What's On | Abu Dhabi | March 2012

Issue 407

March 2012

ALSO INSIDE

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MINI BREAKS BRUNCHES, DINNERS AND MORE!

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• The capital’s best new brunches • Abu Dhabi Festival • UAE drag racing • Snow Patrol • Gary Rhodes

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Contents

march 2012

26

FEATURES 19 Abu Dhabi Festival

26 Abu Dhabi’s seven wildlife wonders

23 snow Patrol

32 Life’s a drag

Our pick of the capital’s high-culture events, plus an exclusive interview with the Angel Of The North sculptor, Antony Gormley The stadium-filling rockers bring their big bag of hits to the beach at Sandance this month. We speak to the band and offer the chance for you to meet them, too

Seven – count ‘em, seven, wild wonders this month, as we traverse all of Abu Dhabi to discover the best places for a bit of wildlife spotting

The capital is the place to be for petrolheads. Don’t believe us? Then come with us as we go drag racing at Yas Marina, find out where to customise your car and check out a classic car museum

19

32

23

march 2012 WHAT’S ON 3

Contents

THE ROUND-UP 14 salaam

Abu Dhabi, this March, in a nutshell

37 Win!

Fancy a six-month membership to a new beach club? Mini-breaks galore? Yeah, best Dhs10 you ever spent, this

40 Film

This month, the silver screen brings us Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson in the feel-good We Bought A Zoo, Sam Worthington picks up where he left off in Wrath Titans, and the hotly anticipated The Hunger Games arrives

43 eating out

Our verdict on celebrity chef Juan Amador’s new Abu Dhabi restaurant, the Belgian Beer Café’s new international flagship and Saadiyat Island’s Beach House.

Plus we find out how to make the perfect sweet and sour chicken, learn about Australian wines and run through the capital’s new brunches

59 Art

All the news from down the road at Art Dubai, and we give you the inside track on what to look for when buying art

69 shopping

95 Music & nightlife

Swedish House Mafia star Axwell leads the line in a bumper edition of our club diary

109 travel

Some must-have furniture on display at this month’s big Design Days fest

Off the tourist trail in Thailand, globetrotting to Ireland and our Gourmet Traveller talks Istanbul street food

81 sports & outdoors

121 the hot list

The Al Gharbia Watersports festival, free running clubs and our man Matt tackles a 20ft rock face

87 Mind & body

Feeling the pinch this month? We’ve scouted out places you can get pampered without paying. You’re welcome

Check out who is top of the town this month

138 Backchat with…

Features Editor and part-time boy racer Adam gets all protective of his new set of wheels

59

43

109 81

69 4 WHAT’S ON march 2012

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE MAYA LA CHOCOLATERIE

O

nly just over a year on from its first UAE outlet opening in Dalma Mall, Maya La Chocolaterie has become a bustling staple of Abu Dhabi social life. Maya isn’t a café; it’s a chocolate-covered concept, a Bahraini brand displaying expertise and flair in Belgian chocolate.

Thoughtful design and menu options have ensured crowds flock to the Dalma Mall flagship, which was built up from scratch by operations manager Wissam Chouman. What’s On caught up with Wissam to find out about his and Maya’s success to date.

With its tricolor interior mirroring the dark/ white/milk chocolate varieties available, the privacy-conscious design, dimmed lighting and free wifi has made Maya popular with a broad range of customers. Sizeable chocolate drums located on the dining floor mix Maya’s lifeblood, connected

by Charlie And The Chocolate Factory-esque pipes running to the kitchen and serving counter.

The innovative menu is a chocolate lover’s paradise: choose from wide ranges of hot chocolates, frozen chocolate shakes, signature chocolate fondues, decadent desserts and pastries.

We were always confident that Maya La Chocolaterie would be a hit in Abu Dhabi Wissam Chouman Operations Manager, Maya La Chocolaterie

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There is also an inventive sugar free range, plentiful breakfast selections, coffees, teas and sandwiches, as well as a retail area filled with exquisitely presented chocolate-based goodies.

In 12 short months, Wissam has added to the success story, strategically positioning Maya in the F&B market, refining the high levels of staff training and the food served. The hard work has paid off: Maya has picked up a nomination in the Favourite Café category at the What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards.

And in 2012 it’s set to go from strength to strength.

Mr. Wissam Chouman Operations Manager of Maya Abu Dhabi stated: "We were always confident that Maya La Chocolaterie would be a hit in Abu Dhabi, but its instant appeal to the Emirati consumer has been very gratifying thus we are delighted to be in partnership with such an exclusive, iconic and innovative brand as Maya La Chocolaterie."

“A second UAE outlet opens in Abu Dhabi’s Khalidiyah Mall very soon due to the high demand for our chocolate,” Wissam explains. With seating for almost 70 people, the new Maya is prominently placed facing the mall’s main entrance, with an intimate terrace area. The design has already been recognized in the Commercial Interior Design Awards’ Middle East Retail Interior Design Of The Year category.

Maya’s presence in the Emirates is set to expand further still in 2012, with branches opening in Al Ain Mall’s VIP section and Eastern Gate Mall, Baniyas in the next two months, followed by an Abu Dhabi Mall outlet later in the year.

Wherever you are in Abu Dhabi emirate, you can now indulge yourself in Maya’s chocolate for a better world.

www.maya-la-chocolaterie.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

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 Sheila Carino-Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae 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, Catherine Jarvie, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell, Conor Purcell, Gary Rhodes, Farooq Salik, Thomas Shambler, 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 UAE Dhs120 • GCC Dhs332 • International US$90 (including Airmail charges)

Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436, Email: 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, Email: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae

It’s fair to say that we at What’s On, without a shadow of a doubt, are unashamed foodies. The Eating Out section of our magazine has always played a huge part of who we are and what we do, right from the start – with the then Editor, and now Motivate Group Editor and Managing Partner, Ian Fairservice (afternoon, boss *doffs cap*) – right through to yours truly. We love food: always have done, and always will do. So it is with a great deal of pleasure, not to mention an amazing sense of pride, that this month we’re able to present to you the region’s first-ever rated restaurant guide – The Black Hat Guide. The Black Hat Guide (TBHG, as we’ve come to call it) is the product of a lot of hard work from my team, who have painstakingly trawled around the good, the bad and the ugly of the UAE’s restaurants in order to produce what we feel is the definitive eating out guide for the Emirates. On sale for a mere Dhs30 (but bundled free with this issue, you jammy so and so, you), TBHG will be all you ever need when it comes to dining out. I’m sure there’ll be one or two chefs out there that will be reading it with some apprehension – and rightly so – but we see it as a game changer not just for us, but also for the entire F&B industry in the UAE, raising standards along the way. Big words, of course, but I’m confident that TBHG will become a big part of dining out in Abu Dhabi and across the Emirates.

It’s not often that I give over my Editor’s letter – especially on a month like this one, with so much going on – but I’m really proud both of the product, and the monumental effort the What’s On team made in order to produce it.

Enjoy it, and the issue.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

MARCH 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! march in a hat-trick of pages

What’s hot hAPPY BIRThDAY

This month, Abu Dhabi institution The Club celebrates 50 years since it opened its doors and planted the seeds for what has become a thriving restaurant scene. Bravo, The Club.

Guess list

The trio of celebs on this month’s list are all princes among men (well, maybe not all of them)

40%

METRO GREEN LIGhT The good news: the Abu Dhabi Executive Council has approved funding for the creation of a metro system complete with an approximately 131km-long track. Bad news: it won’t be operational until 2016.

DIAL-A-CAB Getting a taxi in the capital is about to become a lot easier, with Trans AD set to introduce an automated booking system.

Much like the system already in place in Dubai, customers will be able to call 600535353 and book the nearest available silver taxi, with the estimated time of arrival sent to them via SMS.

What’s not

sPENDING hABITs One less-than-frugal UAE resident who splashed out on a Dhs20,000 gold-plated iPhone 4S has incurred the wrath of animal rights campaigners, as the phone also came with a bright pink alligator-skin cover.

OLDEsT EMIRATI DIEs The UAE’s oldest Emirati has sadly passed away at the ripe old age of 107. Rashid Hamdoon Saeed Al Naqbi, born in 1904, lived through two World Wars and witnessed the UAE develop into a modern nation. hAvING A GAs An Abu Dhabi based gas distributor has been charged by the Ministry Of Economy for illegally overcharging its customers.

The as yet unnamed company has been hiking up its prices by 100 per cent. The ministry has urged customers who feel they have been wronged to lodge their complaints.

14 WHAT’S ON march 2012

JUsTIN BIEBER Barber-bothering popstar Justin Bieber is set to bring his ever-socoiffured locks to the UAE this year, if our inside sources are to be believed. Somewhat annoyingly, The Beebs – already one of the richest teenagers on the planet – can expect ‘a rather large cheque’ according to our man in the know, which will be more than enough to keep him (and probably a small army) in hairspray for life.

40%

PRINCE WILLIAM Normally, after you are married you settle down into a quiet life and your weekends revolve around watching The X Factor and shopping at IKEA with your lady wife.

Not so for king-to-be William Of Windsor, who has rocketed into publicity overdrive and, as our scouts tell us, is set for a visit to the UAE later this year. Let’s hope he brings the lovely missus, too.

THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...

20%

RIDLEY sCOTT We can't imagine how you balance being a superstar director, a knight of the realm and a mate of Russell Crowe all at the same time. But what is easier to imagine is that the man who directed Alien, Blade Runner and Gladiator will be on his way over to see us, if what we hear is true.

ChARITY BAZAAR Buy and sell at this shopping extravaganza, with all proceeds going to Operation Smile.

Mar 24, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, 1pm to 8pm, Dhs20. Tel: (02) 6974463. lemeridienabudhabi.com

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Darren Drewery, Scuba Instructor

RENTING GEAR The Al Mahara Diving Center rents equipment for all ages, shapes and sizes. They also take groups out every weekend to the best sites in Abu Dhabi.

If you ask nicely, they also organise trips to the Musandam, where you can spend a fantastic weekend diving in the beautiful Fjords of Arabia.

Al Mahara Diving Center, Muroor Road. Tel: (02) 6437377. divemahara.com

EATING OUT My favourite place to eat here in Abu Dhabi is the Noodle Bowl above the Zayed Sport City Bowling alley. In my opinion, it’s great value for the besttasting Chinese food around.

Noodle bowl, Zayed Sports City, above the bowling centre, Mon to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thur 9am to 2am, Fri and Sun 1pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 447 2405

BEsT FOR DIvING It is impossible to pin down the best place to dive, but my favourite is Octopus Rock in the Musandam. It’s stunning, with a huge array of marine life, from large schooling barracudas to sweetlips, blue triggerfish, hawksbill turtles and, if you adventure down to about the 26-metre mark, you might be lucky enough to see a few seahorses.

RELAX I'm a very big fan of water sports, so the recent Volvo Ocean race was a great treat for me. When I have some free time, I like to head over to Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Khalifa City A for some time on the cable tow wake boarding.

Cable tow wake boarding, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City. Tel: (02) 5568555. alforsan.com

INTERNATIONAL BOOK FARE A host of Arab and international publishers visit the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

So fill your boots (and bookshelves).

Mar 28 to Apr 2, ADNEC, free, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6576180. adbookfair.com

ThE RIvALs The lovely people at Resuscitation Theatre are back, with the hilarious Richard Brinsley Sheridan play The Rivals. A must-see.

Mar 28 to 30, Sahil Al Meydan, Corniche, 8pm, free. Tel: (050) 8371563. resuscitationtheatre.com

girl AbOut tOWN

DJ Natalie Brogan is our eyes and ears on the ground in abu Dhabi’s burgeoning bar scene. Follow her on twitter: @DjNatalieBrogan

this month: mAnhAttAn loUngE What does it look like?

No surprise for guessing Manhattan Lounge takes its cues from New York. A grand piano on display as you enter is an impressive start, and there’s also a terrace with wonderful views of the St Regis grounds.

Who goes there?

Groups wanting to be sociable without the typical bar atmosphere. There’s a relaxed environment to enjoy beverages, and plenty of specialist cigars to choose from.

Dress code?

Smart casual.

Any bar nibbles?

Wasabi rice snacks were continuously stocked up throughout, and I couldn't get enough of them. Tapas dishes, such as lobster and scallop lollipops, are also available.

Drink recommendations?

Manhattan Lounge prides itself on beverages especially designed for St Regis.

My favourites were the sweet martini mango cocotini, and the strawberry blond champagne cocktail When should you go?

It’s only a five-minute drive from the city centre, so any night of the week would be a good choice, and it’s open until 2.30am daily.

How’s the service?

Very impressive – they made me feel like I was the only person in the bar.

What's the taxi situation?

Make sure you ask a member of staff to call a taxi just before you are ready to leave.

VERDICT A chilled out atmosphere and quality drinks, in beautiful surroundings – Manhattan Lounge is ideal for a relaxed night out.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 4988888. starwoodhotels.com

Find us at

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

SALAAM

IN THE NEWS

GREEN STREET LIGHTS

AN EXPAT’S IDEA OF UAE CULTURE

The evergreen chaps at the municipality have grand designs to replace every streetlight and traffic signal with energy-efficient bulbs

IS THERE A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE IN UNDERSTANDING LOCAL UAE CUSTOMS? ONE RECENT STUDY SUGGESTS THAT THERE IS...

The estimated amount in dirhams it will save over the next 20 years

620,000

Streetlights in Abu Dhabi

12.5 years

12 %

28 %

1 billion

GOLD PLATED?

ST. PADDY’S DAY STILLS

64

INVOLVING

60 %

Have a good knowledge

12

Have a basic knowledge

Know very little

THE TIME IN MINUTES that a taxi driver is caught committing an offence in Abu Dhabi

44,507 OFFENSES LAST YEAR

COMMITTED BY CABBIES

KIT YOURSELF OUT IN GREEN, POUR YOURSELF A PINT OF GUINNESS AND REMEMBER TO KISS THE BLARNEY STONE – IT’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY AGAIN. HERE’S OUR PICK OF WHERE TO CELEBRATE THE EMERALD ISLE’S INFECTIOUS NATIONAL DAY

Taking its lead from the children’s song featuring a certain Miss Molly Malone, Stills will be serving up special promotions on mussels this St. Paddy’s weekend, to go with the Guinness. Alive, alive-o.

Mar 15 to Mar 17, Stills, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, 7pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6563000. ichotelsgroup. com 16 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

9,000

licensed taxi drivers

TAXIS LAST YEAR

How much would you pay for this customised number plate? Bought in the UK last month for a measly Dhs2,300, a UK-registered number plate is set to fetch more than Dhs1.7million at auction after it triggered a bidding war

ABII DHB

The Abu Dhabi traffic statistics make some hard reading for taxi drivers

CRASHES (Source: 999 Magazine)

The average lifespan of energy-saving LED lights

A fine time for taxis

CAPTAIN’S ARMS With free entrance and drinks deals, there is sure to be plenty of festive fun and boogieing at this reliable old pub.

Mar 17, Captain’s Arms, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 644 6666. lemeridienabudhabi.com

PJ O’REILLY’S

A whole weekend of fun to be had at the capital’s most Irish-sounding pub, with music and drinks deals on the Thursday night, followed by brunch spread across all the hotel’s restaurants the following day – for a reasonable Dhs180. The fun ends in style on Saturday with a family-friendly party with Irish dancing, face painting and prizes for best dressed.

Mar 15 to Mar 17, PJ O’Reilly’s, Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 1am. Tel: (800) 101101

ABU DHABI AL WAHDA MALL 97 1. 2.4437213 MARINA MALL 97 1. 2.6811464 DUBAI DEIRA CIT Y CENTRE 971.4. 2943057 THE DUBAI MALL 97 1.4.3399472 KUWAIT 360 MALL 965. 2.5309581

PROJECT MK-1524 UAE/ WHAT’S ON MAG

ISSUE/POST DATE MARCH ‘12

Abu Dhabi Festival

CAPITAL OF

CULTURE

The 2012 edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival, the capital city’s annual multi-venue celebration of refined entertainment, gets underway this month.

What’s On guides you through the highbrow highlights, from ballet to musical performances, chats to an Oscar-winning knight of the realm and the man responsible for one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks en route...

SUTRA

Combining kung fu, t’ai chi and contemporary dance, famed London theatre Sadler’s Wells showcases monks from China’s legendary Shaolin Temple in the Middle East debut of Sutra. We spoke to the man responsible for the show’s ‘visual creation and design’, Angel North architect/ Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley...

What exactly did your role in Sutra entail?

Right from the beginning, the challenge was to find something that was not simply a set but could express the condition of a monk’s life, and be an element within a stagescape. I thought of the monk’s life as one of containment – limitation of physical movement and limitation of choice in order to expand consciousness.

The monks train their bodies through a highly disciplined mixture of qigong and kung

fu. Uniform 160cm x 60cm x 60cm boxes were a way of making a unit that could become walls, mountains, labyrinths and pools, while at the same time carry the metaphor of the containment of the mind in the body.

We worked with the boxes in Shaolin right from the beginning. The boxes become like second bodies, despite their awkwardness and highly geometric character.

Was it an enjoyable process?

The most rewarding parts

involved encouraging older monks who hadn’t practiced for many years to demonstrate and remember moves that were lost during [1960s/1970s Chinese communist political movement] the Cultural Revolution. There was a sense that we were recovering the lost language of the early inspiration of kung fu. Dancers and kung fu practitioners use the fundamental language of the body. The reward was to see, in often sub-zero temperatures, their enormous energy being formed into new constellations.

This isn’t the first time you’ve worked with Sadler’s Wells. How did you first become involved with them?

I admire [creative executive/ artistic director] Alistair Spalding and consider him a personal friend. I’m very

march 2012 WHAT’S ON 19

Abu Dhabi Festival proud to be associated with Sadler’s Wells. It’s now one of the great producing houses of contemporary dance in Europe.

You’ve been responsible for some of the UK’s most iconic public artworks.

How do you decide where to locate your work?

In the most successful instances, the location decides the nature of the work, like Birmingham’s Iron Man and Gateshead’s Angel Of The North.

What else are you working on at the moment?

Presently, three big shows. The first is Horizon Field Hamburg for [contemporary art and photography centre] the Deichtorhallen. I’m making a 50m x 25m shiny black floor that will hang eight metres from the floor and oscillate according to the movements of the 100 people that will be allowed onto it at any one time. I’m making Vessel, a 32-tonne work made out of 37 open steel boxes that will constitute a body lying with its head on the stage of a 1930s cinema in San Gimignano, Italy. I’m also putting together a retrospective show in Brazil that will tour Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia.

Are you familiar with the Emirates’ architecture?

I’ve flown over the UAE many times but never visited. I’m amazed by the potential of architecture in the UAE. I would love to have the opportunity to work in the desert.

Mar 26, Auditorium, Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 8pm (pre-concert talk 7pm), Dhs295 to Dhs495. Tel: (02) 6510300. sadlerswells.com

March Mirth

Abu Dhabi Festival isn’t the only fest in town this month. Slightly smaller in scale, Abu Dhabi International Comedy Festival launches with two evenings of stand-up from around the globe. First up is Canadian-Filipino funnyman Ron Josol, while the second night is headlined by Lebanon’s selfdubbed ‘professional smile maker’ Nemr Abou Nassar, supported by stars of What’s On’s past comedy cover feature Ali Al Sayed, Rohit Jayakaran, Mina Liccione and Brent Jenkins.

Mar 8 to 9, National Theatre, 1st Zaid Street, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs75 to Dhs125 per night, VIP Dhs225 to Dhs375. Tel: (050) 2674974. skyevent.ae

20 WHAT’S ON march 2012

LA BAYADÈRE

(THE TEMPLE DANCER)

Fast-rising German company Semperoper Ballett present La Bayadère (The Temple Dancer) at Abu Dhabi Festival, a classical ballet set in ancient India. We asked Semperoper’s Canadian-born artistic director Aaron S Watkin to demystify some popular ballet lingo, for those who don’t know their ballerinas from their derrières...

ARABESQUE This is a very common pose that dancers make, like a cup shape. It’s where the girl lifts her leg up at the back, forming a line that is characteristic of Arab art and architecture.

FOUETTÉ Ladies do foutteés usually. In most classical productions, it’s a series of 32 turns that they do at some point.

GRAND ALLEGRO This means, basically, ‘big jump’. The men jump in the air, turn two times, and come down, sort of like ice skaters do.

POINTE WORK A lot of people never really understand that the women are standing on their toes on special pointe shoes that are not made from concrete. They’re actually made from papier-mâché, from layers of cardboard, glue and material, moulded so it supports their foot. Men don’t go ‘en pointe’. It’s only for women, to make them look lighter.

Mar 30 to 31, Auditorium, Emirates Palace, 8pm, Dhs295 to Dhs495. Tel: (02) 6510300. semperoper.de

People never understand that the women are actually standing on their toes

Abu Dhabi Festival

BELOVED FRIEND

Royal Opera House production Beloved Friend is based on the remarkable true story of celebrated composer Tchaikovsky and his financial guardian angel Nadezhda von Meck.

The pair exchanged more than 1,000 letters over 13 years of correspondence, yet never met. Beloved Friend’s writer and narrator Sir Ronald Harwood CBE, who won an Oscar for his screenplay for hit movie The Pianist, explains more...

Why should novices or casual operagoers see Beloved Friend?

First, Beloved Friend is not an opera. Although it combines drama, singing and dancing – the traditional ingredients of opera – it’s more of an entertainment. The leading characters,Tchaikovsky, Madame von Meck and the narrator, do not sing, but through them the story of this strange relationship unfolds, illustrated by music, song and dance, all by Tchaikovsky. I believe it is a little-known story, told in an original and entertaining form that, if past performances are anything to go by, enchants the audience. I think casual opera fans and novices would be equally enchanted.

Do you think such a story could develop nowadays, in the age of modern communications and transport?

No, I don’t think such a story is possible today, even given emails. The psychology of the two individuals was unique, and it’s highly unlikely they would find modern counterparts.

Is the production’s storyline adapted for the 21st century in any way?

No. I’ve been faithful to the period in which it takes place, and that makes it all the more powerful.

Prince Charles requested a private performance of Beloved Friend at Buckingham Palace last year. That must have been exciting? And rather nerve wracking?

Best of the rest

It was, particularly for me. I had to attend the palace in the morning to receive my knighthood from the Prince Of Wales, have lunch with my family, then rush back to the palace to rehearse.

Thankfully, we had the services of a wonderful technical crew from the Royal Opera House, marvellous actors and international singers – most of whom will also be in Abu Dhabi – who rehearsed without complaint.

In the evening, they gave a faultless performance, much admired, I’m happy to say, by all those present, including the Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Emirates Palace, the venue in Abu Dhabi, is equally grand. Does performing at one palace help prepare for another?

I have no doubt that performing in one palace helps prepare for another, but I don’t think we ought to become blasé.

Are you aware of many operatic talents in the Emirates? Do you think that the art form could become more prominent in the region?

I can’t see any reason why not. I’m not aware of opera talents in the UAE, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any.

How do you expect the audience in Abu Dhabi to react to the production?

I have every hope they will react in much the same way as audiences in London. The story, and especially Tchaikovsky’s music, has a universality that I believe is irresistible.

Apr 2, Auditorium, Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 8pm (pre-concert talk 7pm), Dhs495.

Tel: (02) 6510300. roh. org.uk

In addition to our featured picks, there are dozens of other events around the city during Abu Dhabi Festival, spanning art to contemporary and classical music. Iraqi artist Hassan Massoudy’s Gestures Of Light exhibition – focusing on his calligraphy works and a selection of new canvas paintings – is on display throughout the festival at the Ghaf Gallery (Mar 19 to Apr 15, Sat to Thur 10am to 9pm, free). A host of Europe’s finest classical names come together at Emirates Palace Auditorium for Resplendent Russia (Mar 22, 8pm, Dhs295 to Dhs495), starring the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, world-famous violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov and award-winning conductor Yuri Temirkanov. The following day, FrenchLebanese talent Ibrahim Maalouf, the world’s only quartertone trumpeter to play Arab music, brings award-winning, genre-crossing wares to Abu Dhabi Theatre (Mar 23, 9pm, Dhs150 to Dhs200).

The festival is, to its credit, supporting local creativity as well as importing the finest global entertainment.

The latest offering from Resuscitation Theatre, stage champions in Abu Dhabi all the year round, is The Rivals (Majlis Tent, Sahil Al Meydan, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, free, booking required). With characters including Lydia Languish and Mrs Malaprop, you won’t be surprised to learn it’s a comedy of errors.

And the sultry sounds of Nat King Cole’s daughter, Grammy-decorated veteran vocalist Natalie Cole, floats into the Emirates Palace Auditorium (Apr 4, 8pm, Dhs295 to Dhs495), making her first appearance in the Middle East.

Tel: (050) 9076158. abudhabifestival.ae

march 2012 WHAT’S ON 21

NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS

snow patrol

A

fter several years and two albums plugging away to little reward, Snow Patrol hit pay dirt with breakthrough album Final Straw, and went on to become one of the biggest bands in the world. What’s On gave bassist Paul ‘Pablo’ Wilson a call ahead of their first appearance in Dubai...

