What's On | March 2011

DUBAI EDITION

March 2011 Issue 395

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LIVE THIS MONTH: USHER, THE STREETS, STEVIE WONDER, THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS, 2MANYDJS AND MORE! ALSO INSIDE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS YEAR’S DUBAI WORLD CUP, FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE AND ART DUBAI

+ TASTE OF DUBAI + MOTHER’S DAY + DUBAI’S BEST SOUPS +

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Every Saturday: 12.30pm – 4.30pm Dhs 155 or Dhs 245 with selected house beverages Pool access: Dhs 100 per person T +971 4 438 8999 DINE.DUBAIMALL@THEADDRESS.COM WWW.THE ADDRESS.COM

Contents Features 10 Rocking horses Your essential guide to this year’s Dubai World Cup, from fashion to fillies

p10

GETTY

23 Music special Usher, The Streets, Sandance, Stevie Wonder and Thirty Seconds To Mars arrive for your listening pleasure

p23 MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 3

The round-up 8 Salaam Everything you need to know about March; what’s hot and what's not, we meet poloplayer Rashid Al Habtoor, a trip to Allure

by Cipriani, where to go this month and a few rumours

and take a couple of freebie mini-breaks. See page 80 for more

34 Films A sneak peak at Scream 4 and Sucker Punch, plus we rate the Arthur re-make, cartoon caper Rio and grownup fairy tale Red Riding Hood

63 Shopping The hottest sunglasses, the best online gifts for Mother’s Day, a trip to vintage boutique Bambah and style queen Sophia tackles your wardrobe woes

37 Eating out Taste of Dubai, sky-high dining at At.mosphere, the new Hakkasan brunch, trying tapas at Al Hambra and all your food news

71 Mind & body What happens when you haven’t been to the dentist in ten years?

Plus this month’s spa deals, exotic therapies from tropical lands and a trip to Saray Spa

50 Win, win, win!

Your chance to customise some Puma kicks, win brunch for six

53 Art The biggest Art Dubai yet, this month’s essential exhibitions and meet our new columnist

83 Sport & outdoor It’s time for another challenge, this time we

p42 take on a triathlon and get some expert advice.

Mr Fitness answers your exercise questions, and a preview of the big rugby action

p95 4 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

91 Music Pop rockers Behold The Locus are our band of the month, Depeche Mode’s Andrew Fletcher and all the happenings in clubland 95 Travel An exhilarating trip to

Kenya for ballooning and beasties, travel tips from a top tailor and some budget-friendly breaks 105 Hot lists Who’s king of the world and top of the heap when it comes to spas, bars, restaurants and brunches?

122 Backchat Catboy shows his softer side with an ode to Mother’s Day. Bless

Experience the art of chic, urban, casual dining Afyä – the new restaurant in Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.

Enjoy the unique ambience and no fuss, high quality cuisine of Afyä’s extensive international menu, morning, noon or night.

Call Restaurant Reservations on +971 2 510 8818 or visit www.tradershotels.com Between the Bridges, PO Box 128881, Abu Dhabi, UAE

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, Stef Burgon, 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

Making friends in Kenya, p95

Doing some light reading, p67

Finding Dubai’s best soups, p19

Editor’s note Complete Madness was a 16-track ‘best of’ album by London ska/ pop band Madness, featuring all the Nutty Boys’ hits including Embarrassment, My Girl and It Must Be Love. More importantly, to me, anyway, it was also the first record I ever bought.

Kind of cool, as first records go, although I was pretty much cajoled into buying it by my older brother, who tended to cajole me into all kinds of things back then (‘you’re the test driver of this shoddily-cobbled together go-kart’, ‘you’re the pilot of our down-thestairs-on-a-cushion sledge’), normally with threats of a slap around the head. To be fair to my brother, his musical cajoling actually stood me in good stead – thanks to him I acquired a taste not only for ska, but for punk, early electronica, and all kinds of offthe-wall stuff. While the rest of my class at school were singing along to Kylie, I was out buying The Sex Pistols, New Order and Kraftwerk. I’m not saying that made me better than them (I am. And it does), I’m merely pointing out my music obsession – and it is in an obsession – started at an early age.

But then, music plays a part in most people’s lives, be it an obsession, like mine, or just something that makes the drive to work that little bit easier.

This month the Emirates is the perfect place for music lovers of all varieties, with appearances in Dubai from The Streets, Usher, 2ManyDJs and the Brand New Heavies at Sandance, while Abu Dhabi welcomes Thirty Seconds To Mars and the utterly brilliant Stevie Wonder. I hope you’re as excited about that as we are. Because, music obsessive or not, I bet you can still name that first record you bought.

Enjoy the issue.

London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 7

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!

A pair of pages to put a spring in your step this March

What’s hot Benches Dubai-based fashion and lifestyle boutique S*uce has decided that the city needs more benches and has asked artists and designers to create customised designs to be displayed at Art Dubai and around the emirate. www.sauceloves.com/benches The Extra Cold Freezer We had a rather good time in Heineken’s moveable bar at the Rugby Sevens last year, and it’s set to return at the Sandance festival at Nasimi Beach on March 11 (p23).

Chefs doing battle We couldn’t possibly miss an event called The Battle Of The Chefs, now, could we?

Every month The Address Montgomerie Dubai will invite the city’s chefs to compete in a three-dish cook off. And you get to eat the results.

Mar 16, The Address Montgomerie Dubai, Dhs275 no alcohol, Dhs355 house beverages. Tel: (04) 3631275. www. theaddress.com

What’s not

Guess list What the rumour mill ground out this month

85%

THE KOOKS An insider involved with next month’s Chill Out festival has informed us that the indie popsters could be playing. Quite a coup, promoters have been trying to pull that off for a while.

75%

IPAD We know, all you cool kids already have one, but word on the new generation tech grapevine is that Apple is set to officially launch every geek’s best friend in the UAE very soon.

60%

MARK RONSON The über-cool spinner drew a huge crowd for his visit to Trilogy last year. We know, we were in it. Rumours of a return are doing the

We told you so...

2MANYDJS Mar 11, Sandance, Nasimi Beach, Dubai (p23)

This month we’re going to…

Salik Gah – can there be anything worse than constantly topping up your Salik?! Bad news, then – the RTA is set to open two more Salik Alfresco concerts Don't miss Music In The Park with the Centre gates on Al Ghusias and Al Ittihad roads.

Of Musical Arts and Dubai Classical Guitar Time to buy a Metro pass.

Orchestra performing at Safa Park. Or Opera In The Park, with London opera singers Foley Du and Hepburn at the Wafi rooftop gardens.

We enjoy the TV and Internet service, but Du’s customer service is atrocious. We spent Mar 25, Music in the Park, Safa Park, Dubai, from 3.30pm, Dhs3. Mar 30, Opera in the Park, two hours in a queue at The Dubai Mall Wafi, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs145 with picnic basket. branch recently, and the phone service is Tel: (04) 3244100. even worse. Sort it out.

8 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

rounds – but, we’re told, this time it will be on an even bigger scale. Watch this space.

GIRL Five Questions… Rashid Al Habtoor ABOUT The Threadneedle Dubai TOWN Gold Cup is one of the main events on the Dubai polo calender. Rashid Al Habtoor, whose Mahra team won the first edition of the event in 2010, fancies his chances of victory again at this month’s tournament Why polo?

I have been playing for the past 20 years.

It’s so exciting and beautiful, this harmony between the man, the horse and the ball.

But I also love polo because it is more than a game – it’s a lifestyle.

It has a reputation for being an elite sport for the wealthy. True?

Well, it all depends on you; how many times you want to play, with how many professionals and where you are located in the world. It is an expensive sport, but you can spend from Dhs2,000 a month or Dhs200,000 a month. If you are thinking of playing polo, you mustn’t be afraid of horses or speed, since they are the two essential components of the sport. You have to love to ride and have the patience to learn to play.

It’s quite a dangerous sport, right?

The worst experience that I witnessed was during the Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup. Two players collided at full speed with their horses. We just saw them flying in the air due to the violence of the impact.

Blimey. Are you sure we should come and watch?

Yes – it’s an exciting game to watch and

Nezesaussi Grill As cricket fans know, the ICC Cricket World Cup is in full swing and will be until April 2.

The good ‘ol Nezesaussi Grill, which does a cracking pie, is showing all the matches and offering special menus for lunch and dinner throughout the tournament. Howzat!

Nezesaussi Grill, Al Manzil Hotel, Downtown Dubai, Sun to Thurs noon to 2am, Fri and Sat 10am to 2am. Tel: (04) 4285888. www.nezgrill. com

Each month our roving reporter Geordiebird visits the UAE's hottest new bars

it’s great for families as well. This level of polo is very rare in the UAE, that’s why this tournament is so special. Depending on the ticket you buy, you can have brunch on the VIP Terrace. There will be Skydivers from Sky Dubai, an after-party in the Horizon Lounge at the Habtoor Grand and fireworks to enjoy.

Will we be seeing your team win again this year?

My team and I are ready. We are a strong team with passion for the game and very good horses, so we will do our best to win this year. All the teams have their qualities and we take them all as very serious competition. This season there will be great players such as Nacho Gonzales, Ignacio Tocolino and Alfredo Capella Barabucci to name just a few.

Mar 2 to 11, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches. Tel: (04) 3437887. www. dubaipologoldcup.com

The Pavilion Downtown Dubai The opening of the Armani hotel and Burj Khalifa have brought Downtown to life, and now The Pavilion Downtown Dubai arts centre has opened up, too. Boasting two galleries, The Pavilion will run a programme of exhibitions and act as a venue for artistic discussions. We love a bit of culture.

The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, opposite Burj Khalifa, Dubai. www.thepavilion.ae

THIS MONTH: ALLURE BY CIPRIANI

What does it look like?

Cipriani restaurant is awash with white leather chairs, with the wood-panelled walls sporting portholes for an ‘at-sea’ feel, complete with views of the marina.

Upstairs, at the nightclub Allure, the modern white look continued. I loved the private seating pods and suspended ceiling, fringed with LED lights. Very swanky.

Who goes there?

There was a mix of families and couples in the restaurant, but Allure was full of fashionable types in their early 30s taking to the dance floor for the resident DJ’s mix of familiar pop, R&B and house music.

Any bar nibbles?

The sushi downstairs was some of the best I’ve ever tried. The yellowtail kizame with yuzu soy is a must.

Drink recommendations?

You can’t go to Cipriani and not try their signature Bellinis.

When should you go?

Allure gets busy with their ladies night on a Wednesday, but Thursdays and Fridays are packed.

How's the service?

Outstanding. Those Bellinis kept on coming.

What's the taxi situation?

Stress free.

GEORDIEBIRD'S VERDICT: Allure by Cipriani sits snugly between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and with a rare late licence until 6am (amazing!), I'll definitelybe heading back there for the carnival themed night.

Allure by Cipriani, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5650050. www. nightcluballure.com Find us at www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 9

Rocking horses

The outfits, the mingling, the money and, of course, the horses; the Dubai World Cup is one of the city’s most exciting events and one of the richest races in the world.

Here’s everything you need to know, from getting ready to the best after-parties

BEFORE… As well as being a social must-do, the races are a chance to dress up to the nines. It is however, something of a sartorial minefield.

Here are the tailors, tips and tricks to ensure you make it to the party pages

TOP THREE TAILORS

In a town where you don’t need to earn a salary the size of a small country’s GDP to get a suit made to order, the races are a perfect excuse to indulge in some tailoring. Here’s our top spots to get measured up: 1. WHISTLE & FLUTE This Satwa spot is harder to find than the philosopher’s stone but is worth the hunt.

Offering a full range of bespoke tailoring, from shirts to suits, as well as alterations, the family-run business has all your tailoring needs covered. Expect to pay around Dhs150 upwards for a shirt, with suits coming in around the Dhs2,000 mark. Material is available in shop or, if they don’t have what you want, the guys will recommend a visit to the nearby Deepak’s, which stocks just about everything.

Whistle & Flute, off Plant Street, Satwa, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3429229 2. SANTOBA TAILORS Ask for Rajesh or Prakash, the two brothers who own the store, who will guide you through the process from cloth selection, to style, right down to the lining. They also make shirts and have a range of fabrics and will cater to the most discerning of tastes. A full bespoke shirt comes in at around Dhs200 10 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

and suits will vary according to cloth and the amount of material you require, but be prepared to spend between Dhs1,300 and Dhs2,000 for a good suit that will stand the test of time. Allow approximately two weeks for a suit as you will need to be measured, then go back for a first fitting for them to make alterations. For shirts, allow a week.

Santoba Tailors, near York International Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3931234. www. santobatailors.com 3. M2M Paying a visit to the small M2M boutique, opened on Beach Road at the tailend of 2009 by veteran tailor Kamlesh Ramchadani, is a slightly grander experience than seeking out one of the talented tailors hidden away in the back streets of Bur Dubai. A bespoke suit can be had for a reasonable Dhs1,200, though you could pay anything up to Dhs6,000, depending on the fabric you choose. With 15 tailors, all with a guaranteed ten years in the trade, and a pair of master cutters, you’re in good hands.

M2M, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, Villa 1, opposite Sunset Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3942244

Horses for Few of the 60,000 spectators who crammed into the Meydan Racecourse at Nad Al Sheba last year will forget the spine-tingling climax to the US$10 million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race. Gloria de Campeao held on to beat Lizard’s Desire by a nose, perhaps even a nostril, with Allybar a short head away in third place in the tightest of photo-finishes.

Another thriller is likely this month, once the mammoth list of 312 ‘nominations’ from 18 countries has been whittled down to a star-spangled field of 14. The crème de la crème of the equine fraternity will do battle over 8.75 furlongs on the Tapeta all-weather track, with representatives jetting in from all over the globe to take part. Seven other top-notch races – and a total prize fund of US$26.25m – attracts the very best.

Bold Silvano, trained by Mike de Kok in South Africa, is many experts’ leading fancy for the World Cup, especially after his smart win in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round Two at the Dubai International Racing Carnival last month. Mendip, from the UAE’s Godolphin stable, took the Al Maktoum Challenge Round One and could also go close while Cape Blanco, the Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes winner from the Ballydoyle yard, will have his backers.

Snow Fairy, the globetrotting superstar filly, is a four-time Group One winner and won valuable events in Japan and Hong Kong last autumn. If he’s not going for the World Cup, trainer Ed Dunlop will target the Sheema Classic or Dubai

DURING…

FOR Y E T A D R DIAR YOU turday Sa ch 26 Mar

The venue Tickets

courses Duty Free Stakes. “We’ll watch all the trials,” he said, “see how she trains and then select a race.”

Connections Of Transcend are hoping for an upgrade from the Godolphin Mile to the World Cup after his win in the US$2.2 million February Stakes in Tokyo, while Twice Over, a disappointing tenth in the main event in 2010, will have a warm-up race on Super Thursday to get used to the conditions before going for the big one. “He seems to be getting better with age,” his trainer Henry Cecil insisted.

Class acts all of them... and all trying to emulate glorious Gloria from last year.

EARLY ODDS 4-1 Bold Silvano, Cape Blanco, Snow Fairy; 5-1 Twice Over; 7-1 Gio Ponti; 10-1 Musir, Mendip; 12-1 Gitano Hernando; 14-1 Allybar; 16-1 Debussy

The vast 1.6km-long Meydan Racecourse is a mere 15 minutes from downtown Dubai and boasts 10,000 parking spaces. We’d bet you’re not driving though. It also has numerous restaurants, an IMAX, museum, marina, leisure facilities and a hotel, but for the big day all you need to know is that Meydan has the capacity to hold, entertain and feed 60,000 revellers.

Hate having to buy books of vouchers in order to get a round of drinks in?

Fear not, Meydan will have cash bars, so you won’t find yourself with pockets lined with useless coupons the next morning.

Other venues should pay attention. Just saying.

The party fuel The food and drink element of the day can’t be underestimated, with some of Dubai’s most popular venues setting up shop at Meydan.

This year you can expect to find the Irish Village pulling pints, Rock Bottom keeping the party going and food from all over the world. May we recommend getting some carbs down your neck? Remember, race day is a marathon, not a sprint – especially if you’re hanging out in the Bubble Lounge.

Join the masses on the Apron or splash the cash in the tiered restaurant? Read on and decide what you want for your dirhams

APRON VIEWS Dhs350 The majority of party people will be here, sampling drinks from various venues, posing for pics and making mischief.

Best for... seeing everyone you know in Dubai in one place

ilable Tickets ava , Nad n a yd e M from Dubai.

Al Sheba, 000.

70 Tel: (04) 32 orld iw a b u .d w ww cup.com

PREMIUM SEATING Dhs12,00 – Dhs1,400 There are three Premium Seating areas arranged near the finish line. Included in the price are house beverages, soft drinks, afternoon tea and dinner snacks, plus indoor and outdoor seating.

Best for… soaking up the atmosphere in style

PARADE RING RESTAURANT Dhs2,750 This ground-floor restaurant will be serving unlimited buffet fare, offers afternoon tea, includes house beverages and TVs are dotted everywhere so you don’t miss any action.

Best for… Hungry horsey types

TIERED RESTAURANT Dhs3,000 Opt for this package and you’ll get your own reserved table, afternoon tea, five-course set menu, soft drinks, house beverages and unrivalled views across the racetrack.

Best for… Food fans and lovers of luxury

SAVE THIS NUMBER NOW IN CASE YOU DECIDE TO DRIVE THEN GET SIDETRACKED BY BEER AND BUBBLES, REMEMBER THAT SAFEDRIVER CAN DELIVER YOU AND YOUR CAR ANYWHERE IN DUBAI FOR DHS120.

TEL: 04 2688797 MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 11

AFTER…

The trainer

Don’t let a good outfit go to waste – keep the fun flowing with our pick of Dubai’s most party-friendly bars. Just remember to schedule a ‘meeting’ on Sunday morning ahead of time

Brian Meehan is one of the UK’s top trainers who has enjoyed success at the Dubai World Cup in the past and has a horse running this year. We caught up with him to talk form, memories and, of course, money

DOUBLE DECKER The classic post-race venue, DD’s garden is now open for under the stars revelry or head to the bar inside for a good feed, sporting action on the screens and a bit of a dance.

Al Murooj Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3211111 LONG’S BAR Well located, well priced and well relaxed, this is the place to head to let your hair down after the last race. They often have special deals on for race-goers too, so keep your hat on if you want money off.

Towers Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3122202

Double Decker BARASTI From turf to sand, Barasti is always packed on Saturday nights, but on the 26th it will be rammed.

Sharpen those elbows if you’re at the bar, or crash out with some fish’n’chips on a beach bed.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3993333

Long’s bar CONCERT QUESTIONS LAST YEAR ELTON JOHN AND SANTANA SET THE POST-RACE STANDARD WITH PERFORMANCES. THIS TIME YOU CAN EXPECT A SUPERSTAR TO TAKE TO THE TRACKSIDE STAGE. WE PREDICT A BOY BAND, AGEING ROCKER, HIP HOPPER OR POP PRINCESS WILL ADD SOME VALUE TOYOUR TICKET PRICE, BUT NOTHING HAD BEEN REVEALED AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT.

Barasti

12 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

IRISH VILLAGE Pie and chips should sort you out for the next morning. If in doubt, have more chips and a pint of lemonade. You’re welcome.

The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 2824750 CHI@THE LODGE Wow. You really want to make it a big night, eh? Chi will be one big outdoor party. We predict many a tie, hat and waistcoat will be found on the dancefloor the next morning.

Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3379470

Do you hope to have runners at the World Cup every year?

Of course. It’s a very important meeting in the racing calender and the first major event of the year. I’ve probably had a dozen or so runners since I started coming to Dubai and I hope to have many more.

What is the World Cup’s main attraction?

The prize money. It’s huge! But we’re also looked after extremely well – ourselves, the horses, the owners. Everyone is so friendly towards all of us.

What do you think of the Meydan Racecourse?

It’s wonderful, everything about it. And the turf track is possibly the best in the world, certainly in the top four or five.

There are mixed opinions about the Tapeta [the all-weather track] but, I suppose, it’s case of horses for courses.

Away from the racecourse, how do you relax in Dubai?

On the beach. That’s a must. We’ll go out and see a few sights as well. We always get a really lovely hotel to stay in and Tracy Gill, the Dubai Racing Club’s international liaison officer, is always there to help. She makes it really happen for us.

You won the Dubai Duty Free race with David Junior in 2006. What are your memories of that?

It was a marvellous occasion. He was the first runner from our Manton stables [at Marlborough, Wiltshire] and what a win.

What a great way to open our account, too. Back at the hotel, the celebrations went on long into the night. You could say that we had a good time.

THE DUBAI MALL 04.3399472 DEIRA CITY CENTRE 04. 2943057 AL WAHDA MALL 02.4437213 MARINA MALL 02.6811464 ARMANIEXCHANGE.COM/UAE

FESTIVAL OF Dubai’s Festival Of Literature is back, with a bigger and better bundle of wordsmiths than ever before, from Michael Palin to Margaret Atwood, plus some fantastic new talent from the Middle East. Here’s the inside scoop and hot highlights

Stories he could tell In the 1970s his first novel, The Kids, landed him a job on British music bible the NME, throwing him into the chaotic world of the emerging punk scene.The 1980s saw him penning columns for women’s mags as he struggled to bring up a child on his own. And in the 1990s his best-seller Man And Boy made him a literary star. He is, of course, Tony Parsons Tony, we hear you’re going to teach us how to write a best-seller at the festival. How? You can teach people to avoid making common mistakes; you can give them a few guidelines.

They still have to drive to the destination themselves, but you can tell them the route that you think they should take.

Did you have a route map when you wrote your first novel?

I didn’t really know anything about anything. It’s amazing how dumb I was. I probably had wildly unrealistic dreams about what getting published was going to do. It’s not false modesty to say The Kids wasn’t very good. It was the kind of effort that gets left in the bottom drawer, but it was great for me because it got me my first job in journalism.

That was your job at the NME. How much did you want that job?

Yeah, I definitely wanted it. The paper was important to me when I was a young man, and a 14 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

boy even. It was central to my life and I admired a lot of people who wrote for the NME. I thought that if I got a book published then the world would give me enough money to be a writer and to live on, to do the one thing I wanted to do and was half good at. And it kind of turned out like that.

You went from working in a gin factory to interviewing The Clash. That was quite a jump.

Yeah, I would have said to my younger self at the NME, you can relax a bit, take in the sights, appreciate what you’ve got here, count your blessings and maybe not smell the roses, but smell the leather trousers. It seemed normal at the time for me to be interviewing Debbie Harry or The Clash or even Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. That was my job. That’s what I was there for. That’s what I did for a living.

Your novel, Stories We Could Tell, is based on your time at the NME. How close to reality is that book?

It’s as close as I could get to explaining what life was like then, in as much as it was enormous fun and also absolutely drug soaked. There were people settling down to careers and others who would be dead within a year. The action takes place in one night in that book because that replicates what it’s like to be young, the highs and lows, the agonies and the ecstasies you go through.

What was life like post NME? We has so much fuss made of us at the NME that we thought everybody would be beating a path to our door, that we would be given newspaper columns and TV shows, that the world owed us a living. The truth is, the world had never heard of us. That was a slap in the kisser, but we probably needed a slap in the kisser.

How did you cope?

It was ten hard years, from one end of the 1980s

WIN TICKETS!

To win tickets to see Tony Parsons talk at the Festival Of Literature, simply e-mail WinWithWhatsOn@motivate.ae with your answer, and name of the prize in the subject line.

What is the name of the music magazine Tony Parsons worked for in the 1970s? a) ABC b) 123 c) NME

to the other, doing work where I could, waiting for the postman to deliver a cheque. But if you can survive, and I just about survived, good things happen. What happened for me was a friend of mine asked me to start writing stuff for the women’s magazine she worked for. I was the token guy.

It must have been very different to working on the NME? Yeah, but even though I was in my mid-20s, I didn’t feel I had the option to go wandering around America with Ian Dury or The Clash. Being asked to write stuff for women’s magazines, and later men’s magazines, was really a second chance for a career. And I realised I’d actually prefer to be writing about men and women, or fathers and sons.

Was that the realisation that led to you writing Man And Boy? When I wrote Man And Boy I was pretty settled.

