What's On | May 2011

WIN!AK,

A MINI-BRE DAYS, A BRUNCH, SPA LECTION NEW CD COL AND MORE!

May 2011 Issue 397

UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000

Dubai Edition

31 GIGS IN 31 DAYS! MUSIC MARATHON: SEE A DIFFERENT GIG EVERY DAY FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

ALSO INSIDE: DUBAI’S 25 BEST BREAKFAST SPOTS, PLUS WIN MEET AND GREETS WITH HURTS AND JOE COCKER

+ DUBAI’S TOP TAILORS +

HIP ART HANGOUTS + SPRING’S HOT NEW DISHES +

Contents Features 18 31 days of music

Quit your ‘lack of culture’ complaining – we’ve found live music for every night throughout the whole month of May

30 The best breakfasts in Dubai

Bacon and eggs, tea and toast, full Irish fry-ups, French fare and more, the best places to go for breakfast, bar none

36 Culture clubs

A new breed of arty hangouts to try, offering everything from theatre workshops and galleries to bike rental and studio space

p30

p18 MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 3

The round-up 14 Salaam The month of May sorted, including what’s hot and not, Geordiebird's visit to the XL beach club, the man behind Backstage Theatre Group and the guess list 40 Films The newest releases, including comic action from Green Lantern and the latest X-Men movie, plus cartoon capers with Kung Fu Panda 2 43 Eating out A gutful of foodie news, including the UAE’s most exciting new dishes, a rejuvenated Rib Room, French fancies at Le Classique, drinks at Jetty Lounge and The Critic on the San Pellegrino Awards 57 Art Water-inspired pieces

by US-artist Laleh Khorramian, music with CMA, a chat with James Clar and the exhibitions you need to see this month 65 Shopping The What’s On men get shirty with Dubai tailors, Sophia answers your sartorial headscratchers, May’s mustreads and the newest shops to open their doors 73 Win, win, win Brunches, a minibreak, gyms, spas and Dhs1,000 of CDs are all up for grabs. Feeling lucky?

4 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

75 Mind & body A spa trip to Zighy Bay, treatments from China and Bali, beauty bargains and a plastic surgeon gives us the inside scoop on going under the knife

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85 Sport & outdoor How to fish in the UAE, learning to snowboard and Mr Fitness transforms you from flab to fab 92 Music The spot light is on Columbian Fatiniza, plus the dance floors you need to be seen on this month 97 Travel Unparalleled luxury in the Maldives, we get adventurous with Paul Oliver and the tastiest travel deals on the market 105 Hot list The best of the best.

Who will top the charts in the world of spas, bars, restaurants and brunches?

122 Backchat Catboy turns into Del Boy in his quest to shift some household junk

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p97

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FROM A HUMBLE ‘NYC SHACK’ TO MALL OF THE EMIRATES IN DUBAI Shake Shack - America’s modern day “roadside” burger stand – is now in Dubai serving the most delicious burgers, hot dogs, Fries, frozen custard and more! But there is a story to how a humble little NYC ‘shack’ grew to gain world-wide recognition and fame.

Upon opening the windows to their first location in New York City’s Madison Square Park in 2004, Shake Shack immediately became a neighborhood fixture, with New Yorkers, tourists and people from all walks of life gathering to enjoy some Shack goodness.

Remarkably, New Yorkers welcomed the wait, happy to be together amongst friends and strangers in the name of delicious food, in a

IT’S AN ART, NOT A FACTORY - MADE PART

Group “USHG”, a dining and hospitality group founded by Danny Meyer, that includes some of New York’s most beloved and highly acclaimed restaurants. USHG boasts an impressive array of awards, as well as the honor of having two group restaurants compete with each other for the past decade for the #1 and #2 spots on Zagat Survey’s Most Popular Restaurants in New York.

Each USHG restaurant is lovingly hand-crafted and distinctive, and each strives to distinguish itself for its unparalleled cuisine and warm hospitality.

simple, fantastic setting. The media took note as well; the ShackBurger, Hot Dog and Frozen Custard have been highlighted as being amongst the best in New York, by numerous media outlets over the years.

Magazines like New York Magazine labeled the ShackBurger the best burger in the city, while newspapers such as the UK’s Daily Mail and the New York Post raved about it, marking Shake Shack as the new ‘it destination’ for burgers.

With excellent reception for the great taste of their menu sweeping from one side of America to the other, the rest, as they say, is burger history.

Shake Shack was introduced to New York by Union Square Hospitality

How many times have you ordered a burger and asked yourself, “That doesn’t look like it does in the picture?” That’s because what was shown in the picture was a work of design art, but what made its way to you at other burger places went through a factory process, producing uniform pieces such as perfectly round beef patties and machine sliced tomatoes. Did you request a jigsaw puzzle for lunch?

add to the flavor of the beef without being drowned out by the ShackSauce. Not overpowering enough to make you forget you are eating a carnivorous delight.

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The art of making a truly great burger boils down to the ingredients: a great burger is hand rolled with high quality American Black Angus ground beef, not a thin patty that originated on a conveyer belt.

But what about the fries? Sure, a great burger is a great burger, but if the fries are shriveled and limp, what’s the point in going only halfway? Shake Shack’s French fries are made from Yukon Gold potatoes, and are 100% free of artificial trans fats, making them some of the crunchiest fries around.

There’s also 25% less fat than most fries, so go ahead, crunch away!

The toppings & sauces are equally important to the taste. Fresh, ripe plum tomatoes are the perfect vegetable complement to the ShackBurger, large enough to

THE ‘Q’ & A OF SHAKE SHACK One of the newest additions to the Mall of the Emirates is the much talked-about Shake Shack ‘Q’. Not to be confused with Shake Shack itself, the ‘Q’ can be considered a companion to the tasty burger ‘shack’, a sister brand if you will, that has its own vibrancy, character and life defined by the people in it.

Made famous by the long line, or queue (hence ‘Q’), of people waiting to order from Shake Shack in the world’s busiest city, New York, the ‘Q’ has received as much recognition as the burgers. Known as the ‘City that never sleeps’, to see a long queue of people waiting for a burger was beyond belief

to New York City’s residents, and thus gave birth to the ‘Q’, a line now known around the world.

The line became so famous – especially since New Yorkers themselves are famous for being always on the go and never slowing down - that Shake Shack introduced the Shack Cam. The Cam, a live webcam that operates during the Madison Square Park location’s

working hours, lets the residents of NYC see how long the line is at any point in their day (check out the ‘Q’ yourself at www. shakeshack.com).

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CUSTARD & CONCRETE, THE NEWEST HIT IN DUBAI’S DESSERT SCENE

No, you didn’t misread the headline.

People all over Dubai are falling in love with the taste of Concrete.

Shake Shack’s ultimate in Frozen Custard delights, Concrete, is as much a buzz-topic as their ShackBurgers, and it’s not just a passing fad.

First off, Shake Shack likes to refer to the core of Concrete, frozen custard, as ‘what happens when soft serve shacks up with premium ice cream’. Their frozen custard is made in a real custard machine, which spins it at ridiculous speeds into a dense, soft, intensely rich consistency; see it for yourself.

To make Concrete, Shake Shack starts with three scoops of Frozen Custard - also available on its own – that are blended at high speed with any of their Shack-made mix-ins.

Customers can order one of their specialties, such as Shack Attack, Upper West Slide or The Great White Way, or they can make one of their own from a variety of mix-in ingredients.

BURGERS HOTDOGS CONCRETES CU STARDS FRIES

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Made fresh to order from the finest ingredients, our all-premium burgers, hotdogs, frozen custard, concretes and hand-spun shakes are worth the wait.

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Two Hundred Metres Up, The View is Clear & The Jazz is Smooth.

Sky Jazz at Skyview Bar A four piece jazz band. Spectacular sea and city views. And one of the most original cocktail menus in town. Sky Jazz at Burj Al Arab, taking live jazz to new heights, from 8.00pm until late every night except Monday.

For reservations please contact: Telephone: +971 4 3017600 Email: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com jumeirah.com

This month we’ve been...

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 Staff Writer Matt Priest | matthew@motivate.ae Chief Sub Editor Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae Senior Designer Sheila Cariño-Deocareza | sheila@motivate.ae Editorial Assistant/Picture Researcher Concessa Dsouza | concessa@motivate.ae Jing Flores | londresa@motivate.ae Picture Researcher – Gulfpics Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae Contributors Naveed Ahmed, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Stef Burgon, Vikram Gawde, James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Richard Luck, Charles Pocock, Farooq Salik, Simon Smedley, Sophia Serin General Manager Production and Circulation S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae Production Manager Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae Production Controller Binu Purandaran | binu@motivate.ae General Manager – Group Sales Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae Senior Advertisement Manager Dale Isaac | dale@motivate.ae Advertisement Manager Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae General Manager, Abu Dhabi Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi Darryl Wiley | darryl@motivate.ae Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 (including Airmail charges)

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Picking up fishing tips, p86

Testing breakfasts, p30

Visiting the Maldives, p97

Editor’s note ‘What’s On, eh? OK, tell me… what’s on?’ Ah, if only I had a dirham for every time I heard that. I’d have at least enough to buy a copy of What’s On. In fact, if the person wheeling out that whacky old oneliner to me this time round had just bought a copy in the first place, he could have saved us both some time.

But, it’s nice to be nice, as my mam always says, so… “Yeah,” I replied,” there’s loads of stuff coming up.”

“Rubbish,” he retorted. “There’s never anything on in Dubai.”

I wasn’t expecting that. And I wasn’t having it, either.

And so, for the benefit of ‘Mr There’s Never Anything On’ and, well, just because I like being right, What’s On proudly presents our 31 Gigs In May feature. 31! That’s a gig a day, every day, throughout the entire month, from Joe Cocker and Hurts (both of who we’re giving away a chance to meet), to Snoop Dogg, Roxette and more. How do you like them apples, whacky boy?

Of course, features ideas aren’t usually born from random conversations – they’re usually down to lots of team meetings, with meticulous planning, as we go over everything with a fine tooth comb, leaving no stone unturned…

Something we, er, didn’t do for another of this month’s big features, either, which came about like this: “I’m starving. Where can we go for breakfast?” “Dunno – wish someone would just tell me where’s good…” BOOM: 25 top spots to enjoy breakfast in Dubai, courtesy of Team What’s On. Enjoy the issue.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 13

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

Salaam!

The bite-sized low-down on what is happening this May

Gaucho opening Carnivores sharpen your knives, as the legendary Argentinean steakhouse has announced it’s coming to the UAE. Expect to fight for places, despite at its 400-seat location next door to Zuma. www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk Yacht for sale If you needed proof that you can actually buy anything online, we found a 101ft luxury yacht selling for a cool Dhs19 million on Dubizzle.com the other day. What's next? Selling a spaceship on Facebook? We'll get our credit card. www.dubai.dubizzle.com

What’s not Au revoir Rive Gauche The closure of one of one of Dubai’s best French eateries brings a deep sadness to our hearts and a grumble to our bellies. Its understated elegance will be missed.

Adieu, mon ami.

Ridiculous signage (again) So, it seems that rubbish road signs are like buses – as soon as you notice one, you begin to see dozens of them. This month’s gripe is with an ad littering SZR with the nonsensical phrase, “Even in its playfulness, it’s Original” for cheese spread.

Guess list What our little dicky birds are telling us this month

65%

DEPECHE MODE There are mutterings that the kings of 1980s electronic will soon be donning their flipflops and rocking a stage in the UAE. With over 100 million worldwide record sales, it’s about time, too.

40%

JAMIE OLIVER Last month we reviewed Jamie’s Italian restaurant, and demanded to know why Mr Oliver hadn’t flown over to visit. Rumour has it that we might have started a fire – he’s said to be on his way…

33%

DAFT PUNK We have heard not one, but three different promoters say that the French techno duo, last heard doing the film score for Tron:Legacy, are winging their way to the

UAE. Happy for any one of you to sort it, chaps. (Oh, and to the one that said don’t tell anyone, we haven’t, it was the other two’s info we’re reporting. Cough.)

We told you so...

Snoop Dogg Mark it on your calendar. Snoop Dee-ohdouble-g has been confirmed.

May 6, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 5.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs250 to Dhs 595.

Tel: (800) 35274. www.snoopdogg.com

This month we’re going to…

NIKE+ RUN CLUB If you’re not a seasoned runner, the first few weeks training can be pretty daunting.

Joining a running club can give you the Hidden speed traps motivation and support to see it through.

So you’re driving along and suddenly an innocuous-looking grey pole flashes at you. The Nike+ Run Club appeals to runners of all standards and even gives you free T-shirts as Now, call us dim, but we thought speed cameras were supposed to be easy to see you clock up the miles. While the weather is so they warn people to slow down – not to still cool enough, grab your shoes. sneakily snap you. Tell that to the new one Dubai Festival City, Nike store, Dubai, Tue 7pm and Safa Park, gate two, Fri 8am, free. on SZR. 14 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

GETTY

What’s hot

Five Questions… Gautam Goenk This month DUCTAC will host the Backstage theatre group’s rendering of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery And Then There Were None, directed by Backstage president Gautam Goenk

GIRL ABOUT TOWN Dubai 92’s Geordie Bird gives us the heads up from the UAE bar scene

What is Backstage?

It’s a non-profit amateur theatre group that’s been around in Dubai since 2009.

We started off with just ten people. We now have 400 members and counting, and throughout 2010 we did ten productions.

This year we’ve already done three. Many of our actors were audience members from previous productions.

Am-dram doesn’t have a great reputation.

What standard of acting can we expect?

As one of our members says, we’re amateur only in name. There are some of us who have 20 to 25 years experience who help the others. One of our committee members is Falmin Sheriff, who’s done a lot of theatre and television back in India. He comes in and does workshops with new actors or production guys. And we have another committee member, Nina Hein, who has a degree in theatre. I myself have directed 35 plays in the last nine years.

How do you choose the plays?

We have a central committee, which I preside over. We decide what the production is going to be and who the director is going to be. Then it’s down to the director.

Why Agatha Christie? A very British playwright.

I’m directing this one and I did this play

about six years ago in Dubai – it was something I always wanted to improve on, make a few tweaks and changes.

What can we expect? Have you added a contemporary twist?

We haven’t made it contemporary in any way, so it’s still very much a traditional Agatha Christie. We have tweaked the end a little bit. The end of the play is very different to the book – not as powerful. We’ve kept more in line with the book’s ending. I don’t want to give too much away, but we’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from the play, the book and even the movie.

LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION COURSES Fashionistas, be sure to take advantage of the short courses put on by the London College of Fashion this month. A range of courses, including Fashion Buying and the Principles of Fashion Styling, take place at The Pullman Dubai, Mall Of The Emirates.

You can even claim a 10 per cent discount with the code word: Sauce.

May 13 to 27, The Pullman Dubai, Mall Of The Emirates, from Dhs2,300. www.fashion.arts.ac.uk

MOTHER’S DAY AT CAFÉ MARKET Different countries may argue about the exact date of Mother’s Day, but all agree it's a good idea. So on May 26 why not take your mother to the Grand Hyatt’s Market Café, where mums eat for free. Not a bad idea, even if it might not correspond with your culture’s calendar – after all, shouldn’t every day be Mother’s Day? May 26, Market Café, Grand Hyatt, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3172222. www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com

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THIS MONTH: XL BEACH CLUB

What does it look like?

I've never been to Hugh Hefner's mansion, but I'm guessing that it looks a bit like this.

We're talking private cabanas with their own pools and a busy VIP area.

Who goes there?

Definitely a hang out for the fashionable crowd.

Any bar nibbles?

Top quality bar snacks. The butterflied prawns are a must.

Drink recommendations?

One gent spent Dhs120,000 on champagne, but the standard tipple won't damage the credit rating too much.

When should you go?

I turned up on a Fashion TV themed night and there were 12 models booked just to party (what a job!). They have a different theme every Friday, so that’s the best day to visit.

Dress code? What's everyone wearing?

XL opens at lunchtime on a Friday. Some people had been there all day and were very beach chic. The ladies who turned up a little later were in dresses and heels.

How's the service?

Absolutely brilliant. Never waited longer than a few minutes for a drink.

What's the taxi situation?

A golf buggy takes you to the main entrance of the hotel where there is a stack of cabs.

GEORDIEBIRD VERDICT: I felt a little intimidated when I arrived, but was happily surprised by how friendly everyone was. Whether we we're in a cabana or at the bar, we were all there to have a good time.

XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Dubai, noon to 3am. Tel: (056) 6406161. www. grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com Find us at www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 15

SALAAM

In the news

CLASSIC CINEMA

EDITOR’S PICK

The RTA is considering plans to introduce a futuristic, high-speed bus that could slash journey times between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just half an hour.

The brainchild of a former astronaut and a Formula One aerodynamicist, the electric vehicle could travel at up to 250kph. The drawback is that it would only carry 23 people. Maybe a train would be more sensible? Sensible, yes, but not as cool…

How does the superbus measure up?

Travel the 120km from Abu Dhabi to Dubai by…

FOOT Speed: 10kph Time: 12hrs

CAMEL Speed: 65kph Time: 1:50.46

CAR Speed: 120kph Time: 1hr

SUPERBUS Speed: 250kph Time: 28.48

BULLET TRAIN Speed: 300kph Time: 23.59

16 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

GETTY

GETTY

ABU DHABI TO DUBAI SUPERBUS

We consider ourselves to be quite the moviebuffs over here at What’s On, but find ourselves constantly frustrated by the endless sequels that fill cinema screens (you know who you are Spiderman 4 and Harry Potter 7b). But it looks like our luck is set to change. The newly established Dubai Confidential Film Club has set the wheels in motion for pop-up screenings

of classic and art house films at various locations around the UAE. It kicks off with Michael Curtiz’s classic 1942 romantic-drama Casablanca on May 25, and they’re throwing a little soiree after, too. Save us a space.

Zabeel Saray Hotel, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs200 with soft drinks or Dhs250 with house beverages. Tel: (055) 5537686

There’s no business like show business Dreaming of a life in musical theatre? Now’s your big chance DISNEY’S CAMP ROCK The fine people at Popular Productions, who brought Dubai the likes of The Sound Of Music and Annie, are back with Disney’s Camp Rock. Organisers of the summer show are holding open auditions at the Hayya! complex at the Meadows Club, Dubai, and anyone between the ages of ten and 35 that has the energy and talent to add to the show is encouraged to come along.

May 20 to 21, Hayya! Meadows Club, Dubai. www.disneycamprocklive.com/auditions WEST SIDE STORY Listen up all you budding broadway stars. Later this year, the classic musical West Side Story will hit DUCTAC’s Centrepoint Theatre – and you could be in it. This month, the Spotlight Academy is holding free auditions open to anyone over the age of 11. Now you just have to decide if you’re a Jet or a Shark. Our personal favourite is Officer Krupke .

May 6 to 7, DUCTAC, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai. www.ductac.org

“Velcro, what a rip off” OMID DJALILI, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN The excitable British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili is back on our shores for one night only to perform at the launch of brand new comedy initiative, The Comedy Social. We just hope all his one liners are as funny as the one above.

May 6, Amphitheatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3666546

THE DUBAI MALL 04. 3399472 DEIRA CIT Y CENTRE 04. 2943057 AL WAHDA MALL 02.4437213 MARINA MALL 02.6811464 ARMANIEXCHANGE.COM/UAE

gigs in May

31 1

Talkin’ Loud @ Warehouse

Feeling funky? The resident band at Warehouse, quintet Talkin’ Loud, perform soul, funk and acid jazz every night (apart from Saturdays) from 9.30pm. In keeping with our current American Idol obsession, drummer Joe Bashoroun worked with Randy Jackson and Sophie B Hawkins, before joining his fellow band-mates in Dubai.

Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, Sun to Wed, 9.30pm. Tel: (04) 7022560. www. diningindubai.com

TALKIN’ LOUD’S TOP THREE FLOOR-FILLERS 1. Could You Be Love – Bob Marley 2. Family Affair – Mary J Blige 3. Move Your Body – Nina Sky

STRANGEST SONG REQUEST The Arabic song Habibi. None of the band speaks Arabic.

5

2

There’s no excuse for staying at home this month, when there’s live music playing every night. Read on for your ‘gig a day’ diary

Rachel Calladine Duo @ Blue Bar

The Blue Bar has a reputation as the place to be in Dubai for quality jazz, and by adding the Rachael Calladine Duo to its list of acts its reputation is set to grow. Having cut their teeth in the busy live jazz scene in London – including a residency at the legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s – as well as touring with the likes of Joss Stone and Jamiroquai, the duo’s jazz twists on contemporary hits makes this one of the best free gigs in Dubai.

Blue Bar, Novotel, Trade Centre, Dubai, 9pm to midnight, free. Tel: (04) 3320000

3

Jam Night @ The Music Room

Urban, The Music Room’s resident band, play a rocked out mix of guitar-driven hits at Jam Night. Singer Peter Simon tells us how to jam “Having the confidence in your ability to improvise can really make or break a stage act. Musicians are generally a very supportive

community and are always happy to help each other out – whether that’s by playing on stage or going to shows to cheer on their mates. It’s by having that confidence and support that jam nights really take off.”

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel Tower, Dubai, from 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 3598888. www. dubaimajestic.com

4

Brahms & Co @ Zuma

French jazz DJ duo Brahms & Co are regulars at the Bed Supper Club in Bangkok and the Pershing Hall in Paris, as well as performing at catwalk shows for Dior and Gucci. The sharp-suited Gallic duo specialise in jazz with a twist, with DJ Brahms on the decks and his cohort Co on the trumpet and vocorder.

Any lounge lizard worthy of the name will revel in the lads’ second Zuma stint.

Zuma, DIFC, Dubai, 10pm, free. Tel: (04) 4255660. www.zumarestaurant.com

Sean Kingston

The Miami-born, Jamaica-raised Beautiful Girl hit-maker in numbers…

21

18

260,000

Kingston was born in February 1990, making him not only sickeningly young at 21 years old, but also only just legally able to drink in the UAE, despite being an international star for some four years.

Kingston appeared on the US TV show My Super Sweet 16 on his birthday, which saw him arrive on a private yacht, dressed in a personalised white suit, the flash Charlie.

The first week downloads of Beautiful Girl in the US alone.

7

1 The peak US and UK singles chart positions of Beautiful Girl, which has gone multi-platinum around the world.

Kingston’s age when he was locked up for 21 days for breaking and entering.

British popsters Sugababes halted their revolving door personnel changes for long enough to release album Sweet 7 last year, which featured Kingston on the track Miss Everything.

18 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

356 Kingston’s weight in pounds, apparently. We’re sure he’ll enjoy Dubai’s fine restaurants, then.

11

Chi at The Lodge, Oud Metha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs175.

Tel: (04) 3379470. www.seankingston.com

6

Snoop Dogg The Doggfather hits the capital

Last year, Californian pop princess Katy Perry was looking for a rapper to add some pep to her latest single, the rousing hometown ode California Gurls. She put in a call to Snoop Dogg, whose likable, languid voice balanced out Perry’s own hip hop-styled lyrics about how her home state’s “got it on lock.” The collaboration might have seemed like two artists from different worlds awkwardly coming together – Perry the mainstream-friendly, Christian-raised singer meeting up with Snoop, a product of the violent, gang-saturated streets of Long Beach in LA – but it was an apt summation of Snoop’s stratospheric rise.

After emerging from under Dr Dre’s wing in 1992 as a menacing gangsta rapper, Snoop has slowly taken his place as a genuine worldwide pop culture figure; he’s comfortable hobnobbing with pop royalty like Justin Timberlake and is, allegedly, planning a record with Hollywood bad boy Charlie Sheen. It’s an ascent that has been propelled by the twin traits of the rapper’s naturally affable personality and a catalogue of nearly two decades worth of hit singles – most of which Snoop will be airing out when he struts onto the stage at Yas Arena on May 6.

Flush from the recent release of his ninth studio album, Doggumentary, Snoop says that his career has been “an incredible, wild ride, but, thankfully, with more ups than down.”

He recalls how the drama that surrounded his debut album, 1993’s Doggystyle, almost curtailed his career before it started: The project was released while he was facing trial for murder, and the album’s gangsta rap chronicles about living a nefarious lifestyle didn’t exactly help the public case against him. (A British tabloid newspaper petitioned to have him banned from ever entering the United Kingdom.) But after being acquitted, Snoop took on a more relaxed attitude towards the rigors of fame. “I just started to roll with everything,” he says. “I didn’t let anything that was going on in the industry around me stress me out. The people want to be entertained, and I’m an entertainer, so I’ll give them what they want.”

This willingness to go with the flow and feed the needs of fans has allowed Snoop to stay relevant when other rappers who emerged in the early 1990s have either faded away or never lived up to their debuts. Musically, Snoop has kept abreast of rap’s rhythmic

trends, happily moving on from Dr Dre’s patented G-funk sound to calling on the minimal percussive style of The Neptunes for 2004’s defining rap anthem Drop It Like It’s Hot, and even working with Damon Albarn’s cartoon crew The Gorillaz for Sumthing Like This Night on his latest album. Each time he’s presented with a new sonic sandbox, Snoop’s endearing drawl of a voice embellishes the track with raps and catch-phrases that are quickly picked up by the wider world – the popularity of the “-izzle” suffix is largely down to Snoop, for better or (cringe-inducing) worse.

Of his slang, he says, “I’ve always been doing that since I was a little kid. It comes natural.”