Sandance is held on Nasimi beach.

You must have played a few beach festivals over the years, but you don’t seem like the kind of guys who spend a lot of time on the beach?

No, we never have played one, actually.

I’m the kind of person that wears jeans at the beach. Jeans and boots. Is it going to be really hot?

Probably in the low 30s, at least...

My goodness. That’s brilliant.

Are you aware of the rest of the bill?

It’s quite an unusual mishmash: the main acts are Calvin Harris, M People and Erick Morillo...

M People? [Laughs] That’s a bit strange.

It’s kind of cool, though, because it sounds like more of a party vibe. Dance music and more upbeat stuff, then we can play our miserable songs and make everyone cry at the end. [Laughs] You’ve never played the Middle East before. What can we expect?

We’ve never even played anywhere close to Dubai, so it’s going to be pretty interesting. It will be a bit smaller than

multi-million-selling British indie-rock stars Snow Patrol jet into the UaE for their first-ever show in the region at the latest edition of Sandance.The Chasing Cars hitmakers are joined on a bumper bill by Scottish scamp calvin harris, legendary spinner Erick morillo, blasts-from-the-pop-past m People, plus mischievous hip hop-loving London pals DJ Yoda and Dan Greenpeace march 2012 WHAT’S ON 23

snow patrol

our shows in the UK. They need, like, eight trucks and seven tour buses. It would probably cost about £1m to get that to Dubai.

But we’ve been playing through Europe at half the scale and you can’t really tell the difference.

Apparently frontman Gary Lightbody and lead guitarist Nathan Connolly are scared of flying. Will you be sweating on the flight over here?

Who really does enjoy flying?

Nathan and Gary especially don’t. We had a flight back from New Zealand once and the plane fell about 2,000ft out the sky for about half an hour. They didn’t like flying after that. I was OK with it. I just slept mostly. I tend to sleep on planes. The minute I get on I just pass out.

Why do you think there was such a huge gulf in your popularity between early Snow Patrol albums, when the band were struggling to make ends meet, and the latter-day multi-million sellers?

We’ve gone from playing in front of 20 people in a pub, a dog drinking your pint on the stage, to what we’re doing now.

I think it was the song Run that really connected with people.

I remember the first time we played it live, before the album [Final Straw] had come out and before people really knew the band. There were people singing it at the gig. People loved it. That was the point where we really started to notice things changing.

Did you have any inkling that Run would be so big?

Nah. I don’t think anybody’s very good at spotting what’s going to be successful. Some people in record companies get lucky, but you never really know. It’s all about timing and all sorts of things. But with, say, Chasing Cars, we knew that was going to be big. We didn’t ever realise it would be as big as it was, but we recorded three versions, trying to get it perfect. It was a rock song, then it was a dancier song, then it became a ballad. We knew the song was good. It would be quite funny if people could hear the different ways it sounded.

Gary is probably the most 24 WHAT’S ON march 2012

That does happen started and that was pretty crazy. quite a lot. If I Then we were in Santa Monica, don’t have my because Nathan and Gary were pass with me at a living there anyway, so we rented gig it’s like ‘Nah a house nearby in Malibu that Snow Patrol are the main attraction at you can’t get in’. had these great sea views. We set Sandance, but a generation-spanning It happens, like, up in there because we’ve got our selection of other acts will also grace once a week. own studio equipment. We didn’t Nasimi Beach. Scot pop savant Calvin [Laughs] really need to go in the studio.

Harris heads the support card, currently Snow Patrol are Studios don’t have windows. Who preparing for his as-yet-untitled third possibly the wants to sit in a black room for album, due later this year. A star in his own most successful months? The hardest thing about right thanks to singles like Acceptable In band to come writing an album when you’re The 80s and The Girls, he’s also hit the charts out of the 1990s living by a beach is to not go to with production work for Rihanna, Dizzee Scottish indiethe beach every day. [Laughs] But Rascal and Kylie Minogue. Reformed poprock scene. it was a quite difficult album to soulsters M People, one of the 1990s, most Was there any write. The last album [A Hundred successful groups, lend a relaxing element resentment of Million Suns] didn’t sell as much to proceedings, while similarly experienced your success as the others. We had to make veteran deckmaster Erick Morillo is one of back home Fallen Empires twice as good. the most respected underground DJs of from lesser You’re touring a heck of a lot all time. Hip hop funsters Dan Greenpeace bands? in the coming months. Do and DJ Yoda complete the bill.

Yeah a little bit, you still get excited to head but that’s what out on the road or is it more a happens if you’re necessary evil? recognisable band member, classed as an indie band and you I really enjoy it now. When you’re and even he claims not many get some success. What does younger and partying all the time people recognise him in the ‘indie’ mean anyway? If you’re an you get totally burnt out and so street. Do you count yourselves underdog and have great songs, tired; it would be tough. Now, lucky to be so successful people will champion you. If it’s actually pretty good. You’re without having to deal with you’re successful and have great in a five-star hotel every day the perils of celebrity? songs, people will be like [affects with a gym and a spa. It’s great.

Yeah I do. But there’s a choice bitter voice] ‘Ah, they’re a**holes’. Relaxing. It’s better than being at – people who are famous want Fallen Empires was recorded home sometimes.

Mar 9, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis to be the majority of the time. in some beautiful locations, We do one photoshoot for each notably Malibu. Are paradises The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, album and that’s it. We’re not in more inspiring than, say, inner Dhs295, Dhs250 adv, Dhs400 VIP. Tel: (055) 2004321. sandance.ae the public eye. We don’t even city Scotland? really have a publicist. I go on It was a little bit of both really. the underground every day in Joshua Tree [location of the London and nobody’s ever said Rancho De La Luna studio] is anything to me. And I’m quite barren dessert, a little house Would you like to win tickets often with Gary. in the middle of nowhere and the chance to meet Snow Patrol?

Has that ever led to any where Queens Of The Simply e-mail withwithwhatson@ unusual circumstances? For Stone Age, Foo Fighters motivate.ae with SANDANCE in the instance, not getting let into and Arctic Monkeys have subject line and tell us… your own shows? recorded. That’s where we What is the lead singer’s surname? a) Lightbody b) Heavybody c) Snowbody

BEACH BUDDIES

WIN!

ABU DHABI’S SEVEN WILDLIFE WONDERS As by far the greenest of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is home to a wealth of wildlife just waiting to be discovered, in and outside the capital city. From the exotic to the iconic, we journeyed far and wide to detail where to spot everything from Arabian oryx to white lions. I-Spy books at the ready...

26 WHAT’S ON march 2012

march 2012 WHAT’S ON 27

I

II

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

The country’s most impressive collection of falcons

Lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars

Icons of the Emirates, falcons are perhaps the most pampered wildlife in the entire region. Although their use for hunting has been illegal in the UAE for many years, the finest specimens can still change hands for millions, and are afforded first-class travel and even personal passports (really). In other words, they require special attention. Founded in 1999 as the UAE’s first public facility of its kind, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital welcomes visitors on tours around its free-flight aviary, museum and falcon examination rooms, giving a glimpse into the world of its feathered friends. You can get very up close and personal with photos of the majestic birds sitting on your arm as part of the tour packages, which last between two and three hours. The hospital isn’t solely an avian concern, however, and also takes in unwanted pet cats and dogs, with adoption services.

This Emirati royal family-funded sanctuary has stood in its current location for seven years, rescuing exotic species either confiscated at customs or once kept as illegal pets. Extravagant tastes and a penchant for gifting wild animals in the UAE have swelled the centre’s sprawling network of spacious enclosures, which house an impressive selection of big cats, including hulking white lions, Bengal tigers and cheetahs, including the one that hit the headlines last year when it was found wandering injured around the streets of Abu Dhabi (thankfully now fully recovered).

A number of less fearsome beasts – tortoises, turtles, red deer, gazelles, goats, donkeys, wildfowl, domestic cats and dogs – also call the centre home. Many of the animals breed in captivity and some are eventually released into the wild. All of which makes Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre (ADWC) an inspiring location to visit, its inhabitants appearing genuinely content with improved standards of living.

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

HOW TO GET THERE:

On the Sweihan Road, turn right before the Al Falah exit (30a) and follow signposts for the hospital.

Sun to Thur 10am to 2pm, Dhs170 to Dhs220. Tel: (02) 5755155. falconhospital.com

WEEkEndS On THE WiLdSidE

If you really want to splash the cash in pursuit of nature, Desert Islands has just begun a special Weekends On The Wildside package: for Dhs11,770 per room, you bag a two-night stay with breakfast, a wildlife drive, an activity and spa treatments, all for two people.

Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre

HOW TO GET THERE:

Only accessible from a dirt track beyond Mussafah, ADWC is so tricky to locate that the centre themselves recommend meeting for collection at the nearest ADNOC petrol station, on the Al Ain Truck Road past Dalma Mall and before the turn-off onto the highway to Tarif.

One-hour guided tour by appointment Dhs45. Tel: (050) 7218169. Search ‘Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre’ on Facebook

THE 12 JEWELS OF THE UAE

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has earmarked a dozen iconic species as the Emirates’ wildlife ‘jewels’. A million spotter points if you can spy them all...

1. Houbara bustard

2. Caracal

3. Dugong

4. Saker falcon

5. Greater flamingo

6. Blanford’s fox

7. Arabian sand gecko

8. Arabian oryx

11. Mountain gazelle

12. Hawksbill turtle

9. Pharaoh eagle owl 10. Sand cat

28 WHAT’S ON march 2012

ferrariworldabudhabi.com

IT’S YOUR TURN

TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL

Get set to rev your engines. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, you finally have the chance to get behind the wheel and see where your imagination takes you. When you visit the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, you’ll finally have the chance to live the Ferrari dream in ways you never imagined possible. Experience the legend like never before, with over 20 rides and attractions in the world’s largest indoor theme park.

III

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BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

More of a family day out than an expedition into uncharted Abu Dhabi wilds, Al Ain Zoo nevertheless houses a wealth of endangered species worth the travelling time (should you not already reside in the UAE’s Garden City, of course). Founded by Sheikh Zayed in 1968, the zoo is still going strong four decades later, currently looking after more than 4000 animals.

Geographically grouped mixed exhibits allow animals to roam a wider multi-species habitat: the African area, for example, has just welcomed four new eland antelopes, alongside zebras, southern white rhinos, giraffes, fringe-eared oryx, several types of gazelles, storks and ostriches. The whole experience could turn unpleasantly bloody for spectators were the entire zoo arranged in such a fashion, of course, so don’t expect to see the extensive range of carnivores, from crocodiles to hyenas, outside species-specific enclosures.

The zoo hosts regular up-close experiences throughout the day, such as giraffe feeding and a bird show. Pro tip, though: try to avoid visiting in the midday heat, when half the animals are understandably preoccupied with seeking out shade, often obscuring them from view from outside the enclosures.

Lying between the capital city’s main island and Saadiyat and Yas islands, the mangroves are an almost untouched mini-paradise. Mere minutes from two major highways, they are contrastingly tranquil as a deserted beach. Wildfowl and wading birds are commonplace and you can see why: air or water are the only two routes into this saltwatersurrounded area. Even the hardiest 4x4 won’t help here, explorers, so the best way to witness such natural beauty first hand is to grab an oar and get kayaking. Several companies run trips, and What’s On sampled Al Mahara’s mangrove kayaking tour, a 90-minute-plus adventure that rewards some taxing paddle-work with intimate routes right into the centre of the mangroves. We were able to drift within feet of a pair of grey herons, saw many different types of fish dart beneath our craft – including a large mangrove snapper – and viewed a pink cluster of flamingos from afar. A pair of red foxes are native on a beach area where the excursion temporarily lands en route, too. You’ll also likely get acquainted with the local flora: navigating the extremely tight waterways within the mangroves means ducking and diving around protruding branches to avoid being inadvertently hooked into the water.

Al Ain Zoo Giraffes, rhinos, meerkats, chimpanzees, crocodiles

HOW TO GET THERE:

From the highway from Abu Dhabi, take the main road (135th Street) into Al Ain, then after the UAE University turn onto Zayed Al Awwal Street and follow signposts for the zoo.

Daily until June, 9am to 8pm (last tickets 7pm), Dhs15. Tel: (03) 7828188. awpr.ae

BU TinAH iSLAnd

Mangroves Flamingos, mangrove snapper fish, red foxes, Egyptian geese, grey herons

HOW TO GET THERE

Trips launch from either Yas Links Golf Club or the Eastern Lagoon near the substation at the East Road slip road turn-off of Salam Street.

Daily by appointment, Dhs150 (kayaks, paddles and lifejackets are provided). Tel: (050) 1118125. divemahara.com

Were the public able to visit the unspoilt beauty of Bu Tinah island, it would have made our main list of Abu Dhabi’s wildlife wonders. But at the same time, that remoteness is the very reason why the private nature reserve remains so untouched by the litter-dropping, construction-happy juggernaut that is mankind. Teeming with sealife, the coral archipelago boasts the world’s densest population of the endangered, manatee-esque dugong. Hundreds of hawksbill turtles are born on the island each year, while seabirds are plentiful, including cormorants, terns, herons and ospreys. Bu Tinah’s status as a true gem was confirmed when it became the only Arabian finalist in last year’s New Seven Wonders Of The World competition. butinah.ae

30 WHAT’S ON march 2012

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Qasr Al Sarab BEST FOR:

Gazelles, Arabian oryx, camel spiders, Arabian hares, spiny-tailed lizards, scorpions, sand snakes There isn’t much in the way of civilisation on the highway into the Liwa desert, so there’s a good chance of spotting some wildlife on the drive toward Qasr Al Sarab. Sand gazelles frolic beyond the light scrubland that borders the Hameem Road, while the mounted camel spider in the five-star resort’s library is an indication of what you can see if you brave the desert expanses outside the resort. Arabian hares, spinytailed lizards, scorpions and sand snakes all frequent this unforgiving habitat, in addition to a small herd of Arabian oryx soon to be released. Take a dawn desert walk or mountain bike ride near the resort and you’ll see a host of tracks left by animals overnight. There are camels, too, albeit tame animals ridden on short treks across Qasr Al Sarab’s Camel Valley, and a clutch of falcons used for regular falconry displays.

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Abu Dhabi, take the E11 highway towards Tarif for 15km and turn off towards Hameem.

Pass the Emirates National Motor Museum, follow this road for 150km past the petrol station at Hameem, then U-turn and turn off onto the track signposted for Qasr Al Sarab.

Tel: (02) 8862088. qasralsarab.anantara.com

VI

Sir Bani Yas Island BEST FOR:

Hyenas, cheetahs, Arabian oryx, giraffes, mountain goats Sir Bani Yas island is a veritable exercise in isolation, requiring a two-to-three-hour drive from the capital, followed by a short boat crossing. The island’s wildlife reserve is more than worth the effort, though.

Established in the 1970s by Sheikh Zayed, his legacy lives on in a sprawling habitat full of gazelle, Arabian oryx, giraffes, and, in the highest region at the island’s

core, mountain goats and hyenas. Perhaps most excitingly, several cheetahs roam the island, although are kept out of harm’s way in semi-enclosed areas. The Desert Islands Resort & Spa on Sir Bani Yas offers a range of nature and wildlife drives and walks, plus early morning mountain bike trips almost guaranteed to include gazelles skipping across your path. And the resort’s soon-to-be-opened watersports centre will improve on the existing opportunities to explore the island’s sea life, currently via snorkelling and kayaking, with migratory birds and flamingos regularly visible.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take E11 highway towards Tarif.

Pass Tarif, Mirfa and Baynoona and take Ruwais exit. Continue past Ruwais and follow signs to Jebel Dhanna, then Desert Islands Resort & Spa. Take water taxi from Jebel Dhanna jetty.

Tel: (02) 8015400. desertislands.anantara.com

VII

The Arabian Gulf BEST FOR:

Dugongs, dolphins, hawksbill turtles Be warned, you’ll need your PADI certification if you want to explore the wonders of the Arabian Gulf. But, if you have it, a range of scuba diving trips depart from the Abu Dhabi International Marina Sports Club’s marina. You can sample snorkelling or tank dives, either in local seas (within 30km) or fully offshore. Ironically, some of the most fertile habitats are manmade: plentiful shipwrecks around the Abu Dhabi coast are overrun with sealife. Elsewhere, some of the Emirates’ most celebrated marine species can be spotted, from the prehistoric-like dugong to everybody’s favourite blowhole-equipped trick-pullers, dolphins, and the protected hawksbill turtle. You’ll be surrounded by more fish than a branch of Harry Ramsden’s, too.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Excursions leave from the marina at Abu Dhabi International Marina Sports Club, adjacent to the capital’s Marina Mall.

Daily 8.15am, Dhs230 to Dhs550, additional rates apply for equipment hire.

Tel: (02) 6437377. divemahara.com

march 2012 WHAT’S ON 31

motor racing

LIFE’S A

Few nations on Earth are as car obsessed as the Emirates, which guarantees plenty to occupy petrolheads around the UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi. But there’s much more going on than the capital’s once-a-year Formula 1 blowout. So strap in, rev up and zoom off to these high-octane thrills and attractions…

32 WHAT’S ON march 2012

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avigating the capital’s highways, you could be forgiven for thinking that almost every red stoplight has the potential for an impromptu drag race. For the real thing, however, What’s On Abu Dhabi Features Editor Adam took his prized wheels to Yas Drag Racing Centre for an open drag race...

If speed is your obsession in Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit is something of a magnetic force.

While its open track days are

well known in the capital, giving would-be Lewis Hamiltons the opportunity to slide their road cars around one of the world’s finest Formula 1 circuits, the regular open drag races are a slightly better kept secret.

After a short registration, you’re handed a crash helmet (Dhs100 to hire, and in different headfriendly sizes) before a short safety presentation to explain the do’s and don’ts. We take particular note not to U-turn on the quarter-mile drag strip – that would be a bad idea.

Abu Dhabi is one of the few cities where you can roll around

DRAG

in a 305-horsepower car – my 2012 Ford Mustang, to be precise – and only feel moderately special, as supercharged muscle cars, Ferraris and Lamborghinis whiz around your mirrors. So it comes as a scant surprise that my factory spec motor is almost mundane alongside the hundreds of thousands of dirhams worth of precision engineering on show here: Mercedes SLRs duke it out with, among others, souped-up SUVs, custom stock cars and worryingly muscular modified BMW X6s. For car buffs, even if you’re not racing, these races are

something of a motorised fashion parade. Everywhere you look, photographs are being taken; showing off is part of the fun.

We join the expensive queue waiting two-by-two to enter the drag strip like some kind of highoctane Noah’s ark. The atmosphere is jovial, most drivers seeming thrilled just to put their foot down without negotiating the capital’s usual hazards of speed cameras and badly driven Toyota Corollas.

A short wait later, we’re at the head of the queue, facing off against a flash-looking brilliant white Lexus.

After rolling into position on the

start line, you wait for two amber lights to sequentially illuminate, indicating you’re in place. All the lights go amber. Then, when the lights flash to green, its pedal to the metal time.

I’m tentative on the first run, managing a time of just over 15 seconds as I’m left in my rival’s exhaust and tyre smoke. But even taking things comparatively easy, once up to speed the drag is thrillingly narrow, flanked by barriers and spectator stands on either side. A more confident second attempt yields better results: a victory, largely thanks

to a disqualification on the other side of the track, shaving a couple of tenths of a second off my previous time and hitting a peak of 155.46kph. It’s exhilarating, and there’s a palpable heartbeat thumping faster as I jam on the brakes post-finish line.

Deciding to avoid the traditional tyre-heating burnout before the lights turn green saves my chunky Pirellis for another day.

The hardy throng of spectators in attendance – dominated by an enthusiastic Emirati contingent – cheer excitedly whenever anybody does light up their rubber, though, march 2012 WHAT’S ON 33

motor racing as well as every occasion that an impressive time or top speed is registered.

If you don’t want to risk your own means of transport, meanwhile, there are several options: jump in one of the Drag Racing Centre’s formidable 6.2-litre Chevrolet Camaro SS monsters (Dhs600 per night, or Dhs150 per run), or, for the full-on experience, catch a passenger ride in the terrifying Yas

SuperComp three-seat dragster (from Dhs500). Want to take it to the next level? At Yas Drag Racing Academy, you can even qualify as a pro drag racer (from Dhs8,500).

Make sure you only eat a light dinner first, we’d recommend.

Thur, Yas Drag Racing Centre, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to midnight, Dhs300 per competitor (plus Dhs30 crew fee). Tel: (800) 927. yasmarinacircuit.ae

Not-so-super series

This month’s scheduled i1 Super Series, which was due to bring former Formula 1 stars including Jacques Villeneuve, Giancarlo Fisichella and Jean Alesi to Abu Dhabi, has been postponed. The decision was taken due to initial delays that led to subsequent scheduling problems for many of the drivers, who were committed to other race series around the globe. The inaugural season, including the UAE leg, will now be rescheduled for 2013. i1superseries.com

Pimp your ride

Anybody who’s cast even a cursory glance at MTV show Pimp My Ride will know that your car gains plentiful extra kudos with a raft of personal modifications.

Gladly, Abu Dhabi has its own answer to that Xzibit/Tim Westwood-hosted televisual vehicle: custom shop Neoglow can turn even the most nondescript motor into a thing of eye- and eararresting beauty. Lights are one of the company’s main lines of expertise, with choices of LED strips, underbody neon kits and even specialised headlights for desert driving; check out their online gallery for evidence. Swish stereos also feature prominently, with all manner of trunk-filling customised amplifiers, subwoofers and speakers available to make your tunes blast out as impressively as your car looks, as well as soundproofing to ensure engine/wind/ road noise doesn’t drown out the stereo at highway speeds. Everything comes with a lifetime guarantee, but should you get sick of all those extra glowing bells and whistles, the company also offer a comprehensive uninstallation service.

SM Electronics, behind KM Hypermaket/ opposite Emirates Driving School, 16th Street, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm. Tel: (055) 7116379. neoglow.net

Beamer bounty The world’s largest BMW showroom has just opened in Umm Al Nar, Abu Dhabi.

The Dhs300m site is home to 35,000 square metres of BMWs, Rolls-Royces, Minis and more, including many models available for the first time in the region. bmw-abudhabi.com 34 WHAT’S ON march 2012

Royal motorcade Abu Dhabi’s most obvious motor-based destination might remain Ferrari World, yet you’re likely to see almost as many real-life Italian stallions parked outside the average five-star hotel as at the Yas Island theme park.

For a genuine glittering line-up of incredible motors, from luxurious to plain ridiculous, the Emirates National Auto Museum is a far better bet. Housing the private collection of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, aka

The Rainbow Sheikh, his multi-million dollar automotive eye candy encompasses a multicoloured selection of Mercedes-Benz, dozens of whippet-quick sports cars – including What’s On personal fave, a Dodge Viper GTS – various army vehicles, Jeeps, Rolls-Royce, Minis, beach buggies, SUVs and several vehicles custom made by the Sheikh himself. The most impressive in the latter category is an imposing five-metrehigh Dodge pick-up truck (reportedly the world’s largest), replete with a full home inside and sizeable helipad out back. And outside the main building, it’s hard to miss a humungous Planet Earth trailer, which houses ten rooms.

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Abu Dhabi, take the E11 towards Tarif for around 15km, then turn left onto the E65 towards Hameem. After about 10km, look out for the humungous Land Rover on the left-hand side of the road, which stands at the front of the museum.

Mon to Sat 8am to 6pm, Dhs50. enam.ae

WIN! WIN! WIN! For your chance to win, e-mail

A duo of delightful prizes to pamper you this month

winwithwhatson@motivate.ae

with the name of the prize in the subject line, plus the answer to the question and your contact details by March 31

WIN! A two-nigHt stAy At MövenpiCk Hotel DeiRA Minutes from the Gold Souk and Dubai Creek, the Mövenpick in Deira offers a rooftop pool, shuttle bus to the beach and a host of restaurants. We have a two-night weekend stay for two people, including breakfast, plus dinner at Wok In, where you’ll find PanAsian favourites based around a noodle theme. For your chance to win, simply tell us…

Which of the following cuisines is not available at Wok In? a) Indonesian b) Thai c) French

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For your chance to win a prize that is guaranteed to transform your weekends, e-mail us and get this question right…

Where is Riva Beach Club situated? a) The Palm b) Downtown c) TECOM

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 37

WIN! WIN! WIN! A pair of prizes to keep you well fed this month

Win! SuSHi And teppAnyAki foR fouR At MinAto Fish fans listen up, we’re treating you and three To enter pals to a Japanese this fantastic feast at Minato at the competition, just e-mail Radisson Blu Hotel, winwithwhatson@motivate.ae Dubai Deira Creek. with ‘MINATO‘ One of the city’s in the subject line and longest-standing the correct answer restaurants, Minato has to the question been serving up sushi, sashimi, speciality dishes and teppanyaki for over a decade. If you’d like to experience its legendary food and hospitality, you’ll have to get this question right…

What does Minato translate to in English? a) Harbour b) Labour c) Neighbour

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We’d like to invite one lucky winner to enjoy dinner for two, complete with champagne. For your chance to win, simply tell us…

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38 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

film

New ReleAses

We Bought A Zoo

Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close

The Devil Inside

The devil inside

We Bought a Zoo

extremely loud and incredibly close

Who?

