What's On | Abu Dhabi | November 2010

DHS 10 NOVEMBER 2010 ISSUE 391

UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000

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IPN DEO I W V I A A FL

ER LY CAM’S SUPP R YEA STER ● A F MON Y O NERG E NKS DRI ●

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FANCY A CURRY? HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE BEST

B IN U S A D ID R H E T A B

YOUR GUIDE TO THE BIG RACE AND YASALAM

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THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2010

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For those with taste

With Ember’s chic seasonal menu, it’s easy to stay on trend. Located in the heart of Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall, Ember creates a stunning new culinary collection every season.

Dinner is served daily from 6.30pm to 11.30pm and lunch, Thursday through Saturday, from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. Closed on Sunday.

For reservations call +971 4 438 8999 or e-mail dine.dubaimall@theaddress.com

On trend, every season

Contents Features 17 Life's a beach We go in search of Abu Dhabi's best beach clubs 23 Abu Dhabi Art The capital’s most exciting art extravaganza 27 7s heaven Everything you need to know about this year’s Rugby Sevens 31 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2010 As the Grand Prix roars into town, we give you the low-down on the big event

34 Pit stop parties Kanye West, Linkin Park and Prince are just three of the artists set to rock the F1's Yasalam stage 40 Curry collection We prepared our palates and overdosed on the spicy stuff to give you our verdict on Abu Dhabi's best curries

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The round-up 67 Art Beautiful People in Bastakiya, going green in Al Quoz and five to see this month

91 Music & clubs Band of the month Juliana Down and what's happening in clubland

74 Shopping Pay attention men, Sophia says you ARE judged by your shoes, plus our essential beach reads

97 Travel Going long haul in Catalonia, relaxation, Sri Lankan style, explorer Adrian Hayes’ top tips and November's best deals

77 Mind & body Jet lag treatments, haircuts, LPG magic and a trip to Jasmine Spa

p47

85 Sport & outdoor Our running mission continues, plus Mr Fitness tackles your health questions

111 Hot list Abu Dhabi’s top bars, restaurants, brunches and spas 130 Backchat Our man Gareth on the rise of the celebrity restaurant

14 Salaam What's what in Abu Dhabi in November 44 Films Our verdict on George Clooney's starring role in The American, plus Burke & Hare, Saw 3D and more 47 Eating out La Petite Maison, cooking with Vineet Bhatia, seafood at Emirates Palace and The Critic on why fresh is best 65 Competitions Get your hands on prizes including brunches, dinners and energy drinks. For more, see pages 72, 94 and 128

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PROJECT MK-8111 UAE WHAT’S ON MAG (SPREAD)

ISSUE/POST DATE NOV 10

10/25/10 2:09 PM

Simply spend Dhs 200 in any of our outlets until 20th November and you could win one of seven prizes of Dhs 50,000 each. Enjoy the two-month extravaganza at Dubai Marina Mall.

It’s the place to hang out for fashion, fun, festivities and fantastic prizes.

MALL TIMINGS: Saturday to Wednesday: 10am – 10pm. Thursday and Friday: 10am – midnight.

For more details contact Guest Services on 04 – 436 1020

f fun for kids …" so "… Lot

"… Shop & Win …"

HANG OUT FOR THE FUN OF IT

every one

…"

nto a holiday mood …" i t e G "…

"… Entertainment for

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 Editor Mark Evans | marke@motivate.ae Deputy Editor Helen Spearman | helen@motivate.ae Features Editor Gareth Rees | gareth@motivate.ae Chief Sub Editor Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae Senior Designer Sheila Lyn Carino | sheila@motivate.ae Editorial Assistant/Picture Researcher Karen Sequeira | karen@motivate.ae Picture Researcher - Gulfpics Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae Contributors Naveed Ahmed, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Stef Burgon, Vikram Gawde, Robbie Greenfield, James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Russell Kempson, Richard Luck, Farooq Salik, Simon Smedley, Sophia Triantafillou, Tom Watterson, Adam Workman General Manager Production and Circulation S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae Production Manager Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae Production Controller Murali Krishnan | muralik@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)

Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436, E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

Karting with Juliana Down, p91

Rubbing shoulders with Gordon Ramsay, p55

Testing curries, p40

Editor’s note 'If you’ve got it, flaunt it' is certainly the mantra we’ve grown used to here in Abu Dhabi, and none more so than this month, with the visit of the multi-million dollar spectacular that is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Talk about a big show – there can be few sports that come close to spending the sort of money your average F1 outfit screams through, with some teams splurging an estimated US$400 million a year. Crazy money.

But costs be damned; the circus is in town and we’re here to enjoy it. Not wanting to take anything away from the race itself, which I’m sure will be very exciting (and let’s face it, with those sorts of figures being spent, it should be) but it’s the concerts that go along with it that have us all revved up. With no less than Prince, Linkin Park and Kanye West fronting the bill (none of who would have come in on the cheap side themselves, I’m sure), it’s a line up to whet the appetite of even the most ardent of gig-goers.

Excited? Us? We’ve been trying to guess the line-up for pretty much most of the year (and had it right at one stage, apparently, only for organisers Flash to change it after word got out on Paul McCartney’s planned visit), and come race weekend we’ll be camped out at Yas Island for the duration. If it’s anything like last year, which seemed to go off without a hitch from where I was standing, then it looks like we’re in for another great show.

I’m just glad I’m not footing the bill.

Enjoy the issue.

London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

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We're officially part of the Twitterati.

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

Salaam!

Petite November

What’s hot Espa We’ve been waiting for the opening of The Yas Hotel’s spa for some time and now it’s finally open we’ve made a booking and should have a verdict for you soon.

We’re expecting great things.

The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6560600. www. theyashotel.com What’s your pin?

We don’t know how, we don’t know why – we just know that someone, somewhere sorted it all out and that the proposed Blackberry ban is now off.

BBM to your heart’s content. Ping!

Gawd bless ‘er Britain’s head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, hits the capital this month with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh for a two-day visit. It’s the second visit to the UAE for the monarch, who’ll be in the Emirates November 24 and 25, before going onto Oman. Flags at the ready.

What’s not

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

Electricity rates As if it wasn’t expensive enough already to live in the capital, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea) has announced that electricity and water rates are set to rise. The rate hike is all in the name of the environment, though, with the higher prices aimed at reducing consumption. Just remember to turn the aircon off when you leave the house.

Cost of living Experts are claiming that the UAE is going to get even more expensive because the dirham is pegged to the slumping dollar and a global currency war is taking place. In layman’s terms. Prices could rise.

Guess list What was that? You heard what?

70%

JEAN RENO The French star of Leon appears in The Philosopher, a short film by Fujairah director Abdulla AlKaabi’s that is set to show at DIFF (December 12 to 19), and rumour has it Reno will be front and centre at the festival.

50%

ALAIN DUCASSE This one came from a star source. Cough, Gordon, cough, Ramsay, cough, splutter.

The French-born chef has 27 restaurants around the world, including the three Michelin star Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London, so we wouldn’t be surprised if Gordon was right.

