ISSUE 59 Apr 2018

Saturday feast Take control Fresh food

Chilled brunches Why mental Hot new
to end the week health first aid restaurants
on a high training is key to check out
value food ideas living Page 50 Page 46 Page 33

TAILOR-MAKE
YOUR LIFE
From dresses to jewellery, treehouses to
table linen, you can get just about anything
made here in the UAE page 20

Dhs12

A Motivate Publication
06
ISSUE 59 / APRIL 2018

contents

THE
GOOD LIFE
06 The best bits from around
the UAE, this month’s IDEAS
essential events and our

40
pick of the web
46 FIRST AID FOR THE MIND
Lighthouse Arabia experts
talk mental health issues

FEATURES
50 A GOOD LOOK AT...
Six of the best Saturday

22 THE CUSTOM CREATIVES

The lowdown on the city’s
brunches to try

top creatives who can

tailor-make your life 52 THE GOOD BOOK CLUB
Need a new read? Our pick
of the bestseller lists

29 GET CREATIVE
Learn some new handy

70
skills with these classes
FOOD
54 PICNIC IN THE PARK
Tasty ideas for your next
VALUE outing with a hamper

32 THE LOWDOWN:
NEW EATERIES 67 THE CHEF SHOP
Hector Sanchez from
Get a handle on some of Gourmet Grocer & Café
the hottest new menus

54 36 THE TREATMENT TRYOUT

Time-efficient beauty fixes
70 DINE BY DESIGN
Luxe flavours get a down-
to-earth touch at Katsuya
for busy women

IN EVERY
LIVING ISSUE
39 RAY ADDISON’S
REAL LIFE
Ray on why DIY is a serious 72 COMPETITIONS
Win a Friday brunch for
issue for his family four, or dinner for two

32 40 PALE AND INTERESTING

As summer arrives, pastels
make a gentle return
74
MY LITTLE BLACK BOOK
An insider’s guide to
the UAE

CONTENTS 03
 Get together with friends and family and escape to
Graze Gastro Grill at La Ville Hotel & Suites, CITY WALK,
to enjoy Dubai’s most flexible and relaxed brunch.
Choose any 3 hour period between 1pm and 6pm
and share a delicious selection of unique meat and seafood dishes,
served direct to your table in urban chic surroundings.
AED 199 unlimited food and soft beverages
AED 299 unlimited food and a crafted selection of grape and hops
AED 399 unlimited food a crafted selection of premium beverages
Every Saturday from 1 pm - 6pm
For bookings call 0543 095 948 or email laville.dining@autographhotels.com

GRAZELAVILLE.COM /LAVILLEDUBAI
 value food ideas living

Editor-In-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer

Managing Partner & Group Editor Ian Fairservice
the
Editorial Director Gina Johnson gina@motivate.ae

team
Group Editor – Entertainment, Lifestyle and Digital Mark Evans marke@motivate.ae

Senior Art Director Olga Petroff olga.petroff@motivate.ae

Art Director Sheila Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae
Sub-Editor Salil Kumar salil@motivate.ae
Editorial Assistant Aarti Saundalkar aarti@motivate.ae
Contributors Ray Addison, Laura Coughlin, Jennifer Gibson, Louisa Keirnander, THE NEW DIY
It’s the classic expat dilemma. When
Kaya Scott, Aisling Young
you arrive here on these sandy
shores and get yourself set up in
Photographers Masam Ali, Mustufa Abidi your first (probably) rented home,
Video Editors Surajit Dutta, Donnie Miguel planning to stay for the (usually)
Videographer Jitendra Jangir intended two years, necessity
(normally) overrides style ideals.
General Manager – Production Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae Cue, generic-looking homes with the
Production Manager Murali Krishnan muralik@motivate.ae same shelving units (who hasn’t had
a Kallax cube shelf unit from IKEA?),
Production Supervisor Venita Pinto venita@motivate.ae
some brightly coloured walls and
cushions (in a bid for individuality)
Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Milne anthony@motivate.ae
and some personal touches, which
Publisher David Burke davidb@motivate.ae you seem to acquire rather rapidly
Senior Sales Manager Courtney Moorfield courtney.moorfield@motivate.ae during your time here.
Senior Sales Manager Tamara Djorem tamara.djorem@motivate.ae However, fast forward a few years
and generic just doesn’t quite cut
it anymore. And, while the malls
may be teeming with covetable
For all partnership enquiries, including events and distribution, furniture and items, one of the
contact Courtney Moorfield at courtney.moorfield@motivate.ae or greatest perks of living in the UAE
Tamara Djorem at tamara.djorem@motivate.ae is the affordability of custom-made
options; something which simply
would not be a viable option in many
other countries. Tailors, carpenters,
jewellery designers, upholsterers
– whatever your specific desire, or
need, there is sure to be a highly-
skilled someone who will be happy
to create it for you… and at prices
that won’t need a bank loan.
Head Office: This month we celebrate the
Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 427 3000
plethora of talented, creative
E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae
artisans we have in this country and
Dubai Media City:
the wonderful unique items they
Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai Media City, UAE
bring into our lives. Oh, how they
Tel: +971 4 390 3550 Fax: +971 4 390 4845
make our lives prettier!
Abu Dhabi:
PO Box 43072, UAE Tel +971 2 677 2005 Fax +971 2 677 0124
London:
Motivate Publishing Ltd,
Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK FOLLOW US
E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae
GoodMagazineUAE
Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai GoodMagazineUAE

EDITOR’S LETTER 05
Eight things to do this month

Travel To
The SouTh
Pole
02. From the bestselling
picture book Lost and
Found, by children’s author
Oliver Jeffers, comes
a simple story of true
friendship brought to life
with puppetry, songs and
music. When a boy finds a
lonely penguin at his door,
he decides to take matters
into his own hands and row
his new friend back to the
South Pole. But when they
get there, the boy discovers
that maybe home wasn’t
bend realiTy aT vr Park what the penguin was
looking for after all.
01. Not just for gamers and geeks, VR Park, the new augmented and virtual April 20 and 21
reality park at Dubai Mall offers experiences for all ages. Experience what it’s Madinat Theatre, Souk
like to drop down the side of Burj Khalifa, or get up close with camel spiders, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Fri
or fight aliens from a spaceship. For younger ages, the VR Carousel will and Sat 10.30am, 2.30pm,
enchant, while the VR Travel Bus takes you on a global adventure. 4.30pm. Dhs135. Tel: (04)
The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thur to Sat 10am to 1am. Free 3666546. Taxi: Souk Madinat.
entry, Dhs15 to Dhs45 for attractions. Taxi: Dubai Mall. VRParkdubai.com madinatjumeirah.com

MeeT Mickey
MouSe and
The gang
03. Disney’s biggest personalities
including Mickey, Minnie and the
Frozen gang take to the ice.
April 4 to 7
World Trade Centre, Dubai. 3.30pm,
7.30pm, plus 10am on Fri and Sat.
Dhs132. Tel: (04) 4359434. Taxi:
World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed
Road. disneyoniceme.com geT aggreSSive
aT The SMaSh rooM
04. Go ahead, grab a chair and chuck it across The Smash Room – a new concept
created by Dubai entrepreneurs Hiba Balfaqih and Ibrahim Abudyak to help solve
your anger problems, no psychiatrist required. Throw a plant at the wide screen.
Stomp on the stack of plates. Grab a baseball bat and show that laptop who’s
boss. Therapy as you have always dreamed it – with a crow bar.
Umm Sequim Road, Al Quoz, Dubai. Sun to Wed 11am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 9am to
11pm. Tel: (058) 1982323. Taxi: Al Quoz. thesmashroom.ae

06 good life
ExplorE Van
GoGh aliVE
05. See the Dutch impressionist’s colourful
works projected onto the walls, ceilings and
floors in this multi-sensory, fully immersive
experience, showing this month at d3.
Until April 23, daily 9am to 10pm. Dhs70.
Dubai Design District, Dubai. Tel: (04)
4573212. Taxi: Dubai Design District
vangoghaliveuae.com

Buy affordaBlE art

06. If you’re looking for original art, then the Middle East’s
only affordable art fair is a good place to start. Whereas
mainstream art fairs offer booths to well-established
Photo: Getty Images

galleries, this event gives space to individual artists as well

as galleries. Visitors will find more than 4,000 artworks
starting from Dhs370.
April 18 to 22
Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. 2pm to 9pm. Dhs20. Tel:
(04) 3086243. Taxi: World Trade Centre. worldartdubai.com

dancE with StEpS

07. The British cheesy-pop quintet, comprised
of trained dancers and singers Lee Latchford-
Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye
Tozer and Ian ‘H’ Watkins, scored a host of chart
hits, from 5,6,7,8 and One For Sorrow to Stomp,
and Tragedy, notching up two No 1 singles, two
No 1 albums and 14 consecutive top five singles
in the UK. See them live at Dubai Opera.
April 27
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. 8pm.
Dhs275 to Dhs475. Tel: (04) 4408888. Metro:
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall dubaiopera.com
fEEl it in your toES
with marti pEllow
08. The dashing and memorable voice of Wet, Wet, Wet, Marti
Pellow, is back to Dubai this month performing at Dubai Duty
Free Tennis Stadium. Playing all your favourites, including Love
is All Around, Wishing I Was Lucky, Angel Eyes and more.
April 19
Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 9pm. Dhs199 for seated
tickets, Dhs225 for standing. Taxi: The Irish Village, Dubai
theirishvillage.com

good life 07
 s

ROYAL BALLROOM

DubLin Guitar Quartet

TOMÁS Ó DURCÁIN CHIEN BUGGLE PATRICK BRUNNOCK BRIAN bolger

TICKETS +971(0)4 457 3212

 new to town

Mina Brasserie
When news emerged, late last year, that
Michael’s Mina’s firebird diner was to
close its doors, there was much dismay.
However, we have to admit it might
have been a good move – the US celeb
chef’s new concept, Mina Brasserie,
seems much more in tune with difC’s
upmarket clientele. The menu, inspired
by Mina’s San franciscan heritage, is
lighter and more elegant – think tuna
tartare with pine nuts, garlic and mint,
a market salad with pomegranate,
almonds, pickled pumpkin and
manchego, and a delicious smoked
beef short rib with smashed potatoes
and squash pureé. The space itself
is also newly light, bright, chic and
airy, with an art deco feel – though,
thankfully, the naughty desserts
remain. S’mores, anyone?
Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Gate Village,
DIFC, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (04)
5060000. Taxi: Four Seasons DIFC.
michaelmina.net

BeefBar
The sixth restaurant in this
aptly named chain has opened
in dubai, following success in
Monaco, Hong Kong, Mexico,
Mykonos and Cannes. doing
exactly what it says on the
tin, Beefbar is to meat-lovers
what Willie Wonka’s chocolate
factory is to kids. Start off at
the raw bar for carpaccios,
tartares and more, while the
street food stations serve up
international delights such as
mini burgers, tacos, quesadillas,
shawarmas, meat balls and
more. for main courses, steaks
L’OLivO any way you want, 11 different
types of mashed potatoes, veal,
it’s been open for a while, but Rixos The Palm’s popular italian eatery lamb, chicken, fish, yummy side
l’olivo Ristorante has now unveiled a new menu, with a focus on the food dishes and, if you still haven’t
of Monti and Testaccio’s top eateries. guests can now kick off with dishes had enough meat, you can stop
such as prime beef carpaccio with mushroom salsa, goats cheese and at the Beefbar Butchers to buy
walnuts, or buratta with black truffle – which we’d recommend – followed some to take home with you.
by the delicious rabbit lasagne. Save room for the delightfully retro Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC,
flamed Alaska and some homemade gelato. Dubai, Sun to Wed 6pm to 1am,
Daily 7pm to 11pm. Rixos The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) Thurs to Fri 6pm to 2am. Tel:
4575454. Taxi: Rixos The Palm rixos.com (04) 3522223. Taxi: Al Fattan
Currency House. beefbar.com