But more crucial than his ear for a catchy hook, is Snoop’s personality. His boasts in rhyme can be arrogant and violent, but his public persona is almost that of a lovable uncle with a knack for entertaining both the kids and their parents. As the world has fallen in

thrall with the idea of reality TV, Snoop has played along, letting the cameras into his world – video footage of him coaching his son’s American football team includes the tactical advice that the kids should “stop talkin’ about vampires and Halloween.” He also recently revealed that he’s been fostering a child at his no-doubt palatial mansion home.

Snoop is grounded about the superstar position he’s found himself in, reasoning, “This is what happens when you believe in not just your talent, but in yourself.” Then, in very understated terms, he wraps up, “I do good things. People seem to like it.”

Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 5.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs250 to Dhs595.

Tel: (800) 35274. www.snoopdogg.com

1 DOGGYSTYLE The debut album that introduced Snoop to the world – complete with cartoon artwork penned by a former LA gang member.

2 R&G (RHYTHM & GANGSTA): THE MASTERPIECE Thanks to a little help from production unit The Neptunes, Snoop coined one of 2004’s classic songs with Drop It Like It’s Hot.

3 THE HARD WAY After re-uniting with childhood friends Warren G and Nate Dogg as the group 213, the trio crafted this breezy collection of summer-time jams.

4 THE BLUE CARPET TREATMENT Snoop’s 2006 effort clocked up close to a million copies in sales, thanks to guest input by R Kelly and E-40.

5 DOGGUMENTARY The latest instalment in Snoop’s saga, this time with Swizz Beats adding production punch.

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 19

31 GIGS IN MAY

8

7

Brian Elwood Trio @ Oeno Wine Bar, The Westin

Having recently started his residency at the Westin’s Oeno Wine Bar, New York native Brian Elwood brings with him a musical versatility that would make a one-man-band blush. Whether it’s a boot-stomping honkytonk show, or a calmer, more sophisticated gig, Brian and his jazzed out trio are sure to hit all the right notes.

The Westin, Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai, from 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 3994141. www. starwoodhotels.com/westin

11

The Golden Star Band @ The Marine’s Club

If you find yourself hankering for some Western heavy-rock classics, Filipino covers act The Golden Star Band are right up your nostalgic street. Check online for evidence: amongst the all-time greats they peal out are top tunes from AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. It costs Dhs50 every night of the week, but that does at least bag you a ‘free’ drink. You have to admire their stamina, too, playing seven nights a week from 10pm to 2.30am.

Sea View Hotel, Al Meena Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 10pm, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 3557734. www.seaviewhoteldubai.com

9 Skintight @ Crown & Lion Recently formed and full of enthusiasm, this four-piece British band have taken up residency at the Crown & Lion, playing crowd-pleasing covers. With their trademark wandering saxophonist they are sure to get people’s toes-a-tapping.

Byblos Hotel, TECOM, Dubai, from 9.30pm, free.

Tel: (04) 4488000. www.bybloshoteldubai.com

Out @ Rock 10 Sold Bottom, TECOM

The original Rock Bottom in Bur Dubai has long been known for its live music, so it’s good to see the latest opening in TECOM keeping up the tuneful tradition. Each night throughout May, Canadian pop rockers Sold Out can be found thrashing out the hits to an enthused crowd. The seven-piece band has an enormous repertoire, from Bob Marley to Metallica, plus the essential Dubai cover band track of choice, Zombie by The Cranberries.

But watch out ladies, several members of Sold Out are self-confessed flirts…

Rock Bottom, Ramee Rose Hotel, TECOM, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3963888

Ash @ Diablo Ash (born Abdul Sammir Hamman) seems to have this R&B lifestyle sorted – he’s supported Usher, Kanye West, Akon, and 50 Cent and performed at the Miss World pageant for a viewing public of 700 million people. This month his brings his smooth grooves back to Dubai CAN YOU SUM UP YOUR STYLE IN TEN WORDS? Classy yet crazy, fresh, sexy, cool, nice, smooth, fun and humble. My music is a mixed bag with a lot of soul.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

My mom still tells me that as a baby, while asleep, I used to dance and smile. As clichéd as it may sound, music has always been a part of me. I’ve been doing this for a while and I even signed a terrible record deal at the age of 16 in the UK. Luckily, I got out of it, and started my own company and label.

WHAT’S YOUR MUSICAL AMBITION?

For my music to be known, accepted, appreciated,

heard and sung by everyone on earth. Like Michael Jackson did it. Quite an ambition, I know, but I’m willing to work towards it.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT DUBAI?

It’s very ambitious, just like me. And I love that. I believe Dubai is rich in talent and it’s obviously working towards showing that to the rest of the world. Entertainment wise, the nightlife and music scene consists of some really talented DJs and artists, but I believe we could work a bit more with the unity. I’ve grown a lot along with this city, so to me Dubai is my second home.

Diablo, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 9666408 MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 21

31 GIGS IN MAY

12

DJ Solo

Dubai-based British hip hop star-in-waiting DJ Solo is best known in the emirate as a face behind popular weekly night Freshly Laced. His multinational new EP, Who Is Wriggly Scott?, further expands his horizons SO, WHO IS WRIGGLY SCOTT?

One of my alter egos: a failed film director. In his spare time he writes sleazy love songs with dark psychedelic undertones.

THE EP FEATURES GUEST RAPPERS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD. HOW DID YOU MEET THEM ALL?

I met all the rappers in the UAE, even [noted American MC] J-Live. I really wanted to bridge the gap between artists in this region and the rest of the globe. It’s a real shame hip hop is often misrepresented here, especially when many of our local MCs are above international standards. It was also intended to summarise my experience living in this region for seven years.

IS IT CHALLENGING BEING A HIP HOP DJ IN A CITY WHERE THE GENRE ISN’T TOP OF THE PECKING ORDER? It depends what your intentions are. If I was

13

DJing to make money, I would be playing R&B. Music has always been my passion and I would never want to be dependent upon it to make a living, which is why I still have a day job – I’m an interior designer. There are not many people here who play what I play, so it’s quite easy to carve your own niche. I don’t think our crowd would want Freshly Laced opened up to a wider audience as it provides a safe haven from everything wrong with Dubai’s club scene.

SO FRESHLY LACED IS GOING STRONG THEN?

We’re still hosting our weekly Thursday nights at Casa Latina and are extremely happy with how things are going. It’s our first birthday this month [see club diary p.94], so we’ll be throwing a big party with lots of cake and party hats.

Casa Latina, Ibis Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Barsha, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3996699. www.anothermusic.tumblr.com

Abri @ The Music Room

Hamdan Al Abri, lead singer from acclaimed local band ABRI, tells us why you should come to their gig at The Music Room

“THE UAE IS FULL OF GOOD LOCAL TALENT THAT CAN SOMETIMES BE OVERSHADOWED BY THE BIG INTERNATIONAL ACTS THAT COME TO TOWN FOR ONE-OFF GIGS. SO HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO SUPPORT AN ESTABLISHED LOCAL BAND PLAYING AN ACOUSTIC SET OF OUR ORIGINAL MUSIC RATHER THAN GOING TO SEE YET ANOTHER DJ SPINNING HOUSE MUSIC.” The Music Room, Majestic Hotel Tower, Dubai, 8.30pm, free. Tel: (04) 3598888. www.dubaimajestic.com 22 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

14

Skratch Band @ Barasti

Barasti resident Mark Skratch played his first gig at the bar in 1995, and has been a popular attraction ever since “Back then, Barasti was a Portacabin on the beach with a hole cut in the side of it and a little bit of green Astroturf out in front.

Christmas 1995 was the first time I played there. The hotel wasn’t even there at the time – it was just the Dubai International Marine Club – and Barasti was for the guys doing the fishing charters. Imagine you’ve been out on the water, you’re covered in fish guts and sweat and want a drink; that’s how the whole shorts, T-shirt and flip-flop thing took off.

People from town would come for that vibe. The first weekend it was open after they demolished the old bar, we did a gig. It was a great weekend.

It was the same vibe as the old Barasti, but bigger and better. Now I do the Friday, Saturday and Monday. Friday is a full-on party night with the band, and we don’t stop all night long, Saturday is more of a listening crowd and we get to play something other than Brown Eyed Girl all night, Monday is even more laid-back.”

Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai, Fri and Sat, free. Tel: (04) 3993333. www.skratchband.com

15

Love Light Duo @ Cooz Bar

Australian duo Chass Guthrie (piano) and vocalist Nat Silbert form Lovelight Duo, the resident band at the Grand Hyatt’s Cooz Bar. The Melbournian pair drop a cheeky mix of soulful covers, including Billie Jean and Sade’s Smooth Operator, and if you ask nicely they even do requests.

Cooz Bar, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai, from 9pm, free.

Tel: (04) 3172222. www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com

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Jazz @ Tamanya Terrace

The R.E.A.L. band have been entertaining UAE jazz fans since 2009, when local jazz-heads the Afif brothers teamed up with fellow UAE musicians Lili Beth Henson and Alister Kucik. Expect everything from smooth jazz to funk and pop.

Tamanya Terrace, Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City, 8pm, free. Tel: (04) 3669111. www. radissonblu.com

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31 GIGS IN MAY

17

City Catch @ Carpenter’s Bar

If all you really want from a gig is an unpretentious night of 1980s rock ballads and audience requests, then this night with the allFilipino cover band City Catch should be marked on your calendar.

Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira, Dubai, from 9.30pm, free. Tel: (04) 2091234

19

Hurts

18

Open Mic Night @ Bert’s Café

Bert’s Café prides itself on building a community spirit – and its open mic night is the perfect showcase for it. Open to any type of acoustic act to come along between 7pm and 10pm, previous nights have seen everything from established guitarists to gigs from budding young musicians. As a side note, the night also doubles up as a book swap, how very all-for-one.

Bert’s Cafe, Green Community, Dubai, 7pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (04) 3619292

WIN!

A MEET AND GREET WITH HURTS Fancy hanging out with the band? E-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘Hurts’ in the subject line and the answer to the following question.

Which city are Hurts from? a) Manchester b) Melbourne c) Minsk

gone on to release five singles, including UAE radio favourite Stay, as well as an album, Happiness,, which reached number four in the UK charts.

In February the group claimed industry recognition, too, following in the footsteps of The Strokes, The Libertines, Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys to pick up music tome NME’s Best New Band gong at the prestigious NME Music Awards.

“It was a big, proud moment,” says Romania, the subject of Hurts frontman Theo Hutchcraft, beaming. “The previous winners Hutchcraft’s latest tweet, and the location of were the people who taught us how to make the band’s latest international gig, has proved a music – they showed us the way.” dangerous destination for the Manchester duo.

Also at the awards that night was the Foo “The first time we went to Romania, the Fighters’ Dave Grohl, whose song Everlong plane was on fire when we landed,” a jovial was the first Hutchcraft learned to play on the Hutchcraft tell What’s On. “This time, we guitar; The Libertines’ Carl Barat (the man were chased to the airport and then the plane who made Hutchcraft decide he wanted to be bounced on the runway. We thought we were in a band) and, most intimidating of all for the going to join Buddy Holly.” singer, Pulp frontman and Brit Pop legend, If the boys were to join Buddy [who Jarvis Cocker. famously died in a plane crash, along with “I didn’t talk to Jarvis, because I didn’t know Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, in 1959] in what to say,” admits Hutchcraft. “In fact, I that big gig in the sky today, at least they could avoid musicians a lot. I don’t really want to claim a place on the stage. say anything to them, because then the wall is But two years ago, nobody had heard broken down, the illusion is shattered a little of Hutchcraft or his friend, synth virtuoso bit. I’m trying to retain it by avoiding people Adam Anderson. The pair, from Manchester and just being a massive fan.” in England, had been struggling on And that, essentially, is what Hutchcraft unemployment benefits for years, and the life of is – a massive music fan. When we discuss a pop star was a mere pipedream. his Manchester contemporaries such as New “We were unemployed, and we were very Order, The Smiths and Oasis, there’s a real miserable,” says Hutchcraft, looking back. “This excited tone to his voice, yet at the same time would have been an awful interview a few years he’s also very much aware of how fragile the ago.” pop business is.

Luckily, the then jobless duo – sporting the “We’re still frightened it’s going to go away,” same familiar suits and slicked-back haircuts he confides. “One day, somebody’s going to that they wear today (“We used to dress like walk in and say, ‘hang on, you’ve outstayed this to make ourselves feel better about the your welcome, you’re finished now.” world, to feel like we were doing something The answer, he tells us, is to become one of important. Put a suit on and you feel more those unique Manchester bands that are “cut dignified”) decided the answer to their woes out of stone, that exist alone, and never sound lay in music. Forming Hurts in 2009, they’ve the same”. And so Hurts rigidly stick to the

In two years, Manchester synth-pop duo Hurts have gone from the unemployment line to chart success and touring the world, not to mention landing an NME Best New Band award along the way. Frontman Theo Hutchcraft tells us how

24 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

pop ethos that made Happiness one of the most talked about albums of 2010.

“We always wanted to make pop music with some sort of substance to it. Pop music doesn’t have to be for kids,” he asserts. “It can be an exciting and inspiring thing. David Bowie and The Smiths made great pop music. People overlook that. There’s a snob mentality when it comes to pop – if it’s not alternative, it’s something to be derided. That’s ridiculous.”

Album number two, which is sure to follow the same formula, is planned for 2012, but not before the band has seen the world, and introduced it to the Hurts sound.

“Yeah, we’ll start work on another [album] by the end of the year,” confirms Hutchcraft. “At the moment, though, we’re being taken where the music needs to go and we haven’t got time to make a record.”

Going where the music needs to go includes Dubai, with the band calling into Garhoud’s Irish Village for a gig on the 19th.

“We’re going to play a big show, with a full band and an opera singer,” says Hutchcraft of his upcoming visit. “We’ve put a lot of effort into bringing the album to life. Hopefully it will surprise people.”

We’re sure it will – not least, the guys back in the job-seeker’s queue.

Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, from 7pm, Dhs225. www.livinthemusicdubai.com

31 GIGS IN MAY

20

Busta Rhymes

The brash, club-rocking New York rapper’s highs and lows…

20

Roxette @ Platinum

FIVE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT ROXETTE…

DOWN

Busta’s 2009 single, Arab Money, caused controversy in the Middle East thanks to lyrics interpreted as being antiUP Arab. DJs in the region responded Born Trevor Tahiem Smith Jr, Busta gained angrily and refused to play the his hip hop alias from none other than song in clubs and on the radio. rap royalty Chuck D of Public Enemy, who Dubai-based DJ Dany Neville named him after American footballer George went a step further, recording a ‘Buster’ Rhymes. response tune with Iraqi rapper The Narcicyst. Busta later apologised DOWN for any offence caused.

Endured all manner of legal woes from 2006 UP onward, racking up a lengthy charge sheet including third-degree assault and carrying The motor-mouth MC broke the Guinness World Record for most syllables uttered in a machete in his car, eventually winding one second during a freestyle rap in 2000. up with probation, community service and anger management classes. One of his DOWN bodyguards, Israel Ramirez, was also shot Also an occasional actor, one of the peaks of dead at a Busta video shoot in 2006.

Busta’s film career is Halloween Resurrection, UP wherein he’s stabbed about a million times Headed toward the top of the charts in only to cheat death and reappear near the 2005 with a cameo on the Pussycat Dolls’ end to save the day. That particular slasher signature tune Don’t Cha, one of several pop dud is definitely a down. collaborations that have endeared him to a Chi at The Lodge, Oud Metha, Dubai, 9pm wider audience beyond the hip hop world. to 3am, Dhs175. Tel: (04) 3379470. www. bustarhymes.com

1 Lead singer Marie Fredriksson first started her music career playing keyboard for a band on the local Swedish bar scene, until one of her band members realised that her belting vocal talents were wasted behind the keys.

2 The band were approached to write a song for the Pretty Woman soundtrack, but didn’t have enough time to write and record a new track. Improvising, they cheekily send over a B-side, It Must’ve Been Love. Cue monster hit, and their most successful single to date. Jammy beggars.

3 The name Roxette came from the title of a 1975 Dr Feelgood track.

4 Marie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002. Thankfully, following successful surgery, she made an almost full recovery. Nice one, Docs.

5 Roxette are no slouches when it comes to awards, picking up several World Music Awards gongs, a Brit award, an MTV award and two Grammies, including Best Pop Group. Oh, and they’re not bad on the sales front, either, notching up a more than respectful 60 million records sales worldwide.

World Trade Centre, Dubai. Dhs450 to Dhs550, Tel: (050) 8874187. www. roxetteindubai.com

GETTY

21

Adam Baluch @ the Irish Village

Live acoustic tunes from the multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist Adam, who also throws in vocals and beat-box for good measure. The perfect soundtrack for enjoying your pint under the stars.

Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai, from 9pm, free.

Tel: (04) 2824750. www.irishvillage.ae MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 25

31 GIGS IN MAY

22

Joe Cocker

Gravel-voiced Joe Cocker broke the charts with a Beatles cover, and a career of hits followed including duet Up Where We Belong.The British blues-rocker turns 67 this year and, as we find out, shows no signs of slowing down THERE HAVE BEEN RUMOURS OF YOU PLAYING DUBAI FOR SOME TIME. HOW LONG HAS THIS SHOW BEEN IN THE OFFING?

The last ten years. My manager came here with Tina Turner, one of the first rock acts to perform out there, and it kept coming around: ‘Dubai are interested’. But something would always come up that wasn’t right.

inauguration too, but I turned that down.

My wife used to work for Jane Fonda, so she’s always had that leftist thing going on.

I always treated it like royalty: if they ask, you do it anyway. But I didn’t do it and that’s that.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE EPISODE OF THE WONDER YEARS, WHICH USED YOUR VERSION OF WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS AS ITS THEME TUNE?

YOU’RE GIGGING ACROSS THE WORLD IN 2011. IS YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR TOURING You know, I never watched it. The years it was STILL AS STRONG AS, SAY, 30 OR 40 YEARS airing were certainly not my wonder years.

AGO? They were definitely my bad years. I still have I don’t know about that [laughs]. I was touring in October, November and December and I finally said to my manager, ‘Three months is too long to be gone from home’. So we’ve got a little snippet in this tour where I’m going back to Colorado for two weeks.

It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s just to level things off. But I totally love performing live and the band I have now know how to put a good show on under any conditions.

YOU’VE LIVED IN THE USA FOR SEVERAL DECADES NOW, CURRENTLY ON A RANCH IN COLORADO. HOW IS LIFE IN THE STATES?

I love it. It’s a little unusual. There are only 400 people in the village close by us and it’s way up, like 7,000 feet, so it’s not standard America. It’s farm country. My only fear is the political scene has gone so strange there.

If I do have any leanings, I’d be a Democrat.

Sarah Palin and all that lot scare me a bit.

YOU PLAYED AT GEORGE BUSH SR’S INAUGURATION AND GEORGE W BUSH’S DAUGHTER USED YOUR SONG YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL FOR THE FIRST DANCE AT HER WEDDING… I was asked to do George W Bush’s

people come along and talk about that. It’s how they were familiar with the song.

IS RETIREMENT SOMETHING THAT EVER ENTERS YOUR MIND?

I certainly don’t want to cut the energy I put into my music. I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way, so it’s one of those things I’m just going to have to call naturally. When I was down in Australia earlier this year, I was jokingly saying to the band ‘Are you playing everything fast tonight?’ We had four shows in a row and I was feeling it. I’m old enough to feel that stuff.

INCORRECT STORIES HAVE CIRCULATED IN THE PAST THAT YOU’RE RELATED TO FELLOW SHEFFIELD MUSICIAN/ NEAR-NAMESAKE JARVIS COCKER. HAVE YOU EVER MET? WOULD YOU EVER COLLABORATE?

Yeah, it was strange. We’ve never met in all these years. He’s not a blueser. So I really don’t know, but anything’s possible in our game.

Al Badia Golf Club, InterContinental, Festival City, Dubai, 6pm (show 9pm), Dhs300 to Dhs500. Tel: (04) 4390900. www.joecockerdubai.com

cabaret @ 23 Russian Troyka

Though billed as a dining and entertainment venue, the incredible cabaret show is the only reason to visit this low-ceilinged Russian nightspot. The small keyboard-heavy band makes its way through a number of folk tunes while elaborately costumed dancers move in unison around the tiny dance floor. Reserve a table close to the action, order a bottle of Russia’s finest and imagine life in the shadow of the Kremlin. Note: there’s no point in arriving before 11pm.

TROYKA DANCER SVETLANA KHAZENKO WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I’m from Ukraine, a city called Dnepropetrovsk. I have been in Dubai for five years.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DANCING? Since I was a child. I studied at Dnepropetrovsk School of Choreography, the Kiev University of Choreography and the National Akademik Khor Veryovka.

DID YOU PERFORM ANYWHERE ELSE BEFORE COMING HERE? Yes, after leaving Ukraine I travelled for two years performing in Mumbai, Beijing, Turkey, Holland, Japan, and Italy. All over.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO DANCING? Rock Bottom in Bur Dubai.

Royal Ascot Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, from 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 3520900

WIN! A meet and greet with Joe Cocker Want to get up close and personal with the man himself? E-mail winwithwhatson@ motivate.ae with ‘Joe’ in the subject line and the answer to the following question.

Joe sang the theme tune to which TV show? a) The Wonder Years b) The Wonder Stuff c) The Wonder Fears

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 27

31 GIGS IN MAY

Whibley @ 24 Peter Barasti

‘Party Pete’ has been entertaining Dubai with his guitar covers for 15 years, and continues to do so with his weekly night at Barasti “I perform alone, acoustic and electric, and I play blues harp on some of the songs. I have a very large repertoire and I’m pretty versatile.

I play everything from Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton to Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams, Santana and Dire Straights to Gypsy Kings.

More recent things like Bruno Mars I do, too. I’ve been doing it for a number of years and I just remember all the songs, there’s no special technique. There’s always the odd lapse, but you just fluff your way through it. And you’re always going to get somebody ask for something you can’t do, but I cover most bases.

The Eagles are still the most requested band.

Here in the Middle East, people are crazy for them. I play other venues as well. Barasti every Tuesday, Nelson’s Mondays, Emirates Golf Club Thursdays and the Jebel Ali Club every Friday. That’s where I got the nickname Party Pete, because I try and get people involved, singing along and having a really good time.”

Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai, Tue, from 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 3993333. www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

25

Declan O’Sullivan @ McGettigan’s

26

Rock Spiders @ The Music Room

27

Metal Asylum

You haven’t seen a cover band until you’ve witnessed the Rock Spiders. The local legends have been rocking out for three years, and are now a resident band at The Music Room with a loyal following who come to hear Roy, Kano, Bobbie, Gon and Liza performing Black Sabbath, Queen, Bon Jovi and their own songs. Keep it up, guys.

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel Tower, Dubai, from 9.30pm, free. Tel: (04) 3598888. www.dubaimajestic.com

Sadly, Dubai is not known for its musical subcultures, but the rockers at Metal Asylum are on the case. The 27th sees the launch of their second compilation album, and to celebrate ten Dubai bands, plus ten bands from across the region, will be tearing it up. Check out the website for metal news, interviews and, if you really want to get involved, ads for musicians. Over 21s only.

Club Se7en, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs50. Tel: (050) 9048559. www.metalityuae.com

28

Friend of What’s On and one of Dubai’s most popular singersongwriters, Tim Hassall can be found at The Wharf playing a mix of original material and covers, including reggae, acoustic rock, country, folk, pop and blues. You can enjoy his strumming from the bar, but while you’re at this waterside pub, you might as well have a pie, too.

The Wharf, Mina A Salam, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Wed to Sat, 8pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3668888

29 Catch this Irish charmer belting out his homeland’s hits and the best party music.

McGettigan’s, Bonnington Tower, JLT, Dubai, from 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 3560000. www. declanosullivan.com

28 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

Tim Hassall @ The Wharf

Melissa & Roderigo@ Pachanga

The scintillating Latin music played by South American duo Melissa and Roderigo will have you loosing your inhibitions and gyrating your samba hips like there is no tomorrow. Muy caliente!

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Dubai, 7.30pm to 11.15pm. Tel: (04) 399 1111. www. hiltonworldresorts.com

30

Fast Play and Arrow @ Maharlika

31

Club Africana

Knee-high boots, head banging, a guitarist that looks like Roofio from Hook, and a stage daubed in UV paint. It can only be Maharlika. The bar plays host to two bands each night, Fast Play and Arrow, who slam out the tunes from Mariah Carey and MOR classics, to Rage Against The Machine and Filipino favourites from 8pm to 3am. What starts off as background music to the crowd’s drinking and dining, soon turns into a floorshow, before customers rush the dance floor to join in. An absolute must.

President’s Hotel, Karama, Dubai, free.

Tel: (04) 3346565

The music starts at 9.30pm every night, but Club Africana doesn’t really get going until 1am, when the ‘special show’ kicks off. This means dancing, drums and absolute mayhem. The predominantly African crowd, massive band and overly themed décor are an assault on the senses (and your dancing feet), but if you’re feeling energetic and have left your inhibitions at the door, then you’re in for a cracking night of live music.

Rush Inn Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3522235

THE BIG Looking for somewhere great for breakfast? Look no longer – we’ve trawled the streets of Dubai to bring you 25 of the best, from the top hotels to a few you might not have expected. Seriously, if we even see another sausage…

The Cellar

Epicure

There are only so many fry-ups you can wolf down before awareness of your own internal organs sets in. Enter Epicure’s Arabian breakfast, based around shashouka, aka two fried eggs atop a satisfying bed of tomatoes, peppers and onions. All manner of sides will keep you full until way past lunch with plenty of pita to mop up the remnants. If you’re feeling flush, whack an extra drink on the bill, too. The jet lag juice with grapefruit, pineapple, mint leaves and fresh ginger (Dhs28) is a veritable revitalising tonic.

