing rod attached to a tennis ball to help with extension in serving (Gareth didn’t need that either). For less than an hour of exercise, the session was surprisingly tiring, with aerobic movement, strength in the swing and explosive speed all incorporated – and no doubt as we improve we’ll get an even better work out.

While tennis probably won’t form the backbone of many people’s regular exercise, a weekly lesson could prove to be a social, and somewhat entertaining, way to learn a new sport. And maybe one day, just one day, we’ll have sparkling whites and a backhand to envy.

Tennis 360, Dubai, 45-minute semi-private lesson for two Dhs300. Tel: (04) 4478960. www.tennisthreesixty.com DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 119

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Mr Fitness

Got a fitness question for James?

E-mail otivate.ae editor-wo@m

Our resident exercise guru answers your health and fitness questions tion and good nutrition enables the body to repair, grow and become stronger.

The trick is discovering whether you are exercise obsessed or just an avid exercise enthusiast…

There’s no nice way of saying this, but I sweat a LOT when exercising. My fitness needs improving, but is this an indication that I’m really out of shape?

Vipin, Karama, Dubai Honestly, sweating a lot is nothing to worry about when you are exercising – I know a lot of fit people who do just that.

When you sweat during exercise it tends to be a sign of an efficient cooling system.

An athlete (we are all athletes at one level or another) who has adapted to keep the body core cool during exercise will shunt blood to the skin’s surface more quickly and release heat from the body. At the same time, the sweat glands increase their output and thus cool the body during sweat evaporation. While fit people tend to produce more sweat than more sedentary people, they lose less sodium, because the body reabsorbs more of it. The result is a more efficient cooling system.

Can you explain BMI to me? I’m 6’2”, and weigh 115kg, which puts me in the ‘obese’ category but I’m just a big build and muscled. Should I ignore my BMI? Ahmed, Jumeirah, Dubai Simply, Body Mass Index (BMI) is a relationship between your height and your weight. It does not differentiate between lean body mass (muscle) and fat mass, which is where the misclassification can occur. Whilst it has its uses in quickly evaluating the average individual who sits in front of a computer and is never active, it may not be the best indicator of you weight health. According to BMI some of the best athletes in the world today, competing at the highest levels possible are clinically obese!

A better indicator to use is body composition analysis to determine functional weight – simply, percentage of tissue that is metabolically active and useful (muscle), versus percentage of tissue that is metabolically useless (fat).

I am currently a qualified yoga teacher but would like to also become a personal fitness trainer, can you give me any advice on where I can study in dubai or even a online course that will garantee me the qualifications?

Also how long would it take me to become qualified?

Lucy, Dubai

Is it possible to become addicted to exercise? I go to the gym before work and by 8pm I’m itching to work out again. Is this normal?

Adora, Jumeirah, Dubai It’s not technically in my capacity to say whether this is normal or not. However, to my knowledge there is no current accepted diagnosis for ‘exercise addiction’ or similar disorders. There is however the recognition of inappropriate compensatory behaviour in those suffering from Bulimia Nervosa in order to prevent weight gain.

Personally, I have come across people in the past who appear to be what I would class as addicted to exercise. What you do need to bear in mind is that although you may feel like you want to do more training, it is the time you allow your body to recover that facilitates the best gains. On one side, training traumatises our bodies to some degree causing it to breakdown and on the other side, recovery, regenera-

ME Fit Pro, based here in Dubai, are the leading education and training provider in the Middle East and they offer a Level 2 Fitness Qualification which is known as Fit-Q and endorsed by the Australian Fitness Leaders Network. Once you have completed the Fit-Q course, which takes about three months, you are highly encouraged to take the ACE (American Council of Exercise) exam which will take you up to Level 3 in the industry. ACE is more globally recognized and all of the Fit-Q lectures provided by ME Fit Pro are geared up to prepare you for the ACE exam.

There are online options such as the NASM-CPT course ( National Academy Of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer) which can be done via an online portal but you don’t get the benefits of the person to person teaching, which in my opinion you can’t beat.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the training and education provided

by Me Fit Pro then the best person to contact is Phil Elder. His email is phillip@ mefitpro.com

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.

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Run with us!

Race day is looming. Our trainer-clad feet bounce closer to the start line every day, but first we must negotiate running’s nemesis – the carb packed festive period. Our marathon expert – managing director of The Energy Clinic Chris Miller – talks us through the final weeks of training and resisting temptation

Chris Miller joined us for the What’s On Awards last month, where he ate an astonishing quantity of food while admonishing us for our over indulgence (quite rightly) and excusing himself with the line “you’ve got to feed that body”. And so you have, but Christmas is on the way and although the goose is getting fat, it doesn’t mean you can too.

“In terms of resisting temptation, the key thing is to focus your mind on what it is you’re about to do,” says Chris. “When you do a run you can reward yourself with the extra carbs or whatever, but if you don’t train you’ll just make yourself heavier, which when you come to race day will make you slower and generally less fit. It will be a lot harder.”

So if you want to enjoy your Christmas dinner, make sure you run at least 15km before you delve into your stocking. And if you do eat one too many mince pies, remember it’s not the end of the world. Don’t let it affect your confidence.

“If you do fall off the wagon, you need to get back on,” advises Chris. “Just write it off, understand that it happens sometimes and you can’t always be perfect. But tomorrow is another day and you can get up and do the right thing.”

And if up to this point, with the Dubai Marathon and the 10km on January 21 and the RAK Half on February 18, you’ve been naughty and not done enough training (any training) Chris advises that you seriously consider if you’re ready or not – especially if you fancy having a crack at the marathon.

“You need to have a serious look in the mirror. The last thing you want to do, especially if you haven’t been doing a lot of 122 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

physical exercise, is put your body through the kind of punishment it will receive over 26 miles,” he warns. “You are slamming your feet into the floor, essentially jumping up and down for 26 miles.”

And if you’re determined to give it a go anyway?

“Understand the consequences. It’s going to hurt afterwards, it’s going to be horrible while you do it, but if you have the right mental attitude you’ll get to the end like everyone else, get the medal and be able to say you’ve done a marathon.”

So, you heard the man, there’s hope for everyone. But if you have been attending our weekly What’s On running session or following Chris’ training advice on this page, you should be reaching your maximum distance and starting to think about taking things down a notch.

“By mid-December, a month away from the marathon, you should have done the longest long run that they’re going to do (probably around the 22 mile mark),” says Chris.

“Within the final month you want to be reducing the length of your long run – not

pushing yourself too hard from that point onwards, eating well, keeping yourself active, doing relatively long runs but not with the same kind of intensity or with the intention of increasing speed.”

But you should still stick to your training schedule, with at least one shorter run of six to eight miles and a longer run of 12 to 14 miles.

“You want to do them nice and easy.

Faster than you’d run the marathon, but you don’t need to increase your speed. Just keep your legs used to doing the volume of work,” says Chris.

Chris’ Christmas gifts for runners

L Foam massage rollers, Dh75, Amazon.com L Heart rate monitor, all good sports shops L Gym Boss, Dhs75, Gymboss.com L Born To Run, Christopher McDougall,

Dhs35, Amazon.com

L Survival Of The Fittest, Mike Stroud,

Dhs30, Amazon.co.uk

L Trainers, Saucony, Dubai Mall

RUN WITH US! Join our free weekly What’s On training session with Chris and Mr Fitness at Safa Park, 6.30am every Monday. For more information, contact gareth@motivate.ae. Also keep an eye on our Twitter (twitter.com/WhatsOnDubai) and Facebook (facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai) for updates and our blog (www.runwhatsonrun.wordpress.com) for more detailed advice.