15%

SKYPE TO BE UNBLOCKED This is another one of those constant will

it or won’t its that does the rounds every couple of months, but one of our most reliable tech informants thinks there may be something in it this time. And after all, the Skype’s the limit (excuse us).

10%

REMM ACRA Lebanese designer Remm Acra is set to open a boutique in Beirut this month, which will be her first outside of New York City.

Next logical step? We're hearing it's the UAE.

This month we’re going to…

DIVAZ Having attended the lavish opening of Divaz, the new floating venue at Jebel Ali Golf Resort, we know it’s a splendid setting for a party. The vessel can accommodate 200 revellers and whether you opt to sail off into the waters of the Arabian Gulf or stay anchored in the hotel’s private marina, you’re sure to rock the boat. We soon found our sea legs, that’s for sure. Anchors away, aye-aye, captain and shiver me timbers.

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Jebel Ali, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 8145108. www.jebelali-international.com

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Five Questions… Beverley Knight British soul singer Beverley Knight has risen from the British underground scene in the mid-1990s to become an R&B institution, scoring an MBE along the way. She plays the Chequered Flag Ball this month

BOOK IT NOW

YAS ISLAND SHOW WEEKENDS As if the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wasn’t enough, Yas Island Show Weekends will see the capital host the Jonas Brothers, Nelly Furtado and Guns N’ Roses…

What’s in store for us at the ball?

I’ll be doing a few songs, about 30 minutes or so. There’ll be a collection of old and new – mostly old, so people are familiar with the music. And we’ll be keeping it quite upbeat as well – after all, it is a celebration. I’m hoping to loosen everyone up a bit. When you go to formal occasions the tendency is to feel you have to be quite stiff in your approach. When I hit the stage it will be all about having a good time.

Are you a fan of Formula One? Yeah, I’m a big racing fan. I’ve been to Silverstone in the UK more times than I can mention to see the Grand Prix and I’ve been to Monaco as well, which was fantastic. I always try and catch it on TV, but neither Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button are doing fantastically well, which I’m quite gutted about. Back home I drive an Audi S5 convertible with a V6 turbo charged engine.

Oh, nice. You won British quiz show Celebrity Mastermind answering question on fellow Grand Prix performer Prince.

Are you pals?

Prince and I have worked together and I’ve had the privilege of singing with him on stage a few times. He very kindly flew

me to his rental home for the 2008 Oscars and got me on stage on the night to sing with him. As a lifelong Prince fan, that was unbelievable. It still remains the greatest experience of my life.

Prince isn’t the only royalty you’ve hung out with though, is he?

No. I did get to meet the Queen. She’s ever so cute. Very little. I got on with her as well as anyone can get on with the Queen. She speaks to you, you don’t speak to her and she didn’t know much about my music or me. Very sweet natured, but one firm handshake. She doesn’t take any nonsense.

What’s happening after the ball for you?

I’ll be recording a new album this month, which is a tribute to British Soul. So look out for that.

Nov 12, Chequered Flag Ball, InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (04) 4456842. www. chequeredflagball.com

AMBER LOUNGE You’ll do well to bag one of the few remaining tickets, either for the opening Friday night or the closing Sunday evening, but if you do, expect to be in amongst the stars. Aerosmith's Steve Tyler and Hollywood actress Neve Campbell graced the lounge in 2009. We expect to see more stars this year.

If we can get in.

Nov 12 and 14, Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Dhs76,000 for a table of eight. www.amber-lounge.com

RSTW CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION Fancy spending a cultural afternoon ogling some artworks? Of course you do, and it just so happens that Manarat Al Saadiyat is currently displaying works from celebrated New York art collector Larry Gagosian. You can take in works by Rauschenberg, Ruscha, Serra, Twombly, Warhol and Wood while nodding appreciatively and making intelligent noises.

Until Jan 24, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 8pm, free. Tel: (02) 4061400. www. saadiyat.ae

JONAS BROTHERS

…

Nov 18 The teen-pop sensation that is the Jonas Brothers has sold more than eight million records, so they’re clearly doing something right.

Catch Kevin, Joe and Nick in what’s sure to be a sell-out show.

NELLY FURTADO

Nov 26 Canadian singersongwriter Nelly Furtado headlines the second of the Yas Island weekend shows.

The Grammy Award-winning star releases her greatest hits album, Lifestyle, this month, so expect her to wow the crowd with a melody of her hits, including I’m Like A Bird, Promiscuous and Say It Right Right.

GUNS N’ ROSES

Dec 16 Now that Slash has taken his top hat and his quite considerable guitar skills elsewhere, it’s up to frontman Axl Rose to lead the line for GNR, but just how well remains to be seen. The band were heavily criticised after their recent performances at the Leeds and Reading festivals in the UK, so here’s hoping they’re on form when they arrive in the capital.

Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150, Dhs350 to Dhs450 with hotel stay. Tel: (02) 5098000 www.thinkflash.ae Find us at www.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi

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The Ultimate Al Muntaha which means ‘The Ultimate’ or ‘The Top’ in Arabic lives up to its name by offering unparalleled views of Jumeirah beach, The Palm and The World Islands while you enjoy ‘The Ultimate’ in contemporary European cuisine.

Lunch Business Lunch

12.30pm - 2.30pm 12.30pm - 2.30pm

à la carte starting from AED 150 per person starting from AED 395 per person

Friday Brunch* 10.00am - 3.00pm starting from AED 395 per person * Visit Al Muntaha for Friday Brunch at AED 525 per person between 10am – 12pm and receive a complimentary Wild Wadi voucher each valid for 6 months.

Dinner Dinner Degustation Menu

7.00pm - 12.00am 7.00pm - 12.00am

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

jumeirah.com

à la carte starting from AED 230 per person 8-course menu starting from AED 745 per person

Oh we do like to be by the seaside, at a swim-up bar and snoozing under a palm tree.

Escape the ofďŹ ce for a day of fun in the sun with the best beach clubs in Abu Dhabi

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ABU DHABI’S BEST BEACH CLUBS

Where?

Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton, Abu Dhabi Located in Al Khubeirah, to the west of Abu Dhabi city centre, Hiltonia is a great beach club if you like water sports and have an adventurous spirit. Of course, you can take it easy if you like, but there’s plenty to do if you want to use up a bit more energy than just lazing on a sun lounger.

What’s included?

Enjoy a day by the sea and by one of the three swimming pools. There’s a whirlpool, a wooden sea deck and an extra large chess set, which will keep you amused for a good few hours. For the little ones, there are waterslides and splash pools and 350m of private beach to explore. Water sports are available, including windsurfing lessons and sailing on a catamaran, and a 31ft 250HP twin engine Barracuda boat is available for charter, which can take up to five passengers. It can be hired for snorkelling trips, fishing trips, a day at Bahraini Island and Futaisi Island, including pick up and drop offs, as well as sightseeing cruises along the Corniche. There are new personal trainers at the health club, massages indoor and outdoors, facials and other treatments, as well as private swimming lessons available.

How much?