Fernanda Andrade, Simon Quarterman, Evan Helmuth, Suzan Crowley, William Brent Bell (director)

Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Patrick Fugit, Cameron Crowe (director)

Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn, Max von Sydow, John Goodman, Stephen Daldry (director)

Tagline

‘No soul is safe’

‘From the director of Jerry Maguire’

“This is not a story about September 11th, it’s a story about every day after”

once upon a Time...

Twenty years after a mother killed three clergy during an exorcism ritual being performed on her, her grown-up daughter headed to Rome to investigate, but soon found herself dragged home to face her demonic destiny.

A widower tried to kick-start a new life for himself and his recently expelled son by buying up a big house with a zoo in the back yard, but financial troubles and family strife threatened to derail the public reopening.

The son of a man killed in the Twin Towers recalled his time with his father, and an unfinished scavenger hunt ending in a mysterious key. Soon, the arrival of a stranger spurred him on to track down what it opened.

ideal if you’re in The mood To...

Wade through a murky, decidedly unsavoury lake of pseudo-spiritual codswallop while waiting with baited yawn for the next inevitable made-you-jump moment.

See a film wearing its heart unapologetically on its sleeve – sure, it’s cheesy at times, but the fighting spirit of Benjamin Mee’s original memoir has been translated quite nicely on the whole.

Consider a few shamelessly heartstring-tugging questions around family, nature/nurture and identity, while a cast of stellar names lend the vaguely fluffy premise a sense of gravitas.

WaTch This if you like...

Found-footage mockumentaries of the sort that The Blair Witch Project made a genre staple – this is all fake, of course, but labours through to a hackneyed sign-off implying that ‘the investigation continues…’

Cameron Crowe’s near-trademark sense of heavyweight romanticism and credulity. Like Jerry Maguire and Say Anything, this survives its triple cynicism bypass thanks to Matt Damon’s fine performance.

Forrest Gump, not only due to the similar reliance on sentimentality and the box office pulling power of Tom Hanks, but because – like this film – it was also adapted for the silver screen by Eric Roth.

Top Trivia

It seems Paramount – evidently hoping to repeat the success of Paranormal Activity – knew early on that it wasn’t to be: this was only screened to critics the night before opening, and they duly slated it.

Damon plays Mee with just enough earthy, everyman humanity to carry Crowe’s unabashedly sentimental flourishes, we can only feel a slight relief that Ben Stiller – an early consideration – didn’t get the role.

The original novel was penned in 2005 by Jonathan Safran Foer, the same year that Liev Schreiber adapted Foer’s earlier work, Everything Is Illuminated, with Elijah Wood in the lead role.

WhaT’s on Ten Words or less revieW

Significantly less scary than the fact it was actually made.

Effortlessly charming, despite the missed opportunities to explore darker themes.

Heavy on whimsy, light on background – a potentially divisive affair.

raTe or slaTe?

★✩✩✩✩

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩

40 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

The Hunger Games

Wrath Of The Titans

Dr Seuss’ The Lorax

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

dr seuss’The lorax

The hunger games

Wrath of The Titans

The Best exotic marigold hotel

Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, Chris Renaud (director)

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Gary Ross (director)

Sam Worthington, Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson, Danny Huston, Jonathan Liebesman (director)

Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Tom Wilkinson, Maggie Smith, John Madden (director)

“Meet the original force of nature”

‘The games will change everyone’

‘Feel the wrath’

None

Ted, a young dreamer with a crush on local girl Audrey, scoured their artificially built hometown to fulfil her dream of seeing a real tree, and learned that a strange orange creature – the Lorax – may hold the solution.

A fraught and unstable future society rose from the ashes of the collapsed USA, with the annual Hunger Games as a cornerstone of the new regime. Rather than honour, its contestants battled for life or death.

Perseus, in semi-retirement from swashbuckling and defeating various mythical beasts, was forced back into the underworld to overthrow the restless Titans and restore the god Zeus to his rightful position.

Dreams of an idyllic, leisurely life in India quickly proved to be somewhat optimistic for a bunch of British retirees, who arrived at the titular rental complex to find it in a state of advanced disrepair.

Delve into the faintly surreal, eternally childlike world of Dr Seuss, rendered in full computergenerated 3D animation, to follow a fetch-quest with an overarching environmental message.

See a sci-fi novel adaptation – this was the first in a trilogy by author Suzanne Collins – tackle a challenging vision of dystopian futures from the point of view of its younger generation.

Delve into a chaotic and fantastical world of muscle-bound he-men and snarling, many-tentacled beasties without worrying about any of them spilling your soda.

Jump on board with a gaggle of heavyweight UK award-hoovers and watch them being terribly… well, British, about living abroad.

Still, as you’d expect, passions eventually begin to stir.

Any of the other Dr Seuss adaptations to hit the big screen – How The Grinch Stole Christmas; The Cat In The Hat or especially the equally computer-reliant recent release, Horton Hears A Who!

Any of Collins’ novels in the series (the next two being Catching Fire and Mockingjay), or numerous other sci-fi society breakdown films – fans of Mad Max might find themselves drawn to this one.

It’s tempting to point straight to the original (1981) Clash Of The Titans, but since the main draw there was always the gorgeous stop-motion work of Ray Harryhausen, aim for the less charming 2010 remake.

Any of the big name leads when they turn their seasoned hand to more contemporary tales. Failing that, anyone with a soft spot for Shirley Valentine might get a kick from the basic setup.

There’s even more of a personal touch to this story than most other Seuss books – the characters of Ted and Audrey were named after the author (Theodor Geisel) and his widow respectively.

The original score was to be composed by Oscar-winner Danny Elfman, best known for The Simpsons and work with Tim Burton, but scheduling conflicts brought in James Newton Howard.

When not holed up in the studio on the outskirts of London, location shoots took place in Surrey, South Wales and Tenerife. Decide for yourself which is most likely to have doubled for a hellish underworld.

Madden and Dench reunite once again, so expect the Dame to look even more at ease than usual – he previously directed her on Shakespeare In Love (1998) and Mrs Brown (1997).

Hardly revelatory, but perfectly sweet family fare all the same.

A feast for the senses while your brain goes hungry.

Overly reliant on big set pieces, but perfectly popcorn-friendly.

The ensemble thrills initially, but the plot fades into retirement.

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

★★★✩✩ MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 41

WHAT’S ON

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

KEY

@WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING No local fish, or only overfished local species e.g. Hammour At least one sustainable local fish dish, but also one or overfished local species More than one sustainable local fish dish, but also one or overfished local species At least one sustainable local fish dish, no overfished local species Several sustainable local fish dishes, no overfished local species

Belgian Cafe

Fully signed up members of the Choosewisely.ae campaign serving only local, sustainable fish species

p45 AMADOR · p48 SIX NEW ABU DHABI BRUNCHES · p51 THECONNOISSEUR MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 43

EATING OUT

FOOD EDITOR'S LETTER Last month was Gourmet Abu Dhabi. This month, it is Taste Of Dubai. Gourmet Abu Dhabi was a rip roaring success, and why wouldn’t it be? The glisten of all those Michelin stars was always going to attract the capital’s foodie’s, whatever the festival’s failings (lack of focus on local chefs and produce, for example).

And Taste Of Dubai will also be popular – I’ll be there myself. But the festival has its deficiencies, too.

It is focused on local restaurants – albeit many international imports – but the roster of 26 participants is off kilter. Many are located in the same hotels, for example – it is far from a broad display of the city’s culinary talent. It’s time the UAE started to boast about all of its restaurants, its local produce and its home-grown talent. Which is why we have created the UAE’s first rated restaurant guide, The Black Hat Guide, which you have received free with this issue. It’s been a slog, but we think the end product was worth it. The UAE has a lot to shout about, and we hope you will find the guide useful. We want you to carry it around, dog ear the pages, make notes, question it, and look forward to The Black Hat Guide 2013.

But before you set off on a culinary odyssey, please read this Eating Out section. We bring you our verdict on Juan Amador’s new restaurant (p45), Beach House (p49), Karma Kafe (p53) and the Belgian Beer Café’s new Dubai flagship (p50). Plus a failsafe recipe for sweet and sour chicken (p47), six new brunches (p48), The Connoisseur on Australian wine (p51), Gary Rhodes’ duck (p52) and all the food news (p56). And when you’ve done with that lot, take a look at The Black Hat Guide, and tell us what you think of our ratings. Hopefully it’s a real taste of not just Dubai but the Abu Dhabi, too.

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

Amador

Molecular gastronomy comes to the capital city, but does Michelin starred chef Juan Amador live up to his reputation?

We begin with tartare Norwegian lobster sat upon a combination of Granny Smith apple seed oil – perhaps a little overpowering – and goat’s cheese. Ever so slightly off target.

But the next dish sets the taste buds tingling. Red mullet with red peppers brought to life by a bisque that really brings out the fish’s delicate flavours.

Our monkfish main is the real peak, however – a NEED TO KNOW moist white parcel slathered Location: Park Rotana, in veal cheeks and spinach, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi it represents a perfect Tel: (02) 6573333 or Abu Dhabi foodies, combination of textures Web: rotana.com the past year has and flavours.

Open: Sun to Fri 7pm to proved fascinating.

The jovial staff will happily 11.30pm (tasting menu Except, until now, embellish a la carte options served until 10.30pm) the deluge of fresh standardwith selections from the Cuisine type: molecular raising restaurants notably degustation menu or Amador’s gastronomy lacked the inspiration of a adjacent tapas bar, and we Must eat: monkfish world heavyweight chef. It’s cleansed our palette with a with Bill for two: Dhs1,000 fair to say, then, that Spanisha refreshing “gin tonic nitro” (without alcohol) German experimentalist – a made-at-the-table liquid Juan Amador’s UAE debut is nitrogen science experiment rather a big deal. with sorbet consistency, IN TWEET FORM But things didn’t get off consumed whole before it hits There’s nothing boring to the best of starts – our room temperature – before or run-of-the-mill at palpable excitement slightly digging in to a gallery-worthy Amador. The result? dulled upon entering the dessert of Valrhona chocolate.

A joyous, boundarydining room’s intimate Not everything worked, pushing dinner to interior. Yes, it is smart, but admittedly – the dining remember aside from visually intriguing chairs were too shallow to be Follow us at walls of seemingly randomly truly comfortable, and our @WhatsOnDubai and arranged golden letters, there aforementioned starter didn’t @WhatsOnAbuDhabi is little to blow you away. quite gel.

Don’t be fooled, however Pushing things forward – it is the restaurant equivalent of a self-assured doesn’t come cheap, either, unsurprisingly; person dressing neatly rather than flashily. while our main seems par for the course, add a Juan Amador clearly possesses the chops – and starter and second course with identical prices, knows it – to shake up Abu Dhabi’s eating and suddenly you’ve blown Dhs400 without out scene, with ideas to spare. So why draw opening the wine list or dessert menu. But attention away from the main attraction? the safety net has been discarded (or possibly The remarkable food strikes an expert employed to magical effect in the kitchen) at balance – boundary pushing yes, but not Amador. And to ruin a phrase, you have to over-clever or self-indulgent. We’re not talking break a few eggs to create a culinary omelette Heston Blumenthal’s test tube burgers here. this eccentrically excellent.

While the menu is infused with a joyous desire to entertain and entrance @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: With no UAE fish on the menu, Amador scores zilch. diners, shock value is eschewed.

F

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 45

EATING OUT

Cook a classic Sweet and sour chicken Noble House chef Larry Tacadena shows us how to cook the quintessential Chinese dish

1

3

2

4

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

For the base: * 200g diced skinless chicken thigh * 10g red bell pepper * 10g green bell pepper * 10g yellow bell pepper * 5g cherry tomatoes * 100g potato flour * 80g egg yolk * Cooking wine (optional) * Onion oil (optional) For the sweet and sour sauce: * 100g plum sauce * 120g rice vinegar * 50g chilli sauce * 100g tomato ketchup * 50g sugar * 200g water * ½ fresh lemon * 10g dark soya sauce

5

6

7

8

First step is to prepare the sweet and sour sauce. Mix all the ingredients together in a pan and boil for an hour on a medium to low heat.

Meanwhile that is happening, move on to the base. Wash and cut the peppers then blanch them with the cherry tomatoes for five seconds in boiling water. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Place the egg yolk in a bowl with the diced chicken and coat with the potato flour, then deepfry the chicken until golden brown. Pre heat the wok to around 120 degrees, pour in the sweet and sour sauce and add the cooking wine and the remainder of the potato flour to thicken. Finally, add the onion. Place the cooked chicken on a plate and serve with rice.

Noble House, Raffles Dubai, Wafi, Tues to Sat 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (04) 3149888. raffles.com MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 47

Eating Out

SIX OF THE BEST:

CAPITAL CITY

BRUNCH BONANZA

Abu Dhabi’s brunch scene has received a shot in the arm from the influx of luxury hotels around the city in recent months. No less than half a dozen brand new brunches are currently throwing down the gauntlet, so stuff a napkin into your collar and get Fridays (and Saturdays) started in style…

outlet. As the title suggests, the prime focus is meaty treats at a number of live barbecue stations.

Whole marinated tiger prawns were our personal favourite. If that isn’t sufficient to get your taste buds booking a table, it’s not all flame-licked flesh – there are salad and dessert stations, too. A resident DJ completes the ambiance, while The Beach House’s rooftop is now open for chilled post-brunch cocktails or champers.

BEST FOR: A castaway afternoon Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4071234. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Brunch WiTh a VieW 01

BarBecue

By The Beach WHERE? The Beach House WHEN? Fridays, 12.30pm to 4pm HOW MUCH? Dhs390, Dhs300 with soft drinks This alliterative little gem makes the very best use of the Park Hyatt’s idyllic Saadiyat setting on the terrace of its Beach House 48 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

02

WHERE? Olea WHEN? 12.30pm to 4pm HOW MUCH? Dhs450 with bubbly, Dhs385 with house beverages, Dhs300 with soft drinks The imposing St Regis’ all-day dining spot Olea is a say-whatyou-see experience, gazing across a paradise landscape of white sands and azure sea.

Mediterranean overtones are all over the Brunch with a View, taking in tapenades, tomato bread, fresh seafood and grilled

delights. You’d be wise to sup on the hotel’s signature Arabian Snapper cocktail while you’re at it. It’s a family-friendly affair: entertainers keep the young ‘uns occupied with magic tricks, plate spinning and face painting.

BEST FOR: A sophisticated yet friendly Friday St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

Marina Brunch WHERE? Boccaccio/ Chamas/Belgian Café WHEN? Fridays, noon to 4pm HOW MUCH? Dhs395 with bubbly, Dhs295 with house beverages The InterCon is obviously wise to variety being the spice of life (repeat clichés to fade). This new whopper offers the choice of two buffets at Boccaccio, plus live cooking stations, and the option of dining in or outside at Chamas or Belgian Café, with live jazz music. This kind of behaviour is why the InterCon remains one of our favourite old school Abu Dhabi haunts. Not convinced?

Take advantage of a buy one get one free deal at the launch event on March 9.

Eating Out BEST FOR: Bubbly brunch brilliance InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

03

Savor the

Midday Till SunSeT Brunch WHERE? Cipriani WHEN? Fridays, noon to sunset HOW MUCH? Dhs150 for three-course set menu including cocktail/mocktail or fully à la carte Sick of buffet brunches? We feel your pain, dear reader, which is 04 why Cipriani’s brunch might just be our new favourite in the capital. Table service immediately ups the class, and there’s a hefty nod to the first two letters of the brunch portmanteau: where many rivals ignore breakfast, here your weekend can begin with rather perfect French toast, pancakes, or one of four imaginative eggs selections, all soundtracked by a guest DJ spinning suitable swish sounds. Things gets a touch noisy on the terrace should race cars be tearing around the adjacent Marina Circuit – the case on the two occasions What’s On has attended to date – but beyond that, Fridays don’t come much more luxurious or relaxing.

BEST FOR: Brunching à la carte and alfresco Cipriani, Building 1, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6575400. cipriani.com

SaTurday Brunch FeVer WHERE? Thirty 1st WHEN? Saturdays, noon to 3pm HOW MUCH? Dhs135 or Dhs85 without beverages After a long week, sometimes

traditional Italian way

01. Beach House 02. Olea

Media City’s only true Bubbly Brunch 06

01. The Beach House 02. Olea 03. Chamas 04. Cipriani 05. Thirty 1st 06. 18°

HOW MUCH? Dhs550 with Veuve Clicquot NV, Dhs450 with house beverages, dragging yourself out of bed at Dhs350 with soft drinks lunchtime just to stuff yourself The leaning tower of silly isn’t so appealing. If that ADNEC, as nobody has yet going out mojo has returned coined Hyatt Capital Gate, come Saturday, however, is an arresting setting. And Holiday Inn has the answer flagship restaurant 18° pulls with a self-styled ‘not-soout all the stops 80 metres heavy’ offering. Get stuck above ground level for this into cold cuts, cheese platters, imaginative brunch, building soups, quiches, kebabs, on its eastern Mediterranean grills, roasts and veg, with all theme. A list of mains are manner of tarts, pastries and featured each week then fresh fruit for afters; by prepared/served brunch standards, tableside, we’re perilously alongside relatively close displays to territory of hot marked and cold ‘healthy’. appetisers, BEST FOR: plus Value for desserts money and pastries Holiday Inn Abu (a real Dhabi, 31st Street, speciality, trust between Muroor and us – kudos to the 05 Airport Roads, Abu Dhabi. pastry chef). Simply Tel: (02) 6574888. holidayinn. select your brunch package, com from classic, through premium, right up to the sky brunch, which includes freeflowing champagne.

BEST FOR: Putting a fresh tilt on your weekend Hyatt Capital Gate, ADNEC, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu WHERE? 18° Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5961234.

WHEN? Fridays, 12.30pm abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt. to 4pm com

Fridays at Certo are not about rushing! Indulge in an Italian-style Friday Brunch with a selection of dishes served at your table. From homemade antipasti and pizzas to fish and meat recipes, all dishes are accompanied by salads and risotto.

1/3 ad

For a true taste of Italy opt for the Bubbly Brunch with unlimited Bubbly, a traditional Italian sparkling treat from the Veneto region.

AED 140 with unlimited soft drinks AED 190 with unlimited house beverages AED 210 with unlimited Bubbly Children aged 6-12 half price Children under 6 years dine free

urBan excluSiVe Brunch

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 49

EATING OUT

Belgian Beer Café The popular pub brand’s UAE flagship is open, but does it offer something the UAE’s other three BBCs don’t?

NEED TO KNOW

Location: Madinat Tel: (04) 4470227 Web: belgianbeercafe. com Open: daily noon to 2am Cuisine type: pub grub/ Belgian Must eat: potato mousseline Bill for two: Dhs400 (without alcohol)

of the raw, chilled flesh to come through, followed by a nice hint of Tabasco. Oysters came in the half shell and had been gratinated in the oven with a touch of beer to bring out the salty, fishy flavour of the slippery little molluscs. Tiny off-pink shrimps (known, confusingly, as grey shrimps) tumbled over a croquette – a delicate crunch, giving way IN TWEET FORM to a sweet, smooth mass of Chef Yves Bas has done a puréed shrimp. fine job of the menu at the Then there was a silky potato new BBC Madinat flagship. mousseline spiked with smoked Big, honest food, excellent salmon and the unmistakable beer and a nice terrace. and beautiful hit of smoked Follow us at eel – one of nature’s greatest @WhatsOnDubai and To be clear, despite the verybody who likes a pint has heard flavours (thank you, nature). @WhatsOnAbuDhabi location and the freedom of the Belgian Beer Café or, as we all Vogelnestje, a heavy (like Bas has with the menu, it’s affectionately know it, the BBC. But a really big rock) dish of still pub grub – homely, comforting, filling. the brand’s new flagship at the Souk hardboiled egg wrapped in minced veal, and Madinat Jumeirah promises something a little But there’s nothing wrong with that, now, served in a tomato sauce on a bed of mashed is there? bit different – a little bit more. potato with a side of fries with mayonnaise If you’re hungry, and of course you are, it Rather tenuously (not that it really (that’s right), was described by chef Bas as will be hard not to order everything. Duck matters), due to the pub’s location – on the “Belgian comfort food”. All we can say is, paté, seafood chowder, smoked salmon, beef site of former seafood restaurant Pisces – life must be tough in Belgium if they need executive chef Yves Bas has decided to present stew, Belgian sirloin, mussels – it’s all there, this much comfort. Definitely not for the begging to be scoffed. We did our best, and a menu swimming with seafood. Bas, who dainty, but a must for those in search of the so spent much more than necessary, but you opened the Belgian Café in Abu Dhabi, is a authentic. should be able to fill your belly for about nice chap, passionate about food and excited Tiger prawns, marinated in spices and Dhs400 for two. to be in Dubai. grilled, were delicious. As was the lobster, An appetiser of steak tartare – served with Take a seat on the terrace, if you can find cooked in herbs, tomato, garlic and shallot not enough (there’s never enough) triangles a table. It’s lovely at this time of year, out of and served in the shell. the way of the main bar area, and the Burj Al of toast – wasn’t overcomplicated by the use Dessert? Waffle, of course. And, served with of endless ingredients, allowing the sweetness ice cream and strawberries and sprinkled with Arab watches over you as you eat. powdered sugar, it was the best example you @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: will find anywhere in the city.

There is a lot of seafood on the menu, but none of it from the waters of the Arabian Gulf And, naturally, the beer is superb. Cheers.

E

50 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

The connoisseur

Andy Cullen is the Director of Operations for Caprice Holdings, the company behind The Ivy and Rivington Grill. A qualified master sommelier and former resident of Australia, he insists that if you avoid the cheap plonk, Australian wine can sit alongside the best bottles in your wine rack The Australian wine industry began with the first settlement back in the 1700s, but it took until the 20th century to really find its identity. In the early part of the century, the focus was on supplying the empire with fortified wines, but beginning in the mid-1960s the still, dry wine industry began to take precedence. Its big break came in the 1970s and early 1980s, when many south Australian producers broke into the UK and US markets by utilising wines labelled with grape varieties, giving the consumer an easy reference point with which choose their wines.

Australia was the first country to label wines by grape variety rather than region, and has been more successful than most of its ‘New World’ counterparts. Now when you look at Australian shiraz from Margaret River, Barossa Valley or Hunter Valley, they will all shout “Australian shiraz” at you, but the subtleties now come through with regional characteristics.

Always start with shiraz, which has become the iconic grape variety of Australia.

South Australian shiraz and the Barossa Valley are the most recognised exponents of a style that pleases people around the world.

Cheaper Australian wine has flooded the market somewhat clouding consumers’ perceptions.

It’s good to buy mediumpriced Australian wine, as it punches well above its weight in quality, and move away from the cheapest of the cheap.

In terms of red, shiraz is the market leader. Cabernet and merlot are also very popular, but ones to look out for would be some of the Italian grapes, Sangiovese or Nebbiolo, which are starting to be used in South Australia to make some very interesting wines. In terms of white, Australia is very strong with chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, but the king of all Australian white wines is the riesling – beloved of the Australian wine maker.

Good Australian shiraz is full bodied, with big round juicy flavours and generally quite a high alcohol content. Eating food with it is advisable, and the more robust the food, the better – a great steak would be perfect, for example.

Riesling in Australia can be bone-dry, the preference of most wine makers, but there are some very commendable off-dry styles as well. Australian seafood benefits from these bone dry rieslings, with Granny Smith apple flavours, citrus notes

and searing acidity.

The wine produced in Australia comes predominantly from South Australia and from the heartlands of the Barossa Clare and Coonawarra, but also look out for some delicate pinot noirs from Adelaide Hills. Western Australia boasts the most hospitable climate for wine, and the region of Margaret River and Swan Valley are worth a mention – and a visit.

Victoria has developed a reputation for producing the top pinot noir, and also in my view produces the best chardonnay. If you’re looking for something sparkling, look no further than Tasmania. The iconic grape variety of New South Wales must be the semillon, which comes bone dry, and is unlike anywhere else in the world.

My favourite undiscovered region is the McLaren Vale, where grenache vines can be found reaching up to 120 years of age. This region produces some truly beguiling wines at very reasonable prices; look out for Yangarra.

If you're looking for more information, the best website is the Australian Wine Bureau (wineaustralia. com). As for a book, Oz Clarke’s Australian Wine Companion is one to look out for. caprice-holdings.co.uk

NEXT MONTH: SPANISH WINE MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 51

Eating Out

ROAST DUCK BREASTS WITH SPINACH, WILD MUSHROOMS AND MAPLE SYRUP VINAIGRETTE SERVES FOUR

"Some people don't like spinach.

