What's On | Abu Dhabi | February 2012

WHAT’S ON

AWARDS PAGE 18

Issue 406

February 2012

UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000

100% Process Black

Contents

February 2012

30

FEATURES 18 What’s on Awards 30 Gourmet All the big winners from our Abu Dhabi annual awards bash, including the star prize, Abu Dhabi’s Restaurant Of The Year

24 Valentine’s Day: sorted

Left it late to organise a night to remember for you Valentine? Don’t worry – we’ve broken up your options by budget and mapped out survival guides for men, women and singletons. But no, we cannot be your Valentine

29 Kasabian

The Brit rockers touch down in the UAE for their debut – we chat to guitarist Serge, and offer you the chance to go backstage and meet the lads

Meet 13 Michelin-starred chefs, find out why Japanese chef Hal Yamashita loves UAE food culture, and three-star Juan Amador on his new restauant

36 Let’s get ready to rumble

The WWE’s flagship show, RAW, comes to the UAE. Discover who to cheer for, while former champion and current loudmouth The Miz explains why he’s so awesome

24

29

36

18 February 2012 WHAT’S ON 3

Contents

THE ROUND-UP 14 salaam

So much to cover in the year’s shortest month

59 Art

89 Music & nightlife

65 shopping

99 travel

Actors Darren Day and Yvonne O’Grady on their Emirates-bound Misery stage show, plus the five must-see exhibitions

40 Film

Our monthly cinema spree sees wolves hunting Liam Neeson and co in The Grey, George Clooney at his best in The Descendants and the latest outing from workaholic director Steven Soderbergh – the high-octane Haywire

43 eating out

Discover the best afternoon teas in the UAE, learn all about North American wines and the secret to cooking the perfect eggs Benedict.

Plus we review Rouge and Thiptara and launch our new sustainable fish campaign – @What’sOnFish

Designers, must-have posters, and the latest store openings

73 Mind & body

Swiss techno DJ and producer Deetron, UAE-based singer-songwriter Gayathri, and the latest music news and bar openings Breaking convention we check out Australia’s west coast, and Sri Lanka stars in our new regular feature, GlobeTrotter

The ten health supplements you should be taking, and how to sort out your chronic back problems

113 the hot list

81 sports & outdoor

With so many great chefs in town our Food Editor, Gareth Rees, ponders what impact Gourmet Abu Dhabi will have on the local food scene

Our boy Matt goes shooting, Goes Fitness puts us through our paces at its boot camp, plus international cricket and football

The top ten of everything

130 Backchat with…

65

56 WIn!

Win a mini-break at Eithad Towers worth Dhs10,000, dinner for six at brand new steakhouse Legends and two romantic Valentines packages

43

99 81

59 4 WHAT’S ON February 2012

www.1915.ae Join us on

our time has come

Editor's note EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer GROUP EDITOR & MANAGING PARTNER lan Fairservice GROUP SENIOR EDITOR Gina Johnson | gina@motivate.ae

SENIOR EDITOR Mark Evans marke@motivate.ae DEPUTY EDITOR Helen Spearman helen@motivate.ae FEATURES & FOOD EDITOR Gareth Rees gareth@motivate.ae FEATURES EDITOR, ABU DHABI Adam Workman adam@motivate.ae FEATURES WRITER Matt Priest matthew@motivate.ae ART DIRECTOR Freddie Colinares freddie@motivate.ae SENIOR DESIGNER Olga Petroff olga@motivate.ae EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kamini Ghose kamini@motivate.ae PICTURE RESEARCHER – GULFPICS Wayne Fernandez wayne@motivate.ae CONTRIBUTORS Naveed Ahmed, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Stef Burgon, Vikram Gawde, Alex Hawkes, Catherine Jarvie, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell, Conor Purcell, Gary Rhodes, Sophia Serin, Farooq Salik (cover shoot) Simon Smedley, Paul Sterry SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae PRODUCTION MANAGER Sudhakar Chandran sudhakar@motivate.ae PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Murali Krishnan muralik@motivate.ae

GENERAL MANAGER – GROUP SALES Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae PUBLISHER Gareth Lloyd-Jones | garethl@motivate.ae ADVERTISEMENT MANAGERS Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae Violeta Botorogeanu | violeta@motivate.ae GENERAL MANAGER, ABU DHABI Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE, ABU DHABI Hamdan Bawazir | hamdan@motivate.ae Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 (including Airmail charges)

You’ve probably noticed, but here on What’s On, we love food. When I say love it, I mean we LOVE it – Japanese, Italian, French, you name it. If someone’s cooking it, we’ll be in line to eat it. So this month’s Gourmet Abu Dhabi (p30) is music to our hungry ears. OK, ears technically can’t be hungry, whatever, the fact remains: we love our grub. What’s great about Gourmet Abu Dhabi is the huge choice – from multi-Michelin starred molecular chef Juan Amador to the Japanese chef championing local UAE produce. It’s all on offer, just waiting for us to give it a whirl, and whirl we shall, my little steak, fish and cake friend (although maybe not on the same plate. Well, apart from Food Editor Gareth – his food loving knows no bounds). In order to make the best of this year’s fest, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know to make the most of the 15-day food extravaganza – and I’m pretty sure we’ll be making the most of that info ourselves, too.

Food isn’t the only one of our passions to be ignited this month – it seems like this is the month when Team What’s On gets to revel in all the things we love. Our staffer Matt, for example, has been cock-a-hoop for weeks knowing that his beloved WWE gang are in town (p36), while I’m pretty pleased that Kasabian (p29) have decided to visit the UAE – and we’re giving away a chance to go backstage and meet the band, too. Deputy Editor Helen, meanwhile, fresh from last month’s encounter with psycho spotter Jon Ronson – she passed the test, we’re glad to say – checks out some cool poster art (p68) and puts her spine in the hands of a German therapist (p76).

Enjoy the issue.

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

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 13

We're officially part of the Twitterati.

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

Salaam!

Your monthly pick and mix of news and rumour

What’s hot BIG BUS SAADIYAT

Nothing says you’re on the map like being included on the Big Bus Company’s Big Big Bus Tours route. We’re not really sure how many ‘and over there on the left’s they’ll manage, given Saadiyat Island’s far from finished, but still, all aboard. Ting-ting. bigbustours.com ICELAND WATERPARK The company behind RAK’s Iceland Waterpark has announced that it plans to build another theme park, this time in the capital. Really – it’s snow joke (sorry). icelandwaterpark.com TUNNEL OPENING The long-awaited Salam Street tunnel, due to be finished at the tail end of last year, will be opening ‘imminently’. The Dhs5 billion project, which his hit problems last year, links Mini Road to Al Falah Street.

What’s not FILM CUTTING The highly anticipated film adaptation of Swedish crime writer Stieg Larsson’s best-selling book, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, will not be shown in cinemas in the UAE. The film’s director declined the cuts requested by the UAE censors.

UNSAFE TOYS More than 50 of the capital's toy retailers have been fined for selling toys that are unsafe. More than 1,600 products have had to be recalled.

DODGY GRUB

Several restaurants in Abu Dhabi have been forced to close after continually ignoring food hygiene laws. A futher 43 were fined, according to the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

14 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Guess list

ALABAMA 3 Round-the-clock monitoring of the What’s On wiretap has alerted us to the distinct possibility that British folk-acid house mash-up kings Alabama 3 will be hopping on the next psychedelically painted VW bus heading for our shores.

Transmission over the WOW, as we like to call it, has been fuzzy of late, but we are led to believe somewhere between March and May.

Who is booking flights to the UAE this month?

40% 35%

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK If a group were ever in desperate need of a name change, it would be 1980s boy band New Kids On The Block. We suggested the Slightly Balding Fortysomethings From A Reasonably Safe Neighbourhood, but they didn’t seem up for it, strangely. Regardless, our man in the know tells us that the lads, currently on tour in Europe, will be adding a UAE stopover on their way to Australia. NKOTB? OMG! TTFN. [Stop it now. Ed]

THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...

25%

RADIOHEAD Angst-ridden teenagers and angst-ridden exteenagers who should know better rejoice – word reaches us that Radiohead are UAE bound.

The indie superstars – led by Thom Yorke – have an Emirates-sized date between Europe and Asia on their upcoming world tour, and someone’s waving a lot of money at them from the capital…

CHO GAO Year Of The Dragon? Eat like a dragon, more like – Cho Gao is extending its Chinese New Year celebrations into February.

Until Feb 29, Cho Gao, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6166149. cpauhoutlets.com

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Elina Rozycki, yoga instructor, Bodytree Studio

KEEPING HEALTHY I love dancing and practising yoga and meditation.

Dancing to make me smile, yoga to keep me flexible and strong and meditation to keep me sane. The Bodytree Studio is a great place to do that.

Bodytree Studio, just off 30th Street, Abu Dhabi, Tel: (02) 6676579. bodytreestudio.com SECRET SPOT Al Futaisi Island is hands down the most calming and soothing place in Abu Dhabi, with a beautiful view over the city. futaisi.com

HEALTHY EATING The Organic Foods and Café deliver weekly in Abu Dhabi – very convenient when you don’t want to queue for a parking spot at the supermarkets.

Failing that, Mazara has nice fresh produce, grown locally.

Organic Foods and Café, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur, 9am to 7pm. Tel: (02) 5571406. organicfoodsandcafe.com

BRIDE SHOW If 2012 is the year you tie the knot, then it might be an idea to head UAE's biggest bridal show.

Feb 8 to 11, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, 2.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs10. Tel: (04) 4072515. thebrideshow.com

EATING OUT I love Japanese food, and my favourite place is Yotto on Yas Island. It’s quiet and the service is good, plus they do an amazing salmon carpaccio. I also like Italian – Biancorosso near the Al Mamoura building, does the best authentic Italian pizzas, there’s always a friendly atmosphere and the owner is Italian.

Yotto, Yas Marina & Yacht Club, Yas Island, noon to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 5650050. cipriani.com Biancorosso, Y Tower, Al Nahyan, near Al Momoura Building, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6584244. biancorossitaly.com

RELAX I like to go out into the desert, or out on a boat, but failing that, it has to be the Oriental Spa for a massage with Mary-Ann, the masseuse.

Oriental Spa, 32nd Street, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 9am to 10pm, Fri 3pm to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6655707. orientalspauae.com

ABU DHABI TRIATHLON Registration might have closed (aw, shucks), but you can still watch some supremely fit athletes take on the capital’s gruelling course.

Mar 3, Abu Dhabi Triathlon, Emirates Palace, Corniche, free. abudhabitriathlon.com

girl AbOut tOWN

DJ Natalie Brogan is our eyes and ears on the ground in Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning bar scene

this month: thE rEtrEAt What does it look like?

A high-class sports bar – lots of comfortable sofa seating, a private booth if that’s more your thing, plenty of TV screens and seating on the outside terrace for a view of the golf course. A relaxed feel from the moment you enter.

Who goes there?

Mainly sports fans, as they show live coverage of international sporting events, and golfers before and after a game, as the hotel is connected to Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Dress code?

Casual.

Any bar nibbles?

A great selection of nuts, and the food is well worth trying. The sizeable pub meals are nothing like your average sports bar – the fish ‘n’ chips I tried were better than the UK and that’s a big compliment.

Drink recommendations?

Considering it’s a sports bar I was expecting just pints, but was pleasantly surprised to find a good selection of wines and cocktails, and even (home-made) passion fruit sangria to share.

When should you go?

The Retreat is open every day of the week so you have plenty of options to check it out during the day or for drinks at night.

How’s the service?

Informal, friendly staff that give excellent recommendations on what to try.

What’s the taxi situation?

The concierge called one and it arrived within a few minutes.

VERDICT The Retreat is a great place for a civilised drink without the usual rowdy atmosphere of most sports bars, or maybe somewhere for after-work drinks and great food.

Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur noon to midnight, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort.com

Find us at

www.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 15

SALAAM

IN THE NEWS

UAE:

World Happy Day FEB 11

WORLD HAPPY DAY

It may not be as well known as Christmas Day or National Day, but World Happy Day on February 11 definitely makes us smile. To celebrate it, the Millennium and Copthorne hotel chain is hosting a free screening of the critically acclaimed documentary Happy at their hotels. The feature-length film, from the Academy Award nominated director Roko Belic, attempts to discover the secret to happiness, exploring the human and scientific interpretation of how to make our lives more fulfilling, healthier and ultimately happier.

Feb 11, Kingsgate Hotel, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, 3pm, free. Tel: (02) 499 5000. worldhappyday.com

Pacquiao versus Mayweather?

There are very few fights that make their way into the global sporting conscious. The Rumble in Jungle, the Thriller in Manila, Cooper versus Ali and Holyfield versus Tyson are probably the standouts of the last 50 years. However, if the rampant rumours are true, we could be hosting our very own slice of pugilistic history right here in the UAE. Could Manny ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. finally agree to what would be the biggest fight in recent memory? Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach, recently suggested that UAE is being considered for the long-awaited bout for tax reasons. If Freddie said it, it has to be true. Surely? Please? It would make our year. Eruption in the Emirates? Ding dong in Deira? Who’s with us?

BELT UP? NO THANKS

A survey of UAE university students regarding wearing seatbelts in cars has turned up some staggering statistics:

The UAE was ranked as the world’s least friendly country for expatriates in a recent article published by Forbes.com. The ranking was based on four criteria: the ability to befriend locals, success in learning the local language, capacity for integration into the community and ease of fitting into the new culture.

Do you agree? Personally, we’ve always liked our adopted home, and have always felt welcome.

What about you? E-mail your thoughts to editor-wo@motivate.ae, or tweet us at @WhatsOnAbuDhabi.

JOIN THE CLUB

46%

of students surveyed had been involved in a traffic accident

69%

normally do not wear seatbelts

Dhs3.5 billion

is the annual cost caused by traffic crashes and injuries (Source: BWM Middle East; Abu Dhabi Department of Transport)

16 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

UNFRIENDLY TO EXPATS?

The past year has seen Arabic independent cinema go through a purple patch. So it comes as no surprise that a new Arabic film club, AFLAM, has been launched in Abu Dhabi. In August 2011, Emirati filmmaker and now AFLAM founder Nayla Al Khaja wrote (in these very pages) of the need to celebrate independent Arab cinema, and we, for one, are glad to see that the idea has come to fruition. The club will hold regular free screenings of Arabic films, but is committed to broadening their international appeal, and is ensuring that all the films will be accompanied by English subtitles.

Vox Cinemas, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (04) 3910051. aflamclub.com

ABU DhABi It’s been a hectic year of dining, drinking, dancing and deliberating, but the votes have been counted and we can now reveal the winners of the What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2011. From your favourite watering hole to the Chef of the year, it was a wonderful night – full of fun, food, friendly competition and celebration

WHAT’S ON

chef of the Year

WHAT’S ON

restaurant of the Year

18 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

best newcomer

Quest

Chef Alexandre Pernetta, Bord Eau After taking over the reins last summer, Bord Eau’s Alexandre Pernetta has helped push our Favourite European restaurant to new heights. With masterful moulding of the familiar with the forward thinking, all the time paying muchneeded heed to French cuisine’s hallowed traditions, his quarterly menu updates have quite simply been a joy to behold.

WHAT’S ON

henk Bruggeman and Lew Kong Loy

Hakkasan

Hakkasan may no longer be unique to the Emirates since its counterpart opened in Dubai last year, but for the Abu Dhabi restaurant’s sheer status of location (Emirates Palace), brilliant bar, unrivalled interior layout and a fabulous new terrace, it’s hard to look past what we regard as the capital city’s best restaurant, bar none. It will be a tough act to beat in 2012.

With a stylish Singapore swing from former Burj Al Arab chef Benjamin Whatt, Quest wowed What’s On when it threw its doors open at the end of 2011. Packed with bespoke design features, its Asian fusion cuisine knocks starch from fine dining, turning Quest into a veritable foodie adventure.

On Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ 63rd Mohamed Albarwani floor, the from Dubai First, views are as Bipin Bhatt and spectacular as Benjamin Whatt the food, too.

FAVOURITE SEAFOOD

Pearls & Caviar

In selecting the ocean’s two most illustrious bounties as its self-explanatory title, Pearls & Caviar set the bar high and has simply kept shooting for the stars in the past year.

Repositioning itself as a stand-alone restaurant after upstairs bar Pearls assumed its own separate identity, we can’t wait to see what brand new chef Cyril Jean Louis Calmet has in store for 2012.

Fitflop’s Ranjeev Kimatrai, Jad Kheirallah and Joe Zheng

FAVOURITE BAR

“It brings us great joy to accept two distinguished awards this year. I would like to thank all of Hakkasan’s customers for their appreciation and the entire team for delivering impeccable service every single day in 2011”.

Vinicio Alberelli General Manager, Hakkasan

Sea Lounge

Eugen Precup, Natalie Brogan and Patrick Nayrolles

Though a few notable alfresco Abu Dhabi bars might disagree, until this Monte Carlo Beach Club flagship opened, the capital didn’t house a heavyweight rival to the outdoor thrills of Dubai’s much-loved 360°. But with its unadulterated view of the tranquil Gulf waters, Sea Lounge is just as iconic, whether sipping cocktails as the sun goes down or dancing into the early hours to the sleek DJ soundtrack.

FAVOURITE BRUNCH

CuiScene

If bigger really isn’t better, then nobody told the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, whose all-encompassing brunch is both monstrous in size and fabulous in scope. Extending into Frankie’s Restaurant & Lounge, and starring little luxuries such as a Marco Pierre White roast station, it’s that ambitious variety that fires CuiScene into the brunching stratosphere.

“We are so excited to have won this award. It’s great to be recognised on behalf of an amazing team and it makes us proud of the quality that we offer.”

Jad Khairallah manager of Pearls & Caviar

Jeremy P. Weeks, Jean Michel Ballouz and hrach Tchekrekjian

FAVOURITE THE AMERICAS

Chamas

It’s not easy to experience the entire two continents inside one restaurant. The Brazilian flair of Chamas, however, is coupled with expertise in what is arguably North America’s favoured cuisine: hearty helpings of the finest meat. With an in-house band lending good time vibes, it all adds up to a quality package.

FAVOURITE ITALIAN

Spaccanapoli

A real favourite: while its Abu Dhabi compatriots may achieve more stately gastronomic results, nothing beats Spaccanapoli for homely Italian cooking, as the cliché goes, like your mama used to make it. Oh, and who can forget its mega metre-long pizza oven?

WHAT’S ON SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Club

hamish F. Macdonald, Motivate Publishing’s ian Fairservice and Mike McGrath

In Abu Dhabi’s glittering new landscape, it would be all too easy to forget the trailblazers that made the city what it is today. The Club is nothing short of a capital institution, having opened the city’s very first restaurant a full 50 years ago. The Special Achievement Award this year goes out to The Club – a worthy winner for their remarkable landmark.

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 19

FAVOURITE EUROPEAN

Bord Eau

When your laurels are as significant as these Gallic geniuses, sitting on them is a simple task. Bord Eau was having none of that, happily, upping its game quarterly with fresh menus of inspired contemporary modifications to French classics. As What’s On previously opined, if you find yourself in a finer restaurant of this ilk, you’re probably dining in Paris.

FAVOURITE INTERNATIONAL

Le Deck

Lauren Smith and Naz El Masri

FAVOURITE NIGHTCLUB

The restaurant at Monte Carlo is thankfully rather more accessible, than a membership at this exclusive spot: an airy, sunny lunch haunt, yet deliciously dark for dinner, replete with seafaring interior flourishes. In just a few months since opening, the a la carte Le Deck has confirmed once and for all that allday dining doesn’t have to equal a row of rapidly congealing ‘hot’ stations. A fantastic spot for a weekend bite.

Étoiles

Clubbing in Abu Dhabi can prove a tricky proposition, but Étoiles continues to strike a tightrope balance between swish surrounds and straight-up good time vibes. Its musical span is similarly well judged, navigating RnB, hip hop and Arabic sounds over the course of an average week, ensuring an international clientele partying in unison on the intimate dancefloor.

FAVOURITE JAPANESE

Yotto

Locating the exact apex where traditional Japanese charm meets stylish 21st century modernity, Yotto is perhaps slightly unfairly overshadowed by the Cipriani complex’s eponymous restaurant.

Yet it’s a far more intimate experience than its neighbour, with attention to detail – genuine flora and fauna from the Land of the Rising Sun included – that borders on the inspired.

FAVOURITE STEAKHOUSE

Rodeo Grill

If our brunch winner CuiScene proved big is sometimes better, then Rodeo Grill is at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Carrying the good fight for the little guy with significant finesse far out of whack with its comparatively cosy dimensions, size still remains an important factor here, though.

Saddle up for 500g of cowboy steak or T-bone Angus, if you dare.

20 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

FAVOURITE CONCERT

Snoop Dogg

Anita Cremer of Emirates Palace, Antoine Gholmieh, Maya Siblini, Tamer Elwan and Tony Kouris

It was, by anybody’s estimation, a real ‘I was there’ moment of 2011. Intro music booms from the Yas Arena’s speaker stacks. A gangly kandura-clad figure stands, innocuously, stage right. Is it? It can’t be! It certainly is: Snoop Dogg strides onstage in full Emirati attire, unleashing one heck of a party in the process.

FAVOURITE FAR EASTERN

Hakkasan

Amrish Sood and Uday Goel

FAVOURITE INDIAN & PAKISTANI

How do you improve one of Abu Dhabi’s flat-out greatest dining destinations? Open a delightful terrace then push the already-jaw-dropping dishes in fresh and increasingly imaginative directions. One fact remains unchanged: the dim sum still destroys all competition across the capital city. Hakkasan isn’t an immovable favourite on the What’s On Hot Lists for nothing, you know.

FAVOURITE PUB GRUB

Cooper’s

Ushna

Taking classic North Indian authenticity and putting 21st century imagination to work, come nightfall Ushna is also the most romantic Indian restaurant in town, particularly on the gorgeous terrace. Views of the Grand Mosque and the finest Indian dishes Abu Dhabi has to offer, a winning combination.

FAVOURITE CAFÉ

The true test of a bar’s meals is wrapped up in one question: would you visit for the food if you weren’t already there for the watering hole perks? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’ at the Park Rotana’s spotlessly turned out and ever-popular pub, with a comprehensive menu of hungerslaying dishes fit for an upmarket British bar.

Jones The Grocer

Sheikh-approved Australian gourmet food emporium Jones has long established itself as an Abu Dhabi eating/ socialising goliath. That imperious status showed no sign of slowing in 2011, with revamped menus across its cityspanning trio of cafés, and now an express outlet at Sowwah Square. Devour the wagyu burger, sip the technologically advanced coffee and experience how a café should operate.

Clio Fullam and What’s On’s Mark Evans

FAVOURITE MIDDLE EASTERN

FAVOURITE FESTIVAL

Mezlai

While our capital city is awash with world-class dining options, truly classy local fare is surprisingly scarce. In the UAE’s 40th year, it seems fitting to honour a trailblazer in native culture: Emirati cuisine experts Mezlai. Come for the seafood – shark soup is a particular speciality – and stay for a genuine glimpse into the ambiance and customs of a country so often wrongly derided as lacking in history.

Abu Dhabi Film Festival Another year, another glittering

The team from Jones the Grocer with Gareth Rees from What’s On

ADFF; Hollywood’s elite decamped to the Emirates with Tilda Swinton, Evan Rachel Wood and Lily Cole among the red carpet stars in 2011, which attracted everything from blockbuster names to independent sensations. Roll on 2012.

FAVOURITE SPORTS EVENT

Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

How could the world’s premier motorsport series live up to 2010’s exhilarating climax, where Sebastian Vettel claimed his first world title in the season finale? Drama of a very different sort dominated instead: Vettel went out on the very first lap with a terminal puncture, and Brit hot shot Lewis Hamilton capitalised with an exemplary display of gutsy driving to claim a hugely popular chequered flag.

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 21

Party people

THe FOOD

Houssam Kablawi and anna Gwozdowicz emirates Palace put on a spread worthy of its luxurious setting, with live cooking stations offering mouthwatering sushi, tuna loin, roasted black angus beef and a risotto so popular it almost deserved its own award.

The standout dishes for us however had to be the seafood bouillabaisse and the 30 different types of chocolate desserts.

The glamorous ballroom at emirates Palace

Jako Van Jraan, Olga Hoyal and Kevin McIntyre Jason and Gina Johnson, adam Workman, Helen Spearman and Joe Marritt

THe BAND

Carl Peaple, anthony Milne and ranjeev Kimatrai

The laid-back sounds of one of the uae’s best live bands, The Maple Jacks, with their own take on popular tracks providing the perfect soundtrack to the evening.

22 WHAT’S ON february 2012

Jasmine arika, rana Saab and Olga akinitova

What’s On’s Gareth rees, Mark evans and Gareth Lloyd Jones

The team from Sea Lounge with their award

eVeNT SPONSORS With thanks to our sponsors for working with the team on such a fantastic event

The winners take to the stage

“We’re pleased to have the epicurean institution of CuiScene received so well by the community in Abu Dhabi. It’s a true testament to our colleagues who deliver a wonderful experience to our guests and our awardwinning culinary brigade that provides the most imaginative cuisine.”

Henning Fries Regional Vice President UAE and General Manager, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Majed and rabab Khalil, Ian and Jan fairservice and Peter Hellyer

Gregg fray, belinda King and Matt Priest Sarah Omolewu and Kelly Morriss

Nathalie Lam, Leo and Vie Santana

Natalie brogan and DJ Stew Magoo

antony Lawrence and Sharon Garrett february 2012 WHAT’S ON 23

Buckle up and prepare for the red satin onslaught – it’s time to get romantic. Flee from the heartclutching teddy bears, cutesy clichés and overpriced grub. We’ve found the tastiest dishes, the best date ideas and rounded up the most helpful tips for surviving (and even enjoying) Valentine’s Day 24 WHAT’S ON FEBRuaRy 2012

Have your cake…

Date night

If you want to treat your sweets to a night on the town, there’s a host of special Valentine’s Day dinners on the menu to help you get romantic.