MUSIC

BAND E OF THTH MON

Tim Hassall & The August Company This fairground attraction began in a Dubai high school, where Tim and Faye performed together then lost touch in that classic post-graduation whirlwind.

A chance 7am meeting four years later at Glastonbury festival rekindled the creativity and lead to the group forming, with Tim and his songwriting as the backbone and local musicians joining to collaborate for crowds as diverse as 5,000

at Beirut’s Outdoor Festival and more intimate gigs at Dubai’s Alpha. Tim’s new album, This Restless Heart, features Faye on keyboards and backing vocals and will debut live at The Madinat in February. Until then, you can hear him from Wednesday to Saturday 8pm to 11pm at The Wharf at Mina A’Salam. http://timhassall.bandcamp.com DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 125

CLUB DIARY This month’s clubbing highlights

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Substance @ Catwalk Underground house with residents Steve Darley and Rich Showell.

Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002 WHAT'S ON PICK

DJ Yoda @ Nasimi Beach Boutique The utterly brilliant British turntabalist makes a welcome return to the UAE, armed with his usual bag of mixing tricks.

Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 9pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 before 9pm, ladies free. Tel: (055) 2004321 Fergie @ Ill Communications Progressive house from the erstwhile BBC Radio One DJ. Rooftop, Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130. Tel: (050) 7258277 Acos Coolkas @ Audiotonic The Russian duo return for a synth-powered twilight set.

360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. www.audiotonic.dj Kiko Navarro @ MustHaveSoul The Pacha, Ibiza DJ previews his new album, Ocho.

Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1249640. www. musthavesoul.com Dennis Ferrer @ Chi Garden Soulful house New York style from the veteran DJ and producer.

Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs120, free before 11pm. Tel: (04) 3379470. www.chinightclubdubai.com

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WEEKLY WHAT'S ON PICK

DJ Solo @ Freshly Laced Solo is building quite a following with his hip hop, soul and funk infused sets at the Ibis Hotel in Barsha. The DJs start doing their thing at 10pm, but don’t miss the happy hour 6pm to 8pm or the Dhs20 Caipirinhas from 8pm.

Ibis Hotel, Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 43996699 Get D.U.M.M. @ Catwalk Dubai stalwart Matt Charles rinses the tech house.

Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002 SYNFetic @ See You Next Friday presents SYNFetic Dubstep, Drum’n’bass, breaks and electro from SYNF resident DJs Da: Funct and Just Some Kid. Studio, Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs90 to Dhs130. Tel: (050) 7258277 WHAT'S ON PICK

Lee Burridge @ Ill Communications Former Bomb resident Burridge touches down for a set of his trademark progressive house.

Rooftop, Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130. Tel: (050) 7258277

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Duff Disco @ Audiotonic Nu disco producer spins, well, nu Disco.

Also check out the Residents Rubdown December 24.

360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. www.audiotonic.dj

DJ Yoda @ Nasimi Beach Boutique

10 Brahms & Co @ Zuma French jazz duo Brahms & Co combine decks, trumpet and vocoder to produce a unique sound that has seen them become regulars at the Bed Supper Club in Bangkok, Kudeta in Singapore and the Pershing Hall in Paris, as well as perform at catwalk shows for Dior and Gucci.

You have quite an interesting set up.

How did you hit upon that formula?

Completely by accident. We met on stage at an event on the Champs Elysees, Paris.

We found that Brahms on the decks and Co with the instruments worked really well.

Why Zuma?

Rainer Becker, the co-founder of Zuma, came to visit us in the Bed Supper Club in Bangkok and within two minutes asked us to come to play at his place in Dubai. The food at Zuma is amazing.

The Chilean sea bass, seared beef with

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Oriental dressing, soft shell crab, spicy tofu and crispy fried langoustines are firm favourites.

Wow – sounds like you know your food. And yet you still manage to fit into those sharply cut suits…

It is all about the suit. These days, people don’t dress up any more to go out – so we dress up the party. We come from Paris, so we are always well dressed and our usual style is smart casual. The key ingredient to a good suit? A good tailor in Singapore.

What else have you got going on at the moment?

We are currently recording an album – we have been on the road for five years, so we play and record in our portable studio. After Zuma Dubai we will go to Doha, Singapore and then St Petersburg.

And 2011?

Keep doing what we love. No need for a long holiday – life is a holiday.

Zuma, DIFC, Dubai, 7pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 4255660. www.zumarestaurant.com

CLUB DIARY

17 Steve Lawler @ Allure by Cipriani British DJ and producer Steve Lawler has been a driving force on the house scene since his early days organising raves in his native Birmingham. A favourite of Space in Ibiza, Lawler continues to tour globally and runs digital-only label Viva Music.

GETTY IMAGE

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Paul Van Dyk @ Peppermint Experience

Yolanda Be Cool @ Chi The people’s favourite nightclub welcomes the Aussie duo behind 2010 hit We No Speak Americano.

Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs120, free before 11pm. Tel: (04) 3379470. www.chinightclubdubai.com

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We Are @ Catwalk The Catwalk residents collide, as Steve Darley, Rich Showell, Adam and Dan, Afroboogie and Matt Charles do their thing.

Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002

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Residents @ MustHaveSoul Simon Reid and co man the decks to see in Christmas Day. Sylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1249640. www. musthavesoul.com

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CTRL @ Catwalk Dark, edgy, tech house from Afroboogie.

Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002 Paul Van Dyk @ Peppermint Experience The Grammy Award-winning DJ returns to Dubai for the New Year’s Eve party.

Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, Dhs200 to Dhs350. Tel: (04) 3326345. www.peppermintexperience.com Tom Middleton @ Audiotonic Eclectic king Tom Middleton is joined

by Vincenzo and residents Mr Mr and Tristan Bain and, apparently, 17 minutes of fireworks. 360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, from 9pm, Dhs360. Tel: (04) 4068999. www.jumeirah.com Mysterious Seduction of Dark Passion @ Armani/Prive New Year’s Eve fun, with the Armani/Prive resident DJs. Armani/ Prive, Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Dhs500. Tel: (04) 8883308. www.dubai.armanihotels.com

Is this your first time playing Abu Dhabi?

Yeah. I’ve been playing Dubai for years at Peppermint, but never Abu Dhabi. Dubai’s a VIP crowd. I’d expect Abu Dhabi to be similar.

Do you check out the local cuisine before shows?

I make a habit of it wherever I go. I love going out to dinner, the whole social aspect and eating great food. Not only really nice restaurants, but also street food.

Is there anywhere in the world you still aspire to play?

I never got the chance to play Love Parade in Germany. I really wanted to. There was talk about doing it next year. That’s gone completely out the window after the disaster [21 people died at this summer’s event, leading to its cancellation].

You’ve been promising an artist album. When’s it due?

No idea. I’m going into the studio, but that could still mean the album will be released in ten years time. Writing an album is out of my comfort zone. My comfort zone is fourto-the-floor house music for a dance floor. With my album I’m specifically not going to do that. The whole approach is different.

Allure by Cipriani, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (505) 969543

31 Only In Dubai @ Habtoor Grand Hot on the heels of his debut album Warrior, Dubai-based DJ and producer Dion Mavath launches his new night Only In Dubai (OiD), this month with a New Year’s Eve party starring Swedish House Mafia star Axwell What’s OiD all about?

OiD is more than a nightclub brand – it’s a lifestyle entertainment brand complete with CDs, DVDs and clothing.