I was on TV every week on a little show, Piers Morgan took me from The Daily Telegraph as

LITERATURE his first signing when he became editor of The Mirror, and I was remarried and happy. But I just felt I had this book inside me that I had to write, even if it wasn’t successful. If I hadn’t gone through that hard time I wouldn’t have had that impetus, I would have been too comfortable. But there was something gnawing at me inside and it’s gnawing at me still.

A new book?

Yeah, it’s called Catching The Sun and it’s about a British family who move to Phuket in Thailand and what happens to them. All my mates live abroad, in Hong Kong or Los Angeles, so it’s a big part of my life, that expat urge.

March 11, How to Write a Best-seller, Al Majlis, InterContinental DFC, 11am to 1pm, Dhs200 Mar 12, Tony Parsons in Conversation with Paul Blezard, Al Ras 1, InterContinental DFC, 10.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs65

TONY’S TOP TIPS

“It was ten hard years, from one end of the eighties to the other, doing work where I could, waiting for the postman to deliver a cheque”

Three nuggets of literary advice from the Man And Boy author

t You’re the best critic of your own work t Rewrite as much as possible t Take the opportunity to learn how to do it

whenever you can. I attend Robert McKee’s writing seminars once every year or two

Big hitters The literary giants joining Parsons at the Lit Fest

Michael Palin

Comedian, actor, television presenter, world traveller and author are just a few of the hats that Michael Palin’s worn during his career. He opens the festival with a live show entitled Forty Years Without a Proper Job. Mar 8, Gala Evening 1, Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Mamzar, Dubai 8pm to 11pm, Dhs125 to Dhs195

Margaret Atwood

Atwood is one of the world’s greatest living authors, boasting 13 novels, including The Handmaid’s Tale, winner of the first Arthur C Clarke Award for best Science Fiction, the Booker Prize-wining The Blind Assassin, and Oryx and Crake.

Mar 9, Gala Evening 2, Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Mamzar, Dubai, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs125 to 195

Lionel Shriver

Journalist and author Lionel Shriver published her first novel, The Female Of The Species, in 1986, but it was her controversial 2003 book about a teenage sociopath perpetrating a school massacre, We Need to Talk About Kevin, that catapulted her to worldwide fame and won the 2005 Orange Prize for fiction.

Mar 10, Festival Book Club, Al Ras 2, InterContinental DFC, 3pm to 4pm, Dhs65 and Mar 11, 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Dhs65

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 15

FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE

Local talent 15 UAE stars appearing at the festival AHMED AMIRI Journalist, satirist and author of the short story collection The Lion, Who Admitted.

Mar 12, Keeping It Real: Where Fiction and Journalism Meet, Al Ras 3, InterContinental DFC, 3pm to 4pm, Dhs65

ALI F MOSTAFA The man behind the UAE’s biggest ever film, City Of Life.

Mar 12, From Script To Screen With Acclaimed Director Ali Mostafa, Al Ras 1, InterContinental DFC, 1.30pm to 3pm, Dhs65

KHALID AL-BUDOOR Poet and founder of the Emirates Writers’ Union.

Mar 11, Magical Moments in the Desert of Time, Al Khaimah, InterContinental DFC, 7pm to 8pm, Dhs30

MOHAMMED AL MURR Author and Deputy chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Mar 12, Influences and Traditions in Writing Short Stories, Al Majlis, InterContinental DFC, 8pm to 9pm, Dhs30

NASSER AL DHAHERI Journalist Al Dhaheri and has published three short story collections and a novel.

Mar 12, Keeping It Real: Where Fiction And Journalism Meet, Al Ras 3, InterContinental DFC, 3pm to 4pm, Dhs65

MARYAM AL SAEDI Al Saedi has published two story collections, Mariam and the Good Fortune and I Look Smart.

Mar 12, Ones To Watch – New Stars In The Literary Firmament, Al Ras 1, InterContinental DFC, 6pm to 7pm, Dhs65

NUJOOM AL GHANEM Poet Al Ghanem has directed four films.

Mar 10, Poetry Of The Unexpected, Al Khaimah, InterContinental DFC, 9.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs30

WAEL AL SAYEGH Poet, essayist and founder of inter-cultural consulting firm ALGHAF HRC. Mar 10, Poetry Of The Unexpected, Al Khaimah, InterContinental DFC, 9.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs30. www.waelalsayegh.com

DR SALEM HUMAID Author and Head of research for the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Mar 10, Bridging The Culture Gap, InterContinental DFC, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Dhs30 IBRAHIM MOHAMMAD IBRAHIM Winner of the poetry prize at the Emirates Appreciation Award for the Arts in 2009.

Mar 10, An Evening Of Arabic Poetry, Al Ras 3, InterContinental DFC, 7pm to 8.30pm, Dhs65 AMNA AL MANSOORI An academic, Al Mansoori worked as a scriptwriter on popular television show Freej and has written a novel, Your Eyes, Hamda!

Mar 10, Past And Present: The Next Chapter Of New Emirati Fiction, Al Khaimah, InterContinental DFC, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Dhs30 DR FATIMA AL MAZROUI A member of the Federal National Council, Al Mazroui’s book, Monafarat in Pre-Islamic Literature, won the Best UAE Book prize at last year’s Sharjah International Book Fair.

Mar 12, Influences and Traditions in Writing Short Stories, Al Majlis, InterContinental DFC, 8pm to 9pm, Dhs30

16 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

ALI AL SHAALI Poet and Director of the Knowledge Production Sector at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.

Mar 11, In Conversation, Al Khaimah, InterContinental DFC, 5pm to 6pm, Dhs30, Magical Moments in the Desert of Time, 7pm to 8pm, Dhs30 DHA’EN SHAHEEN Poet Shaheen is editor in chief of Dubai newspaper Al Bayan and editor of the Arab Writers’ General Foundation magazine Shoun Adabia. Mar 9, Gala Evening 2, Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs125 to 195 JAMAL AL SHEHHI CEO of Dubai International Children’s Book Fair and director of Culture Development at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, Al Shehhi also runs Kuttab Publishing. www.kuttabpublishing.com Mar 11, Curious Incidents: Writing For Teenagers, Al Majlis, InterContinental DFC, 8pm to 9pm, Dhs30

Best of the rest Our festival highlights MARCH 10 Bernard Cornwell In Conversation The master of historical fiction and author of the popular Sharpe series chats to BBC presenter Gavin Esler.

Al Ras 2, InterContinental DFC, 9pm to 10pm, Dhs65 MARCH 11 Mark Billingham Masterclass The best-selling crime writer reveals the secrets of writing crime fiction.

Al Khaimah, InterContinental DFC, 10am to 12.30pm, Dhs200 MARCH 12 Digital Revolution 2 A panel of authors discuss the impact of technology on books and ask, is the book dead?

Al Ras 2, InterContinental DFC, 7.30pm to 9pm, Dhs39

Don’t miss

MICHELIN MAN All that intellectual activity is sure to make you hungry, so the festival organisers have arranged for multi-Michelin star chef French Pierre Gagnaire to put on a display of his culinary skills followed by a Literary Lunch at his restaurant Reflets.

Mar 10, Cooking Demonstration and Literary Lunch with Pierre Gagnaire, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, 11.30am to 12.30pm and 12.45pm to 2.45pm, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 3420060. www. eaifl.com THE DETAILS WHEN: Mar 8 to 12 WHERE: Festival of Literature, Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association, Al Mamzar and Intercontinental Event Centre, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai TEL: (04) 3420060 WEB: www.eaifl.com

Dubai’s best soups When life’s getting you down, all you need is a hug in a mug (or bowl). We’ve rounded up some super soups from across the city to warm your cockles – and help you keep your cool

1

GREEN PEA AND BACON FOUNTAIN

10/10 Made with peas from Souk Al CATBOY’S PICK Bahar’s farmers’ market, you can taste the fresh spring flavours in this vibrant soup. Underpinned by a soft smokiness from the meat, then further complemented by caraway seeds, lemon zest and a swirl of sour cream, this was an absolute winner. Comforting and refreshing at the same time. Delicious.

Fountain, Mövenpick Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Dhs35. Tel: (04) 3104202

2

GAZPACHO SEVILLE’S

9/10 Sharp and fresh, this chilled delight smacks of ripe vegetables and hours of balancing flavours. Made with sherry vinegar, it has just the right bite and would be the perfect starter on a warm Dubai evening.

Seville’s, Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs32.

Tel: (04) 3244100

ISTOCK

3

5

MUSHROOM CAPPUCCINO BISTRO RESTAURANT

6

MISO SOUP OKKU

This brilliantly hued bowlful comes with chunks of carrot, cumin and chili bread, perfect for dunking into the creamy soup.

The taste is as colourful as you’d expect – nicely spiced and warming. Just the thing for a weekend lunch.

The One, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs28.

Tel: (04) 3456687

Green Pea and Bacon

by Fountain

8/10 Even frothier than it looks, this managed to win over the ‘shroom haters in the tasting panel. Incredibly light in both taste and texture, this would be a cracking start to any meal.

Bistro Restaurant, Ramada Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Dhs30. Tel: (04) 3519999

7.5/10 We love a good miso, and by jove this is a good miso. The small bowl delivers a big hit of seaweed at the bottom, with plenty of texture to set you up for a Japanese meal.

This is definitely a starter – but a very strong one.

Okku, The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs15. Tel: (04) 5018888

CANTONESE FRIED NOODLE SOUP ANISE 8/10

In a clear chicken broth lies a nest of thin crispy noodles, topped with chicken, broccoli and carrots in the shape of butterflies. The soup itself is thick and nutty, smooth without being creamy and complemented by the carb-loaded crunch of the noodles.

Anise, InterContinental Festival City, Dubai, Dhs35. Tel: (04) 7011111

4

PUMPKIN AND SAGE SOUP THE ONE 8/10

Mushroom Cappuccino

by Bistro Restaurant

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 19

DUBAI’S BEST SOUPS: TESTED

7

ASPARAGUS AND SPINACH SOUP WITH TORTELLINI MEDZO 7.5/10 Wonderfully creamy without being too thick, this smoothie is crammed with subtle tastes vying for your attention. Soft in both colour and texture, it’s filling enough for a lunch or a sturdy starter.

Medzo, Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs39.

Tel: (04) 3244100

8

ROASTED GARLIC AND VEGETABLE BROTH BISTRO RESTAURANT 7.5/10

Just the kind of soup you’d crave after a day on the slopes, this is a bowlful of cheesy, garlicky goodness. It’s guaranteed to ward off any impending cold, but not recommended for a first date, unless you both order it. Punchy.

Bistro Restaurant, Ramada Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Dhs30. Tel: (04) 3519999

9

TOM YAM THAI CHI

7.5/10 Giant prawns swim in this warming broth of spices and vegetables. This would sort you out after a heavy night out, and no mistake, probably followed by a creamy Thai curry. It packs a punch without shocking the system.

Thai Chi, Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs76.

Tel: (04) 3244100

10

The tasting team

12

ITALIAN SEAFOOD SOUP DA VINCI’S 7/10

13

TOM YAM THAI KITCHEN

Creamier than your usual seafood soup, this bowl was full of underwater characters to create a good depth of flavour. Well seasoned, but we were slightly put off by how, well, lifelike the unshelled prawns looked. Someone, peel them please!

Da Vinci’s, Millennium Airport Hotel, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs45. Tel: (04) 2823464

6.5/10 This clear, spicy broth needs a bit more complexity, but the flavours were well 7/10 balanced and the massive prawns and lime Packed with every mollusc and fishy friend swayed us. under the sea, Al Fresco’s offering tastes very Thai Kitchen, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, fresh, with a tomato base and squeeze of Dhs68. Tel: (04) 6021234 lemon. Chunks of scallops and mussel add HOT AND SOUR substance, but we couldn’t taste the sprig of SEAFOOD SOUP rosemary on top, which was a shame.

SHANG PALACE 6.5/10 Al Fresco, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Neither particularly hot nor sour, this soup Dubai, Dhs38. Tel: (04) 3311111 was nonetheless very tasty, it just needed FUSION SEAFOOD SOUP a bit more kick. The seafood is almost WITH LEMONGRASS shredded, which makes it easier to eat than CHADI KITCHEN 7/10 those with whole prawns or scallops, but it doesn’t look very pretty. It’s the Anthony An elaborate affair, complete with potato Worrall-Thompson of the soup world – not fondant foam, quenelle of black truffle, attractive, but kind to the palate. squid and mushroom, and seared scallops Shang Palace, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed floating in a salty seafood broth. Very Road, Dubai, Dhs34. Tel: (04) 3438888 attractive until the eating starts; it quickly turned into a curled grey mess. Still very NONA LIVIA’S tasty, though.

MINESTRONE SOUP Chadi Kitchen, Dubai Marine Resort & Spa, BELLUCCI 5/10 Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs65 Tel: (04) 3461111 Not particularly inspiring, with cubed veggies in a clear soup, this is something we’d expect to come out of a can rather than a kitchen.

Not unpleasant, but really rather boring.

Bellucci, Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs33.

Tel: (04) 3244100

SEAFOOD SOUP AL FRESCO

11

14 15

20 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

Seafood Soup by Al Fresco

Fusion Seafood Soup with Lemongrass by Chadi Kitchen

16

HEIRLOOM TOMATO GAZPACHO THE EXCHANGE GRILL 4/10

Alone, this soup was more like a thin passata, but with the bruschetta it was improved. Lacking in substance and seasoning somewhat, it was something we could whizz up with a few tomatoes and a blender. Disappointing.

The Exchange Grill, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 3118246

4c Graphic Logo

Pantone Metallic Gold 871 + 4 c graphic

1c Simplified Logo

Pantone Metallic Gold 871

Sandance

MUSIC

SPECI A

L

Mar 11, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs150 to Dhs300.

Tel: (055) 2004321. www.atlantisthe palm.com

Revellers rejoice, Sandance is back. At this year’s Nasimi Beachbased fest you’ll be treated to the beats and skills of 2ManyDJs, Sander Kleinenberg, The Brand New Heavies, Sneaky Sound System and more

THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES

The British acid jazz legends are best known for their hit Midnight At The Oasis but, as Andrew Levy explains, you hear a whole lot more at Nasimi

Will we hear all the classics at Sandance?

Yeah, it’ll be a greatest hits set-list so we don’t disappoint and start boring everyone with new stuff. I know whenever I go to see a band I want to hear the songs that made me fall in love with them in the first place. You have to think about the fans first.

You have two new studio albums in the pipeline – ambitious considering your last effort, Get Used To It, emerged five years ago?

Kind of. I moved away from the UK and that slowed us down a bit, but I’m back in London now and we’re writing. I don’t know why it always takes so long to put stuff out. We’re going to do one album, wait six months, then put a second out, so that we’re not off the radar too long.

Are you looking forward to catching any other acts at Sandance?

Roger Sanchez did some remixes for us a few years back. I’ve seen him DJ in New York and I’m a massive fan. N’Dea [Davenport, BNH vocalist] has collaborated with him, too. So I’m definitely going to hang out with the DJs and have a good time.

What else have you got planned in Dubai?

Usually the hotels are so much fun there’s not time to do much else. But I’m a big fan of architecture, so a trip to the top of Burj Khalifa is the first thing I’ll do when I land.

2MANYDJS Stephen Dewaele, one half of sibling mash-up kings 2ManyDJs, tells us about naked fans and what’s next for the brothers You’re headlining Sandance’s post-sundown festivities. Are you nocturnal types?

Night-time suits us best. We’ve become night owls. We live in the night and get up late. If we had a choice, it would probably be different – we’d like to go early to bed.

2ManyDJ’s sets are renowned for unexpected occurrences, including one UK show where a fan jumped onstage naked.

Are you mindful of curbing such excesses in the UAE? If somebody wants to jump onstage naked I hope I’m not going to get arrested! If anybody wants to do that they’re more than welcome.

On the other hand, in Dubai everybody always warns us before we go, but I remember it being pretty relaxed. We did a festival there as [rock band alter ego] Soulwax. They told us we couldn’t swear, so we had to edit out little bits.

But it wasn’t bad. I was amazed by the crowd.

As brothers, do you ever squabble on tour?

The whole time, of course. We’re brothers – that’s what you do. But it makes it easier, because we understand each other when we play music. We don’t need to talk to each other that much.

What’s next for you both?

On April 1 we’re starting a big project that we’re releasing for free on the Internet, a 24-hour radio station called Radio Soulwax.

We’re putting the finishing touches on that now, and then we start on the new Soulwax record. It’s going to be a pretty eventful year.

WORLD BEATERS 2Many DJs’ top three places to play (the UAE aside, of course)...

BRAZIL Brazil is always amazing. We really like the music and it’s always nice to go to a country where you can play something typically theirs. They’ve taken pop culture and made it into their own.

ASIA Japan is definitely one of my favourites; it’s different to anywhere else. And everything we’ve done in Korea, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore turned out amazing. The Internet’s changed everything. Even in Kuala Lumpur there’s going to be a kid really into your music.

That makes it exciting.

BRITAIN I really like playing the UK. I know it’s not exotic whatsoever, but there’s only one thing I can say: they’re crazy! Nuts! It’s an amazing thing.

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 23

SNEAKY SOUND SYSTEM Black Angus from the awesome Aussie twosome on new tunes, Jay-Z and expats On Sandance...

We’ve just finished our third album, so we’re going to be testdriving a lot of new material.

On forthcoming LP From Here To Anywhere...

It’s the first record we’ve done as a duo. We wrote it in hotel rooms and various places touring through Europe last year. It’s very much for the dance floor, more electronic. It’s varied and very upbeat. It’s not a record for wallflowers.

On sharing recent studio time with Jay-Z and Kanye West...

We had some time with Jay-Z and Kanye West in Sydney. Beyoncé was there as well.

[SSS vocalist] Connie sang a couple of tracks for Kanye and Jay-Z’s record that’s coming up. They were going to collaborate on a track of ours, but we’ve gone off in a different direction on that tune now.

SANDER KLEINENBERG

The Dutch master explains why he likes to offer crowds more than the average deck wrecker...

“Video DJing is something I started a couple of years ago. A lot of people looked at me like, ‘what is he trying to get across, putting video into his equation? This is dance music, not soupedup karaoke!’ But as soon as the technique became available I wanted to jump on it, to make sure my DJ sets are memorable experiences you won’t get from any other Tom, Dick and Harry. The amount of people I DJ for has grown in volume over the years.

If you’re in a 200-capacity room you don’t need a big screen with lots of action going on. But if you’re in front of a few more people and, in my case, refuse to go down the obvious route of playing really obvious big records, I love having that extra element to keep the crowd entertained and inspired.

So Sandance is going to be exciting and challenging, with loads of exclusives and great video material.”

24 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

End of The Streets released their fifth studio album last month, along with the news that this would be their last.

What’s On caught up with frontman Mike Skinner to find out why Mike Skinner recently put a ‘closed’ sign on his website, confirming the end of his The Streets alias. He kicked off the farewell tour in Edinburgh Scotland, before bringing things to a close when he hits Dubai this month.

So, that’s it. The Streets are no more. Dry your eyes, and all that. What a pity.

For the Chav Poet Laureate, sharp observations of modern life seem to have come easy throughout a five-album career.

And newbie Computers And Blues, which is chock-full of them, is every bit the match of the best work he’s produced.

So why end it? Well, because the Birmingham bard feels he’s said it all now, that’s why. “The most interesting element of anything is death, so if you’re going to talk about The Streets, ending The Streets is probably a good thing to talk about,” he says.

“But it’s not interesting really. I haven’t really got anything more to do.”

And it seems anyone hoping that he’ll change his mind can forget it. “I don’t feel any sadness,” he admits. “I would feel frustrated if I had to make another

the road one. You can’t go on forever, can you?”

Skinner may make it sound as if the decision to ditch The Streets was an easy one, but he claims that it was nothing of the sort. Indeed, he likens ending the band with breaking up with a girlfriend. “You think, ‘I really miss her and want to get back together’,” he explains. “But eventually you realise the reasons you ended it are stronger than the feelings of missing her.”

He pauses for reflection, before adding, “To stay fierce I’ll have to throw the last ten years of my life in the bin and start again.”

Now 32, Skinner burst onto the UK music scene with The Streets’ 2002 Mercury Music Prize-nominated debut Original Pirate Material, but it wasn’t until the release of sophomore effort A Grand Don’t Come For Free – a concept-heavy release featuring the radio-friendly hit singles Fit But You Know It and Dry Your Eyes – that he really made a mark on the mainstream, reaching the number one spot and selling over three million copies.

A major star by the time of 2006’s The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living, Skinner’s third longplayer was a no-holdsbarred account of the

celebrity lifestyle.

The album shot to the top of the charts on its release, and he followed it up two years later with Everything Is Borrowed, the penultimate album from The Streets’ fiverecord deal.

The singer, who enjoyed a cameo role as a security guard in the fifth series of Doctor Who, and now plans to move into film-making, said in the past that he always envisioned The Streets as a five-album box-set.

So, now that he’s fulfilled contractual obligations by releasing Computers And Blues, the time has come to wrap things up.

“It’s obvious,” he says. “I’ve been doing it for ten years now and I’ve always tried to do something different with each album. Some [of my work has] been amazingly received and some of it hasn’t been, and I’ve run out of new avenues.”

Tellingly, he admits that his latest album doesn’t see him going down new avenues, but instead trawling down streets he’s already visited.

“This album is not really a new direction,” he says. “It’s all the directions I’ve already been down rehashed into something that’s... quite nice on the ears.”

Another serving of his trademark intermingle of hip hop, two-step garage beats and comic social commentary might be enough to keep the fans happy for a bit longer, but it’s not nearly enough to keep its creator interested.

“I don’t want to be doing things by habit and don’t want to make formulaic music,” he insists. “I want whatever I do to be different and reflect the times. That’s why people are constantly choosing different genres to listen to as time goes by. I want to get away from my own preconceptions of what I am as a musician, so that hopefully I can Mar 18, keep entertaining people,” he adds.

Livin The Music, So, it’s a wrap, then. But will he Barasti, Le Méridien miss touring with The Streets? “I Mina Seyahi Resort don’t know,” he says. “I do really & Spa, Dubai Marina, enjoy performing.”

Dubai, Dhs225. www. livinthemusicdubai. com

IC MUESCI A L SP

THAT’S A (W)RAP The lyrical genius of Mike Skinner Geezers need excitement, If their lives don’t provide them this, they incite violence.

Common sense, simple common sense.

Geezers Need Excitement, Original Pirate Material I’m not trying to pull you, Even though I would like to.

I think you are really fit, You’re fit but my gosh, don’t you know it.

Fit But You Know It / A Grand Don’t Come For Free For billions of years since the outset of time, Every single one of your ancestors has survived.

Every single person on your mum and dad’s side, Successfully looked after and passed on to you life.

What are the chances of that, like?

On The Edge Of A Cliff / Everything Is Borrowed When you’re a famous boy, it gets really easy to get girls, It’s all so easy you get a bit spoilt.

So, when you try to pull a girl, who is also famous too, It feels just like when you wasn’t famous.

When You Wasn’t Famous / The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, have tickets to see The Streets up But the fight and forWe grabs. For your chance to win, e-mail the dog.

WinWithWhatsOn@motivate.ae Going Through Hell with the correct answer to this question, and the name of the prize in / Computers And the subject line...

Blues Which of the following is a

WIN!

famous musical? a) 4th Street b) 42nd Street c) 424th Street

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 25

The wonder

Mar 18, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, tickets from Dhs250. www.boxofficeme.com

26 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

of Stevie

IC S U M ECI A L SP

The soul and R&B legend’s glittering career in pictures 1950

2002

Performs at the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony in Salt Lake City, USA.

Born on May 13, 1950, as Stevland Hardaway Judkins. The third of his parents’ six children, he is born six weeks premature and blind. His mother subsequently changes his surname to Morris, aged four, after separating from his father.

1961

Signs to the seminal Tamla Motown after wowing label impresario Berry Gordy. Producer Clarence Paul coins the iconic stage name Stevie Wonder, declaring; “We can’t keep calling him the eighth wonder of the world”.

2006

Introduces himself to a new generation of fans by appearing on American Idol, as well as cameoing on albums from hip hop high rollers Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg.