good life 09

rajeev daswasi
The founder of dubai’s Mind body
soul, a happiness CenTre, rajeev has
spenT The pasT year working wiTh
groups of professionals eager To
bring More physiCal and MenTal
balanCe To Their lives.
What prompted you to establish Mind Body Soul, a Happiness
Center, and why?
They say entrepreneurs have a tendency to seek opportunities,
but this project was born from a more personal stance. i became
a father five years ago, and i can say the world was never the
same again. life had more meaning for me, but when i began to
reflect deeply i found a disturbing pattern of negativity. it seemed
no matter which city i went to, which meeting i attended, life had
become robotic, with a common focus was on what was missing. i
encountered wellness gurus and public speakers who seemed to
suggest the answer was for people to follow them, or do what they
said, but i couldn’t resonate with that. My concept was to empower
the individual with tools so that they could live their unique life in
their own special way, choosing happiness.
Tell us about the work you currently do.
our purpose is to empower individuals within a team, so that they
may perform better while living a more realised, happier life. it puts
the onus on the individual to ensure they are willing to open up, to
embrace positive habits and to nurture happiness practices that
they truly own. After a year, we have already worked with various
UAe government departments, multinationals, educational facilities
and medical centres, devising bespoke programmes for them that
simply nudge each individual gently in a direction that enables them
to make the best choices.
Who will benefit from the work you are doing and how?
Who do you believe doesn’t deserve to be happy? in the corporate
world, we see a huge need for what we do, as reducing stress and
empowering positive attitudes are vital for performance, personal
health, creativity, tolerance and, mostly, happiness.
Homegrown Hero
How daunting is it to set out a business based around a
happiness mission?
Happiness is something that everyone at some point has worked on,
thought about or been involved in – we merely facilitate and offer the
tools, be it through breath work or yoga, or deep discussion aimed
at creating awareness on how to achieve better balance. Ultimately,
the journey of happiness is one that needs to be taken by each
individual on their own.
Have the UAE’s businesses been responsive to the idea of
happiness training for their staff?
Yes, and this year has been a dream. Working with hundreds of
different individuals has been a truly fulfilling journey. We have seen
teams that claimed to have cohesion problems gel together and,
ultimately, we have seen the humanising effect of helping teams in
the corporate environment and that has been truly inspiring. The
only challenge we have experienced, although not very often, is when
sceptics argue they don’t have a budget for improving the happiness
of their teams. Yet when we show them the costs accrued from
having team members who are not able to perform due to stress, the
high turnover of employees, the increased absenteeism companies
face, and the lower creativity that results from external life
circumstances hindering individuals’ performance, employers seem
to realise that spending a little to nurture a more balanced individual
and, in turn, a more harmonious team, is far more profitable for the
company and the society we all live in.
each one of us has an opportunity, each and every day, to make a
positive difference. let’s not waste it.
ahappinesscenter.com
good life 011
new
best to
of town
the web this month

privilee
if the prospect of spending the hot summer months binge-watching boxsets behind closed curtains is already
sapping the life out of you, why not sign up for a Privilee membership? Not only does it grant you access to more
than 25 luxury properties across the UAe, including beach clubs, hotel pools, gyms, tennis courts and children’s
clubs, but members also enjoy exclusive discounts on food and drinks, spa treatments, fitness classes and other
activities. Plus, they have just expanded the list of venues to include fairmont dubai, The Westin dubai, Al Habtoor
City, and the further afield fairmont Ajman and fairmont fujairah Beach. Membership costs dhs629 per month.
privilee.ae

cirque de
cuisine
for the indecisive among
us, Cirque de Cuisine at
Atlantis, The Palm, invites
guests to enjoy unlimited
food and beverages from all
of the resort’s restaurants.
Start off at The Avenues,
where there are cooking
stations, acrobats, jugglers,
and staff circulating with
trays of food. from here, you springfest
can roam where you will –
stopping off at Nobu, Bread This month will see the return of Reform Social & grill’s Springfest – a three-day
Street Kitchen and more. extravaganza of live music, food and drinks. Help is on hand for parents in the form
April 19 of Malaak Mama and Baby Care, plus entertainment, competitions and lots more for
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, older kids. don’t miss the the British Kebab Shop and the dirty Vegan Buns.
7pm to 11pm, Dhs495, April 19 to 21
Dhs295 under-12s. The Lakes Club, Dubai, daily 8am to midnight, Dhs40 in advance, Dhs50 on the
Taxi: Atlantis, The Palm. door including a welcome drink, Dhs225 for five tokens, Dhs 380 for ten. Tel: (04)
platinumlist.net 4542638. Taxi: The Lakes Club. reformsocialgrill.ae

012 good life

 goodness
cart
living a healthy, eco-
responsible life just got a
bit easier here in the UAe
thanks to the launch of
goodness Cart – a website
curating a selection of local
and international brands,
chosen for their adherance
to organic or natural
production standards,
or for their health and
wellbeing benefits.
goodness Cart promises
to deliver everything you
need for a sustainable
and healthy lifestyle to
your door – whether it’s
organic food, natural
la perle beauty products, locally-
if you haven’t yet been to see the jaw-dropping, imagination-grabbing spectacle of the produced honey, gluten-
human skill and technology that is la Perle, now is your chance with the launch of their free and dairy-free items, or
family Pack deal. Book a minimum of four tickets (maximum of ten) for a family, or group, coconut oil baby products,
outing and enjoy an exclusive discount, which can save you anything from dhs1,000 up goodness Cart has got
to dhs2,000. you covered.
laperle.com goodnesscart.com

saturday sesh
The Saturday Sesh brunch at Sean Connolly
at dubai opera is a refreshing addition to
the city’s weekend scene. Your favourite
comfort food gets a gourmet upgrade
with dishes such as green pea guacamole,
wagyu sliders, duck fat chips and – wait for
it – a beetroot and raspberry eton Mess for the illusionists
dessert. good views, live jazz and an elegant
Broadway’s most popular show is back with another belief-suspending
atmosphere make this a must-visit venue.
experience for audiences. With seven performers – each with their own
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, field of expertise, such as card magic, an escapist, a weapon master and
Sat noon to 4pm, Dhs280 Detox package, more – this show is sure to wow the entire family.
Dhs375 Retox. seanconnollydubai.com April 26 to 28 and May 1 to 7
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai,
from Dh245. tixbox.com

good life 013

Do some gooD

Aventura if you opt for the 5km course (which has 15 obstacles), you
can gather some of your friends and sign up as a group of four

Women Warriors
warriors. Alternatively, if you have daughters, why not make it
into an active ‘girls day out’ with them by signing them up to the
2.5km little Warriors course, open to girls aged eight to 15.

Challenge organised by the zip-line experts at Aventura, the courses

will be set through the lovely, shady Mushrif Park, which is the
protected home of a natural forest of the UAe’s national tree,
put the fun back into fundraising the ghaf. A non-profit event, all proceeds will be donated to Al
Jalila foundation, which funds medical research, education and
this month with this high-energy treatments here in the UAe.
obstacle race at mushrif park in aid All participants will receive a race T-shirt, a 50 per cent discount
of al jalila foundation voucher for Aventura Parks and a gift bag. Plus, the added soul
glow of knowing you have done your good deed for the day.

April 7
We know that, unless you are part of the fit brigade, an obstacle Mushrif Park, Dubai, Sat 7.30am to noon, Dhs147 for 2.5km, Dhs168 for
race might sound way too intimidating to be a possibility. 5km, Dhs131 for Little Warriors, Dhs515 for a group of four. Tel: (052)
However, the Aventura Women’s Warrior Challenge – the UAE’s 1787616. Taxi: Aventura Parks, Mushrif Park. aventuraparks.com
first women-only obstacle race – makes it a lot easier for would-
be warriors. Not only is it women only, but you can choose
between the 5km course and the very doable 2.5km course.

014 good life

 MUSIC
WE LOVE
OUTLOUD WINNING ALBUM
DANNY ARIDI

AVAILABLE NOW
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virginmegastore.ae virginmena virginmena virginmegastoreme
 What a good idea

awaken
your body,
mind and
soul in
the wadis
Trust us when we say
that this will be one of
the best experiences you
will have this year – two
days of hiking and self-
exploration in the beautiful
surroundings of the Ras Al
Khaimah wadis.
Under the sure and
steady guidance of the
outdoor adventure experts
from Adventurati, you will
hike up wadis, crawl through
small gaps and abseil down
rock faces like lara Croft.
Meanwhile, these
exciting expeditions will
the uae’s most affordable gym be interspersed with mini
workshop sessions with
in a city where one person’s gym membership can cost as much as another two fabulous life coaches,
person’s rent, we are overjoyed to hear about gymNation – a new 24-hour gym who will ask you tricky
opening this month on Sheikh Zayed Road, which aims to offer affordable and questions to get you
flexible gym memberships, in order to make fitness and health accessible to thinking, feeling and acting
everyone. With memberships starting at dhs129 per month, cancel-any-time more authentically, while at
membership options, the team like to think of themselves as ‘The People’s gym’. the same time encouraging
Best of all, membership includes unlimited access to more than 200 classes a you to reach your potential.
month, as well as access to ‘virtual classes’, which means you can make your A truly empowering
classes fit around your schedule. Win! experience.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai, daily 24 hours. Tel: (058) 1709405. Taxi: April 13 and 14
GymNation, near Times Square Centre. gymnation.ae Dhs1,500. Tel: (056)
1376785. adventurati-
outdoor.com

get creative in the desert

if you want to get your creative juices flowing, take a few days out for the Alma Creative
Retreat this month. Blending interactive creative workshops with group games and self-
expression activities, this retreat promises to get you switching off and tuning in.
Based at their Ras Al Khaimah desert boutique wellness retreat, the itinerary is flexible,
meaning you can opt in and opt out for whatever you like (or don’t like), and you can
choose to join for one, two or three nights, depending on availability.
April 12 to 15.
Alma Retreat, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs550 for a day, Dhs799 per night in a shared cabin,
Dhs999 per night in a single cabin, including food, drinks and activities. Tel: (054) 3270408.
Taxi: Ras Al Khaimah. iamalma.com

good lifegood
Apr_2017 17
life 017
 Sign up!
Tuesday, April 24
10am to 12.30pm at
Galeries Lafayette
Le Gourmet, City Walk
RSVP to
goodevents@motivate.ae

Join us for a Ramadan Masterclass with Chef

Tarek Ibrahim and True Aussie Beef & Lamb
Do you ever get bored of doing the same old could-do-them-with-my-eyes-closed dishes for your family and friends? Well, in that case, it’s
time to update your repertoire with Chef Tarek Ibrahim, who, in just 150 minutes, will teach you how to prepare an entire Ramadan feast.
Learn how to whip up a variety of mighty meaty meals, and dessert (which, yes, is also meat-based), that will be perfect for feeding a crowd
at iftar. Chef Tarek will be on hand to guide you through how to make each dish dazzle, so you can impress and delight your guests at your
next soiree. And you get to taste each dish along the way. What’s not to like?

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Table Talk
• C R E AT I V E F O O D H U B •

jysk
Pronounced ‘yusk’, danish furniture giant Jysk
is opening a flagship store in dubai this month,
making the UAe the 50th country the brand has
locations in.
offering simple yet quirky Scandinavian/
Nordic design at affordable prices, we predict
that all of our homes are about to get a Jysk-over.
Sleek, minimalist designs, in muted colour
palettes with interesting details, make for
quick and easy home updates. And with prices
coming in at even cheaper than the other
Scandinavian homeware brand that we all know
and love, it’s a no-brainer.
Shop of the month
The brand, which has more than 2,500
stores worldwide, is said to be the largest
retailers of duvets, pillows and mattresses in
europe and boasting Nasa technology in one
of their mattress ranges. With dining tables
in the region of dhs1,000, a double bed (sans
mattress) for dhs700 and cute coffee tables in
the region of dhs100, this brand is set to rock
our universe. We’ll see you there.
Umm Suqeim Street, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm.
Taxi: Umm Suqeim Street. jysk.ae
good life 019
Three ways to brunch at
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
Whether it’s a snazzy, classy affair you’re after, a good ole’ knees up, or a weekday
evening indulgence, this dazzling twin-tower hotel in Business Bay has a brunching
experience to appeal to every need, style and appetite.

Living the spy life

at Prime68’s Bond-
themed Brunch
Perched up on the 68th floor of the
world’s tallest five-star hotel, this
popular steakhouse’s Bond-themed
brunch is the ultimate in glamour
and decadence. Think succulent
grilled meats, delicious starters
such as tuna tartare and foie gras,
a variety of salads and side dishes,
scrummy desserts, creative and
more-ish cocktails and lots more.
Cue Bond-related names and
puns to keep you and your friends
chuckling all afternoon, and possibly
for a long while after.
Don’t miss... Scrummy tuna
tartare dressed table side, their
carved Josper grilled tenderloin and
their delectable Gold Finger Eclairs.
Choose from three packages:
For Your Eyes Only, Dhs495,
including house drinks; Goldfinger,
Dhs595, including sparkling wine;
and Diamonds Are Forever, Dhs695,
including champagne. Fridays from
1pm to 4pm.
 advertisement

Eat, drink, love

at Garden’s
Wanderlust Brunch
Prepare yourself for a marathon
of eating, drinking and high jinx
at this opulent brunch, which
serves up more than 350 dishes
from around the world as well as a
plethora of enticing drink stations
every Friday for food revelers and
fun-loving ravers alike. Voted one
of the top party brunches in the
city, Wanderlust, is so big that you
need a map to get around it. Make a
booking for a group of ten people or
more, and enjoy one complimentary
space at your table. And if you want
to keep the vibe going, join the after-
party with live DJ and enjoy special
beverage deals from 4pm until 8pm.
Don’t miss... Their Seafood
Sanctuary for raw and marinated
seafood, the Endless BBQ and their
Walk Through Kitchen, where you
can simply wander through the
kitchen picking up food.
Dhs425 including house drinks. Fridays
from 1pm to 4pm.