Here’s our top picks for what to do, eat and indulge in during the year’s most romantic 24 hours Dhs100 to Dhs300

If the money’s too tight to mention, it doesn’t mean you can’t sample a taste of luxury. At Shangri-La’s Lobby Lounge and aL HanaH on the big day and throughout February, every two glasses of Moët & Chandon (Dhs125 per glass) come with a free plate of fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate. Simple, but classy, we think you’ll agree.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Lobby Lounge 7am to midnight, Al Hanah 5pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 5098777. shangri-la.com No matter what the greetings cards manufacturers would have you believe, some couples prefer not to empty their bank accounts on Valentine’s Day. If you’re more about good conversation in a relaxed atmosphere, stiLLs’ three-course menu is a perfect fit in one of Abu Dhabi’s best bars, for a paltry Dhs150 each.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6560701. crowneplaza.com

Dhs300 to Dhs600

Fancy getting a light sweat on this Valentine’s? Minds out of the gutter, please: we’re simply suggesting an alfresco dinner under the stars at maï Café. For Dhs350, the love of your life and you score dinner and a bottle of bubbly.

And if you do end up getting all hot and bothered, Aloft’s pool is but a few teetering steps away.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com Unless your date is prone to seasickness, taking to the

water adds an extra touch of romance to proceedings. Cruise along the Corniche on the Shuja Yacht while enjoying its Dhs450 per couple dinner, including sparkling wine on arrival.

Want to up the stakes? Roses and chocolates are also on the menu, so wannabe Lotharios should bring extra pocket change.

A limo service is also available for booking.

Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, from 8pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

Dhs600 to Dhs1,000

There aren’t many more romantic settings in the capital than gazing across unspoilt views of Saadiyat Island’s pristine Gulf waters. Which makes the fourcourse menu at Le deCk, priced at a theme-tastic Dhs444 per person, even more inviting. That affords two glasses of bubbly each, culinary delights including rosescented chocolate mousse, and even candy hearts to finish – too cute. Then toddle next door to Sea Lounge for a February 14-themed musical mix.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae It’s a tad pricey to jet off thousands of miles for a gondola ride in Venice, so Cipriani have devised the next best thing in Italian romance. Gaze out onto the glittering marina and indulge in its Venetian San Valentine’s menu, with a Bellini cocktail or glass of Prosecco when you walk in, for Dhs350 per person.

Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6575400. cipriani.com

Get a room…

If you’re no Mr Kipling, but are still hoping to demonstrate your love in cake-based form this February 14? No problem: Café mozart at the Al Raha Beach Hotel has a range of romance-themed tastebud tantalisers available to order throughout the month, including piano cakes and customised heartshaped cakes. Sweet, in every respect.

Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 5080421. danathotels.com

If staying in isn’t your personal new going out, try a happy medium for Valentine’s. The park Hyatt has dreamt up a range of romantic overnight stays, with options including free room upgrades, two-and-a-half-hour couples massages and beachside dinners. Radisson Blu has the lot, too, with a Dhs1199 per couple evening starring a four-course menu at unpretentious Italian restaurant Filini, with a welcome drink and a superior sea-view room stay.

Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4071170. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com Radisson Blu, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com

Dhs1,000 and over

Want to get your better half giddy? Whisking them 63 floors up, to imaginative Asian fusion restaurant Quest, should do the trick. There’s a set menu for Dhs350, but why scrimp when you can blow minds with a Dhs2,000 private room, which includes the set menu for you both, two bottles

Thumbs down to romance…

NRG sports café will have you gazing amorously at plentiful big screens with its Facebook-referencing ‘I Dislike Valentine’s Day’ fun.

Happy hour runs all night, with screenings of classic sports matches.

Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6446666. lemeridienabudhabi.com

of Dom Pérignon and six roses. If you haven’t already tied the knot, with that sort of set-up you might even want to think about popping the question.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com For foodie couples, investigating a brand spanking new inventive restaurant is surely the best aphrodisiac. Three-Michelin star German masterchef Juan amador has you covered at his just-opened Park Rotana outlet, pouring his gastronomic genius into a Valentine’s dinner that starts from Dhs500 per person. See page 33 for a taster of Amador’s vivid imagination. Here’s hoping the menu includes his intriguing virtual sushi.

Amador Restaurant & Cellar, Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com FEBRuaRy 2012 WHAT’S ON 25

ValEntinE’s Day

Best blooms

THe man’s GuiDe We know you think it’s all a bit naff, but if you fall short on the 14th, expect 2012 to be a miserable year. It’s not about throwing money at the problem (although that’s nice sometimes…), but about being smart, buying well and exceeding expectations. Here’s how

1 Flowers are a must, either hand delivered or sent to her desk. Stick to roses and peonies, and avoid the ubiquitous red single stem from the petrol station. Above all, make sure she gets them early in the day – there’s nothing worse than watching colleagues being presented with bouquets when she has an empty office.

2 Give her a card. You don’t need to be the 21st century’s answer to John Keats, but a simple line on what she means to you or how much you’re looking forward to the year ahead should do the trick. Don’t, under any circumstances, think a text or BBM counts. It doesn’t.

3 When it comes to presents, stay away from clichés (lingerie is a minefield and cuddly toys are for children) and go for classic jewellery, something personal like a photograph or print, or an accessory she can use or wear that will remind her of you. A watch, purse, cocktail ring or earrings are all fairly safe, providing you know her taste.

Just because February 14th falls on a Tuesday, may we advise you to not take the lady in your life to a bar where she gets free drinks?

It gives the wrong message – unless you want her to think you’re tighter than a photo finish

26 WHAT’S ON FEBRuaRy 2012

Our pick of Abu Dhabi’s finest florists mamosa Flowers Bright, professional and bursting with stylish bouquets, this high-fashion florist takes it to the next level. You won’t even need to trek to the mall; check the website for services covering the entire UAE. mamoso.com

THe Girl’s GuiDe

Valentine’s Day is all about the girls, but you’ll feel a bit silly when your man has gone all out on the gifts and you’re left proffering a hastily made card from the cover of this magazine.

Judgment is key. Here’s how to get it right 1 Be personal, but not too personal. This means accessories with his monogram are in, but a homemade card plastered with photos of you in a stalker style is definitely out. He’ll smile nervously then run for the door.

2 Unless he’s exceptionally comfortable with his colleagues, keep the romance for out of office hours – no singing telegrams at his desk, no cupcake deliveries and no turning up unannounced for a surprise picnic al desko.

3 When it comes to gifts, treat him to something he wouldn’t necessarily shell out for himself; the new sunglasses he’s been coveting, tickets to a gig, or luxury products like a leather iPad case should do the trick.

al BusTan Flowers The royal family have used this Khalidiyah Street florist and delivery is free within Abu Dhabi city centre. The website even features advice on keeping bouquets fresh and the meaning of different roses.

Tel: (02) 6667788. bustanflowers.com

Denise Flowers Not, we presume, exclusively for relationships involving ladies called Denise, this boutique-ish Airport Road outlet offers some of the city’s freshest blooms with expert staff on hand.

Tel: (02) 6220902. deniseflowers.com

THe sinGleTon’s GuiDe If you’re flying solo on the 14th, first please accept our apologies for the mention of roses and dinners à deux elsewhere on this page. We hope these survival tips and special events ease the pain

1 Avoid restaurants unless your food comes on a tray, with a free toy, and costs less than Dhs20; this is no time to treat yourself to a nice meal out.

2 Cinema releases for this week include Meryl Streep in Iron Lady, Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds in thriller Safe House and fantasy film Journey 2: The Mysterious Island starring The Rock. See? Not a romcom in sight.

3 Tuesday night is ladies’ night, so hit the town, where you’re guaranteed to find fellow revellers.

no tables for two…

Bravo tapas bar has no interest in loveydovey nonsense this Valentine’s. Instead, for Dhs155 each, its Friends Night Out will load you up with enough small dishes and free-flowing sangria to make you forget any romance-based woes, to the soundtrack of a live guitarist.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

stars, fOOd & art 7 chefs, 12 Michelin stars | tuesday 3rd april 2012

a unique culinary experience, gathering Michelin starred and celebrity chefs On Tuesday 3rd April 2012, the Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach will host the ‘Stars, Food & Art’ culinary gala event.

A ‘first’ for the Middle East, 7 international renowned chefs, together representing 12 Michelin stars, will prepare their signature dishes during an exclusive dinner by the pool. The event will be further enhanced by live artistic performances.

Tickets to this exclusive event are available for: aed 2500 per person or AED 22000 for a table of 10 8-course dinner including premium beverage pairing Private gourmands as well as companies will be able to partake in this unique gastronomic experience.

Thomas Bühner ***. La Vie, Osnabruck | Claire Clark ***, The French Laundry, California Giovanni d’Amato **, Il Rigoletto, Reggiolo | Christophe Aribert **, Les Terrasses, Uriage-les-bains Bernard Bach **, Le Puits St Jacques | Cyrus Todiwala, Spice Namaste, London | Joe Barza, Chase, Beirut

Information and reservations T. (+971) 4 448 4851 or H6146-FB2@sofitel.com Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, UAE

www.starsfoodart.com

KASABIAN

photos: Getty images

GENRE-FUSING UK ROCKERS KASABIAN MAKE THEIR UAE DEBUT THIS MONTH, TOURING THEIR LATEST CHART-TOPPING ALBUM VELOCIRAPTOR!.

WHAT’S ON CAUGHT UP WITH LEAD GUITARIST SERGIO PIZZORNO PRIOR TO JETTING INTO THE EMIRATES WHILE THE BAND WERE ON TOUR IN JAPAN…

Hello Serge. What are you up to right now?

We’re watching Match Of The Day, of all things. I’m not a massive fan of modern technology. I’m a really big believer in simple pleasures: your mates, fishing, doing the things that we were given to us by our ancestors years and years ago. But beaming Match Of The Day into our changing room is incredible.

From one exotic location to another: what are you expecting from Kasabian’s UAE bow? Have you ever visited in the past?

Never. You know, I haven’t got a clue, other than a few pictures I’ve seen. A paradise, turquoise seas, sand… and it’s going to be nice and hot. Other than that, I’ve got no idea. But it’s going to be great.

There have been a lot of bands going there recently, so it seems like a good spot to play. There are people out there wanting to see good rock‘n’roll. It’s going to be a high-energy, futuristic rock‘n’roll show. That’s how we’re going to lay it down, definitely.

It’s just one of those things that goes in cycles. You get a real influx of pop, and at the moment dubstep’s really kicked off in England, but it’ll come back round. We don’t really feel responsibility or pressure or any of that. We’re very much our own thing – we were never part of a scene. We just make records, play great shows and get on how we’ve always just got on with it. I can’t wait for loads of [guitar] bands to come through, but that hasn’t got anything to do with us.

How are you planning to follow up Velociraptor!?

I’ve got a few things circling around in my head. On tour I tend to form a concept and understand where it’s going, where I’m going to start. And You must be the most fashion I’m receiving transmissions [at conscious member of the band. What the moment], so it’s all really clothes are you packing for the heat exciting. I know exactly what I’m of Dubai? going to do and it’s going to be Hmm, well I’ll keep it nice and unbelievable. I can’t wait to get light, definitely. Like Jimi Hendrix back in the studio, but we’ll be at Woodstock. touring this record for at least So no fur coats, as you regularly don seven or eight months, maybe in the UK? more.

It depends. I try my hardest. If A constant stream of bands have it’s not too hot I’ll wear a fur coat reformed in recent years. When wherever I go. We’ll see.

Kasabian call it quits, will it be The word Kasabian originates from forever? the Arabic word for butcher or Yeah. My world is getting up in slaughterer. That’s an interesting the morning and getting through translation… today. What happens tomorrow, That’s a bit of a strange one, yeah.

I’ve got no idea. Today I’m all We had no idea. We might right and everything’s good. keep that one quiet That’s all I can work on. when we get there.

I can’t look into the You’ve talked crystal ball.

To win a pair of tickets about a rock‘n’roll The Sevens and a meet and greet drought in the Stadium, Al Ain with Kasabian, just email current musical Road, Dubai, winwithwhatson@motivate.ae climate. Do doors 6pm, show with the answer to this question: you feel a 9pm, Dhs295, Where are Kasabian from? responsibility front pit Dhs495. a) Leicestershire to carry the Tel: (04) 4390900. b) New York rock‘n’roll torch? kasabian.co.uk c) Beijing

WIN!

DESTROY ROCK‘N’ROLL SCOTTISH ELECTRONIC SCAMP MYLO, WHO SUPPORTS KASABIAN IN DUBAI, SELECTS HIS FIRST, WORST AND FAVE RECORDS… First record you ever bought?

The seven-inch singles of Queen’s I Want It All and The Look by Roxette.

Record that made you want to be a DJ? Daft Punk’s Homework album.

Soundtrack to a party you’ll never forget?

Sandy Marton’s People From Ibiza from the first time I went there in 2004.

It’s a terrible record but also kind of amazing.

Record you most recently recommended to a friend?

The Marbeya Sound re-work of It Ain’t Easy by Supermax. It’s epic.

Record you play to get a crowd going again?

The Krays remix of Aeroplane’s Superstar is quite old now, but I’ll still play it occasionally if I’m really flunking it.

Your tune of the year so far?

You Killed My Father by Inigo Montoya.

Record you wish was never made?

From a perverse point of view, it would probably be a genius record like High Together by Siriusmo. He’s so good he makes me want to quit altogether.

Terrible records are quite encouraging.

Record you want played at your funeral?

Going Underground by The Jam or I’m On Fire by Bruce Springsteen, depending on the method of disposal. mylo.tv

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 29

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GOURMET ABU DHABI

Fifteen days, 41 chefs, 20 restaurants, three industry experts and 24 Michelin stars – it can only be Gourmet Abu Dhabi

30 WHAT’S ON FEBRuaRy 2012

THE STAR ATTRACTIONS The 13 superstar chefs running Michelin-starred kitchens

06

04

08

02

10

09 01 07 03 05

1. DENIS MARTIN

Star status: Speciality: molecular gastronomy Switzerland’s answer to Ferran Adrià and Heston Blumenthal will host a dinner at which he will serve a special menu inspired by cheese. That’s right.

Cheese.

• Feb 21, Cheese Dinner, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs750. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com • Feb 22, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 11.30am to 3pm, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 23, Awards Gala Dinner, Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi.com

2. BRUNO MÉNARD

Star status: Speciality: French One of the first chefs to receive three Michelin stars in Japan, at his neo-classical French restaurant L’Osier in Tokyo, Ménard will be taking over the kitchen at our favourite French restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Bord Eau, from February 14 to 17, as well as hosting master classes.

• Feb 14 to 17, Bruno Menard, Bord Eau, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com • Feb 15, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 11.30am to 1pm, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 17, Foie Gras Dinner, Bord Eau, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs1,200.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

3. DANIEL PATTERSON

Star status: Speciality: Californian Patterson has won critical praise and two Michelin stars for his restaurant Coi in the San Francisco Bay Area by championing the use of local and foraged ingredients – concepts yet to take off properly in the UAE. We will certainly be going along to try his cooking at St Regis, and pushing to the front of the queue for his masterclass, as well.

• Feb 9 to 12, Daniel Patterson, 55 and 5th, The Grill, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 04413232. stregissaadiyatisland.com • Feb 11, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 9.30am to 11am, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae

4. ERNESTO IACCARINO

Star status: Speciality: Neapolitan Having grown up in the family restaurant in Sant’Agata, it’s no surprise that Iaccarino now works alongside his father Alfonso at their two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Don Alphonso, on the family farm.

Expect a real taste of Naples.

• Feb 13, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 9.30am to 11am, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 14 to 17, Ernesto Iaccarino, Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6907999. kempinski.com • Feb 15, Chateau Dinner, Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs850. Tel: (02) 6907999. kempinski.com FEBRuaRy 2012 WHAT’S ON 31

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GOURMET ABU DHABI

SOMETHING SWEET Three Michelin-starred pastry chefs to satisfy your sweet tooth

CHRISTINA TOSI

CLAIRE CLARK

Star status: Speciality: pastry Arguably the world’s finest pastry chef, Clark was head pastry chef at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in California. Enough said.

• Feb 14 to 17, Claire Clark, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com • Feb 17, Gourmet Chocolate & Pastry Brunch, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs600. Tel: (02) Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com • Feb 18, Chocolate & Pastry Workshop, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 9.30am to 4pm, Dhs200.

Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae

5. GENNARO ESPOSITO

Star status: Speciality: Neapolitan Esposito runs the two-star Torro Del Saracino restaurant on the Amalfi Coast and is committed to the use of local produce, using seafood caught by local fishermen and organic veg grown by his 32 WHAT’S ON FEBRuaRy 2012

Star status: Speciality: baking The woman behind Momofuku Milk Bar, part of celeb chef David Chang’s Momofuku US restaurant empire, Tosi is not a classical chef. Rather than mille-feuille and macaroons, Tosi is famed for her use of odd ingredients like pretzels, marshmallows, cornflakes and oats.

• Feb 14 to 17, Christina Tosi, Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6560600. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com • Feb 17, Gourmet Chocolate & Pastry Brunch, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs600.

Tel: (02) Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com • Feb 18, Chocolate & Pastry Workshop, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 9.30am to 4pm, Dhs200.

Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae

SHAWN GAWLE

Star status: Speciality: pastry Originally trained as a savoury cook, Gawle has only been a pastry chef since 2007. But, several awards and critically acclaimed kitchens later, he is one of America’s pastry prodigies, working at Corton in New York’s Tribeca with modern master Paul Liebrandt.

• Feb 17, Gourmet Chocolate & Pastry Brunch, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs600.

Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com • Feb 18, Chocolate & Pastry Workshop, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 9.30am to 4pm, Dhs200.

Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 19 to 22, Shawn Gawle, The Chocolate Gallery, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com • Feb 23, Awards Gala Dinner, Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi.com

father Alberto. He is also a former protégé of Alain Ducasse, so expect a high level of technical skill and a blend of classical and experimental cooking.

• Feb 19, Chateau Dinner, BiCE, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs850.

Tel: (02) 6924247. hilton.com

• Feb 19 to 22, Gennaro Esposito, BiCE, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs850. Tel: (02) 6924247. hilton.com • Feb 20, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 11.30am to 1pm, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae

6. JEAN-FRANÇOIS PIÈGE

Star status: Speciality: brasstronomie OK, so Piège no longer works in a two-Michelin-starred kitchen, but he doesn’t want to. He did his time with Ducasse, ran the kitchen at the Crillon Hotel’s Les Ambassadeurs, and has now moved away from luxury to create a new trend that has been dubbed ‘brasstronomie’ – fine food, with brasserie prices and style. A current and future star so close to the cutting edge, he’s in danger of slicing his finger off.

• Feb 9 to 12, Jean-François Piège, Finz Restaurant, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6979011. rotana.com • Feb 11, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 1.30pm to 3pm, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae

IntervIew,

7. JUAN AMADOR

Star status: Speciality: molecular gastronomy For the capital’s foodies, Amador is the festival’s main draw. Set to soon open his first Abu Dhabi restaurant, Amador Restaurant & Cellar, the German-Spanish chef is a culinary superstar. Having taken his lead from the father of molecular gastronomy, Ferran Adria, he continues to push the boundaries at his eponymous Restaurant Amador in Germany.

• Feb 14 to 17, Juan Amador, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com • Feb 15, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 1.30pm to 3pm, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 18, Chateau Dinner, Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs850.

Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com

8. MAURO ULIASSI

Star status: Speciality: Italian Uliassi opened his eponymous restaurant in the port town of Senigallia on Italy’s Adriatic Coast in 1990, along with his sister Catia, aiming to create a true family restaurant. Uliassi

now holds two Michelin stars, so you can expect a potent blend of skill and passion.

• Feb 9, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 1.30pm to 3pm, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 9 to 12, Nautilus, Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6560600. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

9. RODRIGO DE LA CALLE

Star status: Speciality: gastrobotanica Young chef Rodrigo de le Calle is a true gastronomic visionary.

The creator of gastrobotanica, he has worked alongside botanist Santiago Orts to create an experimental cuisine focused on the use of rare vegetable and plant species at his one-star restaurant Rodrigo de le Street in Aranjuez, near Madrid.

• Feb 21, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 9.30am to 11am, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 22, Mixologist Dinner, Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs450. Tel: (02) 6560600. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com • Feb 23, Awards Gala Dinner, Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi.com

10. WILLIAM LEDEUIL

Star status: Speciality: Asian fusion A former protégé of the great French chef Guy Savoy, Ledeuil’s cuisine since going it alone has been inspired by his travels in Asia, and the delicate, skilful dishes served at his Paris restaurant Ze Kitchen Galerie have garnered praise from critics as well as a Michelin star.

• Feb 9, Entertainment Night, Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs750. Tel: (02) 6563000. ichotelsgroup.com • Feb 10, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 9.30am to 11am, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae

MR MOlECulAR

The star of the festival, experimental GermanSpanish chef Juan Amador gives us the skinny on his new Abu Dhabi restaurant Amador Restaurant & Cellar What can we expect from the restaurant?

Fun, pleasure and surprise.

And in terms of the menu?

A combination of European and Arabian cuisine; a variety of cultures, flavours and aromas. It will combine characteristics of my existing cuisine and what I have learned about local tastes, products and ingredients when visiting Abu Dhabi. I think our Spanishinfluenced avant-garde cuisine can have a very positive influence on the Emirate’s culinary scene. We will do one tasting menu – our signature dishes – and à la carte.

How much of a handson role will you play?

I will be there for the opening and every couple of months after that. There will be two chefs from my team who I have trained in my kitchen. I will always do the menu in Germany, and every few months it will be changed. I will be here to train and advise the chefs when there are any new items. There’s no discussion about recipes. I do them, and that’s it.

Why are you interested in this region?

It’s a growing market. It’s international and open minded, a bridge between Asia and Europe.

Do you think Amador will be unique in the UAE? It has to be. I’ve heard about all the restaurants and chefs who are here, but we’re not going to worry about the competition.

We have our own style.

Will you use local produce?

Eighty per cent of the ingredients will be imported. They have to be. But if there are spices here we can use, we will, out of respect to the country and the people.

• Feb 9, Amador Restaurant & Cellar, Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com • Feb 14 to 17, Juan Amador, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com • Feb 15, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 1.30pm to 3pm, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 18, Château Dinner, Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs850.

Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com FEBRuaRy 2012 WHAT’S ON 33

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GOURMET ABU DHABI

THE bEST Of THE REST

Meet the celebs and industry insiders visiting Gourmet Abu Dhabi

CulTuRAl CROSSOvER Visiting Japanese chef Hal Yamashita is a huge fan of UAE food culture and local produce

You were in the UAE a couple of months back, right?

What did you think?

It was a fascinating few days, during which I communicated with a lot of local people. The people are fantastic and the country is so organised, well mannered and pure. I feel it is close to Japan in some ways.

Why are you so interested in Emirati cuisine?

It is unknown to Japan and Japanese chefs. Abu Dhabi is a wonderful city, and I will certainly be returning.

You went in search of local produce. How successful were you?

Very. The locals I met helped me find it, and some of it is of a very high quality, a global standard. I would even consider importing some of it into Japan. The seafood was fresh, although it’s prepared in a slightly different way here than in Japan. It’s not raw [laughs]. Abu Dhabi Fish Market was so busy – a fantastic place.

What did you think of our Japanese restaurants?

Some of it was of a high standard, some of it not so high. There is no ‘new’ Japanese cuisine, so maybe this is my chance.

• Feb 9, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 11.30am to 11pm, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 9 to 12, Hal Yamashita, The Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com 34 WHAT’S ON FEBRuaRy 2012

THE CELEB CHEF: George Calombaris

Anyone who has dedicated the 50-plus hours required to watch all 85 episodes of MasterChef Australia’s third season (we feel your pain) will know Greek Cypriot-Australian chef George Calombaris. A proponent of molecular gastronomy, he is one of Australia’s most influential chefs at just 33. Not bad, eh? He already has three restaurants in his native Melbourne – The Press Club Restaurant and Bar, Maha Bar & Grill and Hellenic Republic – and will open a fourth, St Katherine’s, this month. If you haven’t watched that series of MasterChef yet, don’t. Go and see George in action instead.

• Feb 10, Celebrity Dinner, Yas Island Rotana, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs750. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com • Feb 11, Culinary Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 11.30am to 1pm, free.

Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 12, Châteaux Dinner, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs750. Tel: (02) 6560000. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

THE MIXOLOGISTS: Ben-David Sorum and Thomas Anostam Admit it, ever since you saw Tom Cruise shaking it up a storm in Cocktail you have wanted to have a

go at juggling bottles and blending booze. Now you can, with mixology duo Ben-David Sorum and Thomas Anostam of the much-lauded Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar in Bangkok.

• Feb 21, Mixologist Masterclass, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 11.30am to 1pm, free.

Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae • Feb 22, Mixologist Dinner, Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs450. Tel: (02) 6560600. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

THE WINE EXPERT: Lisa Perrotti-Brown There is one authority that all wine connoisseurs trust about all others – critic Robert Parker’s eRobertParker.com. So it’s tremendous news, that one of the site’s main contributors, Lisa PerrottiBrown, will be at Gourmet Abu Dhabi. An expert in Asian wine, PerrottiBrown will be present at a staggering six events.

• Feb 11, Châteaux Dinner with Sean Griffin, Blue

Grill, Yas Island Rotana, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs650. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com • Feb 12, Châteaux Dinner with George Calombaris, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs750. Tel: (02) 6560000. viceroyhotelsandresorts. com • Feb 15, Châteaux Dinner with Ernesto Iaccarino, Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs850. Tel: (02) 6907999. kempinski.com • Feb 18, Châteaux Dinner with Juan Amador, Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs850. Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com • Feb 19, Château Dinner with Gennaro Esposito, BiCE, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs850. Tel: (02) 6924247.

1.hilton.com • Feb 20, Châteaux Dinner with Justin Quek, Quest, Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs750.

Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

Feb 8 to 23, Gourmet Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. gourmetabudhabi.ae

LET’S GET READY TO

RU MBLE It’s time to pull on those colourful trunks and slap on the baby oil – the WWE’s spectacular RAW World Tour is set to pile drive into town MEET THE SUPERSTARS The contenders’ vital statistics

36 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

CM Punk

Height: 6ft 2” Weight: 99kg From: Chicago, Illinois Persona: The newage anti-hero. As the self-proclaimed 'voice of the voiceless' one thing Punk cannot be accused of is not speaking his mind. The proudly straight edge superstar has long been heralded as the best in the world, and with multiple WWE Heavyweight title reigns on his CV, it’s hard to argue otherwise.

Finishing move: G.T.S (‘go to sleep’)

John Cena

Height: 6ft 1” Weight: 114kg From: West Newbury, Massachusetts Persona: The poster boy of the WWE. Cena’s clean-shaven, superman character and 'never give up' mantra make him a role model, adored by children and parents the world over.

He does, however, ruffle the feathers of some of the wrestling puritans (and WWE legend The Rock).

Finishing move: attitude adjustment

WRESTLING’S WORST GIMMICKS: BACK IN THE DAY, SOME WRESTLERS USED GIMMICKS TO TRY AND WIN OVER THE CROWD. SOMETIMES IT WORKED (EG, THE UNDERTAKER) AND SOMETIMES IT REALLY DIDN’T. HERE ARE SOME OF THE WORST…

PAPA SHANGO A voodoo witch doctor that could control the dimness of the lights in the arena. And no one thought that would be a bad idea?

THE BOOGEYMAN When you’re that desperate to succeed you will do anything, even paint your face red and eat worms.

ISAAC YANKEM, DDS Because everybody hates the dentist, right? And the dentist’s name? Why, I Yankem, of course.

DOINK THE CLOWN Don’t get us wrong, clowns are scary, but those who run around with a gang of midgets and squirt water out of a flower aren’t.

Feb 9, 10 and 11, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, Dhs300 to Dhs1,200.

Tel: (800) 35274. thinkflash.ae

Dolph Ziggler

Height: 6ft Weight: 96kg From: Hollywood, Florida Persona: Athletic, articulate and arrogant – three essential traits to make it in the WWE, and Ziggler has them in spades (he’s also known as 'The Show Off'). As talented as he is annoying, this whiny Superstar will do whatever it takes to win, and it is because of this win-atall-costs mentality that he has been earmarked for a big future.

Finishing move: zigzag

R-Truth

WRESTLING GLOSSARY

An idiot’s guide to WWE

Height: 6ft 2” Weight: 100kg From: Charlotte, North Carolina Persona: Six months ago, the former all-singing-all-dancing fan favourite snapped, claiming there was a conspiracy against him that was holding back his career. However, having since verbally abused the other wrestlers and even the audience (who he bizarrely refers to as ‘Little Jimmy’), a more driven and deadly side of R-Truth has emerged.

Finishing move: scissor kick

The Miz

Height: 6ft 1” Weight: 100kg From: Cleveland, Ohio Persona: He’s his own biggest fan. Few people have as much confidence in their own abilities as The Miz. If you doubt that, turn to page 38 and you can read just how 'awesome' he is – over and over… That said, the past year has seen this cocksure talent establish himself as a genuine main eventer.

Finishing move: the skull-crushing finale

HOW IT WORKS

WWE’s RAW is a weekly two-hour show featuring several bouts between Superstars

THE MAIN EVENTS

Feb 9, CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler (WWE Championship Match) Feb 10, CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler (WWE Championship Match, 2 out of 3 falls) Feb 11, John Cena & CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler & Kane RAW airs on Abu Dhabi Sports 6, Tues 5.30pm and 10.30pm

Heel a bad guy Face short for baby face; in other words, a good guy Heat the reaction generated from the crowd Gimmick the character played by a wrestler (eg, The Undertaker) Over someone who has established themselves as either a Heel or Face Hoss a slow-moving, big lump of a wrestler Slobberknocker – a good ol’ fashioned brawl The big dance the most important event of the year, WrestleMania

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Whether you are a wrestling fan or not, everyone knows the ultimate warrior, right?

But where are the legends now?

The Ultimate Warrior Ever the self-promoter, Warrior runs his own website where he creates and sells his own brand of artwork.

Twitter name: @ultimatewarrior Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson In Hollywood, raking it in as one of the world’s most bankable action stars.

Twitter name: @therock ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage Tragically passed away at the end of 2011 after suffering a heart attack whilst driving.

Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart Retired due to a severe concussion suffered in 2000. He is now a best-selling author and occasionally makes appearances at WWE events.

Twitter name: @brethart Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts Now a professional fisherman. Jake is also writing a book to help people overcome issues of addiction similar to those that plagued his personal life.

The Undertaker Unbelievably, he’s still wrestling. Despite his significantly reduced schedule, the ‘Taker can still brawl with the best of them.

Kane

Height: 7ft Weight: 147kg From: 'Parts unknown' Persona: He is affectionately referred to as the 'Big Red Monster', but that is where the affection ends with regards to Kane.

Seven feet tall, ruthless and recently reunited with his mask, Kane is the stuff of children’s nightmares – and a few adults, too.

Finishing move: chokeslam FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 37

“I AM THE MOST AWESOME SUPERSTAR IN THE HISTORY OF SUPERSTARS”

“MY LIFE ON THE ROAD REVOLVES AROUND MCDONALDS’ CHICKEN SANDWICHES”

WWE’s self-proclaimed

Awesome One, The Miz, is not exactly the shy and retiring type, as we found out prior to his visit to the capital this month

How long have you been awesome?

Each and every day of my life. I came out of the womb with a wind that whispered the word “awesome.”

What do we have to do to be awesome?

You’ll probably have to work really hard at it, but don’t give up. It is something to look forward to each and every day. I recommend you wake up every morning, look at yourself in the mirror and say, “come on buddy, I can do this.”

Although you’ll never be as awesome as The Miz.

photo: Getty images

Second best is OK for us, right?

It has to be, ‘cause being second to me is nothing to be ashamed about.

You guys work a pretty crazy schedule. Exactly how hard do you work?

We are the hardest working travelling company in the world. We do 250 shows a year, and it is literally non-stop. We carry on despite our bodies aching and hurting, because we love what we do.

Do you consider yourself an athlete?

I am one of the greatest in the world! That is how other athletes have to look at it. If you compare us to football players or basketball players, they all have an off season, whereas the WWE goes all year round. If we are injured, or hurt, we still go out there and perform each and every night, because that is the dedication we have to our fans – the dedication we have to have in our profession.

But a lot of people still roll their eyes when wrestling is mentioned. What do you say to the naysayers?

All we ever tell the naysayers is to come to an event. They will fall in love with the WWE and what we do each and every show. They will enjoy the characters and the show as a spectacle. We actively encourage our fans to cheer who they love and boo who they hate.

In any city we’ve ever been to, we entertain the audience and that is why people keep coming back.

You must have to load up with plenty of food. What do you eat?

I try to eat as healthily as possible. Which is hard to do when you are on the road and you don’t finish the shows until around 11.30pm – when there is nothing really open, except McDonalds. You want to eat the cheeseburgers, but those things are bad for you, so you have to have a strong will and go for the grilled chicken, without the bun. That’s what my life on the road revolves around; McDonalds’ chicken sandwiches.

38 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

When you broke off your tag-team with former partner John Morrison, you changed your look from shorts and a hat to tighty-whities. What gives?

First off, they’re not white, so they are not tighty-whities! As far as trading in the shorts and fedora look for the classic wrestling tights, I did it because I wanted to be taken seriously.

Before being in the WWE I was a reality TV star, so I wanted to distance myself from my reality roots. I wanted people to respect me, so I thought, let’s get rid of the gimmicks and show people that I am better than they think.

Have you ever been to Abu Dhabi?

I have. It was absolutely fantastic. The city is great and the architecture is incredible. We are treated really well when we are over there – everyone is so good to us.

How many push-ups can you do?

More than everybody in Abu Dhabi.

FILM

NEW RELEASES

One For The Money

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

The Grey

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

One For The Money

The Grey

WHO?

Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Kristin Davis, Brad Peyton (director)

Katherine Heigl, Jason O’Mara, Debbie Reynolds, Daniel Sunjata and Sherri Shepherd, Julie Anne Robinson (director)

Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, Joe Anderson, James Badge Dale, Joe Carnahan (director)

TAGLINE

‘Believe the impossible. Discover the incredible.’

‘She’s looking for a few not-sogood men.’

‘Live or die on this day.’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

A young adventurer received a distress signal from an island that shouldn’t be there, according to conventional wisdom, and set out with his stepfather and a couple of tour guides in tow to rescue its lone inhabitant from the unknown.

Unemployed and rapidly going broke, Stephanie Plum (Heigl) took a bail enforcement job from her dodgy cousin, and ended up chasing down a high-profile escapee that just happened to be her romantic tormentor in high school.

A plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness marooned a gang of burly, stubbly oil workers, who were soon running around screaming like little girls as a local wolf pack hunted them down.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

While away a couple of hours in somewhat dumbed-down Jules Verne territory, gawping at fantastical flora and fauna as it lunges towards your face in aggressively emphasised 3D.

Not so much suspend your disbelief as sling a rope around its neck and hang it from the rafters until it’s dead. This promises to ring about as true as a chocolate doorbell.

Survive! Against all the odds! In a freezing wasteland populated by savage, toothsome beasts! Or at least watch somebody else work out how to, while you relax and slurp soda.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

Its 2008 predecessor, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, starred Brendan Fraser and was widely viewed as a loose sequel to Verne’s classic 1864 sci-fi novel of the same name.

Janet Evanovich’s 1994 mystery novel of the same name. Failing that, think Keira Knightley’s 2005 bounty-hunting biopic Domino, although the lead characters are markedly different.

Frostbitten Andes crash-survival retelling Alive (1993), or any of the several billion ‘stranded people vs. looming threat’ movies made since Jaws kick-started the genre in the mid-1970s.

TOP TRIVIA

Josh Hutcherson reprises his role as young swashbuckler Sean Anderson, but Dwayne Johnson (aka wrestler The Rock) steps in as the ‘responsible’ adult in place of the now-absent Fraser.

One For The Money was author Evanovich’s first novel in the Stephanie Plum series. There have been a further 16 instalments – if this first outing goes well, she could be sticking around a while.

Ridley Scott and younger brother Tony are co-producers, reuniting them with director Carnahan and leading man Neeson after the four worked together on The A-Team (2010).

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD OR LESS REVIEW

Daft but diverting enough sequel, with Caine a welcome addition.

Nancy Drew for older – if not much more demanding – audiences.

Open Water with wolves replacing sharks? Yeah, go on then...

RATE OR SLATE?

★★★✩✩

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

40 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Agneepath The Descendants

Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance Haywire

Haywire

Agneepath (Indian)

The Descendants

Ghost Rider 2: Spirit Of Vengeance

Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Michael Douglas, Steven Soderbergh (director)

Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra, Rishi Kapoor, Karan Malhotra (director)

George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Judy Greer, Beau Bridges, Alexander Payne (director)

Nicolas Cage, Fergus Riordan, Ciarán Hinds, Violante Placido, Idris Elba, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (directors)

‘They left her no choice.’

None

None

‘He rides again.’

‘Black ops’ fixer Mallory Kane (Carano) was making a living solving government problems in ways they’d never admit to. Doublecrossing and threats being the norm, it was only a matter of time before it caught up with her...

Village boy Vijay grew up on honourable teachings about the ‘path of fire’ from his disciplined father. When a local drug lord framed and lynched his dad, young Vijay dedicated his adolescence to seeking revenge.

With the trust soon to expire, Honolulu lawyer Matt King (Clooney) faced a tough decision about his family’s land. On the eve of the sale, a tragic accident involving his wife led to complicating revelations of an affair.

Motorbike stunt rider Johnny Blaze – aka Marvel Comics Ghost Rider – was hiding out in Eastern Europe after his first battle with Mephistopheles, but a new threat from his arch foe demanded a return to action.

Top up on yet more high-octane, female-fronted butt-kickery, assuming you haven’t already had your fill this month (see One For The Money).

Oversee a spiritual journey that embraces ambiguity – as he develops, Vijay’s character often seems to straddle virtue and immorality. Too lofty? Then see it for the sweet explosions.

Dabble in familial strife and wallow in emotional tumult, yet do so in the relative comfort of a strangely alluring little drama that doesn’t shy away from hitting several darkly comic notes.

Revisit some of the key characters from 2007’s first big-screen Ghost Rider offering, but with a significantly darker story this time around.

Luc Besson’s slick 1990 thriller Nikita springs to mind, although plot-wise, this probably has more in common with the shady politics of recent hit Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

It’s essentially a fairly straight reworking of the original Agneepath, a 1990 box office disappointment that is now seen as a Bollywood cult classic. Scarface is another frequent comparison.

Any of Clooney’s frequent everyman-type roles, in which he’s always much more likeable than when playing Mr Slick. It’s also good if you fancy seeing a far less romanticised Hawaii than usual.

The idea of seeing Nicholas Cage with his head on fire? Shouting “VROOOM VROOOM”?

We would say, “if you liked the first Ghost Rider movie”, but few would be prepared to admit it.

The film has gone through a number of changes during development, including Paxton stepping in for Dennis Quaid and the name changing to Haywire from the (equally bad) title, Knockout.

The soundtrack is down to duo Ajay-Atul, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya. Listen out for Chikni Chameli, a remake of the Marathi song Kombdi Palali from the film Jatra.

Clooney is a fan of director Alex Payne. George was apparently keen on playing Paul Giamatti’s better-looking sidekick in the wine-swilling comedy Sideways, but was deemed too recognisable.

Look out for some spooky scenery – principal photography took place largely in Bucharest, Romania, which has absorbed plenty of atmosphere from the nearby Transylvania region.

Despite glitzy casting, this somehow struggles to punch its weight.

Despite the modern updates, the original’s charm looks nicely preserved.

Payne dissects the floundering male psyche with near-surgical precision.

More of a wobbly shopping cart than a throbbing Harley.

★★✩✩✩

PREVIEW

★★★★✩

★★✩✩✩ FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 41

WHAT’S ON

EATING OUT Reviews, recipes, columnists and the latest food news

p46 THE UAE'S TEN BEST AFTERNOON TEAS · p51 THE CHEF · p52 COOK A CLASSIC FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 43

Sunday

SOUTH IGHT ASIAN N

an, Sri Lank d Indian, e esh them Banglad

Tuesda y

CURRY NIGHT

Monday

SOUTH EAST ASIAN NIGHT Wednes da

y

NEW ORLEAN S

Chinese, Japanese , Korean, Vietnames e, Thai themed

Friday

ARABIC NIGHT

Located on the 24th floor, featuring a breathtaking view of Burj downtown, The Californian restaurant offers a wide variety of sumptuous dishes ranging from South Asian, South East Asian, New Orleans, Arabic dishes and Deep Blue Ocean selection.

South Asian, South East Asian, Curry Night, New Orleans, Arabic Night AED 150 per person inclusive of selected house beverage AED 125 per person inclusive of soft drinks and juices AED 115 per person on food only Deep Blue Ocean Theme Night AED 210 per person inclusive of selected house beverage AED 165 per person inclusive of soft drinks and juices AED 135 per person on food only

For enquiries and reservations: Tel: +971 4 317 4515 Email: dine.dtdu@dusit.com Web: dusitthanidubai.dusit.com

Thursd

ay

DEEP BLUE

EATING OUT

FOOD EDITOR'S LETTER Why, oh why, in a country surrounded by fish-filled waters, do the majority of UAE restaurants insist on serving imported fish?

And, when they do serve local fish, why is it always the criminally overfished hammour? It is negligent. Plenty can be done with local fish, as you will taste if you visit Glasshouse, as I did recently, and order the delectable flame-grilled shaari. Or pop to Bu Qtair off Beach Road and enjoy one of the fresh, local fish straight from the boat (avoiding the unsustainable species, of course).

If you would like to know which fish species are sustainable, visit choosewisely.ae.

I’ve banged this drum before, but now, inspired by that dish at Glasshouse, I pledge not to eat a single fish dish from a UAE restaurant for the next six months that isn’t sustainable. I don’t care how expertly you have cooked your hammour; I am not going to order it. And on top of that, I will give each restaurant I review a fish sustainability rating out of five. No local, sustainable fish? Nil points. I don’t care who you are. I encourage you all to do the same and, if you are going to join our campaign, follow @WhatsOnFish on Twitter.

Let’s start a revolution, people.

Aside from eating sustainable fish, this month we have visited Rouge (p48), sampled what the new chef at Thiptara has done with the chef’s table concept (see right) and sipped enough tea to drown an Englishman to bring you the UAE’s ten best afternoon teas (p46). You can also expand your knowledge of North American wine (p48), cook pancakes like Gary Rhodes (p51) and eggs Benedict like Jones The Grocer (p52) and imbibe all the latest food news (p54). That should more than make up for giving up hammour, eh?

Gareth Rees Features & Food Editor

If you have any comment or opinions on Eating Out or the UAE food scene, please e-mail gareth@ motivate.ae

Thiptara

skills of the leader of the free world (not his fault, it must be noted).

Aside from a pair of greasy fried prawns and a couple of superfluous spring rolls, our appetiser platter was a success. Two crab cakes – springy, With Sutthipunth sweet meat, oozing flavour – avoided the cardinal sin of rubberiness; an exemplary papaya Ratthanakasikon now at salad had the right amount of chilli kick; the beef the helm at this Thai pad, is salad was zingy; and the floppy wonton parcels delightful. his chef’s table a winner? were Mains consisted of two curries. One, a fresh, t is never easy to come into an established traditional green curry flavoured with sweet kitchen and stamp your mark on its menu. It Thai basil – we’re told chef Ratthanakasikon is even harder when you are responsible for is a lover of Thai herbs, and he deployed this a chef ’s table – a concept built around diners’ one with prodigious poise – was a resounding interaction with the people cooking their food success. The other, a lamb curry, was not. Lamb – located less than five metres is not often found in traditional from your stove and, on top of Thai cooking, and smothering that, you don’t speak English. the flavours of such a lovely NEED TO KNOW Taking this into consideration, piece of meat just seemed a Location: The Palace – Thiptara’s new head chef mite silly.

The Old Town, Dubai Sutthipunth Ratthanakasikon is We advise you to take dessert Tel: (04) 8883444 doing a pretty decent job. on the terrace, because Thiptara Web: theaddress.com The chef ’s table is a small has what is arguably the best Open: daily 7pm to four-seater, squeezed into the view of the Burj Khalifa and 11.30pm kitchen within whispering the Dubai Fountain in town.

Cuisine type: Thai distance of the strip lit action.

From the titanic dessert platter, Must eat: papaya salad In a noisier, less organised a particularly sweet lychee and Bill for two: Dhs1,500 kitchen, it might have admirable sticky rice alone (includes three courses been a bit much, but chef would have done. per person and a bottle Ratthanakasikon’s team works The authentic Thai dishes of sparkling wine or in tranquillity. The experience were first class, but we have the house beverages) is pleasant – especially as feeling chef Ratthanakasikon the air is permeated with is not entirely comfortable the very essence of Thailand with all the dishes, or the (lemongrass) – if not eye IN TWEET FORM concept of a chef ’s table. Time opening. We learned nothing Book a table on the will tell whether he is able about the food or its creation terrace and stick to the to stamp his personality on that we wouldn’t have learned authentic Thai dishes and Thiptara, but, for now, book sitting in the restaurant, Thiptara and you won’t a table on the terrace, order a and chef Ratthanakasikon, go far wrong. couple of the salads, a main Follow us at though he bore an uncanny course and a dessert each, and @WhatsOnDubai and resemblance to Barack you could leave having spent @WhatsOnAbuDhabi Obama, doesn’t yet possess around Dhs600 or less for two. the confident communication Not too bad.

I

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 45

EATING OUT

The uae’s 10 besT afTernoon Teas

Fancy a cuppa? Try one of these ten afternoon teas, or make your own scones and enjoy tea and cakes in the comfort of your own home CAFÉ COLOMBIA

Beach Rotana has almost as much history as afternoon tea itself, poured into the delights served in its grand circular lobby café.

There are no superfluous touches – unless you count the temptation to embellish the set nibbles with a tempter from the nearby cake and pastry counter – just expected food selections on a tiered stand, plus a pot of tea. Simple but effective.

BEST FOR: Cakes Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 6pm, Dhs90, Dhs150 with champagne. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

04

01

CHOCOLATE GALLERY

Relaxed and inviting, rather than all British stiff upper lip, the Fairmont updates afternoon tea very smartly. It is delivered in a nifty metal stand that could almost double as a designer budgie cage.

We particularly recommend the truffled egg salad sandwiches and granny smith apple tartlet. There are 80 teas to choose from, too.

BEST FOR: Value Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 6pm, Dhs95. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

02

46 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

LOBBY LOUNGE

Tea At The Towers, as Jumeirah have dubbed this, is commendable value for such spotless surrounds.

The scones prove the finest we've tasted in town, while the menu of exclusive teas could win over the most ardent hot beverage shunner.

Pistachio éclairs make our day too, with a finishing crunch of freshly baked chocolate/pistachio and almond/vanilla cookies.

BEST FOR: Scones (see the recipe on p47) Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 5pm, Dhs165. Tel: (02) 8115888. jumeirah.com

THE DRAWING ROOM

LE CAFÉ

Something of a reigning Abu Dhabi afternoon tea champ, its monolithic traditional offering includes mini-quiche starter, sandwiches, scones (with a

delightful apricot marmalade option), all manner of fancy micro cakes, then a sizeable chocolate fondant to finish. The cappuccino, topped with 24-carat gold sprinkles and a drizzled palace picture, was nigh on worth it alone.

BEST FOR: Stuffing yourself Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 6pm, Dhs260, Dhs360 with glass of Laurent-Perrier. Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace.com

03

Inspired by the original St Regis founder’s Time For Tea meets, this stately spread takes pride in the visual art of afternoon tea – witness fastidiously cut smoked salmon used as the outer ‘bread’ of one sandwich. Alternatives gives The Drawing Room an edge,

EATING OUT offering up Arabic, Oriental and children’s versions, in addition to a lovely traditional effort best sampled with a signature St Regis Arabian black tea blend.

BEST FOR: Presentation St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs110, Dhs185 with champagne. Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

PARK HYATT DUBAI

THE RITZ-CARLTON, DUBAI

05

01. Chocolate Gallery 02. Le Café 03. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai; 04. Lobby Lounge 05. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai 06. Raffles 07. The Drawing Room 08. Café Colombia

If your idea of perfect relaxation is reading the Saturday broadsheets or 06 a few choice magazine titles (What’s On, for example), The Lounge’s afternoon tea is as good a place as any to do so. There’s a lovely view, and designed for two, the tea can be supplemented with a glass of prosecco to give your day a splash of luxury. One could easily spend 07 several hours slowly gobbling up the delicious smoked salmon and cream cheese sarnies (sans crust, naturally), mozzarella and tomato rolls, scones, pastries and cakes. We should know; we have done just that on several occasions.

BEST FOR: Peace and quiet The Lounge, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, daily 2pm to 6pm, style café has a vast selection Dhs140 for two, Dhs220 for two that will satisfy even the most with a glass of prosecco. Tel: (04) particular connoisseur.

6021234. dubai.park.hyatt.com BEST FOR: Indulging RAFFLES SALON Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, A fashion-inspired afternoon Dubai, 2pm to 6pm, Dhs130. tea at Raffles, your sandwiches Tel: (04) 3998888. are shaped like handbags, cakes grosvenorhouse-dubai.com are miniature hats and you can even take a bite from a chocolate stiletto. Great for couples and even numbers (platters are for two), the menu changes depending on the season and there's a bubbly option too. How very fashion-forward, darling.

BEST FOR: Novelty nibbles Raffles Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, 2pm to 7pm, Dhs199 for two or Dhs399 with champagne.

Tel: (04) 3248888. raffles.com

LEAVES

Terribly English and wonderfully wicked, Leaves' afternoon offering is a generous tower of sandwiches, sponge cake, and scones with a choice of toppings. The lemon curd is hard to beat. Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without, well, tea, and this library-

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai serves up not one, not two, but three of Dubai’s most popular afternoon teas, from the Dhs62 Devonshire Tea, including a couple of scones, clotted cream, preserves and your choice of 24 teas, to the Signature Afternoon Tea, including sarnies, scones, pastries and tea and, finally, The Royal Tea, for those who want to splash some cash on their cup of char and cakes. For the full Dhs235 you will be served up a Kir Royal cocktail, along with sarnies, scones, pastries and tea.

Best for: Choice The Lobby Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, JBR, Dubai, daily 2pm to 6pm, Dhs62 Devonshire Tea, Dhs125 Signature Afternoon Tea, Dhs235 The Royal Tea. Tel: (04) 3994000. ritzcarlton.com

BURJ AL ARAB

Let’s face it; the view – and the fact that you’re in the Burj – is reason enough to book an afternoon out amongst the high-rolling tourists at Dubai’s iconic hotel, which is still a must-do (at least once, anyway) on your UAE bucket list. The food itself, while good – there’s the standard sandwich tower, cakes galore, plus a list of teas as long as your arm – is far from cheap at Dhs425 per person, but for an ‘impress your visitors’ day out, it’s one to remember.

Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs425. Tel: (04) 3017600. jumeirah.com

08

How to make scones

Bake your own afternoon delights with Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ scone recipe

Ingredients

300g butter, 300g icing sugar, 1.2kg flour, 250ml milk, 5 large eggs, 60g baking powder, 10g salt

Method Pre-heat oven to 180˚C. Sift the flour into a bowl, add baking powder and salt, stir in the sugar, add the butter (slightly softened) and rub into the flour to create a breadcrumb consistency. Add the milk, a little at a time, working it into the mixture to make smooth dough. Leave to rest for 15 minutes. Roll on a lightly floured surface until 2cm thick. Using a 5cm pastry cutter, cut the dough using one sharp downward movement and then twist the cutter. Brush the scones with beaten egg for a shiny glaze, or dust with flour for a matt finish.