A day at the beach club is Dhs140 weekdays and Dhs175 weekends. Personal training starts from Dhs195 for members and hotel guest for an hour, and Dhs230 for non-members.

Windsurfing lessons start from Dhs160 per person, sailing on a catamaran is Dhs110 total for one hour with a group of friends, while waterskiing starts from Dhs75.

Snorkelling trips start from Dhs780, including equipment and soft drinks, fishing trips start from Dhs750 including equipment, soft drinks and water, a day at Bahraini and Futaisi islands, including pick up and drops off with soft drinks, water and umbrellas, starts from Dhs830.

Sightseeing cruises along the Corniche start from Dhs250 for a 30-minute cruise to Dhs815 for a two-hour cruise around Abu Dhabi. A one-hour Thai massage is Dhs380 per person, while a 90-minute massage is Dhs450.

Details Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6924993. www.hilton.abudhabi.com

Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton

Where?

Beach Rotana Hotel Despite being close to the Abu Dhabi Mall, the Beach Rotana is a world a way from the hustle and bustle of city life. Give the weekly shopping trip a miss and hit the chilled-out Bay View beach club instead.

What’s included?

Open from 8.30am to 10.00pm, the beach club offers towels and umbrellas for guests.

The Bay View Restaurant serves light snacks (sandwiches, steaks, burgers, grills), as well as a range of healthy salad options, plus soups and baguettes served poolside and at the beach. Activities include waterskiing, pedallos, canoes, banana ride and tube ride, windsurfing, boat trips, laser dinghy, knee boarding and wake boarding.

How much?

Through the week it costs Dhs150 per person and Dhs230 for couples, or Dhs70 for children aged five to 17 and free for under-fives. At weekends it’s priced at Dhs210 per person or Dhs310 for couples. Dhs70 for children aged five to 17, free for under-fives.

Details Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana.com

Where?

Bayshore Beach, InterContinental, Abu Dhabi Located at Al Khubeirah, Bayshore Beach is aimed at the cooler crowd, with a chill out lounge, beanbags and a DJ soundtracking the day.

What’s included?

With close to 300m of private white, sandy beaches, the Bayshore boasts its own marina, not to mention the excellent Fishmarket restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner. Fridays see the recently launched chill out lounge open its doors, with beats supplied courtesy of DJ Rabih, and comfy beanbags as far as the eye can see. Open from 2pm to 8pm, towels, umbrellas and even a couple of sun loungers provided with the entry fee.

How much?

Entrance fee is Dhs75 per person. Entry is free for Friday brunch and lunch diners at Selections, Boccaccio, The Yacht Club and Chamas.

Details Bayshore Beach, InterContinental Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6666888. www.intercontinentalabudhabi.com

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ABU DHABI’S BEST BEACH CLUBS Beach Rotana

Where?

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Where?

Al Raha Beach Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi

Located in Bain Al Jessrain, close to the Mussafah Bridge, the Shangri-La’s beach club is everything you’d expect from the big name brand.

What’s included?

The Shangri-La has a focus on long-term membership, but regular pricing and packages are available for day entrance, which includes towels, a sunbed, umbrellas, a complimentary water bottle and cold face towels. Guests can have lunch at the outdoor pool bar or feast on Sofra’s international buffet. Chinese cuisine is also available at Shang Palace.

How much?

Day rate is Dhs250, Dhs125 for children under the age of 16, and entrance for children under the age of three is free.

Details Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5098632. www.shangri-la.com

Lush green lawns, a pristine beach and temperature controlled pool await at this fivestar hotel in Al Raha.

What’s included?

You’ll get access to the pool, beach, sauna and steam room, plus towels, sun loungers and umbrellas. The hotel often does special deals, so ring ahead to check if there’s an offer available.

How much?

Pay Dhs130 during weekdays or Dhs160 at weekends.

Details: Al Raha Beach Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Tel: (02) 5080555. www.danathotels.com

Where?

The Club, Mina Sadiyat, Abu Dhabi On the other side of Saadiyat Bridge from Saadiyat Island, The Club is the original Abu Dhabi beach club. If you are heading there by taxi, you should ask for The British Club, the name the venue is more commonly known by. It’s a private club and access is restricted to members and their guests. The Club was established in 1962 and was the first of its kind in the UAE. It is still run on a not-forprofit basis.

What’s included?

You won’t run out of things to do here. There are two gently sloping beaches, extending for 250m, one of which is for adults only.

Towels and umbrellas are provided. There is also a 25m swimming pool and two walk-in children’s pools, 11 food and beverage outlets, 10,000sqft state-of-the-art health complex including gym, two squash courts, four tennis courts, one volleyball court and one indoor badminton court. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a library, kayaking, a climbing wall, children’s fun zone, sailing club, dive club, amateur dramatics and snooker, as well as dry cleaners, a hair and nail salon and beauty treatments.

How much?

The cost of individual membership is currently Dhs6,375 per adult for the first year, reducing to Dhs2,875 in the second year and beyond.

For children aged four to 17, the cost is Dhs2,075 for the first year, reducing to Dhs925 in the second year and onwards, while for children up to the age of three, year one costs Dhs675, reducing to Dhs375 for the second year and beyond.

Details: The Club, Mina Sadiyat, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6731111. www.the-club.com

Hatta (Chlorinated) Pools Hatta Fort Hotel might not have a beach, but the stunning views of the mountains and a bargain pool day deal might steal you away from the sands. From Saturday to Thursday, pool access costs Dhs50 (or Dhs30 for children), while the weekends will set you back Dhs90 and Dhs50 for junior sun seekers. Included in the price are umbrellas, lockers, changing room access, cold towels, fruit, children’s games and use of the two temperature controlled pools from 9am to 6pm.

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ABU DHABI’S BEST BEACH CLUBS

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

Where?

Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi At the eastern end of the Corniche, the Sheraton is a good choice if you want somewhere to chill out, especially as they currently have a special offer on that includes a relaxing massage.

What’s included?

The Relaxing Saturday Package runs all of this month, and features a 50-minute tension release oil massage, as well as entry to the resort, access to the three pools, the gym, sauna and Jacuzzi. Lunch is not included in the package, but guests can order food by the pool from a selection of warm and cold dishes, or at Il Paradiso Seafood restaurant by the lagoon.

How much?

A cheeky Dhs199.

Details: Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort. Tel: (02) 6970257. www.sheraton.com/abudhabi

Where?

Traders, Abu Dhabi

Cove Rotana

A classic beach club choice if you want your day to include a swim and a bit of a work out, followed by some poolside relaxation. Traders is part of the Shangri-La group, so you can expect high standards.

What’s included?

Traders offers good quality beach club fare, with passes available for its swimming pool, gym and beach. You can choose your combination, so if you don’t fancy the gym, no problem. Packages available include swimming pool day pass only, gym day pass, swimming pool and gym day pass, and a swimming pool, gym and beach pass.

Sunbeds, towels and umbrellas are included.

How much?

The swimming pool day pass is Dhs65, the gym day pass is Dhs65, the swimming pool and gym day pass combination is Dhs100 and the full swimming pool, gym and beach pass will set you back Dhs125.