That’s amore at Festa Italiana,

Sunday evenings at Positano
Kick off the week with a gourmet Italian feast at Positano, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai’s Italian
restaurant named after a beautiful cliff-side town on the Amalfi Coast that is known for its
cuisine, fresh seafood and Mediterranean ingredients. Tasty antipasti precedes sumptuous
handmade pasta dishes, yummy light seafood, salads and more, followed by traditional Italian
desserts, such as panna cotta, gelati, cassatta and lots more. Wash it all down with those classic
Italian drinks – Prosecco and Aperol cocktails – and you’ve had yourself a lovely little Italian mini-
break in the space of one evening.
Don’t miss... Meats and seafood cooked to order and delivered to your table by the Chef,
homemade pasta and raviolis – filled and cooked to order, and their To-Die-For Tiramisu.
Dhs180 including soft drinks, Dhs295 including house drinks, Dhs365 including Prosecco and Aperol
cocktails. Under-tens dine for free. Sundays from 6pm till midnight.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4143000. Taxi: JW Marriott Marquis. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
  

Need an unusual piece of furniture, a new pair
of curtains, a rug to fit a crazy colour scheme or
a gorgeous frock for a sparkling occasion? Not
a problem. The UAE is bursting with creative
craftspeople who can make anything you need
with zero fuss and great expertise. From tailors
to carpenters, these are the people and places
that will make it for you

022 WHERE TO GET THINGS MADE

Soft furnishings and upholstery
Clothing
BUTTONS & BOWS resident, and with good reason – the
Trying to choose a good tailor can be
tricky. And while a stroll around Satwa is
finishing is always brilliant, the seams
perfect and the customer care top notch. If
IF YOU’RE
always lovely, sometimes time just doesn’t
allow. Well, here’s the good news. Buttons
you’re not happy with the final item, it’ll be
altered until you are.
NOT HAPPY
& Bows is a fab tailor service that comes
right to your door, whether you need a
facebook.com/deepasgroup
WITH THE
bespoke piece of clothing or a few minor
adjustments or repairs. Quick and well
800 TAILOR
Whether you need a new zip or a new
FINAL ITEM,
priced, add them to your speed dial pronto.
buttonsandbowstailoring.com
frock, 800Tailor will make it happen. From
resizing to restyling, suits to wedding IT’LL BE
DEEPAS TEXTILES AND TAILORING
dresses – and everything in between
– all paired with the convenience of a ALTERED
Trying to get a favourite item of clothing, professional pickup and delivery service
or a designer piece ripped out of a fashion
mag and copied can be very hit and miss
that’ll save you rushing around.
800tailor.com
UNTIL YOU
– but not with Deepas. This Satwa set up
has become the go-to for many a Dubai
ARE
WHERE TO GET THINGS MADE 023
the rugs Carpets and rugs
are hand- From Jaipur With Love
Those dreamy Pinterest style floor
the red Carpet
With its main showroom in al Barsha,

loomed coverings? You can get your very own by

contacting dubai-based mum elizabeth,
plus stores in dubai and abu dhabi, this
well-established business works with
whose company imports handmade, customers to craft carpets and rugs based
by skilled bespoke and made-to-measure dhurries
from Jaipur in whatever size, colour or
on any requirement, and even offers 3d
visuals to show you what your carpet will
artisans pattern you need. From hemp versions,
which look as good outdoors as in, to a new
look like once in situ. With both traditional
collections and more contemporary
and are the collection that includes patterns created in
carefully woven gold and silver thread, the
designs, you’ll find everything from hand-
knotted new Zealand wools to spun silks

talking rugs are hand-loomed by skilled artisans and

are the talking point of many a stylish home.
and leather. There’s almost nothing you
can’t get here.

point of fromjaipurwithloverugs.com theredcarpets.com

mostaFaWi Furniture, Carpets CarpetLand

many a and Curtains
This store is a little treasure trove in terms
stylish of what it offers – everything from carpet
tiles to rugs to fitted carpets and lots more
home too. if you’re looking for a full service with
underlay and fitting then these guys can do
it. They can also create rugs of any size by
binding carpet edges together.
mostafawi.com
don’t be intimidated by the website –
while it may look like this company only
fits carpets in palatial spaces, they also
do regular homes. From wall to wall
carpeting to rugs, you can choose from
some of the world’s best known brands
and be confident that your floors will look
gorgeous.
carpetlandme.com

024 Where To GeT ThinGs Made

Carpentry and furniture
AL JUMEIRAH CARPENTRY
Got an awkward staircase or space that
needs a baby or dog gate? Perhaps you
want to line your walls with bookshelves
and cull some of that clutter? If so, these
are the people to turn to. They’ll even knock
up a bespoke piece of furniture for you
made of whatever wood suits. Perfect.
facebook.com/jumeirahcarpenter
ENGLISH CARPENTER DUBAI
Need fitted wardrobes? These are
the people to call. And if you’re lucky
enough to own a home in Dubai, check
out the gorgeous bathroom and kitchen
renovations too. We can but dream…
englishcarpenterdubai.com
CHERWELL
Owned and run by a British husband and
wife team, this bespoke carpentry business
specialises in everything from custom-
made furniture to garden structures,
built-in seating, sofas and everything else
THE TEAM CAN REVAMP YOUR
TIRED PIECES AND MAKE THEM
LOOK GOOD AS NEW
you could possibly need made or installed.
Everything is made to the very highest
standards and the children’s playhouses
are so delightful we could seriously
consider living in one.
cherwell.me
EVERREST FURNITURE FACTORY
The go-to for many an interior designer,
Everrest Furniture Factory not only
produces any kind of furniture to your
taste and specifications, but the team
can revamp your current tired-looking
pieces and make them look good as new.
The woodworking shop is full of busy
carpenters making frames for a variety of
chairs and sofas, with foam filling that’s
modified to just the right level of comfort,
whether you like it firm or squishy. And then
there’s the spray painting service – perfect
for transforming that dull old piece of
furniture into something with ‘wow’ factor.
everrest.ae
Jewellery
CARA JEWELLERS
Need a little more bling in your
life? Design your own piece at
Cara, where an in-house design
team uses 3D rendering and
print to ensure you’re completely
happy before giving the go-ahead.
Whether you’re copying from an
image or replicating an existing
piece, they can do it all and deliver
it right to your door. We’re big fans
of the custom name pendants for a
lovely personalised gift.
carajewellers.com
JEWELS
There’s nothing like supporting
small local businesses – and
Jewels is just that. Set up by a
British mum and based at Silicon
Oasis, Julie can design and
make anything in gold, diamond,
platinum or silver at prices that
are often much more competitive
than those you’ll find in the Gold &
Diamond Park. She can even offer
home visits if you’re pushed for
time.
facebook.com/jewels
MONILI JEWELLERS
If you find Cara a little busy for
your liking, head around the corner
to Monili where a very professional
and smiley team of jewellers
awaits. From beautiful chunky
initials that hang off a chain, to
delicate baby gifts, rings and more,
these guys will work with you to
create whatever you’re after at
very reasonable prices.
monilijewellers.com
WHERE TO GET THINGS MADE 025
 Upholstery
AL SHARAFI UPHOLSTERY
Stocking high-end soft furnishings,
fabrics and wallpapers, this
family-run business has earned a
reputation for creating beautiful
bespoke pieces of furniture as
well as for its superior upholstery
service. Got a sofa that needs
a makeover? Just choose your
favourite option from a giant stock
of globally sourced fabrics and the
team here will make it look new
again. It may not be the cheapest
option on the block, but this is one
instance where you get what you
pay for.
al-sharafi.ae

ARCHIES FURNISHING LLC

Not only does this Dubai
International City-based business
manufacture custom and made-
to-measure sofas, chairs, bean
bags and more, it also has a wide
variety of fabrics and accessories
available for upholstery. Call and
ask for the manager Lijo and you’ll
be guaranteed good, polite and
prompt service, plus decent prices.
archiesfurnishing.ae

PETER ANTHONY Curtains and blinds

We’ve heard rave reviews about
Peter and his team, who not only
give highly competitive quotes
but also provide a really fast and
professional service. Whether you
have a sofa that needs recovering
or a leather armchair that’s seen
better days, Peter will arrange for
prompt collection and redelivery,
usually within a week.
(050) 6755450
Illustration: Sheila Deocareza
AL RAISI FURNITURE
Give Sathik and his team a call and he’ll
arrive promptly at your door with fabric
samples to suit all tastes and budgets,
before measuring up and giving you a ‘best
price’ guarantee. Curtains, Roman blinds,
Venetian blinds – they can do it all. And the
best part? You won’t be waiting for weeks.
These guys are seriously snappy.
(050) 5248502
BLINDS & CURTAINS DUBAI
Just as it says on the tin, Blinds & Curtains
Dubai will get your windows covered and
bargaining skills and shop around a little.
Head to the ‘textiles and carpets’ area –
there are lots of stores to choose from but
the ones off the main aisle tend to be less
expensive than the ones further back. If you
choose Chinese fabrics, the price will come
down significantly. Go along with your own
measurements, place your order and the
guys will come and install everything in
your home.
dragonmart.ae
IKEA
Good old Ikea! With a huge range of its own

looking beautiful with their custom-made
options. Quick and reasonably priced, this
professional team will come to measure
and advise without pushing you to buy
anything you don’t want or need. Hurrah!
blindsandcurtains.ae
DRAGONMART
It’s worth braving the beast that is
Dragonmart if you want to save a few
dirhams on getting your curtains or blinds
made, and if you are prepared to use your
fabrics available, this Swedish superstore
is just the place for getting your curtains
made quick sharp. From blackouts to voiles
and plenty in-between, we’re particularly
fond of the bright, funky kids’ choices and
the monochrome Sofia stripes – so chic yet
so cheap. The team can also alter anything
from the range of pre-made curtains,
and you can pick up your poles and other
necessary fittings there too.
ikea.com

WHERE TO GET THINGS MADE 027

A V A I L A B L E I N A L L M A J O R B O O K S T O R E S A N D AT B O O K S A R A B I A . C O M

www.motivatepublishing.com
 Get
creative

The city might be full of talented creatives who can knock you up
everything from a cabinet to a cashmere jumper in a jiffy – but there’s
something special about something you made from scratch yourself.
Here’s our round up of the city’s top classes, workshops and events to
bring out your inner creator.

get creative 029

 01

PenCil drawing and oil

Painting at duCtaC
that armenian artist Jivan Hovhannisian’s
work has been displayed internationally
could cause nerves from a novice, but with
eight years of teaching at Ductac under his
belt, he does an admirable job of putting
us at ease, despite our initially clumsy
efforts. Beginners will start by learning
the skills involved in line drawing, before
moving onto painting, with tutoring on
everything from composition to colour-
mixing on offer. Many of his students have
been attending his classes for years, and
the work displayed around the studio will
definitely inspire newbies to stick with it. Not
for you? the studio hosts a huge variety of
creative classes, covering everything from
pottery to creative writing, fashion design to
calligraphy, so there’s an opportunity to skill
up for all tastes and interests.
Ductac, Mall of The Emirates, Dubai,
Sat 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Sun,
Mon and Thur 10:.30am to 1.30pm, Tue
10.30am to 1.30pm and 6pm to 9pm,
trial Dhs225, six sessions Dhs1,320, eight
sessions Dhs1,600. Tel: (04) 3414777. Metro:
Mall of The Emirates. ductac.org

03

Cookery at
Fairmont the Palm
Belgian chef romain van Durmen is the
heavily-accented man at the helm of
02 Fairmont the Palm’s chef’s Palette facility,
and he makes for a seriously engaging
imProv at the Courtyard Playhouse host. While some of his classes are not
Jealous of all your friends who seem to be better at public speaking than you? for the faint hearted – we had to kill our
Learn how to improvise on your feet at the courtyard Playhouse, which hosts own lobsters – the three-course menu for
a wide range of courses for adults and kids, covering everything from acting his masterclasses can be fully tailored.
to confidence building. the venue is hosting an open day this month, giving classes, which can be booked in advance
interested Uae residents a crash course in all things courtyard. Watch a show, for groups of up to 12 adults, make for a fun
participate in a workshop – there will be sessions for kids, adults and budding night with friends, while there are regular
improv artists – meet the actors and find out about upcoming classes, all for free. children’s sessions on offer too.
April 7 Fairmont the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai,
The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz, Sat 11am to 3pm, free. Tel: (050) 7812269. Taxi: daily, from Dhs195. Tel: (04) 4573457. Taxi:
The Courtyard Playhouse. courtyardplayhouse.com/classes Fairmont the Palm. fairmont.com