Place on a greased baking tray and bake for ten to 12 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 47

EATING OUT

The connoisseur Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse’s beverage manager, Ryan Dmello, explains how to get to grips with the wines of California

Rouge

Rocco Forte’s new Asian fusion restaurant looks the part, but does its menu do justice to the wonderful setting?

A

bu Dhabi’s rash of new hotel openings in 2011 brought plenty of intriguing culinary propositions. But often, in the mad opening dash, everything seemed a tad rushed. Rocco Forte, however, was keen to fine-tune its restaurants first, and the interior of Rouge is undeniably worth the wait. A sweeping black and red oval with an open central section overlooking the stately lobby, it is at once welcoming and unrepentantly modern. Outside isn’t quite as spellbinding, however; our table had an unobstructed view of the local KFC. But the starters made up for that, particularly the hamachi with jalapeno and chipotle ponzu sauce – the pick of a varied sashimi, sushi, maki and dim sum menu.

There are heavy French overtones when it comes to the mains – foie gras and ratatouille both make appearances – but we shunned those Gallic delights in favour of double salamander soy and honey glazed black cod, with NEED TO KNOW parsnip purée and sizzling Location: Rocco Forte, Sheikh scallion oil, which turned out Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum to be sweet, succulent and Street, Abu Dhabi delicious. The black pepper Tel: (02) 6170000 wasabi wagyu tenderloin with Web: roccofortehotelabudhabi.com zucchini and mushrooms Open: lunch daily noon to 3pm, trumped even that – a dinner daily 7pm to 11.30pm beautiful piano key-esque Cuisine type: Asian fusion arrangement of melt-in-theMust eat: black pepper wasabi mouth meat. wagyu tenderloin Every new restaurant has Bill for two: Dhs530 (without teething problems. But it alcohol) was disappointing that only two desserts were available: a perfectly passable tofu cream IN TWEET FORM cheesecake and green tea Rouge’s setting is fantastic, though crème brulée. So the wiser you might want to delay your visit a diner should allow a month month or two to allow for problems or two for such creases to be to be sorted out. Follow us at ironed out, to avoid Rouge @WhatsOnDubai and @ ending up as a sacrebleu WhatsOnAbuDhabi experience, when it has the potential to be so much more.

48 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Wine is produced all over North America, from the East Coast to the Rocky Mountains (Idaho and Colorado) and the West Coast (California, Washington and Oregon).

North America is the fourth biggest wine producer in the world, and 90 per cent of that wine is produced in California. So, my advice, if you’re just starting to acquaint yourself with North American wine, is to focus on California.

Within the state of California you have sub-regions like Napa Valley, which is the most well known.

There is also Sonoma County, and many more.

There are more than 100 varieties of grape grown in California, and the different regions have different climates, different kinds of soils and, therefore, very different styles of wine.

If we take Napa Valley as an example, there is the Rutherford region, which is famous for its cabernet.

It is a full intensity grape, and the climate is perfect for it. The wine has a very rich nose, strong tannins, black olives and cherries, and it is classically structured.

The soil and the climate are very important. In the Rocky Mountains, for example, you have gravelly soil. When you have this gravel, the roots of the vines have to go deeper to find

water, which affects the wine. A more chalky soil can also produce a very distinct wine. The taste of the grape, and the skin. If you have a cool climate, the skin of the grape becomes darker and you have a lot of tannin.

The main grapes grown in California are cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, syrah and zinfandel. If you haven’t tried Californian wine, start with a pinot noir. The pinot noir grape is very delicate, so the temperate climate in California – not too hot, not too cold – is suited to growing it. Pinot noir is not a full intensity wine. It’s light in colour, it’s not too harsh on your palate, and because of that, you can enjoy the nose, the aromas.

It can be quite complex, but when you see it in the glass, the tears of the wine drop fast because it’s a light wine.

When you start drinking it, you will be able to taste the different flavours.

When it comes to white wine, it’s not that I don’t like chardonnay, but I would advise starting with a sauvignon blanc. Sauvignon is fruitier and it has a nice bouquet and a good long finish – it doesn’t have that dryness that a chardonnay does. Delicious.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, The Monarch, Dubai. Tel: (04) 45018666. ruthschris.com

NEXT MONTH: AUSTRALIAN WINE

EATING OUT

OYSTER MUSHROOM AND SPINACH PANCAKES SERVES FOUR

INGREDIENTS

“Once you have the mix, you can put pretty much anything you want in there. It’s your pancake – create your own filling”

The chef

it will move. Get a fish slice underneath and flip it over, or if you’re very brave, toss it in the air. After you’ve done two or three the pan will be Our columnist, celebrity chef and automatically non-stick. restaurateur Gary Rhodes says pancakes Once you have the mix, you can put pretty much are nothing to fear, and offers up an anything you want in there. alternative recipe for Pancake Day It’s your pancake – create his month is your own filling. I love to Pancake Day, add nuggets of goat’s cheese but I wanted to or blue cheese with spinach. do something I leave them out at room a little bit different. temperature, and then just Instead of dessert, stir them once or twice when I’ve gone with these the mix is still in the pan, and savoury pancakes. take them out as they’re just Having said that, starting to melt – delicious. take the parsley out You can add chicken, and you could also prawns, smoked salmon, create something lobster... it’s unlimited. sweet. If I’m having I do a layered one, which sweet pancakes, I like to add a sprinkling of sugar, a I call wild mushroom pancake gateaux. It’s six or squeeze of lemon juice and maybe a little dollop of seven layers of pancake with a mushroom duxelle cream on the side. Lovely. in between. Chopped shallots, slowly cooked People are always frightened of making pancakes. in butter until they are tender, then in with the That’s another reason I chose this dish – to say to mushrooms, which you cook until all the moisture people, “no, come on, have a go.” I always keep evaporates and concentrates the flavours, add herbs two really cheap, flat, eight-inch non-stick pans at if you wish, a little splash of Madeira or sherry home. I only ever use them for pancakes, nothing boiled out to add sweetness, a splash of fresh cream else. Barely brush them with oil – people use far too allowed to cook out a touch, and you have this much oil – add one small ladleful of the batter and wonderful mixture. Spread it between the layers, spread it across the pan. Another mistake people pile it all up and slice it up like gateaux. Grate some make is to turn the heat right up. Only cook them Gruyere and a little bit of cheddar on top, under the on a medium heat. Then wait until you have that grill and that will begin to melt all over it. It’s a very little tinge of colour starting to show around the simple but seriously impressive dish. edge. Sometimes you will give it a shake and it won’t Most people only have pancakes once a year, so if move. Don’t panic, just take it off the heat, run a little I can tempt you to make pancakes more often, great. palette knife around the outside, one more shake and People don’t realise how easy it is.

T

For the pancakes: 100g plain flour, pinch of salt, one egg, 300ml milk, one tbsp chopped parsley, vegetable oil For the filling: A knob of butter, 100g oyster mushrooms, torn into strips, salt and pepper, 350g spinach leaves, two to three tbsp crème fraîche, two tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

METHOD

Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Whisk the egg and the milk into the flour until smooth, adding the parsley. Warm a 17cm to 20cm non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and lightly oil. Pour in just enough batter to coat the base of the pan. Cook for a minute until golden brown, turn the pancake and cook for a further minute. Keep warm while cooking the remainder of the pancakes (the mixture should make about eight). Melt the butter in a large, shallow pan and, once sizzling, fry the mushrooms to quickly colour and soften. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the pan.

Return the pan to the heat, add the washed and drained spinach and soften over a fierce heat, allowing any water to evaporate. Season with salt and pepper. Add the mushrooms, crème fraîche and Parmesan to the spinach. Spoon the filling on to one half of each pancake, fold and serve.

NEXT MONTH: ROAST DUCK BREAST WITH SPINACH, WILD MUSHROOMS AND MAPLE SYRUP VINAIGRETTE FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 51

EATING OUT

Cook a classic Eggs Benedict

Jones the Grocer’s head chef Matthew Schaeffer provides a cracking recipe for the classic breakfast indulgence

1

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INGREDIENTS

For the eggs: * Four rashers of beef bacon * Two eggs * One muffin (split) * 50ml white vinegar * 1ltr simmering water For the Hollandaise sauce: * Two egg yolks * 250ml butter (clarified and warm) * 6ml lemon juice * 8ml tarragon vinegar * Pinch of salt

METHOD For the Hollandaise sauce: put the egg yolks and vinegar in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Place the mixing bowl over a bain marie (pan of warm water). Vigorously

whisk the egg yolks to form a sabayon (when the egg yolks become pale, thick and frothy). The egg yolks should be warm to touch. Remove the bowl from the bain marie, slowly pour the

52 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

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butter and whisk to blend. If the Hollandaise becomes too thick, add 10ml of warm water to thin the sauce. Once all the butter is incorporated, add the lemon juice and salt and taste to check the seasoning.

For the eggs: once this is done, fill a medium-sized pot with the simmering water and add the vinegar. Crack both eggs gently into the simmering water, taking care that the yolks do not break. Poach the eggs for four to five minutes.

While the eggs are poaching, toast the muffin till golden brown, and fry the bacon.

Once the egg is ready, remove it from the water and place it on top of the muffin and bacon. Then top it off with a good amount of Hollandaise.

Jones The Grocer, Dubai, Sun to Thur 8am to 10.30pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3466886. jonesthegrocer.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House would like you to join us for an intimate celebration of

H E M I N G W A Y Join us to experience the ‘Hemingway’ Menu. AED 495 per person including a pre-dinner classic ‘Hemingway cocktail’, gourmet meal with a Sommelier choice bottle of red or white per couple, and a post-dinner selection by Habanos.

Wednesday 1st February, 8pm For more details or to make a reservation please call 04 501 8666 or e-mail us on info@ruthschris.ae. Alternatively you are welcome to make the reservation online via www.ruthschris.ae. The Hemingway Menu will be offered weekly at Ruth’s Chris Steak House from Wednesday 1st February 2012.

EATING OUT

WE TOLD YOU SO…

ON THE MENU

That’s right, the BBC is opening in Madinat Jumeirah on February 22 – just like we reported last month in the Eating Out rumour mill.

Get in there.

A buffet of new openings, plus several sides of food news

Dine like Ernest Hemingway

Ernest ‘papa’ Hemingway is one of our favourite authors, partly because of his stripped down prose, sure, but we love him equally for his determination to enjoy life – in the form of powerful martinis, big food and fine cigars.

Every Wednesday, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse will offer a special Hemingway package, including a martini, three-course meal and a Cuban cigar – all for less than Dhs500.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Monarch Dubai, One Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Wed 6pm to 11.30pm, Dhs495. Tel: (04) 5018666. ruthschris.ae

TWITTER RECIPE Cooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters

STEAMED SEA BASS IN BANANA LEAF

Marinate fish with miso.

Season with ginger, onion, chilli. Add mushroom, wrap in banana leaf.

Steam 20 mins. Serve with chilli sauce.

Chef Vu Ngoc Thiep, chef de cuisine at Hoi An Hoi An, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11:30pm.

Tel: (02) 5098555. shangri-la.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi

54 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Sustainable reward

We pride ourselves on being vocal supporters of restaurants in the UAE that use sustainable produce – particularly sustainable local fish. Which is exactly why we are about to sing the praises of Fish Market – the Radisson Blu’s fish restaurant that is rewarding guests who order any of their nine sustainable fish dishes with a free Thai dessert. Fish Market, we salute you. If only all UAE restaurants would follow your lead.

Fish Market, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, 12.30pm to 3.15pm and 7.30pm to 11.15pm. Tel: (04) 2227171. radissonblu.com

Latin visitor

The What’s On Award-winning Traiteur is allowing Argentinian chef Federico Heinzmann to take the reigns this month. Chef Heinzmann, from Buenos Aires’ Palacio Duhau (buenosaires.park. hyatt.com) restaurant, will host a weeklong demonstration of intricate South American cuisine including wood-fire

SOPHIE’S

Before we even visited Sophie’s we were pretty confident that it wouldn’t be a complete disaster.

Why? Because it was created by the guys behind the wonderful homegrown Japanese restaurant, Okku – Markus Thesleff and Ramzy Abdul Majeed. We were right. Located in a small, brightly lit space at the Riva Complex on The Palm, Sophie’s is all organic, with dishes freshly made every morning. Choose one of about eight mains and two from a similar-size collection of salads and

smoked pumpkin pudding and crab and slow-cooked pink salmon. We have no idea why one of the UAE’s finest French restaurants has decided to go Latin American but, as huge fans of Argentine cuisine, we’re not complaining.

Feb 6 to 10, Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Thur 7pm to midnight, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 6021234. dubai.park.hyatt.com

TRIED AND TESTED

enjoy. At just Dhs60 if you dine and Dhs57 for takeaway, the meatballs and chicken Milanese we tried were spot on, and the salads were as fresh as a newly showered daisy.

Make sure you try one of

the build-your-own fresh fruit juices as well. We can’t wait for the delivery service to start up.

Sophie’s, Riva Complex, Building 8, The Shoreline, The Palm, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 3328006

NEW OPENING

Riva Ristorante

Trendy and decked out with luxurious looking loungers, Riva is the Dubaian twist to the simple ‘hut on a beach’.

The fully licensed outdoor bar has been serving nibbles since it opened, but this month sees the opening of their restaurant. A welcome addition for those living on The Palm.

Riva, Building 8, The Shoreline, The Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4309466

Legends

NEW OPENING

We’ve already visited Legends, and considering it is yet another steakhouse in a city so full of steak it’s in danger of scaring away all the vegetarian inhabitants, we were pleasantly surprised.

Look out for our full review in next month’s issue.

Legends, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 2956000. dubaigolf.com

Summer Place

NEW OPENING

Habtoor Grand hasn’t had too much luck with restaurants located on its impressive 25th floor yet – remember the ill-fated Japanese, Bonsai? – so the hotel will be hoping Oriental fusion, a nightly DJ, Saturday brunch, regular theme nights and superb views of The Palm and The World make Summer Place a success.

Summer Place, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3995000. grandjumeirah. habtoorhotels.com

Barbie at sea

There are plenty of exclusive tables in the UAE, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a better location than the middle of Dubai Creek. Boardwalk at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club has introduced new floating tables, or ‘donuts’, allowing up to eight people to cast off and enjoy a BBQ cooked on-board. Anchors away.

Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Dubai, daily noon to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 2956000. dubaigolf.com

Join the club

We know, we know, you’re already an expert on wine, thanks to our monthly column, The Connoisseur (p49). But now, it’s time to show off your knowledge in public. The Asado Wine Club is a masterclass on wines from Argentina, featuring four wines, accompanied by a cheese and canapé platter. Make sure you book ahead to ensure you have ample opportunity to hold forth on the robust flavours of Mendoza’s malbecs.

Asado, The Palace, Downtown, Dubai, Dhs220, daily 6pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (04) 4287888. theaddress.com

THE STABLES BAR & RESTAURANT

NEW OPENING

We’re intrigued by Stables, boasting a farm shop, bar, wine shop and restaurant, as it does. The signature Racecourse Restaurant isn’t quite ready to open yet, but the bar serves a list of gastro pub dishes we’re eager to sample, including Lancashire Hotpot and Welsh beef fillets.

Keep your eye out for our verdict – coming very soon.

The Stables Bar & Restaurant, Sheikh Zayed Road, beside Fibber Magee’s, Dubai, 8am to 2am. Tel: (04) 3425571. stablesdubai.com

MAKE BUSINESS HUB

NEW MENU

1/2 AD

The brainchild of Leith Matthews, a former employee of Brit entrepreneur Terence Conran’s restaurant group, Make is a design-focused take on the workspace/café concept popularised by Al Quoz’ Shelter. But Make has a prime location in Dubai Marina. We expect it to be a What’s On favourite.

Al Fattan House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3929216. makebusinesshub.com

NEW ABU DHABI MENUS

There are five new menus being introduced in the capital this month.

Cornish Brown Crab is our pick at Etoiles at Emirates Palace, while you can enjoy a dish of Dutch mussels at Finz at Beach Rotana, or save precious office time at lunch with the new express menu at Indigo, also Beach Rotana. Afyä at Traders Hotel has refreshed its menu with a host of dishes from Traders outlets worldwide. We tried the hearty mee mamak – mamak-style noodles with wok-fried chicken, egg, prawns, potato and bean curd – from Kuala Lumpur.

Delicious. Oceans at Le Royal Méridien, meanwhile, has gone down the Asian fusion route, introducing a stack of signature dishes, a tasty tempura range and three set menus.

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 55

WIN! WIN! WIN! Treat five friends to a steak dinner with this tasty prize

To enter this fantastic competition, just e-mail

winwithwhatson@motivate.ae

WIN! A VIP TABLE FOR SIX AT LEGENDS To celebrate the transformation of Legends steakhouse at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, we are treating one lucky reader and five friends to a very special VIP dinner.

The private dining area is situated on a platform in the middle of the reflection pool, accessible by a floating walkway; this is truly feasting in style. This luxury prize includes a three-course meal, so the winners can choose from dishes like tempura shrimp, quail scotch eggs, and of course, steak. Legends’ menu features meat from the award-winning Australian Agricultural Company; the wagyu, 56 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

chateaubriand and the signature burger with foie gras are set to be real favourites.

Finish off with desserts using treats from cocoa experts Valrhona, such as Alpaco fondant and toffee banana tart with chocolate sauce. For your chance to win this amazing dining experience, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae and tell us…

Which of the following is not a type of steak? a) Rib-eye b) Tenderloin c) Dipped in a chocolate fountain

with ‘LEGENDS‘ in the subject line and the correct answer to the question

WHAT’S ON

ARTS

DIE DUNKLE SEITE DES MONDE

Artists, galleries, news, events and more

p60 TWO’S COMPANY · p61 THE ART INSIDER · p62 FIVE TO SEE FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 59

ARTS

Kathy Bates' portrayal of psychopath Annie Wilkes in the 1990 screen adaptation won her an Oscar

The Misery cast in rehearsal

Two’s Company

Misery, Stephen King’s Oscar-winning thriller, is about to hit the Dubai stage for a two-week run. We catch up with its two stars, Darren Day and Yvonne O’Grady, at their London rehearsal rooms Hi Darren, how’s it all going?

Great – we’re four days into rehearsals and it’s going really well.

It’s a fantastic piece to be involved in. I was already a fan of the novel and I did see the play when it was originally done in London. And of course I’ve seen the film – I’m a big James Caan fan.

It must feel a little daunting stepping into those shoes…

Yeah, it definitely it does – I watched him in the film again another few times once I knew I was doing it. It’s really, really exciting. It’s certainly the most excited I’ve felt about a project for a while. I played a guest lead for six months as a villain in [UK teen soap] Hollyoaks last year and as the filming went on, I was really bitten by the bug, so I’d been looking for a straight role.

The second this came up I was interested.

Did you have to audition?

I did! When you get to a certain profile sometimes jobs are offered to you. It felt kind of nice that I came along and auditioned and got the part on my own merit. I felt 60 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

quite nervous. It’s been a long time since I felt butterflies in my tummy coming to meet a director. I really wanted the part, and if you really want something maybe sometimes that gives you a bit of an edge.

Speaking of profile – you have a bit of a tabloid reputation in the UK. Was the decision to choose a more meaty part a reaction against that?

The tabloid thing is quite firmly in the past now. I did get press over the years that certainly wasn’t work related, but I’m very happily married now; I’m a father of three and my life is very, very different. I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but I genuinely do try to be the best man that I can be these days. I don’t have any scandals anymore – I change

INSIDE THE MIND OF MISERY’S ANNIE WILKES

Actress Yvonne O’Grady on what it takes to play a monster "I think dark characters with psychological disturbance, are always more interesting to research and play and find the humanity in. Exploring that has been fascinating. Annie’s like a child when she goes off into her tantrums, and in that you see her terrible pain. She’s desperately emotionally disturbed and lost and in comes her favourite writer. She wants to possess something of her own. Poor Sheldon doesn’t know where the heck he is. How has he woken

my little baby’s nappy [laughs] and do normal things and I guess that doesn’t sell newspapers.

Well no, but you’ve been a working actor, singer and performer for decades now – you’re clearly doing something right Thanks, yeah. What would be nice would be if the stuff that started to get written about me again is the stuff that I do for a living rather than my private life, I guess this part in this play, is maybe an opportunity for my career to be the focal point again. Hopefully this will really intrigue people and they’ll want to come and see it. There are some real gasp and scream moments for the audience.

So even if you’re familiar with the story you’ll get a surprise?

Yeah. We treat this like the audience have never seen it.

Obviously there’s going to be a huge amount of people who have seen the film or read the book and they’ll still get a shock. We’re going to get them jumping out of their seats.

up after two weeks with his legs smashed to bits and who is this woman? And she switches from light to dark so easily – on a sixpence she can turn and become a very torturous captor.

"Kathy Bates was extraordinary in the film and got an Oscar for her performance. But ultimately, when you play the character yourself you’ve got to start from scratch. I think the tension in this piece is perhaps even more acute than in the film because the audience is in there with those two people and there’s no let-up.

"There’s a terrible beauty about Annie in her trauma and her savage behaviour because it has to come from somewhere – what is it that’s occurred in her life that turned her into a monster?"

Feb 1 to 11, Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 3666546. miserydubai.com

ARTS

CHARLES POCOCK

THE ART INSIDER

I

am writing this month’s column in London, where I have just attended the Art & Patronage Summit at The British Museum and The Royal College of Art. The event was initiated by Hossein Amirsadeghi – a self appointed “troublemaker”, to use his own words – and the aim of the summit was to create a forum for discussion about creativity in the Middle East, specifically in relation to the visual arts and the great minds of the region’s art scene.

The focus on day one was

patronage, the establishment of institutions and their funding.

Unfortunately, there were unnecessary attacks on the work done by the leading cultural institutions of the GCC, many by those who had recently been keen to accept funding from the very same institutions they were so quick to criticise. A pity, indeed.

The importance of archiving and developing archives for the future growth of visual arts in the Middle East was highlighted. This is vital to the functioning of any museum, as Martin Roth, newly

appointed director of the V&A in London, pointed out.

Directors of the Tate Modern, V&A, IMA and Hirshorn made clear the importance of listening to young curators, archiving what has happened and is happening, and opening up one’s mind to change. On day two, those young curators expressed their hopes, highlighted their achievements and aired their frustrations.

The summit was a superb platform for dialogue.

Participants expressed their collective hopes about what could happen in the not-toodistant future in relation to the visual arts in the Middle East. Bringing together such a collection of people and creating

such energy was an incredible achievement by Maryam Eisler and Hossein Amirsadeghi, and they deserve a huge amount of thanks. The aim of the summit, to encourage a broad-ranging and frank discussion about visual arts in the Middle East, was achieved with aplomb.

Art historian, dedicated collector and managing director of Dubai’s Meem Gallery, Charles Pocock knows the UAE art scene like the back of a Picasso. Do you have an art question for Charles?

E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

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NEWS FLASH

Fair Game

How time flies. Art Dubai is almost upon us again, so be sure to keep free time for art-related fun and frolics. Over 70 galleries from 32 countries will be showing, alongside regular events such as the Global Art Forum, the unveiling of the Abraaj Capital Art Prize winners and, making a welcome return, the curated concept stands Marker, which this year will focus on Indonesian art.

Look out too for the

Artists in Residence programme in Bastakiya. Six international artists, including three Emirati practitioners’ artists – Hadeyah Badri, Zeinab Al Hashimi and Nasir Nasrallah – will present their work at Open Studios in Sikka Art Fair during Art Week 2012.

March 21 to 24. artdubai.ae

Culture Club

Proving there’s more to a leap year than a dodgy marriage proposal, the Louvre

Abi Dhabi Talking Art Series is offering a cracking lecture this month. Taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, on February 29, Painting in the Italian Renaissance promises to shine a light on the groundbreaking 15th and 16th century art movement that paved the way for everything that followed. If you have even a passing interest in art history, this is one not to miss. artsabudhabi.ae

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FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 61

ARTS

Five to See...

1) Elsewhere

Bringing history and mythology onto a collision course with the modern day, Ala Ebteka’s hand-painted photo montages take inspiration from texts by the Persian poet Hafez to create a vibrant series of fantastical works that bring a sci-fi narrative to the world – past, present and future.

Until Mar 15, The Third Line, Al Quoz, Tel: (04) 3411367. thethirdline.com

2) Blackout

First Middle Eastern outing for Brazilian video artist Jessica Mein. The animation of the title piece (specially created for this show) takes power lines in and around Dubai as its source, a jumping-off point from which Mein layers and deconstructs into near abstraction. This new work is shown alongside several others, representing five years of the artist’s work.

Intriguing stuff.

Until Mar 8, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Emaar Boulevard, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 4477025. pavilion.ae

1

3) Die Dunkle Seite des Monde

4) Innerscapes

Turkish photographer The title suggests the Nazif Topcuoglu came European roots of this to our attention when he group show, but its first showed at Green Art translation (The Dark Gallery two years ago. Now Side of the Moon), gives back for his second solo away its hook – Pink show, his lavish, detailed Floyd’s seminal piece photographic tableaux of 1970s prog rock. continue to wow. The art Featuring works by historical references are fun Carbon 12 favourites old to unpick, but it’s the beauty and new, including Olaf of the pieces that really Breuning, André Butzer, strike in this contemplative James Clar and Philip new series of work.

Mueller, it aims to explore Until Mar, 5 Green Art the correlation between Gallery, Unit 28, Street 8, Al art and music, somewhere Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, on the other side.

Dubai, free.

Feb 15 to Mar 15, Carbon Tel: (04) 3469306.

12, Warehouse D37, gagallery.wordpress.com Street 8, Al Serkel Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3406016. carbon12dubai.com

5) Beyond the Obvious

Swiss-based artist Dean Williams presents his first show in the Middle East and Bastakiya’s pretty Majlis Gallery is a fitting backdrop for his vibrant, colourful, abstracted works. As the title suggests, there is certainly more to these than meets the eye.

Well worth a look.