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, near International City, Dubai, 7am to 10.30am, Dhs130. Tel: (04) 3238888. www.desertpalm.ae

Boulevard Café

With dishes like les ouefs au saumon fumé (eggs Benedict with smoked salmon on English muffins, basically, and an utter delight for 39), Boulevard Café serves up the kind of breakfast you imagine CATBOY’S eating in a Parisian PICK café or NYC hangout, before wandering around art galleries.

Chic, filling and very tasty. After a heavy night you can’t beat the croque madame (Dhs42). Tried and tested – trust us.

Al Manzil Hotel, Burj Boulevard, Old Town, Dubai, 6am to 11am. Tel: (04) 4285888 30 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

Baker & Spice

Solis

A perfect place to while away a Saturday morning, the open restaurant feels like pure luxury with its patio that overlooks the pool area. The a la carte breakfast is classically continental, and heavily egg-based, offering you fry-ups (Dhs70), scrambled eggs on toasted bagels (Dhs55) and even eggs Benedict (Dhs50), but it’s the fruit smoothies that are really something to write home about.

Tiara Residence, Palm Jumeriah, Dubai, 9am to midday. Tel: (04) 4329848

Boulvar

A hotel breakfast with a difference, namely the influence of German chef Uwe Micheel, who brings unusual pastries and German breads (try the bun baked with cheese).

Boulvar is one of the best places to fuel up this side of the creek. Our pick of the spread were the chicken and cheese sausages – juicy and full of flavour – and the freshly made custard doughnuts. With choices like that you might regret going for the buffet option next time you step on the scales.

Radisson Blu Deira Creek, Deira, Dubai, 6am to 11am, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 2227171

The Cellar has been serving breakfast GEORDIEBIRD’S ‘brunch style’ for PICK as long as we can remember. The idea being you turn up, grab a menu and order as much from it as you can before the food coma gets you. This generally happens around the third course, by which point you’ll have happily snaffled the scrambled egg, which is a bit on the small side but rather tasty, the crab cake and the creamy haddock with asparagus spears which is delicious. They also do a lovely cup of tea and as the waiter kindly pointed out there’s no shame in ordering the mini pizzas from the kids’ menu. Bonus.

Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai, Friday and Saturdays noon to 3.30pm. Dhs135 with one glass of house wine. Tel: (04) 2829333

Anise

Though we can report Anise uses its pork licence smartly, with fine bangers and bacon, the Mongolian-style breakfast caught our eye.

Essentially starting the day with a stir-fry, you select the cold ingredients, which are cooked up by a dedicated chef and brought to your table. Rice noodles, chicken and mixed vegetables at 9am might feel wrong, but it tastes right.

Pork available InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 6am to 11am, Dhs145. Tel: (04) 7011111. www.intercontinental.com

Baker & Spice

Home to blueberry pancakes (Dhs38) so light they’re practically gravity defying, and a Tunisian dish for two called shakshouka, poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce served with grilled bread (Dhs72), Baker & Spice is the go-to place for organic fare. There are two branches, with the newest in Souk Al Manzil, but our pick is the original restaurant with its alfresco tables and fountain-side vantage point.

Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, 8am to midday.

Tel: (04) 4252240

BREAKFAST The Boardwalk

Lime Tree Café

The waterfront Boardwalk at the Dubai Creek Golf Club makes for the perfect spot to relax over a long, leisurely breakfast. Overlooking, and literally situated over the Creek, you can enjoy a traditional fry up of generous proportions all served by attentive staff at one of Dubai’s most serene alfresco breakfast sites.

Pork available The Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira, Dubai, Fri and Sat 8am to midday, Dhs70.

Tel: (04) 2956000

Lime Tree Café

A stalwart on the breakfast scene, and for good reason, Lime Trees’ deli-style dishes and friendly service makes it a welcoming sight at the weekend, especially when it’s cool enough to dine outside. Our pick of the platefuls is the breakfast bruschetta (Dhs38), with tomatoes and herbs from a local market, two organic poached eggs, basil pesto and shaved Parmesan on granary toast, finished with a balsamic reduction. For something sweeter, try the coconut pancakes with grilled pineapple (Dhs26); a guaranteed great way to start your day.

Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, 7.30am to 1pm. Tel: (04) 3498498

The Irish Village

The English contribution to gut-busting breakfasts has travelled the world over, and here it’s found a home in Dubai, rather surprisingly, in the green-tinted stronghold that is the Irish Village. The aptly named ‘Village Fry’ is a proper ode to the full English, complete with tasty sausages, crispy hash browns, fried eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, toast, tomatoes, the lot. In other words, you won’t leave feeling hungry.

Pork available The Irish Village, Century Village, Garhoud, Dubai, from 11.30am, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 2824750

Emirates Golf Club

Unless you’re the type who’s teeing off first thing on a Friday or Saturday morning, chances are you’d never think of having breakfast at a golf club. Shame. Emirates Golf Club serves a filling breakfast to keep you going round 18 holes at the weekend. Expect all the traditional favourites: eggs made to order, baked beans, toast, pork bacon and sausages (and non-pork alternatives), grilled tomatoes and hash browns. There’s also cereals as well as fresh fruit juices and coffee, all served as you take in the view over the greens from The Spike Bar. Pork available Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2, Dubai, Fri and Sat 6am to 11am, Dhs65. Tel: (04) 3802222

The Westin

Choice is king at The Westin, which offers just about everything you could ever want for breakfast and then some (although it’ll be some time before we ever get used to the idea of sushi for breakfast). The food’s good, the service better, and the views across The Palm make for a perfect start to the day. Only one complaint – if you want pork products as part of your meal, you’ll have to do a full lap of the tables, as they have them tucked away in a corner, making them somewhat tricky to spot.

Pork available Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 7am to 10am, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 3994141. www.starwoodhotels.com

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 31

Wearing our Finest for You Crisp chef whites and a gleaming new kitchen to match, watch as we debut our latest offering in the capital - Essence - the new contemporary international restaurant at Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi.

In a newly designed interior, enjoy live interaction with the chefs and a variety of succulent cuisines from all corners of the world.

Discover the essence of good cuisine. Discover Essence. Day In. Day Out.

For more information on this and other promotions, please visit rotanatimes.com

Tourist Club Area , P.O. Box 45200, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: +971 (0) 2 6979011, F: +971 (0) 2 6979018, fb.beach@rotana.com

THE BIG BREAKFAST

Bistro Madeleine

We’ve been starting our weekends off with breakfast at Bistro Madeleine for some time, and for good reason. The a la carte menu offers pastries, crepes, fresh juices and eggs all kind of ways, but our favourite is le petit dejeuner a l’anglaise or English breakfast – two eggs, bacon or ham, beans, hash brown, fresh juice and coffee, tea or hot chocolate for just Dhs60. The coffee is excellent.

Pork available InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 8am to 11am, Dhs60. Tel: (04) 7011111. www.ichotelsgroup.com

Carluccio’s

The passionate Italian chef ’s Dubai cafés riffs on a several different varieties of eggs, but the star of the show us the colazione magnifica, which includes scrambled eggs with better than average grilled turkey bacon, sautéed button, oyster and shitake mushrooms, grilled tomato, toast, coffee and fresh juice.

All for Dhs46.

Carluccio’s, Mirdif City Centre, The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai, Dhs46. Tel: (04) 4341320. www.carluccios.com

McGettigan’s

If you’re going to trust anybody to produce a decent fry-up, it should be Irishman and McGettigan’s chef Derek Flynn. Flynn’s popular Irish Fry includes pork bacon and sausages of excellent quality, beans, black and white puddings, hash browns, mushroom, tomato, brown bread and toast for Dhs90. And it’s served all day.

Pork available McGettigan’s, Bonnington Tower, JLT, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3am, Dhs90. Tel: (04) 3560000. www.mcgettigansdubai.com

Can Can

On the ground floor of the business orientated Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Can Can will prepare you for a full day of seminars with its working breakfast. There’s a buffet spread with Arabian classics like minted labneh and European cheeses and cold cuts, or for those looking for a more American start, you can’t fault the pancake and waffle station – cooked to order and accompanied by all the syrup and fruit you could want. If the corporate entertainment has proved too much, why not steel yourself with the cooked option – sausages, crispy veal bacon, tomatoes, hash browns, and an egg station. Brisk, businesslike and bustling.

Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, 6.30am to 10.30am, Dhs135. Tel: (04) 3722222

Bistro Madeleine

Dubai Marina Yacht Club

You could order the eggs and toast (Dhs40), which is so much more than that – eggs, toast, hash brown and bacon, in fact. But only a fool would shy away from tackling the Marina breakfast. Served in the iron skillet it’s cooked in, you will be presented with sausage, bacon, black pudding, grilled mushrooms, tomato, hash browns and eggs.

The cost? Dhs65 with chilled juice, Dhs75 with fresh juice.

Pork available 25˚55˚ Café Bistro, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai, breakfast 7am to midnight, Dhs65 to Dhs75. Tel: (04) 3627900. www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com

Sloane’s

It’s pretty pricey, as you might expect from a hotel of Grosvenor House’s calibre, but the Sloane’s breakfast buffet has it all – full English, an egg station, fresh juices, sushi, cheese and cold cuts, smoked salmon, stir fries, porridge, stews, soups, French toast, cereals, pancakes, waffles, smoothies, yoghurts, cakes and more. That should fill you up.

Pork available Sloane’s, Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 6am to 11am, Fri 6am to 11.30am, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3998888. www. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

Japengo

This popular Dubai chain restaurant does a lovely stack of fluffy blueberry pancakes drizzled with maple syrup for Dhs10, as well as a range of fresh pastries and some impressive fruit dishes.

Various locations, Dubai, 9am to 11.30am.

Tel: (04) 4341433 MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 33

THE BIG BREAKFAST

MORE

Yalumba

Ikea

Thyme

More has an extensive all day breakfast menu featuring eggs on toast, pancakes, eggs Benedict, continental, Oriental and healthy breakfasts and yoghurt. Our pick is the English breakfast, boasting bread, butter and jam, fresh juice, three eggs, tomato, sausage or beef bacon, mushrooms, beans and tea or coffee. Just Dhs51.

Various locations, Dubai, Dhs51.

Tel: (04) 2830224. www.morecafe.biz Now don’t get us wrong, Ikea might not be our first thought for breakfast, but you could certainly do worse for Dhs4.

A large serving of scrambled eggs, two beef sausages, beans and a hash brown. The only drawback is you have to do a circuit of the store to get out.

Ikea, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 9am to 11.30am, Dhs4. www.ikeadubai.com

Thyme

On a Friday afternoon, Yalumba hosts one of the city’s most famous brunches, in the morning it boasts one of Dubai’s biggest breakfast offerings. With both a la carte and buffet dishes, Yalumba has everything from pancakes and waffles to eggs and bacon, and even a breakfast taco. You will not be disappointed.

Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Dubai, 5.30am to 10.30am, Dhs119. Tel: (04) 7022328. www.diningatmeridiendubai.com Hands up if you live in Dubai Marina. Now, how many of you have been to Thyme?

Didn’t think so. Hidden away in Oasis Beach Tower is one of the best breakfast buffets in town. It has everything you could possibly want to start the day, from full English to fruit and cereals.

Pork available Thyme, Oasis Beach Tower, JBR, Dubai, 7am to 11am, Dhs95. Tel: (04) 3994444. www.jebelali-international.com

Café Arabesque

Local mixes with international at Café Arabesque, where a range of regional favourites sit nicely alongside classic breakfast staples. As such, you can try the Lebanese version of foul medames and scrambled egg with lamb, or order a fry-up from the a la carte menu. The buffet continues the theme, with a choice of exotic cold cuts, olives and cheeses, or plain old cereal if that’s what you prefer. Best of all, they bake their own bread on site.

Park Hyatt, Deira, Dubai, Dhs140, 6.30am to 11am. Tel: (04) 6021234. www.hyatt.com

La Fontana

The appeal of La Fontana is that thrilling ‘away from Dubai’ feeling; you dine by the pool, peacocks strut around and there’s no sound of the city. It’s a classic hotel buffet breakfast, with pastries, live cooking station for eggs, pork section and some lovely hot dishes, and is consistently buzzing, even mid-week. This is a great place to fuel up before a round of golf and is very familyfriendly. Oh, and there’s a man with a falcon, too.

Pork available Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Jebel Ali, Dubai, 6.30am to 11am, Dhs105. Tel: (04) 8145555

La Fontana

34 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

Philistines beware – Dubai’s hippest hangouts are also art spaces where likeminded creative types get together to relax, eat, learn and more. Whether you want free WiFi or pick up a new hobby, we’ve explored Pavilion and Tashkeel, and found the best places to get an education, too

PAVILION Where?

As the former Emaar Properties sales office on Burj Boulevard in Downtown, you’ll spot Pavilion by the huge wooden sculpture outside, which looks like it’s made from over-sized matchsticks. Inside, they’ve transformed the concrete box into a modern space broken up by sofas, desks and, ummm, a shed. It’s minimal, hip and unlike anywhere else in Dubai.

What’s there?

The main space is split between an area with a library where you can plug in your laptop (everyone was tapping away on a MacBook when we visited) and a café.

The shed can be reserved and used as an office, unusual meeting venue or private dining space. And, of course, you can rent foldable bikes there, too, for Dhs100 a day.

Around the corner you’ll find an espresso bar, cinema with beanbag chairs and two contemporary art gallery spaces, while outside there’s seating and shisha in the shadow of that sculpture.

Who goes there?

Friendly freelancers who use Pavilion as their office, Downtown dwellers popping in for some lunch, artists, film fans and shisha lovers. Expect good-looking people wearing cool specs and expensive denim.

36 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

How much does it cost?

As a non-profit organisation, it’s absolutely free to work from Pavilion all day (which is why it’s a magnet for freelancers) and visit the galleries. Shisha costs Dhs50 and is available until midnight. Various workshops are arranged throughout the year and cost extra.

What if I get hungry?

The café is run by Emaar and is well priced, with sandwiches from Dhs35, main dishes from Dhs45 and juices costing Dhs20. Our favourites include the grilled lamb cutlets (Dhs65) and hot mezze selection (Dhs45).

When is it open?

The café is open daily from 10am to 10pm, with Pavilion remaining open until midnight for all your cultural, Wi-Fi and mingling needs.

Pavilion, Burj Boulevard, Downtown, Dubai.

Tel: (050) 6441304. www.pavilion.ae

TASHKEEL Where?

We’re not going to lie to you. Tashkeel is not easy to find. Behind Meydan, you’ll see a whole new side to Dubai; a quieter side, with birds tweeting, flowers blooming and all sorts of suburban things. It really is very peaceful there. Tashkeel itself was once a supermarket, then an art college and now a community hub for the arts, all based around a garden.

How much does it cost?

You can drop by the gallery for free, sign up for a weekly membership for Dhs200, monthly for Dhs700, three months for Dhs2,000 or a year which costs Dhs7,500.

To start, we recommend the associate membership for Dhs600, which entitles you to 15 days of access over three months.

Workshops vary in price, but are generally around Dhs875 What’s there? for members and You’ll find a gallery, which is open to the Dhs1,000 for nonpublic and exhibits pieces by both members members, which of Tashkeel and visiting artists. The main covers four days attraction, however, is the extensive studio space across a month for painting, photographing, printmaking, (Saturdays 10am jewellery and 3D design, Mac lab and textiles. to 4pm with lunch Upstairs there’s also a library packed with provided), equipment reference books and international magazines, and training. and the members’ lounge.

What if I get hungry?

Who goes there?

Members can bring their own lunch and eat it There are artists and designers from ages in the lounge, or wander into the garden and 18 to 60, across all sorts of disciplines and sit amongst the sculptures. from all over the world, who use the space to create their work. The regular workshops When is it open? also attract aspiring artists and photographers Saturday to Thursday 8am to 10pm. who sign up for Saturday classes on subjects like Experimental Darkroom, Introduction to Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3363313. www.tashkeel.org Photoshop and Dress Pattern Making.

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 37

CULTURE CLUBS

SHELTER

The original Shelter in Al Quoz was an art space, cinema, hot-desk area for freelancers and start-up businesses, a café and even a place to dance, and its Sharjah outpost is also making waves, so prepare for the new Shelter in Media City. Opening soon, and made entirely from shipping containers, you can expect more cool events, workshops, a screening room, education programmes and a place where creatives can gather for chats about fonts and the like.

Shelter, Media City, Dubai. www.shelter.ae

SAE INSTITUTE

Based in Knowledge Village, SAE Institute is an international education body with an emphasis on technology and short courses – perfect for people looking for a new hobby or even a new career and who don’t have the time for full-time programmes. During May you can sign up for two-day bootcamps in drawing and HD-DSLR cinematography, or commit to 12-week courses in graphic design, electronic music production, or photography, which take place on Saturdays or weeknight evenings. Prices start from Dhs2,100 for the bootcamps, and Dhs8,500 for the 12-week programmes.

SAE Institute, Knowledge Village, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3616173. www.dubai.sae.edu

TASHKEEL BASTAKIYA The little sister of the Nad Al Sheba outpost, the Bastakiya branch opened at the beginning of the year and provides six individual studios for artists, five of which are rented out on a longterm basis at a minimum of three months to a maximum of two people per studio. The sixth space can be used by visiting artists or booked by members on a short-term rotating basis.

Members of Tashkeel Bastakiya can also use the facilities at Nad Al Sheba, and have access to the dedicated members’ gallery. Single membership costs Dhs5,000 for three months, or joint membership is Dhs3,500 per person for three months.

Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 43363313. www.tashkeel.org

38 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

DUCTAC

DUCTAC

One of the first, and most successful, places to pick up a new hobby, Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre (DUCTAC) at Mall Of The Emirates offers courses for everyone from tots to experienced performers. The choice is vast, with workshops covering dance, art, theatre, comedy, fitness and music, and includes individual lessons, ensemble orchestras and drop-in classes. Our top picks are the NYC Tap & Body Beats classes, where you can learn body percussion from a Broadway veteran (Saturdays 11.30am to 12.30pm) and the Dubai Classical Guitar Orchestra (Tuesdays 6pm to 7.40pm), which welcomes all ages and abilities.

Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3414777. www.ductac.org

For those with taste

The destination of choice in the heart of Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, Ember Grill and Lounge brings you the Fashion Lunch Buffet every weekend. Accessorise your steak with rich sauces while mixing and matching appetisers, sides and desserts. Also enjoy a glass of house beverage with your meal for just AED 180 per person from 12.30pm to 4.00pm every Friday and Saturday.

For reservations call + 971 4 438 8999 or email dine.dubaimall@theaddress.com

FILM X-Men: First Class

Green Lantern

X-Men: First Class

Green Lantern

Soul Surfer

WHO?

James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Kevin Bacon, Matthew Vaughn (director)

Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Temuera Morrison, Martin Campbell (director)

AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Ross Thomas, Sean McNamara (writer-director)

TAGLINE

‘Witness the origin’

‘In our darkest hour, there will be light’

‘When you come back from a loss, beat the odds and never say never, you find a champion’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

Way before X-Men and its sequels, Charles Xavier (McAvoy) was just a young telepath out to recruit mutants before his former friend, Magneto (Fassbender), got his mitts on them.

Test pilot Hal Jordan (Reynolds) was presented with a mystical ring that granted him special powers and membership to an intergalactic peace-keeping force.

Teenager Bethany Hamilton (Robb) set off for a spot of surfing only to return to shore minus her left arm.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

Watch an X-Men movie that doesn’t feature Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Like they know anything about acting.

See the world’s sexiest man, Ryan Reynolds, potter about in a full lycra bodysuit. That’s everyone, right?

Watch a picture about real-life heroics that will make your own problems appear positively minuscule.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

Marvel movies in general, but in particular X-Mens I to III and that Hugh Jackman Wolverine movie, the sequel to which has been delayed until after the Second Coming, apparently.

Previous DC adaptations such as Batman and Superman, although it’s worth pointing out that Lantern has always been a bit of cult figure and, as such, his appeal has never been as universal as the Dark Knight’s or the Man Of Tomorrow’s.

Similarly themed triumphovercoming-extreme-adversity pictures such as Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours and Kevin Macdonald’s Touching The Void.

TOP TRIVIA

The First Class screenplay was co-written by Jane Goldman, aka Mrs Jonathan Ross.

Other actors considered for the title role included Sam Worthington and Justin Timberlake.

AnnaSophia Robb met with the real Bethany Hamilton to fully understand the horror she went through.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD OR LESS REVIEW

Should be Marvel’s best Norsefree offering of the year.

Hard to imagine it’ll delight too many people.

It’s a tad TV movie, but Hamilton’s story’s truly astonishing.

RATE OR SLATE?

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

★★★✩✩

40 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

FILM | NEW RELEASES Kung Fu Panda 2

Bad Teacher

Someday...

Kung Fu Panda 2

Bad Teacher

Insidious

Amrit Maghera, Akilesh Unnitan, Sandeep Garcha, Kiyani Aziz, Saahil Prem (writer-director-star)

Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Gary Oldman, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen, Jennifer Yuh (director)

Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Lucy Punch, Jason Segel, John Michael Higgins, Jake Kasdan (director)

Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey, James Wan (director)

‘Some rules are meant to be broken’

‘Prepare for the return of awesomeness’

‘She doesn’t give an ‘F’’

‘From the creators of Saw’

Bollywood and hip hop culture collided in the streets of Sheffield, England.

An ancient foe threatened to eradicate kung fu, forcing pudgy panda Po (Black) to call upon his animal pals, The Furious Five.

Utterly inappropriate educator Elizabeth Halsey (Diaz) went completely off the rails when she was given the elbow by her older (wiser?) other half.

Parents Josh and Renai Lambert (Wilson and Byrne) discovered that, unless they acted quickly, their comatose son Dalton (Simpkins) might spend eternity in a hellish realm called The Further.

See a morbidly obese bear mete out justice the way only a morbidly obese bear can.

Watch Cameron Diaz carry on like an alcohol-fuelled floozy without having to expend energy leafing through the pages of HELLO! magazine.

Watch children in peril and see bad things happen to good people but don’t have it in you to watch the evening news.

The original Kung Fu Panda picture and the pretty decent straight-to-DVD spin-off Secrets Of The Furious Five.

Previous, but not terribly good, Cameron Diaz vehicles such as The Sweetest Thing, in which she sings an utterly delightful song about male genitalia.

James Wan’s previous offerings, the all-singin’, all-slicin’ Saw series.

Saahil Prem was working as an assistant director in Bollywood when he hit on the idea of making a movie in his hometown of Sheffield.

First-time director Jennifer Yuh got her big break in movies drawing storyboards for fantasy pictures like Spawn and Dark City.

Jake Kasdan is the son of Lawrence Kasdan, writer of the original Stars Wars sequels and director of The Accidental Tourist and The Big Chill.

Ty Simpkins played Patrick Wilson’s son in Little Children, the controversial drama that snagged Kate Winslet her fifth Oscar nomination.

Will it divide or unite its target audience?

Not a classic, but pretty bearable (sorry).

Bad Teacher’s school report would Fine for those mourning the read ‘must try harder’. death of the Saw saga.

PREVIEW

★★★✩✩

★★✩✩✩

Be reminded that there’s more to the Steel City than unemployed blokes willing to get their kecks off in order to make a couple of quid.

Previous attempts to blend Bollywood with British cinema like Bride & Prejudice, and modern UK street movies like One Day.

★★✩✩✩ MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 41

EATING OUT First up, some good news. It seems that our call in last month’s review of Jamie’s Italian for celeb chef Jamie Oliver to grace us with his presence in the UAE has paid off. The culinary chattering classes say he will spend a month here when his second restaurant opens at Mall Of The Emirates later this year. The power of the written word, huh. We can also reveal that Indian master chef Vineet Bhatia has two restaurants planned for Abu Dhabi, the first of which should open around November. And that came from the man himself, who we cornered at the launch of his new Indego tapas menu recently. On to more pressing matters, and do we have we a feast in store for you this month.

You wouldn’t believe the amount of food that Team What’s On has consumed on your behalf. We ploughed through more than 20 breakfasts for our main feature, and 20 tasting menus of new spring dishes from the UAE’s best restaurants (p44), and that’s before you factor in the meaty meals we put away at the newly reopened Rib Room (p50) and the French fancies we scoffed from Dubai institution Le Classique’s new menu (p53). And we did it all for you. I personally put away ten breakfasts and visited nine restaurants. That translates to about 24 solid hours in the gym. Elsewhere, The Critic discusses The S Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants 2011 and his role as chairperson for the MENA region (p54) and we review beach bar Jetty Lounge (p55). Righty-o, time for breakfast. Scrambled eggs on wholegrain, and throw in a couple of rashers of extra crispy bacon, my good fellow. Tuck in.

RARE

Gareth Rees, Features & Food Editor

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 43

THE UAE’S BEST Wondering what to choose the next time you dine out? Wonder no more – we’ve scoured the Emirates' top restaurants to bring you the pick of their new spring menus. Hey – that’s just the kind of guys we are...

