Dining & Nightlife Abu Dhabi | Edition 47 | January 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

EDITION 47 | JANUARY 2019

New Theme Nights The Terrace on the Corniche welcomes new theme nights in 2019, celebrating the world’s most popular and exciting flavours for gourmet experiences that truly transcend every expectation.

Discover a lavish culinary spectacle highlighting different parts of the globe at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s signature day to night restaurant.

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, From AED 245* Sunday – Soulfood Sunday Monday – Spice Night Tuesday – Urban Kitchen: Burgers, Buns & Ribs

Wednesday – Butcher’s Cut Thursday – Ocean’s Table Friday – My Morocco by Chef Amine Al Azizi

The Terrace on the Corniche The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE 02 694 4553 | restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com | theterraceonthecorniche.com *All prices are in UAE Dirham and are inclusive of all applicable service charges, local fees and taxes

EDITION 47

Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi Published 12 times a year by Smart Communications FZ LLC

EDITOR’S BITE

Editorial Editor In Chief Leanne Smart Email: Leanne@diningandnightlife.ae Dear Foodies, Wishing you a Happy New Year!

As many of you know we recently launched our new Dining & Nightlife Discounts app, which is now available to download on the App Store and Google Play!

The Dining & Nightlife Discounts app offers a range of discounts across the city from Dining Deals; restaurants and cafes, Brunch Bargains; weekend brunches, Exclusive Experiences; spas and days out, Last Minute Offers; save up to 90% to Nightlife offers.

Management Michael Hine CEO

Graphic Design Wayne Smart WayneSmart2013@gmail.com

Download the app now for AED 49 a month, AED 99 six months or AED 129 for a year and start saving instantly, more discounts being added daily.

For your FREE 1-month trial use code ‘2019’.

Simply go to the App Store or Google Play, download the app, register, go to the subscription page (found in the top left menu) click on the 1-month subscription, enter the promo code 2019, apply the code and click subscribe.

For the latest news visit www.diningandnightlife.com Culinary Regards

Leanne Smart Leanne Smart | Editor In Chief Follow us! www.youtube.com/DiningandNightlifeUAE www.instagram.com/diningandnightlife www.facebook.com/DiningandNightlife www.twitter.com/DininNightlife

Advertising info@diningandnightlife.ae

Smart Communications FZ LLC PO BOX 769369, TwoFour54, Media Zone, Abu Dhabi www.smart-communications.ae info@smart-communications.ae www.diningandnightlifeabudhabi.ae info@diningandnightlife.ae

CLASSINESS

CAN BE CONSUMED WITH FUN Introducing The Lounge at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort. A social lab where elegant meets lively, dapper meets laid-back and sun meets sea. Experience it all at our rooftop terrace where everything comes together.

+971 2 811 4444 | jumeirah.com/JSIthelounge

January Contents

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Elements Brunch......................................................Page 6 Dining & Nightlife Discounts App................Page 8 In The Hot Seat..........................................................Page 10 Parmigiana....................................................................Page 12 Healthy Eating Venues........................................Page 14 2019 Travel Bucket List........................................Page 16 Namak by Kunal Kapur.......................................Page 18 Mizan Spa......................................................................Page 20 Veganuary.....................................................................Page 22

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Elements Brunch Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi

Today, we are visiting Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi to try their much talked about Elements Friday Brunch. Boasting outdoor food trucks, interactive entertainment, a DJ, and spanning across four restaurants, we cannot wait to experience this brunch for ourselves.

Elements all-you-can-eat brunch uses the four elements, water, earth, fire and air as its inspiration, each of the four outlets Café Palmier, District by Amalfi, LRM Central and whEAT, are themed around an individual element.

Café Palmier embraces the water element, and is where guests can enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood, from shrimp, lobster tails, crab, salmon, mussels to fresh oysters. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of sushi and sashimi, baked salmon, fresh salads, soups and grilled vegetables. We especially enjoy the sushi, oysters and crab curry.

Next, we journey to District by Amalfi via the man-made tunnel, which we spend far more time than we care to admit Instagramming. District by Amalfi focuses on the earth element and offers a selection of fresh produce; greens, dairy and vegetables. The range of cheeses is spectacular, from Dunbarra Pepper, Vully Rouge, Carrigaline, Gubbeen, Cashel Blue, Daru, Tipperary Brie to Brebis Fougere.