030 get creative

 05

Knitting at Craftland
it might be more commonly associated
with elderly relatives, but knitting’s image
is on the up, thanks to the embrace of
hipsters and fashion-types the world over.
at craftland, the small but mighty Jumeirah
road arts and crafts shop, a packed
schedule of classes covers all things wooly,
from quilt-making to sewing and crochet.
there are twice weekly beginners knitting
classes that cover all the basics, from
casting on, casting off and classic stitches,
04 while there are also clinic sessions to help
you iron out any glitches in your technique.
Paint & graPe with we love art the small and friendly classes are meant
if it’s been years since you stood behind an easel, and you fear you might need a for those completely new to the knitting
little Dutch courage, this is the class for you. Start with a pre-sketched drawing world, but once you’re feeling confident,
of one of the world’s greatest masterpieces – recent sessions have focused on sessions on hand and ribbon embroidery
Klimt’s the Kiss and Monet’s Waterlilies – and paint the night away amid a relaxed will help you upgrade your creations.
atmosphere at an upmarket wine bar. it’s perfect for cultural upgrade to your usual Town Centre, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Tue 9am
girl’s night out, and if you get the bug, organisers We Love art host eight-week to 10.30am and 5pm to 6.30pm, Dhs345.
painting courses too. Tel: (04) 3422237. Taxi: Town Centre.
Various locations across Dubai, Dhs369. Tel: (056) 7691995. weloveart.ae mycraftland.com

06

SCulPture at Yadawei
if you’re an adult of a certain age, chances are your formative
impression of pottery stems from the movie Ghost. and we hate
to tell you, but Patrick Swayze lied – working with clay is seriously
tricky and you’ll enjoy your first session more if you don’t go in
expecting to leave with a professional-standard ceramic work of
art. thankfully, the team at Yadawei, from founder Mohammed to
our faultlessly patient coach Seren, is so warm and encouraging
that we don’t feel too embarrassed when our sculpture initially
turns out more mess than masterpiece. We persevere and by
the end of class we’re hooked – and seriously chilled out. clay
modelling: like meditation, but messier. Who knew?
Yadawei, Warehouse 30, 8th Street, Al Qouz 1, Dubai, Tue 7pm to 9pm,
trial Dhs200, four sessions Dhs670, six sessions Dhs950. Tel: (04)
3791312. Taxi: TopChair Warehouse Compound. yadawei.net

get creative 031

the lowdown:
new eateries
fed up with asking yourself ‘where should i eat tonight?’
these are the most exciting openings arriving in dubai
over the next couple of months. book a table immediately.

032 good value


FOGO dE ChÃO
In a nutshell
Creatively carved cuts for carnivores
the lowdown
dubai’s seemingly endless love affair with
Brazilian churrasco marches on with Fogo
de Chão. The original opened in Brazil
back in 1979, then expanded exponentially
across the uS, before opening in Jeddah
last august. Now it makes its dubai debut
in dIFC.
order
The costela beef ribs boast a moreish
salty crust
Central Park Towers, DIFC, Dubai, daily
noon to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04)
3438867. Taxi: Central Park Towers.
facebook.com/fogodechaouae
MINA BRASSERIE
In a nutshell
The latest opening from famed uS chef
Michael Mina
the lowdown
When news broke that Michael Mina’s
retro american diner Firebird was closing,
it left a lot of people slightly miffed. Worry
not though, as he’s replaced it with Mina
Brasserie – a lively spot featuring modern
american food. Highlights include a
burrata with toasted pistachio, perfectly
roast chicken served with truffle mac and
cheese, and wood-fired lamb chops.
order
The tuna tartare with pine nuts, garlic, mint
and sesame-habanero oil is one of the
chef’s most acclaimed creations
Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Gate Village,
DIFC, Dubai, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (04)
5060100. Taxi: Four Seasons DIFC.
minabrasserie.com
ThE LOwdOwN
COVA MILANO
In a nutshell
gourmet treats for the sweet of tooth
the lowdown
one of the most historic cafés in the heart
of Milan’s fashion district, Cova Milano
makes its debut in dubai Mall’s Fashion
avenue extension soon. The Italian
pasticceria mirrors the style of the original
café founded in 1817, though there’s also
a more contemporary terrace, which
will overlook the dubai Fountains and
dubai opera.
order
The fruit tarts are somewhat legendary
Dubai Mall, Dubai, opening date tbc. Metro:
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. covamilano.com
good value 033
the lowdown
luchador
In a nutshell
Chilled out Mexican rooftop cantina
the lowdown
With fab views of the coast and Burj al
arab, the terrace of this rooftop restaurant
is the ultimate place for a lazy lunch
or post-work cocktail. Inside, Mexican
wrestling masks and colourful decor set
the tone for a vibrant dining experience.
Tacos, guacamoles, ceviches, carnitas and
all your other Mexican faves get a flavourful
upgrade, while the live music gets the
fiesta vibe flowing.
order
Their salmon guacamole is perfect partner
for your sundowners.
Aloft Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Mon to Thurs,
5pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 1pm to 2am.
Tel: (04) 2475550. Taxi: Aloft Palm Jumeirah
aloftpalmjumeirah.com
034 good value
MorIMoto
In a nutshell
High-end asian dining from a true
sushi master
the lowdown
You’ve got Masaharu Morimoto to thank
for bringing sushi to the West. The ‘Iron
Chef’ was instrumental in making sushi
a popular mainstream dining experience
in the uS. Now, he’s opening his debut
restaurant in dubai at the Renaissance
downtown. Morimoto occupies two floors
and has four terraces, one bar, plus live
teppanyaki and sushi counters. expect a
fusion of traditional dishes with western
ingredients and preparation techniques.
order
We’re hoping the famed morimoto
omakase tasting menu makes it across
the pond
Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Marasi Drive,
Dubai, opening date TBC. Tel: (04) 5125577.
Taxi: Renaissance Downtown Hotel.
marriott.com
MaStercheF
the tV eXPerIence
In a nutshell
dining for Tv addicts
the lowdown
Fans of hit Tv show MasterChef (ahem,
us) are going to love the new restaurant
opening in Wyndham West Bay dubai
Marina Hotel later this year. Not only does
the MasterChef Tv set inspire the interior,
but diners will be able to choose from an
ever-changing menu featuring original
dishes conceived by former contestants.
order
dishes by your favourite former Tv stars.
anyone else hoping for Christine Ha’s
vietnamese catfish from season three?
Just us? oK, then.
Wyndham West Bay Dubai Marina
Hotel, Al Seba Street, Dubai Marina,
Dubai, opening date TBC. Tel: (04)
4078888. Taxi: Wyndham Dubai Marina.
wyndhamdubaimarina.com
AVLI BY TASHAS
In a nutshell
The latest uae outpost from the
eponymous South african chef
the lowdown
From the top South african restaurateur
behind the widely acclaimed Flamingo
Room By Tashas at Jumeirah al Naseem,
and galleria Mall café Tashas, is avli By
Tashas, your new go-to for Instagrammable
food and décor in downtown dubai.
Natasha Sideris is taking on the old la
luz space in dIFC, which closed in the
last quarter of 2017 after almost a year
of operation. We’re hoping the latest
incarnation will fare better – and on current
form, we reckon Tashas should succeed.
order
The menu is yet to be unveiled, but we’re
hoping for some serious african spicing…
Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Gate Village,
DIFC, Dubai, opening date TBC. Tel: (04)
5060000. Taxi: Four Seasons DIFC.
avlibytashas.com
ASIA DE CUBA
In a nutshell
a cult international dining experience
popular with the fashion crowd
the lowdown
already a favourite in abu dhabi, this cult
eatery, which also has branches in New
York, london and Bahrain, has finally made
it to dubai. Taking over the site of China
grill, which closed its doors at the end of
February, the trendy Chino latino eatery
boasts an inventive menu encompassing
everything from tacos to sushi.
order
The asian paella, stuffed with shellfish and
olives, defines the fusion concept
The Westin Mina Seyahi, Beach Road,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3994141. Taxi: Westin Mina
Seyahi. asiadecuba.com
GAIA
In a nutshell
The flavours of greece, transported to the
gate village
the lowdown
We’re thoroughly looking forward to the
arrival of gaia, which will offer high-end
greek cuisine in dIFC when it opens this
october. Inspired by grecian culture and
named after the goddess of earth, the
menu has a seafood focus and is said to be
influenced by each element of the greek
region. expect dishes from the Kalimata
olive groves to the delicacies of the islands.
order
The freshest of seafood is expected to be
the restaurant’s calling card
Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, opening in
October.
good value 035
treatment tryout
testing, testing
With so many clinics and spas
vying for our attention, knoWing
Which health tests and treatments
are Worth your dirhams can be
dizzying. this month, We look at
treatments designed to make life
easier for busy Women…
THE TREATMENT
Women on The Run at Pastels Salon
WHO’S IT FOR?
anyone whose diary is too packed to fit in a standard mani/pedi,
waxing, facial or hair treatment
THE EXPERIENCE
about as dubai as treatment offerings get, Pastels Salon’s Women
on The Run offering is a range of packages and services designed
to take up far less of your precious time than a standard spa
appointment would.
Relaxing it is not, but if you’ve ever felt like you’d benefit from
a full Kardashian-style glam squad at your beck and call, here is
your chance.
I felt more than a little ridiculous when I turned up to Pastels’
Mercato branch to discover not one, not two, but six women were
going to working on me at the same time – but blimey, as time
saving strategies go, it’s certainly an effective one.
Having opted for the First gear package, one therapist per foot
and one therapist per hand began cleaning and shaping my nails
as I relaxed in the hair washing chair for a thorough shampoo,
condition and head massage. We then moved en masse to the
styling station, where the four nail artists positioned themselves
around me to complete my manicure and pedicure, as two
stylists worked on my blow dry. and while I’ve had many a blow
dry here in dubai that has turned out to be more voluminous
than required, this one was perfect – sleek, straight, bouncy,
but not too bouncy. The style lasted three days, while my nails
remained perfect for over a week – no mean feat given how busy
my surroundings were. a mani, pedi and a wash and blow dry in
036 good value
just 30 minutes? Not impossible, it seems, if you throw enough
smiley and efficient staff at the issue.
THE VERDICT
While I did have to overcome a modicum of Britishness – all this
for me? – there’s no question that this is a stellar service for a city
where so many of us are constantly on the run. and this is only
entry level. The Women on The Run treatment menu runs the full
gamut of services, meaning whatever you need, you can get it done
in quick smart time. The Fast lane Package, dhs605, features an
express facial, mani and pedi in 45 minutes, while the Body Work
package, dhs305, is a complete waxing service that will leave your
arms, legs, underarms and bikini line fuzz free in just 30 minutes.
opt for the Pit Stop Perfection package and you’ll have a gel mani
pedi in just 30 minutes, while the High Impact combo, priced at
dhs690 and boasting a root colour, blow dry and mani/pedi, could
see as many as seven therapists working on you to get you in and
out of the salon in just 75 minutes. Still not enough? Try Top gear
Perfection, dhs765, and seven therapists will work on a root colour,
blow dry, mani/pedi and back, neck and shoulder massage, leaving
you primped, preened and ready for a party in just 75 minutes.
THE COST
The First gear package, featuring a blow dry, manicure and
pedicure, costs from dhs370.
Pastels Salon, Mercato Mall, Beach Road, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am
to 9pm, Fri 10am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3447883. Taxi: Mercato Mall.
pastels-salon.com
Also at Jumeirah and The Ritz-Carlton JBR.
Two more To Try…
01
CromoAromA
IntensIve FACIAl At
home servICe
In dire need of a facial, but no
time to make it to the clinic?
let the therapists from dubai’s
Marzia Clinic come to you.
Whether you’re snowed under
with work or stuck at home with
the kids much of the time, the
friendly team will bring a spa
bed and full range of products
to your house for a wholly
relaxing experience.
the treatment
Based around the idea that skin
needs to be treated from the
inside out, this fully-customised
facial uses a combination of
colour and bio-aroma oils. The
100 per cent natural range of
products is formulated to treat
all manner of concerns, with five
treatment courses – hydrating,
02
the 24-hour
retreAt
looking to overhaul your
health, but not got the time (or
budget) to book into a Swiss
retreat and go off-grid? dubai’s
newest wellness resort, The
Retreat Palm dubai Mgallery,
has created a 24-hour retreat
designed to help get residents
on the straight and narrow with
just one night away from home.
the package
designed to help busy city
dwellers relax, reconnect
with themselves and adopt
some healthier practices,
the 24-hour retreat will see
clients put through their paces
with yoga and fitness training
sessions, a mind detox and
naturopathic consultations. all
food is prepared by the on-site
wellness chef, while a stay in
soothing, purifying, anti-ageing
and balancing – on offer.
Does it work?
Yes. The colour aspect of the
treatment takes a little getting
used to – my blue soothing
peel-off mask meant I spent
ten minutes looking like Papa
Smurf – but the products all feel,
and smell, wonderfully fresh and
afterwards my skin is smoother,
more even toned, hydrated and
noticeably plumped.
the cost
From dhs499 to dhs749,
depending on treatment and
location
Blush N Curls Ladies Salon & Spa,
Al Qusais, daily 10am to 9.30pm,
at home service available on
weekdays only. Tel: (04) 2652292.
facebook.com/marziaclinicuae
one of the stunning beachfront
feng shui designed rooms is
included too.
Does it work?
While it would be impossible
to undergo a dramatic
transformation to your health
in just 24 hours, sometimes
what we all need is a simple
reminder of how much better
we feel when we take good
care of ourselves. Here, you’ll
find all the motivation you
need to get back on track, and
in a beautiful setting too…
the cost
dhs999++ per night until May 1
The Retreat Palm Dubai
MGallery, The Palm
Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04)
5247777. Taxi: The Retreat
theretreatpalmdubai.com
good value 037
K2—the Savage Mountain
UAE resident Adrian Hayes recounts the beauty and brutality
of life and death on the world’s most lethal mountain.