Well, there are endless alternatives"

The chef

As an alternative to the duck, I also like eating this dish with lamb. Like the duck, it has that sweet flavour, Gary Rhodes made his first Sunday particularly when you roast aged 13. Today, he’s one of the have new season spring lamb. You cook it in most successful chefs in the business. very much the same Writing exclusively for What’s On, this manner, making sure month Gary explains how to go from a that any fat around beautiful duck dish to vegetarian pasta the cutlet is rendered down. Place them in in eight easy moves the pan upright on their fat. As the pan heats it n March you will slowly melt that fat start to see some away, leaving a golden of the Spanish brown crunch. Then a and Portuguese couple of minutes on ingredients flown each side for a pink in, particularly centre. Lovely. You wild mushrooms – could even have beef chanterelles, girolles, fillet, quickly seared in things like that. At the a pan. Even chicken. same time, Europe is Or if you don’t fancy just entering spring, so chicken, guinea fowl, you have the lovely little which has that slight baby spinach appearing as well. gaminess about it that would cope with the Instead of creating a sauce to go with this maple syrup and the wild mushrooms. dish, I thought we’d use a vinaigrette – so you’re This is a dinner dish, but replace the duck not always munching into some kind of gravy with shellfish – prawns, for example – and the or butter or cream sauce. The vinaigrette has a dish becomes lighter. You could cook this dish bitter sweetness to it, because the maple syrup in a wok. In with your prawns, throw in the has been reduced down, increasing the richness mushrooms, spinach in at the last minute, stir and giving it a slight toffee finish, which works it around, place on a plate, drizzle it with the very well with the mushroom and the duck. dressing. Finished. Scallops would also go very Some people don’t like spinach. Well, there well with it – and even fish. Turbot has a rich are endless alternatives. Leeks, for example, enough flavour to cope with it, as does sea bass. which provide an onion bite. Shred them down, If you take the concept and the flavours from or buy the little baby leeks and cut them into this, you could even turn it into a pasta dish. nice roundels; they will cook as quickly as the Keep every component, just take out the duck spinach. You could also use mini cauliflower and add some leek or cauliflower florets, maybe florets, shredded spring onions, pak choi or add some pre-cooked linguine or penne, and finely shredded green cabbage. you could have a really delicious vegetarian dish.

i

NEXT MONTH: RaspbERRy aNd wHiTE cHOcOlaTE cREaM sHORTbREads 52 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

INGREDIENTS Four duck breasts (skin on), sea salt, pepper, four tbsp maple syrup, 1.5 tbsp sherry vinegar, 1.5 tbsp groundnut oil, one tbsp hazelnut oil, 225g wild mushrooms (girolles, trompettes, ceps, oyster mushrooms), 25g butter, 900g spinach (stalks removed)

METHOD Score the duck breast skin with a sharp knife. Season the breasts with salt and pepper and place, fat-side down, in a frying pan over a medium heat. As the fat begins to heat, it will melt and crisp up.

Continue to colour the skin for ten to 12 minutes before turning the duck over and frying for a further four to five minutes, leaving it pink.

Remove the duck breasts and keep warm to one side. Meanwhile, boil the maple syrup and simmer until just two tablespoons are left, before removing from the heat and whisking in the sherry vinegar, groundnut oil and hazelnut oil.

Season with salt and pepper. While frying the duck breasts, trim and lightly rinse the wild mushrooms.

When the duck is resting, fry the mushrooms in half the butter in a hot pan, seasoning with salt and pepper, until just tender. Heat a separate pan with the remaining butter and add the washed spinach.

Season with salt and pepper, allowing the leaves to wilt and soften before draining. To serve, divide the spinach between four plates. Cut each breast into five to six slices and place on top of the spinach. Top with the pan-fried wild mushrooms, drizzling each with the maple syrup vinaigrette. Once the fat side is coloured, the duck breasts can be finished off in a preheated 200°C oven for four to five minutes.

Karma Kafe Will a new chef add some fresh flavour to Karma Kafe?

anything we’ve had before, but we’d order it again - while other dishes fall a bit flat; as dedicated carnivores it would take more than coriander to get us excited about tofu.

It takes a brave man to put high quality sushi out on the Dubai market, but Karma Kafe’s selection is impressive and well executed, with the wagyu maki rolls the highlight and classic nigiri full of freshness.

Molnar is clearly a man of taste, to whom ingredients are of the utmost importance, he brainchild of Buddha Bar creator and in both complicated dishes such as the Raymond Visan, Karma Kafe and black cod with citrus glaze and nam pla its Asian offerings have long been sauce to a simple chocolate fondant, there’s overlooked in favour no room for misjudgment of Zuma and Okku. While or error. it certainly appeals to a Diners may currently similar crowd, this Souk Al see Karma Kafe as a nice NEED TO KNOW Bahar lounge concept hasn’t place to drink decent Location: Souk Al Bahar, had the success or footfall cocktails, but the new Downtown, Dubai of its competitors, but the menu should put it on the Tel: (04) 4230909 arrival of executive chef eating out map. Having Web: karma-kafe.com Mark Molnar looks set to see said that, if you just want Open: Sun to Thur 4pm that put right in the coming a drink and a good spot to 2am, Fri and Sat months. to enjoy the fountains you noon to 2am The restaurant hasn’t won’t go wrong either.

Cuisine type: Asian changed, but why would it – fusion sultry lighting, rich fabrics Must eat: tuna sashimi and a terrace that must be pizza one of the city’s best kept Bill for two: Dhs480 secrets (it is practically on (without alcohol) top of the Dubai Fountains) create a spot that is hip, but not in an intimidating IN TWEET FORM way. The menu, however, If you want a change from has had a major overhaul. the usual Asian haunts The Asian undercurrent (or can’t get a table) then still runs throughout, but Karma Kafe is well worth Molnar has added in some a visit. And it has views. international influences.

Follow us at Sometimes it works - the @WhatsOnDubai and tuna sashimi pizza with @WhatsOnAbuDhabi truffle mayonnaise is unlike

T

ICON Fridays

have just

got better!

ICON Bar & Lounge at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is continuing its British Brunch every Friday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Don’t miss out on this unbeatable deal of a traditional British Brunch including unlimited beverages in a stylish and relaxing atmosphere for only AED 160 per person.

With WII games available from 12:00pm onwards, entertainment is guaranteed!

For more information please call the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City on 04 366 9111

@WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: With no local fish on its menu, Karma Kafe scores zip on the sustainability scale.

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 53

EATING OUT

Beach House Does the Mediterranean menu at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi’s beachside restaurant match the picture perfect view?

NEED TO KNOW

P

Location: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Tel: (02) 4071234 Web: abudhabi.park. hyatt.com Open: daily noon to 3pm and 6pm to midnight Cuisine type: Mediterranean Must eat: chargrilled octopus Bill for two: Dhs350 for two (without alcohol)

ark Hyatt. Those guys sure know how to do hotels, don’t they?

Dubai’s is an Arabicinspired beaut (a What’s On favourite), and the relatively new Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, right out on the peaceful, picturesque Saadiyat Island, is IN TWEET FORM another corker. Colossal but A beautiful view, fresh stylish, luxurious but not brash ingredients and simple wilderness of Saadiyat, from the bone, in smoked paprika sauce or tacky in the manner of some Mediterranean cooking but focused on fresh, were the standout. other UAE hotels, it is ideal for make Beach House a high quality ingredients Then from the lunch menu, we had a a weekend retreat from the city. lovely spot for weekend and employing simple couple of nice salads. Feta, baked tomato And that is the only lunch. cooking techniques, it is and balsamic – simple, clean flavours – and reason you would ever find Follow us at worth a weekend drive. pumpkin and lentil with roast garlic, zaatar yourself at Beach House, no @WhatsOnDubai and We took along a few herbs and pomegranate was a pleasant blend matter how good or bad it is. @WhatsOnAbuDhabi friends and had lunch for of textures and flavours – sweet pumpkin, Fortunately, it is the ideal spot the pop of pomegranate, a garlic punch, for a weekend lunch or dinner. Slap bang on four (‘family-style’ as Beach House would describe it), so we ordered rather a lot, from earthy lentil and subtly fragrant herbs. But a the beachfront, looking out over the white large serving of tender, chargrilled octopus sand at the endless turquoise expanse of the both the lunch and dinner menus. But two with its clean, meaty flavour was served with ocean, it couldn’t really be any more idyllic. could get away with a couple of courses for lunch or six sharing plates for dinner. a simple tomato and shallot salad, and was And the Mediterranean menu, with a Of the small plates, the meat balls in the standout dish. dinner menu built around small sharing an olive and tomato sauce were tangy and Finish it off with a seriously calorific dulce plates (naturally) and a lunch menu of 20 nicely seasoned, chicken and mushroom de leche, if you dare, or an Eton-mess-like dishes (nine starters, seven mains, four skewers were, well, chicken and mushroom berry dish, sit back and enjoy the view. desserts) is definitely the right way to go on skewers, and given the setting. Is the food actually any a couple of short @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: good? Yes, it is. Not mind blowing, not ribs, meat falling There's no local fish on the Beach House menu, so it scores nothing. worth a mid-week trek across the concrete MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 55

EATING OUT

ON THE MENU

A shower of Michelin stars and new openings galore

New Dubai brunch

Let the food fest begin The culinary extravaganza that is Taste Of Dubai is back for its fifth outing. The three-day event sets up camp at the Media City Amphitheatre (the big grassy bit opposite the Media One Hotel, where we hold the annual What’s On Awards), offering talks, tips and masterclasses from a veritable who’s-who and what’s-what of the Dubai culinary scene. The Chef ’s Table will see demonstrations from international big guns Aldo Zilli, Giorgio Locatelli and our own celebrity columnist Gary Rhodes (p52), while other chefs including Indian masters Vineet Bhatia and Atul Kochhar will be teaching people their secrets at the cookery school.

Mar 15 to 17, Media City Ampitheatre, Thur 3pm to midnight, Fri noon to midnight, Sat noon to 11pm, regular Dhs75, VIP Dhs200. tasteofdubaifestival.com

A GALAXY OF STARS Travelling the world eating at the most coveted of restaurants is something of a dream for most people – but fantasise no more. For one night only Sofitel is inviting eight international chefs – with a staggering 12 Michelin stars between them – to each cook up their signature dish as part of a one-of-a-kind, oncein-a-lifetime eight-course menu.

Apr 3, Sofitel Hotel Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, Dhs2,500, table of ten Dhs22,000. Tel: (04) 4484851. starsfoodart.com

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

Chinese takeaway

CRAB CAKES

Executive sous chef, Chris Dodds, Yas Island Rotana and Centro Yas Island Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana, Mon to Sat 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi

56 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

Merging a la carte and buffet, the W Grill Brunch at Wafi offers guests an all-youcan-eat appetiser and salad bar, while restricting the main courses to a menu offering everything from steaks to fish and chips. The best bit, though, especially for champagne lovers, is that W will serve unlimited Taittinger as part of the house beverage package.

Cheers!

W Grill, Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs275 with soft drinks and Dhs395 with house beverages. Tel: (04) 3244100. wafi.com

TRIED AND TESTED

TWITTER RECIPE

Crab, chopped chilli, coriander, ginger, mix well, crumb. Dice papaya, mango, sweet melon, mint, mix well. Pan fry, salsa on top to serve.

NEW OPENING

PACHANGA Once the talk of the town, somewhere along the way Pachanga lost its pizazz.

We visited Dubai’s former quintessential Latin American restaurant to see whether the new crack team, chef Matias Ayala and restaurant manager Luis Serol, had managed to spice things up. Known for being unashamedly ‘meaty’, surprisingly, the seafood starters took the early plaudits. The

pan-seared Ecuadorian prawns and the chef ’s special, white fish ceviche, were a commendable show of skill from the new Argentinian chef. But the showpiece remains the main course of mixed Brazilian churrasco.

Served in rodizio style, the waiting staff brings around huge chunks of meat on spits that are carved at the table – but at Dhs230 make sure you

bring your appetite.

The carnivorous onslaught is complemented by some live Hispanic guitar music and, as expected, some decadent South American chocolate-heavy desserts.

It’s not exactly cutting edge, but who cares, eh?

Welcome back, old friend.

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR, Dubai, daily 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3182530. hilton.com

The classy Chinese restaurant, Chi’zen, has made our day by introducing a new delivery service. It will run deliveries from both of its Dubai locations.

Dubai Festival City, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2329077 Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3549288

New openings in Abu Dhabi

Over the past few months the capital has become somewhat of a conveyor belt for new places to eat. Here are three more to add to the list

NOLU’S

NEW OPENING We don’t think we’ve ever

NEW OPENING

come across an Afghan-Californian café before, so Nolu’s is a first for us.

Situated in Al Bandar, and with cracking views of Yas Island, it should prove to be a popular spot.

Al Bandar, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 8am to 10pm, Thur and Fri 8am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 5579500. noluscafe.com

TOSHI

On the Grand Millennium’s to do list for a while now, this Pan-Asian restaurant takes its lead from its Dubaian namesake, offering Japanese, Thai, Malaysian and Chinese cuisine. It will finally be in full swing by the beginning of April, now that the hotel has its longawaited liquor license.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels.com

SLICES

NEW OPENING

With the battle cry of ‘not fast food, but fresh food, fast’, this independent local café is a breath of fresh air for the capital’s eating out scene. Serving organic soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as substituting the usual array of soft drinks with freshly squeezed juices fits perfectly with the capital’s environmental vision.

Al Mamoura, Al Nahyan Camp, Sun to Thur 7am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 5pm. Tel: (02) 4918559. slices.ae

What would mother say?

Some people complain that Mother’s Day is an evil marketing ploy; personally, we don’t see any thing wrong with buying something nice for the woman who raised us with unadulterated affection. This year, rather than buying a standard petrol station bouquet of flowers, pop into Carluccio’s where they are offering to wrap up anything you buy in their retail range into a bespoke Mother’s Day hamper – you just need to spend more than Dhs250.

Mar 8 to 18, Carluccio’s, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai, daily, 10am to midnight.

Tel: (04) 4341320. carluccios.com ALSO: Dubai Mall, Dubai and Mirdif City Centre, Dubai

1/3 AD

THEY MEAN BUSINESS

Seemingly taking their lead from The Ivy, the rest of Emirates Towers’ top-notch restaurants are finally getting around to introducing special business lunch deals.

The ever-popular Al Nafoorah, is offering two courses of hot and cold Lebanese mezze for Dhs110, or if you are really looking to impress, you can’t go wrong travelling 50 floors up to Vu’s to sample the three-course offering for Dhs150. If you’re in the market for something more substantial then Rib Room’s two or three course steak lunch should do the trick.

Al Nafoorah, Sun to Thur 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs110. Tel: (04) 3198088. jumeirah.com Vu’s Restaurant, Sun to Thur 12.30 to 3pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3188088. jumeirah.com Rib Room, Sun to Thur 12.30 to 3pm, Dhs110 or Dhs130. Tel: (04) 3188088. jumeirah.com MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 57

WHAT’S ON

ARTS

Sara rahbar

artists, galleries, news, events and more

p60 art dubai · p66 the art insider march 2012 WHAT’S ON 59

CLoSe to Home ART DUBAI MAY RUN FOR JUST ONE WEEK IN MARCH, BUT DIRECTOR ANTONIA CARVER AIMS TO CREATE A LEGACY THAT LASTS ALL YEAR 60 WHAT’S ON march 2012

This is the sixth Art Dubai, and your second as director – how has it developed under your direction?

Last year was the fifth anniversary, so now we’re starting to plan the next five years – we’re looking at a new cycle for Art Dubai, looking at how the event can expand, how we can keep it fresh and exciting, which has always marked it out. At the moment it’s a week long and the main focus is in Jumeirah, but we have different initiatives to help the whole community get involved all year round. There are educational opportunities at the Pavilion, but also things like the artists’ residency that’s been running in Bastakiya for three months prior to the fair as well.

So you’re using it to support regional artists?

Yes, exactly. The international art community comes to Art Dubai because they know they’re going to see the very best of what the Middle East has to offer, but also increasingly they can use Art Dubai as a place to meet people – the key art players from East Asia, North Africa, the sort of wider region, if you like. But we think we can combine being a world-class art fair with what we can deliver for the local community as well, and those things are not chalk and cheese; they go together. We keep our feet very firmly within the local community and we think we can showcase that to the international world during the week of Art Dubai and play a role

culture special throughout the rest of the year in supporting the local industry here.

Certainly the whole art scene comes alive during that period.

Exactly. That’s something we really want to highlight. We began last year by launching this kind of umbrella initiative called Art Week and it’s really expanded a lot this year, so just, as you were saying, these other events have mushroomed around Art Dubai. The Sikka Art Fair, which is run by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and takes place in Bastakiya, has all been commissioned by UAE-based. We’re also, under Art Dubai management, launching another fair called Design Days Dubai (see p71), which is the first fair for the region that’s dedicated to furniture and product design. And, of course, there’s the galleries night, which we put together with the galleries, so I think you really see the celebration of Dubai as a cultural hub.

Things have been tough economically over the past few years – do these developments indicate a return of confidence to the market?

Yes, definitely. Of course there was a market correction about two years ago in line with the financial crisis globally, but the art market has proved very resilient and I think that surprised some people. I think increasingly, people have seen art as a safe haven – keeping resources in art and continuing to buy art has actually proved something that people feel very confident about. In Dubai, galleries have continued to open. This month, Al Serkal is announcing its expansion and there are new galleries opening at DIFC in time for Art Dubai as well. There is a real confidence in the region.

Art Dubai is ostensibly a marketplace, but what’s in it for the casual visitor?

Everything! We see ourselves as a public fair and we have people coming down in droves.

We have lots of family activities; loads of projects for kids, there are talks – lots of things for people to get involved in. For lots of people living in the city, March is the time when they really get engaged with the art world. We love that people come down here, and we want them to get out and explore – jump on jamjar’s Art Bus, explore the city as a whole – because there’s no other time when it’s quite so rich culturally.

Mar 21 to Mar 24, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, free. artdubai/ae

Sneak Peak

Want to see what’s on offer at the fair this year? art dubai opens its doors early to What’s On The MAin evenT

Seventy-four galleries from 32 countries showing the work of over 500 artists – the sheer scale of Art Dubai is impressive, but it’s the quality of work on offer that really counts. This year sees the arrival of big-hitting US and European galleries such as Pace, Galerie Perrotin and Rodolphe Janssen, and new Middle Eastern arrivals such as Beirut’s Running Horse gallery alongside local favourites, including The Third Line.

But gallery numbers are actually down – not because there weren’t galleries vying for a place, says fair director Antonia Carver, but because “people wanted to take more space...some of the galleries coming in want to bring large-scale works as well.” What that means for visitors is that those galleries are keen to put on a show – prepare to be wowed by some fantastic installations and sculptures among the more usual hanging works.

ART DubAi PRojecTS 2012

The fair’s critically acclaimed interactive programme of curated commissions, films talks and performances is back and bigger than ever. Highlights include Performance Night, staged in collaboration with local arts initiative Traffic, and a series of live, citywide radio programmes.

Artists Carlo Celdran and Koken Ergun, from the Philippines and Turkey,

respectively, have devised a series of interactive performative tours taking place throughout the fair based around the fair’s format and economy, which should prove to be a novel way to experience the fair as a whole.

MARkeR

Last year saw the first of these curated stands from emerging artists and markets. With it came the opportunity to see new creative ideas, and its success means it’s back for a second round in 2012.

Featuring new works from artists represented by five Indonesian galleries and brought together by Yogyakarta-born curator Alia Swastika, it promises to offer an intriguing glimpse into an art scene unfamiliar to most of us.

ARTS

a highlight. Dedicated to supporting artists specifically from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, it’s now in its fourth year. Showcasing six pieces created by five artists under guest curator Nat Muller’s watchful eye, it promises to be yet another multi-media extravaganza.

DbX SToRe

Can’t afford any of what’s on the walls? Then get yourself down to this museum-style outlet.

The DBX Store features limited-edition art and design pieces, from jewellery to stationery and design collectibles. All the items featured are selected via an open call and then whittled down by a panel that includes furniture designer Khalid Shafar and s*uce co-founder Zayan Ghandour, so expect good quality among the eclecticism. Another good example of Art Dubai championing local talent. artdubai.ae

AbRAAj cAPiTAl ART PRize

The annual unveiling of work by the recipients of what was once billed ‘the world’s biggest art prize’ continues to be

march 2012 WHAT’S ON 61

ARTS

culture special

art Week

art dubai’s only the tip of the cultural iceberg. Want to know what’s on around town during art Week? Look no further SikkA ART FAiR

Initiated by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, this satellite fair to Art Dubai has been created

All AboARD The ARTbuS Yes, you could battle the traffic yourself, but really, there’s only one way to really make the most off all that Art Week has to offer and that’s to get on board the ArtBus. Offering tours to Al Quoz and Bastakiya among others, it’s a fun and fuss-free way to explore the scene.

specifically as a platform to showcase the work of emerging Emirati and local artistic talent.

Located, fittingly, in the city’s pretty, historic Bastakiya area, visitors can look forward to educational activities and tours alongside the wide variety of exhibitions. The fruits of Art Dubai’s three-month Artists In Residence (AiR) programme will also be on show.

Mar 15 to Mar 25, bastakiya, Dubai, free. sikkaartfair.ae

GAlleRy niGhT

One of the highlights of Art Week must surely be the enthusiasm with which the city’s galleries

throw themselves into the party – there are new openings galore and with competition for visitors so tough, the calibre of what’s on show is particularly high. If you can, get along to one of the Gallery Nights in the city’s two major art hubs DIFC and Al Serkal Avenue – typically featuring music and performances alongside the unveiling of new shows, they each have everything an art maven could possibly require in one tidy (and walkable) package.

Mar 19, al Serkel avenue, al Quoz and Gate Village, DIFC, free

it’s a local bakery – I’d like it to be something very similar to Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts, but it’s slow. I’m working on it.

So you're exploring lots of aspects of your creativity...

I am, but I’m getting out of my comfort zone now. The programme is very open – I’m not restricted by medium or concept - and it’s very flexible.

As a graphic designer I do a lot of business work, and that’s the kind of thing I’m used to. Here I’m experimenting with medium and this is what’s been interesting to explore. I’m working on an NeW TAleNT installation made out of recycled materials. I’m also thinking that Zaineb Al Hashemi is a I may make it work as something young emirati designer more around performance art. and artist. she has spent What do you hope to achieve three months as part of art from the AiR programme? dubai’s air programme I would hope that people learn You trained in graphic design a little about my work and me. and are the founder of a ‘pop- I hope it works as a platform art’ bakery. for my creativity. I’ve got the Dibs & Dips is what I was working passion and I’ve got ideas; it’s the on after my graduation. Basically, experience I need.

ConfeSSionS of an artiStiC mind

us-based iranian artist sara rahbar first found international recognition with her Flag series of works, bringing her to the attention of über collector charles saatchi and placing her in exhibitions around the world Tell us about your new two series of work, War and Confessions Sinner?

Confessions and War are two very important series for me. I have really experimented with them both; I have pushed myself to go above and beyond what was comfortable for me. As a result, the work is changing and so am I. Also, in these works, the objects have completely taken over. With the flags there were a few objects here and there, but it was mainly a textile-based series. But with War and Confessions I work with a very wide range of found objects. These include straitjackets, wooden batons, saddle stirrups, muzzles, obstetrical forceps, bullets, various police and military badges, guns, gas masks… The 62 WHAT’S ON march 2012

list goes on and on and on. I am just as passionate about the objects that I find, as I am about making the work and the final outcome. Gathering these items is such an important part of my process.

You’re known for work with a strong political edge – these works seem more personal. Would you agree?

I don’t think that I was ever intentionally trying to create political work, or make political statements; I was simply talking about my life, as I always am with my work.

Whether I like it or not, political and social conversations have been playing in the

background of my life like a soft chorus since I was five years old and I escaped Iran on foot with my family and came to the US. The work is only a reflection of that, of my life, my challenges, my trials and tribulations, my memories and my anxieties. I can’t avoid its social and political context.

It would be like trying to avoid my life; it’s just a part of my fibre. I think that really good work moves you beyond words and evokes new conversations and thoughts every time you look at it.

Is there a link between this and flag images you once worked with?

My work is like a long chain that I keep adding new links to, with every new piece, with every new body of work. It’s all linked together, just as my memories are in my mind. It’s like a film that has been playing for over 30 years. As long as I am alive the film is playing and the chain grows longer and longer.

Describe the show in three words…

I can describe it in two: Restless violence.

Mar 19 to apr 28, Carbon 12, al Quoz, free. Tel: (050) 4644392. carbon12dubai.com

ARE YOU

ARE YOU

GREEN?

RED?

IN THE

IN THE

FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR ELECTRICITY AND WATER CONSUMPTION BY CHECKING YOUR NEW UTILITY BILLS Welcome to your new-look bill

Reading your new bill

Your new bill is here! It’s easier to read and gives you important information so that you can make smart decisions about the way you consume electricity and water.

