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See By Chloé
See By Chloé is a delicious mix of girlie and hip, and is the ideal shop Deepak’s is a Satwa classic, if you dream of looking like the but if you can’t face the sweaty cute singer in a rough rock band. torture of Plant Street in July, More youthful (and affordable) then head to this branch for your than the main Chloé line, this fabrics. It has everything from store is a welcome addition to this basic cottons and suit material big brand mega mall. Don’t leave to embellished silks for gowns, without a handbag. but don’t be overwhelmed – the Tel: (04) 2840409. www.chloe.com staff can talk you through the tailoring process. Tel: (04) 2840785. Abou El Sid www.deepakstextiles.com People are often encouraging us to Michael Kors walk like an Egyptian, but it’s not We developed a soft spot for often that eating like one is advised. American designer Kors after he Based on the fine fair on offer at created Rene Russo’s wardrobe for Abou El Sid, we’d say it’s just as The Thomas Crowne Affair remake worthwhile. Despite the location, and appeared as a judge on Project it’s a cosy little restaurant and the Runway (it’s a very inspiring show, Egyptian staff extend a more than OK?). He was previously at Céline friendly welcome. The food is a but now runs his own label, much lot better than your standard mall to the delight of celebs such as grub, with tahini, taameya (falafel) Heidi Klum and Jennifer Lopez. and stuffed sausage Abou El Sid’s If you want a piece of his versatile way – with tasty rice and herbs – and self-assured style, then this is solid starters and carbtastic koshari the shop for you. – macaroni, rice and a rich tomato Tel: (04) 2843462. sauce – and fettah (Egyptian www.michaelkors.com risotto) the pick of the mains. Tel: (04) 2840040. Pottery Barn www.abouelsid.com Made famous worldwide by Phoebe’s ‘apothecary table’ in Fat Burger Friends, Pottery Barn is full of classic furniture and enviable accessories. It’s all pretty grownup (with prices to match) but the napkins are gorgeous and a few key pieces should up the game of your humble abode. Tel: (04) 6062610. www.potterybarn.com
Deepak’s
DINING
Mango Tree Bistro
Carluccio’s
The man we wish was our grandfather continues to expand his UAE empire with a third branch of Carluccio’s. Keeping with the duck egg blue theme, this Italian café is a calming spot for refuelling from breakfast until supper. Particularly recommended is the spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage, followed by a traditional panna cotta. Tel: (04) 2843728. www.carluccios.com
Fat Burger
When What’s On tummies are rumbling, it has to be a burger. And if you’re looking for quality, lean meat, crunchy lettuce and a fresh bun, Fat Burger is the place to go. The California burger bar has 95 restaurants around the globe, billing itself as ‘the last great hamburger stand’ and it’s hard to disagree. We especially love that the staff harmoniously sing your order and for us it’s always ‘One fat burger, one fat fries, one Coke’. What could be better than that? It’s like The Beach Boys reassuring you about your dinner decisions. Tel: (04) 2843741. www.fatburger.com
Lemongrass Express
Sometimes only the spicy, creamy goodness of penaeng chicken (Dhs38) from Lemongrass can get us through the weekend. MSG-free and super-quick, this Express branch of the muchloved Thai restaurant alone worth a trip to the mall. A true star of the foodcourt. Tel: (04) 2843437. www.lemongrassrestaurants.com
Mango Tree Bistro
Speedier (and considerably cheaper) than its Souk al Bahar relation, this Thai pad is a surprisingly good slice of spice in the busy mall. The menu is massive, full of sharing platters, cold and hot starters, classic dishes and some specialities. We opted for a beef salad then shared a whole barbecue chicken, a red curry with tender duck and a pad Thai packed with plump prawns. And then had a little sleep. A nice one for the evening too. Tel: (04) 2843635. www.mangotreethaibistro.com
MBCo
This smart Canadian café knows the way to our (increasingly clogged) hearts: mini burgers. There are also a number of sandwiches and salads available, from the grilled three-cheese on white, to the somewhat healthier organic chicken salad. Don’t skip dessert though; those clever French-Canadians make a killer crème brulee. Tel: (04) 2843807. www.mbco.ca
PF Chang’s
Hailing from the States, this hugely popular chain of Chinese restaurants has arrived in the UAE amid much fanfare. Is it worth it? Well, mostly. The lettuce chicken wraps are an ideal snack, while the Mongolian beef with spring onions was surprisingly tasty. Our advice is to stay away from the more ambitious dishes – scallops served in a mall are rarely going to be a winner. Tel: (04) 2316660. www.pfchangs.com JULY 2010 WHAT’S ON 41