Until Feb 11, Majlis Gallery, Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3536233. themajlisgallery.com 4

2

5

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62 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

8-23 FEBRUARY 2012

A Masterful Collection of Culinary Arts Be mesmerised as acclaimed Master Chefs from over 15 countries transform simple ingredients into gourmet masterpieces, tempting your palate with gastronomic delights ranging from contemporary French to fusion Japanese to traditional Arabian cuisine. Over 16 days and nights, you’ll be charmed by culinary aficionados and treated to a programme of chateaux and themed dinners, pastry brunches, insightful masterclasses and memorable feasts.

Because, in every dish a world of flavour awaits you, discover them all at Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2012.

8 – 23 February 2012, at over 20 of the finest dining venues.

For reservations please call +971 2 4181401 | www.gourmetabudhabi.ae Presented By

The City From Above...

Discover Abu Dhabi lively city and beautiful shores from up high, while enjoying gourmet European cuisine Al Fanar, revolving restaurant is open daily for Lunch and Dinner Friday Bubbly Brunch Monthly Cheese & Grape Dinner Celebrate Valentine’s with us For more information: lemeridien.com/royalabudhabi or Toll Free: 800 101101

WHAT’S ON

SHOPPING

JAMES GREEN

Designers, shops, trends, hot spots and more

p67 THE NEW FASH PACK · p68 IN THE FRAME · p70 SHOP TALK FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 65

11th March - 6th April 2012

Abu Dhabi Festival www.abudhabifestival.ae

11 March 6 April th

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March April

Anoushka Shankar

Emirates Palace & Ghaf Gallery

8:00 pm Emirates Palace

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Globe Education at Shakespeare’s Globe

Maxim Vengerov & St Petersburg Philharmonic

7:30 pm Abu Dhabi Theatre

8:00 pm Emirates Palace

8:00 pm Emirates Palace

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Hassan Massoudy

nd

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March A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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Resplendent Russia

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Sutra

March

Naseer Shamma & The Global Music Ensemble

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March

March

Eastern Wind

Maqam Journey

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui Antony Gormley Szymon Brzóska Monks from the Shaolin Temple

Anwar Abudragh & Maqamat

Göksel Baktagir

8:00 pm Emirates Palace

8:00 pm Emirates Palace

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27th & 28th

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th

March

& 31 March th

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Synthesis Faisal Al Sari

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La Bayadère

Wagner’s The Ring Cycle

Semperoper Ballet & NDR Philharmonic Hanover

The Met in HD 8:00 pm Emirates Palace

7:00 pm VOX Cinema, Marina Mall

8:00 pm Emirates Palace

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Beloved Friend

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Fadel Shaker in Concert

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SHOPPING

Polka Dot Cat

Polka Dot Cat

WHO? Fresh-faced Rana Jamshed has been creating her own label for three years, following a career in finance.

WHAT’S THE LOOK? Young, modern and forward looking, Polka Dot Cat’s look is feminine with a cool (leather or sequinned) edge. The affordable designs have won over a raft of devotees both here and abroad, and the label is set to go from strength to strength this year, with Rana creating the look for Miss England 2012.

WHERE CAN I BUY? Grafika, Al Wadha Mall, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 4437111. ZinZin, Mercato Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2650027. polkadotcat.com

Michael Cinco Haute Couture

WHO? Far from a newbie to Dubai, Philippines-born Michael Cinco is one of the UAE’s most successful alumni, having moved here in 1997. His designs have since been given the seal of approval by top model Tyra Banks, and shown his collections

The new fash pack

While the UAE is full of international brands, labels and logos that keep our credit cards flexed to the max, a small band of designers are striving to make their own mark on the shopping scene. Taking inspiration from their home countries, the fast-paced city life here and all manner of off-beat cultural references, these creative kids are the people we should be looking to for pieces that will take our look from high street to high style everywhere in the world.

WHAT’S THE LOOK? Cinco is very haute couture, with intricate evening gowns and wedding dresses dominating his time.

WHERE CAN I BUY? You’ll have to contact the man himself through the website if you want to wear his work. michaelcinco.com

Michael Cinco Haute Couture Royal Rickshaw

d’Inès is upmarket high street that looks more expensive than it is. Always a winner. Zeina is inspired by art and timeless icons such as Audrey Hepburn, and the resulting collection is flirty and sophisticated.

WHERE CAN I BUY? S*uce, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3399696. lemondedines.com

Royal Rickshaw

WHO? Rajiv Nihlalani founded the label in Dubai in 2006, and now WHO? Le Monde d’Inès is a Dubai- supplies stores around the GCC. born brand from Zeina Sultani WHAT’S THE LOOK? Glam who swapped her PhD and job in evening and resort wear, with sustainable development for fashion vibrant jewel tones, Swarovski at 29, starting with ballet flats and detailing and red carpet appeal. launching the full label in 2010.

WHERE CAN I BUY? Boutique WHAT’S THE LOOK? Chic, 1, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4257888. effortless and elegant, Le Monde royalrickshaw.com

Le Monde d’Inès

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 67

SHOPPING

In the frame Posters and prints to take your walls from dull to dazzling, with a monster map, forties photo and more

A stunning wall hanging from Sahara Home by Shahira Fawzy.

Bloomingdale's, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Dhs900.

Tel: (04) 3505333. bloomingdales. com

A beautiful, if pricey, print for some Chinois style. The One, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Dhs3,995.

Tel: (02) 6816500. theoneplanet.com

This huge typographical map is printed on recycled card. Also available in grey.

Dhs650. boldandnoble.com These photos were taken by labourers, with profits going directly to the men themselves.

Great pics for a great cause.

Gulp Photo Plus, Al Quoz, Dubai, Dhs400 for prints, Dhs20 for postcards. Tel: (04) 3808545. gulfphotoplus.com

Tintin is back, and we want him on our wall. The Cartoon Art Gallery, Al Quoz, Dubai. Dhs400. Tel: (04) 3466467. cartoonartgallery.org 68 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

A pretty floral from London printmakers Trowbridge. Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Dhs1,400. Tel: (04) 4098888. harveynichols.com

Own a piece of history with this souk scene, photographed by legendary adventurer Wildred Thesiger in 1948. Books Arabia, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs500.

Tel: (04) 2824060. booksarabia.com

This print is part of the Genius exhibition of regional illustrators that is running throughout February; a great place to pick up affordable art.

The Cartoon Art Gallery, Al Quoz, Dubai. Dhs300., Tel: (04) 3466467. cartoonartgallery.org

A fun illustration of Dubai, ideal for children's rooms.

Gallery One, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs95, Tel: (04) 4341252. g-1.com

1/2 AD Theme nights of envious delights!

These speakers will speak volumes about your taste in art.

Dhs140, bouf.com

Cooper’s is all set with yet another delicious Theme Nights extravaganza.

Enjoy spectacular cuisine from different countries each night.

Brussels Special Sunday German Night Monday Brazilian Night Tuesday Ladies Night - Wednesday Welcome the Weekend Thursday Mexican Night Friday Sports Night Saturday Happy Hour, Everyday 12 noon - 12 midnight 50% discount on selected beverages

This dignified chap comes signed by artist James Green and will add some country charm to your abode. Dhs70, folksy.com

Ladies Night, Everyday 1 complimentary bubbly or selected beverage for ladies (8pm - 12 midnight) For reservations or more information visit rotanatimes.com or call (0)2 657 3333.

P.O. Box: 43377, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: +971 (0)2 657 3333, F: +971 (0)2 657 3000 park.hotel@rotana.com

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 69

SHOPPING

SHOP TALK

The hottest news, products, giveaways and more with Deputy Editor Helen Spearman

Love Potion No. 9

This is either a charming gift for the woman you love, or an ambitious scheme to capture the man of your dreams using a seductive scent. With sweet floral notes, cedar, vanilla and spices, Penhaligon’s tried and tested perfume uses a potent blend to set a romantic tone.

Use it wisely.

Penhaligon, The Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai, Dhs300.

Tel: (04) 4343122. penhaligons.com

THIS MONTH WE WANT…

A cupcake maker The cupcake obsession continues, with these sugary snacks seeing off the threat of confectionary competitors with every swirl of frosting. Cake pops? Pah! Too small.

Macaroons? Too tricky to make – and too… airy. So what if you’ve tried every flavour in the UAE? Make your own. It takes ten minutes with Lakeland’s

IN THE RED

3

Three covetable clutches for scarlet women this month

Five-star flea market

If your home is full to bursting and you fancy making some cash from furniture, clothes, accessories and more, now is the time to book your table at the Sheraton’s flea market, taking place on March 3.

Make a reservation before February 10 it will cost Dhs220, or Dhs250 after that. Embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and turn your unwanted goods into a nice pile of crisp notes.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Dhs220.

Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

ingenious cupcake maker, using either cake mix or homemade batter, then it’s up to you to decorate.

Although Lakeland probably has a gadget for that too…

Lakeland, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, Dhs299. Tel: (04) 2843460 Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 4914149. lakeland. co.uk

1 1. Moschino Cheap & Chic’s signature hue and motif comes into their own for Valentine’s Day. Moschino, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs1,050. Tel: (04) 3398479. moschino.com

2. Accessories haven Aigner is known for its bag and jewellery lines: this perfect purse is a lovely addition to any woman’s wardrobe.

Aigner, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs1,160.

Tel: (04) 4341333. etienneaigner.com 2

FASHION FIXER

The oh-so-stylish Sophia Serin, editor of Emirates Woman, tackles your wardrobe woes Dhs1,149 Dune

70 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Q. I'm off on a mini-break to Paris for Valentine's Day and need some flat boots – where should I be looking? – Alicia, The Springs A. If you have the funds, Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall is for you. Head to Hermès or Ralph Lauren to buy a pair of riding boots that will last a lifetime.

If you would rather spend your dirhams on your getaway, then Dune has a great selection of flat (and heeled) boots that are très chic. Dark colours always work wonders in Paris, so black or deep brown are your best bet.

3. This classic by YSL would not only be a gorgeous gift, but the timeless design and quality leather should last forever.

Yves Saint Laurent, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Dhs2,700. Tel: (04) 3410113. ysl.com

WIN!

House Of Marley headphones

No, we’re not giving away Bob Marley’s actual headphones (if we had those, they’d be on eBay and we’d be booking a holiday), but these beauties from his family’s brand, House Of Marley, are available at Virgin Megastores. Using eco-friendly, sustainable products, the three collections follow the big man’s ethos of hope, unity and love.

And they look pretty cool, too. If you’d like to have a free pair to wrap around your ears, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with 'MARLEY' in the subject and tell us…

How did Bob Marley like his doughnuts? a) Wi’ jam in b) Lightly dusted with sugar c) He was more of a savoury man

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Promotion runs January 5th to March 5th.

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Captivate your loved one this Valentine’s Day at Park Hyatt Dubai. With hand-made gift hampers, romantic dinners with decadent menus, and special room and spa packages, there can be only one destination on this special day.

For more information please call +971 4 6021234 or visit our website dubai.park.hyatt.com Park Hyatt Dubai, PO Box 2822, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The trademarks HYATT™, PARK HYATT™ and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt International Corporation. ©2012 Hyatt International Corporation. All rights reser ved.

WHAT’S ON

MIND & BODY The inside scoop on health and well-being in the UAE

p74 TOP TEN BODY SUPPLEMENTS · p76 GET IN LINE · p78 BODY & SOUL FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 73

MIND & BODY

TOP 10

The aisles of your pharmacy and health food shop can be a mystery, with shelf after shelf of bottles, pills and potions. So which tablets will actually do you some good? We round up ten of the best

SUPPLEMENTS YOUR BODY NEEDS 1

Omega 3 Who should take it?

If you don’t eat oily fish twice a week, then dose up on Omega 3 Why? This fatty acid supplement is helpful for weight loss and PMS, and protects against cancer.

There are lots on the market, but this one is really worth spending a bit more money on, as studies have shown it can even help with depression, joint pain and heart disease.

2

Iron Who should take it?

Busy people who get tired easily 74 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Why? Most of us are deficient in iron, and women are especially at risk. Your body needs iron (found naturally in red meat, dark leafy greens and oysters) to produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen, so if your levels are low, your energy will be low.

3

lymphoma and cancers of the lung, breast, colon and kidney.

4

Magnesium

Who should take it?

Women, diabetics, sufferers of depression and people concerned about osteoporosis Why? Present in dark chocolate and nuts, you’d Who should take it? need to eat a lot of Cadbury's Fruit & Nut Those looking to boost their energy, lower to get your daily dose of magnesium. The blood pressure and help with heart conditions mineral naturally regulates blood pressure, Why? helps to reverse osteoporosis (when CoQ10, as it’s known, is a dieter’s favourite taken with calcium), aids in carbohydrate as it helps the body convert food into energy. metabolism, which is useful for diabetics, Also known for reducing the effects that some and has been shown to treat some forms of other medications have on organs, research mental illness including depression, stress has shown that CoQ10 can be helpful and anxiety. for sufferers of some cancers, including

Coenzyme Q10

5

Glucosamine Chondroitin Who should take it?

An essential for people with arthritis, joint and cartilage problems Why? This combination supplement contains molecules that are found in your natural cartilage, so it can help alleviate pain, wear and tear, and inflammation, which is especially helpful for those with arthritis. If you are allergic to seafood, check with your doctor first, as some glucosamine is made from shellfish.

6

Digestive Enzymes Who should take it?

If you suffer from bloating, you need to sort out your gut Why? Factors like eating quickly, stress and allergies can stop our body from processing foods properly, and the body’s natural enzymes (which break down what you consume) may struggle to keep up.

Additional enzymes help you absorb nutrients and ensure you don’t get that postfood bloat.

7

Vitamin D Who should take it?

If research is to be believed, most of the UAE population needs more Vitamin D Why? Despite living in sunny climes, many of us are lacking ‘the happy vitamin’, which is produced in response to sunlight. Try to get 15 minutes of sun a few times a week (if you wear sunblock it won’t work) and take a supplement; Vitamin D improves bone

density, helps with infections, helps prevent against multiple sclerosis and balances hormones.

8

Probiotics Who should take them?

If you’re concerned about your immune system or are prone to the sniffles Why? Poor diets packed with sugar and the use of antibiotics can destroy the trillions of healthy bacteria in our bodies, which can affect immunity. By taking probiotics (either in a yoghurt drink or pill form) you boost good bacteria, which prevents infections and viruses. Good if you’re travelling.

9

Milk Thistle Who should take it?

Party goers – it will help your liver recover Why? This plant’s seeds are used for treating liver disorders like cirrhosis, plus heartburn and gallbladder problems, but come the weekend it can be the answer to your bleary morning woes. Take an extract before a heavy night out and you should notice a difference the next day. This is not a reason to drink more…

10

Zinc Who should take it?

Men, those with skin problems and if you need help with healing Why? Zinc is needed for cell division, so a deficiency can cause hair loss and nail splitting. Acne sufferers should definitely take a supplement, as should men with a family history of prostate problems. Strangely enough, zinc can also boost your sense of smell and taste.

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 75

MIND & BODY

Get in line

the other. Had one of our trouser legs been too short all this time? Had we been walking in a giant circle for years? Apparently not, and it is very common – although Elizabeth may have been quick to reassure as a result of our stricken expression. A few easy exercises later, where hip joints were given a seeing to, and that pesky left leg was sorted out.

Now for the spine. Hours at computers, stooping over BlackBerrys and too long in the car means many UAE residents suffer was unexpected, but the Dorn Method is from a slight stoop. Add in work stress (cue somewhat unconventional too. a clenched jaw, grinding of teeth and tense Created by Dieter Dorn in Germany around shoulders) and you have an unhappy back.

30 years ago, the technique is a widespread Using small movements while we swung solution to spinal disorders in its home country, but there are very few practitioners here in the Middle East. An old healer taught the main man in his home village after he hurt his back lifting logs in a sawmill. He was shown a few fast and simple movements that alleviated the pain, and asked to be shown how to treat others – lucky he did, because the healer died shortly afterwards, leaving Dorn to practice the method our arms and legs back and forth, Elizabeth around the village. popped a cheeky L-3 vertebrae back into its To his surprise, other rightful place, and undid years of headaches ailments such as knee by releasing pressure in the neck. It was gentle, pain, skin problems but hearteningly effective. and even infertility Interestingly, each vertebra is related to issues seemed to clear a specific problem elsewhere in the body, up too. be it emotional, an allergy, a particular So how does it weakness or even mental issues. And our L-3 work? Our treatment misalignment, which Elizabeth spotted with started with a both touch and sight after spotting an odd 15-minute Breuss patch of pigmentation, was consistent with onmassage with St going knee trouble. Children can also benefit John’s Wort oil, which from an hour of Dorn, especially when going gently stretches the through a growth spurt, and adjusting the L-3 spine, relaxes the even helps with bed wetting (no comment). nerves and allows Most patients will require just one or two the vertebrae to treatments, with very rare cases needing up absorb the oil and to ten, but if you’ve had a niggle, a tricky become more free shoulder, tension headaches or have had to move. After this, enough of being thrown around like a rag doll Elizabeth assessed by a chiropractor, then an hour with Elizabeth our spine, checking will be time well spent. We were left slightly for any discs that had sore, a bit taller, with legs the same length and slipped out of place under instruction to drink plenty of water and examined the and to avoid crossing our legs for a few days. curvature and our Strange? Yes. Did it work? You bet. body overall. Deemed Body Balancers, 2001 Indigo Icon Tower, “not bad”, it was time JLT, Dubai, Dhs500 for initial consultation to check out our legs. and treatment, Dhs380 for a subsequent And sure enough, hour-long treatment. Tel: (04) 4508487. one was longer than bodybalancers.com

Most of us will experience painful back problems at some point, and no doubt turn to joint-cracking osteopaths, ineffective massages and medication, but a holistic alternative has arrived in Dubai that claims to help align the spine and address a whole host of other problems. We took our aching bones to Body Balancers to put the Dorn Method to the test

W

ell, one of the problems is that your right leg is longer than your left,” says therapist Elizabeth. Sorry, what?

We’d walked into the treatment room expecting to be told that what the agony doctors had unhelpfully diagnosed as ‘non-specific lumbar pain’ (should we just buy some non-specific painkillers then?) was caused by posture. To have our whole body assessed for kinks and misalignments

76 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

"Hours at the computer and in the car means that many UAE residents suffer from a slight stoop"

Welcome to 1UP, Tecom's newest entertainment venue.

This uniquely designed venue is the perfect place for you to come, dine and relax with friends.

Separated into 3 areas, you can enjoy sport, live entertainment and games without interruption or limitation

Our sports bar boasts...

10 Widescreen TVs

Doesn't matter where you sit, you'll never

miss the action

Monday Night Quiz

With Prizes up to 500dhs have you got what it takes to beat the best?

Fusion Menu Specially designed with a traditional 'Pub Grub' style menu fused with a selection of the Worlds Best Curries Pool Table and Dart Board Whether it’s for fun or part of our weekly competitions you'll always find some action Friday Brunch AED150 for a overflowing plate of food and unlimited selected drinks from 12pm - 4pm, well it’d be rude not to!

Our Entertainment bar presents...A packed week of entertainment with our resident band and international DJs A selection of the finest R&B sounds with free DB Cocktails (Exclusive to 1UP) for ladies from 10pm-1.30am Monday is Unplugged Monday Relax to the best acoustic sounds around with monthly guest spots from stand up comedians Tuesday is Wish you were Tuesday A European style party night with games galore, straight from Ibiza! With ladies getting free drinks from 10pm-1.30am Wednesday is Decades Our time machine through the hits will transport you from the 70's to present day, enjoy the true classics in this warm up to the weekend Thursday is TFIT The weekend has arrived, with our band and DJs playing the biggest and best tunes all the way until 3am Friday is Fridayoke! We've entertained you all week, now it's your turn! With prizes for the most entertaining, from 8pm - 12am Saturday is Saturday Rocks There is only one way to end the weekend, and that's to let you're hair down, unpack the air guitar...

And Rock!

Sunday is R&DB Night

1UP, Boutique 7 Hotel & Suites Tecom, Near Greens, Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 4487928 Fax: 04 4345500 : www.facebook.com/1UPFusionLounge

MIND & BODY

BODY AND SOUL

News, reviews and more: the world of well being tried and tested

Two to try Coupled up and in need of a spa sesh? Here’s our pick of the treatments for two in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Chocolate Body Wrap All the indulgence, without the calories, this hour-long treatment involves a coating of chocolate, warm coconut milk and sugar scrub, then you and your pamper partner are left cocooned while the ingredients work their magic.

After showering together (“There’s still some chocolate behind your ear”) you are massaged with cardamom lotion, and float out smelling sweet.

Chi The Spa, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm, Dhs650 for two for 60 minutes. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

Cupid’s Recipe If you’re looking to interact with your special someone during your couple’s massage, look elsewhere.

You change separately, arrive in the room at different times, spend the entire treatment with your eyes closed and, if you’re lucky, barely have time for a cheeky wink at your beloved before being ushered off to your separate relaxation area.

Having said that, The Spa is one of Dubai’s more stylish, lowkey spas, and the Valentine’s treatment – a 50 minute hot stone massage, 25 minute scalp massage, 50 minute facial and 25 minutes of reflexology – is expertly administered by friendly staff. Not a bad price for 150 minutes, either.

The Spa, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs793. Tel: (04) 4367427. theaddress.com

A FAIRWAY TO WIND DOWN Want to recover from a tough day on the course? A golf-based treatment may be the answer to your swing-induced aching limbs. The start of the Atarmia Spa’s Quiro Golf Massage are much like any other treatment: a calming foot bath/scrub followed by some light massage. But then there’s a strange sensation running up your back as the therapist takes two golf balls in her hands and begins to work her deep-body massage magic. It would certainly suit any budding golfers nursing sore shoulders from overdoing their swing: the pimpled spheres really get between bone and muscles in the upper back and collarbone areas, with gratifying results. Skinnier spa visitors might wish to focus away from the shins and forearms, or request light pressure, however, as the hard synthetic shells can be uncomfortable in close-to-the-bone areas.

Atarmia Spa, Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm, Dhs710 for 90 minutes. Tel: (02) 4071170. abudhabi.park. hyatt.com 78 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Learn to massage Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this could be the gift that keeps giving – provided your loved one is good with their hands. Otherwise you could have a tricky discussion on your hands. Starting from Dhs400 for an hour, a therapist from Zen will teach you both basic massage techniques to de-stress each other. We find doing the dishes can have the same effect, but if this works you’ll save a fortune in spa treatments.

Zen Spa, Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm, from Dhs400 for 60 minutes. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

Look like a Muppet

If you can’t get enough of Kermit and the gang, why stop at watching the films? Nail care supremos OPI have introduced a new line of polishes inspired by your favourite characters from The Muppets, including a green shade called Fresh Frog of Bel Air, a vibrant pink called Excuse Moi for our favourite diva and the glittery tan Warm and Fozzy for the resident bear.

Sugar Urban Nails, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, manicure Dhs50, pedicure Dhs60. Tel: (04) 3549001

BUDGET VS BLOWOUT Dove Visible Effects, Dhs21

Known for its pH neutral products, Dove’s new Visible Effects moisturiser claims to work at every layer of your skin – we can’t prove if that’s true, but after using it for two weeks there’s definitely an improvement in texture and tone.

Impressive.

Available from supermarkets and pharmacies across the UAE. dove.co.uk

L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, Dhs189

French brand is a fave of beauty fans, loved for its natural ingredients and chic packaging. The Ultra Rich cream is a decadent product with shea butter to help heal skin, promote cell regeneration and soothe. It’s nonsticky, too. Worth splashing the cash if you suffer from particularly dry skin.

L’Occitane, The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3398148. loccitane.com

ONLINE DISCOUNT CLUB

If you're hooked on haircuts and mad for massages, but love a bargain too, then check out Salon 4D. This online club offers beauty-based deals to its members on a daily and weekly basis, with spas from all over Dubai participating and offering massive discounts. Think Dhs1,000 off a Keratin hair treatment, half price hammams and highlights for Dhs350. salon4d.com

SPA DEAL OF THE MONTH

Balance Wellness

Fallen off the detox wagon? By February most of us are back on the carbs (and the sofa), with all resolutions deftly chucked out of the window. If you want a second chance then get along to Balance Wellness, where they’re offering a 45-day lifestyle programme designed to help you boost energy and lose weight through expert assessment, alternate days of Ayurvedic treatments, a customised diet and fatburning natural medications. There’s also the option of bespoke meal delivery if you need even more help.

Normally priced at Dhs5,600, the package costs Dhs3,360 until the end of the month.

Balance Wellness, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 6am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 384 7010. balance-wellnesscentre.com

AD Seven times good taste Turn your evenings into a celebration of taste with Ginger’s theme nights.

From Arabic to Asian and every little indulgence in between, there is a flavour to suit every taste bud.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

- Arabic Mixed Grill Night* - South East Asian Night* English Night* Italian Night* Seafood Night** International Night* Indian Night*

* Price is AED 140 per person (food only) and inclusive of 10% service charge and 6% Tourism fee ** Price is AED 185 per person (food only) and inclusive of 10% service charge and 6% Tourism fee

For reservations or more information visit rotanatimes.com or call (0)2 657 3333.

P.O. Box: 43377, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: +971 (0)2 657 3333, F: +971 (0)2 657 3000 park.hotel@rotana.com

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 79

WHAT’S ON

SPORT & OUTDOOR Alive and kicking

p83 CRICKET · p84 SHOOTING · p86 SPORTS ROUND-UP FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 81

SPORT & OUTDOOR

HOWZAT!

England and Pakistan pack up their traditional Test match whites and ready themselves to duke it out in a series of One Day Internationals and Twenty20 games this month. Be sure not to miss the action…

THE FIXTURES ODI Feb 10, 2pm, Abu Dhabi Feb 13, 11am, Abu Dhabi Feb 15, 11am, Abu Dhabi Feb 18, 11am, Dubai Feb 21, 11am, Dubai Twenty20 Feb 23, 2pm, Dubai Feb 25, 2pm, Dubai Feb 27, 2pm, Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5588331. adcricketclub.ae Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4251111. dubaisportscity.ae

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 83

SPORT & OUTDOOR

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING Having never held a gun before, our man Matt loads up and gets trigger happy

O

K, confession time.