A V A I L A B L E I N A L L M A J O R B O O K S T O R E S A N D AT B O O K S A R A B I A . C O M

SPONSORED BY:

www.motivatepublishing.com

ray addison’s real life
DIY? MY wIfe’s threat to paY a Man
usuallY gets Me MovIng…
I
’ve only ever had two serious arguments
with my father-in-law. The first was when
i insisted that women would eventually
play alongside men in a mixed-sex English
national football team, and the second was
when i tried to fit my own gas oven. “There’s
no way you can do that!” He said, “You’re not
qualified… or certified… or… competent!”
now i’ve always liked Emma’s dad. dave, a
former city trader, reminds me of derek Trotter
from the British sitcom only Fools & Horses,
full of personality and jokes, but without the
lies and nonsense of his Tv counterpart.
ordinarily, therefore, i would have heeded,
indeed sought, his advice. But i was a lot
younger and cockier back then and i’d been
caught unawares. dave’s arguments were
based on reason and logic – and, of course,
a sincere desire not to see his daughter and
grandchildren die from carbon monoxide
poisoning. So instead of admitting i was in the
wrong, i acted like a sarcastic child. “i’m sorry i
didn’t get that memo,” i said immaturely. “This
is my house and i’ll do it myself.”
The argument ended when dave, no longer
able to sit idle and watch me endanger the
family, threw a wad of cash on my kitchen table
(see, just like del Boy), and stormed out. now
although i did end up paying for a qualified
gas fitter to come and install my new oven,
there was another chapter to this story. Two
days later dave, possibly inspired by my own
foolishness, had a heart attack whilst moving
a wardrobe around the home he shares with
Maggie, my mother–in-law.
Having already had one very serious heart
attack 20 years earlier, there was no way
that he should have even contemplated solo
furniture shifting. But dave is nothing if not a
trier and when he decides to do something,
he’s getting it done come hell or high water.
That’s why when the ambulance crew arrived
he stubbornly refused to go to hospital until all
of the furniture had been moved. imagine then
the ridiculous scenario of two highly trained
paramedics on an emergency call hauling a
dresser, a bed and the huge ‘killer’ wardrobe
real life
around while dave shouted muffled directions
from behind his oxygen mask. “left a bit…
Right a bit… That’s lovely jubbly.”
Meanwhile Maggie, who was sick with worry,
couldn’t help asking: “Could we try it over by
the fireplace?”
Although you could say that these two
incidents are good examples of why home
maintenance is better left to the professionals,
i think most men would admit to a stabbing
pain in the heart when their wife tells them
she’s getting a man in to do a job they can’t.
“the longer i live
in Dubai, the happier
i am to bring in a
professional to Do
a job that i coulD
Do, but woulD
rather not”
in fact this is a tactic my own wife, Emma, has
used many times to chivvy me along when i’m
lagging behind in some project or other.
despite that, i’ll admit that the longer i
live in dubai the happier i am to bring in a
professional to do a job that i could do, but
would rather not. Just one word of advice
– do your homework first, because if you
hire the wrong chap you could end up with
wonky curtains, a blown up hoover and an
electrocuted handyman. i should know –
i’ve been there on each occasion to scold,
extinguish and call the ambulance.
Ray Addison is a broadcaster,
comedian and writer, who can be
found on Instagram and Facebook
@RayAddisonLive
good living 039
 InterIors

01
pale and interesting
Pretty, subtle and bang on trend,
Pastel shades are having a moment
Decorating with pastels may be on-trend at the moment, but
it can be tricky to walk the line between creating a soft, chic
space and one that looks like a four-year-old’s unicorn party.
light and relaxing, pastels allow for the addition of colour
without it overwhelming your space. This works particularly well
where other elements of the scheme, such as the style of furniture,
are meant to be the focal point, or where the overall aim is a gentle,
soothing look in which no one component is intended to shout.
At the more muted end of the spectrum, pastels can read almost
as a neutral, adding warmth and interest while making a subtle
statement. Cool, washed-out blues that invoke nordic skies are the
perfect addition to a pared back Scandi scheme, while modern lilac
is a dialled-down, more liveable version of Pantone’s Colour of the
Year for 2018, Ultra violet.
The use of baby pink in interiors has also become so popular
in recent times that it is now referred to as ‘millennial pink’,
representing a kind of ironic prettiness. one way to prevent
pastels from feeling too saccharine is to use them in an otherwise
masculine or edgy space. The unexpected juxtaposition of a soft
pastel hue with industrial brick work or rustic wood adds a quirky
twist and increased depth to the scheme.
if you’re not ready to commit to pastels in one of your main living
spaces perhaps try introducing them in a room you don’t spend
much time in, such as a guest bedroom or hallway. Mint green is
soothing and fresh, making it a great colour for bathrooms, while
yellow can add subtle, sunny warmth to pale neutrals such as
white, beige and grey.
Paint and wallpaper are both relatively inexpensive, easy ways
to make dramatic changes in your home. if your walls make a
statement, stick to simple, neutral furniture and accessories so the
02
03
01. Zara Home 02. H&M Home
03. Scion at The Style library ME
space doesn’t become busy or chaotic. For a contemporary look,
try mixing pastels with clean lines, natural wood, metallic accents
and plenty of leafy botanicals.
Bright pastels are some of the happiest hues out there and look
fabulous when several appear together, as illustrated by these
chairs upholstered in fabric by Scion, pictured. if you’re feeling
brave, try combining aqua with peach, or lemon with pink. The
softness of pastels allows for the pairing of colours that might
otherwise clash or overwhelm.
if you want to brighten your home then adding accessories in a
few of these shades is a great place to start. Cushions, throws, photo
frames and vases are all items that can be bought inexpensively and
used to experiment with a splash of calming colour.
Changing your bed linen is a quick, non-permanent way to totally
update the look of your bedroom. This otherwise neutral space
would have far less personality without the pretty pastel bedding
from Zara Home, pictured.
don’t forget about your dining table either. Pastel tableware
and crockery is guaranteed to raise a smile and looks fabulously
feminine when teamed with with glamorous gold or rose gold
cutlery. For a more understated look, the addition of pastel
textiles to your table, such as the pink tablecloth from H&M Home
pictured, gives a subtle nod to the trend.
For those who are drawn to dark decor, pastels are still very
much an option. Pale, playful accents within an otherwise subdued
or dramatic palette provide an interesting contrast, elevating the
entire scheme. The combination of these light, airy shades with
grounding black strikes a balance that is about as chic as it gets.
So from the palest tints through to dusky hues and on to cheerful
brights, there really is a perfect pastel for everyone.
good living 041
 E Y
EM RT
TH H PA
AC
BE

2 nd M AY 2 0 1 8 | 7:30pm | BARASTI BEACH

celebratING the very best

of the region’s nightlife industry
BAR OF THE YEAR CLUB OF THE YEAR BEST DJ BEST LOCAL BAND/ACT BEST INTERNATIONAL DJ SET
BEST FESTIVAL BEST CONCERT/GIG BEST COMEDY GIG BEST URBAN NIGHT BEST PUB
BEST HOUSE/TECHNO EVENT BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE BEST BEACH CLUB BEST LADIES’ NIGHT
BEST OUTDOOR BAR BEST PARTY BRUNCH NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR BEST KARAOKE VENUE

PACKAGES
AED150 All-inclusive BBQ
and free-flow house drinks AED250 All-inclusive BBQ
and free-flow house drinks AED5,000 FOR MORE
INFORMATION, VISIT
for Ladies from 7:30pm - 11pm for Gents from 7:30pm - 11pm for Tables (x10) WHATSON.AE/TABLES

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT whatson.ae/nightlife OR EMAIL wona@motivate.ae

CATEGORY SPONSORS VENUE PARTNER BEVERAGE PARTNER VOTE PROCESSING PARTNER PRESENTED BY
 INTERIORS

pastel products
GET THE LOOK IN YOUR HOME WITH
OUR PICK OF THE SHELVES

Blanket, Zara
Home, Dhs199

Vase,
Zara Home, Lacquer painting,
Dhs149 Home Centre,
Dhs149

Cushion,
Zara Home,
Photo frame, Dhs199
Zara Home,
Dhs119
Andi’s Table Lamp,
Home Centre,
Dhs119

Leifarne chair,
IKEA, Dhs225

Soderhamn sofa,
IKEA, Dhs1,750

GOOD LIVING 043

 your week at
Anantara The Palm
Dubai Resort
The Thai-inspired hotel brand Anantara is known for its chilled-out spa retreat vibe with its high-end
luxury and decor. However, this month, it’s all about the food, fun and sun at their Palm Jumeirah venue
with an enticing selection of dining deals and sun-soaked fun – plus their very first Culinary Week

MONDAY
Dine and Unwind
at Crescendo and
Anantara Spa
We don’t need an excuse to
make the most of this deal – a
spa treatment, day pass to the
facilities plus lunch or dinner
at Crescendo with unlimited
soft drinks, juices and water.
Erm, where do we sign up? The
only difficulty will be choosing
between the three spa treatments
on offer – Traditional Turkish
Hammam, Arabian Massage or
the Anantara Signature Massage.
But, seeing as the offer runs to the
end of the year, there is more than
enough time to try all three.
Dhs599 per person, Saturdays to
Thursdays. Tel: (04) 5678304

SUNDAY
A week of dining at Culinary Week
Take a week off cooking and feast it up with some five-star dining at Anantara The Palm
Dubai Resort’s very first Culinary Week. Enjoy three courses at your choice of three
signature venues, from April 22 to 30, for just Dh249. Mekong will transport you visually
and gastronomically to Asia with rickshaw-style tables and authentic Asian dishes. For a
contemporary vibe, Beach House offers Mediterranean fare, cocktails, city views and a DJ
later in the evening. For die-hard meat-lovers, Bushman’s Restaurant and Bar is the place –
an Australian menu and atmosphere make for a relaxed evening out.
April 22 to 30, 6pm to 11.30pm
Dhs249 for a starter, a main course and a dessert
 advertisement

FRIDAY
Fork and Cork brunch
at Crescendo
Head to Crescendo for their
answer to Dubai’s Friday brunch
habit – a decadent selection of
sumptuous dishes from around
the world. Make the most of the
lovely weather with a table on
TUESDAY the terrace, from where you can
Gents Tuesday Refresher at Anantara Spa soak up views of the beach.
Shake the start of the week off with an evening at Anantara Spa tonight and enjoy a 45-minute Starting at Dh365 with soft drinks,
Traditional Turkish Hammam plus a 30-minute back, neck and shoulder massage and a selection ranging up to Dhs735 with bubby.
of healthy refreshments. If you have time left over, kick back with full access to the wet facilities, Fridays 1pm to 4pm.
including the Aroma Steam Room, Liquid Sound Pool, Bamboo Sauna, Ice Grotto and more, Tel: (04) 5678304
before leaving with your exclusive Anantara Spa gift.
Dhs399, Tuesdays, 5pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 5678140 or e-mail spa.dubai@anantara.com

WEDNESDAY
Ladies Night Bliss at Anantara Spa
Wednesdays are for women at Anantara
Spa – get scrubbed silky with a 45-minute
Traditional Turkish Hammam, followed
by a 30-minute back, neck and shoulder
massage. Nourish up after the exertion with
some healthy refreshments and make the
most of their extensive wet facilities. Plus,
take a little bit of spa home with you in the
form of an exclusive Anantara Spa gift.
Dhs399, Wednesdays, 5pm to 10pm. Tel: (04)
5678140, or e-mail spa.dubai@anantara.com.
SATURDAY
Lazy Lunch at Bushman’s
The final day of the week is
for ultimate chillaxing. Enter,
THURSDAY the Saturday Lazy Lunch at
Afternoon Tea at The Lotus Lounge Bushman’s Restaurant and
Finish off the week in style with an Bar, where you can enjoy
Afternoon Tea experience at The Lotus free pool and beach access
Lounge where you can enjoy a three-tiered before and after your meal.
delivery of classic afternoon tea treats such Dhs380, including house drinks
as scones with clotted cream and lots more. and beach and pool access.
Dhs195, or Dh295 with unlimited champagne. Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm for brunch,
Saturdays to Thursdays, 2pm to 5pm. with pool and beach access
Tel: (04) 5678304 running from 10am to 5pm. Tel:
(04) 5678304, e-mail restaurants.
dubai@anantara.com