If you look at 90 per cent of the world’s biggest nightlife brands, a DJ whose music pushes the brand further fronts them. So if you like the type of music I produce or play then you will love the OiD nights. As well as the monthly night, we will also be holding OiD Outdoors every two months, which will be a larger concert event with big name artists.

Sounds like you have grand plans?

We’re not looking to compete just in Dubai, because it’s such a small market.

We are looking to go global and take it to the biggest nightlife brands.

Within five years we want to be having

residencies in the biggest nightclubs in the world.

Ambitious. Back in Dubai though, what can we expect from you on New Year's Eve? Most importantly, great music from one of the foremost DJs of 2010. Axwell hasn’t played in Dubai for three years.

His success as an artist, as well as being ranked as a top ten DJ and being a member of the super group The Swedish House Mafia means you can expect some amazing tunes.

Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai Marina, 9pm to 3am, Dhs450 to Dhs650. Tel: (050) 7186232. www.dionmavath.com

Defected @ Atelier Defected DJs ATFC, Copyright, M People’s Shovel, Miss Divine and Andy Daniell.

Atelier, Emirates Towers, Dubai, 9pm, Dhs250 to Dhs450. Tel: (050) 5655427 DJ Greg Sahara @ Ikandy The Pacha, Ibiza resident plays in 2011.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs590. Tel: (04) 4052703. www. shangri-la.com New Year’s Eve @ MustHaveSoul The MHS residents are joined by a ‘secret DJ’.

We’re intrigued.

Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1249640. www. musthavesoul.com

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Tom Middleton @ Audiotonic

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 127

WIN

Win with What’s On

BIG THIS CHRISTMAS!

WIN! A GAGGIA BABY DOSE COFFEE MACHINE

WIN! A SUPER-STYLISH CANON IXUS 130 CAMERA

Whether you’re passionate about coffee or just want to save bucks on your daily cappuccino, this little beauty is the answer.

Ensuring constant pressure and optimum water temperature, you’re guaranteed the perfect crema every time. Impress dinner party guests, start your day the right way or re-gift it to your caffeine addict friend, the Baby Dose is a cracking addition to any kitchen.

For your chance to put a coffee-induced spring in your step, simply tell us…

Gaggia is from which country? a) Italy b) Denmark c) Fiji

We’ve teamed up with Canon Middle East to offer one lucky What’s On reader the chance to win the sleek and stylish IXUS 130. This camera offers the ultimate combination of fun and innovative features in a stylish, sculptured design measuring a super slim 17.8mm at its thickest point. Available in silver, black, orange and pink, the IXUS 130 is ultra-chic and ultra-portable enabling you to capture the moment, wherever you are.

Want it for Christmas? Well, to be in with a chance of winning answer the following question: How many colours does the Ixus 130 come in? a) Two b) Three ON M CLICHKMOTIVATE.CDOS c) Four A IT ND LO .WINW WWW TER THIS A ITIONS N T E TO E COMP MORE

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TRAVEL | CAIRO

SHORT HAUL

Mysterious Pyramids of Giza

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Paris on the Nile

The ancient pyramids and chaotic bazaars of Cairo inspired the Orientalists, and today the city’s artistic spirit lives on in its art galleries, cafés and antique shops

The Khayer Bek mosque

Cairo can, at times, seem a truly ferocious beast of a city.

Known as Um ad-Dunya (mother of the world), the Egyptian capital meanders chaotically between an ancient civilization, a medieval Islamic marketplace and a modern day metropolis – all of which is served with an unhealthy dollop of static traffic and nonchalant smog.

It is, of course, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Giza Pyramids, and accompanying Egyptian Museum – the wonder here being why such a splendid collection of antiquities is displayed in the fashion of a child emptying a box of Lego on the floor. As well as exploring the captivating remains of Ancient Egypt, the DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 133

From extravagant Gala dinners to traditional buffets and turkey takeaways with all the trimmings, why not join us at Al Raha Beach Hotel for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY Sevilla Restaurant (24 & 25 December) Enjoy our festive Christmas Buffet Brunch prepared by our awardwinning chefs.

Dhs 185* per person, half price for children under 12 years of age.

Azur Restaurant (24 December only) Begin the celebrations in style with a glass of bubbles followed by our extravagant seven course dinner menu.

Dhs 235* per person, half price for children under 12 years of age.

Our popular Bubbles and Tapas Brunch will get everyone in the festive mood, with free-flowing bubbles and Sangria and delicious home-made Spanish cuisine.

Dhs 290* per person, half price for children under 12 years of age.

NEW YEAR Sevilla Restaurant Gala Dinner With an extravagant buffet to choose from, plus a line-up of live entertainment, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re guaranteed to see in 2011 in memorable style.

Dhs 420* per person, including welcome bubbles / Dhs 490* per person, including selected beverages.

Azur Restaurant Enjoy an opulent 6 course set menu inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean, then party until the early hours in Enigma nightclub.

Dhs 320* per person. *Subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels P.O. Box 38616, Abu Dhabi, UAE | T. +971 2 508 0555 | F. +971 2 508 0444 | Toll Free 800 ALRAHA | E. info@danatresortalraha.ae | www.danathotels.com A Member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

TRAVEL | CAIRO River Nile at dusk

“Decades of pollution and negligence have taken their toll on these grand structures and today they stand largely in a state of disrepair” city is also famed for the unrivalled, ethereal beauty of its historic mosques and Coptic Christian churches. There is, however, a third and slightly more sedate theme running richly through the veins of Cairo.

The city has long been regarded as the artistic heartbeat of the Arab world and today its cafés, antique shops and art galleries continue to offer a small slice of the Parisian lifestyle in an exotic North African climate.

The relationship between Paris and this part of the world extends back to the 19th century to a time of mutual admiration.

While French artists and writers, bored of their own bourgeois aesthetic, looked to the mosques, sail boats and sheeshahs of the Orient to inspire a more exotic backdrop for their works, Cairenes looked to Hausman’s Belle Epoque Paris architecture to give them

European credibility in their own city. This blend of European and local references gives Cairo’s skyline a truly unique identity, but decades of pollution and negligence have taken their toll on these grand structures and today they stand largely in a state of disrepair.

The best spot to first soak up this faded grandeur is Downtown Cairo; the city centre designed by French architects commissioned

by Isma’il Pasha in the late 19th and early 20th century. Ask to be dropped off outside the famous Groppi café on Talaat Harb Square, a once cherished tearoom for the Cairene social elite that now serves barely edible cakes in barely decorated surroundings. The beautiful mosaic entrance nevertheless remains perfectly intact and from here it is possible to duck down any of the major streets leading off the square, which

Ceiling of Muhammed Ali Mosque DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 135

TRAVEL | CAIRO have a host of seedy bars, musty old antique shops and the occasional art gallery.

Downtown Cairo’s antique shops are impossible to miss. Each explodes out onto the pavements with all manners of bric-abrac providing endless entertainment for nostalgia buffs. Gramophones, chandeliers and furniture are amongst the most readily available items, all of which are sold in questionable condition by overenthusiastic shopkeepers who strongly claim otherwise.