I’ve never so much as held a gun, never mind fired one – unless you count the plastic cowboy cap gun I had when I was eight – so this month’s brush with sporting adventure was actually more daunting

84 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

than you’d think. The Jebel Ali Shooting Club offers a host of different ways to get your gun on, including the one I was set to do – clay pigeon shooting.

GETTING STARTED I decided to come clean as soon as I meet shooting club manager, Slavek – he, thankfully, assures me that I’m in good hands as they deal with everyone from novices to the world’s very best.

Proving the point, the UAE’s Olympic medal hope HH Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum walks past, looking every inch the professional.

On the range I meet my instructor, David. He kits me up in a shooter’s vest, safety glasses, earmuffs and a deceptively heavy Beretta 686E rifle – at which point it all starts to become a little bit serious. This is a gun.

And a big one at that…

SAFETY Even a novice like me knows, when it comes to handling firearms, safety is paramount. There are strict guidelines about what you’re allowed to do at Jebel Ali: never

“The noise and the smell of gunpowder – there is some thing very primal about shooting” point the gun at anything that you do not intend to shoot, do not put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot and always ensure that the gun is open when it is not being used. Clay shooting is only dangerous if you do not follow the rules.

SPORTING There is an undeniably alpha male feeling you experience

when someone hands you a shotgun, fills your pockets full of cartridges and challenges you to shoot at various moving targets.

“It definitely gives you a buzz,” confirms Slavek. He’s not wrong.

There are three types of clay shooting: sporting, trap and skeet. First up for me, are the sporting clays, testing my ability to shoot multiple targets coming at unpredictable angles, trajectories and speeds.

Holding the rifle firm against my right cheek and into the pocket of my shoulder (“If you don’t hold it firm, the recoil will whack you in the face”, warns Slavek), I take aim and instinctively fire off the two shots in the barrel.

Remarkably, they both hit.

I reload. Two more shots – this time the clays come in from different directions – again, they hit. This continues, and before I know it, I have gone through all 25 cartridges. Total hits? 22. 22!

I’m staggered, and so is David.

Without even trying, my instincts seem to take over. One thing is clear – a gatherer I am not. I am a hunter. Time to start seriously considering trying out for the London Olympics this summer.

TRAP At the trap shooting range, the clays zip out in a straight line from in front of you – the key is to shoot them as early as possible, before they fly out of range. The first couple shoot out. Double miss.

Ah, this is a different game. After the 25 rounds are spent, and only 14 clays hit, it seems that I’m not bad, but more work is definitely needed. My dream of Olympic glory, sadly, fades a little.

VERDICT There is something very primal about clay shooting – the noise, the smell of gunpowder and the one chance you have to hit the target. It is exhilarating, and better yet, you don’t have to be a gun-nut to enjoy it.

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Wed to Mon, 1pm to 8.45pm Dhs140 for members, Dhs220 for non-members, 13 years and over. Tel: (04) 8836555. jebelaliinternational.com

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Not another boot camp…?

With people lining up to take your money and beat you up, sorry, get you into shape, maybe the last thing the UAE needs is another fitness company. We put the latest boot camp to the test for a month to find out

WHAT THEY SAY Lead instructor Grant Goes (with that name, he must be the UAE equivalent to Mr Motivator) of Goes Fitness has more than 12 years of experience in the industry and claims his expertise in a variety of sports enables him to apply various training methods to his sessions. He is a Les Mills fitness instructor and UAE Master Trainer for ViPR, a technique that uses hollow rubber poles for lifting and cardio, and says his goal is to motivate people to be fit and healthy and reach their goals, while pushing them beyond the boundaries of their mind. But that’s what they all say…

WHAT WE SAY Walk through Safa Park on a weekday evening, and you will spot them. Grimacing, grunting expats sweating their way through a variety of painfullooking manoeuvres under the watchful eyes of Lycra-clad

“Dubai has gone boot camp crazy, although most are more Sergeant Bilko” instructors. Yes, Dubai has gone boot camp crazy, although in truth, many of the companies are more Sergeant Bilko than sergeant major. After trying many of these classes, one group that stands out is Goes Fitness.

The trainers, Grant and Emily, are enthusiastic, but more importantly, they explain why you are doing the exercises. They also provide a nutrition guide and, crucially, they measure

your fitness over the four-week course. As management guru Peter Drucker once said, you can’t manage what you don’t measure.

We don’t think Drucker has ever ‘planked’ in Safa Park, but we reckon he would approve of the Goes Fitness approach. Classes are small, and the exercises are varied, with different muscle groups worked each evening.

It’s not always pleasant, and we spent many sessions wondering

if we would manage not to collapse, but the results were outstanding.

THE VERDICT Excellent. Having sampled a number of boot camps, Goes Fitness knew how to get the most out of the sessions – and us.

Our puny frames were transformed, into, well, slightly less puny frames, and our energy levels went through the roof. The sessions are addictive, so much so that we have signed up for the daily sessions next month. Take your pick from morning sessions at JBR, evenings in The Lakes and Safa Park and four sessions per week at the Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi. We’ll be the ones sweating and swearing.

Sun to Thur, Dhs800 for five sessions per week. Tel: (55) 3463436. goesfitness.com FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 85

SPORTS & OUTDOOR

THE ROUND-UP

It’s a busy month for UAE sports fans

Omega Dubai Desert Classic

NEWS FLASH

Capoeira classes

With three of the world's top four golfers (Rory McIlroy, Lee Westood and Martin Kamer – for those not in the know) confirmed for this month's Dubai Desert Classic, it seems that the UAE is currently the location du jour for the world's best golfers. It feels like just the other week they were playing in Abu Dhabi – oh wait, they were. They just can't seem to stay away.

Feb 9 to 12, Emirates Golf Club, Shiekh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs175.

Tel: (04) 3802112. dubaidesertclassic.com

Surf’s up

You might not know it, but Dubai is home to a growing surfing community, which makes this year’s Surf Dubai Sunset Open an exciting prospect. Due to the dependence on gnarly waves, the Open can happen any weekend before Feb 18. So keep your ears to the ground, and your eyes on the ocean. Very much a family event, the weekend will involve live music, skim board shows, kayaking, paddleboarding, and, of course, surfing competitions, with age categories ranging from five year olds to adults. Totally bodacious, dude.

Until Feb 18, Sunset Open, Umm Suqeim Open Beach, Dubai. Tel: (050) 5043020. surfingdubai.com

1/4 AD

UAE Olympic qualifiers February is a make-or-break month for the UAE national football team, with qualification for the Olympic games in London up for grabs. The bad news? In order to qualify, they have to beat both Iraq and Australia.

A tall order, indeed, but not so tall that the much-improved UAE team can’t pull it off. After all, the lads drew against group favourites Australia in Adelaide last time.

Feb 5, Iraq vs. UAE, Al Arabi Stadium, Doha.

Feb 22, UAE vs. Australia, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, 5.30pm. uaefa.ae

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Capoeira. Is it fighting?

Is it dancing? Who cares, the only thing we are certain of is that it looks seriously cool. So cool, that we want to try it – so we’ll be asking instructor Nina Stone to teach us the ins and outs of this traditional Brazilian martial art. We think it would make quite a party trick.

The Fridge, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sat 3pm to 4.30pm, Dhs100 per class.

Tel: (050) 1034672. thefridgedubai.com

Filipino football The Filipino national football team is flying into town this month to loosen their limbs ahead of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup. The Azkals, as the team are known, will play a series of friendly games during their 11-day training camp. the first against Serbian SuperLiga champions Partizan Belgrade on February 6 in Abu Dhabi.

Feb 6, Azkals vs.

Partizan Belgrade, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm, Dhs50.

Tel: (800) 529472

WHAT’S ON

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE The gigs, the nights and all the latest news and reviews

p91 ARTIST OF THE MONTH · p92 CLUB DIARY · p96 NEWS FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 89

Music

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

GAYATHRI Having carved a name for herself on the Emirates’ music scene, local singersongwriter Gayathri is packing her bags for colder climes

Shot on location at Bambah Boutique

T

hey might not know it yet, but the UAE’s cool crowd is about to lose one of its own. Gayathri – part of the fabric of Dubai’s independent music scene for the past four years – heads to pastures new at the end of next month, as she continues her search for music stardom.

It’s the right time to leave,” says the Indian-born, Dubairaised singer-songwriter. “Dubai is where I became a songwriter, and where I had my first performances, so it has really developed me and prepared me for bigger things – it’s been a great place. But the time is right to leave now – there has been a lot of interest from London, so I’m moving there in April.”

The 26 year old – who plays a subtle blend of Western folk and Indian pop (“I want to make Indian music more accessible and interesting for people who haven’t heard it”) – carved out a solid niche in the Emirates for her quirky acoustic style, performing everywhere from gallery openings to festivals, warming up for the likes of Kate Nash and making several live TV and radio appearances along the way. “I grew up with music,” says the singer.

“My mum is a classical music teacher and my dad archives music, mainly bootleg cassettes all the way from the 1950s until now.

I never really trained, but it gets under your skin.”

The key to the singer’s popularity is in her performance: raw, stripped-down vocals, packed with heartfelt emotion, playing against the gentle, Indian-inspired melodies of her acoustic guitar.

“Getting the emotion across is the most important factor for me,” she admits. “A lot of artists say their lyrics and melodies are the most important aspects of their songs; for me, it is the delivery. It is about how you can

bring a sense of sincerity and honesty to whatever it is that you are doing. It can be a fast song, slow song, crazy song or whatever, but it has to be done with the utmost honesty.”

It was that honest delivery that caught the attention of multiaward-winning music producer and performer Nitin Sawhney, who invited her to play with him when she makes her big UK move.

“I met Nitin when I was playing at Dubai Soundcity,” she says.

“He’s been a big influence on me.

I sent him my work and he loved

it, and asked me to come over to London to have a jam session with him. It was amazing to hear from someone who has achieved so much success in his field.”

Before she goes, however, Gayathri will be playing one final UAE show, to say goodbye to her Emirates fans.

“I’m planning a big farewell gig,” she says. “It will be in the last week of March – I want to do a performance with everyone that I have collaborated with.”

Cool kids take note. gayathrimusic.com FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 91

Club diary

This month’s clubbing highlights

club anthems.

Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com

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FEBRUARY DJ RABIH  YACHT CLUB Late night tunes from the Beirut DJ, with vocals from singer Douty (also Feb 2).

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com WHAT’S ON PICK

IN BED WITH SPACE WORLD TOUR  SAX/OCEANS The Ibiza institution arrives in the capital, starring DJ Kid Chris and DJ Aleksey, for the launch of a regular series running every second month.

Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to late, Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com JEZ PEREIRA  FASHION OVERDOSE This London-based globetrotter transports his signature freestyle sound to Dubai.

Armani/Privé, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (04) 8883308. jezpereira.com

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FEBRUARY 80S NIGHT  ZENITH Chicago’s DJ Blendz launches this new retro night, with hits of the era from Lionel Richie to Guns N’ Roses.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 4am, free.

Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com WHAT’S ON

PICK ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT  CHI Live conscious rap from the Grammy-winning People Everyday hip hop hit-makers, plus British 2-tone legends The Beat, DJ Bliss, DLB and Flowmaster J. Chi @ The Lodge, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs150,

92 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

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APERITIVO  MEDIA ONE

In celebration of the What’s On-approved post-office poolside sounds of Aperitivo, Kristian Valdini picks his favourite downtempo tunes to expect on Media One’s soundsystem.

Vanessa Freeman – Shades Amazing nu-soul vocal nestling down near 80bpm, making it a perfect track to open our nights up.

Soul II Soul – I Care (12-inch mix) A great old school track that folks old and new seem to love. The 12inch mix has a French spoken word intro, which gives it a nice twist.

JD73 – There Was A Time Modern electronic soul that fuses classic acid jazz vibes with polished 2011 production values and great vocals.

Crazy P – A Night On Earth Funk-driven deep beats for the soul. Some of the finest in the business, perfect for easing from old school funk and beats into nudisco territory.

Tammy Payne – Take Me Now A straight-up acid jazz anthem from Gilles Peterson’s faultless Talkin’ Loud label. Timeless.

Leroy Burges – Weekend One of the soul music greats drops a silky smooth vocal over some slick piano and bass-line grooves. One for the foot tappers.

Bahama Soul Club – Afro Shigida One of my favourites of 2011 on the non-house tip. Pure funk grooves.

Norma Jean Bell – I’m The Baddest B**** Aperitivo anthem. This will be played every week for as long as I am playing at this event.

Venise – Don’t Think About It Amazing Philly-sounding disco/funk with a killer hook that will stay in your head for the rest of the night.

Incognito – Get Into My Groove I couldn’t have a top ten without a nod to Incognito; a great 100bpm broken beat acid jazz workout.

Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 4271000. mediaonehotel.com VIP Dhs250. Tel: (04) 3379470. chinightclubdubai.com WEEKLY CABARET  RARE THE PLACE DJ Sam Farsio and DJ Sara Simonit and a cast of dancers, singers and artists bring vintage flair.

Media Rotana Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, 9pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 4350248. rotana.com/mediarotana WEEKLY CLUB ANTHEMS  ZINC Greg Stainer, Andy Swift and Mr Hush select commercial house, R&B and the eponymous

DARKO DE JAN  RELAX12 Deep, soaring rhythms from the progressive house crowd pleaser.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com MATT TOLFREY  PLUS MINUS PRESENTS LEFTROOM Innovative house head drops into Dubai ahead of releasing debut artist album Word Of Mouth.

M-Dek, Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free.

Tel: (04) 4271000. facebook.com/ matttolfrey WEEKLY ORIENTAL VIBES  CHIZEN Eclectic mix of world beats (also every Friday).

Marina Restaurant Pavilion, Level One, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 8pm to midnight, free. Tel: (04) 2329077 PAUL OAKENFOLD  TRILOGY The clubbing legend steers his Four Seasons Tour into the Emirates, hopefully bringing spring with him.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs150. Tel: (050) 6245751. pauloakenfold.com RESIDENTS  AUDIO TONIC Raxon and Vas Floyd light up the night air (also Feb 9 with Soulfisher and JC, and Feb 23 with Soulfisher and Raxon).

Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (056) 6037275. audiotonic.net RESIDENTS PARTY  MUSTHAVESOUL Conan Liquid, Simon Reid and Dan Chadwick grab the crossfader.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. musthavesoul.com

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE WEEKLY ULTRA FRIDAYS  88 ULTRA LOUNGE Deep and soulful beats from resident spinner DJ Phil.

Traders Hotel, Deira City Centre, Dubai, 6pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 2657288. shangri-la.com WEEKLY URBAN EDUCATION  PEARLS BAR The hottest hip hop, R&B and urban sounds from Rone Jaxx.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae

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FEBRUARY WEEKLY AGNEE  THE HUDDLE SPORTS BAR & GRILL DJ Scorpio lines up the musical hotness at this new Indianthemed club night.

Citymax Hotel, Kuwait Street/ Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 11pm to 3am, free (couples only). Tel: (04) 4078000. citymaxhotels.com WEEKLY AL MAYA ISLAND BEACH PARTY  AL MAYA ISLAND & RESORT Jump on a boat to the island paradise for a day of sun, sea, sand and top-notch house music.

Al Maya Island & Resort, Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to late, Dhs100, free for ladies until 2pm.

Tel: (02) 6677777 DARKO DE JAN  VIVA Progressive house master, plus Patrik Carrera.

Armani/Privé, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (04) 8883308. dubai.armanihotels.com PIERRE RAVAN  ILL COMMUNICATIONS The guru-esque DJ unleashed another set of his patented spiritual house.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free until

11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. pierreravan. com

4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (02) 6563500. musthavesoul.com

WEEKLY UNDERGROUND WEEKLY PROCEDURES  RETROFLECT Pierre Ravan ZINC  PEARLS BAR DJ Brooklyn spins R&B Classic hits from the and hip hop (also every Sun with 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. rotating residents).

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free.

4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) Tel: (04) 3311111.

509855. decadent.ae ichotelsgroup.com RESIDENTS  AUDIO TONIC UV PURE ALLURE Mr Mr, JC and Rich Showell  ALLURE BY CIPRIANI spark Friday night into houseGo dayglo with fluorescent shaped life. dancers, cocktails and visuals.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: 11.30pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02) (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net 6575400. nightcluballure.com RESIDENTS  WEEKLY MUSTHAVESOUL VOODOO Tristan Bain, Dan Chadwick and  RARE THE PLACE Melohman do the honours (also Frederick Stone leads you Feb 10 with Dan Chadwick, through a night of antiSimon Reid and Tom Chubb; commercial music.

Feb 24 with Tom Chubb, Conan Media Rotana Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, Liquid and Simon Reid).

9pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 4350248.

Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach rotana.com/mediarotana Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi,

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FEBRUARY WEEKLY INDUSTRY NIGHT  ZINC Greg Stanier and David Newsum dole out R&B, dubstep, ragga and more.

Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free.

Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com WEEKLY ISLAND VIBEZ PARTY  BEYOND EL RANCHO DJ Bee plays the hottest contemporary hits.

Marco Polo Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, 7pm to late, free.

Tel: (04) 2720000. marcopolohotel.net WEEKLY RESIDENTS  MUSTHAVESOUL PRESENTS ECLECTIC CIRCLE More far-out selections from MHS’s revolving cast of obscure gem-mining experts.

DEETRON  ILL COMMUNICATIONS

Detroit-leaning Swiss DJ/producer Deetron – real name Sam Geiser – has established himself as a face on the techno scene, but has never played the Emirates. Until now…

Have you packed shorts and T-shirts for a nice hot winter holiday?

Light clothing is certainly packed. It’s been a while indeed since I’ve been in a hot climate, although I was fortunate enough to escape to Australia in November and December last year.

I’m very much looking forward to it and I’m curious to see what the scene is like there. I’ve heard many good things.

You’re touring in support of your Balance mixCD throughout the next couple of months. Do you enjoy life on the road?

You get to meet a lot of very nice and interesting people around the world, and it’s nice to see that they are into the music. As a foodie, I love to sample the different cuisines of the respective countries I visit as well. The downsides definitely are the lack of sleep and long hours at airports.

What’s the Swiss clubbing scene like at the moment?

Relatively small, but my music is starting to be more and more appreciated in my home

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country. I regularly play in Geneva, Zürich and Basel, plus I’m currently in talks for a regular night in Bern, where I’m based.

Do you have an artist album on the way?

Yes, but I can’t tell you a release date or anything more concrete at this point. I’m completely focussed on my own material for the next couple of months.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. deetron.commediaonehotel.com FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 93

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. musthavesoul.com

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FEBRUARY WEEKLY THE CREW LOUNGE  PEARLS BAR Cliff Townley and DJ Soulninja lay down commercial house, R&B and chart smashes.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae

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DJ EMIR  DOLLHOUSE Special ladies’ night set from the Parisian DJ. Sax, Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

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FEBRUARY WEEKLY BEIRUT NIGHT LIFE  CINNABAR DJ Sam on the decks plus live performances from Lebanese singer Rosario.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 2.30pm, free.

Tel (02) 6811900. hilton.com

WEEKLY DJ CHICO  ENTER THE CIRQUE DU EPICENTER  SOIR ANAHID Acrobatic FASHION NIGHTS party DJ Farhad B and extraordinaire VDJ barbu.tv get every Tues, fashionable.

Thur and Fri. Peter Oakden Armani/Privé, Armani Fairmont Hotel, Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed 10pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies Road, Dubai, 10.30pm free. Tel: (04) 8883308. dubai. to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3324900. armanihotels.com cirquedusoirdubai.com FEBRUARY

GIOM  AUDIO TONIC

French-born, London-based producer and erstwhile professional drummer Giom is a hot house property right now. He flies into the Emirates this month for his first-ever show in the country…

Why did you move to London?

I come from a small town in France called Niort. There’s not much to do there. I’ve been a musician since I was 15. I started joining bands and decided that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I went to London to study music a few months after I got my [French secondary school diploma] Baccalauréat and I’ve been there ever since.

You’ve been quite outspoken online about some current house music. What’s the beef?

Today it’s very easy to make electronic music. Anybody can download a programme. That gives access to a lot of people and that’s fantastic. However, the problem is it’s now really easy to make the sort of electronic music that was made 20 years ago. And you can hear the same samples over and over. The great records have already been made. It’s time to move on and explore new avenues.

You’re playing at Audio Tonic in Dubai. Do you have your own personal audio tonic?

When I wake up I love listening to American west coast rock band The Doobie Brothers. They’re really uplifting. I’ve always been a huge fan.

94 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

WEEKLY MADEMOISELLE  RARE THE PLACE Schooly D, David Craig, Marky B and more play the finest in funk, soul and disco.

Media Rotana Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, 9pm to late, free.

Tel: (055) 3675501. rotana.com/ mediarotana

Chris Liebing

WEEKLY URBAN MA$HUP  ZINC Old and new school urban flavours from DJ Andy Swift and Rone Jaxx.

Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com

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FEBRUARY DJ ROXY JUNE  YACHT CLUB The self-styled ‘most beautiful female DJ in the galaxy’ returns to Abu Dhabi (also Feb 9).

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. facebook.com/roxyjune

WEEKLY MILE HIGH NIGHTS  SAX Brand new night with DJs including Cliff Townley and Shaf Raisi.

Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

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FEBRUARY

WHAT’S ON PICK

CHRIS LIEBING  ILL COMMUNICATIONS German techno stalwart presents a label night of his CLR imprint.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. clr.net

Is your drumming career, including a stint playing with Kasabian, taking a backseat to your DJ/production work now?

My DJ career has been getting busier, so it means I can just enjoy myself playing in various bands from time to time but mainly DJ. I do get drumming gigs here and there – probably three or four a month – and a bit of FEBRUARY studio work. What I haven’t had for a while is big tours.

Are you planning to release an artist album soon?

Yeah, I have been for quite a while. Unfortunately I’m the sort of person that really needs deadlines. I have about 90 ideas on my computer, which I need to organise. On Monday I love them, on Tuesday I hate them, which on Wednesday means that I write some more. But I would like to think it will be this year.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (050) 1076405. giom.co.uk

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MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE LOCAL SHOWCASE  AUDIO TONIC Dubai’s finest hijack the decks, including Megadon Mostyn, Rich Round, Nasrawi and Mark Pickup.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net

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FEBRUARY DJ KEZA  YACHT CLUB Parisian house-meister, plus the Late Show dancers.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. djkeza.com DJ NATALIE BROGAN  DIVA DJ NIGHT Superstar DJ and What’s On girl about town gets the party started.

Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com DPULSE  AUDIO TONIC Russian big guns touch down in the UAE, with Audio Tonic regulars in support.

Feb 16, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (056) 6037275.

Feb 17, 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (050) 1076405. d-pulse.ru PETER OAKDEN  MUSTHAVESOUL Doubleheader of suitably soulful sounds from the Soul Free label head.

Feb 16, 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (050) 1076405.

Feb 17, Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (02) 6563500. soulfreerecords. wordpress.com

DJs ME and Rude Larry.

Golden Tulip, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4649360. facebook.com/ StepOnDubai WHAT’S ON PICK

THE BEIRUT GROOVE COLLECTIVE  DUST Eclectic jazz/soul/ funk and beyond crew jet in from Lebanon, plus DJ action from Megadon Betamax, James Locksmith and Mr Yeti.

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs50. Tel: (050) 2484054. thebgc.posterous.com

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FEBRUARY HATS UP!  ALLURE Throw on your best headwear for hat-themed fun.

Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, 11.30pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6575400. nightcluballure.com

AD

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FEBRUARY LOADED  CASA LATINA Sean Rutherford and Andy Buchan get their indie/ alternative hits out.

Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 8825675. facebook. com/seeyounextfriday WHAT’S ON

PICK MARK BROOM  ILL COMMUNICATIONS London techno stalwart cues up his expertly crafted beats (rescheduled from December).

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. myspace.com/markbroom

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FEBRUARY STEP ON  CATWALK Indie and alternative hits from

Mark Broom FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 95

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

NEWS

News, reviews, deals and discounts to keep your social life buzzing

A trio of new watering holes for your socialising pleasures

TAPAS AND TINIS

1UP

Pitching itself as a British music bar, it seems the latest Tecom drinking den is aiming to steal away some Rock Bottom customers, with curries, pub fare, brunches, big screens, ladies’ nights, karaoke and late night dancing the order of the day, or evening. Situated in the brand new Boutique 7 hotel, 1UP’s weekly line-up includes rock on Saturdays and R&B on Sundays where ladies get free cocktails (with unprintable names) from 10pm.

Boutique 7, Tecom, noon to 3am.

Tel: (04) 4345555. boutique7.ae

Yes, it’s a pleasing piece of alliteration, but the new Tapas And Tinis night at Vantage is pretty pleasurable to the palate too. You’ll enjoy a plateful of miniature dishes and five martinis in the loungey bar, making it an ideal break from shopping or a sweet end to the week.

Thurs, Vantage, The Pullman Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3772000. pullmanhotels.com

Manhattan Lounge

When a cocktail bar claims to ‘exude a masculine environment’, it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow.

Manhattan Lounge allays doubts, however, with its part-upmarket New York hangout/partgentleman’s drawing room vibe. Juxtaposing design touches nodding to the eponymous NYC borough alongside more regional influences, an imposing specially commissioned Emirateshonouring canvas dominates the bar, replete with abstract images of oryx. Perfect surrounds for ordering a few Arabian Snappers, the bar’s potent signature Bloody Mary, and lounging like a classier Carrie Bradshaw.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

The longest happy hour in town?

Traditionalists may moan that a happy hour should be a swift 60 minutes, but you’d be hard pushed to find fault with a bar offering a full afternoon of discounted drinks. Every Wednesday, Black Pearl Bar is knocking 25 per cent off your bar bill, from noon to 8pm, with leather couches and pub grub on the menu this could be a dangerously tempting deal.

Wed, Black Peal Bar. Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 5080555. alrahabeachhotelabudhabi.com

Irish rockers The Coronas to perform in Dubai They’ve supported The Script, spent four months in the Irish top 40 and have a name that might get them into trouble in the UAE, but The Coronas are heading to McGettigan’s for a weekend of live music. Performing over two nights at the popular JLT watering hole, expect radio-friendly riffs and cheeky chappy banter aplenty.