Details: Traders, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5108888. www.tradershotel.com

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ABU DHABI’S BEST BEACH CLUBS

FURTHER AFIELD Where?

Le MÉridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah A must-do mini-break, this hotel’s pool is either a tranquil retreat or party zone, depending on the day. Live music, giant frozen cocktails, a swim-up bar, day trips and cracking poolside cuisine create a day-long staycation to remember.

What’s included?

The hotel’s Day Out package gives you access to the huge pool and lengthy beach, plus loungers and towels. On Fridays you’ll also get a buffet lunch. Adults can get involved in free activities including water volleyball, beach volleyball, and aqua aerobics, while children are welcome at the Penguin Club, where they can try pizza making, T-shirt painting and visit the mini zoo to see the rabbits. Water sports are also available at additional costs, with a full-day Discover Scuba course priced at Dhs550, boat trips to Musandam for Dhs300 and snorkelling session for Dhs150.

How much?

Dhs100 on weekdays and Dhs50 for children aged six to 12. Under sixes get free pool and beach access but will be charged Dhs50 for the Penguin Club. On Fridays you can pay Dhs199 for pool access and buffet lunch.

Bargain.

Details: Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah.

Tel: (09) 2449000. www.starwoodhotels.com

Danat Resort, Jebel Dhanna

you’ll have to get there early for sunbeds and umbrellas. Water sports are available at extra cost and there are a number of dining options from beach bars to Basilico, a rather smart Italian with a lovely terrace.

How much?

Beach Day pass is Dhs150 at weekends or Dhs100 during the week, while Swim & Dine costs Dhs220 at weekends, Dhs175 on weekdays and Dhs100 for under-12s.

Details The Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah.

Tel: (07) 2066000. www.rotana.com

Where?

Danat Resort, Jebel Dhanna, Ruwais

It’s a drive – in fact, it’s a good two hours 30 minutes drive from the west of Abu Dhabi city, but worth the trek for a different day out.

What’s included?

Where?

The Beach Getaway offer for two people includes The Cove Rotana, a 20-minute massage by the beach, water tube Ras Al Khaimah ride for two and use of the pool, beach, gym, It’s a village-style resort built into a hillside tennis and squash courts, steam and sauna and a overlooking the sea, with villa accommodation kids play area. The Tide restaurant offers all-day boasting private pools. It’s well worth a stay, but dining with an international buffet, C-View is a is only two hour’s from Abu Dhabi and offers a lobby coffee lounge and Waves pool and beach quiet day in the sun if that’s all you’re after. bar serves cocktails, juices and snacks by the What’s included? pool and beach.

There are two packages. The Beach Day pass How much? gets you access to the 600m beach and two The Beach Getaway for two people is available infinity pools, a voucher (for Dhs50 at weekends at Dhs400. The cost for children between the or Dhs30 on weekdays) to spend on massage ages of five and 12 is Dhs50, while up to two treatments or food and drink at the resort. The children below the age of five can use the other option is the Swim & Dine offer, which resort facilities for free. includes a huge lunch buffet at international Details restaurant Cinnamon, then all-day use of the Dannat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) pools and beach. Towels are included, but 8012333. www.danahotels.com NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 21

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Shangrila_iKandy_(?206mm x 270mmPage 1

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Season open.

Game on.

For reservations, please call 04 405 2703.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 75880, Dubai, U.A.E.

Only at Shangri-La

abu dhabi art

ABU DHABI ART

The capital's big art fair returns to Emirates Palace this month with an ambitious programme of art, design and related events

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ABU DHABI ART

Rita Aoun-Abdo is the director of culture at TDIC, the organisors behind this year’s event

This is Abu Dhabi Art’s second year – what can visitors expect to see?

This year will see a significantly expanded programme of events.

There is more cooperation between the content of the platform and the art fair participants, combining the lectures, discussions and workshops with the art on display.

The aim is to enable visitors to

hear from the experts and then witness the art in person. Abu Dhabi Art has outreached to more collectors and visitors from across the globe.

How has the event developed since last year?

The concept of the event remains the same in terms of the holistic approach to organising a boutique-style art fair surrounded by a series of

events and programmes to create an artistic platform in line with Abu Dhabi’s cultural strategy.

However, we have further developed the link between the participating galleries in the fair and the events and programmes to integrate all elements of Abu Dhabi Art. This is important for the community and visitors as it will not only provide them with a richer experience, but will allow

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ABU DHABI ART them to learn more about the art fair world.

How important is the event to Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar?

Abu Dhabi Art is a platform for dialogue and exchange, both within the art scene and between Abu Dhabi and the world. The appetite for such an event was witnessed by lasy year's success, and by developing the programme further this year it is in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategy to become a cultural focal point for the world.

Last year saw a strong presence of international galleries, as well as a good representation from the region. Will there be a similar balance this year?

The concept of Abu Dhabi Art has not changed as we are still working on the same ideas and themes. Participants from all corners of the world will gather in Abu Dhabi, the meeting point for all cultures, communities and people. Total exhibitor count this year is 50 from 17 different countries.

Who do you hope to attend the event – is it for art buyers and enthusiasts, or is it something you hope everyone will enjoy?

The cultural institutions of Abu Dhabi will target locals, residents

and visitors from all over the world. Abu Dhabi Art is for all – buyers and enthusiasts alike.

As it is an event including a fair, exhibitions public programmes and educational workshops, it will attract art collectors but also students, artists, businessmen, tourists, curators and scholars and the general public.

How many people attended last year – do you hope to expand on that?

More than 15,000. Abu Dhabi Art 2009 exceeded expectations, with acclaimed exhibitions and talks, as well as the boutique fair that attracted the participation of 50 of the world’s most prominent and innovative galleries from 19 countries displaying a wealth of museum quality work. ADA is part of the broader vision for Abu Dhabi. For example, Saadiyat Island is expected to attract 1.5 million visitors a year once finished in 2018.

How do you see Abu Dhabi Art in contrast to Art Dubai – do you think you cater to the same audience, or are there crucial differences?

Abu Dhabi Art is not in ‘contrast’ with Art Dubai, but is completely complementary to all the artistic events happening in the UAE. Abu Dhabi Art is just one of many ‘vehicles’ to showcase the progress Abu Dhabi has made in turning vision into reality. All the cultural events and initiatives in Abu Dhabi respond to a holistic approach to translate the vision of the emirate's cultural strategy and ambitions.

November 4 to 7, Emirates Place, Abu Dhabi. www.abudhabiartfair.ae

Play Station:

A Visitor’s Guide to ADA’10 If you think visiting an art fair is just about looking at what's on display, think again – the second Abu Dhabi Art takes interactivity to a whole new level. What’s On takes a rifle through the programme Explore

Fifty exhibitors from 17 countries form the basis of this year’s fair, in which international big hitters such as Gagosian Gallery and White Cube line up alongside local leaders of the likes of The Third Line and Meem. Refusing to be kowtowed by anything so trivial as floor space, the fair will incorporate ‘Beyond’, an outdoor sculpture park that sets out to allow a platform to “contemporary artworks and projects that exceed the scope of the exhibition booths”.