If you want a more modern take on arts and crafts in Cairo, head to the impressive Townhouse Gallery just off Hussein El Me’mar Pasha Street, which has three floors dedicated to exhibiting the works of contemporary Arab artists. The renovated house and its adjoining warehouse space also provides studios, classrooms, a library and a bookshop and is therefore the perfect way to infiltrate Cairo’s vibrant arts scene – just make sure to check ahead for opening times and to see what new exhibitions are on that week The constant hustle and bustle of Downtown Cairo is certainly one way to work up an appetite, and if you’re not brave enough to sample any of the area’s many shawarma or koshery (Egypt’s national dish; a mixture of rice, lentils and macaroni) hole-in-the-wall eateries, stop-off instead at the rather eccentric Felfela. Serving hearty traditional Egyptian cuisine, the restaurant’s bizarre jungle theme can entail sharing a dining table with a bubbling fish tank, caged doves or even the odd stray terrapin. Local recommendations include taameya (an Egyptian spin on falafel – made from deepfried fava beans as opposed to chick peas) and baba ghanoush (essentially just aubergine mixed with various seasoning), both of which are rich in flavour and even richer in calories.

Once fully nourished, it’s time to leave Downtown Cairo and brave the even more manic neighbourhood of Islamic Cairo. Here you can savour the old city bazaar (Khan el

Khan El-Khalili bazaar

Café at Giza

Cairo downtown area

Khalili), narrow street markets and breathtaking Ottoman mosques that inspired the Orientalists in the 19th century. To witness firsthand just how one influenced the other, visit the site of Ibn Tulun – arguably the city’s oldest surviving mosque – which shares its entrance with the Gayer Anderson Museum; the former residency of an English major who accumulated a vast collection of Oriental art and furniture during his time living in Cairo in the 1930s.

While the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is cherished for its sparseness and tranquility – the perfectly symmetrical arcades and stunning spiral minaret make this an absolute mustsee – the Gayer Anderson Museum is a far more cluttered affair. Narrow corridors and small winding staircases link the rooms of the museum, each of which grows more bombastic in design and theme as the tour unfolds. Major Anderson was a true hoarder and it’s deeply amusing to envision him once pottering around this tall rickety building, carefully arranging his artefacts and pompously naming every room – our personal favourite is the Chinese Room, which doesn’t appear to reference anything from remotely near the Far East.

The close proximity of the mosque and museum also illustrates just how misrepresentative the Orientalists lavish spin on Islamic culture actually was. Yet it is impossible not to get caught up with all this interior design madness, but to really crank it up to five on the Orientalist Richter scale, opt to spend a night at Le Riad Hotel De Charme.

One of only two boutique hotels in Cairo, Le Riad was opened only a year ago by a French entrepreneur who ambitiously renovated a derelict building on El Moez Street, very close to Khan el Khali. The mosques along this cobbled road have similarly been immaculately restored and at night they DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 137

TRAVEL | CAIRO

The impressive Cairo skyline

“The Turkish Hammam inspired walk-in showers and elegant roof garden show deftness of touch, and the sheer extravagance and size of each suite feels like waking up in a palace” are lit up in a combination of greens and reds to look remarkably like a scene out of the Disney version of Aladdin. Continuing this theme, Le Riad has 17 suites, each of which are individually decorated according to a particular period or society in Egyptian history – ranging from the Pharonic and Ottoman suites through to the Modern-Arabic suite. With its eye-watering colour schemes, the hotel doesn’t initially appear to do subtle, but the Turkish Hammam inspired walk-in showers and elegant roof garden show deftness of touch, and the sheer extravagance and size of each suite feels like waking up in a palace.

No princely excursion, however, would be complete without a felucca boat trip down the Nile. The most painless way to sort this out is to go to the dock on the corniche opposite the Four Seasons Hotel in Garden City. Here you will find a plethora of white broad sailboats complete with Egyptian captains in traditional dress waiting to sail you away from the noise 138 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

A traditional felucca boat on the Nile

and dust of the capital on an aquatic mattress of calm. Go at sunset when the smog floods everything with an atmospheric hazy orange light and makes the city look like the subject of a 1970s Polaroid picture. Take some very British liquid refreshment and a picnic and recreate your own Agatha Christie-inspired scene, a world away from the flashing multi-coloured fairy lights and pumping Egyptian pop tunes of some of the Nile’s other naval inhabitants – the perfect end to your Orientalist outing in Cairo.

Need to know WHERE TO STAY Le Riad Hotel De Charme, 114 Muiz Li Din Allah Street, Cairo, Egypt, Dhs1,100 to 1,500 including breakfast and tax.

Tel: +202 27876074. www.leriadhoteldecharme.com HOW TO GET THERE L Direct flights from Dubai to Cairo with Emirates Airlines from Dhs2,000 return.

L Direct flights to Cairo from Abu Dhabi with Etihad from Dhs1,500 return.

CURRENCY 100 EGB = Dhs63

TRAVEL | TRAVELS WITH...

Travels with…

TRAVEL EXTRA

Jannes Kruger

As falconer at Ras Al Khaimah’s the Banyan Tree Al Wadi, South African Jannes Kruger entertains guests with daily bird of prey displays, runs the Middle East’s first falconry course and oversees a breeding programme for Saker falcons and indigenous owls. It’s safe to say he’s fond of birds, but he’s also a passionate conservationist and not a big fan of cities

What are your three top tips for surviving a long airport stopover?

I absolutely hate flying and airports. My only advice is to do your utmost not to go completely insane by any means at your disposal.

I once missed a connecting flight in Ethiopia and they managed to lose my luggage as an added bonus. Just the thought of the experience drains the energy from my body.

What item do you never travel without?

What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had? My camera. I take loads of photos to make up for I’m not at all turned on by shopping malls, my lack of skill. That way I stand a decent chance nightclubs or architecture, so I tend to veer of at least ending up with a few good shots. towards nature when I’m on vacation. My most What destination serves the best food? memorable trip was to the Kgalagadi TransWhere I grew up barbecues and red meat are a frontier Park a few years ago. I discovered an way of life. In fact, we jokingly refer to chicken active Martial Eagle nest and spent days with as a vegetable. I’m not overly excited by spicy a camera and binoculars next to the road obfood, but I’ll never forget the meals I had in Sri serving the parents feeding and protecting the Lanka. There is a small family run restaurant eaglet. My poor partner was bored to tears. in Unawatuna called One Love. They make the What’s been your biggest travel disaster? most amazing coconut curry dishes and are I rolled my car on a deserted farm road. I was the friendliest people you will ever meet. flung through the windscreen and landed on Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Al Mazraa, Ras Al Khaimmy back next to the road. The small sedan ah. Tel: (07) 2067777. www.banyantree.com was a total write-off, but miraculously I only suffered minor scratches and sore ribs “I rolled my car on a If you could advise people to visit one destination, what would it be? deserted farm road. I was If you are a city person, take your pick. One flung through the windscreen city is like the next in my opinion. For wildlife, and landed on my back” definitely Kruger National Park in South Africa.

ISTOCK

Three cut price escapes for the festive season ACE ALEXANDRIA This is a real gem, ladies and gents. Three nights at a four-star hotel in Cairo, two nights in Alexandria, breakfast, visits to the Pyramids of Giza and various other sights with an English speaking guide, all your transfers and return economy flights from Sharjah Airport – all for Dhs2,740 per person.

Available until April 20, 2011. Bargain, in our book. www.airarabia.com 140 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

THAI TREAT Planning on spending the festive season here in the UAE? Yes? Then how do you fancy a pre-Christmas luxury break for you and your better half to Thailand? Return flights, four nights at the opulent Trisara resort in Phuket in an ocean view room with a pool, breakfast and transfers for Dhs7,645 per person. Activities available include cruises to local islands, snorkelling and yoga classes, but we’d just lounge by the pool for the entire trip if we were you. www.dnata.com

LUXURY CHRISTMAS If you’re looking for a somewhere special to spend Christmas, you could do a lot worse than The Chedi in Muscat. You can avoid the hassle of a long journey and for RO144 (Dhs1,375) per person per night spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in five-star comfort, including breakfast, early check-in and late check-out, 20 per cent spa discount, a four-course Christmas Eve dinner and a Christmas Day brunch serenaded by a jazz band. And if you want to stay a few nights before or after, it’s just RO50 (Dhs480) per person per night with breakfast from December 20 to 27 (excluding December 24 and 25, of course). www.mebreaks.com

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Together with you, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrate a fabulous CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL in all our Restaurants & Bars.