Amalfi also has a selection of pizza, pasta, halal cold cuts, tomato mozzarella and potato salad. Don’t leave Amalfi without trying the pizza, this place does some of the best pizza in the city.

The fire element is represented by the food trucks situated in the outdoor plaza, LRM Central. We would highly recommend grabbing a seat in LRM Central for your brunch, this is the most action-packed area of the brunch and where you will find all the entertainers, clowns and DJ. The food trucks vary from Lil Gringos serving nachos, tacos and quesadillas, Phat Panda serving Asian delicacies,

6 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi

Scoops offering freakshakes and ice-cream to Chef Shack boasting beef sliders, crumbed chicken sliders, fish and chips and potato wedges. We do enjoy a small helping of the nachos, fresh duck pancake rolls and tasty shrimp tempura.

The food trucks are a great addition to the brunch and are just one aspect that makes Elements Brunch so unique from any other brunch in Abu Dhabi. Little ones are also catered for with a dedicated kids corner offering dishes just for the little ones, face painting, a clown and a bouncy castle.

We conclude our brunch experience at whEAT which embraces the element of air. Here guests are invited to tuck into a tempting array of desserts. Easily offering over 30 different types of desserts guests can expect, hazelnut raspberry eclairs, white chocolate cake with blueberry creme brulee, English trifle, almond and lemon tart, hazelnut mousse with raspberry jelly, coconut mango passion burgers, lemon and raspberry panna cotta and lemon baba with vanilla cream and mixed berries. The coconut mango passion burgers are very creative and a must.

Overall Elements Friday Brunch at Le Royal Meriden Abu Dhabi offers a unique and exciting experience for brunch goers to enjoy. From the wide variety of quality cuisine, exciting food trucks to fun entertainment, Elements Friday Brunch is a breath of (much needed) fresh air to Abu Dhabi’s brunch scene. If you haven’t visited, we would highly recommend putting this on your list of must do brunches for 2019!

Elements Friday Brunch, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, packages start from AED 275 basic, AED 375 enhanced, AED 425 special to AED 495 premium.

Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, 800 101 101

January | 7

Dining & Nightlife Discou

place where you can view pictures, videos and menus of places you’d To celebrate the launch of Abu Dhabi’s must have lifestyle app, like to visit, plus read and engage with real customer reviews.

Dining & Nightlife Discounts, we are giving you the opportunity to avail a special introductory offer. Enjoy 1 month for AED 49, 6 months for AED 99 or 1 year for AED 129. The Dining and Nightlife Discounts Price app is available on both the App Store and Google Play.

We promise to save you money from the get-go that’s why you’ll notice our app is much more affordable than our competitors. Leaving you Enjoy a FREE 1-month trial by using code 2019. with a few extra dirhams to treat yourself, because you deserve it.

Offer expires 31st Jan 2019.

You can purchase the app for a special introductory offer of 1 month for

AED 49, 6 months for AED 99 or 1 year for AED 129, available on both

1. Download the app ‘Dining & Nightlife Discounts’. the App Store and Google Play.

2. Register and go to the subscription page.

3. Click one month, then enter and apply promo code 2019 What Makes Us Different

for your 1-month free trial.

Whilst we understand that it’s great to save money it doesn’t mean that you are willing to compromise the quality of your experience.

How It Works By including menus, pictures, videos and community reviews of the The Dining & Nightlife Discounts app will allow you to avail venues listing discounts on the Dining & Nightlife Discounts app, we unbeatable discounts from 2-4-1, 25% off, 50% off and up to 90% off aim to help you make the most informed decision about where you across 5 different categories; Dining Deals, Brunch Bargains, would like to visit, helping ensure you have the best possible Exclusive Experiences, Last Minute Offers and Nightlife! experience.

So much more than just another discount app, we have created a 8 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi

unts App

Community We wanted to create a platform where everyone could have a voice, that’s why we’ve built a community around the Dining & Nightlife Discounts app allowing you, the user, to leave a review and add images about your experience, helping other community users to decide on where best to visit.

App Highlights 5 Types Of Discounts All In One App Dining Deals - Restaurants, cafes and lounges.

Brunch Bargains - Weekday plus Friday and Saturday brunches.