Perhaps most innovative of all for 2010, however, is ‘Signature’, a dedicated space – almost like a satellite fair – that will feature solo exhibitions by emerging international artists represented by galleries from the Middle East, United Kingdom and USA. Iranian artist Reza Derakshani is What’s On’s pick of this particular crop.

Make

Abu Dhabi Art has ramped up its design programme this year.

This includes high-profile appearances by the likes of Brazilian design impresarios The Campana Brothers and exhibitions and workshops with, among others, Middle Eastern graphic design and typographic organisation the Khatt Foundation and local design mavens Traffic. What this means in practice is a lot of hands-on fun for visitors to the fair, with a daily programme of workshops (many of which are open to all and free to join). The morning printmaking and creative artwork sessions (alternate days at 11.30am), particularly, look like they’re shaping up to be a lot of fun. Although for a small fee, you could try your hand at anything from 3D modelling to woodwork.

Listen

For those who feel an art fair is as much about an exchange of ideas as it is commerce, this year’s programme of talks and discussions will not disappoint. Film screenings, book launches and panel debates about everything from Van Gogh to the relationship between the art dealer, curator and artist (testy at times is our guess) all litter the programme, with a good balance between international and Middle Eastern techniques and markets.

Shop

What’s a fair without a souvenir or three? With no coconut shy or shooting gallery to provide the goods (what do you mean it’s not that kind of fair?), Abu Dhabi Art has commissioned Artyfact – a special, pop-up retail emporium selling official limited-edition ADA’10 catalogues and related merchandise (the latter specially created by Emirati designers) alongside carefully selected books, magazines and various art and design objects. Don’t know about you, but we love it when art and commerce meet. www.abudhabiartfair.com NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 25

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RUGBY 7S

The magnificent Sevens 7...

Things that make the Sevens special 1) They only play seven minutes each way...

2) Except in the final where the halves last ten minutes.

3) During the knock-out stages, drawn matches are resolved by playing five minutes extra time.

4) All kicks at goal, including penalties and conversions, must be drop goals.

5) Players who receive yellow cards are 'sin binned' for two minutes.

6) Sides can name five substitutes, three of whom can take the field.

7) And if the game’s still undecided, the teams play five minutes of sudden death extra time – which is to say, the first team that scores wins.

ILLUSTRATIONS: LINDA COULTER

As the hot-potch fleet of vehicles cruises up the Al Ain Road, luxury coaches breezing past rickety old mini-buses and gleaming 4x4s burning off the stretch limos and taxis, it is one of the strangest migrations towards the city that Dubai ever sees.

But, then, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is no ordinary event. It is not only an annual glimpse of top-class sport at its best, but also a multicultural, multifaceted festival that brings together every class of humanity.

From the oval-ball fanatics to the oil barons; from networking banking execs to awe-struck young families; and from ladies who normally do lunch to excitable teenagers seeking a new thrill. The Sevens is just unique.

From December 2 to 4, all are welcome at the The Sevens stadium, the purpose-built arena which is likely to fill its 50,000 capacity on every day of the 72-hour extravaganza. And learning the words of the choruses of Sweet Caroline, We Will Rock You and maybe a bit of The Proclaimers is an absolute must if you want to feel at home amid the raucous masses.

Do not be afraid to improvise, either.

Brandishing inflatable Springboks is a favourite pastime for some South Africa fans.

And it might get you noticed around the world, too. The 2009-10 series was broadcast to 141 countries across six continents.

The muscle-flexing, fleet-footed players will get down to the serious business. Like those from Samoa, the reigning Sevens champions, New Zealand, the recent Commonwealth Games gold-medal winners in Delhi, and England, who always enjoy huge support.

All the spectators have to do is choose their favoured mode of transport for the journey. Book it now. Be there... or be severely square.

Dec 2 to 4, The Sevens, Al Ain Road, Dubai, Thurs free, Fri Dhs170, Sat Dhs230, season Dhs300. www.dubairugby7s.com

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RUGBY 7S

7...

Essentials for the sevens

7…

Players to watch this year

HATS MORE LIKE IT It’s bound to be boiling so cover your bonce or else the only thing you’ll have to show for your day out is a strong dose of sunstroke.

CREAM OF THE CROP And while you’re about it, take some sun block, unless you intend to get so red that you’ll have no choice but to support the Celtic countries.

THE UNSURE THING Yes, we all want to see our side win, but the nature of rugby sevens means nothing’s ever certain. Go hoping for success, not expecting it.

MIKAELE PESAMINO The Samoan try machine was one of the main reasons the Islanders claimed their first World Sevens title last season.

THE WORLD RECORD NUMBER OF TRIES SCORED

BY ARGENTINA’S SANTIAGO GOMEZ CORA

TOMASI CAMA He shares his name and his flair with his Fijian legend father. However, Cama’s carving out a major name for himself in All Black colours.

WE HAVEN’T GOT BOOS FOR YOU? Sevens is one of the last places where the Corinthian spirit still thrives so don’t ruin everything by heckling the ref/the Welsh/your mates, etc.

DJ FORBES There’s a reason New Zealand start every IRB Sevens season as favourite for the overall title: it’s because of quality players like Derek 'DJ' Forbes.

UAE FOR ME! Whoever else you’re backing, be sure to get behind the boys from the Arabian Gulf. If it wasn’t for them, the Dubai tournament might not even exist.

THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK Don’t worry: the bars won’t run out of beer. Be sure to pace yourself, otherwise you’ll be toddling home before the Plate final.

‘THE OLYMPICS OF RUGBY’ That’s how a New Guinea player once described sevens. Approach the tournament with that attitude and you’ll have a great day, regardless who wins.

LUKE MORAHAN After eons in the sevens doldrums, the Wallabies are back in the running thanks to young talents such as Robbie Coleman and Luke Morahan.

RHYS WEBB A scrum-half with pace and guile in equal measure, Webb played a pivotal role in Wales’s shock World Cup Sevens victory in Dubai in 2009.

NUMBER OF TRIES SCORED

BY SAMOA’S MIKAELE PESAMINO LAST SEASON

THE WORLD RECORD NUMBER OF POINTS SCORED BY ENGLAND’S BEN GOLLINGS

ISOA DAMU Fijian-born but playing in England’s colours, the pride of the British Army is one of the most dominating forwards in the game today.

BEN GOLLINGS Described as the 'Sachin Tendulkar of sevens' during the Delhi Commonwealth Games, you can expect the England ace to add to his world record points total.

POINTS ON OFFER TO DUBAI’S WINNING TEAM

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Whats on 206x270mm.ai

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ABU DHABI Tel: 02 6745000 AL AIN Tel: 03 7541150 DUBAI: Deira City Center Tel: 04 2953780 Radisson SAS Tel: 04 2229687, Dubai Mall Tel: 04 3399330, Emirates Mall Tel: 04 3412424

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Abu Dhabi

Grand Prix 2010 One of the world’s most glamorous sports arrives on Yas Island this month for the final race of the 2010 Formula One season.