1963

Backed by a youthful Marvin Gaye on drums, Fingertips (Pt.2) becomes 13-year-old Stevie’s first hit, topping the US charts.

2009

Performs with Sting at US President Barack Obama’s inauguration day. A month later, Obama presents Wonder with the Library Of Congress’ Gershwin Prize For Popular Song. In November, Wonder is named a Messenger Of Peace for the United Nations.

1996

Inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame and receives the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

1973

Wins the first of his 25 Grammy Awards – a record amount for any solo artist – scooping Best Rhythm & Blues Song for Superstition. The same year he also sings the track on classic children’s television show Sesame Street.

1980

Releases single Happy Birthday as part of his campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday a national holiday in the US. Three years later, then-President Ronald Reagan grants Wonder’s wish.

1974

Wonder makes his live comeback at New York’s Madison Square Garden, after a serious car crash in North Carolina seven months previously left him in a coma for four days.

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 27

Mars attacks

IC S U M ECI A L SP

The path from film star to pop star is a well-trodden and notoriously rocky one. But Thirty Seconds To Mars is far more than just an ego massage for Jared Leto – they’re a massive million-selling success At a Thirty Seconds To Mars gig, you could divide the audience members into two categories. There are the 20 and 30something fans of frontman Jared Leto from his incarnation as teen heart throb Jordan Catalano in the mid-1990s drama series My So-Called Life and his portrayal of a junkie in the art-house film Requiem For A Dream.

But these will be far outnumbered by the young fans that are there for the music. Such is the success of Leto’s band that they sold more than two million of their eponymously titled debut album, worldwide, 3.5 million copies of their second album, A Beautiful Lie, worldwide, while 2009’s This is War sold over 67,000 units in its first week of sales in the United States alone.

Yet, despite all that, Leto, now 38, still feels there are people who don’t take his band seriously.

“A lot of people have given us more than a fair shot and it’s been great, and a lot of people have given me a really hard time. And they still do. In the beginning it was really tough.

People didn’t come to see us because I was in Requiem For A Dream – we played shows when there were 20 people there. It wasn’t until the music connected with people that we started having some success. That’s interesting to see. You can’t count on success in one area

just because you happen to have a little in another. It doesn’t work like that. People can sense a sham after a while.”

It certainly wasn’t a particular success for other Hollywood stars: Keanu Reeves, Russell Crowe, Kevin Bacon, Eddie Murphy, Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton. But Thirty Seconds To Mars’ alternative rock and elaborate stage shows have secured them a solid fan base around the world.

“We’ve played Wembley Arena. And when that happens, who cares? Let people say what they say. You can’t please everyone, whether you’re Damien Hirst or Björk. How much do you need before you’re OK with being who you are?”

Leto may be OK with who he is, but there’s a sense that he would quite like to rid himself of the acting associations altogether when he is in rock star mode. In order to avoid being known as Jared Leto’s band, when they were signed in 1998 concert promoters were not allowed to use Leto’s name on posters and there were no photographs. Even now, for the music videos he has directed for Thirty Seconds To Mars songs, he goes under a pseudonym. “When I first started doing them it was a way for me to disappear – and hopefully for people to be able to experience MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 29

IC MUESCI A L

PHOTO: COBRASNAKE

SP

it maybe a little differently than they would if they thought that I had anything to do with it at all. Especially in the beginning, me being in the band, having made some films, seemed to be a real distraction for a lot of people.”

There’s no doubt that Thirty Seconds To Mars have put in the effort to reach their level of success. They toured extensively following the release of their 2005 sophomore album and took off in America, while their online connection with fans catapulted them to worldwide stardom. In a bid to involve their fans for This Is War, the band held a “summit” where they invited fans to provide backing vocals. At the first, in Los Angeles, people showed up from all over the world, so they repeated the summit in eight countries, from Japan to Germany. When Leto received a Twitter message from a fan in Iran disappointed they were unable to make it, they were inspired to hold a digital summit.

And, for the album, Leto invited fans to submit close-up shots of their faces in order to make 2,000 different individual covers.

But there’s another key to the band’s success: perhaps the difference between other actorsturned-rock-stars and Leto’s million-selling band is that Leto was playing music long before he was acting. Born on a commune in Louisiana, he spent his childhood on the move with his brother Shannon (the band’s drummer) and photographer mother, with spells living in Alaska, Florida and Wyoming, 30 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

they’re used to lawsuits. We’ve never had a lawsuit. It became about survival, really.”

While Leto, who has worked with film directors David Fincher, Darren Aronofsky and Oliver Stone, has made the seamless transition from actor to rock star, he is still a working actor, and appeared in 2009’s Mr Nobody, a film about a man waking up as the oldest man in a world in which everyone is immortal. With a Haiti and Brazil, before finding himself in successful career in both music and film, can he Washington DC as a teenager, where he say which art form he prefers? enrolled at the Corcoran School Of Art. He “Making a film is really the most still paints today, large, abstract works. Next interesting part for me. I love the research. I he studied film-making at the School Of love the building of a character. I also don’t Visual Arts in New York. need to make five movies a year – I’m not His first musical instrument, aged four or after being the person who makes the most five, was a broken-down piano and he grew films. I want to have a rewarding, challenging up singing classic rock, from Pink Floyd to experience so I tend to do more art house Led Zeppelin. He claims to have not become type films, not big blockbuster movies. It’s very proficient at the piano because, “I’m less interesting to be able to be a smaller piece of a interested in technique and more in other bigger puzzle. things – emotion. For me it’s about gut and “With music you’re much more responsible feel. I want to keep things simple. I want the for everything. As the songwriter, as a person primal side.” who’s behind some of the creative ideas, you If you’re looking for proof of the band’s are the director, writer, editor, commitment, you only have to look at their producer and the actor, so fight against their record label Virgin’s you have a much bigger attempts to sue for not fulfilling their contract contribution.”

11 Mar, – it ended in the high court.

Yas Island, “It was brutal. There were days where we Abu Dhabi, tickets thought, ‘what if we went all the way and lost?’ from Dhs150. www.

How does that affect us, the band mates? We boxofficeme.com certainly don’t have deep pockets. For them,

“FOR ME IT’S ABOUT GUT AND FEEL. I WANT TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE. I WANT THE PRIMAL SIDE”

Urban leg Usher, the man behind the modern face of R&B, talks to What’s On about confessions, fatherhood and his rivalry with protégé Justin Bieber Talking to Usher long-distance from the UAE to Kentucky is no easy task. He’s nearly an hour late calling us, we get cut off numerous times, but while we lose our cool a little, Usher remains a slick operator, an overconfident and well-oiled R&B PR machine.

No surprise after nearly 20 years in the industry. Within the first minute he claims, “It will be good for tourism for me to come and do a show in Dubai”. There are no selfesteem issues in the Usher camp, it seems.

The mega mogul was discovered age 13 on Star Search, a TV talent show, and later signed to LaFace Records by LA Reid, where the Texas-born teen was produced and developed by Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs and Jermaine Dupri, leading to a Grammy nomination in 1997 for You Make Me Wanna.

Undeniably good-looking, with some very smooth dance moves (some shirtless action in music videos didn’t hurt, either), the music industry and fans alike quickly sat up and paid attention to the young solo star.

Tours with Mary J Blige and Janet Jackson, plus forays into acting in teen flicks She’s All That and The Faculty, secured Usher Raymond IV’s spot in popular culture, and were seamlessly followed up by hits from the 2001 album 8701 like Pop Ya Collar, U Got It Bad and U Remind Me. Today he’s 31, a divorced father of two boys, and a big bucks businessman with interests in sports, fashion and music. He’s also the man responsible for bringing Justin Bieber, the floppy-haired, much-Googled pop sensation to unimagined levels of fame.

A crazy number of awards adorn Usher’s mantelpiece (or maybe they have their own wing), with two Grammy’s from the 2011 32 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

ceremony added last month. But with all his success, and enviable bank balance, does he still appreciate the recognition? And whose opinion does he care about most? “The fans” he tells us. “That’s what matters the most – and if I win an award that’s OK.” The latest album, Raymond V Raymond, has spawned singles OMG (the one that shouts, “Honey got a booty like pow-pow-pow”) and the Grammy-winning There Goes My Baby, and sees Usher’s signature honey-drenched voice switching between ‘playa’ party anthems and maybe-confessional crooning.

Famed for his opaque lyrics about past relationships with the likes of his ex-wife and former flame Chili from TLC, is his latest musical offering also a personal piece?

“Well, some things are fictional, some things are non-fictional,” Usher dodges. “I pull inspiration from all things that I do, I’m a true artist in that sense. Sometimes people have a first time experience through my music that they would not normally be able to have. Some people have never travelled outside of America, but when you listen to my music it takes you all around the world.”

Critics have given the album mixed reviews, but many have noted a return to an earlier style, something Usher himself disagrees with. “Noooo. I wouldn’t say that at all!” he exclaims. “It’s an introduction to a new style. The sound of OMG, the sound of There Goes My Baby, those are sounds that are new for me. But I’m notorious for the power ballad so I guess There Goes My Baby is somewhat comparable to Burn or U Got It Bad”.

With something of a split personality, Raymond V Raymond attempts to straddle both sides of the singer; trying to balance the single stud party tunes you’d hear in a club, with his more sensitive family man character traits. And Usher does talk fondly about his sons. “The one thing I really look forward to is helping to tell

my children’s story. As they find the things they want to put passion into, I love to be supportive of them”. But would he wish the kind of success Justin Bieber is experiencing on them? “Let’s just say I think I’d be the world’s greatest coach if my children decided to become artists,” he says. “For the most part, I don’t force them to go towards music, but if that’s what they want to do I would definitely support it.”

The Bieber global phenomenon seems to have taken everyone but his mentor by surprise. “From the moment I met him I knew he had a very special gift,” he says.

“And I only hoped that in time people would recognise it. I’m very proud of him.” Bieber now gets over 150 million results on Google, around three times the number Usher does.

For most people, that fact would sting a little. Is he cool with it? “Of course, he’s my child. Why wouldn’t I be? Rivalry? No. I’m very happy with my student and very excited about his future,” the singer insists.

“Everything I’ve learnt as an artist I offer him as a mentor. I encourage him how to be the best artist on stage, but also nurturing him as a person. It’s the time spent off-stage that makes the difference to you as a person; the philanthropy than I do didn’t happen because of the man I am in front of the camera, it happened because something motivated me, a place I went, a story I heard, a book I read, some art I’ve seen.

That’s what matters. It’s about being a well-rounded, wellcultured individual.”

It seems Usher’s philosophy is

end

IC S U M ECI A L SP

paying off, as his record sales prove, and he clearly loves what he does. “It’s a beautiful thing. I’m able to rejuvenate my creativity and I love touring. Music is an ever-evolving thing, like a revolving door, and when you’re in it, you’re in it”. Perhaps not the kind of wisdom the Dalai Lama should be worried about, but definitely the makings of a great entertainer and superb performer.

As Usher’s radio play amps up before his show, Dubai waits excitedly for the R&B superstar to take to the stage. “The show will be really physical. There are some technical elements to the show, but for the most part I want to focus on music. This is the first time I’ve ever been able to perform songs that have made my career to these fans,” he chatters enthusiastically. “I’ll be trying to get in as many songs as possible before the lights go out. A bit of wardrobe, a bit of dance, that’s what you can look forward to. It’s going to be an incredible performance.”

And with an attitude like that, there’s no doubt it will be.

Thur Mar 10, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai, tickets from Dhs295. www.usherdubai .com

MUSIC IS AN EVER-EVOLVING THING, LIKE A REVOLVING DOOR, AND WHEN YOU’RE IN IT, YOU’RE IN IT MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 33

FILM Sucker Punch

Red Riding Hood

Scream 4

WHO?

Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jon Hamm, Zach Snyder (writerdirector)

Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Lukas Haas, Billy Burke, Virginia Madsen, Catherine Hardwicke (director)

Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Hayden Panettiere, Emma Roberts, Wes Craven (director)

TAGLINE

‘You will be unprepared’

‘Believe the legend. Beware the wolf ’

‘New decade. New rules’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

A young girl, consigned to an asylum by her wicked stepmother, retreated into an alternate reality which she aimed to escape by finding five special objects.

In a village that lived in fear of a werewolf, a young girl (Seyfried) fell in love with a handsome woodcutter.

Sidney Prescott (Campbell), having taken a decade to get over the events that blighted her teenage years, found herself confronted yet again by the Ghostface Killer.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

See whether Zach Snyder has returned to form following the mild disappointment of Watchmen and the so-so animated adventure Legend Of The Guardians.

Be reminded that the Brothers Grimm’s stories were in fact utterly terrifying and rarely ended with the words “happily ever after”.

See whether the Scream movies still have the power to scare.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

Pictures that blend fantasy and reality such as Inkheart and virtually everything Terry Gilliam has ever made (Brazil, Time Bandits, Tideland, we could go on).

Previous adult fairytale offerings such as Neil Jordan’s The Company Of Wolves and Snow White: A Tale Of Terror in which Sigourney Weaver gives a wicked performance as the stepmother.

Screams 1 to 3, plus screenwriter Kevin Williamson’s other slasher movie – I Know What You Did Last Summer – and/or his smash hit TV series Dawson’s Creek and The Vampire Diaries.

TOP TRIVIA

Sucker Punch was meant to star Amanda Seyfried, Evan Rachel Wood and Emma Stone, but all three actresses proved unavailable.

The role of the woodcutter was originally offered to Twilight star Taylor Lautner.

Actress Lake Bell (No Strings Attached) left the picture after shooting had begun, a story she broke via the medium of Twitter.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD REVIEW

Could restore Snyder to his 300era standing.

Sure to go down a storm with the Twilight crowd.

Could prove shocking in both senses of the word.

RATE OR SLATE?

PREVIEW

★★★✩✩

PREVIEW

STRIP AD 34 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

FILM | NEW RELEASES

Arthur

Your Highness

Tomorrow,When Rio The War Began

Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner, Greta Gerwig, Nick Nolte, Jason Winer (director)

Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel, Danny McBride, James Franco, Damian Lewis, David Gordon Green (director)

Caitlin Stasey, Rachel HurdWood, Lincoln Lewis, Deniz Akdeniz, Colin Friels, Stuart Beattie (writer-director)

Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Leslie Mann, Carlos Saldanha (director)

‘From the writer of Borat and Brüno’

‘This spring, prepare for their excellency’

‘Where were you when everything changed?’

‘One out of every eight Americans is afraid of flying.

Most of them don’t have feathers’

Wealthy, alcohol-fuelled gadabout Arthur Bach (Brand) fell in love with Linda Marolla (Gerwig), a woman so unsuitable, our hero found himself in danger of being disinherited.

Prince Fabious (Franco) set off in search of his kidnapped bride, accompanied by his feckless brother Thadeous (McBride).

Seven Australian teenagers on a camping trip banded together to protect their country from overseas invaders.

Domesticated macaw Blue (Eisenberg) had his life turned upside down by an encounter with an independent parrot called Jewel (Hathaway).

Enjoy some of Brand’s unique, er, brand of anarchy.

See whether James Franco’s hilarious stoner turn in Pineapple Express wasn’t a fluke but proof positive of his seriously impressive range.

Watch seven adolescent Aussies try to do what 11 Australian adults couldn’t accomplish last December – namely resist a superior foreign power.

Watch the latest in a long line of animated features that have the good grace to entertain adult and child alike.

The original Arthur that secured Dudley Moore an Oscar nomination, but not the sequel, which is a film so wretched, one can imagine them showing it to the inmates at Guantanamo Bay.

The Princess Bride, which blended fantasy and comedy to sublime effect, and A Knight’s Tale, which introduced the wider world to a young chap called Heath Ledger.

Red Dawn, in which Russia storms the United States and it’s left to Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen and C Thomas Howell (remember him?) to uphold life, liberty and the American way.

Earlier pictures from Twentieth Century Fox Animation, such as the Ice Age saga, Robots and Horton Hears A Who!

Arthur screenwriter Peter Baynham started out in comedy playing a homeless Welshman in Stewart Lee and Richard Herring’s UK TV sketch show Fist Of Fun.

Although the screenplay’s credited to Danny McBride and Ben Best, most of the dialogue was improvised on set.

Tomorrow, When The War Began was the biggest domestic hit at the Australian box office in 2010.

Not only is it largely set in South America, but Rio was partially financed by Brazilian investors.

Not bad, but Brand and Mirren are a winning team.

Your Highness is a fine advert for big dumb fun.

A gallant effort, unlike the aforementioned Ashes campaign.

It has its feathers, but Rio’s often wonderful.

★★★✩✩

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩

★★★★✩

STRIP AD MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 35

I E W, V E H T G IN N I K A T HED S I N I F E U. OU’V N MAKE Y E E M C E IC M E N U N T H C O E T L A Y. C E AT K T AND D H S H IN G LY O E IG R N O F .

E L R ND A F THEM .

V IE W S A S. ALL O TA K E A ACCESS E A S N IN E R S A E M S BEACH OR TH CLUDE CULAR 0 P M . IN T R E AT F .0 S P E C TA 6 L – A E M P R 0 A R O M 2 .0 HT CLUB UNCH F L E T T H E YA C A L R ID AY U N L IM IT TRY THE

ED F

Contact InterContinental Abu Dhabi on 800 423463 / dine@icauh.ae

EATING OUT Before we begin, we would like to express our sadness at the news of chef Santi Santamaria's recent death. We interviewed Santi at his Dubai restaurant Ossiano not long ago – he was lovely chap who conducted the interview in his native Catalan using an interpreter. The Critic will pay full tribute to the great man's career in next month's column. And now, as Santi surely would have wanted, on to the food.

Don’t get us wrong, we enjoy Taste Of Dubai (TOD) – only a fool would turn their nose up at a field full of food from some of the emirate’s finest restaurants – but it’s a pity some of our favourites are missing. Where’s Zuma? Where’s Gagnaire? Where on earth is La Petite Maison?

Luckily, this year’s TOD manages to redeem itself slightly as The Ivy makes its Dubai debut with a stand at the festival. You can read what executive chef Colin Clague has to say about the culinary institution slated to open in DIFC this April, as well as restaurant group Caprice Holdings’ future plans for the UAE on the following pages (p38).

And that’s not all. We also give our verdict on the somewhat ridiculously named At.mosphere, the new restaurant on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa (p40), the reimagined Margaux (p42), as well as brunch at one of the capital’s big name restaurants, Hakkasan (p45). There’s a new tapas menu at Al Hambra (p47), The Critic on the perils of blogging (p48) and what we thought of Chi’Zen at Festival City’s Marina Restaurant Pavilion (p49). That’s more than a taste of Dubai, it’s a full blown seven courser. Enjoy.

AL HAMBRA

Gareth Rees, Features Editor

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 37

EATING OUT

Taste Of Dubai’s foremost food fest is back, with 22 of the emirate’s finest restaurants showing off their wares and appearances from celebrity chefs Gary Rhodes, Vineet Bhatia and Richard Phillips. Here’s our festival highlights, plus an interview with The Ivy’s executive chef Colin Clague as the restaurant prepares to make its debut at Taste Of Dubai

THE CELEB CHEFS Famous faces to look out for

GARY RHODES

As the proud proprietor of two Dubai restaurants, Rhodes is a Taste Of Dubai regular, and anyone who’s dined at our pal Gary’s Rhodes Mezzanine or Rhodes Twenty10 will know the spiky-haired chef can throw together a nice plate of chow.

Mar 4, Gary Rhodes, Chef’s Theatre, 8pm to 8.30pm

VINEET BHATIA

Indian chef Vineet Bhatia is a culinary genius.

Nobody does Indian food like this man and his Dubai restaurant Indego at Grosvenor House has never been out of our restaurant Hot List. Why? It’s the best Indian in the city, no question.

Mar 3, Cookery School 7pm to 7.40pm, Chef’s Theatre, 4.15pm to 4.45pm Mar 4, Chef’s Theatre, 4.15pm to 4.45pm Mar 5, Cookery School, 5pm to 5.40pm

RICHARD PHILLIPS

Unlike some TV chefs, Phillips did his time behind the stove before hitting the idiot box, working at the Roux Brothers’ Le Gavroche and Marco Pierre White’s The Criterion, before winning a Michelin star for his UK restaurant Thackeray’s and opening Hengist and Richard Phillips at Chapel Down.

Mar 3, Chef’s Theatre, 5.45pm to 6.15pm, Cookery School 2pm to 2.40pm and 9pm to 9.40pm Mar 4, Chef’s Theatre, 1.15pm to 1.45pm and 38 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

5.45pm to 6.15pm, Cookery School 5pm to 5.40pm and 10pm to 10.40pm Mar 5, Chef’s Theatre, 4.15pm to 4.45pm and 8pm to 8.30pm, Cookery School 6pm to 6.40pm and 10pm to 10.40pm

RHODES TWENTY10

SIX OF THE BEST

Cuisine? Steakhouse/grill Why visit? There’s sure to be some first-rate meat on offer, and who, aside from veggies, doesn’t like a juicy chunk of flesh? We certainly do. And with Gary only appearing once at the Chef ’s Theatre this year, he’ll have plenty of time to hang around his stand.

The stands worthy of your tokens

RHODES MEZZANINE

RIVINGTON GRILL

Cuisine? European Why visit? Gary’s first Dubai restaurant has become an institution and any foodie worth their salt will know the team at Mezzanine rarely, if ever, drops the ball, or rather the spatula. The white tomato soup is a hit with every diner.

Cuisine? British Why visit? The Riv, as it is affectionately known at What’s On Towers, is one of our favourite restaurants and has never been out of the Hot List top five. Why? The Saturday roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, the fresh ingredients, the daily specials – why ever not? MAYA BY RICHARD Executive chef Colin Clague promises fish and SANDOVAL Cuisine? Mexican chips, Scotch egg and Eton mess.

Why visit? Sandoval is on a global mission to teach people that real Mexican food is as different to Tex-Mex as water to wine, and Maya chef Ruben Herrera and the rest of the team are just as determined.

INDEGO BY VINEET

Rivington Grill

Cuisine? Indian Why visit? We mentioned that Vineet Bhatia is a genius, right? Well, head chef John Sinjobi walks the path laid-down by the master, which is why Indego won Favourite Indian at the What’s On Awards last year.

VERRE

Cuisine? European Why visit? Scott Price, winner of our Chef Of The Year award in 2010, is the most talented young chef in Dubai and Verre still serves up some of the most outstanding food in the city. Let’s hope the team whacks one of their famous beef Wellingtons in the oven.

Rhodes Twenty10

Dubai WIN!

UBAI TASTE OF D TICKETS TOto one of the highlights

l ts To win ticke calendar, simply e-mai ary of the culin tsOn@motivate.ae with WinWithWha and name of the prize , your answer subject line. in the ted in?

The Ivy loca What city is on nd Lo a) b) Paris c) Madrid

THE CHEF'S THEATRE

Our pick of the performances DAY ONE Tim Hughes, The Ivy, London, Dubai 6.30pm to 7pm DAY TWO Jun Tanaka, Pearl, London, Dubai 2.45pm to 3.15pm DAY THREE Uwe Micheel, China Club, Dubai 5pm to 5.30pm

THE COOKERY SCHOOL Three lessons you shouldn’t miss DAY ONE Scott Price, Verre, Dubai 4pm to 4.40pm DAY TWO Simon Convoy, Rivington Grill, Dubai 11pm to 11.40pm DAY THREE Ruben Herrera, Maya, Dubai 7pm to 7.40pm THE DETAILS WHEN: March 3 to 5 WHERE: Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, Dubai PRICE: Dhs60 to Dhs75, season Dhs120 to Dhs150, VIP Dhs200, VIP season Dhs500, under-12s free TEL: (056) 6712388 WEB: www.tasteofdubaifestival.com

EATING OUT

The Ivy arrives in Dubai Set to open in Dubai in April, Caprice Holdings’ The Ivy will be introducing itself to diners at Taste Of Dubai. The group’s UAE executive chef, Colin Clague, admits the pressure is on

that and bringing it to the Dubai market. I don’t think you can replicate London copy and paste style, but the feel of the restaurant has to be the same.

And the food?