Feb 16 and 17, McGettigan’s, Bonnington Hotel, JLT, Dubai, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3560560. mcgettigansdubai.com 96 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

THREE TO TRY

BILLY OCEAN ROLLS INTO TOWN This Trinidad-born, Britishbased R&B singer has sold a staggering 30 million records, scoring hits with singles such as Love Really Hurts Without You, Suddenly and When The Going Gets Tough. Once a Savile Row tailor, the snake-hipped, sharp-suited star was a big hit in the 1970s and 1980s, and is now a dreadlocked 62-year-old who can still croon with the best of them, while wearing some seriously cool threads.

Appearing at the Irish Village, Ocean will be supported

by Liverpool soul stars The Christians.

Feb 3, The Aviation Club, Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs120.

Tel: (04) 2824750. irishvillage.ae

Mo*Vida

The big name Brit invasion continues with the

official launch of Mo*Vida. This celeb-packed London haunt has flung open its Dubai doors to a well-dressed waiting public, with a light-up dance floor, table service, VIP entrance and an exclusive vibe to tempt in the big spenders and party people. It’s surprisingly petite (no intimidating superclub here), adding to the see and be seen, well, scene. We’ve had a sneak peek of the soon-to-revealed terrace, which offers unrivalled views of Sheikh Zayed Road, and it’s sure to be the hottest place in town to party.

Radisson Royal, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Wed to Fri 10pm to 3am. Tel: (055) 1744449. movida-club.com

Mo*Vida

WHAT’S ON

TRAVEL

Destinations, insider tips, deals and news

p100 THE OTHER SIDE OF OZ · p103 GLOBE TROTTER · p106 TRAVEL EXTRA FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 99

The oTher side of oz Western Australia tends to be ignored in favour of the more popular east on most travel itineraries – time to discover why west is best

1. A view from the window of the Indian Pacific train between Sydney and Perth; 2. Train station in Fremantle; 3. Fremantle, Wesley Churuch at sunset; 4. Sail and Anchor pub on South Terrace, Fremantle; 5. Vineyard with a valley full of vines in neat rows Margaret River; 6. The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park, Western Australia; 7. Bathurst lighthouse on Rottnest Island

W

estern Australia must be rather peeved with the Australian tourism board. Each marketing campaign adds to the lopsided mindset that the east coast has it all. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Sydney Opera House, Neighbours to Home and Away, all of Australia’s most famous icons, landmarks and natural wonders have been delivered with a gentle Australian twang coaxing us to “go east”.

Now, however, it’s time to follow the advice of the Pet Shop Boys and go west. What the west coast doesn’t possess in fame or population density, it more than makes up for with beautiful beaches, islands, bizarre rock 100 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

01

formations and countless other natural hideaways. The region’s capital, Perth, is a hive of urban development, providing the perfect launch pad for a trip into the vast surrounding countryside.

THE WORLD’S MOST ISOLATED CITY

A piece of Perth trivia well known to Australians is that it holds the title of being the world’s most isolated city. Given that just an hour’s drive from the city you

will find yourself alone in the company of tumbleweeds and sleeping possums, Perth itself seems implausibly cosmopolitan.

A booming mining industry is fuelling Western Australia’s economy, and Perth enjoys a youthful prosperity not too dissimilar from that of Dubai and other cities in the Gulf. A growing number of skyscrapers now hover over the Swan River, and a trip up to Kings Park on a sunny afternoon offers panoramic views of the city’s evolving skyline

spread out across the waterfront.

With its immaculately mown lawns and scores of bronzed, toned joggers, the park – with its view of the city’s Central Business District in the distance – is an impressive symbol of the city’s growing affluence.

Yet Perth’s roots are firmly industrial, and it is back down by the city’s old port where its identity is once again metamorphosing. The Fremantle neighbourhood is a stylish and quintessentially Australian

TRAVEL framed properties provide a delightful backdrop to a day of shopping or an evening of drinking and dining.

Found down by the harbour, The Little Creatures Brewery, Bar and Restaurant (littlecreatures. com.au) captures the area’s laidback, creative vibe. As its name implies, this part brewery, part bar and part gastro dining experience, all comes together in a spacious and trendy converted boatshed.

Serving bucketfuls of the award winning Little Creatures pale ale, the independent brewery is a great example of the city’s kooky but practical sense of enterprise.

All in all, Perth appears to be melding its industrial past into something a touch more enigmatic and exciting, and it will be intriguing to see what it dreams up next.

makes for a quaint day of fun in the fresh air.

Other nearby attractions:

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Wine isn’t the only thing on the menu at Margaret River. The region is also home to a trio of spectacular and unusual caves. Guides or self-tours are available of the Lake, Mammoth and Jewel caves, which are dotted along the spine of the Leeuwin – Naturaliste Ridge.

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THE MIGHTY BUSH

Other nearby attractions:

02 03

Water taxis regularly leave Fremantle for Rottnest Island – a small island off the coast of Perth. The car-free island has a wealth of beaches and bays that are popular with locals for snorkeling and surfing.

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CABERNET CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA

example of urban rejuvenation.

Here markets, restaurants, shops, bars, clubs and galleries can be found in and amongst the city’s few, but extremely wellpreserved, heritage buildings.

These pastel-coloured timber-

Just a few hours drive south of Perth, the Margaret River region is Western Australia’s wine lovers’ paradise.

The sleepy town of Margaret River offers little more than a short street of boutique shops and restaurants, but it’s the perfect place to stay if you wish to visit the area’s 150 vineyards.

Wine tasting tours set off from town at regular intervals

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throughout the day, and generally cater to anything from serious connoisseurs looking to add to their bottle collection, to gap year students aiming to guzzle a few glasses in the sun.

The region first began producing wine over 40 years ago when, in an attempt to boost the local economy, residents started taking advantage of the region’s pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Today, Margaret River accounts for three per cent of Australia’s wine industry, produces 25 per cent of the nation’s premium wines and has become famous for its range of Cabernet Sauvignons.

Vineyards stretch endlessly into the horizon and little shops, as well as larger outlets, sit idyllically on the hillsides. Many of the vineyards are family run, and wine tastings can even be held in the family’s back garden with their pet dog watching every sip. In short, despite its affiliation with quality, there is little pretentiousness about the vineyards or tasting tours of Margaret River, and it simply

The most inspiring thing about Australia’s great outdoors is nothing.

It is staggering, stretching on for mile after godless mile; dead, barren bush land resting on a huge plate of red and orange earth. The roads all go straight, and continue straight.

Road signs warn of wayward kangaroos, but beware, you will see as many dead by the roadside as bouncing in the sunshine.

There is an eerie beauty to all of this nothingness and the further you dare to drive, the more all encompassing it becomes.

While you could explore the great nothingness of Western Australia by selecting one road and continuously driving along it, it’s advisable to add a bit of direction. With an excursion to The Pinnacles, Western Australia’s answer to Ayer’s Rock, for example. Set in Nambung National Park, The Pinnacles are a series of large limestone formations scattered poetically across the desert. How these rock formations came about is subject to scientific controversy, but regardless, a dirt track allows cars to snake around them and admire their twisted disposition. At sunset, with Australia’s pink moon resting in the background, the view is astounding. Enough to convince you that west is, indeed, best.

Other nearby attractions: Hire yourself a 4x4 and head down to the sand dunes surrounding nearby Jurien Bay. The coastline is also home to some fantastic coral reefs.

GETTING THERE

Direct flights from Dubai to Perth with Emirates from Dhs3,500. emirates.com FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 101

TRAVEL

GLOBE TROTTER

Welcome to our new one-page destination guide SO WHERE ARE WE GOING? Sri Lanka.

WHY, EXACTLY? The main city of Colombo has a rich Colonial history, while the rest of the island is packed with adventure, wildlife (monkeys, elephants and giant bats – oh my), luxury hotels and beaches for surfing. And now is the perfect season to go.

OK, YOU’VE SOLD ME. WELL, THE SURFING AND GIANT BATS SOLD ME. WHO SHOULD I TAKE? If it’s a romantic break then take the other half, obviously; go with a gang if you’re hitting the white-water rafting trail, and families will find plenty to do too.

WE’LL NEED SOMEWHERE TO SLEEP, YOU KNOW. We know. Chill out. Things don’t happen too quickly in Sri Lanka, so you’ll need to stop being such a city slicker. In Colombo try the Galle Face Hotel (gallefacehotel.com) for old-fashioned charm – Chekhov stayed there back in the day – or venture into the mountains around Kandy to try Amaya Hills Resort & Spa (amayaresorts.com), where there’s a fantastic pool and traditional massages. If you’re keen for some beach action but don’t want to stay in a hut, go to Bentota and book a bed in The Villa (paradiseroadhotels.com), a 15-suite boutique hotel. Very small, chic and so beautifully decorated you’ll want to move in or smuggle everything out in your suitcase. You can’t do either, though.

SOUNDS GOOD. BUT I’M HUNGRY NOW. Well, you’re in the right place. Sri Lanka’s curries are insanely good – and very spicy – with coconut chutney the order of the day. If you don’t mind roughing it a little, take a detour to Rafter’s Retreat (raftersretreat.com) in Kitugala, where a man with a marvellous moustache will show you to a table in a tree house and let you go wild on a buffet of local delicacies. You’ll dine among the tropical trees, spot water buffalo in the nearby river – and if you’re particularly taken by its rustic charm – stay the night in a cabin.

WHERE SHOULD WE GO WITH OUR SPENDING MONEY? There are plenty of roadside souvenir shops, but go straight for the best of Sri Lanka at Paradise Road. Owned by the same group behind The Villa in Bentota, you’ll find gorgeous homewares, linens, children’s toys, batik products and quirky gifts like antique printing blocks.

EXCELLENT. WHAT IF WE DECIDE TO STAY LONGER? There’s loads to do – check out the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala (elephant.se), see those infamous bats in Kandy’s Botanical Gardens, spend some time on the south coast beaches, visit one of the many tea factories and see the good work being done in the turtle sanctuaries.

ANY OTHER TIPS FOR OUR TRIP? Driving in Sri Lanka is a nightmare, despite some new roads. Your best bet is to book through a tour company like Fortune Lanka (fortunelanka.com), which can arrange your accommodation, allocate a driver with a minibus to take you around the island and create an itinerary depending on what’s on your to-do list.

NEED TO KNOW

Sri Lankan Airlines flies to Colombo daily for from Dhs1,4200.

Flights take approx. four hours.

Dhs1 = 30.99 LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee) Time difference = +1.5 hours

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 103

TRAVEL

GOURMET TRAVELLER Food and travel are abiding passions for the Middle East Chairman of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel, James Brennan.

This month, he descants about our relaxed neighbours in the Omani capital, Muscat

A

s every advertising poster seems to remind me, February is the month of Valentine’s Day. That means some lucky couples will be getting away for a romantic break and, no doubt, a few romantic dinners. Many won’t want to go too far, but far enough to make it feel like getting away. That’s why they’ll head for Muscat in Oman. Here’s a short guide to making it all sweetness and light. A quick hint, it involves eating, as it always should.

DO FLY THERE. Or drive there yourself. You might have the peculiar notion that taking the bus from Deira is a good idea. It isn’t. The six-hour journey only costs around Dhs50, but you’ll be stopped at the border, ordered off the bus and told to wait in the heat while your luggage is sniffed. The last time I caught the bus to Muscat, everybody on it became embroiled in a massive argument, which was started by the driver. When we eventually stopped for food, the best I could find was a packet of paprika Lays and a sweaty chicken

tikka wrap. It was, shall we say, unromantic.

DO STAY AT THE CHEDI (ghmhotels. com). It’s expensive, sure, but as boutique hotels in the Middle East go, it’s hard to beat. It’s a stress-busting fluffy cushion of luxury and relaxation. The infinity pool seems as boundless as the crisp, plump sounds from your in-room Bose stereo system. But it’s the Chedi’s restaurants that really set it apart. The main chandelier-decked diner offers international dishes with a modern twist. And the waterfront patio restaurant, with sultry views of the Gulf of Oman, is where you can really indulge in a local speciality: seafood.

DO EAT THE SEAFOOD. Oman is famous for it. The paunchy tiger prawns are as big as Popeye’s forearm and perfect grilled with a splash of lemon juice. The legendary Omani lobster has been overfished in recent years, but this is one of the few places you can eat the sought-after spiny crustaceans without feeling guilty. La Mer, at Shatti Al Qurum, combines seafood with sea views.

Alternatively, browse among the restaurants on the Corniche at Muttrah.

OH YES, DO EXPLORE MUTTRAH. Hemmed in by craggy mountains and the glittering blue sea, this natural harbour is home to one of the oldest market places in the Arab world. The souk is where you’ll find all manner of tourist tat, but it’s also the best place in the world to get real Omani halwa.

HOTEL OF THE MONTH

guesthouses, the latest of which is Room for London.

Perched high above the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s Southbank Centre, the onebedroom installation, in the shape It’s a big year for London. In of a boat, will remain moored to 2012, the British capital will host the roof throughout 2012. the grand spectacle that is the Beating over 500 different entries Olympic Games, and the eyes for the right to design the hotel of the world will be on one of were David Kohn Architects and the world’s most exciting and artist Fiona Banner. Their winning influential cities. This has not gone design offers two guests a totally unnoticed by the forward thinking unique view of central London, people at Living Architecture with a panorama featuring Big Ben – the brains behind a series of and St Paul’s cathedral. design award-winning short-stay If you are one of those guests

A Room for London PREVIEW

104 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

DO EAT THE HALWA. The traditional sweet is made with starch and eggs, and flavoured with cardamom, saffron and rose water. It can be found at Omani Halwa Corner in the souk.

Be warned: halwa can be very, very chewy, which could be a problem if you’re planning to recite sweet sonnets to your beloved, or if you wear false teeth.

FINALLY, DO HEED THE ABOVE TIPS. If you don’t, and tempers get a little frayed, chewy halwa is just the thing to give a loved one whose mouth is running away with itself. Happy travels. quick enough to snap up the onenight bookings during the limited periods when they are being accepted, there is even a captain’s logbook for you to jot down your experiences. Bookings can now be made for stays from July to December.

If you can’t secure a booking, Living Architecture’s other properties include a Suffolk barn balanced on a grass hillock and a house on a shingle beach in Kent.

Whatever will they think of next?

Room for London, Southbank Centre, London, from Dhs690. living-architecture.co.uk

TRAVEL

EXTRA

Advice, deals and other tasty travel tidbits

TRAVELS WITH…

Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador The British Ambassador to the UAE, HE Dominic Jermey, has unsurprisingly managed a good deal more globetrotting than the average Abu Dhabi dweller…

What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had?

Taking the Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing to Moscow.

It was a big adventure, leaving Beijing in the deepest, deepest winter. On one occasion the train started pulling out, and I remember running to keep up.

At the border between China and Russia they changed the bogies [wheeled chassis] on the train.

Stalin decided they would never let Russia be invaded by train, so its railway gauge is different to any adjacent country. You see carriages lifted off the wheels and plonked onto new ones.

THE STAMP COLLECTOR

Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector Conor Purcell answers your travel dilemmas I’ve always wanted to visit Egypt, but I’m a bit wary of travelling there after the events of the Arab Spring. Is it safe to go to Egypt? If so, where would you recommend?

Robert, JLT

There are actually very few countries that are too dangerous to visit, and Egypt is certainly not one of them. While recent events museums, art, theatre – it’s the have destabilised the country most fabulous city on Earth, an amazing cosmopolitan melting pot. somewhat, Egypt is still extremely safe and the diminished tourist numbers will mean cheaper What do you never travel prices and more relaxed tourist without? attractions. As for where to go, My iPod. I like running and get Cairo is obviously the main draw, very bored if I don’t have music while Alexandria to listen to, so I’ve always got is worth a visit Manu Chao, REM or U2 on my for its faded Rome. I went right over the iPod. Good running music. charm (and handlebars. All my belongings its remarkable were spread all over the road.

As a diplomat, you must have library). If you I was very disappointed not to visited a lot of countries?

What has been your biggest do go to Cairo, make it after 1,500 miles by bike. I think it’s about 65. I was a travel disaster? check out a I had to get the train. bit disappointed – I thought it Cycling from London to Rome football match; would be more than that. There with nine friends. We spent three If you could advise people to Egyptian fans are 193 members of the UN and a half weeks on the journey are some of the visit one destination, what General Assembly, so I’ve only and had a tremendous time, but world’s most would it be? done about a third of them. I my bicycle collapsed just outside London. It has restaurants, passionate, have lots more to do. and Egypt are playing Brazil on February 28, HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY which should The sceptics among you may dismiss it as a be interesting. It Travel news and international deals marketing ploy designed by greeting card is also a good time of the year to SAILING ARABIA TOUR companies to prise away your hard earned venture south to Luxor and Aswan, Hot on the heels (or should that be hulls?) dirhams. We here at What’s On, on the other as the heat is not so intense. of the Volvo Ocean Race, the Sailing Arabia hand, don’t see any thing wrong with showing Sinai is worth a visit if you have Tour will be dropping anchor in Oman for two someone how much you care on Valentine’s time – Sharm El Sheikh for the days this month at the Six Sense Zighy Bay. Day (cue sarcastic sigh from the granite-hearted diving, Dahab further north for its It is an excellent opportunity for the sailing doubters). And for those true romantics out extremely chilled vibe. enthusiasts among you to get up close with there, you could do a lot worse than whisking the 15 six-person crews who will be racing that special someone off to Beirut to stay at each other across 1,408km and four countries. the stunning Le Gray. The Valentine’s package Or for those of you looking for a reason to includes a night in an executive suite, breakfast spend a weekend at one of the region’s most and a massage for two for less than Dhs2,000. beautiful resorts.

Go on, splash out, you big charmer, you.

Feb 23 to 25, Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula, Feb 10 to 19, Le Gray, Beirut, Lebanon, Dhs1,780.

Oman. Tel: (+968) 26735 555. sixsenses.com Tel: (+961) 1962828. legray.com

CHECK IN

106 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

When you care enough to send the very best

Say it with the right card and gift.

u o y h s i w We ! y a D s ’ e n i t n e l a V l a specia

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WIN! WIN! WIN! A weekend living like royalty

To enter this fantastic competition, just e-mail

winwithwhatson@motivate.ae

WIN! A MINI-BREAK IN JUMEIRAH ETIHAD TOWERS WORTH DHS10,000 Jumeirah’s newest hotel is the impressive Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi. Towering over the capital, this sculptural building is home to an observation deck on the 74th floor, Pan Asian restaurant Quest, swimming pools, Talise Spa and Ray’s Bar. We’d like to treat one What’s On reader to a weekend there for two.

The winner will enjoy a night’s stay in a Club Suite, with access to the executive lounge, plus a 60-minute signature spa treatment and access to all the hotel’s facilities. The hotel’s elegant Club Suites boast butler service, Italian marble decor,

with ‘TOWERS‘ in the subject line and the correct answer to the question

and sun-lit bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs. The executive lounge offers complimentary light lunches, afternoon tea and drinks, plus a business centre and Internet lounge.

For your chance to win this fivestar weekend away, simply e-mail winwithmotivate@motivate.ae and tell us…

Which of the following is not in Abu Dhabi? a) Ferrari World b) The Coliseum c) Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 109

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! A TWO-NIGHT STAY WITH BRUNCH AT THE CENTRO BARSHA HOTEL

To enter this fantastic competition, just e-mail

winwithwhatson@motivate.ae

Slap bang in the middle with ‘CENTRO‘ in the subject line and of Barsha, with Mall Of The the correct answer Emirates on its doorstep, to the question is the Centro Hotel.

Modern and slick, it’s the ideal base for business people and shoppers alike, and we have a two-night stay for two to give away to one fortunate What’s On reader. Also included in the prize is Friday brunch, which spans the globe with Asian, Arabic and European cuisines, plus free-flowing bubby. For your chance to win this weekend away, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with CENTRO in the subject line, your contact details and the correct answer to this question…

Barsha is situated off which major highway? a) The autobahn b) Sheikh Zayed Road c) M25

WIN! A LAYALI NIGHTS DINING EXPERIENCE AT EWAAN This month sees the launch of Layali Nights, every Wednesday at Ewaan in The Palace hotel in Old Town. To celebrate, we’re giving away three vouchers for dinner for two there.

The evening includes a lavish buffet served in the stunning restaurant, with delicious mezze, falafel, saj, ouzi and barbecue dishes, plus entertainment and a tented alfresco area overlooking the pool for shisha. For your chance to win a voucher worth Dhs500, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae and answer this question: Which form of dancing is traditionally Middle Eastern? a) Line dancing b) Belly dancing c) Tap dancing 110 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

To enter this fantastic competition, just e-mail

winwithwhatson@motivate.ae

with ‘LAYALI‘ in the subject line and the correct answer to the question

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THE HOT LIST The best of the best

KEY

New entry Non-mover Up Down

p115 RESTAURANTS · p119 BARS · p123 BRUNCHES · p127 SPAS FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 113

ThE hoT lisT

reStaurantS MPW Steakhouse & Grill

Hakkasan

1 hakkaSan Atmosphere Hakkasan’s cleverly designed dining areas lend a wonderful sense of intimacy. It now boasts a must-visit terrace, too.

Interior Thoughtful layout of oriental alcoves divided by wooden panels; mazy and luxurious.

Food Modern Asian cooking at its best. The latest menu pushes further toward the stratosphere.

Location The most sought-after location in Abu Dhabi.

Price You won’t dine here every day, unless you own a wing of Emirates Palace. But, considering the quality, it’s not insanely pricey.

WhAt’s On sAys… Spellbinding décor and awe-inspiring dim sum; we adore Hakkasan, which is why it’s the What’s On Awards restaurant of the year.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com

2

The elite of the eating out scene

Quest

3

MPW SteakhouSe 55&5th,the Grill QueSt & Grill

4

5 li Beirut

Atmosphere Marco Pierre White has combined European homeliness with modern flourishes.

Atmosphere Contemporary Big Apple grill soundtracked by the lilting sounds of jazz piano.

Atmosphere A cloud-grazing escape of high class but without the stuffy element of ‘classic’ fine dining.

Interior Full of unique character, including features – such as a small wall fire – that work against all the odds in Abu Dhabi.

Interior The main dining room is suavely understated, while the upstairs banquet table is fabulous.

Interior Quest’s chandeliers and bespoke fittings scream ‘exclusive’.

Interior Black/red design overtones dictate the eye-catching furniture and overall ambiance.

Food A shining example of brilliance with beef, with notable imagination across the less meaty menu possibilities.

Food Grilled meats feature highly, but innovation speckles every page of the menu.

Food The only thing that matches Quest’s altitude is its horizon-expanding menu. Seriously good Asian fusion, injected with a large side helping of fun.

Food Beirut circa 2012, with some European influence: fattoush and tabouleh rub shoulders with zaatar-crusted rack of lamb.

Location You can see more or less the entire city horizon from here, but it’s nearest to the glam Ray’s Bar downstairs.

Location Etihad Towers’ restaurants, bars and city-leading lounge provide a full evening’s entertainment.

Price Not quite as sky-high as the location if you pick the right dishes, but you get what you pay for here on the whole: quality.

Price Dhs600 for two, minus wine, is entirely possible.

Location The Fairmont is custommade for an under-oneroof experience post-MPW.

Location St Regis is chock full of possibilities: try the Manhattan Lounge bar or its unspoilt beaches.

Price Certainly possible to blow a significant slice of pay packet on the pricier steaks, but there are more affordable options too.

Price You’ll need to put your hand in your pocket, but the reward is a mighty memorable evening out.

WhAt’s On sAys… MPW deserves a foodie knighthood for steak served with undeniable British finesse.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

WhAt’s On sAys… Nodding to the original St Regis in New York City, 55&5th is an astute mix of modernity and tradition.

The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight (last reservation 11pm). Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

WhAt’s On sAys… Best newcomer at the What’s On Awards.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, lunch Sun to Thur noon to 3.30pm, dinner daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

Atmosphere A dimmed romantic retreat with a thoughtfully arranged interior.

WhAt’s On sAys… The benchmark for Lebanese cuisine in Abu Dhabi, and diners are already beginning to vote with their feet.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 115

Bord Eau

BorD eau

Pearls & Caviar

6

Atmosphere Refined, classy, elegant.

What else would you expect from the city’s best French restaurant?

Interior Stately traditional Gallic sophistication, from the paintings to the tables.

Food The finest French classics with imaginative contemporary twists. Its latest menu update is its finest yet, too.

Location The attention to detail is stunning, Wherever you go in Shangri-La. Price High-end. Four figures aren’t difficult. Worth the financial pain, though, as is a wonderful wine list.

WhAt’s On sAys… What’s On Awards for favourite European restaurant and Chef Of The Year.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangrila.com

PearlS & Caviar

7

Atmosphere A romantic retreat, swathed in low-level lighting, perfect for keeping refined company.

Interior Expect black and white themes, as per P&C’s name, representing the eponymous foodstuffs.

Food Exquisite caviar and fresh seafood head an imaginative menu. A brand new revamp is imminent, as well.

Location Make a beeline for the intimate terrace.

Price Those without a monster bank balance can flip past the caviar. Other than that, P&C more than warrants the outlay.

WhAt’s On sAys… Favourite seafood restaurant at the What’s On Awards.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

hot on the heelS 11 Étoiles, Emirates Palace 12 Cipriani, Yas Yacht Club 13 BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace 14 Agadir, Westin Golf Resort & Spa 15 Ushna, The Souk At Qaryat Al Beri

116 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

The Park Bar & Grill

8

Sontaya

Atmosphere A taste of South-East Asia on Saadiyat Island, with personable waiting staff pleased to explain the menu’s more adventurous extremes.

Interior A welcoming, sociable space, filled with lowbacked diner-esque seating.

Food There’s a concerted effort to push things forward.

Location The St Regis on Saadiyat is a vast complex.

Price Nothing extraordinary financially speaking, and the portions are generous.