Bring your party to our party & experience the unforgettable glee of the NEW YEAR!

For reservations, contact Novotel Centre Hotel Abu Dhabi Tel: (971) 2 633 35 55, Fax: (971) 2634 36 33 Novotel@novotel-abudhabi.ae / H0662-FB1@accor.com www.accor.com

THE HOT LIST Key New entry Non-mover Up Down

Bars Restaurants Brunches Spas

SPECTRUM ON ONE

p145 p149 p153 p157

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 143

THE HOT LIST BARS

THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES

Barasti

ATMOSPHERE

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

1

Filled with pretty girls and men with a pretty healthy bank balance, Caramel is packed with the beautiful people.

At the centre of DIFC, Caramel’s leafy terrace offers respite from the concrete jungle, while inside you’ll find a city-style bar.

Meet friends for a quick post-work drink, be tempted by the menu then settle in until midnight. Try the kobe sliders.

It’s far from cheap – neighbourhood hazard – but ladies get half price cocktails from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesdays.

2

Depends when you go. It’s chilled on Friday and Saturday afternoons but once the sun sets, the party goes off.

Slap bang in the Arabian Gulf, we recommended catching a golf buggy up the jetty to 360’s gangplank.

Music and serious posing. Dubai’s finest break out thei finery come Friday for those all-important photos ops.

3

Miami pool party.

DJ under the stars.

That constant threat of being thrown in the deep end. We love it.

Media City. One of the last places you’d expect to find watery debauchery.

Varies wildly between laid-back cool on the beach, to mania at the bar – it’s a brave man that pushes to the front on a Friday night.

Packed with pals sharing dinner, romance alfresco and boys getting boisterous at the bar.

Caramel

360˚

M Dek

4 Barasti

5

Belgian Beer Cafe

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

360˚

INFO

Great atmosphere, the chance of celebspotting and seriously good food. We’re sold.

Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 11am to 2am.

Tel: (04) 4256677. www.carameldubai. com

Ouch. The dirhams stack up if you arrive early and leave late.

We’re willing to overlook the slow service for the tunes and views.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 5pm to late, Fri and Sat 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4068769

Mingling. This place is packed with revellers both post-brunch and mid-week. Go with a group.

Pretty decent, actually, with high rollers getting poolside tables.

Try the evening brunch on a Friday then head out to the pool to continue the party.

Media One, Dubai Media City, Dubai, Tues to Sat noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 4271000. www. mediaonehotel.com

Right on the beach.

Split between poolside and beachside, there’s usually a quiet or hot spot depending on what you’re after.

Quiet sundowners with the sand between your toes.

When the hoards of sunburnt tourists turn up it’s your cue to leave.

Annoyingly expensive to be honest. About Dhs35 for a tiny drink in one of those little plastic glasses. Sort it out.

The Marmite of the bar scene, you can’t deny Barasti’s popularity.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 11am to 2am.

Tel: (04) 3993333. www.lemeridienminaseyahi.com

Cracking views of the SZR skyline from the terrace, valet parking and shopping nearby should chill you out.

Escape Dubai at this cosy pub, complete with Euro-feel, fantastic food and an extensive drinks list.

Some of the beers are pricey, but the food is pretty reasonable.

A warm breeze with a cold beer and moules frites. Job done.

Crowne Plaza Festival City, Dubai, Sun to Mon 6pm to 2am, Tue to Wed noon to 2am, Thurs and Fri noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 7012222. www.ichotelsgroup. com

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 145

HOT ON THE HEsEDLubSai Marinai

BARS

The Addres , DIFC 11 Blends, mercy 12 The Gra Mall dress Dubai Ad e Th s, eo tin 13 N es W e Th , 14 Senyar lam r, Mina A’Sa 15 Bahri Ba

Neos

ATMOSPHERE

LOCATION

Zuma

BEST FOR

PRICE

Left Bank

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Hot staff and a cool crowd make us feel all warm inside.

Might be the sake, too.

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

6

Slick. The restaurant is downstairs, but there’s serious chat and card swapping on the terrace.

Zuma kick-started DIFC’s rep as a nightlife hub and continues to set the standard.

Rocking some grown up garb, throwing back some sakes and enjoying the loungey music.

High-end prices at a high-end bar.

Choose wisely and you’ll be OK. We usually stick to mojitos.

7

Fix up, look sharp and bring your A-game to this tres swank Armani outpost.

In the tallest building in the world. Dress to impress Giorgio.

Money to burn?

This is the place for you. Also great for people watching and wondering how you’ll pay the bill.

As steep as the Burj Khalifa.

The bar is beautiful but definitely one for special occasions.

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Old Town, Dubai, Mon to Sat 10pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 8883888. www. armanihotels.com

8

Civilised, with outdoor tables overlooking the yachts and killer cocktails.

Right on the creek at one of the most beautiful hotels in the land.

A few drinks, lovely canapés and picking out which boat you’d have. The Pershing, please.

Reasonable given the stunning setting and quality of fare.

Don’t leave without sampling the raw bar.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri from 6pm to 1am, Tel: (04) 3172222, www. dubai.park.hyatt.com

Pretty buzzing most nights, but out of control come Thursday when the world and his pal turn up for happy hour.

At the heart of Dubai Marina, with the water literally a stone’s throw from the vast deck.

Great BOGOF value and the weather is perfect for this place at the moment.

Not bad at all, even outside of happy hour.

We nicknamed it The Youth Club last winter – lots of young pups.

Aquara, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily from 6pm to 12 midnight, Tel: (04) 3627900, www. dubaimarinayachtclub. com

Calabar comes into its own during the winter, when you can crach out on the beanbags with some pals.

Right at the centre of Old Town, affording you great views of the Burj Khalifa from said beanbags.

Cocktails and chat.

Don’t expect super speedy service, though.

Above average, but this isn’t the kind of place to chuck pints down your throat anyway.

Did we mention the beanbags?

The Address Downtown Dubai, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, daily from 6pm to 2am, Tel: (04) 436 8888, www.theaddress.com

Zuma

Armani/Prive

The Terrace

9

The Yacht Club

10 Calabar

146 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 146

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Lots of festive food, festive gifts and festive spirit will make this Christmas and New Year, a celebration you’ll never forget.

Dinner for two, one night stay and a complimentar y massage for AED 499* Christmas lunch, dinner or New year’s eve dinner with gifts for the kids at AED 119* Christmas goodies available at Blendz.

Call 02 652 0000 Zayed the 1st Street, adjacent to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre Web: cristalhotelsandresorts.com * Subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee

DYNAMIC HOSPITALITY

THE HOT LIST

THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE

RESTAURANTS

Indego by Vineet

1

La Petite Maison

2 Zuma

3

Indego by Vineet

4

Rivington Grill

5 Verre

ATMOSPHERE

INTERIOR

Booking is essential. Hurry and you may be able to wheedle your way in for the Gypsy Queens on December 7 and 8.

White panelled walls with moulding aplenty, contemporary artworks, dark, bare wood floors, a long bar.

Check out Parisian jazz duo Brahms & Co’s residency, finishing December 10. If you’re lucky you may catch us on the decks.