I’ve worked very closely with Tim Hughes who’s the group chef in London. There are going to be some very high-end items on the menu and some very reasonably priced items, so the idea is that there’s something for everybody. We’re going to do frutti di mare and there’s going to be caviar at the top end, but there will also be a shepherd’s A month until the opening, Colin. The pie and beef burger. pressure must be well and truly on?

And is it all on track?

Definitely. Obviously everyone knows it now, It’s where Scarlett’s used to be in Emirates it’s exceptional, but not many people had Towers, the hoarding is up, the kitchen heard of the Rivington Grill when it opened – is totally gutted, the restaurant is totally it came in under the radar a little bit. But with gutted, the approvals from the municipality The Ivy, whether you’ve eaten there or not, have been done and it’s just a case now of everyone knows it. It’s got that reputation, that putting it all back together. Simon Convoy mystique, and the pressure is on. from The Rivington is moving over as head After a decade of cooking Japanese chef and it’s slated to open end of April. food has it been a challenge to return And after The Ivy, what’s next? to British cuisine?

We’re looking into doing another Rivington It was time for a change. I wanted to get in the Madinat, which is in the planning back to something I enjoy cooking at home, stages. That will be a phenomenal location something I enjoy eating – back to British if that materialises. The powers that be are food. Though, having said that, The Ivy is talking, but I think it’s pretty far forward. pretty eclectic. The Rivington is a British They’re talking September. Then Scott’s restaurant, but The Ivy is more of a British in Abu Dhabi for the next opening on the institution, so you’re going to have curry, radar at Etihad Towers. there will be some Arabic dishes, an Asian But first Taste Of Dubai. plate – there’s something for everybody.

Yep, there will be an Ivy stand. Some of the You’ve had to do quite a bit of cookbooks will be there, some images, and preparation, though, right? the maitre d’ and the manager just to whet In the past couple of months I’ve been back the whistle so people know what it’s about. to England and immersed in the philosophy The Ivy, The Boulevard, Ground Level, of The Ivy. I saw the recipes and how the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai. kitchen worked, so it’s a case of adapting Tel: (04) 3198767. www.theivy.ae MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 39

EATING OUT

A taste of things to come Our pick of the UAE’s tastiest new talent ROYAL CHINA DUBAI There’s been a welcome glut of Chinese restaurants opening in Dubai of late after years of a rather too limited offering.

The latest is Cantonese restaurant Royal China, which opens in DIFC this month. With popular restaurants in London, Singapore and China, we’re hoping Royal China will be a hit. We’ll be popping in to try their signature lobster noodles the minute the doors are thrown open.

The Balcony, Precinct Building 4, DIFC, Dubai. www.royalchinagroup.biz JONES THE GROCER Whoever this Jones fellow is, he or she knows what they’re doing.

The brand’s first store on the corner of 4th Muroor and 15th Street is already an Abu Dhabi favourite, and this second store in Khalidiyah promises a lot more than groceries.

As well as the fresh food and café, the new store will boast a walk-in cheese room, a coffee and tea distillery where you can snort the essence of your favourite brew from a test tube, and a bakery and patisserie. Good ol’ Jones, our favourite grocer in the capital.

Pearl Plaza Tower, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi. www.jonesthegrocer.com LALEZAR The newly opened Zabeel Saray hotel on The Palm has four restaurants, including Al Nafoorah (Lebanese), Amala (Indian) and Voi, a Vietnamese restaurant serving dishes from the French colonial era. But the one that interests us the most is Lalezar, a regal Turkish restaurant promising Anatolian cuisine and décor from the era of the Ottoman Empire. We like something a little bit different.

Expect our verdict soon.

Zabeel Saray, The Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4530444. www.jumeirah.com 40 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

At.mosphere Its prices, like its location, are stratospheric, but is the Burj Khalifa’s long-awaited 122nd floor restaurant worthy of the hype?

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and, therefore, its new grill restaurant At.mosphere is higher off the ground than any other. So, full marks for the matchless location.

But the UAE has a nasty habit of relying on glitzy surrounds, hoping they will wow diners into a stupor rendering them incapable of rejecting the all too often disappointing food. And we must admit that after all the hoopla surrounding the opening of At.mosphere we weren’t holding out much hope. We were expecting it to be flash, gaudy and expensive – a nightmare of pretentiousness and outlandish ostentation.

But, having enjoyed a wonderful evening on the 122nd floor, we are willing to hold our hands up and admit that our preconceptions were unwarranted. At.mosphere is smart, sexy and every inch the modern grill restaurant that its location deserves. And the view, although the perspective from the lounge is better, isn’t bad either.

Having said that, it is excruciatingly expensive, with a minimum spend for dinner of Dhs450 per person guaranteeing a bill of at least Dhs900 for two.

Taking advantage of a prime setting – an assured tourist magnet – by slapping haute cuisine prices on simple dishes is inexcusable, if wily, and expected. We’re also far from convinced by the superfluous full stop in the middle of its name – for the life of us, we just don’t get why – but what they lose in grammar they pick up again with their decision to open a grill; it’s a people pleaser, there’s something for everyone.

Foregoing a strong urge to order the chestnut and pheasant soup

with truffle mascarpone, which at Dhs120 has to be the world’s most expensive broth, we ordered up appetisers of beef tartare and poached langoustine. A blend of ground wagyu and Angus beef, the tartare was the best we’ve had in at least a year – the small patty made up of high quality meat and served simply with the classic accoutrements. And the langoustine, sat discreetly in lobster vinaigrette, was poached to supple perfection.

For mains we tried both ends of the price spectrum, choosing a Dhs440 150g fillet of Kobe steak and the Aussie saltbush lamb, one of the cheaper mains on the menu at Dhs260. A lot of fuss is made about Kobe beef, which to be worthy of the name must be born, reared and slaughtered in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan.

Bred from Tajima Wagyu cattle, it is supposedly the best cut of red flesh planet Earth has to offer.

Well marbled, it was tender, lithe, toothsome and served with a fabulous truffle and mushroom sauce. Was it the best steak we’ve ever had? Well, it was terribly tiny, but you don’t get much meat from Tajima, apparently. So yes, it

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probably was. But don’t order it if you’re hungry. The lamb was pink, accommodating, perfectly seasoned with just enough salt and served with a sweet pumpkin fondant. To top it off, the sommelier suggested a fabulous wine that complemented it beautifully.

An agreeably rendered lemon and ricotta soufflé took 15 minutes, to prepare giving us welcome time to digest our mains and, along with Gianduja, a sweet, hazelnut infused chocolate, served with a dark chocolate mousse and crunchy and caramelised nuts, ended a surprisingly satisfying evening nicely.

Need to know Location: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Tel: (04) 8883828 Web: www. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com Open: 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm Cuisine type: grill Must eat: beef tartare Bill for two: Dhs1,250 (without alcohol), minimum spend Dhs450 per person

In tweet form… At.mosphere. Just the kind of restaurant you would want to find on the 122nd floor of the tallest building in the world. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

EATING OUT

Margaux Restaurant & Lounge Previously one of our favourite French restaurants, Margaux has had an injection of cool. But did it really need the medicine?

Why is Bono staring at us?

That was the first question that popped into our heads when we sat down at our table at the all-new Margaux. There was a giant picture of the U2 frontman – trademark shades, earring, hair slicker than a city trader’s and that well practiced look striking a balance between thoughtful and ever so slightly disgruntled – looming over the table like some kind of deity of cool, or some poor, delusional fool’s idea of cool.

But, of course, Bono is not cool – not to anyone under the age of 45, anyway. He’s your dad trying to be cool.

To make matters worse, the image was reflected in a mirror to the right of us – double Bono.

Nobody wants that, now, do they?

So, why did we find ourselves being leered at by a middle aged Irish rocker? Because Margaux, once one of the finest French brasserie restaurants in the city, has gone, to quote the press release, “ultra chic”. Oh, dear.

And while the new emphasis on the lounge aspect of Margaux – with its tapas menu and appeal to fashionistas and executives to come and “mix and mingle on the terrace” – might have somewhat spoiled what was a lovely, classic, French restaurant, there is one saving grace. The food. It is still magnificent.

New chef Jason Oakley – veteran of the Michelin-starred Restaurant Alex in Vegas and restaurateur David Laris’ swanky, but now deceased, Shanghai restaurant, Laris – knows his way around a kitchen.

We were told the appetisers were designed for sharing, but we 42 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

should only order two plates. So we went for the Farmers’ Market salad, because we’re big supporters of what Baker & Spice and the handful of UAE farmers who hawk their fresh wares every Friday are trying to achieve. That and the warm goats’ cheese. They arrived as regular size portions on separate plates, but the salad was so fresh and crunchy and the goats’ cheese

so creamy, deliciously lolling in basil pesto and accompanied by the zing of confit tomato, that we passed forkfuls back and forth across the table.

What arrived next was worth the visit alone. Cote du boeuf for two. There are few things that bring us more joy than a grilled rib of beef the size of a gentleman’s thigh wheeled up to our table on its own little trolley and carved in our presence. Cooked rare, the meat flopped from the waiter’s carving knife, its bloody liquor trickling down the blade as he piled the applause-worthy slabs of protein high on our plates, the juices forming a rich puddle below. This was red meat in all its primitive glory, and served with some outrageously truffley ratte potatoes and a tangy béarnaise sauce it was enough to guarantee our return.

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Dessert was a decent cheesecake and a rather predictable chocolate fondant, the staple of every menu in the city, though we hear the menu is changing imminently.

If they ditch Bono and never use the phrase “ultra chic” again, Margaux will be a very fine restaurant indeed.

Need to know Location: Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Tel: (04) 4397555 Web: www.margaux.ae Open: noon to 11.30pm Cuisine type: European/ French Must eat: cote du boeuf Bill for two: Dhs680 (without alcohol)

In tweet form… Once one of Dubai’s foremost French restaurants, Margaux is now catering to the trendy set. But the cote du boeuf is a must. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

Celebrate Novrooz March 21st- 31st: celebrate Iranian New Year at award-winning authentic Iranian restaurant, Shabestan, featuring a delicious set menu available for lunch and dinner specially prepared by Chef Shirazi for the occasion for only 185 AED! With exquisite Persian cuisine, traditional settings and décor, from the major elements to the smallest detail, Shabestan is the ideal getaway to Persia.

Enjoy the sounds of Persia with live Duo band performing traditional Persian music from Sunday to Friday from 8:15 pm until midnight.

Operating Hours: Lunch 12:30 – 15:30 and Dinner 19:30 – 23:30

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

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EATING OUT

Hakkasan

H BRUNC

It scooped a trio of What’s On Awards, but will Hakkasan be a contender for best brunch next year?

By night this is a sexy restaurant.

Dark woods, low slung sofas, screens, private nooks and a well-lit bar conspire to create an ideal space for tête-à-têtes, whispered meetings and cocktails.

But how does the Hakkasan experience translate to daytime?

Not particularly well, to be honest, especially if you go with an up-for-it brunch mentality.

Raucous it ain’t. Much better to approach the Hakkasan brunch as an opportunity to sample its award-winning cuisine and enjoy a few glasses of Laurent Perrier with a small group of friends.

Far from the rowdy buffet affairs elsewhere in the UAE, all dishes are served to your table and there are two set options: dim sum with either tea or champagne, with both needing a minimum of two people dining.

Or, if you’re too tempted by Hakkasan’s famed dishes, then go a la carte. We did a combination of both, first sharing a selection

of dim sum washed down with Kowloon Coolers, the restaurant’s most popular mocktail, packed with berries, lycee, apple and lemonade. Refreshing indeed.

Annoyingly for a table of four, each dim sum selection came in a trio, meaning someone always missed out (we don’t recommended attempting to slice a steamed shrimp dumpling in half with a chopstick – disaster will ensue), which was a shame given that every morsel was outstanding. Special mention goes to the sticky, rich venison puff, aforementioned har gau dumplings and the unusual lotus layer puff, an attractive treat of lotus root and seaweed, all of which came with dipping sauces.

In the name of research we ordered a few mains, too. The jasmine tea smoked chicken shone through, with yielding meat under crispy skin, while the sea bass could rival Zuma’s black cod for best fish dish in the land.

All dishes were light, flavourful

and well suited to lunchtime dining, with small bowls of rice adding substance in case you go for the bubbly option. Some refreshing coconut sorbet was a sweet end to a lovely lunch.

The whole experience was enjoyable, but we couldn’t help but wish we’d been seated in the darker bar area instead of near the door, where sunlight streamed through the shutters. The brightness really was at odds with the elegant décor and lead to a feeling that we shouldn’t be there – not helped by the lack of fellow diners early on – and it wasn’t particularly relaxing. All in all, the brunch felt like a bit of a tease; the food was truly fantastic, staff were stern but efficient and the restaurant itself is stunning, but it

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seemed like a dress rehearsal for the evening, when Hakksan really comes into its own.

Dhs199 per person sharing ten dim sum between two with tea, or Dhs325 per person sharing ten dim sum and a bottle of Laurent Perrier. A la carte also available.

Need to know Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi Tel: (02) 6907999 Open: Brunch on Friday and Saturday 12pm to 3pm Web: www.hakkasan.com Cuisine type: Far Eastern Must eat: venison puff dim sum

In tweet form… A stunning restaurant that doesn't quite translate to daytime dining, but is well worth a look to sample the fantastic food. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 45

BAROUK FRIDAY LUNCH Try something different this Friday with lunch in Barouk, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island and enjoy mouth watering authentic Lebanese cuisine accompanied by live music from our oud player.

Kids get free access to our Kids Club (up to 12 years) Every Friday 12.30pm - 4.00pm AED 110* per person/set menu A la carte also available

For bookings and information, please contact Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Restaurant Reservations Tel. 02 656 3053 or Email: restaurants@cpyas.com *Subject to 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee

EATING OUT

Al Hambra

On the menu

What does Al Hambra’s new menu offer the tapas fans of Dubai?

In a city packed with every conceivable cuisine from Korean to Ethiopian, one country seems a little conspicuous by its absence.

Spain’s neighbours are well represented with a glut of French and Italian restaurants, but it seems someone forgot to invite our Spanish friends to the food fight.

Dubai institution Seville’s has just celebrated ten years of service, but it has fallen to Al Hambra to keep the tapas coming at the Marina end of town.

An integral part of the Al Qasr brunch, Al Hambra is a popular spot in the evenings too, with the terrace packed with diners hungry for the views of the Burj Al Arab, not to mention a taste of the garlicinfused menu. Inside we found a live band, cosy colours and chunky furniture – it’s as authentically Spanish as you can get in a modern Arabic hotel flanked by gold horses.

Once seated, you’re let loose on the menu with a pencil to make your choices, an oddly casual practice in a five-star hotel, with two tapas dishes for Dhs60, four costing Dhs115 and six for Dhs170.

The menu stays true to its home country, with the usual suspects making an appearance alongside more unusual dishes, and is dotted with letters denoting the expected A for Alcohol and V for Vegetarian, but also the occasional O for, well, Diabetic Friendly. We’re pretty sure that Al Hambra will never make it onto Sesame Street with that one, but it didn’t stop us ordering some blood sugarfriendly calamari.

Opting for six tapas between two, plus paella for one to share, we may have been a little ambitious.

Especially given that a loaf of fresh bread was devoured with a tomato salsa and aioli before we’d even picked up the pencil.

We started with some cold dishes of Manchego cheese on

Missives from the foodie frontline GRAPE TIMES The Yas Hotel’s sommelier, Jorge Mejia, is starting a new Wine Trail.

Beginning with New Zealand this month, Mejia will talk you through a selection of tipples from various Kiwi vineyards while you enjoy a meal at the hotel’s seafood restaurant Nautilus.

Mar 31, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs350. Tel: (02) 6560000. www.theyashotel.com

bread rubbed with garlic and tomato plus a platter of salty cold cuts before the hot tapas arrived in quick succession, each bringing their own Mediterranean aroma to the table. The calamari needed a bit more bite, but was saved by a delicate dipping sauce, while more robust flavours came in the form of the superb slow oven-baked spare ribs with scallion mashed potatoes (we should have ordered more) and meatballs in a garlic tomato sauce that had us gesturing to the attentive Argentinean waiter for more bread. A self-induced carb overload – nothing better. Just as we considered a rest from the starch, the arroz caldosa arrived; a paella with lobster, cuttlefish and prawns. It was an overly fishy mix (clue being in the ingredients) but lacked the seasoning to set it apart from paella you could make at home, despite the luxurious components.

Ordering dessert was waistline suicide, but utterly worth it as we attacked fried churros and ice cream, then sugar and cinnamon fried bread (the Spaniards like a fried pud, it seems) with renewed vigour. Both were heavy, but

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excellent. And as all bad dieters say, better to be hung for a sheep than a (braised leg of) lamb.

Overall, the food was very good, but the restaurant lacks the rustic, homely feel that would inspire big groups to order 30 plates of food, jugs of sangria and have one of those messy meals when everyone goes home full to bursting with a smile on their face. Perhaps tapas isn’t suited to dinner for two, the music needs to be louder, the tables should be circular or Al Hambra is just missing that fairy-lit X factor than turns a good meal into a great night.

Need to know Location: Al Qasr, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3668888 Web: www.jumeirah.com Open: Mon to Thurs 6pm to 11.30pm and Fri 7pm to 11.30pm.

Cuisine: Spanish Must eat: beef spare ribs Bill for two: Dhs340 (excluding alcohol)

In tweet form… One of Dubai’s few Spanish spots serves great grub, but the new menu and super staff are let down by a missing ingredient. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

HAPPY NEW YEAR! With so many nationalities represented in Dubai it seems that it’s new year every month, but we’re not complaining – it means more diverse food deals. In honour of Novrooz (Iranian New Year) our favourite Middle Eastern restaurant, Shabestan, will be serving a special set menu for both lunch and dinner, featuring a variety of traditional dishes as well as plenty of their warm, freshly baked bread. Happy Novrooz, one and all.

Mar 21 to 31, Shabestan, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai, Dhs185. Tel: (04) 2057333. www. radissonblu.com CHEESE, WINE AND JAZZ Plantation Lounge has read our minds or stolen our list of favourite things (yep, we have one of those), and is putting on a weekly jazz night, with the added bonus of 30 cheeses and a selection of wines to wash them down with. We really couldn’t ask for more. And it’s only Dhs150. We will definitely be seeing you there.

Plantation Lounge, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, Wed 7pm to 10pm, Dhs150.

Tel: (04) 4484873. www.sofitel.com

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 47

THE CRITIC

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

Don’t miss his monthly musings every issue Everybody’s talking about Kuwait. Believe me, it’s not often I get to write those words. But I’m writing them now because of a significant development in Kuwait’s restaurant scene. And, sadly, it’s not because Hooters has opened a branch there (because it hasn’t).

A blogger in Kuwait City is being sued by a restaurant for writing a less than glowing review on his blog. What’s really silly about all this is that the restaurant is Benihana, a big international chain that really should know better.

Benihana is the Japanese restaurant that’s famous for its chopper-juggling teppan chefs, but now it appears to be throwing 48 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

“A BLOGGER IN KUWAIT CITY IS BEING SUED BY A RESTAURANT FOR WRITING A LESS THAN GLOWING REVIEW ON HIS BLOG” writs into the mix without thinking of the implications.

The blogger is Mark Makhoul, who runs 248am.com – one of the most popular blogs in Kuwait. But while Benihana might be demanding $18,000 in compensation, it has certainly earned itself a whole load of dreadful publicity, not just in Kuwait, but throughout the Middle East and beyond.

“Kuwaitgate”, as I like to call it, sent ripples through the food blogging community. Bloggers all over the world pasted Makhoul’s original article on their websites in a show of solidarity. And I, like many others, excitedly logged on to read the scathing review.

I was expecting monstrous revelations about how Benihana serves up puppy dog teriyaki, or about how Mr Makhoul found the severed end of a chef ’s nose in his udon noodles. But there

was nothing more offensive in there than a recommendation to try other Japanese restaurants in the area.

So not only does Benihana come across as petty and smallminded, but its action has done untold damage to its brand and almost certainly lost the restaurant a lot of custom.

It got me worried for a moment, though. If that kind of thing can get you sued, heaven knows what some of the stuff I’ve written about restaurants in the past might have incurred?

I once gave both barrels to an Italian place, likening its salami

to a dead cat’s tongue, and saying that its tuna steaks were as dry as former UK PM John Major’s memoirs. All they did was ban me from going back, which was actually more reward than punishment.

In conclusion, then, there are a couple of important things to be learned from all this.

Lesson 1: Restaurants shouldn’t sue bloggers. Ever.

Either they ignore them altogether, or they actually listen to the feedback, invite the blogger back and treat him or her to a slap-up dinner. The resulting positive publicity will far outweigh the cost of the meal.

Lesson 2: If bloggers are going to get sued for slagging off a restaurant, they might as well do it properly. Does the crème brulée really resemble a cup of cold gorilla vomit? Then blog it and be damned.

Chi’Zen Festival City’s new addition – a new take on Cantonese food

Arriving for lunch at Chi’Zen (via an elevated airport-esque corridor and past several yet to be opened restaurants) we were told, “it looks better at night”. A fair comment, as it happens, with the décor all crimsons and black that would no doubt look dramatic by candlelight.

But it was lunch that we were after, so we headed to the large balcony that overlooks the water at Festival City. A burgeoning dining hub, this area remains a bit of a mystery, with access confusing, but the promise of a cohesive space where we can one day merrily bounce from Jamie’s Italian to the new Hard Rock then Trader Vic’s for drinks.

In the meantime, however, it’s a bit soulless, especially during the day when the ‘coming soon’ hoardings are all too obvious.

Back on Chi’Zen’s terrace, we were contemplating their concept of redefined Cantonese while bickering about what to order.

That’s the problem with Chinese food – everyone has their favourite dishes, without which a meal would be incomplete. Prawn toast was missing but steamed buns filled with barbecue chicken appeased us, and some wasabi prawns (which were almost as good as Noodle House’s offering). Going a bit off-piste with the starters, a plate of tangy turnip rolls with baby cabbage in a mustard sauce arrived and blew us away, the sweetness of the turnip perfectly foiling the heat of the sauce. We skipped the shark’s fin soup, instead opting for another rarity from under the ocean waves – rainbow jellyfish.

It was a dish that split the table, one loving the unusual, grainy texture and delicate taste, one turned off by

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the flaccid noodle-like quality and the other unable to face it. Not one for everyone, but a flavourful start.

Next up, a waiter rolled a trolley laden with duck (and knives) to the table. With lightning speed he chopped and served the crispy meat, before taking away the leftovers – only for them to return minced in mini lettuce cups and cooked in garlic and pepper. This hat-trick of styles was a winner. So much so, that the other dishes faded into the background; sliced lamb with spring onions was pleasant but unforgettable, while garlic pepper squid was a nice addition, but nothing compared to our previously feathered friend.

It was an ambitious order for lunchtime, and we were beaten.

Typically Cantonese desserts lurked on the back page of the menu, but weren’t enough to tempt us. Maybe we’ll come back at night to give them and the happy hour a try. After all, it seems this part is town is going to be the place to be.

Need to know Location: Festival Centre, Festival City, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 2329077 Open: daily noon to midnight Cuisine: Cantonese Must eat: half Chi’Zen Peking duck with pancakes Bill for three: Dhs470 (without alcohol)

In tweet form… A fairly pricey take on traditional Chinese cuisine, but there are some stunning dishes hiding in the vast menu at this stylish restaurant. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 49

Win with What’s On WIN! A SPA MINI-BREAK AT THE CRISTAL HOTEL We’ve teamed up with Abu Dhabi’s Cristal Hotel to offer you a two-night stay for two people, including buffet breakfast, plus 60-minute massage with mini-facial. The lucky winner will enjoy an Amber room, plus access to all the hotel’s facilities.

For your chance to win, simply tell us…

Which category do amber and crystal fall into? a) Animal b) Vegetable c) Mineral

R NS, NTE TO E PETITIO E M O AIL IVATE.A SE C E-M THE IMPLY @MOT , S E SON WER HAT R ANS E IN TH HW U IZ WIT ITH YO OF PR N I E W E W NAM T LIN THE UBJEC S AND

WIN! A TABLE FOR SIX AT THE MAD FOR BRUNCH AT THE PULLMAN

One of the newest Friday feasts in Dubai, The Pullman’s Mad For brunch features live cooking stations, international cuisine, barbecue grills, a vast dessert selection and free flowing house drinks. There’s also cracking views of the city from Sanabel’s terrace and it’s great for groups.