9

Atmosphere Curved booths and sedate atmosphere make for a luxurious, yet unimposing, experience.

Interior Art deco touches smartly ensure it’s difficult to put a year on Oro’s impressive interior.

Food It's Italian menu draws from past and present: delve into the fish section for memorable rewards.

Location Rocco Forte’s location is a little out on a limb, so toddle up to the tantalising Blue Bar after.

Price Decent value for this level of Italian fine dining.

WhAt’s On sAys… This island paradise is a definite feather in the St Regis’ cap.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm, and 6.30pm to midnight (last reservation 11pm). Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

14

oro

WhAt’s On sAys… It’s been a while since Abu Dhabi welcomed a new high-end Italian and Oro doesn’t disappoint.

Rocco Forte, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabu dhabi.com

the Park Bar & Grill

10

Atmosphere A wholly relaxing atmosphere ensures you’re put at ease, a sensation that extends to the bar area upstairs.

Interior Elegant and alluring, as a five-star restaurant should be.

Food Steaks, seafood and Asian dishes, with a helping of imagination.

Location For all its natural beauty, Saadiyat Island needs a few further attractions.

Such trifles are voided here at least by the rather fine bar.

Price Dhs500 for two without wine is easily obtainable – and really quite reasonable.

WhAt’s On sAys… This mixed grill adds a real nose for quality to its multi-faceted menu.

Park Hyatt, SaadiyatIsland, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 4071234. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

aGaDir WeStin Golf reSort & SPa

Authenticity is the word at Agadir, which has wholesale picked up a sizeable slice of Morocco and deposited it in the capital, from the attentive staff

to stone and timber used to construct the restaurant’s Arabian arches and trellises.

That realism extends to the menu: give the pastilla dishes or the rfissa a taste to

see what we mean.

Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolf resort.com

Thank you for voting Hakkasan at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi as Best Restaurant of the Year and Best Far Eastern Restaurant

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace Reservations + 971 (0) 2-690- 7999 www.hakkasan.com

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BarS Blue Bar

ray’S Bar

Sea Lounge

1

Atmosphere Ultra sophisticated, Jumeirah’s famed knack for redefining life lived luxuriously comes to Abu Dhabi.

Location On the 62nd floor of the gleaming new Etihad Towers. The views are, quite frankly, outstanding. Even the toilets are glamorous.

Best For Pre-party drinks or a romantic night out, or just lapping up the skyhigh splendour.

Price Getting towards matching the bar’s altitude. Pick from the world-beating cocktail list, however, and it will definitely prove money well spent.

WhAt’s On sAys… Whoever Ray is, he knows how to live it up – the best new bar in town.

Ray’s Bar, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

Blue Bar

2

Atmosphere A spacious, upmarket cocktail bar with a quiet air of class and a whole lot of glass, through which panoramic views of the capital can be glimpsed.

Location The architecture is beyond impressive, from the outside it appears to be floating inside the Rocco Forte’s eye-catching interior.

Best For Grabbing a cocktail either side of dining at one of the hotel’s wellto-do restaurants.

Price There are certainly cheaper spots in the city, but nothing with an equal degree of wow factor in this part of town.

WhAt’s On sAys… Blue Bar certainly won’t leave you feeling glum.

Rocco Forte, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabu dhabi.com

Sea lounGe

The finest for beverages and bites

Y Bar

3

Atmosphere A chilled out alfresco bar with a discerning clientele.

Location Overlooking Monte Carlo Beach Club’s infinity pool and yards from a boardwalk down to the sandy Saadiyat shores.

Best For Watching the sun go down and lounging until the early hours with a cocktail. Or, on weekend nights, catching the best in-house music.

Price Possible to limit the wallet damage if you choose wisely, although cash flashers won’t need to look too hard for eye-watering drinks menu options.

WhAt’s On sAys… The lap of luxury Monaco style, without leaving the Emirates, our best bar award confirms Sea Lounge as the capital’s finest watering hole.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight, Thur to Sat 4pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae

y Bar

4

Atmosphere This desirable brickwalled hangout, away from the hectic city centre is nicely understated in the vein of a gentrified New York City bar.

Location Check out Blue Grill in the same complex while you’re there, then head off to Yas Island’s main plaza of hotels for a plethora of bars and restaurants.

Best For Finding life away from the city centre, without breaking the bank, or catching the big match on the plentiful screens, minus sports bar rowdiness.

Price Excellent value for money for these quietly sophisticated surrounds.

WhAt’s On sAys… In our humble opinion, Y is Yas Island’s best bar none.

Yas Island Rotana, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com

the retreat

5

Atmosphere A classy sports bar, with comfy sofas, a private booth and, of course, plenty of screens to grab an eyeful of the big game.

Location If you’re a sports buff, there aren’t many better locations: Abu Dhabi Golf Club is within eyesight and Yas Island isn’t far either.

Best For Grabbing a gastropublevel meal or even a jug of sangria while catching the footy/rugby/cricket/ golf/sport of your choice.

Price Not bad at all, although it’s still possible to spend a few dibs on the cocktails.

WhAt’s On sAys… The Retreat is perfectly named.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs noon to midnight, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolf resort.com

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 119

Brauhaus

BelGian Café

Left Bank

6

Atmosphere Transporting the Northern European bar vibe halfway across the world to Abu Dhabi, with much success.

Location Chamas and the Yacht Club are just two reasons to make a night of it at the InterCon; there are a good few others as well.

Best For Top grub and beverages with your mates.

Unlimited mussels for Dhs120 on Tuesdays is a steal.

Price Good things come at a certain price, so don’t turn up at Belgian Café without your wallet.

WhAt’s On sAys… A good time to be had, and a decent selection of beverages. Wish the bar a happy birthday too, as they’ve just turned two.

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

BrauhauS

7

Atmosphere Brauhaus foregoes German beer hall vibes for something altogether more intimate, but maintaining the Teutonic ale count nicely. Like Oktoberfest given a course in good manners.

Location Though the bar has plentiful charm itself, with Prego’s, Rodeo Grill and Trader Vic’s, you won’t need to leave Beach Rotana.

Best For Live music and games add to the fun. Say no more.

Price Some of the speciality beers will leave your wallet lighter, but there are good drinks deals to be had.

WhAt’s On sAys… Tankards at the ready – this is German pub craft at its most authentic.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

hot on the heelS 11 Stars ‘N’ Bars, Yas Yacht Club 12 Breeze Lounge, Emirates Palace 13 Cooper’s, Park Rotana 14 Yacht Club, InterContinental Hotel 15 Stills, Crowne Plaza Yas Island

120 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Relax@12

8

left Bank

relax@12

9

Atmosphere Bustling yet not uncomfortably busy, with a constant flow of interesting revellers from flight crew to trendy types.

Atmosphere Chilled and classy, but without any of the lookat-me attitudes on show at certain other Abu Dhabi bar-slash-clubs we could mention.

Location The souk has a plethora of attractions, including great views across the water, while the Eight nightclub is so close you can virtually hear it as you exit Left Bank.

Location Atop Aloft, perhaps the city’s hippest contemporary hotel.

Head for the rooftop terrace – you won’t be disappointed. There are lots of tables inside and out, too, although it’s worth booking ahead for the terrace.

Best For Starting or finishing the night in the company of an unpretentious crowd.

Price If you’re on a budget, cocktails aren’t the greatest idea, but it's generally very affordable, with frequent deals.

WhAt’s On sAys… A popular choice, but never seems ‘too busy’.

The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 7pm to 1am, Thur and Fri 7pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 5581680. emiratesleisureretail.com

11

Best For Chilling on the terrace and checking out top name DJs. Price Cheaper than you might imagine from Relax’s inviting interior.

WhAt’s On sAys… House beats and demure socialising are what makes Relax a top night out.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 2am.

Tel: (02) 6545000. aloftabudhabi.com

PearlS Bar

10

Atmosphere Next time Dubai dwellers drone on that the capital has nowhere to rival the iconic open-air bar brilliance of 360°, point them in the direction of Pearls. It’s idyllic.

Location Wonderful, frankly, upstairs from the awesome Pearls & Caviar restaurant, overlooking the water.

Best For A romantic drink or on weekends cutting some shapes on the dance floor with regular DJs from premium clubbing brands, preferably after a Hot List-recommended meal downstairs.

Price Reflective of the quality on offer.

WhAt’s On sAys… A wonderful setting perfect for kicking back in the cool evening air of winter.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 2am.

Tel: (02) 5098777. shangri-la.com

StarS ‘n’ BarS yaS yaCht CluB

Given Stars ‘N’ Bars is but a power-slide away from the Yas Marina Circuit, it’s just about the most aptly placed sports bar in Abu Dhabi.

Racing car seats and

sports memorabilia decorating every big screen-adorned wall make it a great place to catch the match/ race or just catch up with friends. And for high rollers, there’s a

VIP cocktail lounge.

Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 11.30am to midnight, Thur to Sat 11.30am to 1am.

Tel: (02) 5650101. starsnbars.ae

AuThenTic GRills. AsiAn insPiRATiOn The Park Bar & Grill features an array of charcoal-grilled meats, seafood and a selection of Asian inspired dishes, all prepared in a residential and intimate setting around a large theatre-style kitchen.

Open daily from 7 pm to 12 midnight Reservations 02 407 1138 or restaurants.abudhabi@hyatt.com The trademarks HYATT™, PARK HYATT™ and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. ©2012 Hyatt Hotels Corporation. All rights reserved.

ThE hoT lisT

BrunCheS CuiScene

CuiSCene

Hakkasan

1

Atmosphere Quite simply, it’s buzzing. One look at the champagne tells you who brunches here.

Food Encompassing Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Grill and a Marco Pierre White roast counter, you can nosh an impressive 200plus dishes.

hakkaSan

2

Atmosphere We love Hakkasan’s dinner delights and its brunch counterpart is similarly high on the wow factor. Now with added terrace.

Food Pick either Friday or Saturday for a choice of top quality, set or a la carte menu. It’s definately the best dim sum in town.

Ushna

PearlS & Caviar

3

Atmosphere Squishing together breakfast and dinner with little or no regard for lunch in between, P&C’s resident DJ adds life to this Friday ‘brunner’ in elegant surrounds.

Food Hot grills, live sushi station and a mojito bar.

uShna

4

Atmosphere An airy interior sets you up nicely for some of the finest Indian cuisine in the capital.

Food Biryanis, kebabs, and all sorts of vegetarian treats perfect for meatshunning brunchers.

Indian goodies at their finest, basically.

fairWayS

5

Atmosphere The Westin’s Bubbalicious Brunch melds fun (roaming magician, in-house DJ) with class (outdoor terrace, high-end buffet).

Food A really international spread, from impressive cheese board to enticing Far Eastern counter.

Location Emirates Palace’s goldencased luxury lies outside the front door, although Hakkasan is worth losing yourself in.

Location On the edge of the wonderful waterfront oasis of hotel class that is the Shangri-La, while the souk is only a short wander away, too.

Best for Investigating a varied selection representing several Abu Dhabi culinary kingpins.

Best for Dining at a genuine Abu Dhabi hotspot without totally pillaging your wallet en route.

Best for A post-Thursday recovery without the need to get out of bed too early, sleepyheads.

Price Dhs449 to charge your glasses with unlimited Moët et Chandon, Dhs299 with wine and beer, or Dhs249 with soft drinks.

Price Dhs325 including half a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne or Dhs199 with tea.

Price Dhs349, including house beverages, sparkling wine and champagne, Dhs249 without champagne.

Price One of Abu Dhabi’s priciest brunches, at Dhs475.

Free-flowing Lanson champagne ups the value for money, though.

Location Amongst the capital’s most sophisticated hotels, with plenty of bars and restaurants to elongate your afternoon.

Try the terrace, too.

Our pick of the brunch bunch

Location It’s barely necessary to leave the souk, a one-stop destination for shopping, dining and even clubbing. ShangriLa and the Fairmont aren’t far, either.

Best for Living it up like a cashflasher visiting the subcontinent

WhAt’s On sAys… What’s On Awards winner for favourite brunch.

WhAt’s On sAys… Bite-sized tastes of our Hot List-topping restaurant.

WhAt’s On sAys… A pearl in Abu Dhabi’s oyster of brunch options.

WhAt’s On sAys… We’re yet to find a better Indian brunch.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm.

Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Fri and Sat noon to 3pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3pm.

Tel: (02) 5581769. soukqaryatalberi.com

Location Stay for a drink afterwards at swanky sports bar The Retreat or a round at the adjacent Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Best for Living the high life with smiles and a soundtrack.

Price Splash the cash for champers (Dhs490) or opt for house beverages (Dhs270) or no alcohol (Dhs240).

WhAt’s On sAys… Shaking up Abu Dhabi’s brunch scene, this is instantly one of its finest.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabi golfresort.com

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 123

The Yacht Club

Sofra BlD

Al Fanar

6

Atmosphere Easy going and relaxing, with plenty of space to enjoy your weekend.

Food Select from the international buffet on Friday or the Global Brunch, majoring on Chinese and Vietnamese, on Saturdays.

the yaCht CluB

7

8

al fanar

ChaMaS

9

Atmosphere Relaxed, with a great bar to boot, and plenty of nooks/crannies/booths to lose yourself in.

Atmosphere Kickback early on, as this brunch begins relaxed, although proceedings can turn lively.

Atmosphere The Madeira Latino Band ensures this brunch is uptempo and livelier than a barrel of eels.

Food Low-rank international buffets won’t darken your plate here; just Asianinspired a la carte dishes of tasty intent.

Food An ocean-sized selection of seafood specialities.

Captain Birdseye would be jealous of the range here.

Food Chamas’s USP – meat in butcher’s window quantities – is tempered by a truly extensive salad bar.

Location Expansive waterfront views, plus more than enough entertainment across the Shangri-La.

Location The terrace is where you want to be this winter, lounging the weekend away.

Best for Families through to party people. This brunch doesn’t discriminate.

Best for Late risers in need of an overdue Friday recovery session, or the preface to a proper Yacht Club night out.

Price Dhs260 with wine and beer on Fridays, Dhs240 with a glass of bubbly or Dhs190 with wine and beer on Saturdays.

Chamas

Price Dhs200 with unlimited champagne. At that price, it’s a bargain to charge your glasses.

WhAt’s On sAys… As What’s On’s favourite hotel, pretty much all the Shangri-La’s outlets merit repeat visits.

WhAt’s On sAys… Unlimited champers will have you setting sail for the Yacht Club.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 6pm.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

hot on the heelS 11 Filini, Radisson Blu 12 Essence, Beach Rotana 13 Mezlai, Emirates Palace 14 Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana 15 Selections, InterContinental Hotel

124 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

Location Get in a (sedate) spin at this revolving restaurant, gazing across downtown Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Best for Taking in horizonsmashing, 360° views of the city while experiencing one of the capital’s most popular brunches.

Price Dhs220 with unlimited red or white wine.

WhAt’s On sAys… Remember which table you’re sitting at, as this isn’t regular terra firma – later on, confusion could set in.

Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

11

Location You’re rarely short of options at the InterCon, with its wealth of Hot List-worthy bars and restaurants. Afternoon beach access is thrown in, too, should you wish to tan your nicely full stomach.

Best for Carnivores with appetites as big as their plates.

Price Dhs295 including freeflowing caipirinhas.

WhAt’s On sAys… For meaty treats, look no further than Chamas.

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

flavourS

10

Atmosphere The afternoon kicks up a gear towards the end of this feast; with a live band and bubbly flowing freely, there’s inevitably a rise of joviality.

Food A massive international buffet, covering almost every base from roasts to Chinese. There’s so much choice that the spread sprawls out of Flavours.

Location Got a sweet tooth?

Venture towards Cloud Nine Cigar Bar next door.

Best for Dessert and cocktail fans, with top ranges of both types of treats.

Price Dhs225, including unlimited bubbly.

WhAt’s On sAys… Flavours ticks several brunch boxes: friendly, entertaining, expansive and, by the end, quite energetic.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

filini raDiSSon Blu

Opulent brunches are all very well and good but sometimes what you need is a down-to-earth vibe to coax your weekend into life.

You’ll certainly get

that at Filini, its Italian menu keeps things comparatively simple but equally effective. There’s zero pretension and should you wish afterwards, Shams

Pool Bar is perfect for alfresco cocktails.

Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs190, Dhs140 without alcohol.

Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com

ThE hoT lisT

SPaS

Anantara Spa

Chi, The Spa

1

2

Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab

3

the lounGe

anantara SPa

Chi,the SPa

therapists Predominantly male, reflecting The Lounge’s gents-only service.

The professionalism is unrivalled, permeated by a real friendliness.

therapists The ultimate spa experience from the predominantly Thai staff, leading you up the stairs to a veritable spa wonderland.

therapists Sweet and cheerful, with a real interest in tailoring your treatment, you’ll relax from the second you stroll through the door.

Menu Everything a modern gent needs, from an invigorating Moroccan bath to haircuts, shaves, pedicures, manicures and much more.

Menu The range includes the life-restoring Signature Massage, plus grandly titled options such as the Marma Abhyanga massage.

the spa The villa layout means minimum traipsing between treatment rooms. And, sidestepping usual Abu Dhabi problems, parking is an entirely painless process.

the spa With a dedicated entrance to the west of the main Palace, Anantara is one of the city’s most opulent and sprawling spas. You can drive right up to the entrance with separate self-parking, too.

Menu From Filipino hilot massages to caviar facials, Chi’s line in thoughtful quality demands repeat visits to navigate the full menu. It really is extensive.

Price When the service is this good, price is only really a secondary concern. For such high-end service, it’s still not extortionate, though.

WhAt’s On sAys… An essential grooming stop-off for any man who wants to feel and look his best.

Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 11am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6677377. thelounge.ae

Price Between Dhs700 and Dhs1,650 will be winging its way from your purse or wallet.

WhAt’s On sAys… The most luxurious pamper that Abu Dhabi has to offer.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace.com

the spa Far removed from the outside world, Chi is as peaceful as a temple in the Himalayas. You’ll be in a trance for hours.

Price You’re undoubtedly getting what you pay for; just don’t head here with pocket change.

WhAt’s On sAys… Chi has one of the greatest Jacuzzis in Abu Dhabi.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

The daddies of the health and leisure scene

4

5

anantara SPa, QaSr al SaraB

iriDiuM SPa

therapists Even though you’re miles from anywhere, the staff are among the most friendly and skilled in Abu Dhabi.

therapists Personable and willing to talk you through whatever queries you may have or adapt treatments to suit.

Menu Standard treatments are complemented by the likes of exfoliating sand baths and water-based Vichy spas.

Menu If you can’t find something suitable here, there’s every chance you haven’t read the menu properly: whether it’s facials or immersive journeys for two, there’s a really rather extensive selection.

the spa Escaping from the city, the relaxing sight of the dunes of the Liwa Desert makes the journey into the wilderness extra worthwhile. The isolation makes this the ultimate getaway from everyday stresses.

Price Costly, but it’s hard to put a price on such expertise in such a glorious location.

the spa With a separate private parking area and entrance to the main hotel, Iridium is an instantly secluded location.

Price From Dhs200 right up to indulgent full-day three spa suite experiences, which will set you back Dhs3,125 per person.

WhAt’s On sAys… The jewel in this desert retreat’s crown.

Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 8862088. qasralsarab.anantara.com

WhAt’s On sAys… The signature Iridium journey certainly perked us up.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

FEBRUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 127

Atarmia Spa

atarMia SPa

ESPA

6

therapists Courteous, diligent and keen for your feedback.

Menu An impressive range of body, facial and salon treatments. For the most unusual, try the Quiro Golf Massage, which uses actual golf balls to roll into those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. the spa Set a short distance away from the Park Hyatt hotel itself, Atarmia is a real oasis of calm.

Price It’s easy to blow the thick end of Dhs1,000 on the top-end treatments, such as the Caviar Sublime or Diamond Ice Lifting facials, although there are cheaper options.

WhAt’s On sAys...

The gym is right next door, making it easy to mix workout pain and massage pleasure.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 4071170. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

zayna SPa

7

therapists Attentive, eager to please and happy to recommend posttreatment products.

Menu A menu you could get lost in. Try the green coffee body wrap and scrub for Zayna’s ultimate detoxing pampering. the spa Individual changing in each treatment room ensures ultimate privacy and gets our thumbs up.

It certainly beats trudging around in your dressing gown. The relaxation areas are top notch, as well, with tranquil loungers. Make a day of it.

Zen Spa

8

eSPa

therapists Very pleasant, polite and exceedingly professional.

Menu Luxurious and expansive.

The hammams are something of a speciality, and the facials aren’t far behind. the spa Running water features trickle throughout the spa, relaxing almost every sinew of your being.

The walk through the Yas Viceroy to reach the spa is a strangely chilled preparatory experience, even, the space age white walls proving unexpectedly soothing.

Price Above average, reflecting the standard of Zayna overall.

Price Value for money is all relative: ESPA is expensive, admittedly, but it’s also worth the outlay.

WhAt’s On sAys...

The relaxation room is right up there with Abu Dhabi’s finest.

WhAt’s On sAys...

A spa next to a Formula 1 circuit is about as glamorous as they come.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. milleniumhotels.com

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6560862. viceroyhotelsand resorts.com

hot on the heelS 11 The Spa, Radisson Blu 12 Hiltonia Health Club & Spa, Hilton Abu Dhabi 13 Eden Spa, Le Méridien 14 Man/Age Luxury Men’s Spa, Marina Mall 15 Crystal Holistic Day Spa, Tourist Club Area

128 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

11

zen SPa

9

therapists Personable. Ask for ‘firm pressure', however, and there’s no messing around.

Menu Candle wax massages to detox specialities. Try one of Zen’s specials, the rose hydrating body treatment. the spa Soft lighting and alluring fragrance from the steps down to Zen onwards, leading you to the most relaxing spot in the Tourist Club Area.

It needn’t be a solo experience, either; the wide range of facilities includes tranquillity suites for couples.

Price This is a five-star hotel, yet you won’t find yourself ridiculously out of pocket for the vast majority of treatments.

WhAt’s On sAys...

A subterranean sanctuary to steal you away from the city.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

Serenity SPa

10

therapists This ladies-only spa staff will analyse your skin before selecting a tailormade treatment.

Menu The Clarins facial is our recommendation. Varied full body treatments, plus waxing, hair styling, Hypoxi and personal training are also available. the spa You’ll need to navigate through the cosmeticfilled displays of the Paris Gallery, and possibly ask for a few directions en route, but the treatment rooms are pure relaxation.

Price A little above mid-range.

Some longer treatments clock in nearer four figures, though, if you have cash to flash.

WhAt’s On sAys...

Ladies in search of serenity will find it here in every sense.

Paris Gallery, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 11am to 9pm, Fri 3pm to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6678880. parisgallery.com

the SPa,raDiSSon Blu yaS Plaza

Quite possibly the highlight of the Radisson Blu, The Spa is relaxation personified, even down to the fact that parking is a doddle in the

expansive spaces of Yas Island. The prices are around the upper end of mid-range, but we reckon it’s well worth the outlay. The staff are friendly beyond

the call of duty, and masters at teasing away tension.

Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com

Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird Breakfast Show, Sun to Thur, 6am to 10am, Dubai 92. dubai92.com

BACKCHAT

WITH CATBOY

For our man on the radio, life begins at 40. Literally

I

’ve recently discovered that there are two unique groups of people on earth. Groups that are so clearly defined that, no matter how hard we try, the two will never really understand each other.

It’s not men and women. It’s not blacks and whites. It’s not the religious and atheists. It’s not the rich and the poor. It’s people who don’t have children and people who do.

For 40 years I was one of the former. Blissfully unaware that

life could be any other way. Yes, I knew the other existed. It’s hard to catch planes, walk around malls or try to enjoy a PG film without fully acknowledging that the world is full of rude, loud, selfish brats who are unaware of such essential life skills as volume control, discipline and the restraint of bodily functions.

What I didn’t know about was the switch inside every human being’s head that changes all of this.

I found out about my switch

last year, at ten o’clock in the morning on November 25. My 40th birthday. The benchmark in many people’s lives that can lead to depression, crisis and grey hair. That’s when my wife thought would be the most opportune time to disappear into the bathroom, come downstairs two minutes later to show me a little plastic stick with two blue lines and a faint aroma of Sugar Puffs that would change my life forever.

I don’t know what the first thought of other men in that situation has been. I guess many have decided to go with self-preservation and feign happiness, before going out in the car, parking up and staring out into nothingness, wondering, “what have I done?”

I didn’t have that. It wasn’t something I’d planned, but it was quite simply the most amazing bit of news I’ve ever received.

Now, depending on where your switch is set, you’ll take that in one of two ways. I know that because I’ve seen people’s reactions to our pregnancy. The child-free dish out the obligatory congratulations, but their eyes say “please don’t drag this conversation out any longer than you have to”, whereas parents, especially new ones, will talk ad infinitum about every aspect.

Here’s the strangest thing.

I absolutely detested these conversations a few months ago, even if I wasn’t involved. I was brutally honest to people about my feelings towards kids, so they’d know not to make me hold them or, perish the thought, play with them.

Now I’m like Keanu Reeves being plugged into The Matrix.

However, instead of learning mixed martial arts and the languages of the world, I’m soaking up advice on the three million varieties of pushchairs available and why it’s necessary to have each one.

As I finish off this page, I know for a fact that, had someone else penned it and I’d read it anytime before ‘switch day’, I’d be shaking my head, murmuring profanities and skipping back to the brunch section. So for anyone like that, apologies. Normal, grumpy, whiny service will resume in March.

NEXT MONTH: THE LOWDOWN ON ART DUBAI, DURAN DURAN, THE BEST OF THE FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE PLUS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DUBAI WORLD CUP 130 WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2012

BEYOND EXPECTATION The legacy continues with The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

Set along a pristine white beach, overlooking azure blue waters and accompanied by the prestigious Saadiyat Island Golf Course, the century-old heritage of St. Regis is redefined with Arabian flair. Mediterranean living with world-class golf against an azure sea, one of the many reasons why.

saadiyat island, abu dhabi stregis.com/saadiyatisland +971.2.498.8888

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