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. tel: (04) 5678888. Taxi: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. dubai-palm.anantara.com
GOOD IDEAS

  

 
We all know the importance of first response care when
it comes to our physical health, but what about our
mental health? We meet the experts who’ve brought the
internationally certified
Mental Health First Aid training programme to the Middle
East to find out why it should be on all our to-do lists…

046 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

GIVEN THE FAST-PACED, TRANSIENT
NATURE OF THE REGION, EXPATS MAY
OFTEN FEEL OVERWHELMED AND
STRESSED IN THEIR DAILY LIVES
Like many people, I trained in first aid
while still at school, when learning the
recovery position, CPR, how to stem
bleeding and bandage a wound was seen
as an essential life skill. Again, in common
with so many, I retrained when I became
a mother – for what parent doesn’t
want to be able to react correctly when
her child injures him or herself, or falls
Farah Dahabi unexpectedly ill?
But in today’s fast-paced, highly driven
world, it’s not injury or physical illness, but
mental ill health, which is causing increasing
concern. Such is the stigma surrounding
mental ill health, accurate figures are hard
to come by – experts believe even the World
Health Organization’s own statistics likely
underplay the problem, with reluctance to
report and seek help among sufferers still
a global issue. What we do know is that the
WHO’s World Mental Health Survey, carried
Christine Kritzas out from 2001 to 2003, revealed mental
illness rates of up to 26 per cent of all adults
in the western world, while in the UK, an
estimated 13 per cent of all sick days are
attributed to mental ill health.
“We can all have different reactions to
the very word ‘mental health’ but we cannot
ignore the facts,” says Farah Dahabi, a
clinical psychologist and instructor in the
programme at Dubai’s Lighthouse Arabia.
“The World Health Organization reports that
one in four individuals are suffering from a
mental health illness. Cases of depression
have ballooned by almost 20 per cent,
making it the leading cause of disability
worldwide, and the drop-in productivity
linked to depression results in a global cost
estimated at US$1 trillion annually.”
Interestingly, experts now believe that
around half of all adults who suffer from
mental illness will have their first onset
by their mid-teens or in early adulthood,
making identifying and treating problems
early on a key target in many developed
countries. But with self-reporting rates still
low, a movement is now underway to ensure
that more parents, employers, teachers,
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID 047
hr workers and managers are educated to
spot the signs and symptoms of early onset
mental illness. enter mental health first aid.
“mental health first aid was founded in
australia in 2001 by a nurse practitioner,
Betty Kitchener,” explains farah. “Betty
was diagnosed with clinical depression and
dreamed of a way that people could help
individuals with a mental health issue, the
same way traditional first aid does.
“since then, mental health first aid has
spread to more than 23 countries, over two
million individuals have been trained, and
it has become part of national policy in the
Us and the UK – President Obama invested
Us$20 million in mhfa training with the goal
of having three million americans trained,
while the UK Prime minister, theresa may,
has funded £15 million with a goal of having
one million trained.
“at the lighthouse, we’ve now debuted
mhfa to the Uae with the dream of
educating and empowering the region to
better understand mental health and how
048 mental health first aid
to help someone who is experiencing a
mental health issue. We hope to pioneer the
change that will destigmatise mental health
in the Uae.”
it’s interesting stuff. But whether you’re
in a professional or personal environment,
stepping in to query someone’s mental
health can be tricky, especially given that,
unlike injury or physical ill health, mental
health problems can be much harder
to spot.
Knowing the early signs is key, says
Christine Kritzas, a counselling psychologist
and another of the lighthouse’s mhfa
instructors, who warns that dubai’s busy
expat culture can be particularly challenging
for many people’s mental health.
“When an individual’s coping mechanisms
are outweighed by their stressors, it can
have a negative impact on their emotional
functioning. Given the fast-paced, transient
nature of the region, expats may often feel
overwhelmed and stressed in their daily lives
and not have adequate resources in place
to deal with this. Being an expat living in
the Uae may come with its own challenges
– having a limited support group, feeling
lonely and isolated, having to rebuild one’s
professional network – which may then
make one more vulnerable to experiencing
mental health difficulties.
“most often, though, family, friends,
teachers or individuals can themselves
begin to recognise small but significant
changes in a person’s behaviour which may
gradually or immediately start to impact
on their personal, occupational or social
functioning. learning about developing
symptoms, or early warning signs, and
taking action can help. early intervention
can help reduce the severity of an illness.”
Both experts say that, just as the parents
of newborns often embark on a child first
aid course, so the parents of adolescents or
those approaching the teenage years should
consider the importance of recognising the
early signs of mental ill health.
“as parents,” says Christine, “we need

to place the same level of importance on
our children’s emotional development as
we do when it comes to their physical and
intellectual development. in order to do
so, parents need to be equipped to be able
to detect when their child is presenting
with significant indicators of emotional
difficulties.
“emphasis is often placed on being able
to assist a child in an emergency situation
where he or she is physically choking, but
what about being equipped to help out when
a child is experiencing chronic anxiety and is
refusing to go to school?”
such is the level of concern about the
difficulties the next generation is facing
in terms of mental health stressors, the
Early intErvEntion
can hElp rEducE thE
sEvErity of an illnEss
Lighthouse Arabia will be running quarterly MHFA courses throughout 2018. Participants will
receive credit points from DHA, and a certificate of MHFA accreditation, valid for three years.
The next adult course will begin on May 3, while the next course focussing specifically on
adolescent mental health will begin on May 10. Courses cost Dhs1,550 per person, plus VAT.
To sign up, or for more information, visit lighthousearabia.com
clinic has launched a specialist version of
the mhfa course aimed specifically at the
parents, teachers and carers of adolescents
in order to equip them with valuable
information, communication techniques
and more.
Christine says, “the course will teach
parents how to approach their child or
adolescent, who may be struggling with a
mental health problem, and ask questions
in a non-judgmental way that elicits open
communication. Parents will also be able to
recognise the key symptoms suggestive of a
mental health problem and will therefore feel
more empowered in helping their child by
making the appropriate referral to a mental
health professional.”
good ideas
Spot the SignS
While symptoms can be wide
ranging, the following are some of
the most common early signifiers
of the onset of mental ill health
01 Deterioration in functioning
an unusual drop in functioning at
school, work or in social settings.
this can manifest as failing class
tests, or experiencing difficulty
performing familiar tasks at work.
02 Emotional withdrawal
recent social withdrawal or loss of
interest in being around loved ones.
03 Mood changes
many people present with an irritable
or low mood more days than not.
04 Difficulty concentrating
finding it hard to focus on tasks,
experiencing a ‘clouded mind’ or
being more forgetful than normal.
05 Emotional or angry outbursts
frequently crying or being highly
reactive with others can be a
symptom of a number of mental
health conditions
06 Sleep or appetite changes
significant changes in sleep and/or
appetite can be a warning sign of a
mental health disorder
07 Feeling indifferent
this can manifest as a lack of
interest, enthusiasm or concern for
people, events or activities.
08 Feelings of worthlessness
feeling as though one has no purpose
or reason for living is a common
symptom that is worth looking into.
09 Fatigue
feeling tired despite getting
adequate sleep can be an indicator
of illness.
10 Low motivation
feeling unmotivated and lacking drive.
11 Excessive worrying
an increase in intensity of worries
or feelings of guilt can point towards
anxiety or other mental illness.
mental health first aid 049
a good look at...
saturday brunches
for a more relaxing take on brunch,
try leaving your weekly indulgence
until later in the weekend
DUKES DUBAI
if you’re looking for a side-serving of class
with your brunch, dukes’ tea lounge offers
a hybrid of afternoon tea and brunch every
saturday, complete with quintessentially
British finger sandwiches, cakes and a vast
selection of teas. There’s also an unlimited
champagne option for those looking to
celebrate, well, anything at all...
Dukes Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat 2pm
to 6pm, Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs319
with house drinks, Dhs519 with champagne.
Tel: (04) 4551111. Taxi: Dukes Dubai, Palm
Jumeirah. dukesdubai.com
050 good ideas
SCAPE
Malibu meets dubai with scape’s new
California brunch. served straight to the
table, expect dishes including sushi donuts,
angus beef tataki, lobster and Baltic salmon,
as well as drinks stations serving a range of
cocktails. it’s not the cheapest on the list –
but it’s certainly an accessible way to see
inside the iconic Burj al arab.
Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat 1.30pm
to 4pm, Dhs495 with soft drinks, Dhs695
with house drinks, Dhs795 with premium
drinks. Tel: (04) 3017600. Taxi: Burj Al Arab.
jumeirah.com
GEALES
saturdays are all about family, so why not
ensure the whole brood is entertained?
There’s face painting, arts and crafts, a
bouncy castle and children’s yoga all on
offer at geales, meaning the kids will be kept
busy while you eat a four-course brunch
served to your table.
Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai
Marina, Dubai, Sat noon to 4pm, Dhs195 with
soft drinks, Dhs345 with house drinks, Dhs99
kids. Tel: (04) 3165550. Taxi: Geales. geales-
dubai.com

EL SUR
experience saturday the spanish way,
with a siesta followed by paella at el sur.
There’s also a variety of tapas served to the
table – though be sure to leave room for the
decadent cheesecake with cinnamon ice
cream dessert.
The Westin, Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai,
Sat 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs265 with soft
drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks. Tel: (04)
3997700. Taxi: Media City. elsurdubai.com
GALVIN
one of our new favourite dining hotspots
in dubai, City Walk’s The square houses
galvin dubai, a stylish restaurant helmed
by Michelin men Chris and Jeff galvin. Their
new ’UnBrunch’ is a three-course set menu
including sea bass carpaccio, confit duck
and spiced fig samosa..
The Square, City Walk, Dubai, Sat noon to
4pm, Dhs185 food only, Dhs250 with house
drinks. Tel: (04) 5905444. Taxi: City Walk.
galvindubai.com
A good look At...
SOFITEL THE PALM
if you’re looking to take a detour from the
usual family-friendly brunch entertainment,
try sofitel The Palm’s newly opened
restaurant, The World eatery. They organise
a weekly family bingo competition with
loads of prizes up for grabs. There’s also a
dedicated children’s menu and live acoustic
tunes from the resident guitarist.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Dubai, Sat 12.30pm
to 3.30pm, Dhs299 with soft drinks, Dhs399
with house drinks, Dhs99 children. Tel: (04)
4555656. Taxi: The Palm. sofitel-dubai-
thepalm.com
good ideas 051
april’s theme:
new releases
From biographies to thrillers, some serious
page-turners have just hit the shelves
EvEry NotE PlayEd
Lisa Genova
The latest novel from the
neuroscientist-turned-
bestselling author of still alice,
this tale of concert pianist
Richard, his battle with aLs
and his need for the care of his
estranged wife will leave you
pondering the meaning of love
and loss long after you’ve turned
the last page.
052 good ideas
Stray City
Chelsey Johnson
sweet and funny, but with a
seriously rebellious edge, this
debut novel about unplanned
motherhood, roots and
identity will have you looking
at the whole idea of family and
friendship in a fresh new light.
How i rESiSt
Various
subtitled activism and Hope for
the Next generation, this all-star
collection of essays, edited by
bestselling young adult authors
Tim Federle and Maureen
Johnson, is an exploration of
youth activism that should
be on every parent and teen’s
reading list.
 the book club

book
oF The MonTh

girLS Burn BrighTer

Shobha Rao
already winning plaudits as one of the year’s most
spectacular debuts so far, this tale of two female
friends, separated by tragic circumstance, had us
gripped from the beginning. spanning india and the
Usa, and tackling some of modern society’s most
pressing issues – domestic abuse, human trafficking,
immigration and gender equality – it’s as heart-
wrenching as it is impressive.