Exclusive Experiences - Spa, hairdressers, days out and staycations.

Last Minute Offers - Flash sale of 50% + on anything from dining deals to experiences.

Nightlife - Beverages.

Voucher Sharing - sharing is caring, we’ve made it easy to share unlimited vouchers between registered users.

Real Community Reviews - If you are thinking of visiting one of the great places listed on our app why not see what other community members have to say first.

Track Your Savings - it always feels good to see how much you’ve saved, our savings calculator will do just that.

View Menus - from restaurant menus to spa menus, sometimes finding a menu online can be a hassle. We’ve placed menus in listed venues profile to make life just that little bit easier.

Search - explore what’s around you, newly added, A-Z and even search by dietary requirements.

News - read the latest happenings from around the UAE as we report on all the happenings.

We’d love to hear your feedback, feel free to email us at; contact@diningandnightlife.ae January | 9

In The Hot Seat How do you critic a restaurant? When some may argue that yourself and other critics have no experience upon that cuisine?

I have a strong food and beverage background, so I have a deep understanding of how things should be done in the industry, therefore when I review a restaurant, I use what I like to call a 360 approach in comparison to some reviewers who use a 180 approach. Of course, you can’t be an expert in every cuisine, but with experience you can identify the quality of the produce, the cleanliness of a restaurant and the level of service, hence my 360 approach.

How do you think social media has influenced the food and beverage industry?

Social media has hugely impacted the food and beverage industry. Restaurants have had to up their game, from plating to service, every aspect is open to criticism. Before a dissatisfied guest would have shared their experience with one or two friends, today that same guest can share their experience with hundreds of friends whilst still sat in the restaurant.

You also need to factor in bloggers and the media, who have a much larger reach than the average guest.

About bloggers, what are your thoughts in relation to them critiquing a restaurant?

Well, I don’t know every blogger personally but those I do know are passionate about what they do and have also worked in the industry themselves. I do have an issue with those that are just looking for a free meal.

However, it is the responsibility of the people inviting them to the restaurant to evaluate the bloggers credentials.

Tell us about the worst experience you have ever had in a restaurant?

Once I was reviewing a restaurant and the experience was that bad, I couldn’t bear to waste another moment of my life enduring such a painful dining experience. The food was tasteless and the service was terrible. I called the restaurant manager and thanked him for the invite but explained that I would be leaving as the restaurant had too many issues and clearly wasn’t ready to start accepting guests let alone critics.

Editor In Chief, Dining & Nightlife Abu Dhabi,

Leanne Smart

Your biggest criticism of the food and beverage industry?

Innovation, I think that many chefs here aren’t given the opportunity to innovate.

Favourite cuisine?

I know from my own previous Asian cuisine is my all-time favourite, specifically experience that one chef would have to Thai, which is ironic considering I’m not very good with spicy foods. Mediterranean cuisine is also a firm run each menu change past the General Manager for approval, that’s favourite. I suppose what both cuisines have in crazy. If you are recruiting someone common is that fresh produce is key. based on their skill and talent, then let Restaurants that you are looking forward to trying in them do their job. I’d also say communication, sometimes the 2019? restaurant is doing some amazing I have so many on my list, Abu Dhabi’s restaurant things, but we never hear about it. scene has grown considerably over the last few months. Mare Mare at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island What do you love most about your job?

Resort is at the top of my list. It’s a poolside Italian restaurant that promises traditional Italian dishes just The people, I love how I get to meet different people from all parts of the like Mamma’s home cooking. world. One day I am learning about what Oak Room at The Abu Dhabi Edition, they promise a proper British roast, even though I don’t eat meat I inspired a chef to enter the industry and would never pass up the opportunity for a traditional the next I’m consulting on a food and beverage event, no day is ever the same.

Yorkshire pudding. And finally, Dahab, it’s an independent restaurant that serves an array of authentic and contemporary Lebanese cuisine.

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Would you ever have your own restaurant?

I like the idea, but I don’t think we should underestimate how much

dedication and money is needed to start your own restaurant plus I’m happy where I am.

Culinary predictions for 2019?

I think every year we are seeing a growth in people becoming more health conscious.

Less people will be eating meat and dairy in 2019, we’ve already seen this trend grow steadily in 2018, so 2019 will be a hard year for steakhouses. I believe people will source more local produce, more and more farms are opening across the UAE which shows the demand is growing.