We are now issuing separate water and electricity bills: • Your electricity bill is shaded red and carries a plug symbol.

• Your water bill is shaded blue and carries a drop symbol.

Are you in the Green or the Red? The new consumption bands on your bill show how your consumption compares against the ideal average for your type of property.

You are within the ideal range

You are above the ideal range Water and electricity are precious resources. Having the right information allows you to make informed decisions about your consumption.

An informed customer is a smart customer. !

What ‘subsidy’ means Your new bill also shows how much it actually costs us to provide your electricity and water compared to what you pay for it. The difference, called subsidy, is what you get free.

AL AIN call:800 9008 e-mail:customercare@aadc.ae website:www.aadc.ae

ABU DHABI call:800 2332 e-mail:contactcentre@addc.ae website:www.addc.ae

ARTS

culture special

HoW to Buy art

Got a yen to create a collection of your own? now’s the time to take the plunge – with this handy guide, it won’t be long before you’re channelling your inner saatchi

01

you juST buy whAT you like, RiGhT?

This is the standard line when it comes to purchasing art. We might all dream of discovering the next Picasso or Hirst, but as Isabelle de La Bruyère, director of Christie’s Middle East says, “a key piece of advice we always give is that you must absolutely love what you buy as there is no absolute guarantee its value will increase.”

That said, if you’re serious about building a collection, no matter how modest, there are a couple of basic things to look out for, says Bashar al Shroogi, curator of Dubai’s Cuadro Fine Art Gallery and an avid personal collector.

“My one comment that I always tell people is do your homework, make sure you’ve done your research and make sure that you’ve got someone that you can bounce ideas off that you can trust. Don’t just listen to the information that’s coming to you from galleries, auction houses and dealers; but try to get the information from the other side, from the buyers themselves.”

Bashar al Shroogi

64 WHAT’S ON march 2012

04

whAT To buy Isabelle de La Bruyère

02

03

The best way to learn about art is to immerse yourself in it. It really is that simple.

Go to gallery openings and exhibitions, talk to curators, gallerists and fellow collectors – they really do want to share their knowledge. Museums and even the Internet are a great way to build a broad knowledge about art in general, or just one area of particular interest, while “Art fairs [such as Art Dubai] are a great way to be able to see a lot of art and to be able to compare and contrast,” says al Shroogi. Dubai has several auctions from leading international houses, such as Christies, as well as those put on by local agents, including Ayyam Auctions. Even if you’re not planning to bid, the calibre of the work on show offers a great opportunity to learn more at pre-sale exhibitions. “Public viewing takes place for approximately three to four days before the sale date,” confirms de La Bruyère. “Our doors are open to everyone, even those who are just browsing.”

“Essentially what I like to look for is finding the right piece at the right price,” says al Shroogi. “Sometimes you will find that perfect piece through the primary market – either at galleries or independent dealers. In other cases you can find that perfect piece at an auction and it can be priced even better at an auction, so again it’s about doing the right amount of research.”

As a general rule of thumb, exhibitions, art fairs and the like will have a list price for all their pieces. What’s useful to know is that they’re usually open to negotiation on that price, so there’s room for you to cut a deal. Auctions, on the other hand, he says, “usually come in slightly underneath the primary market and then from there it’s up to what happens on the auction floor.”

To avoid auction fever (and this applies whether you’re bidding at Bonhams or your local community art centre), set yourself a limit and stick to it.

Do youR ReSeARch

GeTTinG The beST PRice

Are paintings a better investment than modern mediums such as video art?

Are editions ever a better investment than a one-off piece? “It really depends, first of all, on why you’re buying,” says al Shroogi. If you’re purchasing purely for aesthetics, then the only thing that really matters is that it gives you pleasure. But if you’re harbouring a hope for an investment return, then quality and provenance count.

“With contemporary art you’re buying a concept rather than buying the medium,” he says.

Do your research, understand an artist’s history and check their representation – this person or gallery plays a crucial part in getting an artist’s work seen and collected in all the right places, which is vital for building future value.

Buying quality limited-edition pieces can be a good way of getting into the market, but the emphasis here – as it is in any art buying – is on quality.

“One is too often distracted by a name rather than looking at the quality of an object,” says de La Bruyère. “A colleague gave me this important piece of advice many years ago and I always keep this in mind when looking at art.” christies.com. cuadroart.com

ARTS

CHARLES POCOCK

The ART inSiDeR

J

apanese media artist Takashi Murakami recently opened in Qatar with his show Murakami – Ego, in the grounds of The Museum Of Islamic Art at the Al Riwaq

Hall. This is the most technical exhibition to date in the GCC, and is the largest Murakami exhibition ever to be staged – part of a retrospective series also exhibited at the Chateau du Versailles in France.

I was bowled over by the technical ability of the artist, especially the two large, monotone pieces that draw heavily on the work of Japanese masters Utagawa Hiroshige and Katushika Hokusai, who in the 19th century had a strong influence on the Impressionist movement in Paris.

The works in Doha are both technically superb and inspiring.

This is how an exhibition should be staged – with the right space and the right work.

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Now is the time to present projects like this. It makes one realise that the region’s two best spaces available for such projects are the Al Riwaq Hall in Doha and Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi – full-time exhibition spaces devoted to exhibiting world-class art.

Coming back to Dubai, we have a plethora of exhibition openings during Art Week leading up to Art Dubai, with the majority in Al Quoz and DIFC. The Brothers Haerizadeh open at IVDE, Hazem Harb at Etemad, Mohamed Melehi, Ahmed Cherkaoui and Jilali Gharbaoui at Meem, Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joriege at The Third Line, and Nadia KaabiLinke at Lawrieshabibi.

There are also a number of new additions to Dubai’s art scene, including La Galerie Nationale (galerie-nationale.com), Grey Noise (greynoise.org), Fayez Barakat and FN Designs in Al Quoz (fndesigns.blogspot.com).

Mottahden Projects (mottahedan. com) from London will open with a show by Reza Aramesh soon.

We then have Art Dubai to close out the month. Managed by the former editor at large of contemporary art magazine Bidoun, Antonia Carver, Art Dubai is continuously becoming more contemporary, following the ethos of Bidoun, which has guest-curated the art projects at Art Dubai and is now running the Global Art Forum through

its contributing editor, Shumon Basar.

Art Dubai has always tried to mirror London’s Frieze Art Fair, and last year the Art Dubai team really pushed hard to bring a very contemporary edge to its offering, at the expense of modernist work and the leading artists of the Middle East.

Art Dubai, speaking to galleries about this year’s fair, said that it is a contemporary fair and has limited interest in the modern masters and modernist work of the region. Now that Frieze magazine is launching a modernist art fair to run alongside its Frieze Art Fair in London, to be called Frieze Masters, no doubt Art Dubai will look to do the same.

Art Dubai is an incredible contemporary regional art fair, which is hugely entertaining and a great opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues. We all just feel that there needs to be more depth. And it will happen soon, we hope.

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

NEWS FLASH

March Meeting 2012

The next Sharjah Biennale might not take place for another year, but Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual March Meeting keeps the Emirate’s creative flame alive. This annual gathering of artists, art professionals and art institutions may be more geared towards those already working in the field, but its series of discussions and debates (this year it looks at the relationship between artists and institutions in terms of residences and commissions) are open to anyone.

It’s first-come-first-served, so be sure to register your interest to marchmeeting@sharjahart.org before March 1. sharjahart.org

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WHAT’S ON

SHOPPING

Design Days

Designers, shops, trends, hot spots and more

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culture special

SHOPPING

Stool by Nada Debs

Priveekollektie, Kranen & Gille, Fredersen White

Design Days part of the cultural extravaganza of Art Dubai, Design Days is a celebration of aesthetics and the world’s most exciting designers. And the best bit? it’s all for sale

W

hile the UAE’s art world is exploding and home-grown fashion designers are going global, we have been somewhat neglected on the furniture and home-wares front. If you know your Eames from your Ikea, then you need to look pretty hard to find desirable pieces for your home, but Design Days, the region’s first fair for collectible and limited edition design, is set to showcase some of the world’s

most covetable pieces – and you can take them home, too.

Held from March 18 to 21 as part of Art Dubai in a (no doubt super cool) purpose-built venue in Downtown, international designers will be on hand to introduce their work, with educational programmes available to those who want to learn more or be inspired by industry insiders. Architect, interior designer, gallery owner and advisor Rabih Hage will hold a lecture on March 19th at

Edna Chair By Karim Chaya

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 71

culture special

Sarah Myerscough Fine Art, Marc Ricourt, 03 Lime wood Dyed

7.30pm (free admission) on the design market and how to invest in design, providing insightful information for people looking to start spending money on collectable pieces, with events happening throughout the weekend. Whether you want to learn, look or shop, this event is bound to get you chucking out the chintz.

Mar 18 to 21, Downtown, Dubai, free, registration required for workshops and seminars. designdaysdubai.ae

Award-winning Milan-based designer and architect Bellini has works displayed in major galleries including MoMA in New York.

Using glass and modern lines, his tables, chairs and accessories grace the most stylish homes in the world.

Our pick of the designers

Fernando and Humberto Campana

Kwangho Lee

Korean artist Lee weaves sofas from garden hoses, creates light fixtures from Styrofoam and moulds chairs from bales of hay, so expect the unexpected from this 31-year-old. He creates unique pieces in small quantities, making his work a worthwhile investment, providing you like a bit of crazy in your home. Look out for his weaving workshop using traditional Emirati materials.

The Brazilian Campana brothers are inspired by street life, carnivals and architecture, and use materials including rubber hoses, furry toys and rope to create chaotic but beautiful pieces.

Sarah S Al Agroobi

Al Agroobi’s rocking chair is designed to help in the motion of prayer, with its graphic pattern derived from Arabic calligraphy. It will appear at the College of Art, Architecture & Design booth.

Lebanese Debs was brought up in Japan before studying in the US and starting her own

Arabesque sofa

custom furniture company in the UK. She returned to Lebanon and found the Middle Eastern furniture design scene to be almost non-existent, so she created East and East, which sells her line of modern home-wares and accessories with Arabic motifs. Debs will be offering her advice in two mentoring sessions taking place during Design Days.

Mario Bellini

Ones tO watch

Nada Debs

SHOPPING

Stilwerk Limited Edition Design Gallery, Oskar Zieta, Plopp stool

Staggered chest of drawers MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 73

SHOPPING

culture special

Director of Design

Cyril Zammit is the fair director of Design Days. Born in France, he worked for the institut Francias in prague, the Montreux Jazz Festival and Art Basel before going on to co-create Design Miami, now in its third year. As a passionate collector himself and a driving force behind Middle eastern talent, he has teamed up with Art Dubai to bring the first event of its kind to the UAe

where did the idea for Design Days come from?

After five years of Art Dubai and a great development of art galleries in town, we thought the market was ready to introduce a complement to art: limited edition and collectible design. what can you tell us about the venue?

It is a spectacular purpose-built, 3,000sqm marquee that is seven metres high, which gives each of the galleries the chance to set up a personalised environment to create a specific atmosphere. how did you choose the pieces and galleries that will be there?

We approached a selection of galleries that featured talent, creativity and expertise in craftsmanship, from every continent and we selected a wide range of objects from

Vintage low cabinet

74 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

each one, such as chairs, tables, cabinets and interactive pieces.

The majority of the designs presented by the galleries are contemporary: new creations, all limited edition or prototypes.

We will also have three galleries bringing classic pieces from the 20th century, to be considered as icons and almost museum pieces.

It is always a surprise to discover these amazing creations.

If I have some money to spend, what should I be taking home?

Let your heart speak first, and pick something you love and that you can picture in your office or your home. Never hesitate to ask how the piece has been made, the process behind it and the time of creation. The pieces showcased are a new form of art and a great investment as well. The

prices range from Dhs2,400 to Dhs1.5m. wow. so what makes a good investment?

If you are specifically looking at investing and growing a collection, always look for the craftsmanship techniques, the quality of the material and the number produced. There are experts who could support you in your choice and indicate the trends of the market. are there any Uae designers we should be checking out?

The most recognised product designer is Khalid Shafar (khalidshafar.co.nz). He has been exhibiting in Tokyo and Qubique in Berlin, and just finished a solo show in Dubai. how can we encourage new talent from the region?

New talent from the region can bring along their portfolios and show them to Nada Debs, who is offering two mentoring sessions during the fair where she will review and advise young designers. We also encourage everyone to speak with the gallery representatives and show their works. Institutions like Tashkeel (taskeel.org) have started regular

workshops on design, and we would like to expand such initiatives by offering our network to galleries, universities and individuals. We also hope that the local industries will support the design community by offering to produce their creations in limited series. who should come along?

We welcome a large audience – the sophistication and uniqueness of the designs presented will surprise everyone. As it is a fair, it is also a great opportunity for individuals or corporations to develop their collections. We have also scheduled a series of seminars and public workshops (free of charge, but registration is needed). what design trends should we be looking for in the coming year?

Design trends are constantly evolving, and it is important to keep an eye out for these new creations rather than predict how the trends will shape the future years. Design has an element of surprise, and that is what makes it fascinating. I wouldn’t want to predict a trend and spoil the spontaneity that is inherent in any art process.

SHOPPING

PLAYLIST SPECIAL

Our top five new albums to hear this month Air

Le Voyage Dans La Lune (Virgin/EMI)

Inspired by the recently restored groundbreaking early 20th century film of the same name, French duo Air’s seventh album is fittingly evocative. Flitting from the synth funk of Sonic Armada to sparkling a handful of post-Coldplayisms anchoring Seven Stars, it’s as eclectic as it is widescreen.

GoLDfrApp

The Singles (Mute/Parlophone)

This compilation emphasises just how many recognisable singles Alison Goldfrapp and her band have under their collective belt. Two new tracks – Yellow Halo and Melancholy Sky – present few surprises, however, via largely predictable, polite electronic burbles beneath Alison’s ethereal, disconnected vocals.

NApALm DeATh

Utilitarian (Century Media)

A quarter century on from their debut album, British metal institution Napalm Death haven’t mellowed or stopped fighting the good fight. They’ve come a long way from the

one-second grindcore blasts that made the band a curio of primetime national television, but Utilitarian still bristles with uncompromising socio-political spirit and blood-curdling vocals fit to inspire nightmares.

Raaargh.

The mArS VoLTA

Noctourniquet (Warner Bros)

Wild-haired The Mars Volta architects Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala recently reformed their most celebrated vehicle, At The Drive-In. That appears to signal the go-ahead to jet even further into ambitious progressive realms with TMV, spaced-out single The Malkin Jewel possibly beamed direct from the dark side of the moon.

The ShiNS

port of morrow (Columbia)

This is the first album from US indie-rockers The Shins since chart-smashing opus Wincing The Night Away truly catapulted James Mercer and co into the major leagues five years ago. Simple Song and September sure suggest that another hit is in the post, maintaining a knack for palatable West Coast rock melodies that glow like Californian sunshine.

All albums available on Amazon

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MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 75

SHOPPING

shop talk

the hottest news, products, openings and more with deputy editor helen spearman

neWsflash

We were more than a little excited to discover that fashion maven Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) was teaming up with fave store Gap to collaborate on a line. Her iconic wrap dresses at high-street prices? Couldn’t be happier. So imagine our disappointment that DVF is only turning her attention to childrenswear.

Granted, the bumblebee T-shirt is adorable and the XL might fit, but we’ll never squeeze into those tiny printed high-tops. Life can be so cruel.

DVF at Gap, Dubai Mall, Dubai, from Dhs85. Tel: (04) 3398784. gap.com

the desert Garden Centre

The capital's greenfingered residents will be rejoicing as a branch of the Desert Garden Centre, complete with deli, opens for business this month.

Packed with plants, seeds, furniture and flowers, it sells everything you need to turn that dusty back garden or sad little balcony into your own private haven. Look out for the farmer's market on Fridays.

At the entrance to Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, 8am to 9pm.

Tel: (02) 4499150. desertgroup.ae

this Month We Want…

a satchel Combining modern neons with super traditional techniques, these leather beauties from the Cambridge Satchel Company have just arrived at Harvey Nichols and have set our hearts racing. Previously only available online from the family-owned British

company, the satchels are set to hang off the arms of the region’s fash pack. We reckon they’re heirlooms in the making, and will get even better after a few years of use.

Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, from Dhs625.

Tel: (04) 4098888. harveynichols.com

THREE TO TRY

A trio of treats from the newest stores to open their doors

1

1. FRANKLIN & MARSHALL Who doesn’t love a bit of preppy college-style Americana? Franklin & Marshall may look like it’s straight from the not-so-mean streets of Harvard, but the label is actually Italian, which means some slim chinos alongside hoodies and polos.

Our pick of the store is this bag (Dhs590), ideal for a weekend away or the gym.

Mirdif City Centre, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2363511. franklinandmarshall.com

76 WHAT’S ON march 2012

2. STONE Magpies and jewellery hunters should check out new store Stone, which sells brands from around the world including Andre Marcha, Tiigan, Nawbar, Tayfoon and MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza, a designer whose bangles have been worn by Jennifer Lopez and Blake Lively. You’ll also find one-off pieces by co-owners Joumana Jallad and Ghadeer Taher for unique additions to your accessory collection. Feeling flush? We love these emerald and diamond bangles (Dhs31,500).

The Village Mall, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3427050

2

fashion fiXer

The oh-so-stylish Sophia Serin, editor of Emirates Woman, tackles your wardrobe woes Reiss Dhs649

3 3. CRUCIANI Italian cashmere brand Cruciani has opened its doors for the first time in the UAE, offering luxury lovers a slice of European elegance. While best known for knitwear, the label is also famous for its woven Quadrifoglio bracelet, featuring linked four-leaf clovers, which are said to bring good luck to whoever receives one as a gift.

BurJuman Mall, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3864724. cruciani.net

Q. I’m bored of my work look, but don’t want to go down the comedy socks route. Any ideas? – Adam, Downtown A. Just because you wear a suit each day, that doesn't mean you can’t inject one of the biggest trends of the season – brights – into your everyday wardrobe.

Err on the side of caution (leave the Homer Simpson cartoon ties back in the early 1990s where they belong) and opt for silk ties and socks. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try a new shade of shoe to wow the crowds at work.

SHOPPING

shop talk

s*uce gifts

If small blue dishes are supposed to help you eat less, we’re not sure what these skull plates (from Dhs320) from S*uce Gifts will tell you to do, but we want them anyway. Part of the home-grown boutique brand, the store opens its doors this month. Designed as a small town, it will offer highend homewares, accessories, vintage finds, notebooks and pieces you’ll intend to give as a present then keep for yourself.

S*uce Gifts, Al Wasl Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3447270. shopatsauce.com

tie a bow on it

Trend alert: pretty pastels

Safari shirt New Look Dhs95

Charm bracelet Koton Dhs29

Thanks to Marc Jacobs for his sweet take on neutrals at Louis Vuitton, sorbet shades (think sugared almonds and spun sugar) are spring’s hottest trend. Pink jeans don’t flatter many people, so focus on accessories like this charm bracelet from Koton (Dhs29), and tops like this safari shirt (Dhs95) from New Look to wear with white jeans and gold sandals. Yum.

adidas turns forty This year sees Adidas Retro track top Originals celebrate the 40th adidas originals anniversary of its trefoil Dhs385 logo, and what promises to be a fantastic Olympics in London. Make sure you’re appropriately kitted out with the new range from the sportswear mega label, with classic styles reworked for the modern day in a range of new colours. Our pick is this retro track top (Dhs385), ideal for either post-work out or stylish lounging while watching the athletes do all the hard work.

The Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4340603. adidas.com

Traditionalists beware – a new UAE-based designer is shaking up the menswear scene, one accessory at a time. Using leather, spikes and more, 25-year-old Ahmad Dabaas has launched a range of bow ties through his label AMD Les Supplements that should make you stand out from the crowd.

From Dhs500.

E-mail: order@ amdmode.com 78 WHAT’S ON march 2012

champneys arrives in the uae If you're partial to pampering but your budget is more pharmacy than five-star spa, then Champneys' new at-home products could be the answer. Inspired by the famed British brand, the bath and body range available from Boots, includes luxurious ingredients like ginseng, fig milk, ylang ylang and silk proteins to make your bathroom blissful. Priced from Dhs40, our pick of the products is the Exotic Retreat Bubble Heaven (Dhs85) with tropical coconut oil and mango butter to moisturise while you bathe.

Available from Boots, various locations. me.boots.com

The new outdoor essential

Forget Fatboys and ditch the cheap blow-up mattress, these hammocks by Kelsyus are set to transform your camping trips and weekend lazing. Fully portable, they can be folded into a bag, chucked in the car and set up wherever you want, with single and double sizes available in a variety of colours.

Beach St, The Walk, JBR, Dubai Marina, Dubai, from Dhs650. Tel: (04) 4243133. leisuremarine-me.com

must visit of the month:

Mon atelier

For quality gifts, personalised pyjamas and well-chosen brands, boutique Mon Atelier should be top of your list this month. Far from the big malls, it is a quirky store hidden from the hordes behind Lime Tree Café, meaning you'll find products as yet undiscovered by the rest of Dubai (so keep it under your hat). Owner Karim has personally selected the pieces he sells, adding to the line with his own in-house range of fabric gym bags, sleepwear and baby blankets, all of which can be embroidered with names for that custom touch.

Mon Atelier, Al Hudaiba Street, Jumeirah, Dubai, 9am to 9pm. Tel: (050) 6502433. facebook.com/ monatelierdxb

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WHAT’S ON

SPORT & OUTDOOR Alive and kicking

p83 ROCK CLIMBING · p84 SPORTS ROUND-UP MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 81

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Rock climbing Inspired by Tom cruise’s vertical adventures on the Burj Khalifa, our man Matt scales a really, really high (well, 20ft) wall with the hope of defeating his vertigo

H

eights. It’s fair to say that we just don’t get on. Although I’ve been in many a situation that requires a certain degree of nerves, I’m far from what you’d call OK with being up high. And while you might not think 20ft is all that high (well, you trying jumping off it, pal), the idea of scaling a rock wall that height with nothing but a rope and my, somewhat limited, upper body strength to stop me from falling isn’t at the top of my ‘to do’ list.

GETTING STARTED OK, so it’s not the biggest climbing wall in the country, but the one at Mina A’Salam’s Quay Health Club is more than a suitable height for beginners.

Opened only eight months ago, they have several climbing lines of varying difficulty and plenty of qualified instructors on hand.

My cucumber-cool Creole instructor, Yeonid, was slightly smirky when I asked him how much weight my harness can take as I attempted to climb into it.

“Tonnes,” he laughs, eyeing my 75kg frame. “I wouldn’t worry about it.” Talking me through the safety aspects of climbing, Yeonid explained everything I’d need to know, including the belaying process, which is handled by the person at the foot of the wall responsible for controlling the climbing rope, to reassure me that I am in safe hands. Granted, someone else’s hands, but safe hands. Note to self: make sure I’m on good terms with the fella at the bottom of the rope.

CLIMBING The best way to do any adventure sport is to jump in feet first, so when I’m told to hit the wall and start climbing, that’s exactly what I

“The instructor calmly gives me advice, but it fails to register in my brain due to the growing panic” do. After scaling the first ten feet – brimming with novice enthusiasm – the nerves start to kick in. I know that I need to adjust my footholds, but looking down seems to be an impossible task…

Just how secure am I, really?

Yeonid calmly advises me to “keep close to the wall” and “push with my legs” rather than relying on my arm and finger strength – all good advice, but it fails to register in my brain due to the growing panic.

Sensing that I’m struggling, Yeonid tells me to let go and lean back, promising that nothing bad will happen to me. Hesitantly, I do, and despite my doubts, I don’t tumble to the ground in a broken heap. With that one swift action, the panic disappears, and it becomes clear, rock climbing at this level isn’t about not falling – because you physically can’t – it’s about reaching the top of the wall, which I do. Magic.

ROUND TWO Back on solid ground, and with the fear of falling dismissed, I am chomping at the bit to return to the wall. However, this time

what fails me isn’t my nerve, it is – rather embarrassingly – the lack of strength in my arms.

Halfway up a more difficult section of the wall, I start eyeing up my next move. I know exactly where I need to be and how to get there, but my arms and fingers are burning with cramp, and I physically cannot hold on any longer. I am defeated. It is infuriating. It turns out there is more to this climbing malarkey than a few trips to the top of the wall.

VERDICT I’m certainly not ready to match Tom Cruise’s Burj Khalifa antics, and I don’t think I’ll ever get over my uneasiness when it comes to heights, but climbing on a wall this size was a perfect introduction to help shake that niggling fear of falling.

Now, if there was only a quickfix solution for my physical shortcomings.

The Quay Healthclub, Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Beach Road, daily 9am to 10pm, Dhs70.