Yellowtail Kizami Yuzu

YELLOWTAIL KIZAMI YUZU, YOTTO TYPE OF DISH: STARTER VERDICT: These slippery slices of fanned out yellowtail from Cipriani’s high-class Japanese, served with yamamomo (Japanese mountain peach) and yuzu soy sauce and kizami wasabi (pickled wasabi leaves) truly takes you to flavour country, lending just enough bite without any challenging fire.

PRICE: Dhs110 OTHER NEW DISHES: The alliterative salmon sashimi (Dhs80) and wagyu fillet with Japanese green peppercorn sauce (Dhs220).

Yotto, Cipriani, Building 1, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, midday to midnight. Tel: (02) 6575400. www.cipriani.com 44 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

HOMARD BLEU DE L’ATLANTIQUE, REFLETS TYPE OF DISH: STARTER VERDICT: Central to this dish are medallions of blue lobster, placed on a Santa tea olive oil and passion fruit dressing with aloe Vera, Gallia melon, turnip and avocado. As you’d expect, it’s a riot of tastes, and set against the rich, bitter flavours of a quenelle and lobster bisque (its tartness definitely an acquired taste), and a sweet almond tart with cauliflower shavings and lobster elbow, it’s an impressive addition to an already impressive menu.

PRICE: Dhs270 OTHER NEW DISHES: The menu changes seasonally, so right now you’ll find foie gras, queue de boeuf (Dhs210) and l’hommage aux fromages de France (Dhs290) both gracing the entrées, while a very imposing beef fillet (Dhs250) heads up the mains.

Reflets, InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 6pm to late. Tel: (04) 7011111

TOMAHAWK STEAK, WEST 14TH TYPE OF DISH: MAIN COURSE VERDICT: West 14th’s intimidating marquee main is 550g of meat attached to a monstrous rib bone – hence the tomahawk mantle. When it comes down to it, however, the flesh is irresistibly tender.

PRICE: DHS450 OTHER DISHES: Fall-apart, meltin-the-mouth halibut with herb risotto cake, softened leek in butter and lobster bisque (Dhs180) and splendidly decadent Saturn white chocolate cheesecake (Dhs48).

West 14th, Oceana Beach Club, The Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4477601 www.west14th.ae

White Chocolate Pearl

CONIGLIO WHITE ALLA ROMANA, CHOCOLATE CIPRIANI PEARL, PEARLS & CAVIAR TYPE OF DISH: MAIN COURSE VERDICT: The key ingredient of this slowly braised roast rabbit is baby artichoke, subtly countering the meat’s ordinarily richer taste.

And although it’s a culinary cliché for any meat vaguely off the beaten track, there’s a chickenstyle quality to the rabbit – which is cut in eights – sufficient to remove any hang-ups associated with devouring such a delicacy.

PRICE: Dhs170 OTHER NEW DISHES: Veal short-ribs (Dhs220) and risotto alle cozze asparagi bianchi (risotto with mussels and white asparagus) (Dhs130).

Cipriani Restaurant,Cipriani, Building 1, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to midnight. Tel: (02) 6575400

TYPE OF DISH: DESSERT VERDICT: Discovering a pearl as shorthand for uncovering unexpected beauty is taken to Russian doll levels of thinking with this new signature dessert.

It sits in the corner of a large black plate, representing the oyster and reflecting Pearls & Caviar’s two-tone interior colour scheme. A visual rainbow is unleashed once you crack the egg-like chocolate shell open to spill its contents, though, revealing sumptuous coconut foam encircling pleasingly chilly lychee sorbet and fresh raspberry. Naughty? Check.

Nice? Undoubtedly.

PRICE: Dhs52 OTHER NEW DISHES: The entire menu is new, but we recommend crunchy soft shell crabs (Dhs120) and the wagyu tenderloin three peppers (Dhs210).

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 5098777

EATING OUT

NEW DISHES JAFFA CAKE PUDDING, RHODES TWENTY10

Jaffa Cake Pudding

INDONESIAN BURGER, CHICKEN MARGAUX CURRY, TYPE OF DISH: MAIN NOODLE HOUSE VERDICT: This thing is a TYPE OF DISH: MAIN VERDICT: With tender pieces of chicken, a surprisingly spicy creamy sauce dotted with pieces of red chilli, and a nest of plain noodles, this is a Saturday night comfort meal (even more so if you get a take-out and enjoy it on your own sofa). The curry is so warming that it’s almost nap inducing, which is why we don’t recommend you sample it at the Madinat restaurant; you don’t want people pointing while you snooze. A great new addition to The Noodle House’s menu.

PRICE: Dhs51 OTHER NEW DISHES: They’ve added fried duck wontons (Dhs31) with a plum sauce to the appetiser selection (crispy casing with rich meat inside – yum), and Bakmi Goreng (Dhs52) to the mains. This dish of wok-fried egg noodles, jumbo prawns and chicken is a great one to share; mild enough to work as a side and such a massive portion you could split it between two.

The Noodle House, various branches, Dubai. Tel: (800) 666353. www.thenoodlehouse.com

monster. Juicy beef patty made with paprika, brioche bun and enough cheese to give you a hit of flavour, without being overwhelming. A proper burger.

And it holds its shape well too, instead of the bun falling apart and the filling spilling all over your plate, this burger resembles a burger until the last bite. Margaux was once a French-Italian restaurant, but with American chef Jason Oakley now at the helm, you can expect to find some exciting grills and innovative takes on classic dishes on the menu, alongside old favourites like the cote de boeuf, all in a new lounge setting.

PRICE: Dhs85 OTHER NEW DISHES: We started with the edamame falafel (Dhs55), which was outstanding and finished with the chocolate fondant (Dhs45), which is made with peanut butter and popping candy.

Margaux, Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4397555. www.margaux.ae

TYPE OF DISH: DESSERT VERDICT: After a Rhodes’ signature ‘British with a twist’ dishes, what better way to finish than the new Jaffa Cake Pudding (Dhs50)? This dish could knock the favourite sticky toffee pudding off its perch.

Inspired by the UK snack Jaffa Cakes, guilt-free it ain’t, but it’s worth it for the nostalgia alone.

PRICE: Dhs50 OTHER NEW DISHES: Check out the Alaskan crab salad (Dhs95) with potatoes and salad cream dressing and the Brie tart (Dhs95), a standout dish for vegetarians on the mains menu.

Rhodes Twenty10, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Tue to Sun 7.30pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (04) 3165550

SEARED CANADIAN SCALLOPS, RARE TYPE OF DISH: STARTER VERDICT: At Rare, it’s usually all about steak. But the seared Canadian scallops, given an extra luxurious bent via champagne and truffle risotto, cauliflower, foam and caviar, are delicious.

PRICE: Dhs75 OTHER NEW DISHES: The juicy 400g stock yard 400-day grain-fed Australian wagyu rib eye (Dhs225), extra special with Rare’s homemade hot sauce (Dhs15), and the pleasingly light green apple cloud (apple sorbet and pistachio cake) (Dhs45).

Rare, Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3238888

SALADS, RIVINGTON GRILL TYPE OF DISH: STARTER VERDICT: Known for its modern British comfort food, Rivington Grill is lightening up for summer, with a trio of new salads that are crying out to be your lunch. First up is their take on bruschetta, with mixed heritage tomatoes and finely sliced shallots, dressed in a mimosa dressing, served on a slice of toasted sour dough. If you need lettuce for it to be healthy, then opt for the garden salad with soft egg, cos lettuce, semi-dried cherry tomatoes, radishes, spring onions, celery and garlic croutons – it’s a colourful plate of fresh flavours, and would be great to share. Last up is a new take on dressed crab, with Cornish crab sharing a plate with crisp green apple slices, pea shoots and watercress. Lighter than its previous incarnation, this is a sophisticated serving of the best of British.

PRICE: Dhs55 to Dhs95 OTHER NEW DISHES: A thick, juicy veal chop has also joined the legions of favourites at The Riv. Sourced from Australia, it comes with a sauce but the gently charred meat, perfectly pink in the middle, needs no accompaniment – just a watercress salad and glass of something worthy.

Rivington Grill, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai, noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4230903

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 45

100% Process Black

LAMB RACK, ASADO

Chaat cones

Paprika smoked salmon

CHAAT CONES, ZAFRAN FISH AND CHIPS, INDEGO BY ZAFRAN VINEET TYPE OF DISH: INDIAN TAPAS VERDICT: From Indego’s new tapas menu, the chaat cone, filled with spicy chickpeas, yoghurt and tamarind sauce, packs a crunchy kick; the pomegranate and mint add some sweetness to the potatoes in the aloo chaat, while the Indian cottage cheese-filled paneer chaat cone is the lightest of the three. Everything you love about Indian food, minus the stomach filling portion sizes. If you’re anything like us, you’ll order far too much.

PRICE: Dhs45 OTHER NEW DISHES: Stir-fried wasabi leaf prawns (Dhs65) are spicy without being overbearing while the sun dried tomato basil chicken tikka is best eaten outdoors to get the full smoked chicken effect (Dhs55).

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. www. grosvenorhousedubai.com

TYPE OF DISH: MAIN VERDICT: All the dishes we tasted at celeb chef Atul Kochar ‘inspired’ Zafran exceeded our expectations of a mall-based restaurant, but the fish and chips was easily the stand out dish.

Like all the seafood we tasted, the breaded fish was soft and sleek, collapsing under the lightest press of our fork. The chips were closer to a potato wedge, but flavoured with curry leaf, they were a delight nonetheless. Best dipped in the saffron chilli mayonnaise.

PRICE: Dhs45 OTHER NEW DISHES: A seafood pakora of lightly battered and fried prawns, crème dory and calamari with a tart fig and berry chutney (Dhs39), exemplary samosas and bhajia (Dhs28), moist chicken marinated in basil and garlic (Dhs45) and aloo gobi, a dish of potato and cauliflower stir-fried with turmeric and cumin (Dhs25).

Zafran, Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 2840987

PARRIKA SMOKED SALMON, VERRE TYPE OF DISH: STARTER VERDICT: Chef Scott Price and the team at Verre completely overhauled the menu for spring two days before our visit, and the results were astounding. There were bigger and bulkier dishes on the menu, but the one that impressed us the most was the paprika smoked organic salmon from the Shetland Isles, served with a delicate salad of bright, sweet, firm spring peas and chanterelles.

A beautiful looking dish, too.

PRICE: A la carte set menu (canapés, amuse bouche, starter, main course, pre dessert, dessert and petit fours) Dhs395, tasting menu Dhs495, chef ’s table Dhs695 OTHER NEW DISHES: Poached and roasted quail, served with their own eggs in a crispy shell with a light sweetcorn ecrasse flavoured with tarragon, sea bass with truffled gnocchi, smoked salsify and Jerusalem artichoke veloute. There’s also braised belly of Bavarian pork with a clever apple, potato and black pudding terrine and sage jus, citrus baba and a cheeky raspberry and almond salad with marshmallows and almond cream.

Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 2277550. www.gordonramsay.com

TYPE OF DISH: MAIN VERDICT: Asado is all about meat, so no surprises to see giant lamb chops on the menu. These particular chops, however, are lovingly slow cooked with garlic and olive oil in a vacuum pack at a low heat for six hours, served with mint gelatine, a sweet potato puree flavoured with ginger and pan fried blood orange with brown sugar and rosemary.

The result is simply sublime.

PRICE: Dhs180 OTHER NEW DISHES: A couple of pasty-like empanadas packed with king crab and plenty of flavour (Dhs25), a salad smartly combining grilled octopus, grapefruit, Parmesan and a scattering of green leaves (Dhs70) and veal brisket, slow cooked in milk for 24 hours – an Argentinean speciality (Dhs150).

The Palace – The Old Town, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 287888. www.theaddress.com

PANNACOTTA ALL’ESPRESSO E MIELE D’ACACIA, CERTO TYPE OF DISH: DESSERT VERDICT: Pannacotta is usually a safe bet for a heavenly end to your meal, but there are so many sensations in Certo’s new dessert that you’ll almost wish you had just ordered three helpings of this. The frankly divine honey sauce, a creamy delight that we couldn’t get enough of, underpins a mild kick from the espresso. The sauce is so fabulous, indeed, it’ll have you scraping your plate down to the china.

PRICE: Dhs40 OTHER NEW DISHES: Crunchy eggplant filled with goat cheese ricotta over red bell pepper coulis (Dhs60) and wonderfully rich roasted duck breast, braised endive, fondant apple and balsamic sauce (Dhs105).

Certo, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3669111. www.radissonblu.com MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 47

WAGYU TENDERLOIN, ZUMA

Grilled Lobster

Okku burger

GRILLED LOBSTER, LA PETITE MAISON

SCALLOPS, RHODES MEZZANINE

TYPE OF DISH: MAIN VERDICT: The colours, the smells, the taste – where do we start. It might be expensive, but then lobster always is, especially when it’s of this quality. The UAE does a lot of lobster, usually served cold, bitter and rubbery on a brunch buffet, but nothing that compares to this. Simply grilled and drizzled with an olive dressing, scraping the warm, sweet flesh from this bright orange beauty was the highlight of our month.

PRICE: Dhs375 OTHER NEW DISHES: If it wasn’t for the lobster, the peas – recently sourced from France and served with tomato and basil – would have been our featured dish (Dhs85). Also new is a plate of warm asparagus in a creamy truffle sauce (Dhs125), cold asparagus in an agreeably heavy shallot and goats’ cheese dressing (Dhs85) and grilled aubergine in a pistou (garlic, fresh basil and olive oi) sauce with string of melted mozzarella and prawns (Dhs125).

DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. www.lpmdubai.ae

TYPE OF DISH: STARTER VERDICT: All the new dishes chef Paul Lupton served up for us at Rhodes Mezzanine this month were extremely clever – clearly a lot of thought has gone into them, with everything just so. Almost every fine dining establishment in the city serves scallops, so they can become pretty boring after a while. Not these. Seared, podgy morsels of tender flesh in a thin, crispy batter accompanied by sweetcorn, shallots, tarragon and oyster mushrooms. You simply must try them. You must.

PRICE: Dhs135 OTHER NEW DISHES: a handsome ragout of pleasingly acidic artichokes, baby leeks with a bit of a crunch and quail eggs combined with a Jerusalem artichoke cream (Dhs90), salmon and craw chowder (Dhs100), and an organic salmon set off by sweet caramelised shallots, lemon, olives, capers and a Dijon hollandaise (Dhs180).

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3998888. www.garyrhodes.com

48 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

OKKU BURGER, OKKU TYPE OF DISH: MAIN VERDICT: There’s a whole new weekday Tezekuri lunch menu at Okku, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find fault with any of it, but for us, it’s all about the Okku burger.

Bun-less – it’s wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves – it boasts a thick ground Angus beef, tomato and onion with a BBQ soy sauce with crunchy coleslaw on the side.

PRICE: Sui – miso and main (Dhs69), daichi – miso, starter and main (Dhs89), kaze – miso, starter, main and ice cream or sorbet (Dhs99) or hibachi – miso, starter, main ice cream or sorbet and a beverage (Dhs125) OTHER NEW DISHES: Yellowtail sashimi, ponzu and wasabi salsa, salmon tartare, skewers of grilled chicken with spring onions in a soy marinade and corn-fed toromi chicken with a honey soy dressing.

Monarch Dubai Hotel, One Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, lunch noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 5018777. www.okku dubai.com

TYPE OF DISH: MAIN VERDICT: Zuma consistently creates new dishes of the highest standard, but the wagyu tenderloin from the new robata grill is a cut above. Those who want to indulge – and can handle it – should go for the intense truffle ponzu sauce, while for others it’ll be all about the more understated tahoon yuzu pepper sauce. Either way, it’s a dish you won’t forget.

PRICE: Dhs445 OTHER NEW DISHES: Sliced salmon tataki with a chilli and vinegar dressing (Ebisu lunch menu Dhs62 to Dhs120), an enormous grilled lemon sole, served whole with yuzu salt, red onion, ginger relish and yuzu koshu dressing (Dhs400) and an impressive tofu cheesecake (Dhs40).

Gate Village, Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 12.30pm to 3pm, Sat to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4255660. www.zumarestaurant.com

PAN FRIED SEA BASS, TRAITEUR TYPE OF DISH: MAIN VERDICT: Served with asparagus, peas and rich glazed morels, the sea bass exemplified the unfussy French cooking with superior ingredients that is chef Franck Detrait’s speciality.

PRICE: Dhs175 OTHER NEW DISHES: tomatoes and basil with fougasse bread from Provence (Dhs65), a duck foie gras terrine with berries (Dhs80), tuna confit with chilled courgette soup flavoured with oregano (Dhs60), John Dory fillet (Dhs170), roast cod (Dhs160), monkfish with curry cauliflower mousseline (Dhs170) and too many desserts to mention – the best of them was the vanilla crème brulee (Dhs50) Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 3172222

RED, WHITE OR ROSÉ LET YOUR PALATE TAKE YOU THROUGH AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY.

The Address

FOR A FRIDAY BRUNCH

Step into Fazaris, the cosmopolitan restaurant at The

Address Downtown Dubai and choose from an array of Asian, Indian, Arabic, and Mediterranean cuisines, combined with a fine selection of Red, White or Rosé’s. Every Friday from 12:30pm to 4:00pm, indulge in a sumptuous brunch buffet with an endless selection of dishes combined with our carefully selected beverages that will take your palate through an unforgettable journey.

Brunch packages range between AED 290 to AED 425 per person.

T +971 4 436 8888 DINE.DOWNTOWNDUBAI@THEADDRESS.COM WWW.THEADDRESS.COM

EATING OUT

A taste of things to come Some new faces join the race for our affections SHAKE SHACK It seems that our love affair with American-style burgers is far from over, as the UAE’s first Shake Shack has just opened up at the Mall Of The Emirates. The much-heralded New York-born burger joint offers a simple but conclusive menu of burgers, hot dogs and shakes. But we recommend you check out its trademark frozen custard desserts – they’re worth the trip alone.

Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3475513. www.shakeshack.com TEA FOR YOU Here at What’s On, we get through gallons of tea, so we were delighted to hear of the arrival of independent brew boutique Tea For You. Based in Tecom, near The Greens, Dubai, the café has over 100 types of tea, and specialises in quality loose tea from all over the world. They also do tasty little cakes, too.

Tecom, opposite the Layia Oak Hotel, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4572575. www.tea4you.ae WOK IN The Mövenpick Hotel in Deira has stepped up its culinary game with the opening of a new Pan-Asian restaurant – Wok In. Boasting an open plan kitchen, complete with ceiling-licking oven flames, the rockin’ Wok In (sorry) will serve dishes from Singapore, Vietnam and Japan – definitely one for lovers of Asian food to check out.

Mövenpick Hotel Deira. Tel: (04) 444 0111. www.moevenpick-hotels.com 50 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

The Rib Room A Dubai favourite reopens for business.

But is it just a spare rib?

It’s always a risk to close a popular restaurant – especially if it’s a steakhouse. The danger is even greater in Dubai, where trends are so important, loyalty is so hard to ensure and people are quick to pledge their allegiance to the next ‘in’ thing. And with so many steakhouses in the city, it wouldn’t be difficult to find a replacement – let’s face it, a new steakhouse opens just about every month.

But The Rib Room at Emirates Towers seems to have pulled it off. In fact, when we visited on a Saturday night, less than a month after the reopening, almost every table was taken.

And, putting aside the substantial and, on the whole, first-rate dinner we enjoyed for a moment, it’s not to hard to see why The adjoining Agency wine bar is just the kind of dimly lit alcove that any wine lover would enjoy for a pre or post-dinner snifter, while the restaurant itself, with its crisp white linen covered tables, leather-clad booths and jazz playing saxophonist, feels like you’ve made the right choice from the moment you sit down.

With a steakhouse, the right décor and ambience is half the battle won – you’ve broken through the enemy’s defences and you’re running screaming at their commander with a huge blade clenched in your fist.

Which, incidentally, is how we approached dinner. There were spicy, crunchy bread-crumbed rings of calamari – a steakhouse classic – with a serviceable mushroom remoulade. But it would be rude, and dreadfully silly, not to order the wagyu beef tartar.

There are many tartars in Dubai, but this is the first time we’ve had one made tableside – not just that, we had a say in every part of its construction, from the mustard to

the four drops of Tabasco. A bit of theatre is always welcome, and it’s hard to complain about the food having supervised its creation. For the record, we did a terrific job.

From the ribs section of the menu we ordered an enormous sweet and sticky veal chop in a beer, honey and mustard glaze, which we were made to don a bib while we tackled it. Not usually our style, but when in Rome.

On the side, a bowl of tempura wasabi fries were a little soggy, with nowhere near enough mustard kick alongside an altogether more impressive dish of roasted root vegetables.

We also enjoyed a Kobe tenderloin, which was a sleek and beautiful piece of meat, cooked just as we wanted.

We were slightly disappointed that one of the cheeses we asked for was missing from the artisanal cheese platter, but a divine sheeps’

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milk pecorino and a couple of glasses of vintage port just about made up for it.

With The Rib Room proving it can do ribs and steak – its raison d'être, after all – and ticking all the boxes for its furnishings and mood, it seems that the decision for their overhaul was a wise one.

Not just a spare rib, then, more an indispensable classic.

Need to know Location: Hotel Tower, Emirates Towers, Dubai Tel: (04) 3198088 Web: www.jumeirah.com Open: Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 2.30pm, daily 7pm to 11pm Cuisine type: steakhouse Must eat: steak tartar Bill for two: Dhs780

In tweet form… A recently reopened Dubai classic has pitch perfect décor and atmosphere, and the menu to match.

Welcome back The Rib Room. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

On the menu Chew on these culinary titbits

CELEBRATE MAIFEST The coming of spring means that it's time to celebrate Maifest – the German festival designed for those of you who can’t wait until October for its bigger brother Oktoberfest. Pull on your lederhosen and head on down to Hofbrauhaus, for a month-long indulgence of German food, drink and oompha music. We do love a good fest.

May 1 to 31, Hofbrauhaus, JW Marriott Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 607 7977. www.marriottdiningatjw.ae MICHELIN MENU Michelin-starred chef Pascal Ginoux takes the reins at the Rodeo Grill Restaurant this month. Not only will he be taking cooking classes for just Dhs199, but the week will see him preparing exquisite lunch and dinner menus. For a real treat, book yourself some tickets for the May 12 gala dinner for Dhs565.

May 8 to 12, Rodeo Grill Restaurant, Al Bustan Rotana Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 7054818. www.rotanda.com SEVENTH HEAVEN With new chef Vladimiro Gadioli onboard, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach hotel’s Italian restaurant Rococo is now offering a seven-course sampler menu, including oven-baked sea bass, for a mere Dhs160 (with an option to add wine for a further Dhs120).

Until June 12, Rococo Restaurant, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 4484860. www. sofitel.com GRILLED FOR SUCCESS US meat maestro chef Jay McCarthy will be at the helm at Palm Grill for six days, creating menus packed with char-grilled Texan delicacies accompanied by handpicked American wines.

May 1 to 6, Palm Grill, Radisson Blu, Deira Creek, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2057033. www.radissonblu.com FREE RIDING Taxi fares can make the cost of eating out pile up.

Thankfully, this month the clever people at Bab Al Shams’ Al Hadheerah restaurant are offering to pay for your taxi to and from the resort if you’re dining on a weekday. Waiter, your most expensive bottle!

Sat to Thurs, Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8096100 www. meydanhotels.com/babalshams

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 51

EATING OUT

Le Classique Timeless French food, or out of date fine dining? We visit one of Dubai’s most enduring eateries to find out In a land of Japanese restaurants serving jacket potatoes, bistros branching out into burgers and people buying salads, of all things, at McDonald’s, it’s reassuring to find a place that does exactly what it says on the tin. Or above the door, anyway.

Le Classique is just what you’d expect: a classic, formal French restaurant. A refurb at the beginning of the year banished the previous odour of golf bags, and replaced it with the soft smell of leather, bottles being uncorked and meat charring. Admittedly, you can still watch golfers practice their swing on the driving range, but Le Classique is, after all, at a golf club. There’s also that unmistakable gentleman’s club feel, with button-back chairs, winelined walls and bonhomie amongst the customers, many of whom clearly dine at the restaurant on a regular, loyal basis.

On the night we visited there was a cheerful group outside on the terrace, while it was quieter inside. Initially, very quiet indeed. It was quickly apparent that Le Classique has long been overlooked by non-members, either because Dubai diners don’t realise that it’s open to everyone, or because after more than 20 years of serving up French fare, it’s been forgotten; washed away in a wave of celeb chefs and shiny new buildings.

But Le Classique shouldn’t be overlooked. The table d'hôte menu is dotted with French accents, flourishes and traditional terms, but boasts an impressive multi-course extravaganza, from two courses costing Dhs220, to the full four courses for Dhs290. A bargain by anyone’s

standards when you see the dishes and, more importantly, the ingredients.

An amuse bouche of pan-fried scallops on a potato and celery risotto with chicken jus started proceedings, a light mouthful of silky mollusk, with the creamy bite of the rice. Sophisticated and well thought out, it set the tone for the starters. On the menu Filet de Bar, Coquilles St Jacques et Beignet de Crevette aux Parfums Nicois was helpfully translated to steamed sea bass, grilled scallops and prawn tempura with Mediterranean flavours, and on the plate translated to bite-sized portions of fresh seafood, each bringing its own identity and, on the whole, a hint of modernity to the menu. Notoriously difficult to do properly, the tempura was cooked at exactly the right temperature, so there was no sogginess or brittle batter, making the prawn the star of this particular show. We also opted for duck breast carpaccio, which came with duck liver terrine and balsamic vinegar drops, which nicely cut through what could have been a cloying pate. Finely sliced and perfectly pink, the duck was amongst the best we’ve had, balancing precariously and successfully between freshness and richness.