What does 2019 hold for Dining & Nightlife?

We’ve just launched our latest venture the Dining & Nightlife Discounts app. The team and I have been working on this for the last 2 years and we are thrilled to finally be sharing it with our community. The Dining & Nightlife Discounts app will allow subscribers to avail a range of discounts from dining deals, brunch bargains, last minute offers, exclusive experiences and nightlife. This will be a big focus for us in 2019!

CHEF’S TASTING MENU Discover a 8-course Chef’s Tasting Menu featuring JW Steakhouse’s culinary highlights.

Available daily from 6pm to 10pm AED 303* per person - food only AED 423* per person - beverage pairing Advance reservation is required

EAT Package: AED 260 (including soft drinks)

PLAY Package: AED 375 (including house beverages)

LAUGH Package: AED 415 (including Italian bubbles)

FRIDAY 12:30PM – 4:00PM

MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN ABU DHABI SHEIKH RASHID BIN SAEED STREET (OLD AIRPORT ROAD) T. +971 2 304 7777; WWW.MARRIOTTDOWNTOWNABUDHABILIFE.COM All prices are in UAE Dirham and are inclusive of all applicable service charges, local fees and taxes.

Parmigiana

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Nestled away in the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche guests will find Parmigiana, the hotels Italian restaurant.

Parmigiana promises diners contemporary Italian cuisine with a classic touch.

As we enter the restaurant we are warmly welcomed by the team. The restaurants’ décor is that of a classic Italian restaurant with checkered tablecloths and pictures of famous Italian artists spread across the restaurant walls, giving the restaurant a nostalgic feel.

This Thursday evening, we are reviewing Parmigiana’s new Buon Cibo menu. Buon Cibo the Italian term for good food, offers guests a buffet of antipasti to start.

As the night progresses, diners are treated to a delicious selection of unlimited servings of pizza followed by mouthwatering Italian main courses. A delectable dessert menu is available to end the night on a sweet note.

We start by checking out the antipasti buffet.

The choice is very good from burrata, bruschetta, selected cheeses and crackers to seafood; ranging from crab, shrimp to mussels. The bruschetta is divine, this simple dish has been the downfall of many a chef.

Often, we find bruschetta in the city somewhat hard to the bite but at Parmigiana the bruschetta is done perfectly. The seafood is fresh, and we love how the octopus has been incorporated into a traditional Italian salad, the burrata is full of creamy goodness and again tastes exceptionally fresh. The menu promised ‘a delicious night of good food’, and so far, it is delivering.

Onto the main course. I order the Spaghetti Allo Scoglio, spaghetti with mixed shellfish tomato and garlic whilst my dining companion opts for the Lasagna Al Forno, classic layers of pasta with bolognese sauce and bechamel. The spaghetti has great texture and we can really taste the tomatoes however as a personal preference we would like the garlic to be more evident. The lasagna is wholesome, a stable amount of cheese layers the top, not too much which is a refreshing change from other restaurants.

The lasagna tastes like an authentic Italian dish, made the way it should be. Both main dishes are cooked fresh hence the 20-minute wait, which the team do explain in advance of us placing our order. We are more than happy to wait a little while longer knowing that our food is being made fresh. The portion sizes here are very generous and after the antipasti buffet and the main course we are starting to feel full, but in a pleasing way.

Finally, onto dessert we order the Exotic Fruits Panna Cotta with Passionfruit Sauce and a few scoops of the Gelato. The desserts are a great way to end our culinary journey at Parmigiana.

Overall Parmigiana exceeded our expectations and delivered on all fronts from service, food quality, ambience and we are thrilled to highly recommend this authentic hidden gem for all to enjoy.

Thursday night Buon Cibo menu is priced at AED 169 per person with soft drinks or AED 189 per person with selected beverages.

Parmigiana, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, 02 813 7777 Parmigiana is a Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner and is offering 25% off the total bill.

Download the app now on Google Play or the App Store to start saving.

January | 13

Healthy Eating Venues

Eating well doesn’t have to be boring, check out our round up of the best places to grab a healthy, yet tasty bite to eat.

Also save yourself a few dirhams by downloading our app and availing discounts at our partner restaurants.