For your chance to enjoy this new brunch with five friends, you’ll have to get this question right: In geometry, what do you call a shape with six sides? a) Hexagon b) Dodecahedron c) Rectangle

50 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

ARTS Art smarts Mysterious boy The Insider Five minutes with...

Five to see

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE THIRDLINE

p54 p55 p57 p58 p60

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 53

ARTS

Art smarts

Congratulations! This is your first stint as fair director – and the first time Art Dubai has been run by someone living locally. Will that give the fair a more regional flavour?

Many thanks. Art Dubai is so special as an art fair because it’s a site of exchange and discovery: in 2011 we have 82 galleries from 34 countries showing the work of over 500 artists.

Around a third of the galleries are from the region – and the commissioned artists’ projects tend to focus on Asia and the Middle East – but the other two-thirds are international, and that’s the right balance. Art Dubai is where the art world as a globalised phenomenon is at its most stark, and it’s all the more exciting for it.

Art Dubai is now in its fifth year. Do you see it as firmly established within the region’s cultural scene?

Absolutely. It began with around 40 galleries in 2007 and has doubled in size. In 2010, it welcomed over 18,000 visitors, around 5000 of those from overseas. In its five years, the gallery base has become more diversified, and young collectors locally that have grown with the fair now look as much at international art as they do Middle Eastern.

Dubai is also a very different city; it’s clearly become a cultural capital, with more world-class galleries than anywhere else in the region, and with a homegrown audience with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s passionate about art, ideas, and debate.

54 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

Last year Art Dubai increased its scope across the region.

Will this year’s fair build on that?

Art Dubai 2011 is the most collaborative yet. The Global Art Forum_5 is a partnership between four cities and five cultural bodies: Art Dubai, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Doha’s new Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the Bahrain Ministry of Culture, and Abu Dhabi’s ADACH. Of course, we’re liaising closely with Sharjah Biennial, which coincides with Art Dubai. It’s a year of anniversaries: the fifth Art Dubai, the tenth Sharjah Biennial, and the first year of the first modern and contemporary museum in the region.

What are the highlights of this year’s programme?

Many of the galleries are planning solo shows and curated booths, so that really the fair becomes a series of 82 mini-exhibitions. Take London’s Green Cardamom, for example, which is opening with one curated exhibition on their stand and then re-hanging the booth two days in to display another curated set of artists. We have a great showing of galleries from India and Pakistan this year. My advice is to plan multiple visits to take it all in.

Mar 17 to 19, Madinat Arena, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. www. artdubai.ae

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF ART DUBAI

fifth outing this Art Dubai returns to the Gulf for its ctor Antonia month. Newly appointed fair dire Carver reveals what’s in store

ARTS

Fair trade

Our pick of this year’s show MARKER

“We commissioned the British curator Nav Haq to find and work with the most dynamic arts spaces in Asia and the Middle East, to create experimental stands within the gallery halls,” says Carver. New to Art Dubai, Marker will feature the work of emerging artists from across the Menasa region, resulting in five dedicated ‘concept stands’.

Mysterious Boy Iranian artist Farhad Moshiri has developed quite a reputation for his irreverent, humorous works, but his newest Dubai show is shrouded in mystery. Intrigued, we turned to Tarané Ali Khan from The Third Line gallery for a little insight

Les Voyages Extraordinaire

Art Dubai sponsors Van Cleef & Arples return with another high-concept display of the luxury brand’s high-concept jewellery, based on four works by the legendary French novelist Jules Verne. As the author of classics such as A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth and Around The World In 80 Days, there should be plenty for Van Cleef’s talented team to work with. Expect it to be a spectacular show.

Now in its third year, the rules have changed slightly for what has been dubbed the world’s richest art prize. The $US1million pot remains in place, but this time it is shared between five – rather than three – artists from the Menasa region: Hamra Abbas, Jananne Al-Ani, Shezad Dawood, Nadia Kaabi-Linke and Timo Nasseri. And, rather than each artist working with their own curator, as in previous years, in 2011 there will be just one, Sharmina Pereira, which should give a more unified feel to the Abraaj showcase overall.

Best of the rest

The Art Park, curated by Bidoun Projects, returns as an underground space for video, film and talks, but interaction between artists and the public doesn’t stop there: last year’s hugely popular artist-led tours return, with Abhishek Hazra and Malak Helmy leading visitors around the fair. Elsewhere, the Global Art Forum, under the title Changing Audiences, looks at the links between art and fashion, and the changing role of the artist. Featuring discussions, presentations and performances, as Carver points out: “It’s totally free, open to all, and only in Dubai would you have access to such an incredible line-up of speakers from all corners of the world.” Amen to that.

Tell us a little about Farhad Moshiri’s new exhibition.

For his third solo exhibition at the gallery, Moshiri presents new work which continues to simplify his subjects through his composition and painting style within the neo-pop movement. The exhibition will consist of one large installation taking up the whole main back wall of the gallery.

The work will only be revealed on the day of the preview on March 15 – no images will be released until then.

Moshiri is known for using unusual materials in his art. Any surprises in this show?

The concept of the show cannot be disclosed yet. Yet Moshiri has since been constantly pushing his materials, using cake icing dispensers, Swarovski crystals and knives to make paintings and works that incorporate

increasingly textured and sculptural approaches.

Is it art’s job to hold a mirror up to society?

Given the current situation, artists have to try a lot harder. One cannot mass produce as before when the market was up and anything could and would sell. Those involved in the arts realise how hard it is to produce good, believable work. There are opportunities now to perfect skills and create work that is genuine, something that is strong without relying on anything but yourself and your work.

It is a time of self-reflection and time to really make the best works of your career without having the frustration of the speculative market.

Mar 15 to Apr 21, The Third Line, opposite Golden Sands Laundry, Al Quoz 3, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3411367. www.thethirdline.com MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 55

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE THIRDLINE

Abraaj Capital Art Prize

THE INSIDER

Flying high Art lovers are going to be busy on March 14. As if the Al Serkal Gallery Night wasn’t enough culture for one eve, the city’s other major art hub, DIFC, is also planning an open gallery art night of its own. One of the highlights of which has got to be Terminal, a pop-up exhibition in an abandoned ground-floor space of the finance centre

NEWMN! U COL

that is dedicated to new contemporary art from Saudi Arabia under the banner, Edge Of Arabia.

Promising a full airport experience, from checkin and security and on towards the departure gate, it promises to be part art, part theatre. Fasten your seatbelts – it’s going to be an exciting ride. www.edgeofarabia.com

Cultural authenticity Art historian, dedicated collector and managing director of Dubai’s Meem Gallery, Charles Pocock knows the UAE art scene like the back of a Picasso. Enjoy the first of his monthly reports from the frontline With a vast amount of activities planned for March, the question is: where does one start and what should one focus on?

As always, galleries and art fair organisers will try and cram everything into one week in order to get as much coverage and attendance as possible, but this usually has the reverse affect – there is just too much too see and do.

Yes, the Sharjah Biennial opens on March 16 and runs until May 16, the Hassan Sharif show by ADACH opens on the 17th and runs until mid June, the Abu Dhabi Festival runs from the end of March for ten days and many Dubai galleries will exhibit the work they open with in mid March for four weeks. So what is

the priority? When and how do you get to see it?

Art Dubai at Madinat Jumeirah opens with its Patrons Preview on the March 15 and around this time The Third Line, Meem Gallery, IVDE, Ayyam, Carbon 12 and Lawrie Shabibi will be opening their March shows. On March 16 the Sharjah Biennial opens and the following day the Hassan Sharif opens in Abu Dhabi. A lot to do in three days, almost too much, so pace yourself, take it slowly and, above all, enjoy. Your brain can only absorb a certain amount so pick and choose from the enormous amount of visual culture on offer.

I would focus on Art Dubai and its programme and then, with the works of Nabil Nahas, Farhad Moshiri and Dia Azzawi on show, take the gallery shows step by step, monitoring when the exhibitions end so nothing of worth is missed. If paying a visit to Abu Dhabi, tie in a trip to The Abu Dhabi Festival and ADACH’s Hassan Sharif show. And, finally, a separate trip to Sharjah for the Biennial is a must. www.meemartgallery.com

Art and marketing meet in Common Expressions, Zaman Branding’s collaboration with UAE universities which sets a lofty aim to sustain “authenticity” in Arab culture via a competition to visually interpret one of a dozen commonly used Arab proverbs. Open to design students and graduates, the competition is “a bridge for graduates and Zaman to make their design commercially viable”. The best 12 designs (presumably one for each proverb) will be

selected after entries close on March 31 and awarded a place in Zaman’s limited edition Signature Calendar 2012, following an awards ceremony in November. To find out more, visit Zaman’s Facebook page (search under 'calendar design competition’).

Freeze frame Would-be travel photographers take note; one of the world’s leading practitioners, Chris Hurtt, is heading to Dubai to lead a hands-on Travel Photography workshop at Gulf Photo Plus.

The San Francisco-based photographer is just one of a leading line-up of experts at

this year’s weeklong event.

Places always fill up fast, so get in quickly.

Mar 7 to 12. www. gulfphotoplus.com

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 57

ARTS

Five minutes with...

André Butzer

We catch up with the weird and wonderful German artist on the eve of his first Dubai show

You employ lots of very bold colour in your work. What’s that about?

I am trying to save and carefully store the history of colour on canvas. My paintings are comparable to upload servers that preserve this history for future generations ready for download.

Also, colour is about its own virtuality; it’s there, visible as real and clean or dirty stuff, and at the same time it’s not really there. It’s a complicated projection comparable to pure light.

This exhibition features work that is both broadly figurative and more abstract…

All my work is abstract, even if you see recognisable things like figures on them, as you can see mostly in my earlier works. These figures legitimise what I am painting today or tomorrow, but it has always been abstract right from the beginning. The figures did symbolise this path from an unknown beginning, with the end finishing with the actual beginning. This is what I call abstraction.

What are your artistic influences?

My art is mostly influenced by European art like the Italian Renaissance or Paul Cézanne. My wish though is to see it as part of a more global history of the image of all past and future times in general. Also, I would like people to see it as part of the history of outer space art.

This is the first time you have shown in Dubai. Do you have any impressions or expectations of the local art scene?

I hope the local art scene will show up at my show and I hope they will like it and never forget me afterwards. I imagine these artists as being strong and wise defenders of their holy version of a long history on this messed-up planet.

How would you describe your work in three words?

André, go home!

Mar 14 to Apr 20, Warehouse D37, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai.

Tel: (050) 4644392. www.carbon12dubai.com

58 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

Another view There’s more than one international art showcase happening this month. Sharjah shows us what it’s made of

and Iran, each of which was commissioned by the Sharjah Biennial. A further, curated film programme, as well as those for music and performance, and a bienniallong series of talks, lectures March’s visual arts calendar and additional events will also isn’t all about Art Dubai – it also be taking place. If you’ve never kicks off the two-month cultural quite managed to make it extravaganza that is the Sharjah any further into Sharjah than Biennial. This year’s outing its airport and those handy marks the 10th anniversary of Air Arabia flights (and let’s the event and promises to be be honest, many of us in its its most ambitious yet. Curated neighbouring emirates haven’t),

by Suzanne Cotter, the curator this would be a fine time to of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi break that particular fast. project Plot For A Biennial, as Art Dubai may get most of the event has been titled, will the headlines, but the Sharjah feature more than 65 specially Biennial is one of the oldest commissioned works alongside contemporary art initiatives in existing pieces and projects. The the Middle East – and one of event will roll out over the course the most cutting-edge. Nearly of the eight-week programme 75,000 people made the trip in locations as diverse as the to the ninth edition in 2009, city’s cultural quarter, with its What’s On included. We were concentration of museums and duly impressed by the calibre of traditional architecture, to the what was on display and from Sharjah cricket stadium. what we’ve seen already, 2011 Alongside the multimedia is unlikely to disappoint. They exhibition programme is a don’t call it the "cultural emirate" line-up of seven short films by for nothing, you know. international film-makers from Mar 16 to May 16. www.

Brazil and the US to Lebanon sharjahart.org/biennial

Open sesame!

The March art madness continues with a round of exhibitions and happenings across Dubai. Worthy of special mention is the Al Serkal Gallery Night set to take place in the city’s industrial art quarter, Al Quoz, on March 14. If you haven’t made your way to visit it yet, now’s your chance – half a dozen or more of the emirate’s top galleries all concentrated in one workable (and walkable) area, all throwing open their doors for an evening of art and entertainment. Some, such as Syrian specialists Ayyam Gallery, offer visitors the chance to view existing shows (in this case, its epic Selections from the Samawi Collection). Others, including recent Al Serkal settlers Green Art Gallery – set to launch its ambitious video installation, Balloons on the Sea, by Turkish artist Hale Tenger – and relative old-timers Carbon 12 will be taking the opportunity to open new shows.

More exciting still is the news that that night will also see the launch of new galleries in Al Serkal, including Tehran-based Gallery Etemad’s first opening in Dubai (see Five to see).

Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces

19th March - 4th April 2011

Abu Dhabi Festival

Tuesday, 4th January 2011

Wednesday, 23rd March 2011

Pre-launch event: World Orchestra for Peace The first ever concert in the Arab world by UNESCO Artists for Peace, Maestro Valery Gergiev and the World Orchestra for Peace 8:00 pm - Emirates Palace Auditorium

Sylvie Guillem & Russell Maliphant - PUSH 8:00 pm - Emirates Palace Auditorium

Friday, 1st April 2011

The Path of Roses (Tariq Al Ward) Exhibition by the eminent Algerian artist Rachid Koraïchi Emirates Palace, Auditorium Foyer

Ballet Gala: Max and Irina present Stars of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Principal dancers from the Bolshoi Theatre, Mariinsky Theatre and more… with the Russian National Orchestra Valery Ovsyanikov, Conductor 8:00 pm - Emirates Palace Auditorium

Saturday, 19th March 2011

Saturday, 2nd April 2011

Mozart Masterpieces Augustin Dumay, Conductor / Violin Abdel Rahman El Bacha, Piano Soloists from Queen Elizabeth College of Music Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie 8:00 pm - Emirates Palace Auditorium

Bronfman & Brahms Yefim Bronfman, Piano Nicola Luisotti, Conductor Russian National Orchestra 8:00 pm - Emirates Palace Auditorium

19 March - 4 April 2011 th

th

Sunday, 20th March 2011 The Metropolitan Opera - Lucia di Lammermoor Broadcast from New York in HD (limited seating) Natalie Dessay, Soprano 7:00 pm - Marina Mall - Cinestar Gold Class

Monday, 21 March 2011 st

Macbeth A specially-commissioned production presented by Globe Education at Shakespeare’s Globe 8:00 pm - Abu Dhabi Theatre

Sunday, 3rd April 2011 Al Jarreau - A Jazz Roots Concert 8:00 pm - Emirates Palace Auditorium

Monday, 4th April 2011 Opera Gala: Dmitri & Friends Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Baritone Ekaterina Siurina, Soprano Nicola Luisotti, Conductor Russian National Orchestra 8:00 pm - Emirates Palace Auditorium

22nd - 29th March 2011 The Zaha Hadid Pavilion Arab creativity in the architecture of the future Emirates Palace Lawns

www.abudhabifestival.ae

Tickets on sale now at:

TimeOut 800-4669 timeouttickets.com

Info Hotline: 050 907 6158 Presented by

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation

ARTS

Five to see

ÅSTRIKE OPPOSE

The way the Arab world is represented and projected in the world's media and how this in turn shapes judgement and behaviour forms the basis for this third exhibition of works from Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi’s 500-strong personal art collection.

Mar 11 to Jul 30, Barjeel Art Foundation, Maraya Art Centre, Sharjah.

Tel: (050) 4543734 barjeelartfoundation.com

ÑCOMMON THREADS

ÅTREES AND THE HIGH RISING CITY

Palestinian artist Samia Halaby riffs on the contradictions and convergences in the built environment and nature in this, her first solo Dubai show. Featuring several large collages and a fine eye for colour, Halaby offers an arresting interpretation of abstraction.

Mar 14 to Apr 16, Ayyam Gallery Dubai DIFC, Gate Village Building 3, DIFC, off Zabeel Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4392395. www.ayyamgallery.com

NMArt Gallery and Xerxes Art have joined forces to showcase this fascinating multimedia group exhibition of contemporary art by 18 international artists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Pakistan.

Until Apr 16, Al Serkal Cultural Foundation, Heritage House, Bastakiya, Dubai. www. nmartgallery.com / www. xerxesart.com

ÉSPLENDOURS OF MESOPOTAMIA

One to look forward to at the end of this month – in collaboration with the British Museum, the title says it all.

This showcase of the treasures of ancient Mesopotamia offers a classy taste of things to come when Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum opens in 2014.

Until May 29, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6735244. www.saadiyat.ae

60 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

ÅNEW WAVE  BRITISH ART TODAY

Proving that art influenced by the Middle East and its cultural heritage isn’t just alive and well, but positively blooming in the West is this first show from new Al Serkal gallery, Etemad.

Showcasing work that featured in London’s Saatchi Gallery’s recent Newspeak: British Art Now exhibition illustrates the truly international nature of contemporary art today.

Mar 14 to May 1, Gallery Etemad, Unit 12, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3468649. www.galleryetemad.com

SHOPPING Summer in the city Mother’s Day The bookworm Sophia says...

BAMBAH

p64 p66 p67 p68

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 63

SHOPPING

Summer in the city

Ray-Ban Dhs820

In the UAE, clouds are as rare as a steak tartare, so it’s not enough to buy cheapo specs. Invest in some colourful sunnies, guaranteed to perk up any outfit

Vogue Dhs700

D&G

Dhs715

Prada Linea Rossa Dhs1,065

Ray-Ban

Tiffany

Dhs910

Dhs1,315

Dolce & Gabbana Dhs985

Miu Miu Dhs765

64 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

SHOPPING

Mother’s Day DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: SUNDAY APRIL 3 We love the whimsical style of artist Rob Ryan, and this coin purse is sure to brighten up your mum’s day. Soma Gallery’s website is full of crafty gifts and they can mail wherever you please.

Dhs60 www.somagallery.co.uk

If your sainted mum is in the UK, then Moon Pig should be your first port of call. There are hundreds of cards available that you can personalise, before the website mails them out. www.moonpig.com

What Mothers Day is complete without a nice set of smellies?

If you’re going to be unoriginal, at least do it in style with these goodies from Liberty, who can distribute internationally.

Dhs185 www.liberty.co.uk

66 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

For a truly personal gift (without wandering into cheesy territory) these charm necklaces can be engraved with your name. Mums love that kind of thing. While you’re on Boticca’s website be sure to have a look for yourself too, as it’s prime hunting ground for unique jewellery. Most jewellers will ship internationally, but should be contacted directly.

Dhs150 www.boticca.com

Your mum may be miles away, but we’re giving you a heads up with our round-up of the best online gifts to keep her happy on her special day

Cath Kidston is the ultimate mum icon, and this charming sewing basket will encourage her to keep darning your socks whenever you come home. Do people still darn socks? Anyway, it’s very pretty indeed and a darn sight (ho, ho, ho) better than those kits you keep nicking from hotels. And Cath can post her goods wherever you want.

Dhs200 www.cathkidston.co.uk

Got a cool mum? They’re a rare breed and utterly terrifying to buy presents for. Best to keep it simple with vouchers, and where better than from Net-APorter. If you do see something on the website you think she’ll like then be assured that the gift wrapping is gorgeous, and returns are possible. www.net-a-porter.com

This tea towel is too pretty to use, so suggest your mum gets it framed instead. It’s the work of London print designer Anja Jane, who produces her work in limited numbers and can ship internatioanlly. You can pay through PayPal, too.

Dhs90 www.anjajane.com

Prove that you were listening to her for all those years with this lovely print from the V&A shop.

Wise words written in style.

Postage is available anywhere in the world.

Dhs240 www.vandashop.com

The bookworm Our wriggly little friend reveals this month’s must-reads THE CHAMPION Tim Binding

It might be written in a light-hearted manner, but Tim Binding’s latest novel is both witty and profound.

Everything is running smoothly in narrator Charles Pemberton’s small, quiet, English town until Large, the boy every boy wants to be and every girl wants to be with, crashes onto the scene and changes things forever. Set in late 20th century Britain, the story follows Charles and Large from the “loads of money” Thatcher years to Blair’s Cool Britannia, during which time the world that Charles loves is replaced by one that he can’t quite comprehend.

THE DEVIL’S GARDEN Edward Docx

There is a palpable sense of foreboding right from the first page of The Devil’s Garden, as a sinister Colonel and a sleazy Judge arrive at Dr Forle’s jungle river station, disturbing his research into the behaviour of his beloved ants in the Devil’s Garden of the title. Docx, with his spare, strong prose, spins an eerie tale of love, violence and obsession. With its unusual setting, amidst the Indian tribes of an unnamed jungle, this is one of the most original books we’ve read in some time.

TRIUMPH OF THE CITY Edward Glaeser

Our good friend Edward Glaeser is a Harvard Professor and one of the world’s most eminent urban economists, yet he has managed to write a book that will be comprehensible to anyone, whether novice or academic. In Triumph Of The City Glaeser argues that the close proximity of people in cities spurs creativity and that city living is better for the environment – mankind’s future lies amid the high-rises and skyscrapers of the world’s metropolises. And there’s even a page or so on Dubai.

Available from Magrudy’s, Borders, Jashanmal and Kinokuniya MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 67

SOPHIA SAYS... Bambah I have just started a new job in the media, and no longer have to wear a suit and tie to work every day.

Are trainers and jeans too casual?

Chris, JBR Trainers should be for training purposes only, so opt for a smart loafer instead. Jeans should be fine, but I would wait a few days to scope out what the other gents in the office are sporting before you decide on denim. A long-sleeved shirt or sweater looks great with chinos and a jacket, but if you want to err to the more relaxed style, swap the shirt with a polo top and leave the blazer at home.

Do you have a fashion question for Sophia?

E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

I’m going to the polo this month but I’m stuck on what to wear. I assume it’s a bit posh, but we are We drag the oh-so stylish Sophia having a picnic. Can you advise on shoes too, Triantafillou away from the helm at Emirates Woman into the grubby please?

Cecily, Dubai What’s On office to answer your Invest in a summery frock, wardrobe woes nothing too dressy or ‘done up’. White is always a winWhat trends are in for S/S11? Some ideas ner as are muted colours of key colours, lengths and textures (no metallics). Even though would be brilliant, as I’m feeling a bit the polo is more glamorous overwhelmed by all the new stock in than the football, you must stores. always remember that it is a Sarah, Abu Dhabi sporting event nonetheless.

Whether it is bold colours, graphic prints Footwear is always a concern when it comes or fresh white frocks, S/S11 has a trend, to grass so a pretty pair of ballerinas or a small length or label to suit all tastes. If you have a wedge, if you need the height, is just the ticket. penchant for all things pretty, opt for one of Take a cropped jacket for when lunch turns the most ladylike trends this spring, broderie into dinner and don’t forget a hat to keep your anglaise. A shirt, skirt or dress will do the hair at bay. trick. The hottest hue of the season has to be any shade of orange, so stand out in style Where in Dubai can I have some shirts with a coral maxi-dress with and a suit made – other than Bur Dubai contrasting accessories or Satwa? I really can’t be doing with all to make the perfect that traffic. style statement.

John, Dubai If you want to Help is at hand in the name of Logsdail. up the fashion The British master tailors have now set up ante, fringing shop in Dubai and have your every suit and is the way shirt need covered. Whether it’s off the forward, the rack, ready to wear or a bespoke beauty, a longer and Logsdail suit will have you looking like a more luxurious the spiffy gent in no time. Choose from fine better. fabrics, avoid the traffic and best of all, be the best dressed whatever the occasion.