Tel: (04) 3666821. jumeirah.com march 2012 WHAT’S ON 83

SportS & outdoor

The RounD-up

From water sports to shooting, it’s all go in the world of UAE sport

News flash

Watersports festival

Join the par three league

Our more radical watersport friends tell us that the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival is the highlight of the year. The 10-day event is packed with world-class athletes, wicked tricks and everything from kiteboards to surf ski kayaks, and it doesn’t stop there. Onshore, there is camping, concerts and even a watersports photography competition. Gnarly.

Mar 24 to Apr 2, Mirfa Public Beach, Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, price TBC. algharbiafestivals.com

Run with Nike Whisper, as nobody really wants to hear

it, but summer is creeping up on us again.

We were reminded of this by the guys at the Nike Run Club, which is entering its penultimate month. However, two months still gives you plenty of time to run yourself in to tip-top shape, meet some likeminded folks and benefit from professional coaching. And the best thing about it?

It’s free.

Nike Running Club, Dubai Festival City, Tue 6.45pm to 8pm, Burj Park Island, Tues 7.45pm to 9pm and Dubai Marina, Sat 7am to 8.15am. Tel: (050) 2547431. facebook.com/ NikeRunningMiddleEast

Taking its name from adam sandler’s mid-1990s cult golf comedy, the happy Gilmour social Par 3 league is back. Run by Duplays, the league invites players of all abilities to compete over eight weeks on the nine-hole par three course at emirates Golf Club.

Up to 36 players will compete every sunday from March 4 to april 22, and the golfer with the lowest cumulative score after eight rounds will be declared the winner.

Mar 4 to Apr 22, Happy Gilmour Social Par 3 League, Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun 7.45pm to 9.30pm, Dhs 950. dubai.duplays.com

Ready, aim, fire

1/4 AD

Lose your water wings

For most of the year, the UAE is blessed with perfect weather and conditions for water sports. To save your water babies from the embarrassment of frolicking around in water wings until they are old enough to drive, you can now enrol them in swimming lessons at the Dubai Creek Golf Club. Run by Kati’s Aquatots, the AusSwimtrained coaching staff offer lessons for children of all ages. Parents, if you ask nicely, they will also be able to teach you how to swim.

Kati’s Aquatots, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai, Dhs720 for 12 weeks. Tel: (050) 6546965. dubaigolf.com

84 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

Marksmen take note: the Uae has won the right to host the world skeet shooting Championships in april 2013. The event will see the world’s best skeet shooters gunning their way to victory at the al ain equestrian, shooting and Golf Club. so for all you potential marksmen out there, it's time to double up on the training.

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. Tel: (03) 7026500. aesgc.ae

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WHAT’S ON

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

p89 BEAUTY FOR FREE · p91 TOP TEN SELF-HELP BOOKS · p92 MIND AND BODY NEWS MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 87

Mind & Body

WhERE ELsE To BE TREATED on ThE ChEAP Harvey Nichols

01

Beauty for free Feeling skint but still need your skincare fix?

We put a complimentary facial to the test and find the best places to be pampered without paying

S

tuck in a beauty rut?

Been grabbing the same brands in the supermarket, using whatever your partner buys, or sticking with products regardless of whether or not they suit your skin type? Then you might need a swift kick in the right direction. Or at least a relaxing incentive to try something new.

The best things in life are free, or so claimed Luther Vandross, and after a shopping festival that left us living on baked beans and sweet-talking our bank manager, we thought our grooming regime would be reduced to soap and water. Thankfully, some big beauty brands are wise to our woes and Bloomingdale’s is offering free facials in its twelve beauty rooms.

Tucked away behind the displays of lotions, potions and pots in the Dubai Mall department store, treatment rooms and therapists are waiting

to wipe off your makeup, indulge you in a facial and educate you on numerous brands. We were whisked away to a room beside Kiehl’s and treated to a 45-minute lie-down, complete with luxurious products from 3LAB, a modern American brand aimed at beauty boosting and anti-ageing. Thankfully, therapists aren’t there to up-sell you, but to advise on what products – from the likes of Guerlain, Keihl’s and Clarins – you should be using.

You often don’t even need to buy anything to enjoy the facial – with

02

01 La Prairie Beauty Room 02 Shiseido Beauty Room

La Prairie facials you’ll need to purchase two products, but at Shiseido you’re offered a free five-minute de-stressing hand massage.

You can ask for the therapist to use one brand or a combination of products, so it’s a useful exercise for teenagers looking to start a proper skincare regimen, or for those of us who should probably spend more than Dhs25 on face cream. You pay peanuts, you get monkeys – or in the case of cheap moisturisers, a rash.

After removing make-up, your skin is analysed then cleansed, scrubbed, hydrated, oiled, toned, serum-coated and moisturised, leaving you brightened and rosy cheeked. Appointments are advised, but on quieter days you can just pop in and ask for some advice and a free demonstration.

After you’re left bare-faced, we’d recommend then heading over to the Bobbi Brown counter for a free makeover, but we’re just cheeky like that…

Bloomingdale’s, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Sun to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3505333. bloomingdales.com

The British favourite has a treatment room where you can try out beauty brands like Burberry, Lancôme and Christian Dior. Demonstrations, facials and mini makeovers are free, but we defy you to leave without purchasing something from the new Tom Ford makeup line – have you seen the packaging?

Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 4098888. harveynichols.com

Paris Gallery

This haven of all things pretty also has treatment rooms and makeover spaces where experts from brands including Chanel, Make Up For Ever, Clinique and Givenchy can turn you from harassed shopper to glamorous socialite. You can book an appointment for your free makeup service online.

Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, Fri to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur 10am to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6455004. parisgallery.com

rebecca treston aesthetics

This Beach Road clinic hosts regular open days and the next event on March 24 from 10am to 1pm will see skincare expert Rebecca performing live demonstrations of treatments. Guests will receive a goodie bag that includes a voucher for cellulite-busting Proellixe or Visia Complexion Analysis treatments and buy one get one free offers.

You’ll have to call ahead to book your place.

EuroMed Clinic, Beach Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3945422. euromedclinicdubai.com

March 2012 WHAT’S ON 89

Mind & Body

Top 10 self-help books

It’s a multi-billion dollar industry, with psychiatrists, psychologists and selfproclaimed experts writing self-help books quicker than you can ask “are you qualified?”

The result is an overwhelming amount of advice, all claiming to change your life – so which ones are worth your time?

1. Getting Things Done

David Allen While some of Allen’s antiprocrastination, time management guide becomes a bit jargon-filled, his Two Minute Rule (if there’s anything you must do that takes two minutes or less, do it now) alone makes this a worthwhile read. It’s simple and easy to use, with devotees claiming lifechanging benefits. (Dhs36)

2. Spent

Frank Lipman Energy guru to the stars (Gwyneth Paltrow is a pal), Lipman has identified the modern-day issue of being so darn tired all the time, despite many of us getting enough sleep.

You’ll find suggestions like ‘unplugging’ from technology at 10pm and making sure you have a walk in daylight to help your body form a natural rhythm. (Dhs55)

3. The Art Of War

Sun Tzu Granted, The Art of War was written 2,500 years ago by a Chinese military strategist and much of the teaching refers to warfare, but businesspeople and politicians apply Tzu’s short, elegant phrases to modern life.

Far from a weighty tome, this is good book to dip into before the boardroom or battlefield. (Dhs35)

4. Instant Confidence

Paul McKenna Much lauded by sufferers of shyness, McKenna’s book comes with a ‘mind-programming’ CD to help with positive thinking.

Fear not, it’s not hypnosis, but McKenna’s PhD has been put to good use, with millions claiming this book has helped them become more optimistic, in control and, of course, confident. (Dhs44)

5. The 4-Hour Body

Tim Ferris With his conversational tone and obsession with self-testing, Tim Ferris is not your clichéd lifestyle guru, and he practices what he preaches. His first book The 4-Hour Work Week: Live 9-5, Live Anywhere, And Join The New Rich hit the New York Times bestseller list. This follow up provides a tried and tested method for becoming lean, strong and fit for purpose. (Dhs58)

6. How To Talk So Kids Will Listen And Listen So Kids Will Talk

Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish Something of a worldwide phenomenon, the advice found in this book promises to turn you from overwhelmed, stressed and powerless, into a confident happy and loving parent. The language and techniques have proved to be very successful, so if you can find

theory that many women are hanging on for a hero (namely a man so perfect he doesn’t exist) is pretty convincing. Instead, she claims, women should be more realistic. Note that this doesn’t mean marrying the first taxi driver who asks you. (Dhs38) half an hour away from the little ankle biters, sorry, angels, this is a good use of some peace and quiet. (Dhs36)

7. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

David Burns First published 30 years ago, this bestseller has been deemed just as effective as medication and psychotherapy by psychologists.

Using CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) techniques, Burns’ theory that depression is caused by distorted thinking has been proven useful in mild cases and anyone who needs a boost, with blank worksheets to help you sort out your thoughts. (Dhs30)

8. Marry Him: The Case For Settling For Mr Good Enough

Lori Gottlieb Universally panned by romantics for her practical advice, Gottlieb’s

9. The Four Agreements Don Miguel Ruiz Billing itself as a ‘practical guide to personal freedom’, this short book of Toltec wisdom offers truths and values to live your life by. There are four basic codes of conduct: be impeccable with your words, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best. You can’t say fairer than that. (Dhs28)

10. Awaken The Giant Within

Tony Robbins Robbins has gone from motivational speaker to global superstar, but ignore the name dropping in this book and you’ll find some solid strategies for self-improvement. Asking yourself empowering questions and using ‘transformational vocabulary’ promises to change your outlook. (Dhs42) All available from amazon.com March 2012 WHAT’S ON 91

Mind & Body

boDy AND soul

News, reviews, events and more – the world of wellbeing tried and tested

MEET SUCCESS COACH JACK CANFIELD

Co-creator of the saccharine but successful book series Chicken Soup For The Soul, and author of The Law Of Attraction, Jack Canfield will be in Dubai for the first time to share his wisdom next month. Covering the key topics from his coaching career, the seminar aims to help attendees accelerate achievement, reach personal and professional goals, and live a fuller, more joyful life. Numbers are limited so registration is essential.

April 10, Ductac, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, from Dhs795. Tel: (04) 3527803. rightselection.com

SPA DEAL OF THE MONTH

sAloN 4D

There’s nothing worse than the folks back home giving you grief about your lack of a tan, so those of you who either turn pink in the sun or prefer to fake rather than bake should check out this half-price deal from Salon 4D. The online discount club is offering a Mystic Tan session at Majesty Beauty Center in Jumeirah for Dhs150 instead of Dhs300 throughout March – perfect for pre-races pampering. salon4D.com

MUST-BUY OF THE MONTH

la tweez

La Tweez might sounds like someone who would appear on the Jerry Springer show, but they're actually a new breed of tweezers that come with in in-built light and slanted tip designed to help you catch every stray hair. Complete with a crystal on/ off button, the tweezers come in a case containing a magnifying mirror.

Lifestyle, The Dubai Mall, Dubai and Marina Break Waters Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs54. lifestylegulf.com

NEW FOR YOU

the ultimate wellness retreat You don’t need to go to Thailand to detox or trekking in Nepal to get into shape. The Address Dubai Mall has put together a seven-day stay to kick-start your health and fitness plan, including nutritious meals and snacks, personal mentoring and lots of exercise.

It’s not all hard work though, with the hotel’s luxurious spa offering complimentary treatments to help you relax and unwind throughout your programme. After the week is up, you should emerge fitter, leaner and well rested.

Sign us up.

The Address Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai, Dhs8,055.

Tel: (04) 4238888. theaddress.com

MotheR’s DAy our pick of the packages and

products for treating your mum this month Mamma Mia by Lush

Heavenly Lifestyle

Offering your sainted mum 75 minutes of bliss, the Heavenly Lifestyle package includes a foot ritual, organic body polish, aroma or hot stone massage and a healthy meal with delicious juices, plus access to the Grand Millennium’s health club facilities. Ideal for a day of peace and quiet.

Jasmine Spa, Grand Millennium, Tecom, Dubai, Dhs499. Tel: (04) 4299999. grandmillenniumdubai.com 92 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

Granted, toiletries are a bit of a cop out, but this gift set of hand-made goodies should encourage your mum to relax.

It includes the new Putty For Your Hands cleanser, Tiny Hands moisturising serum, a rosescented body conditioner and a Washing Up Fairy bubble bar wand (that’s for you to use to do the dishes while she puts her feet up).

Lush, Deira City Centre, Deira, Dubai, Dhs180. Tel: (04) 2959531. lush.com

Dreamtime Journey

Designed to relax the nervous system

and restore the natural rhythm of sleep, this two-hour treatment includes a slow scrub, massage and facial with organic essential oils, fresh royal jelly and orange blossom to help with lymphatic drainage and cellular rejuvenation. Even better, this treatment is normally Dhs650, but costs Dhs350 until the end of the month.

Balance Wellness, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 6am to 9pm, Dhs350.

Tel: (04) 3847010. balance-wellness.

yoga in the park

Join fellow yoga enthusiasts from the Bodytree studio for a new outdoor class this month. All abilities can head to Khalifa Park with their own mat for hour-long sunset sessions at 6pm on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, or from 11am on Saturdays with experts Vinsaya and Jivamukti. Just contact the studio to book your place.

Bodytree, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, Dhs60. Tel: (02) 6676579. bodytreestudio.com

Mind & Body

Nails & 'Tails

Sanctuary Spa at The Pullman is combining gossip, pampering and cocktails every evening with its Nails & 'Tails offer. For Dhs225 you and your pals (girls only, we're afraid) can indulge in a manicure and cocktail from 6pm to 9pm – ideal for a post-work rant or predinner catch-up.

The Pullman, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, 6pm to 9pm, Dhs225. Tel: (04) 3772000. pullmanhotels.com

All About the eyes

With the first wave of excitement about eyelash extensions over, UAE beauty fans are starting to become more discerning. The overly dramatic (and somewhat comical) look is no longer in style. Instead, more natural enhancements are gaining in popularity. Leading the charge is British expert Laila Nazari, who has recently left London to bring her knowledge and experience to Tilia & Finn in Emirates Towers.

Previously of Daniel Galvin and Harrod’s, Laila’s client list is studded with celebs, with an unnamed Bollywood actress flying her out to Mumbai to attend to her oh-so-famous lashes. Her extensions use much finer synthetic eyelashes than those seen before in Dubai, with Laila applying up to 160 lashes of varying lengths per eye for the perfect flutter, which should last weeks. She won’t allow your brows to let you down, either, shaping them with tweezers for precision and providing tips like pushing your eyebrow hair up to promote growth and to open your eyes up. We have her on speed dial already.

Tilia & Finn, Emirates Towers, Dubai, extensions from Dhs450, brow shaping Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3861364. thegroomingco.com

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WHAT’S ON

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Bliss Lounge

The gigs, the nights and all the latest news and reviews

p97 ARTIST OF THE MONTH · p99 Club dIARy · p104 NEWS MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 95

Music

Music & Nightlife

ARtist of tHe MontH

TASH London-born GreekCypriot singer tash is sony Music Middle east’s first signing.

Mixing english and Arabic lyrics with a blend of beats, prepare to become addicted to his unique sound

Shot on location at MAKE business hub

I

t’s been a bit of a whirlwind, man,” says singer Tash on his first-ever visit to Dubai. “I don’t know what I expected really, but I love the energy that this city has.”

Raised in a Turkish-Cypriot family in London’s New Cross, Sertac ‘Tash’ Nidai is the 24-year-old singer who six months ago became the first English-Arabic artist to sign for Sony Music Middle East’s record label.

In town to promote his debut single, Habibi Leh, Tash sings in both English and Arabic, mixing Arabic beats with Western sounds, ticking all the right boxes for the UAE’s mishmash of cultures along the way.

“I have always had a passion for an Arabic and Middle Eastern sound,” he says in his South London accent. “It was constantly played in the house when I was growing up, but at the same time I would also be listening to US music like The Supremes. I started out by making music that was very traditionally Arabic, but because I didn’t speak Arabic I would sing English over the top of it. That idea progressed

as I continued to make music. I wanted to merge the two sounds, as that’s the culture that I grew up with.”

While he might have grown up with the culture, he didn’t speak the language – his parents spoke Greek – so Tash taught himself to speak (and, of course, sing) Arabic.

“We spoke English, while the older members of my family would also speak Greek,” he recalls. “However, there was always Egyptian or Lebanese television and music playing.

Growing up, I loved the Arabic language. I thought it was beautiful and I was so curious what they were saying in all the songs, so I started to teach myself. I went to Egypt and made some Arabic friends. I wouldn’t say I was fluent, but I am getting my head around all the pronunciation.”

Despite being a qualified teacher (“to assure my mum that I had a backup plan, in case things don’t work out”), it’s been a heady rush of being popstar for Tash since signing with Sony

Middle East, who have their headquarters in Dubai.

“I could easily see myself moving out here,” he says of the Emirates. “I love the energy and excitement that urban scenes such as Dubai bring, but it is still early on in my career – I’m taking things one step at a time.”

One step at a time it may be, but with UAE gigs on the horizon, not to mention his recently released debut album, The Deep End, Tash might just have to quicken his pace. facebook.com/tash.official MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 97

Club diary

This month’s clubbing highlights

1

march 80s Night @ ZeNith Jump in the aural time machine with Chicago spinner DJ Blendz.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton. com WEEKLY Aperitivo @ MediA oNe Ease into the weekend with four hours of chilled post-office beats.

Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 4271000. mediaonehotel.com WEEKLY Club ANtheMs @ ZiNC Greg Stainer, Andy Swift and Mr Hush select commercial house, R&B and the eponymous club anthems.

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

Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup. com pApArAZZi: the boNg tAkeover @ Allure

by CipriANi The Dubai clubbing big shots take over the capital, with no fewer than seven guest DJs. Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, 11.30pm to late, free. Tel: (050) 5969543. nightcluballure.com WEEKLY JAMroCk @ subliMe louNge Caribbean and urban hits from a revolving DJ cast including Shero, Sir Taz, Dany Neville, Brooklyn and Emtee Pockets.

Ibis Hotel, World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, couples free before midnight, ladies free before 1am.

Tel: (050) 4360891. ibishotel.com luis rAdio @ MusthAvesoul Disco and house-loving Italian special guest, plus Simon Reid

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

16-17 march

We’re goiNg to ibiZA

Or, more specifically, Ibiza is coming to us, with the launch of the Balearic island’s iconic Blue Marlin in the UAE. DJ, producer, remixer and label-owner Axwell will be there, along with eccentric pop maverick Kelis. Split over two days, the La Vida de Ibiza celebration welcomes a slew of DJs and live acts to Ghantoot, with the Swedish House Mafia hit-maker pulling in the dance fans Have you partied at Blue Marlin Ibiza before?

Yeah, loads of times. I love how it starts as a day on the beach with a few drinks and then slowly transforms into a sinful party.

Do you find yourself at a lot of celeb-packed parties? celebrities are all over the place these days where house music is played. The most interesting celeb I’ve run into was a Swedish princess.

Kelis is also playing the launch weekend. There was a bootleg of Swedish House Mafia vs. Kelis/Calvin Harris track Bounce, but you’ve never collaborated officially, right?

We haven’t actually worked together, but I’ve always loved what she does. Would I like to collaborate with her? Perhaps. I’m always open to interesting ideas.

You’ve played here before. What have your experiences been like?

I’ve been coming to the UaE since 2005, so I’ve seen a few crowds there. They’re all mixed – young bankers partying with princes and sheikhs, as well as tourists, so it’s a very international and pretty upscale crowd.

Might your set at Blue Marlin be a little bit different to those previous shows?

Yes, I believe it will be a bit more relaxed and cruisey because of the whole idea of Blue marlin.

Are there plans for another SHM record, then?

Yes. Just before I come to the Emirates we’re in australia for a tour, and hopefully we’ll be able to finish something new there.

Al Jazira Island, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to late, bookings and membership only. Tel: (056) 1133400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com and Dan Chadwick.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. luisradio.com WHAT’S ON PICK

MiChAel CANitrot @ yACht Club Parisian DJ back at the Yacht Club once again in the wake of latest single White Escape.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi,

Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. michaelcanitrot.com resideNts @ Audio toNiC A revolving cast of Soulfisher, JC, Mr Mr, Raxon and Vas Floyd (also Mar 8, 15 and 29).

Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (056) 6037275. audiotonic.net

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

2

march 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 (also Mar 9 and 23).

Al Maya Island & Resort, Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 10pm, Dhs100, free for ladies until 2pm. Tel: (02) 6677777 WHAT’S ON PICK

Atb @ Xl beACh Club German trance spinner, best known for hit single 9pm (Till I Come) drops into Dubai to promote latest record Distant Earth, with support from compatriot Josh Gallahan.

Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4084444. grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels. com bACk to the ClAssiCs @ Allure by CipriANi Jump in Allure’s musical DeLorean with Cliff Townley, Mister Outlaw and NIKOLA. Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, 11.30pm to late, free. Tel: (050) 5969543. nightcluballure.com WHAT’S ON PICK

dAvid guettA @ yAs AreNA The megastar DJ/producer/ collaboration king lines up a march 2012 WHAT’S ON 99

Music & Nightlife huge show, with warm-up from Natalie Brogan and MadJam. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to late, Dhs195, VIP Dhs395, VIP tables Dhs5,500 to Dhs9,500. Tel: 800 35274. davidguetta.com WEEKLY Fluid FridAy liMe @ gold Sir Taz and DJ Stylez cue up urban and Caribbean hits.

Monarch Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free.

Tel: (050 4360891. goldubai.com pierre rAvAN @ ill CoMMuNiCAtioNs Plus Matthew Dekay in the Electric Studio and the launch of new label One28 Recordings.

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

Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 7pm, Dhs350 (includes unlimited house beverages). Tel: (02) 6563000. ichotelsgroup.com systeM oF survivAl @ CirColoCo Veteran Ibiza duo touch down for a four-hour set of Balearic sounds.

M-Dek, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Dubai, noon to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 3pm. Tel: (056) 7893897. systemofsurvival.com WEEKLY uNdergrouNd proCedures @ ZiNC DJ Brooklyn spins R&B and hip hop (also every Sun with rotating residents).

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

WHAT’S ON

PICK WEEKLY resideNts @ MusthAvesoul The MHS crew rotate every Friday, with special guest Natalie Brogan on Mar 23.

Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (02) 6563500. musthavesoul.com

WEEKLY retroFleCt @ peArls bAr Post-brunch sounds moving into the night from DJ Afroboogie, spinning deep house and retro classics aplenty.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae spirit CAtCher @ Audio toNiC Live set from the Belgian duo, plus Mr Mr, Vas Lloyd and Julian Jinx.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. spiritcatcher.be suNdoWNers’ pool pArty @ suNdoWNers pool bAr Get warmed up for David Guetta at Yas Arena with this pre-party, featuring DJs Cliff Townley, Neil T and Rick Bonetti.

100 WHAT’S ON march 2012

3

march 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 resideNts @ MusthAvesoul preseNts eCleCtiC CirCle MHS’s revolving mixologists get busy with the far out sounds.

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

4

march WEEKLY the CreW louNge @ peArls bAr Brand new ladies and Etihad crew night with DJs Cliff Townley and Soulninja.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi,

JoJo de Freq@lipsy Electro lady JoJo De Freq, or Jodi Mullins to her pals, was brought up in Canada but made her mark after taking root in the fertile dance music soils of London. Since then she’s wowed crowds of more than 5,000 people around the world…

22 march

It must be nice to come from chilly Britain to play an alfresco set in Dubai?

I’m so excited. I especially love playing outdoors and I’ve heard great things about 360º. I’m looking forward to some warm weather and hopefully hitting the beach at least once while I’m there.

Things have improved in recent years, but does sexism still exist in club/DJ culture?

Of course, just as there is in any other competitive maledominated industry. What it comes down to is self-belief. It’s important for me to be true to myself, in what I play and how I express myself. But my aim is to be known for being really good at what I do, not just being female. Over the years I’ve made a lot of male DJ friends and we have more in common than not.

You’re a regular at the Heroes night in London. Did you have any heroes of your own growing up?

[French DJ] miss Kittin was my biggest DJ hero and probably still is.

Do you think your career would be vastly different if you had stayed in Canada?

Yes, completely. The club culture in the UK can’t be compared; it’s an institution. although over the last few years there’s been some great indie/electronic artists to emerge from canada. maybe I would’ve spent more time creating music and images and less time DJing. But DJ culture brought me to the UK; it’s something special.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. jojodefreq.com 4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae

5

march eNter the epiCeNter @ ANAhid FAshioN Nights Imen, DJ Farhad B and VDJ barbu.tv get fashionable (also Mar 19).

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

6

march WEEKLY dJ ChiCo @ Cirque du soir Acrobatic party extraordinaire every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10.30pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3324900. cirquedusoirdubai.com WEEKLY lAdy luCk @ iCho New ladies night with special tappan menu.

Music & Nightlife Radisson Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (04) 3080000. radissonblu. com

Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. djdavidcraig.co.uk

9

7

march

march Mike Mills @ yACht Club Plus the late night dance show and resident DJ Rabih Karam (also Mar 8).