The mains were trickier to choose, with each dish like a poem; who can resist blanc de Volaille, canette de canard, selle de chevreuil and cassolette de fruit de mer? Unashamedly both traditional and decadent, with a nod to the international clientele, these were elegant platefuls of wintry flavours, almost syrupy sauces and excellent quality meat. The roast loin of lamb with caramelised onions and rosemary jus wasn’t complicated, but was prepared with care and attention, with the lamb whipped from the heat at the crucial moment.

Across the table, the fillets of beef with duck liver rolled in filo pastry (‘gout on a plate’ we muttered) turned out to be a

deconstructed beef wellington, and much lighter than its French name promised.

To finish, Le Classique has a flambé trolley. A whole trolley for the drama of dessert, with the waiter sending flames towards the ceiling before serving. Utterly 1970s and totally delicious, we ordered flambéed strawberries, which came with ice cream in a brandy basket (not quite sure if this was a nod to kitsch-chic or just a bit out-dated) and a crepe suzette – the ultimate in retro fine dining. And both were superb. A bit naff? Yes. Did we care? No. The restaurant’s chef of 20 years is departing soon, and it remains to be seen if the new captain of

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this ship will keep the traditional dishes, the flourished menu font, the beloved flambé trolley and the nostalgic feel, but we hope he does.

Need to know Location: Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Tel: (04) 3802222 Web: www.dubaigolf.com Open: Mon to Sat 7pm to 10.30pm Cuisine type: French Must eat: duck carpaccio Bill for two: Dhs550

In tweet form… Le Classique harks back to the good old days of French fine dining.

And if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 53

THE CRITIC

James Brennan knows food. Having written on everything from bhajis to burgers for a string of international publications, James is now the Middle East chairman of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel.

Don’t miss his monthly musings every issue It’s that time of year again. Over here, the winter ebbs away and the last of the alfresco stalwarts are gradually herded indoors. But over there – in London – people are starting to brazenly guzzle outdoors (because they can, just about), and the restaurant world is crackling with the fresh joys of spring – not to mention the excitement of yet another San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

Back in the UAE, you might skim headlines of another victory for Noma restaurant of Copenhagen, a lifetime achievement award for Juan Mari Arzak, and how Gordon Ramsay failed to make the top 50 – again.

Then you might shrug and turn 54 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

to the sport. It’s the world’s 50 best restaurants, you note, but why, you may ask, does that exclude the restaurants of the UAE and the Middle East?

The answer is that it doesn’t.

Or rather, it doesn’t have to.

Here’s how the voting works. The 50 Best Restaurants Academy is split into 27 world regions – ours comprising the Middle East and North Africa – and each region has an Academy chairperson (in our case, it is your humble What’s On food columnist).

Each chairperson chooses a panel of critics, chefs, restaurateurs and bon viveurs to vote for their seven favourite restaurants, at least three of which must be outside of their region of residence. In other words, each MENA panellist can only vote for four restaurants within their own region.

One problem is the sheer size of our region – from Morocco in the north west, all the way to Oman in the south east – which dwarfs the United Kingdom and Ireland region, for example.

Another is that panellists from other regions may not be readily inclined to visit the cities of the Middle East as often as they might visit the great restaurant cities of

say Paris, New York, San Sebastian or Copenhagen. Hence the lack of MENA eateries on the list.

It’s a sad fact that, to many outside our region, the Middle East is often seen as another world; the misconception being that the cuisine here isn’t that sophisticated, the ingredients aren’t up to scratch and the chefs aren’t all that good. Meanwhile, the perceived instability of the region might further deter those of a delicate constitution.

That’s not to say restaurants from the region haven’t made the top pick in previous years, largely due to voting from within the region. Both Gordon Ramsay’s

Verre and Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire have been included in the past.

But, by and large, unless a restaurant is piercing the ozone layer at the top of the world’s tallest skyscraper, or it’s serving live monkey brains to megarich Sheikhs on a manmade planet orbiting the Burj Al Arab, then the world’s media just isn’t interested.

Which is why it’s incumbent on all UAE epicureans to let the rest of the international community know that, when it comes to food, as in matters of culture and current affairs, the Middle East isn’t a world apart.

“IT’S THE WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS, YOU NOTE, BUT WHY, YOU MAY ASK, DOES THAT EXCLUDE THE RESTAURANTS OF THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST?”

Jetty Lounge The One&Only’s beach bar

What’s On bar of the month Deputy Ed H’s pick

Roll up, roll up, this is your last chance to visit the neon-drenched Jetty Lounge. It may have a lovely bar inside, but it’s the beachside cabanas and illuminated white seating outside that are the main draw, and with the temperature hitting ‘too hot to touch the steering wheel’ heights from June, now is the time to go.

Residing at the One&Only Royal Mirage and slap bang on the sands – so benefiting from a very pleasant sea breeze – you can choose to ditch the shoes and bag yourself a private cabana with sofas, or mingle on the terrace. Either way, the time to go is sunset, then order some snacks and make friends with the waiter to ensure the Pimms keep coming until closing. The only downside to the privacy is that you’re out of sight, so staff need to be particularly proactive. Or do what we did and order a few rounds of drinks at the same time.

It’s hard to define what makes a bar successful, not only commercially, but how it combines décor, service, music, menu and expertise to create somewhere with that magical quality that makes people visit time and time again. With Jetty Lounge, we suspect the golf buggies have something to do with it, while the food platters don’t hurt either; ideal for sharing, with most platefuls themed geographically (we visited Mexico for nachos and the Far East for huge spicy prawns, then opted for the Jamon Jamon; cured meats, olives and tomato bread).

Put simply, Jetty Lounge is the kind of bar you visit after a sophisticated brunch to keep chatting, rather than where you go to continue the mayhem until the clubs open. It’s where you should go for a casual first date, elegant sundowners, a gossipy catch up, chic pre-dinner drinks or to impress out-of-towners. It is NOT where you’ll find sunburnt tourists in football shirts, girls in cheap dresses husband hunting, or groups of lads looking for the big match on big screens. Jetty Lounge is Dubai at its best; so don’t tell the masses, OK? The One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai, daily 2pm to late.

Tel: (04) 399999 MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 55 ADGC Grille WO 88x245 v1.indd 2

10/04/2011 15:44

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST JAMES CLAR

ARTS

p58 p59 p60 p62

Panic over Music for our ears The Insider Five to see MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 57

ARTS

Panic over Water Panics In The Sea, US-artist Laleh Khorramian’s newest work, is currently debuting in the Emirates. We catch up with her to talk art, Disney and silent screams

Water Panics… is part of a series – tell us about it.

It’s a series of animations that I’ve been working on that are set around journeys. They are loosely based on the idea of the five elements – air, water, fire, earth and ether. So water is the fourth one and I would say the subject varies between the ship and water itself – sometimes we are the water and sometimes we might be the ship.

In a way it’s a journey into the subconscious.

Do you set out with a very clear idea, or does it develop as you work?

I’d say that 50 per cent of my process is chance, but I set it up in my work – from research to drawing to working with the sound – in a way that will allow me to encounter things unexpectedly. When I start, I do have a notion about what’s going to happen – or I have a notion about certain elements – but it’s very disconnected; so the process that I work on is to make things connect and to have a story unfold that is actually rather unexpected to myself also.

Why do you work as a video artist?

Actually, I don’t use any video, it’s all stills – people think it’s video but it’s photographs all put together. I like to play with time and space, and moving image really functions to create this additional dimension and freedom.

Otherwise, I would just perhaps 58 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

stick with painting, which is how I started out. But this active dimension offers an access to the recesses of our subconscious that I was seeking to explore.

The sound and vision makes it very multisensory – does the composer put the music together after you’re done, or is it collaboration?

It’s a total collaboration. We had many, many discussions and basically he composed lots of tracks and gave that to me and I took all that material and reworked it, as I wanted to. I redid this film three times; I literally threw it out and restarted again and again. There’s even parts of the soundtrack where I took the entire film from the first version and condensed it into 30 seconds. So it’s really dense. It even has my voice. Unless you watch it many times, I don’t think you’d catch it, but I

scream on the soundtrack a few times [laughs]. It’s just that there’s so much there, just layers that kind of work together to create a very different sound.

You’re Iranian yet you live in the States – what kind of influence has your cultural heritage had on your work?

I would say growing up in Florida had more impact than being Iranian; culturally, I don’t think that plays any role in my work. I grew up in Florida with Disney World and all that goes with that. I grew up in a place where, essentially nothing is old and everything i,s newly constructed, completely fabricated and larger than life – this is a far heavier influence on what I’m doing than being Iranian.

Until Jun 13, Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Burj Kalifa, Dubai. Tel: (050) 6441304. www.thepavilion.ae

ARTS

Music for our ears Dubai’s first Emiratiowned and managed community music space, the Centre for Musical Arts (CMA), is a non-profit group that aims to provide music education to over 1,200 students of all ages and abilities. Founder Tala Badri tells us more What is the inspiration behind CMA? At the age of 17, I received a full scholarship to study music at the University of London from the Dubai Government. I promised the ruler at the time, HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum – may he rest in peace – that when I returned I would do something with my

large developed cities as a model place to live, I believe that music – and the arts in general – are very important to the development of not just Dubai, but the region as a whole.

Is the centre open to everyone?

Yes, regardless of age or background. Currently, we take on students from the age of five, but from September we will be music. It took a few years to find running specialist classes for the outlet for my passion but, infants and toddlers. We also inspired by my daughter and have a large percentage of adult her experience with music and students who are learning a new a little bit of luck, the Centre for instrument or rediscovering an Musical Arts was born. old one.

Why do you think music is so What kind of music does the important to the region? centre support?

Dubai has worked hard We teach all the orchestral to develop a fantastic instruments, as well as piano, infrastructure – from great guitar and voice. We mainly road and transport networks to cover classical and jazz , but buildings, parks and so on – now we do explore a contemporary the city is looking to enhance repertoire with students as well. the quality of life for all who live Describe your vision for CMA here, and this is where arts and in three words. music fit in. In order to compete Music. For. All. on the same level of the world's www.cmadubai.com

Homegrown Third Line gallery last summer marked the first real shift by the region’s galleries into a market that had, up until then, tended to remain the preserve of longstanding and well-meaning art schools and collectives, from DIAC to Tashkeel.

These are exciting times for The news that DUCTAC, the local, up-and-coming artists.

Mall Of The Emirates-based Up until just a few years ago community arts hub, has just exhibition space was, with a few launched the Rotational Galnotable exceptions, the preserve lery, a new exhibition space of ‘professional’ artists, many dedicated to highlighting upof whom were brought in from and-coming local talent, furthe wider MENASA region and ther proves that the grassroots beyond to attract well-heeled isn’t just alive, but thriving. If local and international buyers. you’re looking for a leg-up into Slowly but surely, however, that the professional arts realm, get has begun to change. The open- in touch – they’re accepting ing of Project Space, which is submissions from all genres, dedicated to showcasing new ages and stages of development. locally-based talent, at The E-mail: artsreception@ductac.org

Last chance If you haven’t made it there already, make a note in your diary now – after two outstanding months, the Sharjah Biennial finally draws to a close on May 16. Head to the Heritage Centre for a map and get ready to explore. www.sharjahart.org/biennial

Skills set A new month means a new term over at Dubai International Art Centre. The open day for new students keen to explore what’s on offer actually took place last month, but with most courses not starting until May, there’s still time to get onboard. www.artdubai.com MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 59

THE ART INSIDER

Shine a light Five minutes with... media artist James Clar

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 The big scandal currently engulfing the UAE art world is the recent dismissal of Jack Persekian as director of the Sharjah Biennial following a public outcry over an installation by the Algerian artist Mustapha Benfodil.

Benfodil’s work, displayed at what is one of the region’s most prestigious art biennials, comprised mannequins in soccer uniforms covered with Arabic phrases, which some regarded as being blasphemous.

This throws up a number of pertinent questions. Not least, why didn’t anybody censor the work prior to the opening? And why did Sharjah Art Foundation place the work next to a mosque?

“I had not looked at it carefully because I couldn’t”, said Persekian afterwards. “There were so many works and so many things to produce – films and 60 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

books and publications and videos, a million things I didn’t go through. I’m not in the habit of checking everything, and people just didn’t like what they saw in that work and took it out on me personally.”

But the Sharjah Art Foundation has condemned the work and the decision to present it at the biennial.

“This work paired language that was sexually explicit with religious references in an overt and provocative manner,” said Sharjah Art Foundation President Sheikha Hoor Al-Qasimi.

“Like all organisations that present art in the public realm, it is the duty of the presenters of the art to work closely with the artist to determine if said work is suitable to the public context. In this case, this due diligence did not occur.”

Making Jack Persekian the scapegoat so publicly, when others must be to blame, damages the credibility of the regional art scene in the eyes of both a local and international audience.

Persekian’s contribution to the contemporary Arab art movement is immense and the international outcry has, understandably, been great.

So much so, that an online petition condemning the dismissal of Persekian is gaining momentum with 1,534 signatures, including many leading artists, gallery owners and curators.www.ipetitions.com/petition/sharjahcall4action.

Your new studio, Satellite, has been open for several weeks now – how’s the space progressing?

Great! Having an open studio during Art Dubai was a great opportunity for people to see a variety of my works, old and new, expanding upon they saw at the actual fair. Also, after Art Dubai I hosted a screening of video art curated by friends of mine that included great works from abroad.

How does that open studio idea work in practice? Aren’t artists a bit wary about showing their work before it’s finished?

The doors are open through the week. People are always welcome to drop by and see what’s going on. I have multiple works I’m creating at the same time, with each piece in various stages of completion. Also, I have some finished works exhibiting on the walls. As an artist I don’t mind showing the works in progress. As opposed to a more fluid art form like painting, I have a pretty clear idea of what I am creating before I set out to make it. So people can see that in progress and they aren’t interrupting my train of thought.

What’s behind the name? The name has a few meanings relevant to me personally and my work here in Dubai. But in general, a satellite observes and relays information. Also, maybe in the future there will be more Satellites around the world, observing and relaying information.

You’re a light artist and work with installations, which is still a fairly new approach in the UAE. How is your work received here?

It’s received well. I am trying to show the different possibilities by using new mediums like light or technology. I think it’s important to create diversity, especially in a field like art.

Describe your work in three words...

Media, technology, society.

Satellite, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3470209. www.jamesclar.com

Carved magnesite statue of Ashurnasirpal II on reddish dolomite stand. From Nimrud, Ishtar Sharrat-nihi temple, 883-859 BCE. Š The Trustees of the British Museum.

Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces

TDIC presents Splendours of Mesopotamia Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi artsabudhabi.ae

ARTS

Five to see

ÅRESISTANCE

Last chance to catch this bold multi-media show. Saudi Arabian artist Faisal Samra incorporates photography, painting, sculpture, performance and video to explore the human condition.

Deceptively simple, yet thought provoking.

Until May 11, Traffic, 179 Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3470209. www.viatraffic.org

ÅSPLENDOURS OF MESOPOTAMIA

Uncover the history of written language and much, much more at this world-class exhibition of early civilisation on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Unmissable.

Until May 29, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6735244. www.saadiyat.ae

ÑFLUID BEING

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE THIRD LINE

An immensely physical series of works by Lebanese painter Shawki Youssef represents the artist’s first solo show in the UAE. That’s ‘physical’ in the metaphysical sense, if you get what we mean. No? Then get down to the gallery to see for yourself – it’s as if the canvas practically paints itself.

May 3 to Jun 3, Green Art Gallery, Unit 28, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3469305. www. gagallery.com

ÉLOVE IS NOT EVERYTHING

ÅCAIRO DREAMS

What’s On favourite, Susan Hefuna returns to Dubai with her latest solo show. Sculptural aluminium vessels complement her more usual line drawings to create a gently moving exploration of a woman’s place in her native Egypt and, yes, we’d go so far as to say it, the universe itself.

Until Jun 15, The Third Line, Al Quoz 3, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3411367. www. thethirdline.com 62 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

The title is possibly a play on Iranian artist Farhad Moshiri’s work Eshgh (‘Love’ in Farsi), the first piece of contemporary Middle Eastern art to sell for over US$1 million in 2008.

Whatever – this show reveals there’s more to the man’s work than auction-loving sparkle.

Until Jun, The Farjam Collection, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3230303. www. thefarjamcollection.org

| parsifal collection raymond-weil.com

Raymond Weil Boutique Dubai: Dubai Mall (04) 434 0830 Dubai Festival City (04) 206 6969 Also available at Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery Dubai: Deira City Centre (04) 295 2906 The Watch House Dubai: Mall of the Emirates (04) 341 0354 Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Mall (02) 645 2001 Popley Jewellers, Watches Corner and Paris Gallery outlets across the UAE.

p66 Made to measure p68 Sophia says... p70 New openings MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 65

LOGSDAIL LONDON

SHOPPING

SHOPPING

Made to me Ditch the baggy, ill-fitting disgrace you call a shirt and go bespoke – you won’t regret it. We visited five tailors you can trust

SANTOBA TAILORS & CO

GENESIS TAILORS

ABOUT: Genesis set up shop in Dubai back in 1959, and boasts nine tailors in its retail department. The master cutter has over 25 years experience as a tailor, coming to Dubai after plying his trade in Hong Kong.

PROCESS: Choose from a wide selection of Italian and Egyptian cottons (and yes, I chose pink). Water, coffee and tea are offered.

During a swift two minutes of measurement taking, and only one fitting. A 24-hour turn over is no problem.

COST: Dhs140 for a slim-fit double stitched shirt, with normal cuffs.

Genesis Tailors, behind Arabian Courtyard Hotel, Bur Dubai, 9am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3516697. www.genesisdxb.com

MIIM

ABOUT: Brainchild of husband and wife Kamlesh and Priya Ramchandani, this Jumeirah boutique – Made 2 Measure in longhand – is a bespoke specialist. With a wide range of patterns and colours to choose from, all materials are 100 per cent cotton at one set price. We opt for a light blue number with thread-thin pinstripes, an Italian cut collar and regular cuffs.

PROCESS: MIIM’s uncomplicated service makes it perfect for busy business types dashing between appointments. One fitting of around 15 minutes is it all it takes, including measuring up and selecting fabric colour, collar and cuffs.

As quickly as one day later, your garment will be ready. A lady we’d never met previously went out of her way to praise our shirt, gushing ‘you look hot’ style compliments a mere 30 minutes after picking it up, by way of recommendation.

COST: Dhs300.

M2M, Villa No.1, Opposite Sunset Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 3, 10.30am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3942244. www.m2m.ae 66 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

ABOUT: Sitting amidst the hustle and bustle of Bur Dubai’s Meena Bazaar, Santoba is a sanctuary of cool Saville Row-esque sophistication. The clientele is made up of loyal expats, people who “appreciate how a well-made shirt or suit can make a man look and feel,” says Prakash Lalwani, Santoba’s director.

PROCESS: No appointment is necessary. After a chat with Prakash about the style, colour and fit you’re after, take your pick of materials and have your measurements taken. One fitting is usually all it takes and the shirts are made on the premises. For that added extra, have your initials stitched into the cuffs or choose from a huge range of button, stitching, pocket and other detail combinations to make your new threads totally unique. Your standard shirt starts at Dhs220 and takes about five days to make, although special requests can be made sooner. Every man should have a crisp white shirt in his wardrobe. And now we do.

COST: From Dhs220. Price can rise depending on styles, material and urgency.

Santoba Tailors & Co, Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, Jumal Al Majid building., Dubai. Tel: (04) 3931234. www.santobatailors.com

SHOPPING

asure BESPOKE

ABOUT: There’s a curious mix of old and new at the upmarket Bespoke tailors in DIFC, where seasoned old hands work alongside computer technology. Worry not, traditionalists, the IT show is used merely to store info and patterns, while the serious business of measuring, cutting and fitting is still performed by master tailors. Owner Prakash Parmar knows everything there is to know about the rag trade – his knowledge of design, from the thread count in a shirt to the way your jacket hangs on your shoulders is simply staggering.

He’s a nice guy with it, too.

PROCESS: Don’t come expecting a rush job, oh no; these guys are professionals, and you’ll need not one, but three, count ‘em, three visits for a shirt. Visit one is the choosing of the material and your first measuring. You’ll also choose collars, cuffs and any extras, such as monogram detailing, extra buttons and pockets and such like. (“Will sir be requiring a pocket on the shirt?’, our tailor asked, while vigorously shaking his head from side to side. “Er, no?”, we replied. “Ah, good very choice for a formal shirt, sir.” Think that’s what they call ‘gentle persuasion by those that know best.) Visit two is your shirt made, but with a dummy cloth, so you can see how it fits, and visit three is the final try on and handover, when you’re happy with the finished product.

COST: from Dhs450 Bespoke, DIFC, Dubai, Dhs450 Tel: (04) 3637237. www.bespoke.ae

TOP TIPS

Logsdail of London manager Simon Parton’s guide to going bespoke L Decide what you want the shirt for – business or casual wear L Always stick to natural fibres and avoid any of the‘non iron’cottons L Never compromise, always look for mother of pearl buttons L Avoid pockets on business shirts L Wear double cuffs with a suit and button cuffs for casual and weekend shirts L Select a collar that suits your neck: avoid a wide collar if you have a short neck, or a short collar point if you are tall and have a long neck

LOGSDAIL OF LONDON

ABOUT: Leonard Logsdail was the youngest tailor ever to open a shop on London’s famous Golden Mile, or Saville Row, and, now focused on the US, his suits are associated with the Hollywood elite. Most recently, Logsdail provided his tailoring expertise for Oliver Stone’s stylish Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps. Last time we spoke to Leonard, he told us the one item a gentleman should never travel without is a silk pocket square. Now that’s class.

PROCESS: Just call up Logsdail of London manager Simon Parton and make an appointment to visit the impressive Al Quoz showroom or, alternatively, arrange a home visit.

The company’s tailors boast 30 years of experience and are personally trained by Logsdail himself. Logsdail uses two fold cottons ranging in thread count from 100s to two fold 200s and all buttons are mother of pearl. A shirt can be finished in 48 hours. Our classic white shirt was Dhs500, not a lot more than most inferior off-the-peg garments, and is the finest we’ve ever owned.

COST: Dhs500 to Dhs2,000, depending on the material.

Logsdail of London, Warehouse 17b, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3233148. www.logsdaillondon.com MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 67

SOPHIA SAYS...

Do you have a fashion question for Sophia?

E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

We drag the oh-so stylish Sophia Serin away from the helm at Emirates Woman into the grubby What’s On office to answer your wardrobe woes I have to wear reading glasses at work and need great sunglasses, too – can you suggest a brand or look that is ‘in’ at the moment?

Brian, Dubai I wouldn’t necessarily go with what’s ‘in’ when in comes to eyewear, as is more about what suits the shape of your face – not what’s in fashion. We have such a huge selection of shades (and stores) in the UAE that it can be daunting choosing the right style. You generally know within the first two seconds of trying any glasses if they suit you or not, so if you are questioning the style – best put them back on the shelf. If you want to throw my words of wisdom by the wayside, opt for the ‘geek’ or ‘aviator’ style that suit most shaped faces but are everywhere and have particularly taken off with the Bieber generation. You have been warned.

68 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

My office is smart-casual and I’m getting bored of the ‘trousers and black top’ combo. Can you suggest any good worksuitable separates? Where should I shop?

Maria, Dubai There are so many options for you to get out of the black on black wardrobe rut. As summer is fast approaching, this is the perfect time to inject a bit of colour into your new style. Day dresses are a great option and can double as a party dress for after-work gettogethers. A white shirt and statement blazer are wardrobe staples and look great with jeans and trousers of any colour. Lastly, all black is effortlessly tasteful, so think about livening up an existing outfit with pastel ballet pumps, a silk scarf or coloured blazer. If budget is no option, head to Fashion Avenue at The Dubai Mall, but if you have to watch your wallet, Gap, H&M and Forever 21 have some great finds, if you are prepared to raid the rails…

All jeans by GAP

I’m pretty casual and live in jeans, but would like them to be a bit different.

What should I be looking for? I’m a size ten to 12 and 5’5”.

Amelia, Sharjah Boy cut, wide leg skinnyies and straight leg are your best bet, although at your size and height you can wear pretty much any style of jean. If one day you don’t feel like being ‘practical’ with your style, try a pair of cropped chinos, tailored jodhpurs or tuxedo trousers and a T-shirt – you will be pleasantly surprised how good (and comfortable) you feel.

My wife’s 30th birthday is coming up and I’m taking her for dinner at her favourite restaurant. I want to get dressed up, but don’t want to overshadow the birthday girl – any ideas?

Neil, Abu Dhabi A suit will win everytime and will certainly not overshadow your wife. To give it a more casual look, go sans tie and opt for a pastel coloured shirt – think pale blue or pink.

This will work with most suit hues and don’t forget the shoes. Shiny (as in clean) smart and without socks if you prefer to take the fashion forward route.

© Gap 2011

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SHOPPING

The New openings bookworm More recommended reads from our bookdwelling chum AT LAST

Edward St Aubyn Having been pipped (some say unjustly) to the Man Booker Prize in 2006 with his novel Mother’s Milk, British author Edward St Aubyn continues to show his pedigree with this, his latest effort. At Last, the final book in his Patrick Melrose saga, takes place entirely at the funeral and wake of one of the series’ protagonists, with St Aubyn’s characteristic satirical wit and heady prose continuing to poke fun at minor aristocracy at play, it is a fine end to a popular series.