Logsdail London, Warehouse 17b, Street 6, Al Quoz. Tel: (050) 6003224

68 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

NEW OPENING Opening a vintage boutique in a country a mere 39 years old is a bold shout by anyone’s standards, but that’s just what Maha Abdul Rasheed has done. Bambah, on Beach Road, is a haven for style mavens, packed with one-off pieces, big name and no name labels, antique furniture, personal photos and memorabilia from Maha’s travels.

There’s a section dedicated to little black dresses, racks arranged by era and shoes dotted all over (we spotted some Gina heels for Dhs725), but the stock is well-chosen and truly unique so it’s worth popping back regularly to see what Maha’s latest trawls have uncovered.

Bambah shares a villa with fellow independent boutique Zoo, home to quirky gifts and modern design, so ladies can leave their chaps there to browse the T-shirts and gadgets while they try on all manner of original pieces in the floral changing rooms. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of cool.

Bambah, 39 Beach Road, opposite Dubai Zoo and next door to Sultan Garden Centre, Dubai. Tel: (050) 6741754. www.bambah.com

THE SPA AT THE PALACE

MIND & BODY

p72 Totally tropical treatments p75 His 'n' hers p76 Going dental p78 Spa news MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 71

MIND & BODY

Totally tropical treatments No need to travel to distant shores, the world’s best spa sessions are available right here in the UAE

NEXT MONTH… JAPAN AND SWEDEN

What? Hot Salt Pot treatment Country of origin? Thailand Where can I try it? Thai Privilege Spa What does it involve? An oil-free massage, you wear loose pyjamas and lie down on a firm mattress on the floor. This ancient treatment starts with stretches and acupressure, before a warm clay pot is filled with sea salt and used to massage your body. The heat relieves muscle stiffness, especially in the upper back and shoulders, and this is a proven method for eliminating water retention as well as helping women who have given birth to strengthen their bladder and uterus. The salt helps to flush out toxins and boost circulation, while promising to help ward off colds and flu.

Does it work? The heat is incredibly soothing, with muscles gently manipulated rather than pinched so it’s a very relaxing treatment. Afterwards, you may feel slightly disorientated, but luckily Thai Privilege Spa offers a pick up and drop-off service, so you can be driven home and prolong the peace.

Details: Thai Privilege Spa, 1074 Uttamah Villas, Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs350 for an hour and Dhs450 for 90 minutes. Tel: (04) 3489679

WIN! A HOT SALT POT TREATMENT If you like the sound of Thai Privilege Spa’s Hot Salt Pot treatment then read on. We have one to give away and for your chance to win, simply e-mail WinWithWhatsOn@motivate.ae with the prize in the subject line and answer this question: What is the capital of Thailand? a) Bangkok b) Beijing c) Belfast 72 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

What? Abhyangam and Shirodhara Ayurvedic treatments Country of origin? India Where can I try it? Breath & Health Alternative Medical Centre What does it involve? As first-timers to the world of Ayurvedic medicine, we sat down with the resident doctor to learn more. There are a series of questions to answer in order to determine which constitution, or ‘dosha’, you are, be it water, air, fire or a combination.

Treatments and programmes can then be styled to suit your body and personality. We were a Kapha (water) and advised to take an oil massage with a warm herbal poultice to harmonise and revitalise the body, followed by the traditional Shirodhara therapy to clear the mind. The Abhyangam massage uses a lot of oil that is great for dehydrated skin, while the warm poultice penetrates knotted muscles and sluggish lymph nodes to calm and strengthen the nervous system.

The Shirodhara treatment, however, is far from your usual massage. You lie on a raised table, with a container positioned above your head. A steady stream of warm oil is poured onto your forehead to open up the ‘third eye’ for up to 50 minutes. This aims to create a deep sense of relaxation, so it is particularly recommended for sufferers of stress, insomnia tension and migraines.

Does it work? The full body Abhyangam massage was incredibly calming, with particular attention paid to the lower back and abdomen so organs were warmed and stimulated. The oil theme continued with the Shirodhara treatment. While the room setup and three therapists present may seem a little intimidating, once the oil stars to flow you’ll find your mind drifts into a dreamlike state. The only niggling worry was how many hair washes it takes to get the oil out (three). A simultaneous head and foot massage was the final straw and we crashed out, only to be awoken for some tea.

Details: Abhyangam massage, Breath & Health Alternative Medical Centre, Al Wasl Road, Al Manara, Dubai, Dhs375 for an hour and Shirodhara treatment Dhs450 for 50 minutes. Tel: (04) 3489940

His‘n’hers

MIND & BODY

Our resident spa junkies have a rub down at the Dubai Marriott Harbour

Hers

His ARABIC COFFEE AWAKENER

MILK & HONEY IMMERSION

TALK US THROUGH IT The therapist scrubs your back with Arabic coffee and Dead Sea salt, covers you in Dead Sea mud, wraps you in a plastic sheet and leaves you to marinate for quarter of an hour. Then you jump in the shower to wash the mud off and enjoy your new soft skin before a quick but effective massage.

TALK US THROUGH IT In keeping with Saray Spa’s Arabic theme, the therapist uses oatmeal and black seed oil from Jordan to gently exfoliate. A combination of rose oil, milk and honey is then added to the mix to soften your skin. After a quick shower you’re treated to a hot stone massage and scalp rub.

THE BEST BIT The coffee exfoliation. A dog likes having its belly rubbed, a gentleman enjoys a good back scratching – even if it is from another gentleman with a handful of coffee and salt.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? The toilet is not in the changing room and the corridors are dimly lit, so it wasn’t easy finding the bathroom having removed my contact lenses.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? The SAS of spa underwear – the loose fitting boxers. There is no better way to hide one’s modesty.

SLEEP FACTOR? It’s a lively treatment and the back exfoliation is administered while you sit upright, but there’s time for a quick snooze when you’re left ensconced in plastic for 15 minutes.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? If you tire of lying still for hours,

this is for you. It’s nicely broken up into two stages with a shower half way through.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? Dhs400 for 90 minutes, which is verging on cheap for the UAE.

THE BEST BIT The scalp massage (complete with ear pulling) ties for first place with how great my skin felt post-scrub.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? The lights went out mid-shower leaving me to guess where I’d washed off the oatmeal mixture.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? Scant pants indeed. Basically a paper gusset (sorry for using that

word) attached to a waistband made of string. Deeply unflattering, and far from comfy.

SLEEP FACTOR? It’s a relaxing treatment, but the various stages leave little time for snoozing. I still floated out on a wave of milk, honey and rose oil, though.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, this gentle, luxurious treatment will sort you out, especially if you use the steam room first.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? Dhs400 for 90 minutes. Good value for a great spa trip.

Saray Spa, Dubai Marriott Harbour, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 10am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3194630. www.marriott.com MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 75

MIND & BODY

Going dental When was the last time you visited the dentist? Six months ago? A year? For our features editor Gareth Rees, it had been over a decade, which, as he discovered, is a disgrace I lay prostrate on a red leather chair wearing a prattish orange visor to protect my eyes from the dazzling light above my forehead, mouth gaping open like I was trying to swallow an apple whole. A man wearing rubber gloves was sandblasting my teeth and prodding my gums with a sharp metal object. Blood and spit were flying everywhere.

This is the situation you will find yourself in – if you’re lucky – should you take a similar attitude to dental visits as I did. For I have a confession to make, ladies and gentlemen – until very recently I hadn’t visited the dentist for ten years. Ten! I have no record of the exact date, but I do know that my mother made the

appointment, which is telltale sign in itself.

I don’t fear the dentist. I’m just lazy. But that excuse isn’t going to wash forever, so I made the move and booked an appointment to see what sort of shape my gnashers are in.

I was extremely fortunate. After a decade of dental negligence, I had inflamed gums (gingivitis) and will soon be paying a fair whack for three fillings – only one of them classified “urgent” by the charming French dentist Dr Karim Fekih at The Clinic dentist, where I finally made my appointment. It could have been a lot worse.

“Here in DIFC we have a lot of business men in their 30s and 40s who have an old filling that was done when they were 12 years old and, like yours, it’s fallen out, they haven’t replaced it and the tooth has fractured,” explains Dr Fekih. “Often, we have to do an emergency root canal and a crown. That’s a typical scenario.”

A root canal, for the record, is not going to be fun. To put it simply, it involves removing nerve tissue, blood vessels and various other bits and bobs from the troublesome tooth-peg with a drill. After that’s done, your tooth will be dead.

So exactly how do you go about avoiding the murder of your molars? The short answer is this: visit the dentist every six months. If you are diligent enough to have your teeth properly cleaned on a regular basis, the simple scale and polish won’t be the blood- spattered ordeal I have recounted.

I have already made an appointment with Dr Fekih for that urgent filling and will, without fail, be paying a visit twice a year from now on.

DR FEKIH’S EIGHT GOLDEN RULES Floss once a day Visit the dentist once every six months Brush at least twice a day; more often if possible Use a soft brush. “Remember, soft, soft, soft,” says Dr Fekih Brush from the top of your gum in one motion down to the bottom of your teeth, from red to white Brush for three minutes Use a toothpaste that has fluoride in it because it helps the teeth reinforce themselves Use mouthwash for one week maximum if you have gingivitis. The best mouthwash is hot water with salt The Clinic, DIFC, Dubai, Dhs150 initial consultation. Tel: (04) 3230900. www.theclinic.ae ALSO RECOMMENDED Aqua Care Dental Clinic Ask for the lovely Dr Mandana Motaghian.

M-05 Al Meraikhi Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3210103. www.aquacare.ae

“A man wearing rubber gloves was sandblasting my teeth and prodding my gums with a sharp metal object. Blood and spit were flying everywhere” 76 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

FIND A DENTIST Dubai Dentists Network This website will help you find a dentist in any area of the emirate. www.dubaidentistsnetwork.com

MIND & BODY

Spa news From swish blow-dries to soothing massages and lessons in effective yoga, here’s our pick of the UAE’s best bargains TED MORGAN Want to liven up your locks before heading out for your fizz with the ladies? Ted Morgan has come to the rescue with its speedy 30 minutes Desk2Club Ladies Night special especially created for a work-to-party spruce up. Their new express blow-dry service will run between 5pm to 9pm on Tuesdays, which, as we all know, is ladies night. The range of blow-dry styles starts from Dhs100, so be warned; this could become a new addiction.

Ted Morgan, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4308190 THE SPA AT SHERATON Book yourself in for an 80-minute session that begins with an intensive body-scrub before reclining into a relaxing massage using delicately scented Belnature products. The treatment is guaranteed to leave your skin feeling supple and nourished. This head-to-toe revive is available at a very special rate of Dhs390 this month.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) millennium.pdf 2/22/11 1:47:09 PM 6970272

78 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

THE SPA AT THE PALACE The Palace has created The Palace Combination package that involves a 25-minute massage and 25-minute facial of your choice.

The package offers a choice of Swedish, deep tissue and back, neck and shoulder massage using balancing aromatic oils, and there’s a free skin analysis on your first visit, to blend products tailored specifically for your skin type.

The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, Dhs400. Tel: (04) 4287805 DETOXIFY SENSO Want to put a sparkle back in those tired eyes? Then this expert spa package at Radisson Blu is right on the money.

The intensive anti-ageing eye contour treatment promises to diminish fine lines, dark circles and reduce puffiness using the very effective Anne Semonin eye express radiance ice cubes.

But first, you’ll be scrubbed, polished, wrapped and detoxified. The effective threehour treatment, costing Dhs680, is great value for your bucks.

Detoxify@Senso, Radisson Blu, Media City, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3669111

MIND & BODY

SOFTOUCH SPA AT KMOE Here’s an exciting offer from the Soft Touch Spa this month.

Surrender yourself to 55 minutes of traditional Balinese massage costing just Dhs150 and receive 20 minutes of full body polish. The ancient deep tissue massage technique involves the use of vitamin rich massage oils to provide you with a soothing and deeply healing massage experience. Whilst the Pevonia’s body polish, using natural jojoba granules leaves your skin feeling soft and supple.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4095909

ZEN SPA With a focus on results, the Zen Spa has designed a 60 to 90minute, Active Muscle Massage just for those gentlemen who lead an active work and sports life. Expertly working on tense muscles and joint disorders with using a pack of ginger, black pepper and rosemary the therapy will leave your body stimulated, invigorated and relieved of all aches and pains.

Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6979333

MAN/AGE LUXURY MEN’S SPA Chaps, if you want to be treated like demi-gods, then here’s the ultimate pampering package.

The Sport’s Man Delight Package involves a Skin Fitness Facial, Sport’s Man Massage and a Moroccan Bath using a deepsea salt scrub with ginger and lemongrass. The deal is normally Dhs820 but is available for Dhs600 during March. Alternatively, you could splash out by signing up for an enticing new membership for just Dhs2,500 that includes a complimentary Yon-Ka Mini Facial, Classic Manicure, Classic Pedicure, Classic Shave and a Trendsetter haircut. The deal is topped off with a life-long 15 per cent discount off all products and services.

There are three spas across the UAE; Rimal 1, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Tel: (04) 4355780, Arjaan Rotana Souk, Dubai Media City, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4370868 and Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi (02) 6818837

ARTISTIC YOGA CENTER When it comes to fitness, flexibility and agility, few disciplines or therapies can achieve it like yoga. Check out the spanking new Artistic Yoga Centre opened by the internationally renowned yoga guru, Bharat Thakur. The energetic yoga classes will help you lose weight, get fit and reduce stress levels. Now is the best time to get into comfortable clothing, keep an open mind and give yoga a chance.

Artistic Yoga Centre, Al Mina Road, Sharjah. Tel: (06) 800964

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 79

Win with What’s On WIN! THE CHANCE TO CREATE TWO PAIRS OF SNEAKERS WITH PUMA

To celebrate the launch of PUMA Creative Factory, an awesome in-store concept that allows you to design your own one-off pair of shoes on an Apple iPad, we’re giving one lucky reader the chance to get crafty with two styles, The Basket II (a leather classic from 1971) and The First Round (the 1980s basketball high-top). You’ll get your pick of PUMA fabrics, materials and colours to create your very own custom shoes. For the chance to win two pairs of unique sneakers, plus envious glances from all of your friends, simply tell us…

What are the names of the sneaker styles featured in PUMA Creative Factory? a) Basket & First Round b) Basket & Last Round c) Bag & First Round ER S, ENT ION

TO ETIT E E.A OMP -MAIL IVAT SE C E THE IMPLY @MOT , S N R E SO WE HAT R ANS E IN TH HW U IZ WIT ITH YO OF PR N I E W E W NAM T LIN THE UBJEC S AND

WIN! A WEEKEND STAY AND DINNER FOR TWO AT THE ARABIAN COURTYARD HOTEL & SPA

Slap bang in the middle of Bur Dubai, the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa is a great base for exploring this part of town, and an even better place to unwind. We have a weekend stay for two, complete with romantic dinner and breakfast the next morning, up for grabs.

For your chance to win this mini-break, you’ll have to get this question right…

Which museum is close to the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa? a) Natural History Museum in London b) Dubai Museum c) Metropolitan Museum of Art 80 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

CHARITY AMATEUR

GOLF TOURNAMENT QUALIFYING ROUNDS: • • • •

The Els Golf Club Emirates Golf Club Montgomerie Golf Club Arabian Ranches Golf Club

- 6 April - 7 April - 14 April - 28 April

Format: teams of 4 (scramble) Rafes, Competitions and Giveaways

Top 3 teams from each club will qualify for the final Final: at The Els Club (date TBA) Three teams from Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa awaiting other nalists Entry fee AED 550 per player Part of the proceeds will go to Dubai Autism Center PLAY GOLF - SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE

TO REGISTER, CONTACT THE CLUBS DIRECTLY: The Els Club: chrisb@elsclubdubai.com The Montgomerie: pwynn@themontgomerie.ae Arabian Ranches Golf Club: francois@arabianranchesgolf.ae Emirates Golf Club: bcoleman@dubaigolf.com Sponsors & Partners

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SPORT & OUTDOOR

p84 The legends return p85 Students take a hike p87 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon p88 Mr Fitness MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 83

SPORT & OUTDOOR

The legends return A day of fun, food and rugby rivalry Britain and South Africa are giants of the sporting world, and for one weekend in April their rugby legends will clash under the Dubai sun. Held at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, South African Freedom Day will be celebrated with a rugby match featuring big names including Joost Van Der Westhuizen, Braam Van Straaten, Corne Krige and Robbie Kempson from South Africa, plus Colin Charvis, Josh Lewsey, Scott Hastings and Shame Byrne playing for the British & Irish Lions.

With more than 7,000 people expected to attend, this match is the main attraction of the Family

Colin Charvis

Joost Van Der Westhuizen

Day on Friday, April 8, when there will also be a host of live music, good food, kid’s entertainment and competitions, plus the chance to meet the legends at a golf day and gala dinner.

84 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

For food lovers South African favourites including pap and wors, boerie rolls, bunny chow and loads of meat on the barbecue will be on offer, but the star of the culinary show will be the potjiekos competition, which budding chefs can enter. For the uninitiated, ‘potjietos’ translates as ‘small pot food’ and is a stew prepared in a traditional castiron pot. Recipes vary greatly, and contain meat, vegetables and sometimes fruit, with many chefs and families adding their own

Josh Lewsey

secret ingredient. On Family Day the testing panel will be sampling the creations of Dubai-based cooks, who will be given 5m x 5m areas to decorate and cook in, with top three entrants winning great prizes. If you want to enter your potjiekos, register online.

For sports fans The legends match at 5pm on Family Day will see big names go head to head, but there will also be a rugby clinic for boys aged 12 to 14 on Wednesday, April 6.

If you want to meet the legends tickets are available for a golf day on Thursday, April 7, plus a gala dinner.

Apr 6 and 8, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Dubai, noon, Dhs100 or free for under-12s. E-mail info@elanevents. net. www.saweekend.com

GETTY; REUTERS

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

Students take a hike A charitable duo from Dubai has set their sights on walking the length of New Zealand

ISTOCK

An adventurous pair of former-Dubai students has embarked upon a gruelling five-month trek for charity, following the world’s newest walking trail. The mammoth Te Araroa trail goes from Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most northern point, to Bluff, the furthest south you can go.

Collectively known as Tasty Trek, Anders Ford and DamienMarc Ford were raised in Dubai and educated at Dubai English Speaking School. They will be donating all monies raised through sponsorship to Wateraid and Solar Light For Africa.

Local support has come in the form of a non-uniform day at Dubai English Speaking School to help raise funds towards the pair’s Dhs22,000 target.

Set to be officially opened later in this year, the 3,000km (1,800 mile) track follows coastlines, meanders through forests and across farmland, over volcanoes and mountain passes, along river valleys and on green pathways across seven cities; and the pals hope to be one of the first teams to complete it. Damien-Marc, at 19 years old, is potentially the youngest person to do so.

So far Anders and Damienmarc have endured endless farmland, dense bush, rapids and even highway traffic, and are due to complete the trek in April and welcome donations to their chosen charities via their website, where you can also follow their progress. http://tastytrek.com/charities.php

Cape Reinga Lighthouse, North Island, New Zealand

Dinner never gets boring at Chef’s House

For bookings or more information, please call 04 366 9111 or email chefshouse.mediacity.dubai@radissonblu.com

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 85

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon This month we are taking part in our first triathlon, so we asked local triathlete Jessica Robertson why anyone would get involved and why you should go along and watch

Swimming, cycling and running. Why on earth did you get involved in this madness?

Well, I was a swimmer to start with, but I worked for a marketing agency in London that looked after Nokia, who sponsored the Windsor Triathlon. A couple of people at Nokia entered the race and asked if I wanted to join their team. I did and the bug bit me.

That was three or four years ago now.

And you’ve done triathlons all over the world since?

That’s right. I’ve competed in Australia, Bahrain, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the UK, Ireland and Hungary. My best race was the World Championships last year in Hungary.

I had ten days before the triathlon with my coach just to really focus and prepare for it.

So I felt really good, had an awesome race and achieved a personal best.

But you’re running a longer distance than usual in Abu Dhabi, right? Daunting?

I usually do Olympic distance for triathlon, which is a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and a 10km run, but this one is the same swim and the same run but with a 100km bike. So I’m doing a lot of cycling to try and get my legs stronger and ready for the race. I’m looking forward to it, but I’m quite nervous about the distance.

We understand triathlons, especially the swimming, can be quite rough. Is that so?

Yeah, definitely. I’ve been in races where I’ve had my legs pulled on one stroke and my shoulder on the next stroke. I’ve been dunked under the water so people can get ahead.

People want to lead out of the water so they can get onto the bike and lead throughout the race. In the bigger races, where you have 1,000 competitors in the water in one go, you can’t really help it. It’s a bit of a washing machine.

We’re scared.

It’s really competitive, but anyone can take it up. The great thing about triathlon is that there are distances from the sprint, like the one that What’s On is doing, through to Ironman. People tend to get involved in the shorter distances first, then as they gain confidence they find the training easier to

fit into their lifestyles and can move up the distances a bit. And cross training definitely has benefits.

Such as?

Today I’ve done a heavy session on my legs, three hours on the bike and a 45-minute run straight off, so tomorrow will be swimming, lots of kicking in the water and letting my legs recover and flushing out all the lactic acid.

OK, for anyone who hasn’t signed up, why should they come and watch?

There’s always a really big crowd. You have supporters of the people racing and a lot of people from Abu Dhabi will come out as well.

The nicest thing about triathlon is having everyone there cheering you on. It’s important for the competitors. And all the competitors really encourage each other as well, which is one of the things that attracted me to the sport.

What’s next for 2011?

To get on the Great Britain team you have to go back to the UK and qualify, so I’m looking at the qualifiers for the World Championship in Beijing later this year.

TEAM WHAT’S ON Come and watch us take part in the relay sprint event SWIMMING Iain Akerman, Editor, Campaign When we mentioned the triathlon to the indomitable Mr Akerman he proffered a relaxed, “I could do that”. So now he’s signed up for a 750m swim. He starts the Team What’s On effort at Emirates Palace. You don’t want to miss this man in his Speedos.

CYCLING Geordie Bird, Dubai 92 Geordie Bird keeps our monthly columnist Catboy in

check on the Dubai 92 Breakfast Show, so she probably won’t break a sweat doing the 50km cycle across Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and the Yas Marina Circuit, especially considering she completed the 92km Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge last year.

RUNNING Gareth Rees, Features Editor, What’s On Our features editor likes to go for a bit of a jog every now and again.

Having conquered his first marathon in Dubai in January and completed his second RAK Half Marathon last month, 5km will be easy – he hopes.

Mar 12, Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, starting at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, free. www.abudhabitriathlon.com MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 87

MR FITNESS In all honesty, there are lots of different variations that you could come up with but, for now, the basic version should suffice.

A great little finisher at the end of a workout is to do a burpee and star jump combo to really get your metabolism firing. Start with ten burpees, followed by ten star jumps, then nine of each, eight of each, etc, until you finish with one of each. Record your time and aim to beat it next time you do the challenge.

THERT! E EXP

Do you have a fitness question for James?

E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

In his seven years as a personal trainer, James Houghton has helped everyone from West End actresses to the Arabian Gulf rugby sevens team lose the pounds and keep in shape A few friends are boot camp devotees and keep moaning about ‘burpees’. What are they, what do they do and are they really that difficult?

Jim, Dubai Marina In my book, a burpee is a total body conditioning exercise. Some may class it as a strength exercise, which it can be if we’re talking strength endurance, but I prefer conditioning. Regardless of how you class it, burpees are simple, 88 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

space saving, time efficient, cheap and an excellent way to kick your own butt! Yes they are hard, as is anything that you put maximum effort into.

To perform a basic burpee, follow these simple steps: L Start in a standing position L Bend down and take your hands to the floor in front of your feet L Jump your feet back so your are now in a push up position L From there, jump your feet back up to your hands and now stand up That’s one repetition at its most basic format.

Can you recommend some quick stretches that I should do after a big session in the gym?

Sunita, Al Barsha Stretching shouldn’t just be left as an afterthought. You should be focusing more on the quality of your muscle tissue and fascia, rather than just stretching. Soft tissue work, which does involve stretching, should be an integral part of your weekly training schedule. I schedule in recovery and regeneration sessions for my clients, which involves a great deal of work on tissue quality amongst a few other things. With the time that you do have available to you, I recommend that you focus on a technique known as Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), devised by Kinesiologist Aaron Mattes and focus on the most problematic areas such as hips, chest and thoracic spine.