Fifth Street Café Mouth-watering signature dishes and home-baked goodies, the perfect spot for any occasion, whether you’re eating in or taking away. Try the Egg White Frittata, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free wi-fi available. @courtyard_auh Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner, get 25% off total bill.

Nattas Nattas offers a range of cuisine from healthy to scrumptious so if you are looking to eat healthy but your friends are in the mood for a sweet treat, Nattas is the destination for you. Those eating well should try the Salmon and Quinoa Salad. @nattas_abudhabi Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner, get 25% off total bill or 50% off food only.

No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café If you want the best Avocado Toast in the city look no further than No.57. We love their breakfast menu as they perfectly balance healthy and tasty dishes. @no57cafe Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner, get 2-4-1 on lunch menu.

Art House Café The perfect hidden gem for a relaxing healthy bite to eat.

The salads here are amazing, try the Da Vinci Salad or the Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad for something unique. @arthousecafead Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner, get 25% off total bill.

Salad Boutique Salad Boutique is challenging all perceptions that salads are boring. This unique concept offers over 100 different variations of salad, the Greek Avocado Salad is not to be missed. @saladboutique.uae Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner, get 25% off total bill.

Simple Café Offers vegan, gluten free, nourishing, satisfying daily meals, snacks, juices and smoothies combined with a personalised service to support and inform those making positive changes towards a healthier lifestyle. @simplecafeuae Skinny Genie Skinny genie is an honest, forward thinking, health conscious lifestyle brand. Skinny Genie stands first and foremost for great tasting food that also happens to be healthy and 100% gluten free. @skinnygeniead Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner, get 25% off or 2-4-1 on daily brunch.

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2019 Travel Bucket List

Looking for some travel inspiration for 2019? We list a host of trending destinations.

Tbilisi, Georgia Located on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, its proximity to the lucrative Silk Road has contributed to Tbilisi becoming the diverse and colourful city it is today.

Tbilisi is one of the world’s oldest settlements, archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation dating back to 4000 BC. Its natural landscape and the charm of its old buildings are sure to win you over. The cuisine in Tbilisi is unique, with both European and Middle Eastern influences.

Baku, Azerbaijan Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan, boasts a spanning coastline along the Caspian Sea. Visitors wanting to soak up the history of the city can explore the Old City, Palace of the Shirvanshahs and The Maiden Tower. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a 15th-century palace built by the Shirvanshahs and is described by UNESCO as “one of the pearls of Azerbaijan’s architecture”. Foodies shouldn’t leave Baku without experiencing Dolma Restaurant, serving the best of local cuisine this restaurant is highly recommended.

Mumbai, India Mumbai is a city that is bursting with life, from food, culture to landscape, Mumbai has something for everyone. If you are looking to be spoilt, we’d recommend staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, the hotel also has the best open rooftop bar in the city. Mumbai is a gastronomic adventure through a melting-pot of cultures, be sure to book a table at Ziya; to see and be seen, Wasabi by Morimoto; for an infusion of cuisine or The Bohri Kitchen; for an authentic experience.

Yerevan, Armania Armania makes our list for 2019 as it has been named one of the safest cities in the world. Full of history and culture, the capital city, Yerevan, offers many luxury hotels and modern restaurants, all set at the peak of Mount Ararat, which dominates the country’s skyline. Popular tourists’ sites include the dancing fountains of the Republic Square, the State Opera House, the Cascade complex, the ruins of the Urartian city of Erebuni and the historical site of Karmir Blur.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a compact city on the Miljacka River, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps.

Visitors will enjoy Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s oldest bazaar and the historical and cultural centre of the city. If you are looking to connect with nature a visit to Vrelo Bosne is recommended, a public park, featuring the spring of the River Bosna, at the foothills of the Mount Igman. Sarajevo is full of great restaurants but if you are looking for something authentic visit the street food vendors who serve local dishes from Roasted Chestnuts, Somun to Burek.

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YOUR PARTY SPOT IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL! Looking for a place to spend your weekend?

We've got you covered!

Come to Up and Below for the most trendy parties!

Namak by Kunal Kapur

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Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has joined forces with the renowned and awardwinning TV celebrity chef Kunal Kapur to launch the eagerly awaited restaurant, ‘Namak by Kunal Kapur’.