THE GODLESS BOYS Naomi Wood

It’s an English autumn in 1986, and the church has total control over the country. Non-believers are imprisoned on an island swarming with a gang of boys who punish those who worship any other faith. Eliza arrives on the island intent on finding her missing mother, but soon finds how dangerous it can be to stand out from the crowd.

THE PALE KING David Foster Wallace

Despite critics’ favourite David Foster Wallace’s death midway through writing, Michael Pietsch was able to complete The Pale King in 2008 from pages and notes Wallace left behind. Set in a tax office in the US Midwest, the author manages to tackle the idea of boredom that mundane office jobs bring with a clever balance of humour and sadness.

Available from Magrudy's Borders, Jashanmal and Kinokuniya

70 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

Our pick of the best new spots to spend your hardearned cash

recommended for fans of flats or the clumsy – these are serious spikes.

Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3505333. www.bloomingdales.com

Patek Philippe The Fashion Dome at Mall Of The Emirates continues to attract big names and big spenders. The latest resident is Patek Philippe, purveyors of Swiss timepieces that are handed down the generations. Here at What’s On, we’re more your Casio types, but we have Patek aspirations.

Quick factoid: Pateks have been worn by royalty, popes, Eric Clapton, Duke Ellington, Albert Einstein and Brad Pitt, so if you part with the dirhams you’re in good company.

Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3958080. www.patek.com

The Luxury Emporium This high-end online store has just started delivering to Dubai. Log on and you’ll find shoes by the likes of Guiseppe Zanotti and Rupert Sanderson, clothes from Proenza Schouler and Balmain, plus accessories

by Lara Bohinc and Philip Treacy. Not so relevant for this part of the world, but you can get Hunter wellies on there, too, and everything comes in a stylish plum-coloured gift box. www.theluxuryemporium.com

Ruthie Davis If you’re bored by Louboutins, think Choos are a cliché and have noticed everyone and their mother in Manolos, then Ruthie Davis is the place for you. Queen of the killer heels, Davis is more of a shoe architect than footwear designer, and her elegant, sporty style is coveted by the likes of Lady Gaga, Penelope Cruz and Kim Kardashian. Not

Kani Home Hailing from Goa and home to pure silk carpets, pashminas, jewellery, fashion and Kashmiri homeware, Kani is extending the exotic to the capital. To celebrate, the new outlet in Central Market will be offering discounts of up to 75 per cent until May 13. The store itself blends East and West, featuring Indian design with Parisian touches, making for a shopping experience, rather than just a trip to the mall.

Central Market, Shop 34, Ground floor, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6588701

Win with What’s On A mini-break and body makeover could be yours, if you’re lucky enough to win…

WIN! A FITNESS AND SPA PROGRAMME AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA

Shape up and relax with this prize from the health club and spa at The Address Dubai Marina. The Shape Programme includes an expert body composition analysis and metabolism test to help trainers and nutritionist to create a diet and exercise schedule, plus a training session in the state of the art gym. After all that exertion you can enjoy the 110-minute Arabian Oasis treatment, which features full body exfoliation using chamomile and frankincense, a traditional warming wrap and rose product facial and spiced oil massage.

For your chance to win, tell us...

When discussing health, what does BMI stand for? a) Bad meal indicator b) Brain muscle index c) Body mass index

WIN! AN OVERNIGHT STAY AND DINNER AT MÖVENPICK DEIRA

We have a weekend staycation for two in the Mövenpick hotel in Deira (including breakfast) plus dinner for four in new restaurant Wok In up for grabs. The hotel boasts a central location, rooftop pool, health club and plenty of dining options, including the stylish Wok In. This new pan-Asian outlet serves up dishes based around noodles, plus curries and dim sum, with flavours from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and China.

For your chance to win this food-filled mini-break, simply tell us…

Woks are usually what shape? a) Square b) Circular c) Triangular

R NS, NTE TO E PETITIO E M IL E.A O A IVAT SE C E-M THE IMPLY @MOT , S ON SWER THE ATS WH OUR AN RIZE IN H T WI FP HY WIN WIT AME O LINE E N JECT H T SUB AND

WIN! BUBBLY BRUNCH FOR FOUR AT VU’S

Situated in the iconic Emirates Towers, this is a brunch with a difference. And it’s not just that you dine on the 50th floor. A truly sophisticated dining experience, there are no bun fights at the buffet at Vu’s, just an elegant sit-down affair with Veuve Clicquot, oysters, veal, sea bass and more, all served at your table. We have a table for four (worth Dhs520 per person), for one lucky reader and three friends, so navigate the lengthy menu, enjoy some bubbly and check out the views, all on us.

For your chance to win, simply tell us…

What is included in Vu’s seafood platter? a) Lobster, prawns, octopus and langoustine b) Spaghetti, garlic bread and lasagne c) Toast, butter and jam

WIN! A MONTH’S GYM MEMBERSHIP AT THE SANCTUARY AT THE PULLMAN

Kickstart your exercise regime with a month’s free membership at The Sanctuary at The Pullman, Mall Of The Emirates, with access to the cutting-edge gym including vibrogym plate, Kinesis machine, sauna, steam rooms and Jacuzzi.

Member privileges also include orientation training, 30 per cent discount on selected spa treatments, 20 per cent discount in all hotel restaurants, including Soda Box, and free parking.

For your chance to win, tell us…

What is the name of The Pullman’s retro ice cream parlour? a) Soda Fox b) Soda Sox c) Soda Box

AD MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 73

Villa G2/U1, Corner of Al Wasl Road & 79th Street, Jumeira 1 (Between Life Pharmacy & Iranian Hospital)

Open 7 days, 9 am -12 midnight

MIND & BODY Totally tropical His 'n' hers Table talk Spa deals

ADAM & EVE

p76 p79 p80 p82

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 75

MIND & BODY

Totally tropical Take a trip round the world, from the comfort of the massage table

What? Yin yang harmonising massage Country of origin? China Where can I try it? CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La What does it involve? First, you take a seat and ask yourself some soul-searching questions.

OK, not really, it’s a questionnaire along the lines of ‘what’s your favourite colour?’, but they determine which Chinese element category – wood, fire, earth, metal or water – you fit into. This then helps the therapist to decide which techniques, oils, and music will be used during your treatment. Unfortunately, the music is your standard relaxing looped drone – missed opportunity for a quick blast of Earth, Wind & Fire, surely?

The two-hour treatment kicks off with a footbath, before you take to the table for two hours of vigorous massage, skimming around some precariously see-through disposable pants. It seemed like a dauntingly long pampering sesh, but the time flies by and a tiny bell spells the end. We never did find out what Chinese element we were though. Mysterious.

Does it work? The spa claims that the treatment will harmonise and balance the flow of your chi – always nice to have the ol’ chi aligned – but we departed feeling more peaceful than we realised. And looking rather shiny, too – the oils should be left on for a few hours afterwards.

Details: CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Dhs950 for two and a half hours. Tel: (02) 5098900. www.shangri-la.com

76 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

NEXT MONTH EGYPT AND MOROCCO

What? Balinese massage Country of origin? Indonesia Where can I try it? The Spa at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa What does it involve? A great entry-level massage for spa novices, Balinese massages use skin rolling, thumb strokes and drumming movement, usually with Indonesian oils. This is a therapy that aims to calm the client, rather than treat serious ailments, so it’s a great choice if you’re not sure what you want, apart from a nice lie down and some knots blasted. Balinese massages are often at the cheaper end of the treatment scale, too.

This particular treatment used Elemis products and incorporated gentle stretching and pressure point manipulation to ease mild muscle tension. Depending on your needs and niggles, a firmer massage can boost circulation and help with joint pain, but we opted for medium pressure with long, gentle strokes which managed to both stretch out sore limbs and send us off to sleep.

Does it work? The after effects didn’t last too long, but muscles were definitely more relaxed and we had a great sleep that evening. The therapist recommended leaving the oils on for a few hours (hair needed to be washed though, no-one likes looking like a stranger to shampoo), and our skin was left lovely and soft.

Details: The Spa at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Jebel Ali, Dubai, Dhs295 for one hour. Tel: (04) 8145810. www.jebelali-international.com

P.O. Box.17684, W/H: FZS1/AJ02 , Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai - UAE Tel: + 971 4 886 0715, Fax: +971 4 886 0716 E-mail: cathy@sourcerite.ae

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His‘n’hers

MIND & BODY

Is the spa at Six Senses Zighy Bay worth the journey to Oman?

Hers

His ORIENTAL

HOLISTIC

TALK US THROUGH IT A combination of massage, acupressure and stretching incorporating a Thai herbal compress.

The therapist starts with a firm massage before applying the hot compress to relax the muscles (apparently, it increases something called ‘prana flow’) and finishing with a range of extremely effective stretches.

TALK US THROUGH IT Every part of your body receives a good going over, starting with the back, shoulders and legs, which benefit from a medium pressure lavender oil massage. Then comes a delightful Indian head massage, before a heated hair mask is applied and the therapist finishes with the face, concentrating on the temples and applying pressure to the forehead, cheekbones and chin.

THE BEST BIT The stretching. I do quite a bit of running and various other forms of exercise, and my legs and back have never felt so loose. The classical background music was also a nice change from the usual whale noises.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? Not really, but the massage was so effective it left me a bit wobbly on my pins and I had some trouble when dismounting the table.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? Tight, but they kept everything where it should be.

SLEEP FACTOR? There’s no way you could sleep through this, and no reason any sane person would want to.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? Active, sporty types, or anyone with aching limbs.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? Sixty minutes will set you back OMR45 (Dhs430).

THE BEST BIT The Indian head massage. No question. I wanted to give my therapist a hug afterwards; it felt like we’d truly bonded.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? There were no locks on the shower doors but, thanks to my unusually quick reactions, I narrowly avoided a bit of a situation.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? They were snug, but comfortable – especially considering I’d accidentally put them on back to front. An easy mistake.

SLEEP FACTOR? I defy anyone not to fall asleep, or at least fall into a zombie-like coma, the minute they smell the lavender oil.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? Anyone in need of a bit of TLC and relaxation, it’s the perfect way to end what is always a calming weekend at Zighy Bay. HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? For 60 minutes, it’s a not too pricey OMR45 (Dhs430).

Six Senses Spa, Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman, 9am to 9pm. Tel: +968 26735888. www.sixsenses.com/ SixSensesZighyBay MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 79

MIND & BODY

Table talk A booming industry in a booming town, plastic surgery is more popular than ever. Dubai surgeon Dr Maurizio Viel answers the questions you should be asking if you’re thinking about going under the knife What should you look for when shopping around for a plastic surgeon?

One of the first things to note is how you feel about the surgeon. Ask yourself, ‘do you feel comfortable?’ ‘do you believe that the surgeon is being honest?’ and ‘do you understand all the implications?’ Beware of surgeons who overpromise or say yes to everything you want done. Plastic surgery is there to enhance your natural assets – it cannot transform you completely. The best way to look for a surgeon in the UAE is by reputation and by referral.

This country’s small enough for you to have met someone who knows a good surgeon.

Which procedures are the most popular in the Emirates?

Liposuction and breast augmentations.

Unfortunately, in this part of the world, there are people with poor diets, lifestyles and an unhealthy addiction to high sugar foods. This has left a generation of overweight adults who have trouble shifting the pounds. Breast augmentation is also popular. There are a range of treatments available, including permanent implants and macrolane, which isn’t permanent. There’s also autologous, which uses your own fat – that’s becoming a popular

alternative for patients who don’t like the idea of implants.

What surgery trends do you see emerging over the coming years?

Definitely the use of stem cells. We are already using platelet rich plasma facial rejuvenation – know as the Dracula Treatment. It uses your own blood, and the platelets and plasma are extracted before injecting it using a mesotherapy method all over your face. The platelets wake up the stem cells, which produce more collagen, and it improves the overall complexion. Surgeries like liposuction to the calves and taking fat from the abdomen area to create a ‘Brazilian bottom’ are also on the rise.

Sounds, er, complicated. How many times should you see a surgeon before a procedure?

Some patients are satisfied with one consultation before surgery, while others would prefer

“Beware of surgeons who overpromise or say yes to everything you want done. Plastic surgery is there to enhance your natural assets – it cannot transform you completely. ”

AD 80 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

to come in again to have the surgeon explain more questions that have come to mind. The decision about surgery shouldn’t be taken lightly. You should also meet your anaesthetist prior to the surgery to assess if you are fit for sedation or general anaesthesia. Most people forget that the anaesthetist is as important as your surgeon.

How young is too young for cosmetic work, in your opinion?

We wouldn’t operate on anyone below the age of 18 for cosmetic purposes for two reasons: firstly, most people under 18 are still developing physically and their bodies are changing.

Secondly, we feel that under 18 is still too early mentally for a patient to make a rational decision – we prefer them to be adults when making these decisions. The only surgeries that we will offer for patients younger than 18 are for mole removals that have been highlighted by a dermatologist, or to pin back the ears.

Are there any clinics that should be avoided?

If you are not comfortable with the surgeon don’t use that clinic, and don’t ever let a surgeon pressure you into a surgery you are not happy with. Remember that it is good to take your time to think about it, and visit a few reputable surgeons if you are not sure.

It’s worth taking your time – there is no rush – it’s an elective surgery, and it is not life threatening, so take your time.

Have you heard any horror stories?

I think most people in Dubai have heard about the Al Barsha villa, where a fake surgeon was operating on a kitchen table. I think that’s still one of the most shocking things I have heard to date.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO PAY FOR THE FOLLOWING...

L breast enlargement – around Dhs28,000 L breast reduction – from Dhs47,000 L nose job – from Dhs20,000 L tummy tuck – from Dhs31,000 L liposuction – from Dhs27,000 L facelift – around Dhs40,000

Dine in the City

We are the global centre of future energy.

We’re building the future at Masdar City – where we are making sustainability a living reality.

Come and learn more about what we’re doing over lunch. Park your car and ride our revolutionary transport system to the retail centre at the heart of the city. It won’t just be the meal that fills you up.

One day, all cities will be built like this.

800-MASDAR (627327)

www.masdarcity.ae

MIND & BODY

Spa Deals Where to be rubbed, buffed and beautified this month THAI PRIVILEGE SPA One of our favourite ladies-only pampering spots turns two this month, and to celebrate, it's launching new treatments and deals so you can make merry, too. The Thai Privilege Spa is offering their two-hour 2 Pretty package, which includes an aromatherapy massage and papaya facial, worth Dhs700, for a reduced price of Dhs450. The new Themed Spa Journeys (Dhs700) are also worth investigating, with four different ‘destinations’ for you to choose from, including the Mediterranean and Desert Experiences. Each ‘journey’ is tailored, from the welcome drink and background music, to the scents and oils used in your treatment.

Thai Privilege Spa, 1047 Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3489679

millenuim.pdf

4/27/11

10:15:52 AM

ADAM & EVE Opening with a bang, new spa Adam & Eve is offering an epic Ladies Spa Day for Dhs700. Your day will include a 60-minute marine algae body treatment to hydrate skin, 50-minute aroma massage and 45-minute meditation yoga session to soothe your mind before you get back on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Adam & Eve, Iberotel Emirates Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 43230000 ESPA AT THE YAS HOTEL Mere metres from the racetrack, the serene ESPA spa is one of the capital’s most stylish sanctuaries.

This month it's keeping it simple, with a free mini pedicure with every signature treatment. Prices start from Dhs735, and you can choose from therapies including the Yas Detox to reduce cellulite, the Tension Soother to relieve muscular stress, and the Sun Escape, which hydrates and repairs skin after exposure to harmful rays.

ESPA at The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6560862

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MIND & BODY

AKARU SPA The Aviation Club’s spa has introduced new massages for men this month, to relieve aching muscles and ease stress. The hourlong ccupressure massage (Dhs350) focuses on pressure points to address tension, with or without massage oil, while the sports massage (Dhs350), also 60 minutes, re-aligns muscle fibres and increases flexibility. If you’re short on time, then the stress managements and Thai foot massages (both Dhs175) are 30 minutes long, so you can fit them into your lunch break.

Akaru Spa, The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2828578

THE HEALTH CLUB The Sheraton is looking after both the ladies and gents in May, with a 70-minute cellulite treatment for Dhs450 and a 50-minute sports massage for Dhs199. The Health Club is also offering free aqua aerobics classes throughout the month, held every Sunday at 6.30pm. Perfect for people getting back into fitness after an injury, or those beginning a fitness regime, the water provides resistance, while supporting and helping your joints.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6970272

SENSO WELLNESS CENTRE Fancy a three-hour treatment for Dhs650 this month? The spa at Radisson Blu Media City is offering a 60-minute Swedish massage, a facial using Anne Semonin Express Radiance ice cubes, plus a classic manicure and pedicure and access to the swimming pools and steam room. Perfect for before a big event.

Senso, Radisson Blu Media City, Media City, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4369111

AD MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 83

Play unlimited golf at the Creek this Summer

ISTOCK

SPORT & OUTDOOR

p86 Ten things you need to know about fishing in the UAE p88 Snowboarding p90 Mr Fitness MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 85

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Ten things you need to know Expert angler and UAE regular Martin James attempts to lure us to the water’s edge with his pearls of fishing wisdom 1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PERMISSION If you’re planning to fish, whether it is a breakwater, harbour or stretch of beach, you must obtain permission. Along the coast there will be signs prohibiting fishing and so on. Most places you can fish, but ignorance is no excuse.

Chat with the local fishermen.

Ask questions.

2. DON’T LITTER I’m getting sick and tired of visiting lovely locations and finding cans, plastic bags and other trash.

There used to be fantastic fishing on Dubai Creek, but it was banned, mainly because of the rubbish being left.

3. ONLY TAKE ENOUGH FOR THE TABLE What really annoys me is whenpeople go out, catch a big fish and kill it just for a picture. I’d like to see the emirates bring in a catch and release law for sports fishing.

4. BE AWARE OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT Be responsible. If you see things like oil slicks, or turtles or the like in distress, report them.

5. USE BARBLESS HOOKS A lot of the lures and flies people are using out here are on big, barbed hooks. Take a pair of pliers and flatten the barbs. It’s easier to release the fish. And if you have an accident and get a hook stuck on your ear or lip, it’s easier to get it out.

6. DON’T DRINK Never go out on a boat and drink alcohol. That’s asking for trouble.

86 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

7. ALWAYS HAVE A LIFE JACKET WITH YOU If you have youngsters, make sure they have a lifejacket on all the time. They can go over the side of the boat very easily.

8. USE SUITABLE TACKLE You should always think about the fish you’re going to catch when deciding what tackle to

use. There are lots of little pools around where you can catch little 2lb fish very easily if you’re quiet.

You can use float tackle and a whip (14ft telescopic pole with a bit of line attached to the top) – it’s ideal for kids. If you’re fishing for small fish, use a size six or seven weight fly rod. If you’re going after the bigger Queen fish or snappers, I’d suggest an

eight-weight rod. If you’re going offshore, the ideal rod would be a nine or ten weight fly road.

Dorado are strong fighters.

9. KILL THE FISH HUMANELY If you’re taking one for the table, tap it on the back of the head, don’t just throw it in the ice box and let it gasp its life away. That’s barbaric.

SPORT & OUTDOOR

about fishing in the UAE

MARTIN’S READING LIST L The Pocket Guide To Fishing Knots,

Peter Owen L Fly Fishing In Saltwater, Lefty Kreh L Fly Casting Handbook, Peter

Mackenzie L Lure Fishing: A New Approach, Mike

Ladle and Harry Casey L Ultimate Guide To Fly Fishing, Lefty

Kreh L Clouser Flies, Bob Clouser L At The Water's Edge With Martin

James, Martin James Available from Amazon.com

THE LAZY OPTION If you’re not ready to go it alone, try one of these fishing charters

10. GET STARTED STRAIGHT AWAY Buy a light spinning outfit (nine foot rod, fixed spool reel, 12lb line, a few swivels and a few lures), read some books, watch a DVD or contact me and ask what to do and then go to the water’s edge away from other anglers and have a go.

E-mail: martin@flyfishing.plus.com www.martinjamesfishing.co.uk

Deep Sea Fishing Four hours of fishing the waters of the Arabian Gulf with a company that encourages catch and release for Dhs500. www.deepseafishing-dubai.com Big game fishing Expert tutelage for four hours with all fishing equipment supplied for Dhs800.

Dreamdays, Dubai, Dhs800. Tel: (04) 4329392. www.dreamdays.ae

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SPORT & OUTDOOR

Snowboarding Armed only with a sense of trepidation and a borrowed board, can an exercise-shy slopes novice turn into a snowboarding expert in just a few hours? Features editor Adam finds out...

to the slope. Then, more challengingly, we have to slide backward, stopping and starting with the toe side, which takes a good few attempts. After that it’s on to weight shifting, pointing my leading hand in the direction I want to head and drifting left and right, known as falling leaf. Anybody who says they managed this stage without parking their bottom on the icy floor on multiple occasions is either a professional boarder already or being criminally economical with the truth.

If ever there was a way to escape the impending summer heat – and then some – it’s the sub-zero surrounds Ski Dubai’s Ski & Snowboarding Academy.

And it’s a perfect juncture to get to grips with snowboarding, giving plenty of opportunity to hone your skills in time for winter holiday options later in the year.

All clothing and equipment is provided, aside from gloves, and we recommend wearing the gear over street clothes for an extra layer of warmth. Although prepare for a soggy waistband from falling on your backside.

LESSON ONE Learning any sport usually involves a rather steep initial learning curve, but hurtling down a hill with a plank strapped to your feet is an entirely new sensation. The board’s underside is incredibly smooth: great for gliding over the snow, but also perfect for depositing balance-bereft beginners like me head first toward the white stuff. There’s plenty of that in the discovery lesson, too, which teaches the absolute basics on the small beginner slope. After learning to bind my boots onto the board and all the technical terms (including the heel and toe sides of the board), the first real exercises only require one foot attached: skating and gliding, followed by climbing the slope, balancing and then making a controlled toe and heel side turn. So far, so good, although the diminutive kids whizzing past can’t help but make me feel rather ponderous.

LESSON THREE Moving up to Level 1, this involves j-turns on both heel and toe edges, which, in all honesty, I can’t really describe with any real gravitas, as I never really manage to master them (I do make rather regular acquaintance with the ground again, however). A slightly twisted knee from a previous fall doesn’t help matters either, but I soldier on. Then it’s on to slope safety rules and chairlift safety, in preparation for moving up to the main slope.

I never make it that far, but on the small slope it’s at least starting to feel like going down a mountain wouldn’t be entirely impossible. In about 30 more lessons.

LESSON TWO The beginner lesson – before now, clearly, I was worse than a beginner – requires a good deal more balance and determination.

Somewhat lacking on the former front, thankfully saintly patient instructor Del endures our constant snow smashing with good humour and relaxed tuition.

Controlled side slips are the first task, first on the heel side of the board, at right angles

AD 88 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

WHAT'S ON GOES....

THE VERDICT More difficult initially than skiing, snowboarding isn’t a sport for the impatient or physically unfit. It helps to take the lessons in quick succession as well, else you’ll eat into lesson time simply finding your snow legs again, and be prepared for real stress on your wrists and ankles. Those pre-warnings aside, though, it’s exhilarating once you stop thinking about your balance and just instinctively begin to fly over the snow.

Ski Dubai, Mall Of The Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Wednesday 10am to 11pm, Thurs 10am to midnight, Fri 9am to midnight, Sat 9am to 11pm, Dhs150 to Dhs220 each. Tel: (800) 5347873. www.skidxb.com

MR FITNESS In his seven years as a personal trainer, James Houghton has helped everyone from West End actresses to the Arabian Gulf rugby sevens team lose the pounds and keep in shape

THERT! E EXP

Do you have a fitness question for James?

E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

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90 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

My six-year-old son has expressed an interest in boxing classes. I’m not sure I want to encourage the aggression, but think he should be active.

Are sports like boxing safe for younger children?

Tarek, Dubai Marina No reputable boxing or martial arts facility should neglect child safety or encourage abnormal aggression. Moreover, they should encourage discipline and control, which will be a great learning curve for future life.

Alongside that comes the activity, which you do want to encourage, as well as friendships that are forged in positive sporting environments and a certain amount of independence. Of course, boxing is not all about fighting – much of the training is non-contact conditioning and pad work. However, no one knows better what’s right for your child than you, so maybe it’s best if you checked out a few classes, talk to the instructors there, and see how you feel then.

lengthening the time that it takes for sugar in the foods to negatively effect blood sugar and the other clever biochemical reactions that take place in the body that could lead to weight gain.

Squeezing fresh lemon juice over your food also has the similar effect of lowering the glycemic index of the foods you eat. Adding cinnamon to your foods has also been linked to improving insulin sensitivity, which is a good thing. I don’t mean cinnamon rolls, or pastries with cinnamon on, by the way.

Can you recommend any good iPad apps for exercising?

James, Bur Dubai If you feel you have the ability and motivation to follow an app, then it sounds as though you just need guidance as opposed to ongoing coaching in a training environment. My advice would A friend has started be to try a one-off session with taking apple cider vinegar supplements for weightloss. Is a decent trainer instead, who would be able to advise you there any truth in the claims? and write you a structured Emily, Jumeirah and progressive programme to Yes, there is some truth to the follow. But then, I would say claims. There are a number of that, as I’m a trainer! OK, apps medical trials that show that a – Adidas has a good one called small amount of vinegar, either added to food or taken with a meal, miCoach, which is good for runners and can be downloaded can reduce the glycemic index of from the iTunes store for free. carbohydrate food. In essence, Another option is to visit www. coreperformance.com and sign up to it’s free online training system. Highly recommended.