I have weak ankles, but my trainer insists on me running on the beach, claiming it will help strengthen them.

Jogging on sand makes me nervous. Who’s right?

Nicki, Downtown Without knowing more about you and your specific weakness, then I can’t really say who is right or wrong. However, if jogging on the sand makes you nervous then perhaps it is not the best thing for

you, as the more time you spend worrying about it, the more likely you are to actually hurt yourself.

There are plenty of alternative ways in which you can work to strengthen the musculature around your ankle joint without running on the sand. I think that walking barefoot on soft sand is a good thing, as the contours of the sand allows the joints in your foot to unlock and move more freely, which will strengthen your feet and give your body and muscles higher up the kinetic chain greater feedback.

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BANTHDE OF TH MON

MUSIC

One of Dubai’s most enduring local bands, Behold The Locus may have a secret formula to explain their longevity: being a collective. Members don’t quit; they move on to make room for the next person. This revolving door of talent means the group’s influences and styles shift and develop at speed, with diverse inspirations currently ranging from acid jazz and reggae to The Police and rock.

Today’s line-up includes Richard on lead vocals, Fabian on lead guitar and backing vocals, Derek on bass, Connel on keys and backing vocals and Ferdinand on drums, with most members being long-term Dubai

residents. The result of this collaborative approach is a hybrid of rock and pop that has brought them success on the local live scene, with performances across the UAE, from a television appearance on Dubai One and the Yasalam F1 celebrations to getting fans through the doors at the likes of the Music Room and Aussie Legends.

You can next check them out at the Yas Rock Factory, which will see five bands battle it out on Yas Island on March 10.

Keep an eye and ear on these guys – their unique approach might mean that they’ll be making music for years to come. www.facebook.com/Behold.The.Locus

SHOT ON LOCATION ON THE HELIPAD AT DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

Behold the locus

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 91

CLUB DIARY This month's clubbing highlights

18

5 Phil Asher @ MustHaveSoul UK soulful house expert Phil Asher has released under a multitude of aliases and alongside various collaborators over the past decade and a half. A regular visitor to the UAE in recent years, the Restless Soul label boss makes his MustHaveSoul debut this month You took a sabbatical a couple of years ago to avoid becoming a 'bitter old DJ'. Did it work?

Yeah. I decided to take a year out and collect my thoughts because there's so many old boys, not much older than me, that are quite bitter and twisted. You've got to move with the times. Not completely change your musical style, but bend a little bit.

DJing is about entertaining people. If the floor's not happening, it's down to the DJ to fix that. I took a break to become more open-minded and get my label together.

3

Under your Phlash moniker and other aliases you've worked with many respected producers.

What attracts you to the art of collaboration?

I've always had the mentality you can't build a house by yourself. I love working with people: you put ideas in and they put in theirs. My next Phlash album is going to be mostly my own work but

celebrate Relax@12's first birthday.

Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to late, free. (02) 6545138. www.relaxat12.com

Edward Maya @ Nasimi Beach The Romanian hit-maker returns to Dubai on his Desert Rain tour. Actual precipitation not predicted.

Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 8pm to late, Dhs150. Tel: (050) 5336087/(050) 8717493. www.321-events.com

Bow Wow @ Chi The American superstar rapper, formerly precocious child star Lil Bow Wow, barks into town.

Chi Garden @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs300. Tel: (04) 3379470. www.chinightclubdubai.com

Anniversary Party @ Relax@12 DJs Stew Magoo, Valerie and Greg Stainer

Hernan Cattaneo @ Pure Allure Big-hitting Argentinean compilation mix master flies in direct from South America.

Allure by Cipriani, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to late, Dhs200, Dhs150 before 2am.

Tel: (505) 969543. www.nightcluballure.com

4

there are still collaborations. I've always got a collaboration in the pipeline.

Your father was a record store clerk, so does the decline of physical record stores depress you?

It's not really sad, it's just progression.

We still do vinyl on Restless Soul. But everybody at the moment is looking back at the 1980s, trying to emulate that sound and fashion. I'm trying to do what they did in the 1980s: look to the future.

Do you have any favourite haunts when you visit Dubai, having played here several times now?

I know a lot of people moan about it, but I really love the Aquarium. And I love the attention to hospitality out there. You don't get that much in England. I've got a few mates there, so it's always a pleasure to go and hang out.

360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am (guest list only 4pm to 8pm), free. Tel: (055) 6160643. www. musthavesoul.com

92 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

12

CircoLoco @ Heat Clive Henry and Matt Tolfrey get the party started at Dubai's edition of the world famous club.

M-Dek, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Dubai, noon to midnight, Dhs100. Tel: (056) 7893897. www.mediaonehotel.com

Wesley Aarons @ The Yacht Club Parisian DJ plus vocalist Jessica Flores (also Mar 17).

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. www.intercontinentalabudhabi.com

4

Butch @ Ill Communications Techno, minimal and tech-house direct from Germany, off the back of Butch's 2010 album Eyes Wide Open Part One. Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.myspace. com/cometobutch

3

Heavies and more head to the beach for a stellar all-dayer.

Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs150 to Dhs300. Tel: (055) 2004321. www.atlantisthepalm.com

16 Hernan Cattaneo @ Pure Allure

Edward Maya @ Nasimi Beach

Gramophonedzie @ Nasimi Beach Circus Full Moon

Tony Lionni @ Audio Tonic Cocoon and Gigolo-approved Detroittinged techno/deep house from Berlinbased, British-born producer and DJ. 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www.myspace. com/httpwwwmyspacecomtonylionni Sandance @ Nasimi Beach 2ManyDJs, Sander Kleinenberg, Roger Sanchez, Sneaky Sound System, Brand New

18

Black Coffee @ MustHaveSoul UAE debut for South Africa's Black Coffee, holder of the longest DJ set world record at a mind-boggling 60 hours.

Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (055) 6160643. www. musthavesoul.com Gramophonedzie @ Nasimi Beach Circus Full Moon Serbia's answer to Paul Oakenfold – he even soundtracked his home country's version of Big Brother – showcases funky chartcrashing wares.

Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 and ladies free 5pm to 8pm. Tel: (04) 4260000. www. gramophonedzie.com Pierre Ravan and Vandy @ Ill Communications Celebrate the Persian New Year in style with a dual house attack from the Dubai regulars.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.pierreravan.com

CLUB DIARY

4

18 Spirit Catcher @ Audio Tonic

11 Andrew Fletcher @ Ill Communications Seminal electronic rockers Depeche Mode became a quintessential 80s band, finding fame with tracks like Just Can't Get Enough and Personal Jesus, and continue to fill arenas globally to this day. Founder member Andrew Fletcher hits Dubai as part of a rare solo DJ tour this month, hoping Depeche Mode will follow his lead and play the Emirates on their next world expedition Your solo dates have been few and far between over the years...

I've been DJing for about ten years, but there's limited time when I can actually do it, because Depeche Mode are either in the studio or on tour.

When we finish a tour we get a yearlong break and toward the end of that we can do our thing, so it's something I like doing. Depeche Mode is a machine when we come into town: we're playing big gigs; we've got a huge amount of crew. The nice thing about DJing is you get to speak with the promoters, go for dinner, you see a bit more than you would do with Depeche.

Are you itching to get back out on the road?

No, my family just want me to get out of the house, they're sick of me!

Are you hoping to spend time in Dubai, aside from your show?

I've got five days here. I've got friends and family coming out, and I'm just going to chill. I've been to Dubai before for a break. We did the full tourist thing – safari, camel racing, everything.

This tour takes in numerous exotic destinations. Is it an extended holiday or hard work?

Keyboard-loving Belgian house duo Spirit Catcher present a brand new live set at their upcoming Dubai appearance, following up latest album Partners In Crime, as Thomas Sohet explains Have you built up a healthy fan base in the UAE after multiple Dubai appearances?

Yeah, we have fans there. Some of the guys are even coming from Bahrain and other places we have played. It's a very special city, Dubai.

Each time is really nice, it's unique, with people always really into the music.

Will this set be similar to previous Dubai shows?

This one will be different – it's really brand new. Usually we play

Hard work. There's a lot of flying. But I'm trying to get to places where we wouldn't normally tour [with Depeche Mode]. We haven't done South East Asia for years, so we're looking to do that on the next tour. It would be great to go to Dubai as well.

What should we expect from your set? Will you air any of the upcoming Depeche Mode remix album?

Most of it is current electronic dance music with a bit of historical perspective thrown in. I'm pretty full on, but it should keep people dancing.

I'm going to be playing three or four of the remixes, so that should be interesting.

One of the weirdest examples of your band's fandom is the fully Depeche Mode-themed DM Bar in Estonia. Have you visited?

We had to pay the bill! They gave us all these drinks, we thought they'd be free, and then we had to pay the bill!

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.depechemode.com

19

Black Coffee @ MustHaveSoul See Mar 18.

360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, guest list only 4pm to 8pm, free. Tel: (055) 6160643. www.musthavesoul.com

24

Greg Boost @ The Yacht Club Late night floor-fillers from the spinner who has previously played Cannes Film Festival.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to late, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 6666888. www.intercontinentalabudhabi.com

a DJ set with some live add-ons and keyboards or small electronic gadgets, but this time, for the first time, we'll be playing full live versions with no mixing, with an analogue desk and more keyboards and gadgets. It's very exciting.

Keyboards are a big part of your sound. Is it tricky shipping bulky instruments around the world?

It's not always easy. Before we were travelling with a big analogue keyboard, a Roland Juno-106, but we stopped because we broke four.

Now we've updated our set-up and sampled sounds from the keyboards.

But we like to have something visual, because seeing one guy on his laptop screen sometimes makes people wonder 'What’s is he really doing? Maybe he's on Facebook?'

360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www.myspace.com/spiritcatcher1

on a host of hip underground labels.

360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www.myspace. com/haroldheath

31

Mofunk @ 360° Juxtapose classic sounds against Dubai's modern skyline with a night of 1970s funk and soul.

360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 6pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 8717493. www.jumeirah. com

Purple Music Party @ Barasti Jamie Lewis and Michael Watford get colourful with house as Swiss label Purple Music take over.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Jumeirah, Dubai, 5pm to late, Dhs50 to Dhs100, ladies free before 9pm. Tel: (04) 3181313. www.lemeridien.com/minaseyahi

25

Harold Heath @ Audio Tonic Roger Sanchez and Fedde Le Grandapproved UK house stalwart with releases

4

Bow Wow @ Chi

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 93

GETTY IMAGE S

Roger Sanchez @ Sandance

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TRAVEL

Africa time

LONG HAUL

Black rhinos: this rare beast became our safari obsession

Pack up your troubles, and a sturdy pair of boots, in your old kit bag and hop on a plane to Africa. It’s not just hype; a Kenyan safari really is a life-changing experience

just a guide, the pilot will fly when he wants to fly – you’re on Africa time now.”

And we were more than happy to be on Africa time. Hakuna matata. There are no worries.

So, spending an hour in a van heated by the slowly receding sun, balmy air wafting in through the open windows as we made our way from Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport across town to The Norfolk hotel Time slows down the minute you arrive in became a pleasant, rather than a trying Africa. It becomes so inconsequential that you experience. won’t look at a clock or check your watch the Hemmed in by vehicles, one link in a whole time you are there. slow moving chain of metal, we watched the As our driver, Jackson, the calmest gent people of Kenya’s capital making their various we’ve ever encountered, warned with a ways home from work, or just going about knowing grin, “tomorrow’s flight times are their business. A pregnant woman wiping

sweat from her belly, hawkers tapping on the windows brandishing month-old copies of Vogue and GQ, a beggar – not persistent, seemingly not really bothered – and a couple of camouflaged men, automatic weapons slung across their laps, being chauffeured who knows where by a man in a cheap suit driving a Toyota Corolla.

The Norfolk opened in 1904, and has been the hotel of choice for visiting dignitaries and stars ever since. Winston Churchill, Neville Chamberlain and Theodore Roosevelt have all spent the night at some point over the years, and in the era of game hunting all the big guns stayed at The Norfolk before embarking on safari. It’s still the only hotel in town for anyone who likes their accommodation to MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 95

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TRAVEL | KENYA

THE ANIMAL KINGDOM Some of the bigger animals you could spot on a Masai Mara game drive THE BIG FIVE L Lion L Black rhino L Leopard L Buffalo L Elephant come with a distinguished history.

But after a cosy night, cosseted five-star luxury with a belly full of chicken potpie and a flight addled head rested on a fluffy pillow, it was time for the real action to begin. Safari time.

To get to the Masai Mara, the famous game reserve in the south west of Kenya and our destination, we took a short flight from Nairobi’s small Wilson airport in a daringly diminutive plane. The smaller the aircraft the better in our book. If you can stand to your full height in it, you’re not really flying. And gliding over a vast palette of browns, reds, greens, yellows – too many subtle tones to count, the thrum of the engine reverberating in your chest, your heart starts to beat slower.

A moment of calm. Time is no more.

Soon we came in to land on a long strip of earth in the middle of the Masai Mara, or the Mara as the locals call it. Met by Peter, our driver for the duration of our stay, we were treated to our first encounter with the non-human residents of the Mara. A herd of plodding elephants, a couple of giraffes munching at the treetops, a family of warthog who lift their tusks from the ground to acknowledge our presence and a bachelor herd of impala with their regal, curved horns.

We stayed at Little Governors’ Camp, which has just 17 tents and is completely open so the numerous animals can, and do, roam about freely and game wardens are employed to walk you to and from the reception, bar and restaurant area.

From the wooden porch of our luxurious tent (it had a fully functioning bathroom and electric lighting) we could see a baboon strutting about like he owned the place and an elephant shrugging at the smaller animal’s juvenile antics. A family of warthog scuttled from a nearby bush and vacuumed up a fair portion of the scrub grass before running off their lunch chasing each other around our tent. We could have watched this drama all day, but there was more to see on our first afternoon safari drive.

We had no idea what to expect having done

The king: royalty they may be, but lions are some of the laziest animals in the kingdom

no preparation and possessing little knowledge of the animals living in the Mara beyond a few hazily remembered David Attenborough documentaries. But armed with a checklist provided by the hotel we were soon ticking creatures off as we spotted them – a seriously addictive habit.

After just ten minutes of bouncing about in Peter’s 4x4 we’d laid a shaky lead mark beside elephant, warthog, impala, baboon and lion, among others.

The lion is Africa time in action, or not, as is often the case. We saw our first, a female, sleeping in some long grass, prompting Peter to point out that, “they don’t do much, just hunt, eat and sleep”. Lions, apparently, live for 15 to 20 years and spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping. Lazy beggars. Similarly, male elephants are sluggish fellows, lagging far behind the herd led by the cow (female) and keeping track of their families using their sense of smell.

Nothing is hurried. It’s all well ordered. It makes sense. And all of this reminds you that we haven’t ruined the planet completely yet.

Nature still holds sway. By giving man the ability to think for himself, Mother Nature laid down a challenge. “Go on, try and do better than me,” she said with a sardonic

snort. But man is yet to better her. The wonders of Petra, the history seeping from the walls of the old city of Damascus, the magnificence of Burj Khalifa – none compares to the sights you can see in the Masai Mara.

Nature beats man hands down.

We did two game drives a day during our time at Little Governors’. And no two drives are the same on safari. You might see elephants one day and elephants the next, but on the first day they’ll just be chewing some grass, the next crossing a river, the older members of the

Thirsty work: four lady lions wash down breakfast

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 97

TRAVEL | KENYA

CHECK LIST If you’re going on safari, don’t forget to…

L Buy a pair of binoculars L Pack a hat (sunglasses can affect your

view of the animals) L Apply plenty of lip salve, sun cream and

insect repellent L Invest in a decent camera with long lens L Pick up a copy of Jonathan Scott's Safari

Guide To East African Animals L It’s not set in Kenya, but Ernest

Hemingway’s Green Hills Of Africa would be perfect holiday reading herd book ending their young to protect them from crocs.

Twenty minutes into our first drive we followed a baby elephant galumphing about, throwing a tantrum because it had lost its mother, stopping every couple of seconds to smell and listen for the herd. Elephants see best in dim light.

An entertaining sight, but being young in the animal kingdom doesn’t mean you will live longer. Often just the opposite is your fate. A 50-year-old elephant has a much better chance of surviving a year than a newborn warthog, for example.

Hippos live for up to 40 years and, with the ability to crush most things between their gaping, dripping maws, kill more humans in

On safari: the animals pay no attention to the 4x4s

Africa than any other animal. But a young hippo, though they sleep on their mother’s backs for safety, can easily become a crocodile’s breakfast.

Death or potential death is all around.

Bones lay where their owners perished.

Intimations of danger lurk in every bush, but there is also comedy. When a hippo goes “pee-pee”, as the encyclopaedically-minded Peter put it, it spins its tail around, slapping the water against its ample posterior. Its sneeze is a deep quacking sound, and when the hippos communicate it sounds like a building being pulled down. And warthogs, well, warthogs have the best personalities. You could go for a beer with a warthog.

These events are played out as if our large

THE BALLOON SAFARI As our slightly eccentric but likeably cheerful balloon captain put it, you haven’t seen the Mara until you’ve seen it from the basket of a hot air balloon. We booked a dawn flight from Little Governors’ Camp and, woken at 5.30am with a cup of fruity Kenyan coffee and biscuits, began our ascent just as the sun was rising and the animals started to go about their morning ritual. There’s no need to be worried, the balloon doesn’t fly much higher than the tree tops – in fact the basket skimmed a tree on our way up, snapping branches and showering debris down upon us, terrifying a few of our fellow passengers and the captain. Then it’s 45 minutes of floating across the immense landscape towards Tanzania as the orange sun rises higher in the purple sky, before quite a bumpy landing during which you’re likely to crash into several termite mounds. Be 98 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

warned, the basket is certain to tip over, so hold on tight. Finally, a fully cooked champagne breakfast in the wilderness and an hour-long game drive back to camp. The 60-minute balloon safari, including breakfast costs Dhs2,000 per person and can be arranged by Emirates Holidays or Little Governor’s Camp.

green vehicle were invisible. We were within feet, sometimes inches, of these animals and they couldn’t have cared less about the voyeurs gawping in wonder at their every move. One group waited two hours for a leopard to emerge from the undergrowth. The animals are definitely in charge in the Mara; you work on their time. And if they didn’t want you to see them, you didn’t.

We quickly developed an obsession with the black rhino, the rarest of the infamous ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant are the other four) due to poachers and hunters.

We watched as a lioness observed a young male’s unsuccessful attempt to kill lunch, we looked on as four lionesses fresh from the hunt slurped water from a pool, we even saw

Need to know THE PACKAGE

Emirates Holidays offers a four-day, three night package to Kenya, including return economy class flights, one night in Nairobi at The Norfolk hotel, flights to and from the Masai Mara, two nights at the main Governors' Camp with breakfast, lunch, dinner, five 4x4 game drives, entrance fees and all transfers for Dhs7,792 per person. www.emirates-holidays.com

THE HOTELS THE NORFOLK www.fairmont.com/ norfolkhotel

Friendly lions: go on, give us a kiss.

GOVERNORS’ CAMP www.governorscamp.com

Lovely fellow: a warthog

Elephant skull

A giraffe

a young male lion soon after he’d beaten off an older rival, killing his young and injuring and seriously angering the lioness. We saw hyenas playing peek-a-boo in the long grass. We even caught sight of a hippo making its way back to the cool waters after a night of grazing. But, though we sped and leaped over what must have been a good few miles of the Mara – Peter assuring us that “this is where the rhino lives" – we never saw the giant, black beast of our nerdy tick-box dreams.

But we’re hooked, and so will you be.

Everyone should enjoy some Africa time every once in a while. Maybe you’ll even catch sight of that illusive black rhino.

MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB We added an overnight stay at the lavish Mount Kenya Safari Club to our itinerary. Founded by Hollywood actor William Holden after a hunting trip to the area in the late 1950s, Winston Churchill (that man got around), Conrad Hilton, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Lyndon Johnson and David Lean are on the roll call of former guests. Sitting on the slopes of the majestic Mount Kenya right on the equator – you can enjoy a charming equator ceremony with Masai warriors – it is a beautiful resort with lush, landscaped gardens populated by numerous birds, a 1,000 acre game reserve, golf course, tennis courts and all the comforts one expects from an exclusive resort. The ideal place to recuperate for several days after returning from safari.

Emirates Holidays offers an extension package, including a flight from Nairobi to Nanyuki airstrip near the Mount Kenya Safari Club, transfers to and from the hotel, two nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner and the return flight to Nairobi’s Wilson airport for Dhs3,730 per person. www.fairmont.com/kenyasafariclub

CURRENCY

100 Kenyan shillings = Dhs4.49024268

“Bones lay where their owners perished. Intimations of danger lurk in every bush, but there is also comedy” MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 99

TRAVEL | TRAVELS WITH...

Travels with…

TRAVEL EXTRA

At 21, Leonard Logsdail became the youngest tailor to open a shop on Savile Row’s Golden Mile, he’s made suits for Robert De Niro and Matt Damon and he now has operations in ten countries, including an appointment-only showroom in Dubai What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had?

It has to be Tuscany in 2010. My wife and I stayed at Castello di Vicarello, an 11th century castle boasting it’s own vineyard and olive groves. It sat high in the Tuscan hills and was extremely interesting and enjoyable. We then moved on to Rome where we stayed at the

the best tailors. Many will think England and Savile Row and there are good tailors there, but the quality of the workmanship is better in the US. The trouble is, most of the tailors there are getting old.

What are your three top tips for surviving a long airport stopover?

I love airport stopovers, as I see such interesting people there. I enjoy the different humanity passing by. They fascinate me. But do not expect good food at the restaurants and you will not be disappointed. Setting your expectaInterContinental at the tions or hopes too high will leave you feeling top of the Spanish steps. For let down. When you need to use the location, you couldn’t have much better bathroom for ‘serious’ matters, take than that. a free hotel shuttle and use one there.

What’s been your biggest travel disaster? Much cleaner and less used.

When I lived in London I travelled to the What do you never travel without?

United States extensively. I had one A toothbrush, naturally, but I also always carry particularly good client in San Francisco, all a silk pocket square. It can be just that or a the way on the west coast. He asked me to fly cravat too – it instantly smartens up your apout there to see him specifically. This was a pearance and makes you feel well turned out.

13-hour flight from London. The meeting was What destination serves the best food? set and I flew out there only to find he had I enjoyed the food in Venice most of all. been called away. I sat in the hotel for one day Logsdail London, Warehouse 17b, Al Quoz, Duand then flew back to London. bai. Tel: (04) 3233148. www.logsdaillondon.com If you could advise people to visit one destination, what would it be?

It would be Italy. It’s beautiful, historic and “I also always carry a silk very stylish. People in the cities take a pride in pocket square. It can be their appearance and, naturally, I appreciate just that or a cravat too” that. But I actually think the United States has

SNAP Three bargain spring If you’re a keen photographer, you’ll love breaks this one. The Gulf Photo Plus Faces & Places photography three-day tour TALKING TURKEY of Oman, led by photography instructors Istanbul is sitting pretty near the top of our travel wish list for 2011, so we like the Bobbi Lane and David Nightingale, will look of this deal from Air Arabia Holidays, include workshops at all of Muscat’s which includes return flights from Sharjah, cultural highlights, models and an assistant, three nights in a central three-star accommodation at a four-star hotel, hotel, a tour of Istanbul and a breakfast and lunch. We advise that you snap Bosphorus cruise. Not bad, eh? it up (see what we did there?) straight away.

Air Arabia Holidays, from Mar 17 to 19, Faces & Places, Dhs4,958.

Dhs2,180. Tel: (06) 5074400.

Tel: (04) 3602365. www.holidays.airarabia.com www.gulfphotoplus.com 100 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

THREE CITIES, FIVE DAYS This is a more than a bargain; it’s practically a gift. Return flights from Sharjah to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, five nights accommodation in Bentota, Kandy and Colombo, breakfast, a tour of Colombo and Kandy and visits to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, the Botanical Gardens and Kandy Temple for well under Dhs3,000. All you need to worry about is sorting out your visa.