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

WHAT’S ON PICK

dArko de JAN @ vivA Progressive house master, plus Patrik Carrera (also Mar 23, headliner only).

Armani/Privé, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (04) 8883308. dubai.armanihotels.com WHAT’S ON

8

PICK

march CrAig dA sousA @ iNFusioN Deep house from the Cape Town DJ, producer and radio presenter.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. infusion.ae WHAT’S ON PICK

dAvid CrAig @ 10tAtioN Top house at this drinks dealsthemed night.

lloyd @ briNg doWN the house The smooth R&B star behind hits including You and Get It Shawty performs live, plus DJ Emtee.

Etoiles, Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 11pm to 4am. Tel: (02) 6908960. lloydmusic. com loCAl shoWCAse @ Audio toNiC Andy Buchan, Jixo & Danz and Sam Fariso rep for the Emirates.

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

roberto rodrigueZ @ Audio toNiC The Helsinki-based DJ talks temperature shocks and careerthreatening disasters ahead of his two-night stand for Audio Tonic, who release an EP from Sevo K the same weekend that features a Roberto Rodriguez remix…

Helsinki? Brrr… as I’m writing this to you it’s minus 22°c outside, so it will be a shock in the UaE, but a pleasant shock.

Are you looking forward to hitting the Emirates then?

Yes. I visited Dubai two years ago and played a sunset set at 360º, which was an absolute blast. Kiko Navarro played after me and we ended up playing back to back. We became friends that night.

You’re half Spanish and half Finnish. Is that juxtaposition of hot blood and cold climate evident in your music? ha, could very well be. There is something in the climate here that pushes you to do music. During these everlasting dark and cold days there is not really anything else to do but sit in your studio and work on music. On the other hand it’s sometimes hard to find inspiration

Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 11pm to 4am.

Tel: (02) 6908960. danebowers.com

14 march

sANder kleiNeNberg @ velvet uNdergrouNd The Dutch superstar DJ and remixer returns to the Emirates.

Royal Ascot Hotel, Khalid Bin Waleed Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 10.30pm to 3am, Dhs150, Dhs100 adv. Tel: 050 8573802. 5k.tv

15 march

WHAT’S ON PICK

kiko NAvArro @ MusthAvesoul Suave Spanish sounds, backed by the MHS residents.

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

16 march

dANe boWers @ briNg doWN the house Former member of pop group Another Level turned celeb DJ gets the party underway in Abu Dhabi.

Etoiles, Emirates Palace, West

dioN MAvAth @ ill CoMMuNiCAtioNs Plus Chase & Status collaborator DJ Wire and MC Olly Wood in the Electric Studio.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. dionmavath.com iMMACulAte touCh @ Al MAyA islANd & resort Immaculate Touch return for their first Al Maya party of 2012, after a spell away from the island, with DJs Natalie Brogan, Cliff Townley, Chadphunk and Stew Magoo (also Mar 30) Al Maya Island & Resort, Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to late, Dhs100, free for ladies until 2pm. Tel: (02) 6677777. immaculatetouchabudhabi.com NAsiMi beACh FoAM pArty @ NAsiMi beACh Conan Liquid, Smokingrove, David Craig and Charl Chaka soundtrack an evening of house and frothy fun.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 before 8pm, ladies free. Tel: (04) 4262626. atlantisthepalm.com

when you don´t see the sun for five months. When the spring finally comes, I become highly productive and active.

Is it true that you drove a garbage truck to make ends meet?

Yes, we had a club night on a restaurant boat back in 1998. During the last night of the season the boat sank. It had most of my records on the boat, even some gear. That made me go back to working as a driver, so I could start collecting records and gear again. march Does that make you even more appreciative of your opportunities nowadays?

Ever since I decided back in 1987 that this was something I want to do in my life, working and living like this has been my goal. I’ve seen so many different jobs during the years – garbage truck driver included – trying to survive and achieve this goal, I’d be a total d*** if I didn’t appreciate what I have now.

Mar 22, Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (056) 6037275 Mar 23, 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (050) 1076405. robertorodriguez.fi

22

march 2012 WHAT’S ON 101

NiCkodeMus @ dust Eclectic DJ/producer Nickodemus has spread his sound around the world, both physically touring and sonically navigating the Middle East, Africa, South America and his native New York. After previously playing Chill Out Festival, the man behind NYC’s Turntables On The Hudson parties returns to Dubai for a headline show, backed up by Megadon Betamax, DJ Solo, Yeti and James Locksmith…

march

bAby dreW @ Xo sAturdAys Chris Brown’s official DJ takes a break from selecting songs for the Grammy-winning wife beater.

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

23 march

Your music is hard to pin down to any one genre. What is in store for us in Dubai?

I always kept an open mind, so the dance floor can swing in many different lands and languages. I played Dubai two years ago. It was a very hot and hadn’t rained in many months. I put on the first song and the skies opened. The rain ended after our intro. maybe that’s why I’m being invited back?

What Middle Eastern music has inspired you?

The rhythms and microtones captured me at an early age.

I immediately loved anything with an eastern melody or percussion. my first attempts at making music involved samples from old Indian and Egyptian records.

Your music was used on Sex And The City. How accurately did the show depict the NYC you know?

When I was growing up in Queens, I wanted to be in manhattan and The Bronx, where all the graffiti, hip hop and breakdancing was going on. Sex In The City was the ‘new’ New York that lots of people aspired towards. NYc is not all like that. most people are trying to pay rent. I still love my city, despite how it looks on TV sometimes.

You’re a pizza fan, so it must be handy living in the world’s best city for the food?

Quality over quantity. I have to give a big shout out to Gnocco, who makes one of my favourite pizzas (Neopolitan style), rubirosa’s for their thin vodka pie (NY style), and Luna rossa in Brooklyn, who consistently have amazing brick oven pizza. There are so many new pizzerias popping up weekly and I try to get to every one. I’m involved in building a restaurant and music space in NYc called Louie & chan. reasonably priced Italian food and a top-notch music program.

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs75. Tel: (050) 2484054. nickodemus.com step oN @ CAtWAlk Indie and alternative hits from DJs ME and Rude Larry.

Golden Tulip, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4649360. facebook.com/ StepOnDubai 102 WHAT’S ON march 2012

24

resideNts @ Audio toNiC Raxon, Mr Mr and JC take to the decks.

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

29 march

AtJAZZ @ MusthAvesoul Pink Panther-remixing English innovator Martin ‘Atjazz’ Iveson, plus Tristan Bain and Simon Reid.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. atjazz.co.uk WHAT’S ON PICK

pAtrik CArrerA @ relAX@12 The Dubai-based Aussie DJ/ producer hotfoots to the capital.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. patrikcarrera.com

30 march

dJ MArky ANd stAMiNA MC @ iNFusioN Brazilian drum ‘n’ bass trailblazer and his master of ceremonies hit Dubai.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 before 8pm, ladies free. Tel: (04) 4262626. djmarky.com.br WHAT’S ON PICK

FrANCois dubois @ Audio toNiC The Soma label man pumps up the volume, plus Raxon and Julian Jinx.

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

loAded @ CAsA lAtiNA Indie and alternative floor-fillers.

Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free.

Tel: (0w55) 8825675. facebook. com/seeyounextfriday

dJ kid Chris @ iN touCh With ibiZA A regular fixture in Ibiza,

German-born globetrotter DJ Kid Chris brings the Balearic spirit to Abu Dhabi headlining the Touch With Ibiza parties. This month he’s joined

by DJ Aleksey and DJ Hayson... march What is the secret of Ibiza’s longevity?

The beaches, the parties, the people from all over the world, combined with the best DJ line-ups, the best clubs and amazing weather conditions. my first time was in 2001 and I love it more and more every year.

How has Abu Dhabi responded to your Ibiza sounds?

The first time in abu Dhabi was great! The abu Dhabi crowd is amazing, open for new music and absolutely full of energy. It was a pleasure for me performing there. can’t wait to be back.

Will you be in Ibiza this summer?

Yes, from the beginning of July until the end of august.

What is your all-time favourite crowd-rocking Ibiza tune?

Too many, but one I remember from back in the day which will be hot this year again is might Dub Katz’s magic carpet ride, which is re-released in a Kid chris and Brian cribbs remix this month.

Sax/Oceans, Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to late, Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

28

&

s! us rize w llo t p Fo rea g win

Music & Nightlife

news

News, reviews and interviews to keep your social life buzzing

empress at embassy

ONE TO WATCH Ladies’ night of the month

We love a bit of midweek luxury, and Embassy has lured us in with four free drinks, giveaways, bar bites and entertainment over three floors. Kicking off at 6.30pm, it’s an upmarket choice for post-work relaxing, or head home, get glammed up then hit the light-up dance floor.

Grosvenor House Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

Music: unzipped

Catch the UAE’s best local bands and scout for new musical talent at new night Unzipped at The Music Room.

Every Thursday sees regional groups take to the stage at this much-loved venue, with proceeds of the Dhs50 ticket price going directly to the performers. Past acts have included former What’s On band of the month Sandwash, and March’s line-up promises more fresh and original music.

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 9pm to 11pm, Dhs50. Tel: (056) 7996335. themusicroomdubai.com

Three To Try A tRio of Bs to get you out ANd ABout B Lounge

A much-needed new alfresco venue in the capital, B Lounge by Beachcomber is nestled in the palm tree garden at the Sheraton, offering a bar, fire pit for bonfires, amphitheatre, live performances and a DJ playing chill-out tunes. Open-mic nights will also start soon.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to late. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

Bliss Lounge

With JBR residents in need of a new bar to while away the weekend, Bliss Lounge has answered their pleas. Promising chill-out afternoons and deep house nights, this contemporary lounge on the sands will be serving up cocktails, food and stunning sunsets.

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3995533

Blue Marlin

Bliss Lounge

104 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

A slice of Balearic glam is coming to UAE shores with the opening of Ibiza beach club Blue Marlin on March 16. With helicopter and private yacht access, it’s set to be quite the hotspot for the jetset crowd, but mere mortals can also enjoy club nights, dining and sun worshipping at this chic members’ club.

Al Jazira Island, Ghantoot. Tel: (050) 1422800. bluemarlinibiza.com

Dubai-based star-in-waiting S1 is racking up high-ranking fans in the industry. Having already worked with Flo Rida and Lumidee, he’s now lining up alongside platinum selling Jamaican star Sean Kingston for his latest single, You Da One Sean was involved in a lifethreatening jetski crash last year. Was this song recorded before or afterwards?

It was supposed to be recorded before his accident. Obviously, everything was put aside as his health was the priority. The moment he felt good and ready to start again we recorded it.

How was it working with him?

It was a dream come true, flying to Hollywood – my favourite city, besides Dubai – to shoot the video and visit his crib, having so much fun doing what I love. I’ve loved Sean’s music ever since I remember. He’s a great guy, very talented, a person you can learn a lot from, and a lot of fun.

It’s your aim to put Dubai on the musical map globally.

How will you do that?

By making records that appeal to a multitude of people around the world, from different cultures and backgrounds. Collaborating with the biggest names in the industry will surely help me get there.

Is there a wealth of musical talent waiting to break through in the Emirates?

The industry in the UAE is still very young. There are good artists who need a lot of support, which is hard to get at the moment. Labels and radio stations here are not used to supporting local talent. It makes things a lot harder for budding artists.

You Da One is out now on Young Millionaires Entertainment@official_s1

Park Hyatt

Masters of Food & Wine TOUR OF THE WORLD

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

NEWS

The gigs, tunes, news, reviews and giveaways to keep your social life buzzing

NEW NIGHT OF THE MONTH

NEW CLUB OF THE MONTH

Velvet Underground

WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL

An international line-up will be taking over Downtown Dubai this month, with artists from Gabrielle and George Benson to Salif Keita and Amr Diab taking to the stage.

With over a week of live music, there will be a total of 14 concerts including, many free events, for music lovers at the Burj Park and on the Burj Steps, plus some ticketed gigs.

Mar 7 to 16, Downtown, Dubai, free. duwmf.com

Oeno’s wind down Wednesdays

With the weekend in sight, Oeno is opening its wine cellar every Wednesday night, uncorking more than 50 bottles for your tasting pleasures, with red, white, pink and bubbly on offer. It is also unlocking the cheese room – where you’ll find dips, crostinis, charcuteries and homemade breads – and cranking up the music with a jazz trio and DJ Martin Metcalf. Unlimited wine, cheese, music and a Dhs150 price tag? That’ll do nicely.

The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Wed 7pm to 9.30pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3994141. westinminaseyahi.com

Taking over Elegante’s vast space, Velvet Underground has opened up with regular nights to keep Dubai’s clubbers very happy indeed. Commercial Desi music is packing in the crowds on Thursdays, with R&B on Fridays (already a big favourite), Pure Persia on Sundays, DJ Bliss and Mr Shef Codes behind the sizeable decks on Mondays and an open bar for ladies plus dance floor favourites on Wednesdays. Big name DJs will also be jetting in, with Sander Kleinenberg promising a very big night on March 14.

Royal Ascot Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 10.30pm to 3am.

Tel: (050) 8573802. velvetunderground dubai.com

Charice in concert Philippines-born Charice is just 19 years old, but already has the likes of Bruno Mars penning her songs and a regular spot in Glee. The YouTube sensation was dubbed ‘the most talented girl in the world’ by Oprah Winfrey, and her self-titled 2010 album landed on the Billboard chart at number eight, making

her the first Asian in history to debut in the Top 10. This month she brings her blend of pop and dance to Dubai as part of her Infinity tour, which has already entertained Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore and her home country.

Mar 2, Festival Park, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 7pm, from Dhs95. Tel: (04) 4503505. charicemusic.com

Club nights at Flash Forum

David Guetta’s show on March 2 is kicking off the club action at Flash Forum, which will see Dutch DJ Laidback Luke take to the decks on April 5. In collaboration with UK club Cream, expect more big names to come to the capital in 2012. Dance fans, get your diaries out.

Flash Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs195.

Tel: (800) 35274. thinkflash.ae 106 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

NEWS FLASH

Lad’s nights at Caramel Free cocktails and discounts have long been a ladies’ privilege in the UAE, but Caramel is doing its bit for equal rights, with some bevvies for the boys.

Every Monday from 6pm chaps can enjoy half-price drinks, while DJ Kirk plays R&B and club classics. Ladies, you know where to find the menfolk now…

DIFC, Dubai, Mon 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4256677. caramelgroup.com

WHAT’S ON

TRAVEL

Destinations, insider tips, deals and news

p110 a QUIcK GUIDE TO hUa hIN · p113 GLOBE TrOTTEr · p114 GOUrmET TravELLEr march 2012 WHAT’S ON 109

A quicK guidE To HuA Hin Once just a quiet fishing village three hours outside of Bangkok, hua hin is now fast becoming one of Thailand’s most cosmopolitan cities and a must-visit destination for beach-lovers and fans of Thai culture. here is our top ten of things to do, eat and see there 1. Khao Takiab

Widely considered to be one of the best beaches in Hua Hin, Khao Takiab is home to five-star luxury resorts and dinky restaurants full of locals. It’s where old meets new, and has everything from jet-ski rentals to beachside kung fu fitness classes, elephant rides, ancient temples and more. If you’re after more serene ways to worship the sun, there are also a number of marinas here where you can take a boat to any number of deserted beaches further down the coast.

2. Huay Mongkol Temple

For a more cultural take on Hua Hin, a day trip into the Thub Tai district (just outside 110 WHAT’S ON march 2012

the city) and Wat Huay Mongkol is just the ticket. The temple is home to a sacred Luang Pu Thuad statue, which is revered by the locals. The soil in and around Hua Hin is particularly suited to growing flowers, which means you’re guaranteed to pass by fields full of sunflowers, and roads lined with brightly coloured blossoms along the way.

3. Safari and Adventure Park

You can’t go to Thailand and not see elephants, and the Hua Hin Safari Park is home to pachyderms galore. Elephant rides are a popular favourite, but we’d suggest a game of elephant polo instead. If speed is more your thing you can upgrade your lumbering ride to a faster horse, or even rent an ATV to explore the park on wheels.

TRAVEL

7. chatchai night Market

When other stores are closing up shop, the vendors at Hua Hin’s night market are just getting started. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a wide range of Thai street food available, along with mobile side street bars for drinks. Stalls sell everything from small wooden elephants and brightly painted Thai murals to designer goods of a questionable origin. A good place to pick up some presents for the friends back home.

8. Asara Spa

While some might find the traditional Thai deep-tissue massage anything but relaxing, the Asara Spa, a local favourite, has steam baths, salt scrubs, aromatherapy and more. The Thai foot massage is a must but, be warned, it’s not for the ticklish. There are private massage suites both in and outdoors, including a special spa chamber that sits just above the surf. And there’s nothing better than relaxing to the sound of waves gently lapping against the beach.

9. Khannam Seafood Restaurant

Thai foodies travel to Hua Hin just to dine at this delectable seafood haunt. If you’re not squeamish, pick your dinner from the many tanks swarming with live sea bass and shellfish. The large steamed crabs and lightly fried scorpion shrimp are particularly tasty, as is anything on the more traditional (read: fiery) menu.

4. Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

You wouldn’t think Thailand particularly suited to growing grapes, but the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard produces a variety of wines from its generous estate, including several award winners. You can enjoy one of these self-styled ‘new latitude’ wines at The Sala, the vineyard’s own gourmet restaurant with food custom-made to match your wine.

5. Black Mountain golf club

Having been named the best new course in Asia after its opening in 2007, this golf club has natural creeks and exotic plants dotted about the holes. It’s guaranteed to challenge both seasoned pros and amateurs alike, and once you’ve mastered the greens there are three more courses (Banyan Golf Club, Springfield Royal Country Club and Palm Hills) just a short drive away.

6. grand Sports Arena

The first Thai boxer to win a world title hailed from Hua Hin, so it’s no surprise that traditional boxing is a big hit (no pun intended) here. Muay Thai fans can visit one of the two major boxing arenas, where fights are regularly held every Wednesday and Friday. If you want to get in the ring yourself, there are fitness classes to be had here, too.

FLIGHTS

Jet Airways flies from Dubai to Bangkok, via Mumbai, from Dhs900. jetairways.com

GETTING THERE

You can organise a taxi from Bangkok to Hua Hin for around Dhs200. Most hotels and villas will have a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.

WHERE TO STAY

InterContinental Hotel: intercontinental.com The Banyan Resort: banyanestatehuahin.com Indo China Holidays: indochinaholidaysandtours.com

10. Squid Fishing off Koh Talu

Hua Hin’s bright blue coastline is perfect for diving, with tours available through most hotels or in one of the many huts on Khao Takiab beach. But the crystal-clear waters are also favoured by squid. If you want to catch your very own cephalopod, there are boats and yachts available, along with fishing gear and tackle. And because the seas off Koh Talu are privately owned, there’s no commercial fishing allowed so there’s plenty to catch. march 2012 WHAT’S ON 111

gLoBE TRoTTER

Welcome to our new one-page destination guide So wHeRe aRe we goIng THIS monTH? The emerald isle of Ireland. wHy, exaCTly? The craic. Which is Irish for, well, all sorts. But mainly it means fun, a laugh and a good time. And it’s St Patrick’s Day this month so there’s no better time to visit, with the streets full of revellers and rivers of Guinness flowing with abundance. Not forgetting the leprechauns, of course. oK, you’ve Sold me. well, THe guInneSS Sold me. wHo SHould I TaKe? A trip to Ireland in March is one to undertake with a group of fellow party people. Leave the children at home if you’re heading to Dublin, but other parts of the country offer everything from romantic getaways to family-friendly destinations. we’ll need SomewHeRe To Sleep, you Know. If you’re staying in the capital head to The Merrion Hotel (merrionhotel.com) for stylish place to rest your head. If you want to see more of the countryside County Wicklow is gorgeous, and Rathsallagh House (rathsallagh.com) in Dunlavin is a familyrun hotel with a fantastic restaurant (try the giant steaks and traditional puds) and some very friendly Labradors.

THoSe STeaKS Sound good. wHeRe elSe Can I eaT? Mulcahy’s restaurant (kenmarerestaurants.com) in Kenmare serves amazing mussels, The Europe Hotel & Resort (theeurope.com) in Killarney has a very chic bistro with views over the lake, or for pub grub on the coast try Smugglers Inn (the-smugglers-inn.com) on the famed Ring of Kerry, a lovely drive that takes in pretty villages, stunning views and lots of green hills.

THe folKS BaCK Home wIll wanT a pReSenT… Aside from all sorts of leprachaun-related tat, Kildare Village (kildarevillage.com) is an outlet village bursting with discounted designer gear from the likes of Thomas Pink, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and DKNY. You might not find gifts there, but for slashed priced clothes it’s a winner. If you must take back souvenirs, Aran wool jumpers are always a popular choice. exCellenT. wHaT If we deCIde To STay longeR? Spend some time at the Irish National Stud (irishnationalstud.ie), meeting horses worth more than your house and taking in the lovely Japanese Gardens. If you’re in the mood for some traditional entertainment, spend an evening in the company of The Merry Ploughboys (merryploughboys.com) – yes, it’s a bit cheesy but you’ll have a good sing-along to popular Irish songs and while you enjoy a nice dinner. Head to Killarney for a tour on the horse-powered jaunting cars (killarneyjauntingcars.com) where you’ll be shown around town and the National Park, spotting deer and trying to understand the broad local brogue. any oTHeR TIpS foR ouR TRIp? If you’re able to make a week of it, fly to Dublin then take a domestic flight to Kerry so you can see a whole other side of Ireland.

NEED TO KNOW

flight time: seven hours Time zone: four hours behind the UAE Currency: €1 = Dhs4.83 Etihad Airways flies to Dublin from Dhs2,970

march 2012 WHAT’S ON 113

TRAVEL

gouRMET TRAVELLER Food and travel steamed mussels stuffed with rice, are abiding black pepper, passions for cumin, lemon the middle East juice and a number of secret (yet legal) chairman of ingredients. She’ll the World’s 50 also introduce you to deep-fried Best restaurants mussels coated judging panel, with breadcrumbs, James Brennan. garlic and crushed This month, he lifts the veil on the walnuts on skewers.

Once you’ve had your mystery of street food in Istanbul shellfish thrill, there’s

w

hat’s more exciting than eating street food? Eating illegal street food. Well, it is if you’re in Istanbul. The roving carts selling stuffed mussels on the streets of the great Turkish metropolis are officially outlawed because, well, dodgy mussels have a tendency to make your trousers explode.

But there’s a certain thrill involved in eating a snack that’s been banned by the municipal authorities. Even better if you survive the adventure to tell the tale. In fact, I’m thinking of printing up some boastful t-shirts: ‘I ate stuffed mussels in Istanbul, and my trousers are still fit for purpose.’

To make this game of Turkish roulette much safer and law-abiding, however, you can enlist local help. The Istanbul Culinary Institute (istanbulculinary.com) offers tours that will steer you to a legal stuffed mussel hawker attached to a bona-fide premises in the Beyoğlu-Galata area.

Banu Ozden is the oracle of Istanbul street food. She’ll guide you to the delights of

plenty more legal street food to be had – and we’re not talking doner kebabs. Simit is a ring-shaped bread, a little like a Turkish pretzel. It’s dipped in a sweet syrup, sprinkled with sesame seeds before baking and sold from carts all over the city.

It’s the cheapest and most popular street

HOTEL OF THE MONTH

Propeller island city Lodge On the surface, there is nothing out of the ordinary about Berlin’s Albrecht Achilles Strasse.

However, as life teaches us time and time again, do not to judge a book by its cover – or, in this case, a hotel by its location. The garish neon-lit entrance hints that what lies in store for guests is a little 114 WHAT’S ON march 2012

bit quirky, but few people would expect one of the world’s most bizarre hotels.

The 30 rooms at Propeller Island City are art installations as much as they are somewhere for travellers to lay their tired heads, with each providing a glimpse into the twisted mind of the artist

food in Istanbul, and is sometimes made into wholesome sandwiches with tomatoes and white cheese.

Kokoreç is a rather less conventional snack. It’s made from lamb’s intestines wrapped around sweetbreads and fat, and grilled over hot coals. It’s chopped up finely, grilled some more, and then served in Turkish bread. I know, I know, but it’s a whole lot tastier than it sounds.

Thankfully, there’s always balik ekmek, and few things in Istanbul could be tastier. In fact, these grilled fish sandwiches are among the best street food snacks to be found anywhere on Earth. Head for the boats bobbing at the Eminönü end of Galata bridge, where tender fillets of mackerel are grilled to a state of crisp smokiness and wedged in fresh white bread.

Some varieties are served with fiery chilli peppers, others with a simple clutch of lettuce leaves. Either way, balik ekmek is the taste of Istanbul – packed with flavour, fresh, healthy and evocative of this beguilingly beautiful city. It would be a crime to miss it.

Lars Stroschen. Individually themed and named, the rooms range from creepy (the Symbol room, pictured), to weird (a prison cell with a hole in the wall) to downright unsettling (a room where all the walls are decorated with countless mirrors).