MUSIC

Fatiniza

BANTHDE OF TH MON

SHOT ON LOCATION AT SODA BOX, THE PULLMAN DUBAI

Nope, that’s not Shakira you see lounging, although you wouldn’t be the first to mistake Columbian Fatiniza for her fellow countrywoman. She has worked as a tribute act in the past, but with Confusion, an album of original material now under her belt, Fatiniza is entertaining UAE crowds with her own blend of rock, pop and Latin beats – plus some quality covers. And when we say UAE crowds, they’ve included celeb visitors Tiger Woods and AC Milan team as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Utterly charming, the feisty singer can be found performing in Dubai’s The Music Room and The Capital Club.

She also supported Corinne Bailey Rae at the F1 celebrations and took to the stage at the jazz festival this year, giving great chat between songs and amping up the energy. And with tracks in English and Spanish, with Fatiniza you get a little language lesson while singing along, too.

May 27, The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, 11.30pm, free. www.fatiniza.com

92 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

Win with What’s On WIN! DHS1,000 WORTH OF CDS

EMI Music Arabia and souq.com have teamed up to launch www.souq.com/EMImusicstore, an online marketplace for music with over 6,000 albums available, with genres covering classical, jazz, rock, funk and more. Even better, there’s no need to battle the crowds at the mall to get new tunes – your order is delivered direct to your door.

To celebrate, we’re offering one What’s On reader Dhs1,000 worth of CDs. For your chance R NTE N, TO E PETITIO to win, tell us: .AE M IL O A C ATE M How many albums can you THIS PLY E- MOTIV SIM SON@ WER, choose from on the EMI S AT WH OUR AN THE H T I Y Music Store on souq.com?

IN W ' H N I S IT W W 'CD INE a) Over 6,000 AND JECT L UB S b) 600 c) 60

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 93

CLUB DIARY This month's clubbing highlights

6 Gary Beck @ Ill Communications Glasweigan spinner Greg Beck calls What’s On for a chat before he takes to Trilogy’s turntables Have you been to Dubai before?

Never. I’m looking forward to it – it seems like such a wonderful place.

To have the chance to go there, especially to play some music, is fantastic.

Will you have to tone your techno extremes down at all for audiences like Dubai?

You just size it up when you get there. I’m not too sure about Dubai crowds, but there are one or two DJs that I know, such as Funk D’Void, who speaks very highly of playing in Dubai.

You’re a diehard turntablist – any plans to ditch the vinyl for other means?

Some DJs and clubs gave up the turntable thing a long time ago. But for me, I enjoy my performance so much more, I feel busy and I like the challenge of trying to always mix properly and do a nice seamless set. It took me a long time to learn to almost perfect the craft of DJing and mixing, so I don’t want to throw it all away just to press ‘play’. Not yet, anyway.

Can you pinpoint the moment when you decided you wanted to be a DJ? Yeah, I always remember. I was in The

3

Donae’o @ Etoiles UK rapper Donae'o is on serenading duty for the female fans at Etoiles’ popular weekly ladies night.

Etoiles, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 11.30pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6909000. www.etoilesuae.com

4

Jessica Flores @ The Yacht Club The first of two consecutive nights with singer Jessica Flores and resident DJ Rabih Karam.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. www. intercontinentalabudhabi.com

5 Arches nightclub [in Glasgow]. The club used to be phenomenal. I went there when I was very young with a few friends. I think it was John Digweed and the crowd was going crazy and I was like, 'Wow, that’s something I’d like to try my hand at. I’d love to be that guy up here'. And then, when I actually started DJing, I thought, ‘No, actually, wait a minute, how good would it be to be up there and playing your own song and have people dancing’, so I got into production side of things, too.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www. somarecords.com

13

Neil Quigley @ Audio Tonic

Sean Kingston @ Chi The Beautiful Girl singer/rapper takes to the stage at Chi, for what’s sure to be a packed night.

Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, from Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3379470. www.chinightclubdubai.com Ministry of Sound @ XL Beach Club A newcomer on the scene, but already the XL Beach club is making quite a name for itself. Stalwart club night Ministry Of Sound takes its merry band of house funsters to set up home there, with DJ Ivan providing the soundtrack, ably supported by Mark Pickup and Serhan.

XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 9am to 3am, Dhs100. Tel: (050) 8764335 Freshly Laced’s First Birthday @ Casa Latina WHAT’S ON PICK

The first anniversary of Dubai’s off-thewall hip hop and funk night sees resident spinner DJ Solo joined by DJ Lobito and Mr Yeti for the party celebrations. Happy birthday, guys.

Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel, Barsha, Dubai, 10am to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3996699

6

ONE @ Armani/Prive DJs Patrik Carrera, Robert Mermand and Darko De Jan are joined by the impressive VJ skills of Ant Field, who’ll be plying his trade on an equally impressive array of LED screens. Dress code: impressive. Like you’d expect anything else…

Armani/Prive, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 3162000

13

Gabriel Soro @ Ill Communications The Mexican genre-buster takes you on a house tour, with deep, techno and more on his playlist.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, free before 11pm.

Tel: (050) 7258277. www.somarecords.com

94 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

13

Gabriel Soro @ Ill Communications

Robert Miles @ Armani/Prive The producer behind the mega club hit Children touches down in Dubai for a set of trance on the Armani/Prive decks.

Armani/Prive, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 3162000. www.robert-miles.com Neil Quigley @ Audio Tonic House pioneer and La Roux remixer Quigley hits 360˚ for some open-air action.

360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www. soundcloud.com/audiotonic Fashion TV @ XL Beach Club As you’d expect from the FTV crew, with looking good and pumping house beats the order of the day.

XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 9am to 3am, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4542927

16

Guilty Pleasures @ Armani/Prive The launch of new night Guilty Pleasures promises free drinks for the fairer sex before midnight, with the beats provided by a selection of Dubai’s female spinners.

Armani/Prive, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 3162000

17

Arabic Night @ Diablo WEEKLY

DJ Cowboy spins Arabic and Khaleeji music every Tuesday, with free drinks for the ladies between 11pm and midnight.

Diablo, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 666403

19

Stanton Warriors @ Electric Boutique WHAT’S ON PICK

The legendary breakbeat duo pays a welcome return to Dubai, with support from Da:Funct.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, from Dhs100. Tel: (050) 5245751. www.stantonwarriors.com

CLUB DIARY

25

Michaël Canitrot @ The Yacht Club

Coolio @ Eight The Gangsta's Paradise star performs all his hits live, with support from DJ Trix.

Eight, The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 3am, free, reservations needed. Tel: (050) 1446662.

20

African Full Moon Party @ Nasimi Beach The ever-popular Full Moon party people go on an African adventure, with Dino Moran, African performers, Dubai drums and local DJs. Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 and free for ladies before 8pm. Tel: (050) 8717493 MustHaveSoul@ Skylite WEEKLY

MHS residents Simon Reid, Tristan Bain, Dan Chadwick and Alex L provide the tunes for the Abu Dhabi leg of the MHS weekender.

Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (055) 6160643. www. musthavesoul.com

Fashion TV @ Etoiles Skybar resident DJ Joj arrives from Beirut to provide the tunes for the capital’s beautiful people.

Etoiles, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 11.30pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6909000. www.etoilesuae.com Florian Kruse @ AudioTonic Florian Kruse on deck patrol for the endof-pier party funsters. Support from Mr Mr and Julian Jinx.

360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www. soundcloud.com/audiotonic

25

19

Michaël Canitrot @ The Yacht Club The sexy Parisian comes to the capital for two nights of electronica, house and pop.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. www. intercontinentalabudhabi.com

Stanton Warriors @ Electric Boutique

12 AudioTonic Five Years On Mr Mr – Mike Robert Bufton, to his postman (Mr M R – geddit?) – is the man behind AudioTonic, the Radio 1 show and 360˚ night that’s become a mainstay of Dubai’s part scene.

Celebrating five years of AudioTonic this month, Mike stopped by for a chat Mike, five years of Audio Tonic – hasn’t it just flown by...

Yeah – in Dubai time flies especially fast, we tend to forget how to switch off, and any time off is extremely precious. The five years on Radio 1 have gone by scarily fast, and 262 Thursday night shows later – a total of over 650 hours if you include the first two years when I was doing threehour shows – here we are.

Some lovely maths skills there.

What’s been your highlight?

Being able to continue to play the music that I love, and knowing that what my resident DJs and me do have earned the night awards, not to mention putting 360º into the DJ

Mag Top 100 Clubs Of The World – twice.

With the radio show, there have been so many – like interviewing Pete Tong, Felix Da Housecat, Boy George and a host of other guys who I looked up to when I was younger. But most of all, producing and presenting a show like no other in the UAE – every week is a highlight to me.

You must have seen a few changes in that time?

Oh yeah – in radio, the introduction of increasingly commercial music is massively apparent. I'm very lucky to be a part of Radio 1, who are – and always have been – the purveyors of something different, playing ‘credible’ alternative

dance and urban music. In terms of the scene, just a shed load of new venues – before people had three or four places to choose from, now it's three times that.

What’s the plan for the anniversary bash?

The last four years have been a celebration of music, and I think that will be the direction again this year.

I'll be chatting to some of the DJs and producers who have helped make the brand what it is with their music, and, of course, repeating some of the great interviews.

Would you do it all over again?

As they say, never look back, only forward. I would do it all over again, to relive some of the fun times and memories, but I've learned a lot about music in the past five years, my taste has matured, and I've found my musical karma when it comes to the brand. The next five years will be all about building – the record label is taking shape – global podcasting and increasing the awareness of quality house music.

360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www. soundcloud.com/audiotonic. www. myradio1.ae

Phoenix Night @ Diablo WEEKLY

Sadly nothing to do with Peter Kay, we are sorry to say, this weekly event is packed with Persian tunes, courtesy of new resident DJ Big Daddy.

Diablo, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai, 11pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 666403

27

Loaded @ Casa Latina See You Next Friday will see you at its new night of ‘indie with an edge’ from Da:Funct and Just Some Kid. Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel, Barsha, Dubai, 10am to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3996699 Martin Ikin @ MustHaveSoul’s Closing Party Defected Records multi-monikered DJ Mayhem/Soul Purpose closes MHS under his Martin Ikin name, with a set of US-style of funky house.

Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (055) 6160643. www. musthavesoul.com

28

R&B @ Diablo WEEKLY

R&B, hip hop, reggae and everything in between from Dany Neville and Brooklyn. Free drinks between 11pm and midnight.

Diablo, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, 11pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 666403

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 95

TRAVEL

SHORT HAUL

The Maldives are situated in the Indian Ocean

48 hours in the Maldives Is two days in the lap of luxury enough?

It might sound extravagant, but for a weekend away from the daily grind the Maldives is a dream destination for UAE residents – a mere four-hour flight away, there are no visas required and it’s full of resorts that are in keeping with our five-star lifestyle. Roughing it is not an option – go big, or go home.

While 48 hours doesn’t allow much time for exploring the 26 atolls, the Maldives is rare in that hotels tend to take over a whole island, so unless you’re planning a very expensive resort-hopping tour, it’s likely you’ll

Maldivian sunset MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 97

TRAVEL | MALDIVES

Underwater life

Dinner in the jungle

stay in one place. So choose well. Luckily, opulence was the key word when many highend brands started opening up shop in the Indian Ocean. With a mere 200 islands out of the 1,192 currently occupied, this means one thing; quiet. This isn’t the place to go for a wild weekend, instead it’s the ultimate destination to recharge your batteries, enjoy a clear night sky, eat fresh seafood, see tropical wildlife and spend time in a country so mind-bogglingly beautiful that you might lose some friends when your Facebook photos are uploaded. We stayed at the Shangri-La’s Villingili resort, a short flight (you get a certificate when you go over the equator) and speedboat ride from Male. The island is dotted with villas along the shore, in the ocean and throughout the treetops, and you can explore your new home by bicycle or buggy.

One of the water villas

DAY ONE 8.30am Start as you mean to go on with an early morning yoga class at the spa, then undo your good work with the breakfast buffet – make it extra special with a table on the beach, overlooking the water.

10am If you’ve never seen the point of snorkelling before (diving for kids, innit?) then think again. Try a two-hour guided snorkel where you’ll discover two of the best sites in the crystal clear Addu Atoll and see what marine life is residing on the reef. We saw a giant turtle, and most of the cast of Finding Nemo, but, thankfully, none of the black-tip sharks that have been known to pay these tropical waters a visit.

“It’s the ultimate place to recharge your batteries and enjoy a clear night sky”

1pm After all that activity in the morning, it’s time to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in some sun.

Our pool had private cabanas, each surrounded by palm trees should you want to stay in the shade, but the best beds on the island have to be the doubles on the beach, which come with ice-cold Evian water sprays, the resort’s own spring water and waiter service.

3.30pm If you’re still feeling energetic, then take a three-hour bike tour of the neighouring islands, taking in the historical and picturesque sights of the Maldives’ southernmost atoll, alternatively head to the CHI spa for a massage. The spa’s signature treatment is the Cowrie Shell Ritual, a tropical take on the hot stone massage, with coconut oil and a bit of chanting for good measure.

6pm As the day ends, head back to your villa to watch the sunset. We stayed in a water villa on

AD MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 99

TRAVEL | MALDIVES

Many hotels in the Maldives offer villas with their own pool

stilts over the ocean, stairs leading directly into the water so you can snorkel on your doorstep.

Amazing. Then get ready for the evening in the vast bathroom that, of course, features an outdoor shower, mere metres from the corals.

8pm Most hotels in the Maldives offer a range of cuisines to suit their international guests, with many European and Chinese couples honeymooning, Russians taking over enormous villas with huge private pools, and Middle Easterners jetting over in private planes. As a result, the island’s restaurants serve up everything from local seafood to flavours from India, Thailand, China, Arabia and beyond, plus some very good pizzas at the pool bar. On your first night dress up and take a buggy to Fashala Lounge, on the northern tip of the island for some of the best lobster you’ll ever eat. Island life is peaceful, with live music of the gentle strumming variety rather than raucous rock, so give in to the quiet and have an early night.

DAY TWO 10.30am Dine on the deck, or head to breakfast on the beach before a nature walk around the island to see the tropical flora and fauna with the hotel’s resident naturalist.

11.30am Claim back your favourite sun bed for a few hours before dining on the beach. Vast salads, a superb burger and lovely fresh fish dishes are served up by friendly staff and complemented by copies of international papers – but if you want to truly get away from it, ignore the news and watch the bobbing boats instead.

100 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

A tree house villa Villa Muthee

3pm Depending if you’re in a party mood or fancy some time on the water, choose from a cocktail making class or dolphin-watching trip. Following a disastrous (dolphin-free) trip to Musandam we opted for the mammals, and boarded a stunning sailboat to search for spinner dolphins. The show ponies of the aquatic world, within minutes we were surrounded by a pod, with groups launching themselves out of the water and towards camera lenses, spinning in the air.

5.30pm If you didn’t head out on the sail boat, then a spot of night fishing might be in order, where you can use hand lines to catch the very fish you spotted when snorkelling (sorry, Nemo) and present then to the chefs for cooking.

If you happen to be at the hotel on a UAE weekend the hotel has introduced Green Friday, so you can meet the chef in his garden before sampling the home-grown produce, like lemongrass and sweet basil, with a specially designed menu. Otherwise, an early dinner and movie night on the beach is the perfect way to end your trip. Time for bed, then back to reality…

The arrival jetty

EXPERIENCE OURÂ NEW

FRIDAYÂ BRUNCH

AED

Need to know WHERE TO STAY

Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa Our resort of choice, this beautiful island has it all; jungles, beaches, stunning private villas, top-notch restaurants, a world-class spa, loads of activities for all ages and fantastic staff. www.shangri-la.com

@ WEST SIDE RESTAURANT Fridays 12 noon – 4 pm

Huvafen Fushi If pampering is your thing, then this is the hotel for you, with an underwater spa, glass floored bungalows, spectacular boats and an overall design that would make a luxury loving Bond villain very happy indeed. www.huvafenfushi.peraquum.com

HOW TO GET THERE

If only going for a few days, fly direct to Male with Emirates from Dhs5,500 which takes four hours. If the money’s too tight to mention .then Sri Lankan Airlines flies via Colombo from Dhs2,400. www.emirates.com www.srilankan.lk

*Subject to 10% service charges and 6% tourism fees

CURRENCY

Phone: 02 681 0001, reservations@oryxhotel.ae,

There’s no point in buying the Maldivian Rufiyaa as all resorts state prices and trade in US dollars.

For rates and group offers, please contact: Oryx Hotel Abu Dhabi, Zayed the First Street, Khalidiya www.oryxhotel.ae

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 101

TRAVEL | TRAVELS WITH...

Travels with…

Paul Oliver

TRAVEL EXTRA

press who camped outside our hotel for days once we had returned to civilisation. A couple of years later I returned to complete the trip, hiring the same local team that suffered on that fateful night.

If you could advise people to visit one destination, what would it be?

As founder and CEO of South Africa. The country has it all.

Dubai-based adventure What are your three top travel company Absolute tips for surviving a long Adventure, Paul Oliver has airport stopover?

If you’re travelling economy organised and headed up across the Namib Desert to dip our feet in the class, see if you can pay a fee to use the busitreks, climbs and expeditions Atlantic Ocean at the end of a great adventure ness lounge. I do this all the time in Nairobi.

You’ll normally get your money back with the across my favourite continent. across the globe What’s been your biggest travel disaster? complimentary food and drink. Also wear comfortable clothing and take a good book.

My biggest incident was a few years ago in What do you never travel without?

What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had? Peru, when a gang of heavily armed men atA thirst for adventure and curiosity for new I take very few holidays, but have organised tacked a group I was guiding. Two men, who and led numerous adventure expeditions. My held guns to my head and said they were going experiences.

Absolute Adventure, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3459900. most memorable adventure was spending to kill me, woke me in the early hours of the a month delivering four Land Rover ambumorning. The tented camp was ransacked and www.adventure.ae lances to poor communities in Africa. The we were left tied up in the Andes. The local vehicles were shipped to Dar Es Salaam and support team suffered many injuries, including then taken on a 5,000km journey through three with fractured skulls, many with broken “ Two men held guns to my Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Na- ribs and one with all his fingers broken. As head and said they were mibia. There were many smaller adventures well as dealing with the traumatised guests and going to kill me” along the way, but eventually I led my team tending to the wounded, I had to deal with the

Looking for a travel deal?

Check out these beauties ROMANTIC RETREAT Hatta Fort Hotel is offering one night's stay, a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, breakfast in bed with a half bottle of Moët and a three-course dinner served in your room for Dhs1,580 at the weekend, or Dhs1,280 during the week.

On Thursdays and Fridays there is also a free poolside film night.

Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 8099333. www. hattaforthotel.com 102 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

RESIDENT RATES Who doesn’t like feeling they belong to a special club? Which is why the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach has just launched an exclusive weekend package for all us UAE Nationals and residents. The two-night stay costs Dhs599 B&B per night and runs until the end of August. Oh, and on top of that, you can get 25 per cent off the Jazz & Bubbles Friday Brunch, and Saturday BBQ. Feel privileged enough?

Until Aug, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4498888. www.moevenpickhotels.com

KERALA QUICKIE May is your last chance to visit India before the monsoon season and, luckily for you, Emirates Holidays has come up with a cracking deal. Return flights to Cochin from Dubai with three nights in Kerala at The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa on the shores of Vembanad Lake, including transfers, costs just Dhs2,742 per person.

May 1 to May 31, Emirates Holidays, Dubai, Dhs2,742. Tel: (04) 8005252. www.emirates-holidays.com

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saturday magazine

WAR NO MORE

EMMA THOMPSON AND HER ADOPTED SON, AN EX-CHILD SOLDIER, HEAR STORIES OF HORROR AND REBIRTH IN A RAVAGED LIBERIA

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THE HOTLIST Key New entry Non-mover Up

p107 p111 p115 p119

Bars Restaurants Brunches Spas MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 105

LA PETITE MAISON

Down

THE HOT LIST

THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES

BARS

Zuma

ATMOSPHERE

1

Jetty Lounge

2 Zuma

3

XL Beach Club

4

Caramel

5 Barasti

XL Beach Club

LOCATION

BEST FOR

Barasti

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Beachside chic, with private cabanas on the sand, and cool white seating closer to the bar. Busy, but not crazy.

Right on the shore at the original One&Only, with views of the Palm.

Sophisticated sundowners over some sharing platters of nibbles.

The food isn’t cheap, but drinks are average for a top-notch bar.

Cocktails are a bit pricey, but totally worth it.

Straight in at number one.

Read more on page 51.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 2pm to late. Tel: (04) 3999999

City-centre slick, with the chance of celeb spotting.

Glass, dark woods and a terrace just cool enough for a few more weeks.

This megabrand was the first big name to set up in DIFC and continues to set the standard.

Dressing up, sipping cocktails and mingling. Zuma’s bar may be a lounge, but it’s far from casual.

High prices at a top quality bar.

Adore the food, love the staff, can’t get enough.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, Fri to Wed noon to 2am, Thurs noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 4255660. www.zumarestaurant. com

Banging. Private glass-fronted plunge pools, cabanas with their own music, VIPs galore and a crazy crowd.

Near the Habtoor Grand’s beach, and under the stars with white seating, bars aplenty and a huge central pool.

Mingling with models (Fashion TV is there some Fridays) and men who want to buy drinks for ladies.

Then chuck you in the pool. Good times, good times.

Best to club in with your mates and get a table – it will work out about the same as trips to the bar and looks more impressive.

Great for after-work drinks, Caramel is buzzing mid-week but a bit quieter on Fridays when DIFCdwellers stay away from their offices.

Enjoy the balmy weather on the leafy terrace before you have to head indoors. Indoors is very nice too, mind.

The menu is fantastic, so book a table and turn dinner into drinks.

Definitely on the pricey side, especially the food, but drinks are fairly standard for this part of town.

They really need to sort out that smoking area.

Ug. Ly.

Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, 11am to 2am. Tel: (04) 4256677. www. carameldubai.com

Barasti has had a new lease of life of late, with concerts on the beach. In the afternoon it's chilled, but hots up once the sun goes down.

Split between poolside and beachside, there’s usually a quiet or hot spot depending on what you’re after.

We love Barasti for a spot of lunch on a Saturday. Catch up with mates, share a pizza and vow to drive home, but end up a few drinks down. Always good.

Spirits and mixers are expenisve given they’re served in a tiny plastic cup.

Stick with beers.

With a new beachbar on the scene Barasti is going to have to step up its game.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 11am to 2am.

Tel: (04) 3993333. www.lemeridienminaseyahi.com

, We’ve heard

the cabanas (Dhs15,000 a pop) are booked up until August.

AUGUST.

Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Dubai, midday to 3am. Tel: (056) 6406161. www. grandjumeirah. habtoorhotels.com

NOVEMBER MAY 2011 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’SON ON 107

HOT ON THE HEsEDLubSai Marinai

BARS

e Addres 11 Blends, Th Gramercy, DIFC 12 The owntown e Address D 13 Neos, Th l al M Dubai i Hotel rive, Arman 14 Armani/P , The Westin 15 Senyar

The Terrace

ATMOSPHERE

6 360˚

7

Belgian Beer Café

8 Clique

9

The Gramercy still can’t quite make up its mind; is it a sports bar, jazz club, or bistro?

Two things are for sure though, it’s rammed on a Thursday night and those snails are outstanding. Frequently full of DIFC types, there’s plenty of suits and smoke, with crowds winding down for the weekend, all looked after by New Yorker Anthony. Aside from the snails, the Rueben sandwich is a winner.

The Gramercy

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

It’s chilled on Friday and Saturday afternoons but once the sun sets, the party goes off.

Slap bang in the Arabian Gulf, we recommended catching a golf buggy up the jetty to 360˚’s gangplank.

Dubai’s finest break out their finery come Friday to pose for those all-important photos ops.

The dirhams stack up if you arrive early and leave late.

We’re willing to overlook the slow service for the tunes and views.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 5pm to late, Fri and Sat 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4068769

Now the weather is dreamy you’ll have to be quick to nab a table on the terrace. Inside, the pews are rammed with diners, and the bar busy with beer fans.

Don’t dismiss Festival Centre as the land of IKEA, the BBC is king of a huge swathe of new bars and restaurants in this part of town.

If you’re in the mood for some European charm, this is the only pub to go to.

There’s a Monday night all you can eat moules and beer affair for Dhs199.

Bargain Belgian.

A cracking brunch, decent deals and a spectacular drinks list mean we’re regulars.

Crowne Plaza Festival City, Dubai, Sun to Mon 6pm to 2am, Tue to Wed noon to 2am, Thurs and Fri noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 7012222. www.ichotelsgroup. com

Laid-back openair bar. In fact, it’s surprisingly laid-back given its Emirates Towers address.

Under the stars with a brilliant view of the Sheikh Zayed Road skyline.

The ladies night is as popular with the girls as it is with businessmen.

Mingling opportunities ahoy. There’s a DJ on Thursdays and Fridays, too.

Average for this part of town, but there’s a happy hour 6pm to 8pm from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Perfect for postweek bevvies.