SomeTimeS i Lie The Feed Tangerine

Alice Feeney
When amber Reynolds ‘wakes’
in hospital, she is trapped inside
her own body. Unable to move,
speak or open her eyes, but
fully aware of the conversations
going on around her, she tries
to piece together the events
that led to her injury. a serious
psychological thriller.
Nick Clark Windo
in a vivid post-apocalyptic
world, everyone is connected
to everyone else by The Feed.
But when it collapses, so does
everything humanity relies upon
to survive. at once futuristic and
scarily familiar, this timely debut
might make you want to break
up with your smartphone…
Christine Mangan
When alice shipley moves to
Morocco ,she is surprised to see
her estranged friend Lucy. The
pair reignite their friendship as
they adjust to expat life – but
things soon take a sinister turn
in this tight, suspenseful thriller
of a book.

good ideas 053

recipes

054 good food

 Picnic in
the Park
Eating outdoors needn’t mean choosing between a
takeaway or soggy sandwiches. Pack up these tasty
treats for a filling family lunch alfresco

Baguettes with Beef,

pecorino and mustard
700 to 800g rump steak
olive oil
1 long baguette
100g pecorino cheese, thinly sliced
2 handfuls fresh watercress
125ml mayonnaise
4 tbsp wholegrain mustard

1) Heat a griddle pan over a high heat. Brush the rump steaks with olive
oil and season with salt and black pepper. fry the steaks to the desired
degree of doneness then set aside to rest before carving into thin slices.
2) Cut the baguette open lengthways. Mix the mustard and mayonnaise
together, then spread the mixture on both sides of the bread. Arrange
the beef slices in the baguette, then top with the sliced cheese and,
lastly, the watercress. Cut the baguette into pieces to serve.

good food 055

recipes

Frittata with
chicken, Feta and
roast butternut
500g butternut, peeled, deseeded and diced
30ml olive oil
6 eggs
250ml cream
80ml Parmesan cheese, grated
400g cooked chicken, flaked
200g feta cheese, crumbled

1) Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the

butternut and olive oil in a mixing bowl,
season well with salt and pepper then mix
until the butternut is completely covered.
2) Spread the butternut out on a baking
sheet and roast for about 15 minutes, or
until golden brown and cooked. 3) Whisk
together the eggs, cream and Parmesan
cheese, then season with salt and black
pepper to taste. 4) grease a muffin pan and
place the butternut cubes, chicken and feta
cheese in the hollows of the pan. Pour the
egg mixture over and bake for about 15 to 20
minutes or until golden brown and set.

056 good food

Salmon and
potato fiSh cakeS
500g salmon fillets, skin discarded
olive oil
300g potatoes, peeled
15g lemon zest, finely grated
15g spring onions, chopped
125g fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 eggs
625g fresh breadcrumbs
2 eggs, beaten

FOR THE GARLIC AND LEMON

MAYONNAISE
125ml mayonnaise
5g lemon zest, finely grated
30ml lemon juice
1 clove garlic, bruised

1) Preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare the

garlic and lemon mayonnaise by mixing
all the ingredients together. Set aside until
needed. 2) Place the salmon on a baking
sheet and brush with olive oil. Season with
salt and black pepper and roast in the oven
for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked.
Allow to cool, then flake the fish. 3) Boil the
potatoes in salted water until done. drain
and mash well. 4) Mix the flaked salmon,
potatoes, lemon zest, spring onions, parsley,
one egg and 250g of breadcrumbs in a
mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper,
then shape the mixture into fish cakes. 5)
Crack the two remaining eggs and beat,
then transfer to a bowl or plate. dip the fish
cakes first in the beaten egg
and then in the remaining breadcrumbs.
6) Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the fish
cakes on both sides over a moderate heat
until golden brown. Serve with the garlic and
lemon mayonnaise.

good food 057

recipes

TomaTo salad
1kg ripe tomatoes – use a variety of sizes
and colours
1 handful fresh oregano, chopped
30ml red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, bruised
1 fresh red chilli, deseeded and chopped
1 packet fresh rocket
1 handful basil leaves, shredded

1) Cut the tomatoes into slices and season

well with salt. Place in a sieve and leave
to stand for about 15 minutes. 2) Mix the
garlic and chilli together and stir through to
coat the tomatoes. 3) The tomato mixture
can be kept in a sealed lunchbox in the
fridge until you are ready to eat it. Serve it
on a bed of rocket leaves, with the torn basil
leaves on top.

058 good food

Frikkadels with
Parmesan and
Fennel seeds
1 slice white bread
60ml milk
500g minced beef
1 egg
250g Parmesan cheese, grated
10g fennel seeds
15g fresh oregano, chopped
15g fresh parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, bruised
30ml fresh lemon juice
30ml olive oil

1) Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the

bread and milk in a large mixing bowl
and set aside for about two minutes or
until the milk has been absorbed. 2) Add
the mince, egg, Parmesan, fennel seeds,
oregano, parsley, garlic and lemon juice to
the bread and milk. Season with salt and
black pepper and mix together well. Shape
into frikkadels. 3) Heat the olive oil in a
frying pan, then fry the frikkadels for two
or three minutes on each side, until golden
brown. Place them on a baking sheet lined
with baking paper and bake for six to eight
minutes, until cooked through. Set aside
to cool.

good food 059

recipes

Baked ricotta
muffins
500g ricotta cheese
2 eggs
125g Parmesan cheese, grated

1) Preheat the oven to 160°C. Crumble the

ricotta cheese into a mixing bowl, then
beat in the eggs and the Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and freshly ground black
pepper. 2) grease a muffin pan and spoon
the ricotta mixture into the hollows. Bake
for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown
and cooked.

060 good food

Spicy eggS with
turkey ham and
aSparaguS
10 eggs, hard-boiled
125ml mayonnaise
6 to 8 piquanté peppers, chopped
45g fresh coriander leaves, chopped
20 asparagus tips, cooked
20 strips of thinly sliced turkey ham

1) Halve the eggs lengthways and carefully

spoon out the egg yolks. Mix the yolks with
the mayonnaise, piquanté peppers and
coriander, then season with salt and black
pepper. 2) Carefully spoon the filling back
into the egg halves and place an asparagus
tip on top of each. Wrap a slice of turkey
ham around both the asparagus and the
egg, and secure it with a piece of string or a
toothpick.

good food 061

recipes

ChiCken, beef
baCon and spinaCh
tortillas
2 garlic cloves, bruised
15g fresh rosemary, finely chopped
15g lemon zest, grated
30ml olive oil
400g chicken breast fillets
8 rashers rindless beef bacon
8 tortillas
125ml mayonnaise
fresh baby spinach leaves

1) Preheat the oven to 200°C. Mix the garlic,

rosemary, lemon zest and oil in a mixing
bowl. Season with salt and black pepper.
2) Place the chicken in an ovenproof dish
and pour the garlic and herb oil over. Rub it
into the chicken, then cover and set aside
for about an hour. 3) Roast the chicken for
about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cut into thin slices and set aside. 4) Heat a
frying pan and fry the beef bacon until crisp
and golden brown. 5) Spread mayonnaise
on the tortillas and place the chicken, beef
bacon and spinach leaves on top. Roll up
carefully and wrap in baking paper. Secure
each tortilla with a piece of string to prevent
it unrolling.

062 good food

Jam tartlets
500ml measure cake flour
45ml measure icing sugar
200g butter, cubed
1 egg yolk
30ml ice cold water
325g apricot or strawberry jam

1) grease a shallow muffin pan with

butter. Sift the cake flour and icing sugar
together, then rub the butter into the dry
ingredients until the mixture looks like fine
breadcrumbs. Mix the egg yolk and water
and add to the dry ingredients, then mix the
dough into a ball, wrap it in clingwrap and
place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
2) Preheat the oven to 200°C. divide the
dough into two and roll out one half to
around 2mm thick on a floured surface.
Using a biscuit cutter, press out rounds. Line
the greased pan with the dough rounds and
prick the base of each with a fork. Spoon
about 7ml jam into the centre of each pastry
round. 3) Roll out the remaining pastry
dough and cut it into thin strips. Using the
strips, shape a cross on top of each tartlet.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until the
pastry is golden brown and cooked through.

ChoColate and
Caramel bars
250ml measure cake flour
125ml measure desiccated coconut
125ml measure brown sugar
125g butter, melted
80ml golden syrup
125g butter, cubed
2 x 400g cans condensed milk
200g dark chocolate, broken into blocks
15ml coconut oil

1) Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the cake

flour, coconut, sugar and melted butter well,
then press into a 20cmx30cm baking pan
lined with baking paper and bake for ten to
15 minutes, until golden brown. 2) Prepare
the caramel by heating the golden syrup,
cubed butter and condensed milk together
over a low heat. Heat to boiling point, then
reduce the temperature and simmer until
the caramel is thick. Pour over the pastry
and bake for about 20 minutes more.
Allow to cool completely. 3) To prepare the
chocolate topping, melt the chocolate and
oil together and spread the mixture over the
caramel layer. Allow to set, then cut into bars.

good food 063

 A weekend of brunching at
La Ville Hotel & Suites
Last month, we invited four lucky good readers and some of the UAE’s top influencers
to join us for an exclusive fun-filled afternoon at the Social Garden Brunch at Chival,
La Ville Hotel & Suites

Our afternoon at the

Social Garden Brunch
What an afternoon we had at the fab Social
Garden Brunch last month. The chic European-
esque courtyard at Chival gets a weekly
transformation into a cute alfresco maze of live
cooking stations – each one seeming more
appetising and appealing than the last.
We loved the Ceviche and Raw Bar,
the authentic, slow-cooked paella heaped
with fresh seafood and, of course, the
Sweet Surprise dessert station. And, just
in case anyone was worrying about getting
dehydrated, the brunch garden was dotted
with an equally impressive variety of drinks
stations. Feeling hot? Freshen up with an
Aperol spritz. Suffering from a post-lunch lull?
How about a perky espresso martini to get you
feeling lively again. There were also an array of
wine and beer stations to cater to everyone’s
needs and preferences.
In between eating and drinking, our guests
got the royal treatment with sparkly face and
body art from Glitterbox as well as on-the-spot
pampering from The Doll House, while the in-
house singer serenaded us with bluesy, jazzy
songs to see us straight through till evening.
Friday 1pm to 4.30pm.
Dhs290 for The Botanical Quench, including
soft drinks, enhanced juices and botanical crystal
waters, Dhs390 for The Taste of Terroir, including
house drinks and signature cocktails, Dhs490 for
The Floral Refinement, including champagne and
all of the above. Plus an after party at LookUp
rooftop bar from 4.30pm to 7pm with selected
drinks at Dhs25. Tel: (054) 3095948. Taxi: La
Ville Hotel and Suites. chivallaville.com
 advertisement

Lazy Grazing Feast

It really is impossible not to lazily graze at this
fabulous Saturday brunch down at Graze Gastro
Grill at La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk. Rather
than wandering around a buffet or food stations,
scrumptious sharing platters are regularly delivered
to your table for any block of three hours between
1pm and 6pm. Butter poached shrimp with
steamed rice bun and spicy mango arrives and is
devoured to make way for the next round, which
could be striploin with balsamic red cabbage and
butternut purée, or fresh seabass marinated in
lemon and yuzu juice, or any other mouth-watering
creation. Every few weeks the menu gets a re-fresh
courtesy of the creative chef de cuisine, Juan Pablo
Dominges, meaning each time is like the first time at
this classy yet chilled-out brunch.
The attentive staff are on hand to re-stock your
food platters and to help you pair the right drinks
for each course, yet manage to keep the right
amount of distance so you can kick back with your
group and enjoy the cool vibe, while the afternoon
slips past in a heady, relaxing mix of great food,
yummy drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Saturday 1pm to 6pm.
Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs299 with wine and
beers, Dhs399 with premium drinks.
Tel: (04) 4033111. Taxi: La Ville Hotel and Suites.
grazelaville.com

La Ville Hotel and Suites, City Walk, Dubai. Tel: (054) 3095948. Taxi: La Ville Hotel and Suites. livelaville.com
 THE NO.1 700,000*
Entertainment unique visitors
news website in per month
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the chef shop
Can you produCe five dishes for under dhs300?
We put the professionals on the spot

Hector Sanchez, executive chef at

Abu Dhabi’s Wheatfields Gourmet
Grocer & Café, creates five easy
and tasty veggie dishes for two

✁
Hector’S
SHopping liSt

1 large cauliflower (approx

LIME AND CORIANDER CAULIFLOWER RICE
200g cauliflower
1 medium carrot, diced
125g frozen peas, cooked
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 cup fresh coriander, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
120ml olive oil
130g spring onion, finely
chopped
1.2kg)
1 beef tomato
2 lemons
1 lime
1 bunch spring onions
2 bunches fresh coriander
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 head garlic
1 medium carrot
1kg sweet potato
2 small red onions
1 jalapeño pepper
1 small head lettuce
1 pomegranate
1 small bag frozen peas
1 pack small tortillas
285g good quality dark
chocolate
1 250ml bottle maple syrup
1) Place the cauliflower pieces in a food processor and 1 jar coconut oil
pulse until you have a rice-like consistency. Set aside. 1 pack ground cumin
2) Add the coriander, lime juice and olive oil to the cup dried oregano
of a blender with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend Chili flakes
until smooth. Set aside. 3) Heat a pan on a medium 1 250ml bottle red wine
high heat. drizzle with olive oil then add the carrots vinegar
and cook for around two minutes. Add the garlic and 1 500ml bottle olive oil
cook for ten seconds, then add the cauliflower rice and
season with salt and pepper. Mix well. 4) once you feel ToTal cosT: Dhs242
the rice is hot, add the peas and the sauce, then turn
off heat and mix well. Season to taste, then serve.

good food 067

 the chef shop

SWEET POTATO FLAUTAS

400g sweet potato, washed, peeled and cubed
½ a small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ tsp ground cumin
6 soft tortillas
8 tbsp oil
2 cups lettuce, thinly shaved

1) Add the sweet potato to a pot full of water and cook

until fork tender. drain and set aside. 2) While the sweet
potatoes are cooking, sauté the onions in a small pan
with oil on a medium low heat until they begin to brown.
Continue to cook until almost caramelised. 3) Tip the
drained sweet potatoes into a large bowl, add the onions
and season with salt, pepper and cumin. Use a fork or
a masher to mash it all together, leaving some chunky
pieces. 4) Warm the tortillas lightly to make them more
flexible. Add around three tablespoons of the of the
mash to the center of each tortilla and roll them up
tightly. 5) once you have all six tortillas rolled up, heat
a frying pan with oil on a medium high heat. Place the
flautas in the hot pan and fry them until golden brown.
Pat them with a paper towel to remove any excess oil
and then serve, with salsa and sour cream on the side
for dipping if preferred.
Photos: Getty Images

SWEET POTATO HASH

ServeS 6

500g sweet potato, washed 1) Heat a large pan on a medium high heat.
and diced Add the oil and then the sweet potato.
1 small red onion, diced Mix well. do not leave unattended – sweet
½ cup of fresh coriander, potato can burn easily and needs to be
chopped tossed frequently. 2) Add the onion, garlic
1 tsp garlic, minced and jalapeno to the pan, then season with
1 jalapeño pepper, sliced salt and pepper. Mix well and continue to
4 tbsp oil cook until the sweet potato is soft – around
ten to 12 minutes. 3) once the sweet
potatoes are fork tender, turn off heat and
add the chopped coriander. Mix and serve.