After the success of the inaugural F1 in Abu Dhabi last year, the Yas Marina Circuit plays host to this year’s race on Sunday, November 14.

Want to know the best vantage points? Need tips on drivers? Unsure of where to go and when? Read on for your essential guide to the capital’s sporting spectacular

Watching from Yas Island There’s no need to wait until race day to get your F1 fix. This is a four-day event at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, and it starts on Thursday, November 11 with the opportunity for a pit lane walk.

You can watch the teams in action as they prepare the cars for the practice session. The F1 Village and Oasis areas will be open, but the pit lane walk is only available to three-day ticket holders.

Friday, November 12 is F1 practice day, so you’ll get a chance to see the cars on the track. You might even get lucky and bag an autograph or two. And there’s also an opportunity to watch the GP2 and Porsche GT3 cars flying around the circuit.

Saturday is qualifying day and is when things start to get serious. A good qualifying session is vital for the drivers as grid position on race day is all-important for picking up a good haul of points. The fastest car in qualifying starts the race at the front of the grid. This is effectively a time trial for the F1 cars, so you’ll get to see how fast these guys can get round the track. And the GP2 and Porsche GT3 and racers will be going all out for speed, too. You might even spot an F1 star

of the future in one of the GP2 cars.

The big race on the Sunday is what it’s all about – the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Get there early to catch the thrills and spills in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge and the GP2 Europe series.

The GP2 guys all want to impress for the chance to win a place in F1, but their enthusiasm and exuberance – and lack of experience compared to the likes of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton – means you’ll see close racing, and there’s a chance you’ll even see the odd crash here and there.

Then, sit back and enjoy the main event.

It’s the only twilight race on the F1 calendar, which adds to the spectacle. Will it be Alonso,

Hamilton, Mark Webber, Jenson Button or Sebastian Vettel for the race win?

Vettel won last year’s race and will be keen for victory again, while his Red Bull teammate Webber has had a great 2010 season so far and will be gunning for the win after his second place finish last year, but former world champions Alonso, Hamilton and Button have all been on good form and will be in contention.

And how about the F1 title? One thing’s for sure, if the championship has not been decided already, we’ll know who the 2010 world champion is by the end of the race.

At the time of writing, five drivers are fair bets, making it one of the most exciting and competitive F1 seasons of all time.

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FORMULA ONE

How to get there The Yas Marina Circuit is easily accessible by road from anywhere in the UAE. If you are travelling from Abu Dhabi city, it will take you around 30 minutes to get to the circuit, while from Dubai you’ll be looking at a journey time of just over an hour.

Access to the circuit itself is via a 12-lane highway that you can access from Sheikh Maktoum Road from Abu Dhabi, or Sheikh Zayed Road from Dubai.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is only 15 minutes away.

Where to watch the race from The main entrance brings visitors into the heart of the circuit, taking them under the track to the area behind the main grandstand, which accommodates almost 7,000 spectators opposite the pit building.

One of the best views of the circuit is from the west grandstand. The run-off area for cars that fail to negotiate the tight turn at the end of the long straight passes directly underneath this grandstand.

But you are well placed in terms of viewing the race from any seat at the circuit. Spectators in the north grandstand have a great view of the hairpin, while fans in the south grandstand get a view out over the 500-room Yas Hotel, the Marina and the Yacht Club.

The seating on top of the support pit building allows spectators to see the support race action up close and take in a broad sweep of the circuit, including turns around the Marina.

Tickets Ticket prices start from Dhs1,800 for a two-day pass, and Dhs2,000 for a threeday pass that also allows you access to the circuit on the Thursday. VIP packages start at Dhs4,250. www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

F1 cars are are powered by 650 hp V8 engines capable of 18,000 revolutions per minute, meaning they’re not only fast, they are also very loud. Take earplugs.

Plan your trip in advance, aim to arrive early and bring your circuit map. The Yas Marina Circuit is pretty vast and, unless you fancy spending a lot of your time walking, you need to know where you are going. The good news is that you’ll get a circuit map and map of the island with your ticket. If in doubt, aim for the Oasis Area entrance or the Yas Arena.

What to wear

The race itself is is held at night so the temperature will be pleasant.

But if you take our advice and plan to check out what else is on offer, including the GP2 race, bear in mind that you’ll need appropriate clothing for the daytime sun, and consider taking an extra layer for after the sun goes down.

In terms of dress code, common sense applies. Casual wear is appropriate for racing fans, although if you go for one of the VIP options, you might want to don something a bit smarter.

Cameras

It’s well worth taking a camera, but aiming for top quality snaps could work against you. Anyone carrying a camera that looks a bit too 'professional' might have their access restricted in certain areas. To get the pics you want, go for something fairly standard, or just use your camera phone.

Refreshments

There’s no need to worry about taking a picnic with you (and it’s not allowed, anyway). You will be well catered for at the venue with numerous food and drink outlets at every grandstand.

Generally speaking, the fare on offer is not particularly over-priced. If you are lucky enough to get the VIP treatment, you can expect to be well catered for.

More info

Still not sure what you are doing? Check the Yas Marina Circuit website at www. yasmarinacircuit.ae. And, of course, you can refer to our Grand Prix Guide, free with this copy of What’s On.

A beginner’s guide For those of you who don’t follow F1 and have no idea what to expect, here’s a rough guide to the sport

• A new points system introduced for this

season has made racing more competitive, with 25 points for a win, 18 points for second place and 15 for third, down to one point for tenth place.

• The F1 season started at the relatively new

Sakhir circuit in Bahrain on March 14 and was won by two times former world champion Fernando Alonso, now driving for Ferrari.

Abu Dhabi is, once again, the final race of the season.

• Going into the final few races of the season,

five drivers were battling it out for the title – Alonso, Mark Webber (Red Bull), Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), Jenson Button (McLaren) and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull).

• Up to and including October 10, those five

drivers had shared out this season’s race wins between themselves, with Alonso winning five races, Webber four, Vettel and Hamilton three each, and Button claiming two race wins.

Parade of champions The Abu Dhabi GP will feature no less than four F1 world champions. Jenson Button won the title last season following Lewis Hamilton’s dramatic championship triumph the year before, when he clinched the title by one point by virtue of an overtaking move on the last corner of the last lap of the last race of the season.

Alonso has won the championship twice, and Abu Dhabi will be graced for the first time

by F1 legend Michael Schumacher, who has won the title seven times and is reckoned by many F1 fans to be the greatest driver of all time. After retiring from the sport in 2007 he returned to action this season but has so far failed to compete with the big boys.

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FORMULA ONE

5

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

8

6

Mark Webber (Red Bull)

1

Jenson Button (McLaren)

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)

Chances of victory: 8/10

Alonso is the two times former world champ and has enjoyed a strong second half to the season. One of the contenders for a race victory in Abu Dhabi.