DJ Rossy can be heard on Dubai 92. And won’t play ABBA even if you beg. Just so you know.

Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Tue to Sat 6pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3198088

Pretty darn relaxed, with groups lounging on beanbags.

At the centre of Old Town, affording you great views of Burj Khalifa from the coveted beanbags.

Don’t expect super speedy service, but for laid-back drinks with some pals, this is a solid choice.

Above average, but you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll sip your drinks anyway.

Did we mention the beanbags?

The Address Downtown Dubai, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, daily from 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 436 8888. www.theaddress.com

Sophisticated, with outdoor tables overlooking the yachts.

The Terrace is at one of the most beautiful hotels in the land, just next to the creek.

Picking out which boat you’d have. We’ll take the Pershing, please. Perfect with nibbles and cocktails.

Pretty reasonable given the stunning setting and quality of fare.

The raw bar alone warrants the Salik charge to this part of town.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubia, Sun to Fri from 6pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3172222. www. dubai.park.hyatt.com

Calabar

10

12 THE GRAMERCY

The Terrace

108 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

INFO

TAKE A SUMMER BREAK WITH THE FAMILY. IN THE LAP OF LUXURY.

Give your family a summer break with InterContinental Abu Dhabi and wake up to some excellent room rate offers.

Double rooms start at AED 500 net per room per night and suites from only AED 900 net per suite per night.

Children under 12 stay free or book an additional room at 25% off, with free access to the health club, beach, pool, late check-out and free shuttle bus to Marina Mall. The hotel has nine restaurants, so there are plenty of dining options.

Offer valid from 15th May 2011 until 10th September 2011, subject to availability. Valid only for nationals and residents of UAE & GCC.

For further information or to make a reservation call +971 2 693 5154/5155 or email reservations@icauh.ae intercontinentalabudhabi.com

In over 170 locations across the globe including CAIRO • AMMAN • BEIRUT • DUBAI

Instore Now

THE HOT LIST

THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE

RESTAURANTS

Rivington Grill

1

La Petite Maison

2 Zuma

3

Indego by Vineet

4 Verre

5

Rivington Grill

ATMOSPHERE

INTERIOR

FOOD

LPM sounds, smells and looks like a restaurant should do.

There’s nothing else like it in Dubai, which is why it isn’t easy to secure a table.

A long bar runs down one side and there's an open pass through which you can see and hear the magic happening in the kitchen.

He’s only been here a few months, but chef Izi is already regarded as one of the best in Dubai. Order the lobster.

Ever popular, Zuma is always buzzing and certainly never suffers from emptyrestaurant-itis like so many others.

Bright and airy with a statement sushi counter downstairs, brooding and sultry in the upstairs bar and lounge.

Classy. You're in A-list Indian restaurant territory with attentive – and downright nice – staff eager to serve you.

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 111Indego by Vineet LOCATION

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DIFC. Officially (you heard it here first, remember) the centre of Dubai’s food scene.

You’re talking around Dhs1,200 for two if you want to do the menu justice.

Order the lobster and the cheesecake and you’ll be happy.

DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. www. lpmdubai.ae

Order something from the robata grill menu – the wagyu tenderloin with truffle ponzu sauce, is our pick.

A bloated stumble from sister restaurant LPM in DIFC. Close enough to come to blows over their placement on the Hot List.

Around Dhs1,200. You certainly won’t get much change from a grand.

Make sure you try the tofu cheesecake, created specifically to challenge LPM’s.

Building 6, Gate Village, DIFC, Sat to Thurs 12.30pm to 3pm, Sat to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4255660. www. zumarestaurant. com

Stroll up the winding staircase to the dimly lit, but cosy, restaurant.

Grab a table in an alcove for a more intimate night out.

Rest assured that anything you order is going to be great. But the new tapas menu (p44) is perfect for a few lighter snacks.

Dubai Marina.

Right where it should be.

Dhs900 (without alcohol).

Although the new tapas menu is much lighter on your wallet.

Vineet Bhatia has changed the way people look at Indian cuisine. Need we say more?

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. www. grosvenorhousedubai.com

Though it retains a welcome air of formality, Verre has been given a new lease of life by chef Scott Price and his team.

For a relatively small and slightly awkward space, Verre is looking extremely well since the introduction of the chef’s table.

Check out our new dishes feature (p44) for our pick of the dishes. The sommelier is excellent.

Terrible. Gordon needs to move Scott and the boys down the other end of town. Then we’ll really be talking.

Dhs395 for three courses, Dhs495 for six courses. For the chef’s table it’s Dhs695, with wine pairings Dhs350 to Dhs600.

Order the sixcourse tasting menu. Rub your belly. Smile

Hilton Dubai Creek, Sun to Fri, 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (04) 2277550. www. gordonramsay. com

Good luck getting a table on the terrace in the evenings; fans of both food and the fountains flock here.

Clean, bright and white, with artwork, chalkboards for the specials and a buzzing open kitchen.

The best of British, with some new summer salads (see page 44) and old favourites like scotch eggs.

At the heart of Old Town, RG is on prime restaurant real estate.

Around Dhs400 for two, but you can get two courses at lunchtime for Dhs80 on weekdays.

Some of the most well informed staff in Dubai make for a dinner to remember.

Some of the

Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai, noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4230903. www. rivingtongrill.ae

MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 111

RESTAURANTS

HOT ON EELSy THE H Zabeel Sara

11 Amala, éridien , Le Royal M es Twenty10 & Spa od Rh 12 rt so Re h Beac wers , Emirates To 13 Rib Room e Monarch Th u, 14 Okk The Westin 15 Bussola,

Rhodes Mezzanine

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S INTERIOR ON SAYS...

6

Rhodes Mezzanine

7

Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire

8 Traiteur

9 Asado

10 Rare

14 OKKU Okku is our second favourite Japanese restaurant, and that’s saying something.

Despite its subterranean location we enjoy a quiet lunch there quite regularly. For a miso and main it’s just Dhs69 and for Dhs89 you can add a starter to that. Go for the yellowtail sashimi, followed by the burger.

Monarch, One Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.45pm. Tel: (04) 5018777. www.okkudubai.com

Okku

INFO FOOD

LOCATION

PRICE

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If empty, it would be rather too stark, and a little bit white.

Fortunately the Rhodes and reputation keeps ‘em coming.

It’s very, very white, but the extremely comfortable chairs add a touch of colour here and there and there’s a slight glimpse of the kitchen.

Chef Paul Lupton has outdone himself with his new spring dishes.

Order the seared tempura scallops.

Grosvenor House, home of both Vineet Bhatia’s Indego

by Vineet, and Gary’s fine dining signature restaurant. Not bad, eh?

Dhs800 for two.

Gary Rhodes is forging a Marina restaurant empire. One step ahead of Gordon.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (04) 3998888. www. garyrhodes. com

Maitre d' Dennis' welcoming smile adds a friendly touch to a restaurant that is all about elegance.

Small, chic and classy, resplendent with its purplehued carpets, everything feels as it should do.

Pierre Gagnaire’s intricate menu has to be seen – or tasted, anyway – to be believed. A vast array of flavours and textures, it’s sure to make an impression.

The alwaysimpressive InterCon (Reflets has its own private elevator), in the slowly but surely growing social hub that is Festival City.

This much effort has to come at a price: it's Dhs1,000 plus for dinner. But the taster menus are Dhs550, and the business lunch is Dhs180.

Gagnaire’s a genius, the service is excellent, and despite the price, Reflets is faultless.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 7011128. www. ichotelsgroup. com

Probably the busiest restaurant at the wrong end of town, it’s laid-back, warm and as inviting as they come.

The vaulted ceiling and the open kitchen make Traiteur one of the most memorable restaurants in town.

There are some very fine dishes indeed on chef Franck Detrait’s menu. Try the new sea bass with asparagus, green peas and glazed morels.

We love the Park Hyatt. Take a seat outside and enjoy the tunes wafting over from The Terrace bar.

The degustation menu is Dhs375 for four courses and coffee. For a la carte you’re talking around Dhs650 for two.

With Rive Gauche gone, there are no brasseries left to compete with Traiteur.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. www.dubai. park.hyatt.com

There’s a live Argentinean band every evening aside from Sunday, when there’s tango. Book ahead.

Warm and inviting with an outdoor terrace offering a Burj view and a whole goat roasting away inside.

We’re talking meat. Try the new lamb rack or slow-cooked veal brisket.

Downtown Burj Khalifa, and the view of the tallest building in the world is a good one.

Around Dhs700 for two.

Book a table for Sunday night. Every restaurant in town should have tango.

The Palace – The Old Town, Downtown Dubai, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 4287888. www. theaddress.com

Extremely relaxed, with acoustic music on the terrace in the evenings.

Lovely, but take a seat on the terrace with views of the polo field and Burj Khalifa in the background.

You can see what we thought of chef Kevin Little’s newest creations in Eating Out (p44).

Miles from the Marina end of town, but an escape from the hubbub of the city.

Around Dhs700 for two.

It’s definitely worth the journey if you’re feeling the stresses and strains of city life.

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3238888. www. desertpalm. peraquum.com

112 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

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Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Corniche Road, P.O.Box 640, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Phone (971) (2) 677 33 33 Fax: (971) (2) 672 51 49

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES

OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH

The Talk

1 Traiteur

2 Zuma

3 Al Qasr

4

ATMOSPHERE

FOOD

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

Traiteur has the cool, European chic down, with a live jazz band and open kitchen.

French brasserie classics from the talented kitchen team headed up by chef Franck Detrait.

You can still enjoy an outside table this month – but only just.

Alternatively, go all out and book the private dining.

Enjoying a long European lunch without forking out for a flight.

Up to you – Dhs375 sans booze, Dhs450 with wine and beer, Dhs595 with bubbly and Dhs1,998 with a limo pick up.

Traiteur, our new favourite brunch.

Felicitations!

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. www. dubai.park. hyatt.com

The focus is on the food at Zuma, so although it’s always oversubscribed, it’s never boisterous.

Fresh sushi and sashimi and a wide array of dishes from the constantly updated and always intelligent regular menu.

DIFC – nice and central.

Putting on a nice dress or your favourite shirt and enjoying life in Dubai.

Kitsu (no alcohol) Dhs315, Kowaku Dhs425 (with alcohol) and Kyasha (with champers) Dhs550.

Brunches always benefit from staying specialised.

Best Japanese in Dubai.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4255660. www. zumarestaurant. com

We’d wager there are more people who want to go to Al Qasr than any other brunch in Dubai. Booking is essential.

The quantity of food is astounding, with everything from steak, sushi and oxtail burger to cheese and sweets on offer.

Just across the water from all the bars at the Madinat, so plenty of postbrunch options.

People that like a lot of choice and a little exercise in between courses.

A rather expensive Dhs495.

Choicer than anywhere else in Dubai, but its vast size can make the service a tad on the slow side.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. www. jumeirah.com

The jazz guitarist and its proximity to the hotel pool keep things lively.

A sumptuous seafood selection, tandoori and pizza ovens, roast beef and Yorkshire pud and an ample dessert station.

Decamp to one of the outdoor cabanas for a post-brunch shisha.

A lot of food, a spirited atmosphere and an eminently reasonable price tag.

The Dhs350 price tag is just right, and makes The Talk one of the city’s cheaper brunches.

The Mövenpick has come to life and is garnering a lot of attention of late.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4498888. www. moevenpickhotels.com

It a popular evening brunch, but far from the raucous revelry of a daytime food and drink fest.

It’s Asian Night, so you’re talking sushi, dim sum, soup and grilled meats made to order.

An impressive spread.

Well hidden on the 18th floor of the Grand Millennium.

Adjourn to the adjoining bar for post-dinner drinks.

A big dinner with lots of your close friends.

Dhs195.

Pop into the adjoining bar for drinks after the clock has struck 10pm.

Grand Millennium Dubai, Tecom, Al Barsha, Dubai, 7pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4299999. www. millenniumhotels. com

The Talk

5 Toshi

Traiteur

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MAY 2011 WHAT’S ON 115

HOT ON THE HErkEHLyaS tt Dubai

BRUNCHES

hen, Pa ne PLaza 11 Thai Kitc er Café, Crow h Hotel Be n ia lg ac 12 Be Be h ra ei Jum 13 Latitude, ien Dubai se Le Mérid 14 Warehou ious, The Westin 15 Bubbalic

12 BELGIAN BEER CAFÉ For just Dhs199 you can order off the a la carte menu, help yourself to a buffet of cold dishes, cheeses and breads and order as much wine and beer as you like. It’s essentially a big pub lunch, and we love it for just that very reason.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 7011128

Anise

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON FOOD SAYS...

Belgian Beer Café

INFOLOCATION

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6

A live band and many busy food stations, but nothing too outrageous.

Live cooking stations serving up Peking duck, pizzas, barbecued cuts, curries and more.

Stepon to the small terrace for alfresco drinkies and the BBQ station.

Those who like live music with the brunch.

Dhs395 with alcohol, Dhs295 without.

Check out the cheese room.

Anise, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 7011111. www. ichotelsgroup. com

7

It’s a laid-back and casual, as a BBQ should be – not pretentious at all.

Endless platters of barbecued meat transported to your table by friendly, talkative waiters.

Barasti is close by, which is ideal for postbrunch shisha and drinks.

Alternatively, escape the heat downstairs at The Underground.

Meet lovers, obviously, but also those looking for a relaxed vibe.

A bargain at Dhs295 with alcohol or Dhs225 without.

South Africans certainly know how to grill meat, we’ll give them that.

The Grand Grill Steakhouse, Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Lobby level, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3994221. www. thegrandgrill.com

8

Understated and tasteful, just like you’d expect from Mr Armani.

Excellent sushi, various noodlebased dishes and a la carte meats delivered to the table on a charcoal BBQ.

Burj Khalifa.

Can't beat that, can you.

A cool brunch in sleek surrounds.

Dhs290 with soft drinks, Dhs380 with house beverages.

Dhs585 with spirits and half a bottle of Bollinger.

Don’t miss the well-made cocktails.

Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, noon to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 8883444. www.dubai. armanihotels. com

You will spend most of the time lying down or frolicking in the pool, but the live mariachi band provides a steady rhythm.

Platters of grilled meat and fish from the team at celeb chef Richard Sandoval’s Maya between 1pm and 4pm on the Maya terrace.

It will be pretty hot this month, but a dip in the pool or the sea should cool you down.

A day by the pool with lots of lovely Mexican grub.

Dhs300 for pool and beach access from 10am to 6pm, plus lunch and a 30 per cent drinks discount between 5pm and 7pm.

Remember, the price doesn’t include drinks.

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Fri and Sat 10am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3165550. www. leroyalmeridiendubai.com

It’s like a mini Al Qasr – popular, but not crowded.

Champagne, steak, seafood, sushi – all the usual suspects.

Request a table outside by the water to make the most of the experience.

Those occasions when you can’t handle Al Qasr, but want to enjoy the perk of the Madinat location.

Dhs425.

A good choice if you have family visiting.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3668888. www. jumeirah.com

Anise

The Grand Grill

Armani/Hashi

9 Maya

10 Mina A'Salam

116 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

Make Time Today Indulge in an Express Pamper Treatment At Zen the spa at Rotana, we know how hectic your schedule is and this month, we are dedicated to making you feel special and totally pampered with our Express Treatments.

All you need is 30 minutes to feel completely relaxed and ready to deal with your busy day or come to us when your day is over and we’ll set you up for the evening ahead.

Be good to yourself. You’ll emerge feeling fantastic and energised. You deserve it!

Express Spa Treatments for May 30 min Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage - Relaxing and energising 30 min Face & Scalp Massage - Perfect for a good night’s sleep 30 min Mini Facial - A booster for your skin

For reservations or more information, please visit www.rotanatimes.com

THE HOT LIST SPAS

THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE

SensAsia Urban Spa

THERAPISTS

1

One&Only Spa

2 3 4

Talise Spa

5

The Spa

THE SPA

PRICE

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Truly the best therapists we’ve ever been tended by in Dubai.

Utterly expert, very friendly and skilled beyond belief.

Packed with ESPA treatments and products, the menu addresses every possible concern and then some.

Expect lots of wood, terracotta and gorgeous fabrics. Gorgeous.

The hotel can now be reached by boat from the original One&Only hotel.

Not as expensive as they could probably demand (shush) with a 25minute body scrub for Dhs215 and one-hour massage costing Dhs490.

Thumbs up.

This is the ultimate day spa destination.

We love it, and think you will too.

One&Only The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 4401010. www.thepalm. oneandonlyresorts. com

Pleasant and efficient. What more can you ask for?

Grouped by theme, there’s an emphasis on rituals and packages that include pool and health club access.

And the pool is a knock-out.

Stunning.

Particularly good for couples, with private outdoor showers and VIP suites.

There are monthly offers that take the sting out of the steep prices – but the quality of products, spa and therapists more than justify them.

The poolside cuisine is pretty special, with the barbecue chicken a particular favourite.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 6021234. www.dubai.park. hyatt.com

Quiet, kind and with a firm hand when necessary, SensAsia’s staff are trained to the highest standards.

Innovative and imaginative, you’ll find treatments you never knew you needed. Check out the new golfspecific massages, that even use Callaway golf balls.

Asian chic with splashes of jewel tones; the cosy rooms are a true retreat. And the dressing gowns are the best in town.

Choose wisely and you’ll get an hourlong massage for Dhs310, and they’ll often do monthly discounts. Worth a visit for the ginger tea alone.

You must visit the new outpost at Emirates Golf Club. Just lovely.

The Beach Club, Al Nafura, Shoreline Apartments, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4227115. www.sensasiaspas. com

There’s a mix of nationalities and specialities, from massage therapists to a GP. This spa is packed with experts.

Talise sets itself apart with its naturopath, life coaching and medical testing, in addition to the large spa menu.

The treatment rooms are linked by leafy outdoor pathways, with an outdoor pool tucked away for those day-long spa sessions.

Various, but the 80-minute Royal Hammam is a fair Dhs450.

Ask them about the Talise detox minibreak at Bab Al Shams desert resort. Superb.

Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 3666818. www.jumeirah.com/ talise

Modern zen awaits at this vast spa, with experienced therapists on hand to guide you from reception to relaxation.

There are separate menus for ladies and gents. Particularly recommended is the Jet Lag treatment.

You’d never expect this shrine to de-stressing to be mere minutes from The Dubai Mall.

It’s pricey, but worth it for the quality of treatments and snooze you’ll enjoy.

Quiet and luxurious, with quality added extras, this spa is a true sanctuary.

The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4388888. www.theaddress.com

Amara Spa

SensAsia Urban Spa

MENU

The Spa

MAY 2011 OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’SON ON 119 119

HOT ON S ch THE Ha,EThEe LMon ar

Sp 11 Mandara Spa, One&Only y 12 One&Onl Mirage Royal l, rContinenta City 13 Spa Inte Festival ai ub D l ta en InterContin a & Fitness, Atlantis 14 ShuiQi Sp Grand Spa, 15 The Dubai Grand Hyatt

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THERAPISTS

6

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11 MANDARA SPA Monarch hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road Situated in the busy Monarch hotel, this spa is a world away from the business and conferences happening nearby. There’s a health club and pool, but the best reason to go is the lunch deal; occasionally they’ll team up with a neighbouring restaurant like Okku to offer a midweek meal and massage deal, usually a bargain at around Dhs350.

Mandara Spa

THE SPA

PRICE

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An international mix of staff.

We had a knot-busting South African.

Impressive.

There’s no treatment menu as such, just book a time slot (from 90 minutes to a full day) and the therapist decides.

As stylish as you’d expect from Giorgio. It’s a sleek space with dark greys and clean lines. Very masculine indeed.

Not as bad as you fear, with 90 minutes costing Dhs650, up to Dhs2,500 for a full day.

The unique ‘decide for you’ approach is great for spa newbies.

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Old Town, Dubai, 9am to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 8883888. www.dubai. armanihotels.com

Male and female therapists are available with extensive knowledge.

They’re happy to answer questions, or just let you nod off.

The menu invites you to ‘drop your robe, cares and guard’. Cheeky.

There are Anne Semonin and Eve Lom treatments, plus everything from ear candling to sculpting rituals.

Shared steam and sauna facilities make it an ideal destination for couples. We especially like the clever two-way windows so you can look out over the polo fields.

Mid-range, with a 60-minute Anne Semonin massage for Dhs450 and an hour of reflexology for Dhs395.

We thoroughly recommend a massage then steak at the all-new Rare restaurant.

Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, after International City, Dubai, 9am to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 3238888. www.desertpalm.ae

8

The female therapists at this ladies-only spa undergo two years of training and the results are impressive.

Each month brings new treatments and discounts. You’ll find everything from blow-dries to luxury rituals, all with a Thai flavour.

Hidden away in an Al Wasl villa, the spa is a cosy escape with a lovely garden for yoga.

Well priced at around Dhs350 for an hour-long massage. Keep an eye out for special offers, too.

The spa offers a pick up and drop off service, in a luxury car. A fab way to end a treatment.

1074 Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Jumeira, Dubai, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3489679. www. thaiprivilegespadubai. com

9

Expert, unassuming and happy to talk you through what they’re doing and why. Excellent.

Not a huge selection, but everything you could want from rituals to tanning.

An unexpected sanctuary in the depths of Emirates Towers. Previously H2O male spa, it has opened its doors to the ladies.

Definitely on the more expensive side, which is no surprise given the hotel and neighbourhood it’s in.

The spa at Banyan Tree is split in two; The Rainforest hydrotherapy area and the treatment rooms.

The staff are fab throughout.

There is an Asianinspired menu, but we vote going for The Rainforest where you journey through various saunas and steamrooms.

It’s gigantic and utterly decadent, Well worth the drive to Ras Al Khaimah.

If you’re not a guest at the hotel, an hour in The Rainforest is Dhs77.

Treatments are on the expensive side, but high quality.

Armani/Spa

7

Lime Spa

Thai Privilege Spa

Talise Spa at Emirates Towers

10

Banyan Tree Al Wadi

120 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

' A lunchtime

massage is the perfect pick-me-up for stressed execs.

Make a day of it with lunch or dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 9am to 11pm.

Tel: (04) 3198181. www.jumeirah.com

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (07) 2067777. www. banyantree.com

BACKCHAT WITH CATBOY

Downsizing dilemmas for our man on the radio As you may recall, I’ve been looking for a new villa, and I’ve recently found one – a smaller one. This has left me with a dilemma. I was downsizing. Big time. I was probably losing half the rooms I’d been living in, ergo; I needed to offload a heck of a lot of stuff. Some of it junk, some of it unused, and a lot of it expensive.

Of course, I’ve been here before. When I left England to move to Dubai I sold the contents of my house on eBay. I became quite proficient at it – a regular little wheeler-dealer. Every day I’d tootle down to the village post office, my SmartCar packed with parcels destined for all over the world.

Sadly, due to Dubai’s, ahem, ‘postal inadequacies’, eBay was out of the question, so I had to find alternative methods of hawking. My first stop was Dubizzle. I remember when this site first started. For a while there was a two horse race between Dubizzle and Dubai Donkey (which subsequently seems to have been sent to the internet glue factory). Dubizzle, on the other hand, has gone from strength to strength and is now as much a part of the fabric of Dubai as the 7Days letters page, Spinneys notice boards and not us-

ing indicators. If you’re looking for a deal, or you need to shift excess junk, Dubizzle is great.

Obviously, it has its downsides or I wouldn’t be writing about it in my monthly whinge-fest.

You’ve got to do your research. Go slightly too high with your asking price and you’ll get very few views on your ads and even fewer calls.

Undervalue your item and your phone will melt from the number of calls. Yesterday, I advertised a double bed and mattress for next to nothing.

Within four hours I’d talked to around 120 people… Much like my radio show (on a good day).

What I wasn’t prepared for is the intrusion into my personal life. It seems people aren’t willing to get together and decide on a good time to come before buying my stuff – they actually want to come at their convenience. What a nerve! If that wasn’t enough, there’s the small talk, the lifting to the car, the haggling…

That said, when it comes to haggling, Dubizzlers have nothing on the baying mobs at Dubai Flea Market. I did one of the Safa Park markets when it first started and there were but a few tables. A lovely, relaxing morning, sipping coffee, idly chatting to passers-by and making plenty of dirhams.

Now, two years later, I stood at 5.30am at Gate 5, huddled amongst hundreds, possibly

NEXT MONTH: FOUR WEEKS TO FITNESS, COFFEES TESTED, SPEEDY LUNCHES AND MORE 122 WHAT’S ON MAY 2011

thousands, of people with mountains of boxes. It was like going to a football match. Inside I could barely get my table set up before hands were grabbing at my precious wares. It was like that for the first three hours. The organisers should put a disclaimer on the entry form for people with heart conditions. I’ve never felt so stressed.

It’s worth noting that nothing ever sells for the asking price, and 80 per cent of my morning was spent haggling. I have to give a special mention to the labourer, still in his overalls, who picked up my Suunto diving watch and asked me, “how much?”

I told him it cost over Dhs4,000, had been used on eight dives and was as good as new. He weighed-up this information, looked the watch over and fixed me with a serious stare.

“I’ll give you Dhs5.”

My reaction? Well, all I’ll say is keep your eyes open for a skinny lad in beige overalls with a massive black and white contraption strapped to his wrist. He may be asking you for the time, as the watch doesn’t actually activate until he is a couple of metres underwater. If he’d paid me Dhs10, I would’ve mentioned that.

Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs, 6am to 10am, Dubai 92. www.dubai92.com

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