FOOD

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 149 La Petite Maison LOCATION

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

Chef Izi likes to keep things simple and sociable, with sharing of his outstanding Niçoise (from Nice) cuisine encouraged.

DIFC, where you’ll find our two favourite restaurants within tottering distance of each other.

We managed to drop Dhs930 (without alcohol), but two could eat well for Dhs650.

Eat in the bright downstairs restaurant, or sink into one of the comfortable sofas in the lounge area for a more relaxed meal.

Colin Clague’s departure will be felt more deeply than the team will admit, but Zuma still has one of Dubai's most innovative kitchens.

DIFC. The area it helped to make a dining hot spot.

Dhs1,000 for two. The Ebisu Express lunch menu (miso plus main) is Dhs62 and the Ebisu (miso plus three courses) is just Dhs120.

Winner of our Best Restaurant award and voted Best Japanese Restaurant by you, the people of Dubai.

Building 6, Gate Village, DIFC, Sat to Thurs 12.30pm to 3pm, Sat to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4255660. www. zumarestaurant. com

The people’s (and our) favourite Indian Restaurant is always warm and inviting.

A be-cushioned welcome area, a winding stairway and a cosy restaurant.

Vineet Bhatia rewrote the rulebook for Indian cooking.

The recently revamped menu is a triumph.

Grosvenor House. Pop out onto the terrace for a postdinner tipple.

Dhs900 (without alcohol), which for this level of fine dining is well worth it.

We’ve known Indego was the best Indian restaurant in Dubai for a long time, and it seems you have too.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. www. grosvenorhousedubai.com

Always buzzing, make sure you book a table in advance – especially if you want to dine on the terrace.

The moment you step into RG the sights, sounds and smells of the open kitchen awaken your senses.

Chef Chris Lester has left, but the menu boasts some fine new dishes, including a rare (in Dubai) beef Wellington.

Book a table on the terrace for 6pm on a Saturday and order the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. We’ll be there.

Dhs400 for two.

Try the Dhs80 and Dhs100 lunch menus.

There will always be a place in our hearts, and our bellies, for the Riv.

Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai, noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4230903. www. rivingtongrill.ae

Even when the restaurant’s not full, Verre maintains an air of majesty.

The designer followed the blueprint for a contemporary fine dining restaurant down to the last piece of cutlery.

Gordon Ramsay put Verre in the capable hands of chef Scott Price. One of the big man’s better decisions of 2010.

It’s the wrong end of town but, until it moves (we hear this may be on Gordon’s agenda), it is worth the taxi.

Dhs395 for three courses and Dhs495 for the six-courses.

For the chef’s table it’s Dhs695 per person without alcohol.

We’re looking forward to even greater things from our Chef of the Year Scott Price and his talented team.

Best Newcomer at the What’s On Awards last month says it all, doesn’t it?

INFO

DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. www. lpmdubai.ae

Hilton Dubai Creek, Sun to Fri 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 2277550. www. gordonramsay. com

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 149

HOT ON E HEEzaLniS TH ne Rhodes Mez

RESTAURANTS

11 Ristorante 12 Armani 13 Margaux a 14 Terra Firm 15 Asado

West 14th

PRICE ON ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S INTERIOR SAYS...

6

Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire’s

7 Traiteur

8

West 14th

9

Rhodes Twenty10

10 Okku

Rhodes Twenty10

INFO FOOD

Traiteur

LOCATION

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

There’s always a sense of reverence in the air at Pierre Gagnaire’s Dubai outpost.

Forget the minimalism of most modern restaurants, Pierre favours purple carpet, pink chandeliers and mahogany balloon-back chairs.

Roll up, roll up, by a ticket to Gagnaire’s magical culinary emporium.

See what we thought of the revamped lunch menu, p85.

Reflets has its own private floor at the InterCon. Is that exclusive enough for you?

Dhs1,000 and then some, but the threecourse lunch menu, available Monday to Friday, is a bargain at just Dhs180.

Take a day off work, book a table at lunch and prepare to be amazed.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 7011128. www. ichotelsgroup. com

Traiteur is the ideal restaurant for a romantic assignation.

The Christmas Day brunch is sure to be fully subscribed.

The high, vaulted ceiling is Traiteur’s standout design feature, but it is the open kitchen below that powers proceedings.

The recently revisited menu includes such intriguing dishes as roast scallops stuffed with Comte cheese.

Do we need to tell you again that Park Hyatt Dubai is our favourite hotel in the city?

Three courses for two for around Dhs615. Dhs280 per person for the three-course set menu.

Traiteur will come into its own this festive season.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. www.dubai. park.hyatt.com

People are beginning to discover this New York-style steakhouse, despite the fact that it’s rather well hidden.

Pure NYC, with low lighting, a cocktail bar and even the requisite exposed brick in the gents’ toilet.

Order the 300g Australian rib eye mediumrare and enjoy.

Beside the beach at Oceana Beach Club, which is not an easy place to find (print the map on the website).

Dhs550 for two without alcohol, making it cheaper than your average Dubai steakhouse.

It didn’t win a What’s On Award, but West 14th is our favourite steakhouse.

Oceana Beach Club, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, noon to 3pm and 6pm to midnight Tel: (04) 4477601. www.west14th. ae

It’s still pretty busy at Twenty10 so it’s best to book ahead.

Purple and black play the leading role, creating a design that Gary describes as "gangster". Fair enough.

It’s a grill, just like Gary promised.

Order the lamb rack rare.

It seems Gary is trying to take over Dubai Marina one hotel at a time.

We spent Dhs630 for a meal for two.

You could easily spend more, or if you were careful, a little less.

We’d advise a table upstairs for a more romantic evening at Twenty10.

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa, Dubai, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 3995555. www. garyrhodes. com

With its cocktail bar and private dining rooms, Okku encourages the late night lounge lizard.

The sunken restaurant floor and dim lighting gives the effect of descending below decks on a ship.

Go for yellowtail sashimi, black cod or our perennial preference – the crispy rice.

The Monarch Dubai may not flaunt its luxuriousness or its prime address, but we’re not afraid to do just that.

Dhs700 should buy you three courses, sushi and sashimi.

Our second favourite Japanese spot in town – big words, given the competition.

The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 5018777. www. okkudubai.com

150 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 150

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THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES

OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH

Traiteur

1 Al Qasr

2 Traiteur

3 Zuma

4

Thai Kitchen

5 Anise

Al Qasr

ATMOSPHERE

FOOD

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

It’s always fully subscribed, despite the price. So book ahead.

Do you like cheese? How about madeto-order steak?

Sushi? Oxtail burger? Come on. What do you like? Al Qasr is likely to have it.

Jump aboard an abra and check out the bars at Madinat Jumeirah postbrunch.

Persuading your mum and dad that you’ve made it. It’s compulsory to visit Al Qasr at least once every 12 months.

Ready your credit card for a painful Dhs495 transaction.

A live jazz band, open kitchen and sun streaming through the windows should be the key ingredients at any successful brunch.

Chef Franck Detrait and his team do classic French brasserie fare. And they do it very well indeed.

Whether you book a private dining room, a table near the open kitchen buffet or a seat on the terrace, enjoyment is guaranteed.

Anyone with style, taste, élan and a love of timeless French food.

Up to you.

Dhs295 sans alcohol, Dhs425 with house beverages, Dhs550 with Veuve Cliquot or Dhs1,500 with a limo pick up.

Go for the champagne option. Brunch is not about compromise.

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

You’ve been to Zuma before, right? Has it ever been lacking custom?

No, and brunch is no different.

Book ahead.