2

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)

Chances of victory: 8/10

The 2008 champion. The young Brit driver triumphed two years ago after going close to winning the title in his stunning debut season in 2007. He had an average season by comparison in 2009, but is back with a vengeance and went into the last few races of this year’s campaign as one of the favourites for the title.

Chances of victory: 8/10

Many F1 fans’ one to watch this season and a serious title contender. Going into the final few races of the season, he was still in with a chance of securing his first championship win. Seen by many F1 fans as 'the new Schumacher', the young German has earned the less complimentary ‘crash kid’ tag this season after a series of reckless errors.

Chances of victory: 8/10

The Australian F1 veteran was supposed to be Red Bull’s number two driver this season, but has outperformed team-mate Sebastian Vettel and went into the final few races of the season with a strong chance of winning the title.

Chances of victory: 7/10

The reigning world champ. The experienced Brit finally claimed the title with Brawn GP last year, before linking up with 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton at McLaren this season. At the time of writing he was still in with a shout of taking the title, but his championship hopes had started to fade.

11 Robert Kubica (Renault) Chances of victory: 5/10

16 Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso) Chances of victory: 1/10

9 Rubens Barrichello (Williams) Chances of victory: 4/10

17 Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) Chances of victory: 1/10

10 Nico Hülkenberg (Williams) Chances of victory: 3/10

18 Jarno Trulli (Lotus) Chances of victory: 1/10

12 Vitaly Petrov (Renault) Chances of victory: 3/10

19 Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) Chances of victory: 1/10

14 Adrian Sutil (Force India) Chances of victory: 3/10

20 Sakon Yamamoto (HRT) Chances of victory: 1/10

15 Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force india) Chances of victory: 2/10

21 Bruno Senna (HRT) Chances of victory: 1/10

22 Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber) Chances of victory: 2/10

24 Timo Glock (Virgin) Chances of victory: 1/10

23 Kamui Kobayashi (BMW Sauber) Chances of victory: 2/10

25 Lucas di Grassi (Virgin) Chances of victory: 1/10

7

Felipe Massa (Ferrari)

3

Michael Schumacher (Mercedes)

4

Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)

Chances of victory: 6/10

Came so close to winning the title in 2008, but was pipped by Lewis Hamilton. Missed the end of last season after being struck on the helmet by a bouncing spring from another car.

Back in action this year but so far hasn’t lived up to his 2008 form.

Chances of victory: 5/10

The seven times world champion is back in F1 this season, but hasn’t lived up to his former glories. The fact that Mercedes are not one of the leading F1 teams hasn’t helped either, but he hasn’t made the grade personally.

Chances of victory: 5/10

The son of 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg, he is regularly outperforming his much more illustrious team-mate.

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

The potential race winners

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The pit stop parties There’s more to F1 than cars. As the capital’s motor sports bonanza returns, so does the series of gigs and concerts that is Yasalam

An intimate evening with…

For anybody who noticed a testosteroneheavy slant to Yasalam’s flagship gigs (Prince, Kanye West and Linkin Park), feminine help is at hand over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend thanks to an intimate three-night stand at The Yas Hotel.

The soulful tones of Gabrielle (November 12) kick things off, a genuine popstar in her native UK during the 1990s after debut single Dreams hit number one. Recent years haven’t treated her so kindly, though a new studio album is reportedly underway.

Sugababes (November 13) are unrecognisable from the fresh-faced teen girls that in 2000 embarked on the most successful career of any 21st century female act thus far.

It’s more than simply growing up, however: all the original members have since quit.

After parting ways with rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label in March, the new-look trio are working on their next LP. Corinne Bailey Rae (November 14) has courageously risen from the ashes this year, meanwhile, tackling her husband’s death with sophomore album The Sea. Though failing to replicate her multi-million-selling debut record’s success, it did win favour with critics, picking up a Mercury Prize nomination and countless plaudits en route.

Nov 12 to 14, Longitude Bar, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs800. www.theyashotel.com 34 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

Motormouth self-promoter and, since July, Twitter fiend extraordinaire, Kanye West’s egotistical-slashstrangely self-aware opinions have pebbledashed the media as anticipation builds for new album Fantasy My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

These are just an edited handful of his best/worst/bizarre/banal quotes and tweets from recent weeks…

On himself

“I’ve learnt to accept what God has given me, without covering it up with ego.”

On personal hygiene

“At the crib I use really nice napkins instead of paper towels. Got the idea from the YSL bathroom.

Waaaaay nicer.”

Kanye West In terms of building anticipation for album releases, few artists can compete with Chicago’s crown prince of collegiate hip hop, Kanye West. The run-up to latest opus My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has swiftly become a drama of ludicrous scale acted out to the amusement/entrancement of the entire world wide web. First, a bizarre episode where West earned international column inches after making Steven Holmes, an entirely unknown man from nondescript English city Coventry, the only person he ‘followed’ on Twitter. At time of going to press, West has just posted a supposedly banned version of ’s cover art, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’s a crude painting of two naked monsters that, frankly, deserves censoring for artlessness over any obscenity. Such online tomfoolery, alongside various controversial incidents, have threatened to overshadow the fact that West’s music alone is more than worthy of worldwide attention. Consistently evolving over four studio albums to date, 2008 departure 808s & Heartbreak was perhaps his most notable sharp career turn, majoring on Auto-Tune voice effects and often swapping rapping for singing. Headline-making antics continue to keep Kanye West in the limelight, but with a genuinely great back catalogue to call upon, he continues to execute a rare balance between pleasing the masses and his own disparate whims.

“Man, ninjas are kind of cool.

I just don’t know any personally” – Kanye West

“Sometimes I think in the back of my mind (I know that’s redundant) I wonder what Thom Yorke’s doing right now?”

On women

“Please don’t let girls start wearing dark lipstick again. I just think girls need to know that guys don’t really like black lipstick.”

On technology

“For a year and two days now I haven’t had a cell phone to get away from the commercial and pop worlds.”

On women and technology

“Why is [it] so sexy to me when I see [a] girl pull an iPad out her purse?”

On, um, well…

“If baroque and mod had a car crash what would that ambulance look like?”

“Man, ninjas are kind of cool. I just don’t know any personally.”

GETTY IMAGES

Date: November 12

On music

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 35

YASALAM

Prince Date: November 14

Linkin Park

GRAPHEAST

Date: November 13

Ubiquitous on the post-millennium metal scene, it’s difficult to construct a concrete argument against any band – like Linkin Park – who have sold more than 50 million albums. Hybrid Theory was the record that catapulted the Californians to global dominance in 2000, a polished alloy of blunt nu-metal bluster, angst-riddled anger and stadium rock magnitude that ticked all the right boxes for a generation of rebellious teenagers. Led by dual mouthpieces Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda, the sextet have, to their credit, attempted to refine that template over three studio albums that have followed, toning down rap influences while pushing a sound nearer to American alternative rock. This year’s A Thousand Suns – based around themes involving atomic warfare – even drew comparisons to vanguards of intelligent rock music such as Muse and Radiohead. One facet didn’t alter, though: continuing to shift units against the tide of recession and falling record sales, A Thousand Suns shipped 241,000 copies in the US during its first week on the way to topping the Billboard charts. Mere days before their Yasalam appearance, the inaugural International Linkin Park Underground Summit takes place in London, a mark of the cult of fan devotion that surrounds the band.