Having served the world with his delicious delicacies, Chef Kunal Kapur is revered by every Indian food connoisseur. An all-in-one Indian celebrity chef, restaurateur and media personality, he has been recognized amongst the Best Chefs in India. The new restaurant is poised to carve a unique niche for itself in the dynamic and ever-evolving culinary scene of Abu Dhabi.

Large carved wooden doors, bold textiles and vibrant colours bring a splash of India to Abu Dhabi. The restaurant is split into three areas, a large private dining area, the main restaurant and a second dining area which looks onto the kitchen. The glass fronted kitchen allows guests to enjoy the theatre of the kitchen as chef and his team meticulously prepare each dish.

To begin we opt for the ‘Oops I Dropped My Chaat’ and the Chaat Hummus.

‘Oops I Dropped My Chaat’ is presented on a bed of dry ice and consists of crispy potatoes, chutney gel, almond soil, yogurt splatter, all centred around a giant kachori. This dish is exceptional, the flavours, the textures, and the presentation are breathtaking. The Chaat Hummus is a great twist on a local favourite, offering a blast of flavour the humble hummus is paired with papri.

Next, the ‘Fall Off The Bone’ slow braised tandoori lamb chops. Guests have two options small or large, we order a small which offers three juicy lamb chops. True to its name, the lamb really does fall off the bone.

The team at Namak seem in good spirits and are eager to recommend dishes. Half way through our meal chef also visits our table and that of other guests, asking for feedback and suggestions, it’s great to see a team so willing to interact with guests.

For our mains we order the ‘Because I Love It’ aka butter chicken, the Dal Makhni, steamed rice and tandoori naan with garlic. The Dal Makhni is perfectly done, smooth and creamy, the texture of the lentils are evident, enough to give the dish depth. Unlike most restaurants’ chef hasn’t made the Dal Makhni creamy instead he has allowed his ingredients to do the work.

The butter chicken is another superb dish, a creamy texture yet not heavy to taste instead the flavours of the tomato play with our palate.

Concluding our dining experience, we opt for the Rasmalai, cheese dumplings stewed in sugar and saffron milk and the Chenna Tiramisu, mini rasmalai, espresso, peanut chikki and mascarapone. Another fabulous dish that leaves us wanting to return before we’ve even left.

Namak celebrates the flavours of Indian cuisine paired with bold plating, tasteful gourmet combinations and diverse cooking techniques from around the world. Guests are invited to enjoy bespoke Indian food with global footprints at an inspired kitchen by the celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur. Portions are more than generous, and the price is reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food being served. We predict that Namak will soon be winning awards for the best Indian restaurant in town.

Chaat Hummus AED 35.00 Oops I Dropped My Chaat AED 55.00 Lamb Chops 3 pcs AED 75.00 Dal Makhni AED 55.00 Butter Chicken AED 80.00 Steamed Rice AED 25.00 Tandoori Naan AED 15.00 Rasmalai AED 35.00 Chenna Tiramisu AED 60.00 Namak, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, 02 698 8137 Namak is a Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner and is offering 25% off the total bill. Download the app now on Google Play or the App Store to start saving.

January | 19

Mizan Spa

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This luxurious spa and fitness center is located at Hilton Capital Grand and is one of the largest spas in Abu Dhabi. Mizan Spa offers a variety of treatments to cater for all your needs. Be taken on a journey of relaxation as you experience invigorating body treatments, hydrating facials and indulgent massages, all the treatments are designed to leave you feeling refreshed, renewed and revitalized. Guests are invited to enjoy a soothing spa treatment or unwind in one of the Moroccan Hammams, saunas, steam rooms or relaxation pools, whatever your need this spa is well equipped to fulfil your requirements.

Today we are visiting Mizan Spa in search of some muchneeded rest and relaxation. The professional therapists are on hand to enhance our wellbeing and soothe sore muscles with a selection of body, foot and scalp massages. For today’s visit we opt for a 60-minute Swedish Massage treatment.

We are welcomed by the team at Mizan Spa and escorted to our treatment room. The treatment room boasts a jacuzzi, a private changing area and a separate shower area. The treatment room is dimly lit, a perfect setting to help us relax and unwind before our Swedish Massage treatment, the scented candles also help set a relaxing atmosphere.