Fresh sushi and sashimi and a thrilling selection of dishes from the inspired regular menu.

Home to both Zuma and La Petite Maison, DIFC now has some serious culinary clout.

The best Japanese food in Dubai.

Kitsu (no alcohol), Dhs315. Kowaku (with alcohol), Dhs425. Kyasha package with champers, Dhs550.

Haven’t we said enough already? It’s the best Japanese restaurant in Dubai. Full.

Stop.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4255660. www. zumarestaurant. com

Take a table on the terrace and kick back and enjoy the bobbing boats in the Marina and the gentle jazz drifting from the speakers.

Duck noodle soup. Papaya salad. Gently spiced curries.

Vast basket of rice brought to table.

Right on the water at the Park Hyatt Dubai, which, in case we haven’t made it clear, is our favourite hotel in Dubai.

It’s all a la carte, so you don’t have to leave your seat. If you’re a lazy so and so looking for a civilised afternoon.

You've found it.

Dhs225 with alcohol. An absolute bargain.

If Thursday night was heavy, give yourself a break on Friday.

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

Light, bright and buzzing, with a live band, terrace and a merry crowd.

Live cooking stations whip up Peking duck, pizzas, barbecued cuts and more – but don’t miss the cheese room.

Sunshine floods the vast room and the terrace overlooks the skyline, so either way you’re onto a winner.

This is a real people-pleaser – a huge choice of chow, great service and not too rowdy.

Dhs395 with alcohol, Dhs295 without.

Did we mention the cheese room?

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 7011111. www. ichotelsgroup. com

The proud owner of a What’s On Award for Best Brunch. The people have spoken.

INFO

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

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 153

HOT ON EELSnch THehEouH se Malt Dru

BRUNCHES

11 War ious 12 Bubbalic Café Beer n ia lg Be 13 14 Yalumba ne 15 Media O

Armani/Hashi

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON FOOD SAYS...

6 Maya

8

Armani/Hashi

9

The Grand Grill

10 Spectrum On One

BEST FOR

PRICE

Not as infamous as its next door neighbour Al Qasr, but always well attended.

Champagne, steak, seafood, sushi – all the usual highend brunch suspects. The cocktails and setting make it special, though.

Saunter onto the terrace, order a duck wrap from one of the outdoor cooking stations and try and spot the turtles swimming below.

A notable brunch with friends or visitors.

The Dhs425 price tag puts it at the higher end of the spectrum.

It’s appropriate to turn up to this brunch in swimming shorts, so it’s fair to say it’s pretty laid-back.

Platters of grilled meat and fish between 1pm and 4pm on the Maya terrace.

On the beach, in the pool or nodding to the rhythms of the live mariachi band and DJ.

A chilled out alfresco party.

DJ and banter inside, cool breezes and views on the terrace. This is an elegant brunch on prime Dubai real estate.

Sushi buffet, robati grills, platters of nibbles brought to the table and a la carte mains that are worth the brunch price alone.

Dubai’s only designer hotel.

The friendly waiter makes this experience, making sure you’re never thirsty and are devouring your fair share of flesh. Good banter, too.

This is "BBQ the South African way", which means an endless procession of plates laden with grilled meats.

One of Dubai’s most popular brunches, Spectrum always entices a good crowd.

Eight kitchens serving up cuisine from Europe, Thailand, China, India, Japan and the Middle East.

Mina A'Salam

7

INFOLOCATION

Spectrum On One

154 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

It’s time people started talking about Mina A’Salam.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3668888. www. jumeirah.com

Dhs300 for pool and beach access from 10am to 6pm, plus lunch and a 30 per cent beverage discount between 5pm and 7pm.

Don your sombrero, pull on your swimmers and crack open cold one poolside.

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

Sushi and sake lovers. Also a great shout if you’ve got children in tow – there’s a supervised playroom.

Dhs290 (without alcohol), Dhs380 (house beverages), Dhs585 (Bollinger). Go for the Bolly.

Knock out views, insanely good food and a lively vibe make this a welcome newbie to the scene.

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Old Town, Dubai, noon to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 8883888. www.dubai. armanihotels. com

Take a table outside for a more traditional barbecue experience.

Meat, drink and being as merry as an elf on Christmas Day (the start of his year-long holiday).

A very reasonable Dhs295 with alcohol or Dhs225 without.

A meat feast of epic proportions.

Brilliant.

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

Come Friday afternoon, the first floor of the Fairmont Dubai is devoted entirely to brunching.

Multinational eating.

Dhs550 for the full bubble experience, Dus395 for the Hops and Vines option or Dhs295 sans booze.

Spectrum On One will never disappoint.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 3325555. www. fairmont.com/ dubai

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 154

THE HOT LIST SPAS

Armani/Spa

THERAPISTS

1 Amara

2

Sensasia Urban Spa

3

Talise Spa

4

The Spa

5

Armani/Spa

THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE

Amara

MENU

THE SPA

Sensasia Urban Spa

PRICE

Knowledgeable and professional, these relaxation experts will take you from stressed out to blissed out.

We recommended Sue if knots are your main problem.

There’s a lengthy and luxurious list of treatments on offer. Grouped by theme, there’s an emphasis on rituals and packages that include pool and health club access.

One of the most beautiful spaces in Dubai, Amara has a courtyard with daybeds, a stunning outdoor pool and each treatment room has a private outdoor shower.

There are monthly offers that take the sting out of the steep prices – but the quality of products, spa and therapists more than justify them.

Quiet, kind and with a firm hand when necessary, Sensasia’s staff are trained to the highest standards.

Innovative and imaginative, you’ll find treatments you never knew you needed.

We love specific massages like the Hi Heeler for aching feet.

Asian chic with splashes of jewel tones; the cosy rooms are a true retreat. And the dressing gowns are the best in town.

There’s a mix of nationalities and specialities, from massage therapists to a GP. This spa is packed with experts.

Talise sets itself apart with its naturopath, life coaching and medical testing, in addition to the large spa menu.

Modern zen awaits at this vast spa, with experienced therapists on hand to guide you from reception to relaxation.

An international mix of staff.

We had a knot-busting South African.

Impressive.

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

A treatment at Amara makes everything better. We love it.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 6021234. www.dubai.park. hyatt.com

Choose wisely and you’ll get an hourlong massage for Dhs310.

That ginger tea alone makes it worth the trip, but the treatments are amazing too.

The Beach Club, Al Nafura, Shoreline Apartments, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4227115. www.sensasiaspas. com

The treatment rooms are linked by leafy outdoor pathways, with an outdoor pool tucked away for those day-long spa sessions.

Various, but the 80-minute Royal Hammam is a fair Dhs450.

The Optimal Health Assessment (Dhs1,495 until December 1) is superb.

Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 3666818. www.jumeirah.com/ talise

There are separate menus for ladies and gents. Particularly recommended is the Jet Lag treatment.

You’d never expect this shrine to de-stressing to be mere minutes from the hectic Dubai Mall. It’s the perfect antidote to an afternoon of shopping.

It’s pricey, but worth it for the quality of treatments and snooze you’ll enjoy.

Quiet and luxurious, with quality added extras, this spa is a true retreat.

The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4388888. www.theaddress.com

There’s no treatment menu as such, just book a time slot (from 90 minutes to a full day) and the therapist decides.

As stylish as you’d expect from Giorgio. It’s a sleek space with dark greys and clean lines. See our review on p111.

Not as bad as you fear, with 90 minutes costing Dhs650, up to Dhs2,500 for a full day.

The unique 'decide for you' approach is great for spa newbies.