Air Arabia Holidays, from Dhs2,630. Tel: (06) 5074400. www.holidays.airarabia.com

ISTOCK

Leonard Logsdail

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102 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

Buffet Breakfast

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RARE

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MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 105

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THE HOT LIST

THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES

BARS

Barasti

ATMOSPHERE

1

LOCATION

BEST FOR

Zuma

PRICE

Belgian Beer Café

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Caramel is packed with pretty girls and pretty men with a pretty healthy bank balance. This is place to see and be seen.

Caramel’s leafy terrace offers respite from the concrete jungle of DIFC, while inside you’ll find a citystyle bar.

Meet friends for a quick post-work drink, be tempted by the menu then settle in until midnight. Try the kobe sliders.

This bar is far from cheap – neighbourhood hazard – but ladies get half price cocktails from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesdays.

Very, very slick.

Glass, dark wood, low slung sofas and a terrace perfect for post-work drinks.

Zuma was the first big-hitter to set up shop in DIFC, starting quite the trend. It’s still at the heart of this nightlife hub.

Break out the Hugo Boss, shine those shoes and get your best garb on. This lounge is anything but casual.

You can go a bit wild on the wine and sakes, but cocktails are reasonable. High prices at a high quality bar.

Barasti veers between laid-back cool on the beach, and mania at the bar – it’s a brave man that pushes to the front on a Friday night.

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.

Stick with the beers and you'll be OK: spirits and mixers are expenisve given they're served in a tiny plastic cup.

4

Media City. One of the last places you’d expect to find watery debauchery.

Mingling. This place is packed with revellers both post-brunch and mid-week. Go with a group.

Not bad, to be honest. High rollers dominate the 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

M Dek

LA pool party. DJ under the stars.

That constant threat of being thrown in the deep end. We love it.

5

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.

Dubai’s finest break out their finery come Friday to pose for those all-important photos ops.

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

Caramel

2 Zuma

3 Barasti

360˚

Buzzy atmosphere, the chance of celebspotting and seriously good food. We’re sold.

Stay tuned for the next What's On Saturday Session; the perfect way to end your weekend.

, Gigs like The Streets on the 18th are turning the beach from chilled to hot, hot, hot.

Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 11am to 2am.

Tel: (04) 4256677. www.carameldubai. com

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

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 11am to 2am.

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

NOVEMBER MARCH 2011 2010 WHAT’S ON 107

HOT ON HEELubSai Marinai THE e Address D

BARS

Th i Hotel 11 Blends, rive, Arman 12 Armani/P dress Dubai Mall e Ad 13 Neos, Th The Westin 14 Senyar, lam r, Mina A’Sa Ba i hr Ba 15

The Yacht Club

ATMOSPHERE

6

Belgian Beer Café

7

Calabar

8

The Terrace

9

The Yacht Club

10 The Gramercy

LOCATION

BEST FOR

The Terrace

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Now the weather is dreamy you'll have to be quick to nab a table on the terrace. Inside the pews are rammed with diners, and the bar busy with beer fans.

Don't dismiss Festival Centre as the land of IKEA, the BBC is king of a huge swathe of new bars and restaurants in this part of town.

If you’re in the mood for some European charm, this is the only pub to go to.

There’s a Monday night all you can eat moules and beer affair for Dhs199.

Bargain Belgian.

Ditch the pashmina or John Smedley knit, the winter is warming up so it's the right time for drinks at Calabar.

At the centre of Old Town, affording you great views of the Burj Khalifa from the coveted beanbags.

Cocktails and chat.

Don’t expect super speedy service, though.

Above average, but you'll be so relaxed that you'll sip your drinks 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

Civilised, with outdoor tables overlooking the yachts and killer cocktails.

At one of the most beautiful hotels in the land, just next to the creek..

A few drinks, lovely canapés and picking out which boat you’d have. The Pershing, please.

Pretty 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 busy 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.

From techno to naff 1980s, they can't get the music right.

And it's driving us a bit batty.

Aquara, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily from 6pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3627900. www. dubaimarinayachtclub. com

Buzzing at lunch and after work, quieter for dinner, then packed later on. It's a sports bar with style.

Another reason to eat, drink and be merry in DIFC.

The bistro feel, live music and menu.

The ladies' nights on Tuesdays are a nice change from the usual meat markets, too

It's not cheap, but does have regualar offers.

Check out the jazz nights on Friday, where they screen concerts by the greats.

Unit 7, Level 2, Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 4377511

108 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

A cracking brunch, decent deals and a spectacular drinks list mean we're regulars.

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

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 108

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THE HOT LIST

THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE

RESTAURANTS

Rivington Grill

ATMOSPHERE

1

INTERIOR

FOOD

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 111Indego by Vineet LOCATION

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

LPM is everyone’s favourite restaurant, so make sure you book ahead.

White panelled walls, contemporary artworks, dark, bare wood floors, a long bar, crisp tablecloths and romantic lighting.

The small plates are ideal for sharing, and chef Izi’s delightful Niçoise (from Nice) cuisine will encourage conversation.

DIFC continues to battle with Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Marina for the title of Dubai restaurant hub.

We managed to blow Dhs930 (without alcohol), but two could eat very well for Dhs650.

We’d wager that Zuma does more covers on an average evening than many Dubai restaurants do in a week.

For the restaurant experience head downstairs. For a more casual affair plop yourself down on a sofa in the upstairs lounge.

Try out the new ‘From the Grill’ selection. Cuts of prime wagyu cooked over charcoal and T-bone with truffle ponzu, anyone?

A short walk from sister restaurant LPM in the peerless DIFC.

Dhs1,000 for two. Ebisu Express lunch menu (miso plus main) Dhs62, Ebisu (miso plus three courses) Dhs120.

If a better Japanese than Zuma comes to Dubai this year, we’ll eat our hat.

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

3

Convivial with knowledgeable and hospitable staff.

A cosy restaurant with several statues of golden gods and a cabinet of shoes on one wall to remind you you’re eating Indian.

He might not be behind the stove, but the menu shows off Bhatia’s unequalled contemporary Indian cuisine.

It’s not immediately evident but there’s a nice terrace for a coffee or post meal drink.

Dhs900 (without alcohol). Well worth it.

Catch both chef John Sinjobi and Vineet Bhatia at Taste Of Dubai (p38)

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. www. grosvenorhousedubai.com

4

RG is so popular they’re opening another one later this year at the Madinat.

Uncomplicated with an open kitchen, white walls and linen and, of course, daily specials scribbled on chalkboards.

The food at The Riv is simple, elegant and always delicious.

British cuisine at its best.

The Friday Farmer’s Market just downstairs has brought a real buzz to Souk Al Bahar.

Dhs400 for two.

Read our interview with new executive chef Colin Clague (p39).

Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai, noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4230903. www. rivingtongrill.ae

Under chef Scott Price Verre has again become a mustvisit dining destination.

It had a bit of a tidy up late last year, but it’s still modern fine dining 101.

If you want the full Verre experience book the chef’s table.

Deira. We know, but it’s worth the taxi.

Dhs395 for three courses.

Dhs495 for six.

For the chef’s table it’s Dhs695 without alcohol, wine pairings Dhs350 to Dhs600.

Time to move, Gordon? Gary’s got two in the Marina, you know.

La Petite Maison

2 Zuma

Indego by Vineet

Rivington Grill

5 Verre

The Ivy is opens in Emirates Towers in April.

Can it knock LPM off the top spot?

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

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 111

HOT ON EELS THRhEodH es Twenty10

RESTAURANTS

11

12 Okku ne es Mezzani od Rh 13 14 Frankie’s 15 Margaux

Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire’s

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S INTERIOR ON SAYS...

Rare

INFO FOOD

LOCATION

PRICE

Traiteur

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

6

Not as full as the bothersome booking suggested, but pretty busy nonetheless.

We expected something a bit garish, a little like the OTT décor at Burj Al Arab, but it’s smooth, sultry and really rather pleasant.

The name might be silly, but the high-end grill menu is anything but.

Go for the steak tartare.

The 122nd floor of the tallest building in the world. That do you?

Extortionate. A minimum spend of Dhs450 per person We dropped Dhs1,250, but everyone should visit once.

Read our review (p40).

7

Dinner at Reflets is reserved by most for a special occasion and the ambience reflects that.

Purple carpet, pink chandeliers and mahogany balloon-back chairs. Classic, camp and everso-French.

Pierre Gagnaire is famed the world over for his creative cookery and the team at Reflets was taught by the master.

Reflets has its own floor, which can only be reached in its very own lift.

Dhs1,000 and the some, but the threecourse lunch menu, available Monday to Friday, is a bargain at just Dhs180.

Don’t miss Gagnaire at the Festival Of Literature this month (p14).

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 7011128. www. ichotelsgroup. com

Refined and romantic.

We love the high, vaulted ceiling and the open kitchen.

Chef Franck Detrait and his team do French brasserie better than any other restaurant in Dubai.

Park Hyatt. Our favourite Dubai hotel.

Three courses for two for around Dhs615.

Dhs280 per person for the three-course set menu.

A touch of class. Our visit to Margaux this month (p42) reminded us why we love Traiteur so much.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. www.dubai. park.hyatt.com

Life slows down when you dine at Rare. It doesn’t feel like you’re eating dinner in a city.

Take a table on the terrace and enjoy the view over the lush polo fields with the Burj Khalifa in the background.

Superb new menu. Order the Aussie Wagyu rib-eye.

Desert Palm allows you to escape from the city without travelling too far.

Dhs700 (without alcohol)

We admire chef Kevin Little’s passion. He’s breathed new life into the menu.

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 43238888. www. desertpalm. peraquum. com

Bathed in the glow of the open fire, Asado is one of the warmest restaurants in town. In more ways than one.

Chalet-like with dark woods, an extensive wine cellar, two private dining rooms and a small stage for live music.

Order pretty much any of the grilled meats and the delicious apple tart for dessert.

Downtown Dubai is a handy central location and the outdoor terrace sits at the foot of the Burj Khalifa.

Around the Dhs700 for two mark. Not too bad.

Don’t miss tango on Sunday nights from 7pm.

Dhs222 for three course and tango.

The Palace – The Old Town, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 287888. www. theaddress.com

At.mosphere

Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire’s

8 Traiteur

9 Rare

10 Asado

112 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 8883828.

...more than a

feeling! we

could tell you it’s about silky

sounds mixed by dubai’s hottest djs, the beautiful people with a fabulous fashion sense, or even the sublime selection of refreshments. but that doesn’t explain why M-DEK is the

hottest, coolest alfresco venue in town.

Feel the

groove… Enter

Media One Hotel. PO Box 121818, Dubai Media City. T: +971 4 4271000 E: bite@mediaonehotel.com W: www.mediaonehotel.com

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES

Thai Kitchen

OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH

Al Qasr

Traiteur

ATMOSPHERE

FOOD

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

Still full to the brim, as always.

Plenty. There’s a cheese trolley, made-to-order steak to sushi, oxtail burger and just about every other food you could possibly require.

There are three rooms full of food and a terrace so there’s plenty of room to roam around.

Impressing your parents, friends, potential business partners or a significant other.

Impressing anyone, really.

A steep Dhs495.

2

With a live jazz band and a buffet in the open kitchen things can get pretty lively.

Classic French brassiere, just like the a la carte but it’s a free-for-all.

Book the private dining room, grab a table near the open kitchen or take a seat on the terrace and enjoy the weather.

“Bon vivant: a person with refined taste, especially one who enjoys superb food and drink.” Is that you?

Up to you.

Dhs375 sans booze, Dhs450 with wine and beer, Dhs595 with bubbly and Dhs1,998 with a limo pick up.

Verging on the pricey, but we pay it quite often.

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

3

Already a firm fixture on the Dubai brunch scene. Book ahead.

Fresh sushi and sashimi and a wide array of dishes from the alwaysexhilarating regular menu.

The upstairs lounge and bar means there’s no need to leave at 4pm.

The best Japanese food in Dubai.

Kitsu (no alcohol) Dhs315, Kowaku Dhs425 (with alcohol) and Kyasha (with champers) Dhs550.

If you like Japanese food there is no other option.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4255660. www. zumarestaurant. com

Toshi is an evening brunch so it feels more like a long dinner than an abnormally indulgent lunch.

It’s Asian night, so you’re talking sushi, dim sum, soup and grilled meats made to order. It’s a fine spread.

The 18th floor of the Grand Millennium, so it's a bit of hidden gem.

There’s a little adjoining bar for post-dinner drinks.

The set price and buffet set up makes it ideal for a big dinner with friends.

At just Dhs195 Toshi guarantees you will be well fed and watered for less than Dhs200.

Three hours of lovely food, free flowing drinks and, if you’re lucky, good company.

Grand Millennium Dubai, Tecom, Al Barsha, Dubai, 7pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4299999. www. millenniumhotels. com

Imagine a picnic in the park, but with other people making the food and a glass of fizz in your hand.

Breads, jams, soups, salads, hot pot, a BBQ, buttered scones and cheese.

Salivating yet?

On the grass at the Al Badia Golf Club. Lovely.

Enjoying the spring weather.

Dhs199 sans booze, Dhs330 with house beverages and Dhs495 with Veuve.

Why have they waited until March?

There are only a couple of months before the big heat.

Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City, The Lawn, Festival City, Dubai. Tel: (04) 7011127. www. albadiagolfclub.ae

1 Al Qasr

Traiteur

Zuma

4 Toshi

5

Friday Picnic Brunch

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

With many newer, cheaper options people might be starting to visit Al Qasr less ofen.

For now it's king.

INFO

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

MARCH 2011 WHAT’S ON 115

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

Spectrum On One

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON FOOD SAYS...

6

INFOLOCATION

BEST FOR

Anise

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

The live band provides the soundtrack to proceedings.

Peking duck, pizzas, barbecued cuts, curries and more. But leave room for cheese, which has its own dedicated room.

Wander onto the terrace and you will be rewarded with a grand view of the Dubai skyline.

One and all.

Dhs395 with alcohol, Dhs295 without.

7

Not quiet by any means, but not too messy either.

Sophisticated.

Bubbly, steak, seafood, sushi.

Everything you would expect at a high-end brunch.

Outside beside the water is the only option as far as we’re concerned.

A solid family brunch.

A not so cheap Dhs425.

It’s like a quieter Al Qasr.

Pop on your shades and enjoy life in Dubai.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3668888. www. jumeirah.com

8

For most of the time you’re just hanging out by the pool, so it’s pretty relaxed.

Mexican from celeb chef Richard Sandoval’s Maya. Platters of grilled meat and fish between 1pm and 4pm on the terrace.

The beach. Or are you more of a pool person?

Being outside.

Dhs300 for lunch and pool and beach access from 10am to 6pm.

Drinks are extra, but there's 30 per off between 5pm and 7pm.

Don’t miss the live mariachi band.

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 10am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3165550. www. leroyalmeridiendubai.com

9

Everyone is at Grand Grill to eat meat and be merry. The waiters love a bit of banter.

“BBQ the South African way” – i.e. bigger and well lubricated.

The grill makes sitting in the relatively small restaurant a lively time. Take a table outside for the real BBQ experience.

Meat eaters and anyone who likes a drop of the good stuff.

A bargain at Dhs295 with alcohol, or Dhs225 without.

Saffers know how to barbecue.

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

Expect full tables, but nothing too rowdy.

It took 90 minutes to arrive last time we went. We complained five times. Not good. Hence the nosedive to the bottom of the list.

Always take a table on the terrace.

Nine times out of ten Thai Kitchen has been a superb venue for fantastic small Thai dishes and a relaxed day out.

Dhs245 with alcohol. Cheap.

Extremely cheap.

Lucky to remain in the top ten. It's a good deal, but Thai Kitchen is hanging by a thread.

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

Anise

Mina A'Salam

Maya

The Grand Grill

10 Thai Kitchen

116 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

The hiring of a band was a masterstroke.

Every brunch should have one.

Anise, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 7011111. www. ichotelsgroup. com

" e t a r b le

N e R E T C S " ITH AFRICAN + EA W

Why not... throw a surprise party for a friend or loved one?

African + Eastern stores located at: Arabian Ranches: 04 360 6620 Karama: 04 357 2260 Jumeirah: 04 349 0246

Bur Dubai: 04 352 4521 Marina Walk: 04 368 3981 Umm Suqueim: 04 394 2676

Deira: 04 222 2666 Mirdif: 04 288 2715 TECOM: 04 445 6880

All stores open Saturday – Thursday 10am to 9pm

Marina Walk, Jumeirah, Bur Dubai and Arabian Ranches open Fridays 3pm to 9pm

www.africaneastern.com

THE HOT LIST SPAS

Amara

THERAPISTS

1

THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE

The Spa

MENU

THE SPA

PRICE

Sensasia Urban Spa

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Utterly expert, very friendly and skilled beyond belief. Truly the best therapists we've ever been tended by in Dubai.

Most treatments are by ESPA, so the menu is well-chosen and addresses every possible concern.

There are even wellness journeys lasting up to five days. We want.

Absolutely gorgeous. The hotel is a fair trek to get to, but the result is an away from it all experience. Expect lots of wood, terracotta and gorgeous fabrics.

Not as expensive as they could probably demand (shush) with a 25minute body scrub for Dhs215 and one-hour massage costing Dhs490.

Thumbs up.

2

We recommended Sue if knots are your main problem, but they are all very knowledgeable and professional.

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.

Stunning.

Particularly good for couples, with private outdoor showers and VIP suites.

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.

It's finally off the number one spot, but is a worthy holder of the silver medal.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 6021234. www.dubai.park. hyatt.com

3

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.

Choose wisely and you’ll get an hourlong massage for Dhs310, and they’ll often do monthly discounts.

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

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.

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.

Ask them about the Talise detox minibreak at Bab Al Shams desert resort. Superb.

Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 3666818. www.jumeirah.com/ talise

Modern zen awaits at this vast spa, with experienced therapists on hand to guide you from reception to relaxation.

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 Dubai Mall.

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 sanctuary.

The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4388888. www.theaddress.com

One&Only Spa

Amara Spa

Sensasia Urban Spa

4

Talise Spa

5

The Spa

This is the ultimate day spa destination. We love it, and think you will too.

One&Only The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 4401010. www.thepalm. oneandonlyresorts. com

MARCH 2011 OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’S ON ON 119 119

HOT ON THE HEELS

SPAS

onarch Spa, The M 11 Mandara Spa, One&Only y 12 One&Onl Mirage Royal l, rContinenta City 13 Spa Inte stival Fe ai ub D l enta InterContin an Tree Al Wadi 14 Bany nd Spa, 15 The Gra tt Dubai Grand Hya

Armani/Spa

THERAPISTS

6

MENU

Talise Spa at Emirates Towers

THE SPA

Lime Spa

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

An international mix of staff.

We had a knot-busting South African.

Impressive.

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. Very masculine indeed.

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.

Male and female therapists are available with 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 and Eve Lom treatments, plus everything 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 Anne Semonin massage for Dhs450 and an hour of reflexology for Dhs395.

We thoroughly recommend a massage then steak at the all-new Rare restaurant.

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, after International City, Dubai, 9am to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 3238888. www.desertpalm.ae

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.

Well priced at around Dhs350 for an hour-long massage. Keep an eye out for special offers, too.

We tried the signature Hot Salt Pot treatment this month. Read all about it on page 72.

1074 Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira, Dubai, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3489679. www. thaiprivilegespadubai. com

Extensive, with custom rituals from Japanese beauty masters Shiseido.

ShuiQi Spa & Fitness

The team at Atlantis will greet you with ginger tea, treat you to some high quality pampering, then bring more tea.

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.

10

Expert, unassuming and happy to talk you through what they’re doing and why. Excellent.

Not a huge selection, but everything you could want from rituals to tanning.

An unexpected sanctuary in the depths of Emirates Towers. Previously H2O male spa, it has opened its doors to the ladies.

Definitely on the more expensive side, which is no surprise given the hotel and neighbourhood it’s in.

Armani/Spa

7

Lime Spa

8

Thai Privilege Spa

9

Talise Spa at Emirates Towers

120 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

' A spa that will have you wanting more (and asking for a pay rise).

A lunchtime massage is the perfect pick-me-upfor stressed execs.

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Old Town, Dubai, 9am to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 8883888. www.dubai. armanihotels.com

Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4261020. www. atlantisthepalm.com

Emirates Towers, Dubai, 9am to 11pm.

Tel: (04) 3198181. www.jumeirah.com

THIS YEAR WE WILL DO IT… AGAIN DIAL 04 391 2019 LEAVE US A MESSAGE AND TELL US HOW WE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

BACKCHAT WITH CATBOY

Mum’s the word for our man on the radio I know I’ll get pedantic responses as soon as I mention the subject of this month’s ramblings, so let me kick-off with a caveat. I know different countries celebrate Mother’s Day at different times. In fact, the only months that don’t have a country celebrating Mother’s Day are January, July and September. However, for Brits and most people heralding from the Middle East, March is when we normally honour our mums.

The other reason I wanted to write this now is because March is also when my mum’s birthday is… Or at least I thought it was.

She’ll kill me for admitting this, but I just had to double-check that fact on her Facebook page.

Right now you’re probably murmuring under your breath that I am a horrible person and a poor excuse for a son. I agree wholeheartedly. It’s got to be someone’s fault though, right? I’m quite a generous person.

I tip heavily at the petrol station and in restaurants, I don’t feign a heart attack when it’s my turn to get a round in… If anything,

I’m far more of a giver than I am a receiver.

So, who’s to blame? Well, I reckon it’s my dad. This stuff needs to be ingrained into children from a young age for it to take hold and, unfortunately, my dad just didn’t do his job properly. It’s hard to blame him. He was young. He was working very hard. He probably didn’t have it drilled into him by his father. It’s still his fault though. Dads are supposed to buy the Mother’s Day card or help you make one. They’re supposed to buy the flowers, chocolates or ‘World’s Best Mum’ tat on your behalf. The same goes for mum’s birthdays, too. He did none of that.

Sadly, for years this left me feeling no sense of importance on these occasions. More recently guilt has also reared its ugly head. I don’t want my mum (who, by the way, is the most supportive, hard-working, generous mother on the planet) feeling like I don’t love or appreciate her. I know how much effort she put into bringing up two uncooperative, evil, little monsters. I know how much she went without in order that her precious snowflakes got everything we wanted. I know how many nights she stayed awake just to make sure I got home safe even though she had warned me not

to be out late. Most of all, I know how many times she covered for us with my dad (albeit still constantly using him as a threat) and saved us from “feeling the back of his hand”.

I just hope that, by this admission of my own selfish stupidity, at least one person out there will learn from my mistakes and do something nice for their own mum this year, whenever her birthday or Mother’s Day is. I’d also like to use these last few lines to speak directly to my own mother…

Mum, you’re number one. You make the best Christmas dinner on earth. Your house is the tidiest living space imaginable. You’re interior decorating skills are second to none.

You have a great sense of humour. Your tireless effort at being a wife and mother has rendered the three men in your life useless at looking after themselves. You’ve done your job as a mother perfectly and for that and a million other reasons, I love you.

There. That’s saved me a few dirhams on a card and postage.

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

Don’t miss next month’s What’s On 103 best-kept secrets, Dubai Chill Out Fest, top cheesecakes and the Here & Now gig 122 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2011

FOR THE FIRST TIME ON PUBLIC DISPLAY IN THE UAE. WHITE TIGERS. ONLY AT AL AIN WILDLIFE PARK & RESORT. Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort expresses its gratitude to Sheikha Latifa Bint Rashid Bin Khalifa Bin Saeed Al Maktoum for the generous donation of two extraordinary White tigers.

The almost two year old White tiger siblings, a female and a male, have relocated to their new home at Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort and are now on exhibit. Come and watch them in their new enclosure in the zoo’s cathouse.

Today, White tigers are reported to live only in captivity. White tigers are ambassadors for their cousins in the wild (India, South-East Asia and Russia). Tigers are critically endangered with some subspecies such as the Sumatra tiger almost being extinct in the wild. They are in a badly need for protection and it is our obligation to conserve them for future generations.

Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort – In Touch With Nature.

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