068 good food

 CHOCOLATE
POmEgrAnATE BArK
285g dark chocolate, chopped into small chunks
60ml maple syrup
60ml coconut oil
1 pomegranate, prepared

1) In a kitchen bowl over a double boiler, add the

chocolate chunks and coconut oil. Mix until the
chocolate has melted, then add the maple syrup
and mix again. 2) Line a baking tray or sheet with
wax paper. Pour the melted chocolate over, then tip
the pomegranate seeds all over the top. Place in the
fridge for at least one to two hours. 3) When solid,
remove the tray from the fridge, tip over and remove
the chocolate. Break it up into rough pieces and
serve, keeping the remainder in a sealed tub in the
fridge until ready to eat.

mArInATED CAULIFLOWEr STEAK

Cauliflower, 1kg
1 beef tomato, halved
1 lemon, halved
2 spring onions, trimmed and halved lengthwise

FOR THE CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

1 cup fresh coriander, chopped
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp chili flakes
60ml red wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced

1) Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower. Hold the
cauliflower with its base on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, make a cut
through the centre to divide it in half, then cut each half into two three to
four-inch thick slices. Save half to make the rice in the following recipe.
2) Place two steaks on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil and season
with salt and pepper to your liking. Allow them to marinade at room temp
while you prepare the chimichurri. 3) Add the chopped coriander and
parsley to a medium mixing bowl, then mix in the remaining ingredients.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. 4) Heat up a non-stick grill pan on
a medium high heat. Add a good slug of oil and heat until it starts to smoke
a little, then add the cauliflower steaks. Sear until golden brown, around two
to three minutes, then flip and repeat on the other side – you are aiming to
retain a nice crunch but lose the raw texture. 5) Set the steaks to the side
for a moment, then use the same pan to heat the lemon, tomato and spring
onion halves. Serve the steaks with the vegetable sides and the chimichurri.

Wheatfields Gourmet Grocer & Café, Al Rayanna Complex, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, daily 7am to midnight. Tel: (02) 5500971.
Taxi: Al Rayanna Complex. wheatfields.ae

good food 069

responsible dining
dine by design
With interiors by PhiliP starck, katsuya
is certainly stylish. but does the food
live uP to the look?
I have to be honest and say that it’s taken me a while to make
it along to Katsuya by Starck. I love Asian food, but with
such a huge range of high-end, globally-recognised celebrity
chef-helmed eateries serving up top-notch fusion, sushi and
Japanese cuisine across Dubai, getting through them all can be
a challenge. And can one rock shrimp tempura really stand head
and shoulders above another?
In a word, yes. Katsuya by Starck’s rock shrimp is the first
dish brought to our table, and it serves as a statement of intent.
despite being slathered in deliciously spicy, creamy sauce, the thin
tempura batter remains noisily crisp, the shrimp so hot and juicy
you have to juggle them around your mouth. My reticence over
visiting another high-end Asian eatery evaporates in one crunch.
Checking they’re not an anomaly, we order another starter that
is ubiquitous in restaurants of this ilk – yellowtail with jalapeño.
And while it may have been Nobu that originally made the dish
famous, this is no poor imitator, with a light, clear ponzu sauce
enlivening the soft, meltingly fresh fish. Rounding off the starters,
we also order one of chef Katsuya’s own signature dishes, crispy
rice with spicy tuna. What arrives is something of a revalation –
four crisply fried two-bite blocks of sushi rice, still soft and tender
inside, and topped with a messy tumble of raw tuna, sauce, chives
and jalapeño. We quickly forego chopsticks and greedily hoover
them up with our hands. This is not a dish you want to eat while
wearing white…
Miso-marinated black cod, from the mains menu, is another
dish that has been done time and time again. Here, it is everything
fans would expect – the fish is soft and moist, the marinade is
the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and the flakes are greedily
guzzled up. It’s not original, but it’s delicious. our second choice, a
striped bass dish described as Chef Katsuya’s “most dynamic”, is
070 good food
equally delicious and the fresh fish, despite being filleted, breaded,
crisply fried and slathered in a sweet and spicy Szechuan-style
sauce, remains the star of the show.
We also order one of the restaurant’s signature bop bowls, a
type of sizzling rice hot pot that comes in a variety of incarnations.
We choose the braised beef short rib bop, opting to add chilli, and
what arrives is a huge, sizzling bowl that the waiter then tends to
table-side to ensure a mix of crisp and soft rice, muddled through
with tender meat, veggies, chilli and the signature sweet soy ‘bop’
sauce the dish is named for. With just the right amount of heat, the
end result is comfort food with a kick.
Now, until this point we have ordered the number of dishes
advised for a table of two. But we find ourselves too full to do
justice to a pre-ordered round of sushi rolls and have to admit
defeat, asking the waiter to call off our remaining dishes. Unlike
many restaurants with a sharing concept, portions here are
surprisingly generous. Also unexpected is how relaxed the
restaurant feels. Yes, it’s a design space, but on the night we
visited, the terrace, overlooking Jumeirah Al Naseem’s turtle
lagoon was full of families sharing dishes as their children played
spot the wildlife.
All of which means that while, on paper, Katsuya by Starck
could easily be dismissed as another five-star dining experience
suitable only for an expensive adults-only evening out, in reality, it
is a crowd-pleaser of a place, serving up top-class food without the
ubiquitous side of stuffiness. We have already been back – and my
son loved it as much as I did…
Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah, Beach Road, Dubai,
daily 11am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4190676. Taxi: Jumeirah Al Naseem.
katsuyarestaurant.com
DOING SOME GOOD

Ricardo Bojador,
executive chef at
Katsuya by Starck, on
responsible sourcing

Tell us about your sourcing methods for

Katsuya?
We partner with the host brand in the United
States to source the highest quality from
suppliers with best in class, state of the art
facilities. our seafood is sourced from all over
the world and is flown into dubai on a weekly
basis, based on availability and quality. I’d say
about five per cent of our produce is sourced
locally, and the rest is imported.

Sustainability is a big concern in seafood

– how do you balance sourcing responsibly
with ensuring the best quality?
our goal is to partner with reliable and
responsible suppliers, utilising farmed
methods that ensure the health of fish and
quality of pens. A huge portion of the fish
we use is imported from Japan, the US or
Europe. It is flown in fresh and delivered to
the restaurant based on our requirement –
fresh fish is the most important element in a
Japanese kitchen.

Are customers becoming more questioning

of where their food comes from?
We receive more enquiries about product origin
than about sustainability, but I think what is
important to customers is that we ensure every
one of them is treated with importance and
served delicious food – consistency is a core
value at Katsuya and every guest will be treated
with the same excellence in guest service,
regardless of who they are.

You have restaurants around the world.

How does Dubai compare when it comes to
ease of sourcing?
When it comes to the challenges, it’s similar to
many other demographics – at times suppliers
will run into shortages based on a normal
day to day events such as the weather or
seasonality of produce. But dubai has become
a world hub and you can source almost
everything here, with fresh ingredients and
produce coming in from all over the world.

good food 071

COMPETITION

WIN!

a friday brunch for four at sloane’s

This popular Grosvenor House venue has given its Friday brunch a facelift with a bunch of new exciting food offerings. Choose from an
extensive range of of sushi and sashimi, cheese and grape pairings and a foie gras station. This is on top of your favourite roast meats, live grill
stations and a hot seafood station, serving up everything from chilled mussels and grilled scallops to lobster thermidor. If that wasn’t enough,
the desserts area looks like something out of a children’s film with giant oversized cakes, endless jars of sweets, cupcakes, fruits and lots more.
Even better, you don’t have to worry about the children overdoing it on the sugar as there is a huge play area, complete with face painting, arts
and crafts, traditional games and video games, where they can run off steam while you relax and make the most of your afternoon.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply e-mail good@motivate.ae with ‘Sloane’s brunch’ in the subject line, and tell us:
What time does the Friday brunch at Sloane’s start and finish?
a 12pm to 3pm b 1pm to 4pm c 12.30pm to 4pm

072
 COMPETITION

WIN!

dinner for two at the fish house dubai

Born out of a respect for the local fishing tradition and Dubai’s enviable access to premium fresh seafood, The Fish House, which opened
recently at Dubai Festival City, promises to offer guests an authentic dining experience within the comfort of a lovely, warm atmosphere.
We’re drooling over the menu, which includes starters such as duck rillette, fish kibbah nayeh and charcoal grilled octopus, equally delicious
sounding maincourses and, our personal fave, the Fish House Towers For Two (tiered, sharing towers of seafood brought to your table). This
month they are inviting one good reader to come and enjoy the experience with a voucher worth Dhs1,000. Get your entry in today!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply e-mail good@motivate.ae with ‘The Fish House Dubai’ in the subject line, and tell us:
Which of these is not an option for the Fish House Special?
a Pernod flamb b Chermoula salsa c Samak bil meleh

073
my little
black book
Sarah JoneS, founder of dubai-
baSed e-tailer Sprii, ShareS her
uae inSider knowledge
MY FAVOURITE WORKOUT
I much prefer fun pursuits like paddle tennis and wakeboarding
than fitness classes to be honest. These kinds of activities also
clear my mind. Wakeboarding at Fahrenheit dubai Marine beach
Hotel is my absolute favourite – I love an early morning start out on
the water before mummy duties kick in.
MY FAVOURITE DATE NIGHT SPOT
eloquent elephant in downtown is like a home from home. It’s a
cute little british pub that feels like a touch of London in dubai.
There are always so many new hotspots opening in dubai every
day, especially in downtown, and it’s fantastic to have diversity
when choosing a night out. but it’s also nice to have a little bit of
home to enjoy.
MY FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A FAMILY DAY OUT
I’m loving newly launched La Mer. There’s so much to do and see
– cute little coffee shops, family-friendly restaurants, and all by
the sea. It’s a fantastic weekend refuge and you feel a million miles
away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach activations
also have a childlike nature to them, so you can be a kid with your
kids. It’s a lot of fun for all.
MY GO-TO HAIRDRESSER
I wish I had time for a weekly blow-dry but, sadly, those days are
074 good bye
gone due to building a business and being a new mum. I’m more of
a get up, baby on the bed, blow dry my hair and rock out the door in
my Converse girl these days, but I do love Chill Salon for a trim and
essential maintenance.
MY FAVOURITE SPOT FOR EVENING WEAR
evenings are mostly enjoyed with my little one and husband at
home with a spaghetti bolognaise after a long day in the office,
but if I know I have an evening event for work, I’ll always utilise
the personal shopping service at Harvey Nichols dubai. It has a
fantastic range of evening wear.
MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO UNWIND
I love heading to the cinema on a Saturday night. It’s a great way
to disconnect and recharge ahead of the new working week.
only recently I went to see I, Tonya – if you haven’t seen it yet,
it’s a must.
MY DUBAI HIDDEN GEM
I work at 100 miles per hour throughout the week, so at weekends I
love nothing more than a leisurely brunch at bystro. It has the best
poached eggs and avocado in town.
sprii.ae
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