The therapists talk us through the Swedish Massage treatment, the benefits and what to expect. A Swedish Massage is a massage therapy that uses massage oils or lotions that contain essential oils. During a Swedish Massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin.

They are thought to promote beneficial changes in your mind and body by affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain known to influence the nervous system. Some of the health benefits of a Swedish Massage include its ability to reduce anxiety, ease depression, boost energy levels, speed up the healing process, eliminate headaches, boost cognitive performance, induce sleep, strengthen the immune system, reduce pain, improve digestion and increase circulation.

The Swedish Massage treatment proves to be relaxing and much needed after a stressful working week. The outcome as intended left us feeling de-stressed, relaxed and re-vitalized.

Overall Mizan Spa provided the rest and relaxation we wanted, and the large pool and steam room were great for relaxing in after our treatment. Mizan Spa located at Hilton Capital Grand offers affordable spa treatments in a relaxed ambiance. The therapists are professional and accommodating and offer a proficient service.

If one of your resolutions this year is to get fit you may be interested to know that Hilton Capital Grand also offers a fitness center, situated adjacent to Mizan Spa. The fitness center houses state-of-the-art exercising machines from Techno-Gym with individual touch screens and IPodÂŽ docks on treadmills. Equipped with an extensive array of cardiovascular and strength training equipment, the fitness center offers everything you need to keep on top of your exercise plan.

60-minute Swedish Massage is priced at AED 420, pay only AED 570 for a 90 minutes.

Mizan Spa, Hilton Capital Grand Hotel, 02 617 0014 Mizan Spa is a Dining & Nightlife Discounts app partner and is offering 25% off spa treatments and 20% off fitness membership. Download the app now on Google Play or the App Store to start saving.

January | 21

Veganuary, Will You Take The Challenge?

Veganuary is aimed at inspiring people to try going vegan for January.

What Is Veganism?

As described by The Vegan Society, ‘Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. There are many ways to embrace vegan living. Yet one thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet avoiding all animal foods such as meat (including fish, shellfish and insects), dairy and eggs - as well as products like leather and any products tested on animals.

Aren’t Vegans And Vegetarians The Same?

No, vegetarians commonly choose to eat eggs and dairy as vegans would not. However, both would not eat meat or fish. Not to be confused with pescatarians who abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. In recent years we have seen pescatarians increase as more people are phasing out meat before adopting a full vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

What Do Vegans Eat? Quite a lot it would seem. Although the phrase ‘plant-based’ doesn’t exactly conjure images of mouth-watering cuisine, once you start researching recipes you’ll discover that there is a whole new culinary world waiting to be explored.

Many well-known products are vegan and we’ve listed some of the most popular below.

• Dry pasta.

• Baked beans.

• Tinned spaghetti.

• Most fresh bread.

• Peanut butter.

• Ketchup.

• Bisto gravy: original, reduced salt, vegetable and onion.

• Mustard.

• Branston pickle.

• Rice.

• Rice noodles.

• Hummus.

• French fries: if cooked in veggie oil then they are vegan.

• Porridge: when made with water or plant milk.

• Crumpets.

• Bagels.

• Doritos: chilli heatwave and lightly salted.

• Oreos: original.

• Fox’s: dark chocolate chunky cookies and party rings.

• Pringles: original, paprika and BBQ. • Mr Kipling: treacle tart, jam tarts, apple and blackcurrant pies.

• McVities: fruit shortcakes, original and choc chip hobnobs, gingernuts, light rich tea.

• Ritz Crackers: original.

• Belvita Breakfast Tops: choco hazelnut.

• Kettle Chips: sea salt, sea salt and balsamic vinegar and cracked pepper.

22 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi

CHARMING

CAN BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT Dine where everything charms, be it the company, the view, the service or the divine premium cuts. We like to take it up a level or two on floor 63. Experience Ray’s Grill.

grill

+971 2 811 5666 | jumeirah.com/Raysgrill

Explore the seasonal market-to-table menu this January.

We have reimagined the restaurant menu for a fresh and new dining experience! From the first bite to the last sip we guarantee you will keep coming back for more.

800 101 101 | Restaurants.Lrmad@Lemeridien.com Le Ro y al MĂŠridien Abu Dhabi | Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. marketkitchenabudhabi.com |

#marketkitchenabudhabi