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Old Town, Dubai, 9am to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 8883888. www.dubai. armanihotels.com

DECEMBER OCTOBER 2010 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’S ON ON 157 157

HOT ON LSOnly THE HEa,EOne &

SPAS

y Sp 11 One&Onl Mirage Royal l, rContinenta City 12 Spa Inte stival Fe ai ub D l enta a InterContin Dubai Marin 13 N.A.I.L.S, nd Spa, ra G 14 The tt Dubai Grand Hya Al Maha s Spa, 15 Timeles rt Desert Reso

Banyan Tree Al Wadi

6

Lime Spa

7

Thai Privilege Spa

8

Spa & Fitness Centre

9

Banyan Tree Al Wadi

10 Mandara Spa

Thai Privilege Spa

THERAPISTS

MENU

Male and female therapists are available with their extensive knowledge.

They’re happy to answer questions, or just let you nod off.

The menu invites you to 'drop your robe, cares and guard'.

Cheeky. There are Anne Semonin treatments, plus a choice ranging from ear candling to sculpting rituals.

Shared steam and sauna facilities make it an ideal destination for couples. We especially like the clever two-way windows so you can look out over the polo fields.

Mid-range, with a 60-minute Ann Semonin massage for Dhs450 and an hour of reflexology for Dhs395.

The female therapists at this ladies-only spa undergo two years of training and the results are impressive.

Each month brings new treatments and discounts. You’ll find everything from blow-dries to luxury rituals, all with a Thai flavour.

Hidden away in an Al Wasl villa, the spa is a cosy escape with a lovely garden for yoga.

The team at Atlantis will greet you with ginger tea, treat you to some high quality pampering then bring more tea.

The extensive list covers gentlemen’s shaves, expert pedicures, lengthy rituals and more.

Particularly recommended are the Clarins facials.

All graduates from the Banyan Tree Academy, so you're in safe hands.

Super friendly and dedicated to making your metime as enjoyable as possible.

158 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

THE SPA

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

What could be better than a rub down then steak at Rare?

Nothing.

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, after International City, Dubai, 9am to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 3238888. www.desertpalm.ae

Well priced at around Dhs350 for an hour-long massage. Keep an eye out for those special offers, too.

We tried a fruity orange facial a few weeks ago and are still glowing.

1074 Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira, Dubai, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 3489679. www. thaiprivilegespadubai. com

It’s an impressive spa with a huge staircase, beautiful "floating" walkway and underwaterthemed treatment rooms.

You’re on The Palm so expect to pay the big bucks, with two-hour packages costing Dhs1,000. They’ve priced it with tourists in mind, but it’s worth treating yourself.

A spa that will have you wanting more (and asking for a pay rise).

Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4261020. www. atlantisthepalm.com

Asian-inspired therapies in exotic treatment rooms.

It's a bit of a trek to RAK so you need to spend the day (which means spending big) to make the journey worthwhile.

Five-star prices for five-star treatments, but an hour in The Rainforest (a hydrotherapy experience) is only Dhs77.

The Rainforest includes an ice igloo, tropical showers, hammam and more.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (07) 2067777. www.banyantree. com

Try the fourhanded Mandara Massage. You’ll be pushed, pulled and pulverised into a state of somnolence by two therapists.

Seriously soft dressing gowns, Elemis facials and the beautiful steam room were our highlights.

Slightly above average at Dhs470 for the 65-minute Muscle Ease massage.

Enjoy a massage and lunch at Okku or Ruth’s Chris for only Dhs299.

The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 5018888. www. themonarchdubai. com

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 158

WIN

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WIN! A SPA WEEKEND AT THE YAS HOTEL Be among the first to try the new ESPA spa at the Yas Hotel with this amazing prize. The winner and their guest will get a noon check-in then enjoy ‘his and hers’ afternoons, with a choice of spa treatments at ESPA, before dinner at elegant seafood restaurant Nautilus. Also included is an overnight stay in a deluxe marina room overlooking Yas Marina, buffet breakfast, valet parking, use of the health club and rooftop pool, and a late check-out at 6pm. For your chance to win a weekend away from it all, simply tell us…

Which island is the Yas Hotel situated on? a) Long Island b) Yas Island c) Isle of Wight 160 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Backchat with Catboy

Along with my Christmas tunes, I have also amassed quite a collection of seasonal films.

From the first of December, I plan to watch at least one festive film per day. I have no hard and fast rules on the order, but Christmas Eve is always saved for Frank Capra and James Stewart.

I’ll even watch TV I’d normally baulk at. For instance, I never watch cookery shows but every year I stare at Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen and daydream about a well-proportioned turkey.

I have an open door policy throughout December. Anyone is welcome to join me. It The reason I can associate with that plot so is the one time of year I shake-off my reclusive Our man on the radio claims easily is I absolutely love Christmas films. In shackles and become a genial, occasionally Christmas is a time for all – fact, I love most things about this time of year. rambunctious, host. Friends are welcome to my For me, being in Dubai only magnifies these food, drink, movies, music and company, no even reclusives like him feelings. I may be in the Middle East and Dequestions asked. I almost feel a duty to provide I am writing this on board a United Airlines cember may be hotter than most British sumunabashed festive fun. flight, stuck on the Tarmac in Honolulu. This mers, but when you walk through the door of And what’s the pay-off, you might ask. It’s is the return journey from this year’s Dubai Chez Cat, you’re walking through a wormhole simple. This is the one bit of tradition I have left 92 Barasti Big Deal. I have approximately two into the traditional British Christmas. in my life. I don’t like birthdays, Valentines Day, days of travelling ahead of me. If I don’t make Here’s how I run things. First of all, for me Easter or New Year’s Eve, but Christmas will every connection back to Dubai, I am going to Christmas begins on the first day of Decemalways be special. I love the coming together to miss my flight to Sri Lanka, which is an early ber. That’s when the tree goes up. It has to be a break bread. I love the imagery and iconograChristmas treat to myself. real fir, preferably Norwegian, every year. Yes, phy. I love the carols, the unwrapping of gifts, We have been sat on the runway for well over they’re expensive but nothing beats opening the the afternoon nap, the bad telly, the chocolates, an hour now because the plane’s GPS is on the front door and breathing in that pine aroma. I the hours spent trying to get a small red hat fritz and, as the affable pilot has pointed out, we bet half of you are saying BUT WHAT ABOUT and cotton-wool beard on my feral kitty for just need it to get over the water. I’m pretty relaxed THE MESS? To those people I say this... Pine one photograph, the storytelling, the exciteabout it now because I have a five-hour ‘safety needles on a tiled floor is not the Da Vinci ment and, of course, the feast. buffer’ in LA. That mood will change with time. Code of cleaning problems.

Most of my life is spent wearing a cynical, That said, the whole thing smacks of a feelNext is the music. In the car, the villa and sarcastic coat. For one month each year it’s nice good, festive, family film. I’m Chevy Chase, a as often as I can get away with on Dubai 92, I to take it off and put on a Christmas sweater. hard-working, gaff-prone yet lovable buffoon play a selection of Christmas music that I’ve Merry Christmas, all. just trying to get home for Christmas. Everybeen adding to over the years. My normal thing that can go wrong will go wrong, but just music snobbery goes out of the window and I Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird in the nick of time I’ll get home and it will be welcome Mariah, The Darkness, Slade and even Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs, 6am to the best Christmas ever.

Band Aid 20 with open ears.

10am, Dubai 92. www.dubai92.com

Don’t miss next month’s What’s On for what’s new in the Emirates in 2011, backstreet curries and Dubai’s best salads 162 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

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