We would recommend staying for a night rather than a week, but one thing is for sure, it’ll be a night to remember.

Propeller Island City Lodge, Albrecht Achilles Strasse 58, Berlin, singles from Dhs340, doubles from Dhs460. Tel: (+49) 308919016. propeller-island.com

TRAVEL

EXTRA

advice, deals and other tasty travel tidbits

THE STAMP coLLEcToR

Travels WiTh…

Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector conor Purcell answers your travel dilemmas

m R Hall

matthew hall is the lawyer turned author of crime-fiction novels The Coroner and The Disappeared. his latest, The Flight, is out now what is the best holiday that you have ever been on?

In 2007 I did a research trip to British Columbia, Canada, which involved flying deep into mountainous forests on a tiny 1950s floatplane. We were dropped at an isolated lodge more than 60 miles from the nearest dirt road.

We spent several days in wilderness completely cut off from the outside world and with no phones of any sort. We hiked along forest tracks where grizzlies had just passed by. what has been your biggest travel disaster?

I went to see some friends in the Moscow winter when it struggled to get above -15C. It was so desperately cold – when we went to a market, the only hats we could find to buy were ex-Soviet military, which got us some very strange looks on the subway. The pavements were so cold our toes froze through our boots.

If you could advise people to visit one destination, where would it be?

Ten years ago I went briefly to Rio de Janeiro and was overwhelmed

I have recently seen a lot about Burma opening up as a travel destination. Is now the right time to go, or should I wait until all the hype has died down?

David, The Springs

by it. I don’t think anywhere else could be quite so beautiful and yet contain such contrasts. Some of the world’s best hotels and most stunning beaches are only a short distance from huge third

cHEcK in

This month’s travel news MuST HAvE App: pHOTOSYNTH

Smartphone’s have cameras for a good reason.

Whether you’ve scaled 124 floors of the Burj Khalifa or you’re sprawled out on a deserted beach, you can easily take a snap without lugging a great big camera about. And this little app makes things even better, allowing you to stitch together your photos to create panoramic 360-degree images. iPad, iPhone. Free photosynth.net 116 WHAT’S ON march 2012

world slums. It felt like the whole world in one city. what are your tips for surviving a long stopover?

I’d try to get out in the fresh air. I am an outdoors person and try to spend as little time as possible in airports, shopping malls or anywhere with air conditioning. And I’d try to talk to the locals – you never know who you might meet. what do you never travel without?

A Leatherman multi-tool with a selection of knives and implements, which comes everywhere (except aircraft cabins!). I was a Boy Scout for seven years and I could make you a bow and arrow in five minutes, gut a fish or peel you a pineapple.

The Flight, published by Mantle, is available from Magrudy’s, Borders, Jashanmal and Kinokuniya

SLEEpLESS IN SEATTLE

This month Emirates spreads its reach even further across the globe, as it opens up a new direct route to Seattle. The US city is famous for its Pike Place fish market, its mid-1990s grunge bands, bringing Starbucks to the world and that Tom Hanks film, Philadelphia – OK, maybe not that one. The daily service will take a mammoth 15 hours, and despite leaving Dubai in the morning, due to the 12-hour time difference, it will touch down in Seattle at lunchtime, leaving you plenty of time to explore before bedtime. emirates.com

Burma has always been a great country to visit, with relatively few tourists. If anything, the ‘opening up’ of the country will see more tourists and more generic resorts of the type found across Asia, so now is probably the best time to go. The capital, Yangon, is wonderful, and the Burmese themselves are warm and hospitable. The country is still a dictatorship, so avoid talk of politics or democracy, as it’s the locals who will get in trouble, after you are safely home. In terms of logistics, the quickest way to travel there is via Bangkok, where a tourist visa can be organised at the Burmese embassy. If you go in the morning, you can pick up your passport (with visa) in the afternoon. Return flights from Bangkok to Burma are relatively cheap – expect to pay no more than $100.

We wish you a special Mother’s Day!

When you care enough to send the very best

Say it with the right card and gift.

www.hallmarkgcc.com Gulf Greetings General Trading LLC

P. O. Box 7924, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 347 1174, Fax: +971 4 347 1441 E-mail: info@gulfgreetings.com | www.gulfgreetings.com

WIN! WIN! WIN! Are you feeling lucky?

WIN! WINE AND CHEESE FOR TEN PEOPLE AT OENO To celebrate the launch of The Westin’s new Wind Down Wednesday Night at Oeno, we’re To enter offering you the chance to this fantastic take nine friends along for an competition, just e-mail evening of wine, cheese and winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘WIND DOWN’ live music. Each week the bar in the subject line and is uncorking red, white, pink the correct answer and bubbly wines and serving to the question up plenty of cheese while you relax and enjoy a jazz and blues soundtrack. Worth Dhs150 per person, this promises to be an evening of utter indulgence. For your chance to win, simply tell us…

Which of the following is not a variety of cheese? a) Brie b) Camembert c) Lego

WIN! A STAY AND BRUNCH FOR TWO AT GRAND MILLENNIUM DUBAI Treat yourself and a loved one to a mini-break in Dubai at the Grand Millennium Hotel. Boasting a winning location in Tecom, close to the Mall Of The Emirates, as well as plenty of dining options, you’ll be enjoying a weekend stay in a deluxe room, including Friday brunch and breakfast at Atrium restaurant with access to the state-of-the-art fitness centre and pool. If you’d like to win this lovely prize, you’ll have to get this question right…

How many years are there in a millennium? a) One b) 1,000 c) One million

To enter this fantastic competition, just e-mail

winwithwhatson@motivate.ae

with ‘MILLENNIUM’ in the subject line and the correct answer to the question

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 119

THE HOT LIST The best of the best

Traiteur, Park Hyatt

KEY

New entry Non-mover Up Down

p123 RESTAURANTS · p127 BARS · p131 BRUNCHES · p135 SPAS MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 121

THe HoT lisT

reStaurantS Hakkasan

MPW Steakhouse & Grill

1

2

hakkaSan

aMador

Atmosphere Hakkasan’s cleverly designed dining areas lend a wonderful sense of intimacy, plus a mustvisit terrace.

Atmosphere There’s a tangible air of excitement in the main room of molecular gastronomist Juan Amador’s debut Emirates restaurant.

Interior Thoughtful layout of Oriental wooden paneldivided alcoves; mazy and luxurious.

Food Modern Asian cooking at its best. The latest menu pushes further toward the stratosphere.

Location A Michelin-starred restaurant in the world’s most expensive hotel.

Price You won’t dine here every day, unless you own a wing of Emirates Palace. But it’s not insanely pricey, considering the quality on offer.

WhAt’s On sAys… We adore Hakkasan, which is why it’s the What’s On Awards restaurant of the year.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com

Interior Self-assured, but not ostentatious; Amador lets the food do the talking.

Food From liquid nitrogen gin and tonic ‘nitros’ to virtual sushi lollipops, there are eccentric touches at every menu page turn.

Location Amador’s adjoining tapas bar is a relaxed spot for some sociable drinks before or after your meal.

Price With four courses to choose from, it’s not hard to smash Dhs1,000.

WhAt’s On sAys… Welcome to Abu Dhabi, Juan; the wait has been worth it.

Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Fri 7pm to 11.30pm (tasting menu finishes at 10.30pm). Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com

The elite of the eating out scene

Quest

3

MPW SteakhouSe QueSt & Grill Atmosphere Marco Pierre White combines European homeliness with forward-thinking modernity.

Interior Full of unique character, including features – such as a small wall fire – that work, against all odds, in Abu Dhabi.

Food A shining example of brilliance with beef, with notable imagination across the less meaty menu possibilities.

Location The Fairmont is custommade for an under-oneroof experience.

Price It’s possible to blow a wedge on pricier steaks, though affordable options abound too.

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, daily 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

4

5 55&5th,the Grill

Atmosphere A cloud-grazing escape with high class ,but without the stuffy element of ‘classic’ fine dining.

Atmosphere Contemporary Big Apple grill accompanied by the lilting sounds of live jazz piano.

Interior Once you’re out of the marble-coated elevators, Quest’s chandeliers and bespoke fittings scream ‘exclusive’.

Interior The main dining room is suavely understated, while the upstairs banquet table/wine cellar are fabulous.

Food The only thing that matches Quest’s altitude is its horizon-expanding menu. Asian fusion of a Michelin standard, with a large side helping of fun.

Food Grilled meats feature heavily, but innovation speckles the menu.

Location You can see almost the entire city horizon from here, but it’s nearest to the glam Ray’s Bar downstairs.

Price Not quite as sky-high as the location, if you pick the right dishes.

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

Location St Regis is chock with possibilities: try the Manhattan Lounge bar or its unspoilt beaches.

Price You’ll need to put your hand in your pocket, but the reward is a mighty memorable evening out.

WhAt’s On sAys… Nodding to the original St Regis in NYC, 55&5th is an astute mix of modernity and tradition.

The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to midnight (last reservation 11pm).

Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 123

Bord Eau

li Beirut

Pearls & Caviar

6

Atmosphere A dimmed and relaxing romantic retreat.

Interior Black/red design overtones dictate the eye-catching furniture and overall ambiance.

Food Beirut circa 2012, with European influences: fattoush and tabouleh rub shoulders with foie gras kebbeh and zaatarcrusted rack of lamb.

Location Etihad Towers’ restaurants, bars and city-leading lounge are a full evening’s entertainment.

Price Some mains will bump your bill up, but Dhs600 for two, minus wine, is far from impossible.

WhAt’s On sAys… A benchmark for Abu Dhabi's Lebanese cuisine.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

Bord eau

7

Ushna

8

PearlS & Caviar

Atmosphere Refined, classy, elegant.

What else would you expect from the city’s best French restaurant?

Atmosphere A romantic retreat swathed in low-level lighting, perfect for refined company.

Interior Stately traditional Gallic sophistication, from the paintings to the tables.

Interior Expect black and white themes, representing P&C's eponymous foodstuffs.

Food The finest French classics in Abu Dhabi, lent contemporary twists.

Location From restaurants to rooms, Shangri-La's attention to detail is stunning.

Price High end. Four figures isn’t difficult. Worth the financial pain, though, as is the wonderful wine list.

WhAt’s On sAys… The finest French menu this side of Paris is why Bord Eau scooped What’s On Awards for favourite European restaurant and chef of the year.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

hot on the heelS 11 The Park Bar & Grill 12 Étoiles, Emirates Palace 13 BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace 14 Agadir, Westin Golf Resort & Spa 15 Ushna, The Souk At Qaryat Al Beri

124 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

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. Or explore Shangri-La and the nearby souk.

Price Flip past the caviar and P&C will more than warrant the outlay.

WhAt’s On sAys… Our favourite seafood award winner.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, daily 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

11

Sontaya

9

Atmosphere A taste of South East Asia on Saadiyat Island, with personable staff pleased to explain the menu’s more adventurous extremes.

Interior A welcoming, sociable space, filled with lowbacked seating.

10

oro

Atmosphere Curved booths and a 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 Pushing the envelope – try the coconut cappuccino soup.

Food Oro’s menu draws from past and present: delve into the fish section for memorable rewards.

Location The St Regis is a vast complex, and the Park Hyatt and Monte Carlo Beach Club are nearby.

Location The hotel is a little bit out on a limb, so try the tantalising Blue Bar postmeal.

Price Nothing ridiculous, and portions are generous.

Price Decent value for such fine dining.

WhAt’s On sAys… This island paradise is a definite feather in the St Regis cap.

WhAt’s On sAys… It’s been a while since Abu Dhabi welcomed a new high-end Italian, and Oro doesn’t disappoint.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to midnight (last reservation 11pm). Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

Rocco Forte, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi. com

the Park Bar & Grill

This is unmistakably five-star dining, an aura that extends to the upstairs bar.

The interior design's imagination is reflected in a menu that features an

unlikely combo of steaks, seafood and Asian dishes. It’s quite possible to dine for two without breaking the Dhs500 sans alcohol, all within earshot of

Park hyatt

the lapping waves of Saadiyat’s idyllic shoreline.

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 4071234. abudhabi. park.hyatt.com

THe HoT lisT

BarS

Sea Lounge

Blue Bar

ray’S Bar

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 on 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.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 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 are panoramic views of the capital.

Location The architecture is beyond impressive: from the outside it appears to be floating inside the Rocco Forte’s eyecatching interior.

Best For Grabbing a pre-or postmeal cocktail either side of dining at one of the hotel’s well-to-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, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi. 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 It’s possible to limit the wallet damage if you choose wisely, although cash flashers won’t need to look too hard for eyewatering 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 established bar.

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… Y is Yas Island’s best bar none.

Yas Island Rotana, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 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 Thur noon to midnight, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort. com

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 127

Belgian Café

BelGian Café

Relax@12

Brauhaus

6

Atmosphere Transporting the Northern European bar vibe halfway across the world to the UAE, with much success. 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, daily 5pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

BrauhauS

7

Atmosphere Brauhaus foregoes German beer hall vibes for something altogether more intimate, while nicely maintaining the Teutonic ale count. Like Oktoberfest given a course in 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. 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, daily 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

128 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

left Bank

8

relax@12

9

Atmosphere Bustling yet not uncomfortably busy, with a constant flow of interesting revellers from flight crews 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 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

13

Best For Chilling on the terrace and checking out topname DJs. Price Cheaper than you might imagine from Relax’s inviting interior.

WhAt’s On sAys… House beats and demure socialising make Relax a top night out.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 5pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 6545000. aloftabudhabi.com

CooPer’S

The current holder of our What’s On Favourite Pub Grub gong, by day Cooper’s is a lovely lunch spot. Come the weekend, it’s a decent destination

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.

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, daily 5pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 5098777. shangri-la.com

Park rotana

for sport viewing, creating an expert balance of plentiful big screens without dominating the entire room. And by nightfall it becomes a bustling bar popular

with Western expats, with a neat little terrace for escaping outdoors.

Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 2.30am.

Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com

THe HoT lisT

BrunCheS Hakkasan

CuiScene

CuiSCene

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 try 200-plus dishes.

Location Amongst the capital’s most sophisticated hotels, with plenty of bars and restaurants to elongate your afternoon.

Best For Investigating a varied selection that represents several Abu Dhabi culinary kingpins.

Price Dhs449 to charge your glasses with unlimited Moët And Chandon, Dhs299 with wine and beer, or Dhs249 with soft drinks.

hakkaSan

2

Atmosphere We love Hakkasan’s dinner delights and its brunch has a similarly high wow factor. Now with an added terrace.

Food Pick either Friday or Saturday for a choice of Michelin-star quality set or à la carte menu.The best dim sum in town.

Our pick of the brunch bunch

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.

CiPriani

4

Atmosphere Best experienced out on Cipriani’s elegant marina-gazing terrace, there’s a DJ and à la carte table service.

Food An excellent selection respecting the two meals brunch represents, including egg choices, French toast and steaks.

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 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.

Best For A classy brunch without the need to leave your seat and queue at a buffet.

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 Dhs150 for three-course set menu including cocktail/mocktail or fully à la carte.

WhAt’s On sAys… Our 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.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Fri 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, Fri 1pm to 4pm.

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

Location This brunch goes on until sunset, so hardy Friday revellers can hit Stars N Bars next door then Allure afterwards.

WhAt’s On sAys… You’ll be glad to be sitting down, or else Cipriani’s brunch might knock you off your feet.

Building 1, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri noon to sunset. Tel: (02) 6575400. cipriani.com

uShna

5

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.

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.

Price One of Abu Dhabi’s priciest brunches, at Dhs475. Free-flowing Lanson champagne ups the value for money, though.

WhAt’s On sAys… We’ve yet to find a better Indian brunch.

The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (02) 5581769. soukqaryatalberi.com

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 131

Sofra Bld

fairWayS

Al Fanar

6

Atmosphere The Bubbalicious Brunch melds fun (roaming magician, in-house DJ) with class (outdoor terrace, high-end buffet).

Food A real international spread, from cheese board to enticing Far Eastern counter.

Location Stay for a drink at classy 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 among its finest.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort. com

Sofra Bld

7

Atmosphere Easy-going and relaxing, with plenty of space to enjoy your weekend.

Food Select from the Friday international buffet or the oriental Global Brunch on Saturdays.

Location Expansive waterfront views, plus more than enough entertainment across the Shangri-La. Best For Families through to party people. This brunch doesn’t discriminate.

Price Dhs260 with wine and beer on Fridays, Dhs240 with a glass of bubbly or Dhs190 with wine and beer on Saturdays.

Chamas

8

the yaCht CluB

al fanar

Atmosphere Relaxed, with a great bar, and plenty of nooks/ crannies/booths to lose yourself in.

Atmosphere Kick back early on, as this brunch can turn livelier.

Food Low-rank international buffets won’t darken your plate here; just Asian-inspired à la carte dishes of tasty intent.

Location The terrace is where you want to be this winter, lounging the weekend away.

Best For Late risers in need of a Friday recovery session, or starting a proper Yacht Club night out.

Price Dhs200 with unlimited champagne. At that price, it’s a bargain to charge your glasses.

WhAt’s On sAys… Among What’s On’s favourite hotels, pretty much all the ShangriLa’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, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, Fri 2pm to 6pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

hot on the heelS 11 Flavours, Sheraton Abu Dhabi 12 Filini, Radisson Blu 13 Essence, Beach Rotana 14 Mezlai, Emirates Palace 15 Selections, InterContinental Hotel

132 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

9

11

Food An ocean-sized selection of seafood specialities.

Captain Birdseye would be jealous of the range here.

Location Get in a (sedate) spin at this revolving restaurant, gazing across downtown Abu Dhabi and way beyond.

Best For Taking in horizonsmashing, 360-degree 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, Fri noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

ChaMaS

10

Atmosphere The Madeira Latino Band ensures this brunch is uptempo.

Food Chamas’s USP – meat in butcher’s window quantities – is tempered by a truly extensive salad bar.

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, Fri noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

flavourS Sheraton aBu dhaBi

With a live band and free-flowing bubbly, it’s no surprise that joviality is an upward curve at the Sheraton’s flagship brunch. There’s plenty of food to

keep you honest too, thankfully, the huge international buffet journeying from Chinese to roasts, spilling out towards the Cloud Nine Cigar Bar next door.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs225 (including unlimited bubbly). Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton. com

THe HoT lisT

SPaS

Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab

Anantara Spa

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the lounGe

anantara SPa

therapists Predominantly male, reflecting The Lounge’s gents-only service, exuding real friendliness.

therapists The ultimate spa experience from the predominantly Thai staff, leading you up the stairs to a veritable spa wonderland.

Menu Everything a modern gent needs, from an invigorating Moroccan bath to haircuts/styling, shaves, pedicures, manicures and much more. the spa The villa layout means minimum traipsing between treatment rooms. And, sidestepping usual Abu Dhabi problems, parking is an entirely painless process.

Price When the service is this good, price is only really a secondary concern, but it’s still not extortionate.

Menu The range includes the life-restoring Signature Massage, plus grandly titled options like the Marma Abhyanga Massage. 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.

Price Between Dhs700 and Dhs1,650 will be winging its way from your wallet.

WhAt’s On sAys… An essential grooming stop-off for any man who wants to feel and look his best.

WhAt’s On sAys… The most luxurious pamper that Abu Dhabi has to offer.

Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 11am to 10pm, Fri 5pm to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6677377. thelounge.ae

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace. com

The daddies of the health and leisure scene

Chi, The Spa

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anantara SPa, QaSr al SaraB

therapists You won’t be feeling awkward whatever the treatment, thanks to the unassuming and pleasant Thai therapists.

Menu Standard treatments are complemented by the likes of exfoliating sand baths and water-based Vichy spas. the spa There aren’t many spas in the world where you can gaze out towards untouched rolling desert dunes as you’re driven in a buggy right up to the door. Relaxing from the first moment.

Price Costly, but it’s hard to put a price on such expertise in such a glorious location. It's a once-in-a-blue-moon treat to savour.

WhAt’s On sAys… The jewel in this desert retreat’s crown.

Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 8862088. qasralsarab.anantara.com

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Chi,the SPa

iridiuM SPa

therapists Sweet and cheerful, with a real interest in tailoring your treatment. You’ll relax from the second you stroll through the door.

therapists Personable and willing to talk you through whatever queries you may have, or adapt treatments to suit.

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. 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, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

Menu Whether it’s facials or immersive journeys for two, there’s a really rather extensive selection; if you can't find something suitable, look harder. 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 threespa suite experiences, which will set you back Dhs3,125 per person.

WhAt’s On sAys… The signature Iridium journey certainly perked us up.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

MARCH 2012 WHAT’S ON 135

Espa

Atarmia Spa

atarMia SPa

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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, 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, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4071170. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Zayna SPa

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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. It certainly beats trudging around in your dressing gown.

The relaxation areas are top notch, as well, with tranquil loungers.

Price Above average, reflecting the standard of Zayna overall.

Zen Spa

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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, immediately relaxing almost every sinew of your being.

Even the hotel's spaceage white walls prove unexpectedly soothing on the walk to the spa.

Price Value for money is 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 adjacent to a Formula 1 circuit is about as glamorous as they come.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels. com

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6560862. viceroyhotelsandresorts. 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

136 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

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Zen SPa

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therapists Personable. Ask for ‘firm’, 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 lead 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, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

Serenity SPa

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therapists The 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 the cosmetic-filled displays of Paris Gallery, 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

Man/aGe luxury Men’S SPa

Marina Mall If, like many men, the mere thought of visiting spas sends stress levels hurtling through the roof, help is at hand. Once inside Man/Age, thankfully,

you’ll forget that you’re two minutes from the queues of Carrefour, which means the all-male staff can get down to some proper deep tissue kneading.

Marina Mall, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur 10am to 11pm, Fri 2pm to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6818837. managespa.com

Adam Workman is What’s On Abu Dhabi’s features editor

BACKCHAT

WITH ADAM

What’s On Abu Dhabi’s wannabe boy racer gets protective over his wheels…

W

hen I was a kid, my great uncle’s somewhat eccentric behaviour puzzled and amused me in equal measure.

Whenever it rained, he would point-blank refuse to drive his anonymous saloon beyond the dry confines of a suburban garage. This was Great Britain, take note, where shelter from precipitation comes a close second to travelling from A to B in a car’s primary functions.

I would never, I resolved,

become one of those people. You know, the interminable bores who steadfastly refuse food or drink inside their motor, visit car washes more often than personally showering, and generally treat their vehicle like a fossil fuel-powered deity.

All of that changed a few months back, though. I collected the keys to my first ever factoryfresh chariot, after months of hire cars, and, in a previous life back in the UK, a decade-plus of dodgy hot hatches and long-suffering

Ford Escorts (including three insurance writeoffs en route). The Beast, as I’ve since christened it, isn’t flat-out insane in the grand scheme of Emirates motoring. But it is a vaguely ridiculous muscle car: a 3.7-litre V6 2012 Ford Mustang.

In short, the finest single purchase I’ve ever made.

But then it started.

The tan leather seats emitted that feted aroma: new car smell.

Why would anybody want it to leave? Ever?

Valet parking swiftly became a no-no, then, an odour-challenged lottery threatening my interior’s sweet hide-flavoured air. And the potential scenario that would reasonably unfold, should any uncaring flunky scratch its hulking blackpainted flanks while shoehorning it into an underground car park, wouldn’t bear thinking about. One unfortunate halfwit, meanwhile, was scared into a startled jog after its apoplectic owner caught them using the bonnet as a makeshift seat while parked in downtown Abu Dhabi.

Grub and beverages were outlawed from the start, of course; squash crisps into the horse logo-branded floor mats at your physical peril. Thinking of

lighting up inside? Jog on joker; your offer of a lift just expired.

Even sweaty hands on the leather steering wheel began to grind out sparks of worry. Perhaps I should, err, buy some driving gloves?

Wait. Nooooooooo…

The over-protective behaviour isn’t entirely without foundation, mind you. In fact, it’s almost become a semi-posthumous rescue mission to avoid further damage in the next few months.

One kindly four-wheel owner has already bent my car’s perfect crisp lines out of shape, somehow failing to negotiate a parking space in which you could have parked the proverbial bus. And that sizeable dent around the filler cap – huge scratches of white paint since polished over – was recently embellished by that bane of innercity parking: another driver’s total inability to open their car door without bouncing it off somebody else’s vehicle.

Before I turned into an octogenarian of questionable sanity, thankfully, I had a saving epiphany. Touring my most prized possession along to the Yas Drag Racing Centre (see p33) for a blast down its quarter-mile track hammered home that cars like this aren’t meant for preserving like fusty exhibits. They’re supposed to be fun, with a capital ‘f ’. That said, if I see you within 15 feet of The Beast wielding a packet of cheese and onion, get ready to meet Abu Dhabi’s angriest man.

NEXT MONTH: ABU DHABI’S COOKING CLASSES TESTED, THE UAE’S FIRST COMIC CON, WE MEET THE REGION’S UP AND COMING FILM-MAKERS, PLUS WHERE TO EXERCISE FOR FREE 138 WHAT’S ON MARCH 2012

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