36 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

Given the name that his parents bestowed on him, Prince Rogers Nelson was never likely to work in an office. Stardom was the only real option, a route the pocket-sized Minnesota funkrock legend has traversed with hitherto unrivalled flair across his celebrated 30-year career.

Operating for almost all of that time outside the constraints of trends or fads, briefly surmising the 52-year-old’s highs and lows is almost impossible.

Suffice to say, however, that most followers won’t be hanging out for selections from latter-day albums such as this year’s newspaper/magazine covermount freebie 20Ten. The countless classic cuts from his impressive repertoire chiefly hail from earlier years; indeed, many would argue he has never bettered much-heralded 1980s LPs 1999 and Purple Rain. Notching total record sales into a remarkable nine figures, it’s probably only a seeming willingness to out-weird himself that has prevented Prince from doubling or even tripling that figure. But whether as Prince or an unpronounceable squiggle that led flummoxed onlookers to label him The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, he has always known how to pull off live shows equal parts brilliant showmanship, eccentric imagery and timeless songs.

Even by eccentric popstar standards, the man born Prince Rogers Nelson’s career has been defined by especially weird, wonderful and often contrary watermark moments. Here are the top five…

Prince threw a hissy fit earlier this year, killing his website and declaring the information superhighway an outmoded dirt track. At last check, the Internet was struggling on regardless.

his name to 1 Changing 4 Covering Radiohead a symbol Typographers globally endured mild panic in 1993 when Prince switched to an unpronounceable squiggle vaguely resembling a hummingbird’s tongue licking juxtaposed male and female gender symbols. A sly marketing ploy, mind.

2 Giving away albums

Prince has twice handed out latter-day studio albums as national newspaper/magazine covermounts, notably in the UK, with supposed subversive intent. The subtext? Either flagging sales or a genius tax write-off.

the internet 3 Claiming was ‘over’ A prior pioneer of online releases,

Not crazy itself, but the diminutive star was made to look smaller than usual after demanding the removal of YouTube footage showing his live take on Creep. Thom Yorke and co overruled him. Ouch.

to play 5 Refusing 1999 ever again

After wheeling out signature tune 1999 during a Millennium Eve concert, Prince vowed to consign it in the 20th Century. The song proved bigger than the man by 2007, though, reinstating it to his set.

, Yas Arena, Yas November 12 to 14 mission free with ad i, ab Island, Abu Dh www.yasalam.ae F1 race tickets only.

Making a splash.

Live the moment.

Welcoming guests from 15 November 2010, One&Only The Palm is set to become Dubai’s most intimate new beach resort.

Discover the exquisite low-rise mansions and beach-front villas, where Moorish-Andalusian influences meet chic, contemporary living for a blend of elegance and refinement.

For restaurant reservations at three of Dubai’s latest dining venues, please call + 971 4 440 10 30 or for room reservations and further information, please call + 971 4 440 10 10. oneandonlythepalm.com

7507 OOTP_PreOpAware_WhatsOn_270x206.indd 1

10/21/10 11:10 AM

On the Corniche

When Formula One motor racing arrived in Abu Dhabi for the first time last year, the UAE’s long-running spirit of going one bigger, better and more glamorous took over. The associated Yasalam festivities went way beyond the planet’s premier motor sport championship and its legions of devoted petrol-heads its triumphant inaugural run attended by almost half a million people. It was a no brainer, then, that Yasalam would return for 2010, building up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix feature race itself on November 14.

This year Yasalam is based around 2009’s three most successful elements: Live On Abu Dhabi Corniche, Live Across The City and after-race concert series Live On Yas Island. With the former two programmes completely free to the public, Yasalam again provides a citywide month of cultural breadth surrounding what would alone represent one of the largest extravaganzas on the region’s calendar.

And the line-up is deservingly stupendous 38 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

for an event resplendent in a name that translates to ‘wow’, boasting something for revellers of all ages.

Live On Abu Dhabi Corniche’s chief attraction comes as worldwide music luminaries light up Beats On The Beach at Al Sahil Beach (November 10 to 13).

Multi-million-selling dancehall king Sean Paul raps up the opening night’s pinnacle, followed 48 hours later by evergreen English pop beauty Sophie Ellis-Bextor, smooth New York rapper Fabolous and Lebanese idol Nancy Ajram. The contrasting talents of enigmatic R&B star Kelis and Lebanese Dabke vocalist Fares Karam close the final evening. In slightly more sedate scenes, the F1 FanZone is open to November 14 with all manner of motor sport-related attractions, driver signings, F1 race screenings, plus extreme sports demonstrations, while Grand Prix images are on display at Abu Dhabi Galleria (to November 14). Beach cinema screenings run to November 2, with South

American-themed activities running over the weekend of the season’s penultimate F1 race, the Brazilian Grand Prix (November 5 to 7).

Live Across The City, meanwhile, continues with an illustrious exhibition of F1 imagery in The Art Of Racing (until November 14), complemented by work from local schoolchildren, and an interactive F1 media zone (until November 14). Between all that, students and professionals alike compete in pedal car modification contest Corniche Beach Customs on November 7.

And the Yas Island fun isn’t entirely exclusive to those with race-day tickets (which gain access to concerts from American megastar triumvirate Kanye West, Linkin Park and Prince, November 12 to 14). There are post-gig after-parties, which will be open to all planned, too. www.yasalam.ae

20 CURRYS: TESTED

curries

ISTOCK

What’s On scoured the capital and scorched our taste buds to track down Abu Dhabi’s best curry. Here come the spice sweats…

40 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

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10 CURRIES: TESTED

1

MURG MAKHANI INDIA PALACE

2

DAL MAKHANI ZARI ZARDOSI

3

LAMB NEHARI INDIGO

9.5/10

This butter chicken dish was the talk of the team. Tender chicken tikka in a rich tomato sauce, finished with fenugreek and served with naan, roti, parathas and steamed rice.

It’s India Palace's most popular dish and we reckon its loyal customers are onto a winner.

Complex, creamy and exceptionally tasty, it’s also a bit of a bargain. Get yourself a spoon.

India Palace, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs30.

Tel: (02) 6448777

9/10

The black lentils in this traditional favourite are simmered overnight in a clay oven, then finished with butter and cream. The result is a comforting hug of a dish, full of warmth.

Served with plain paratha to mop up the last traces, this isn’t one if you’re watching the calories but for a one-off you can’t go wrong.

Zari Zardosi, Al Raha Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs29.

Tel: (02) 5565188

9/10

ISTOCK

The slow cooked shank of lamb, caramelised red onion, turmeric and original spices from Lucknow combine to create an upmarket curry. Granted, it’s on the expensive side but the stylish restaurant, knowledgeable staff and fantastic flavours more than justify the bill. Delicious.

Indigo, Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, Dhs120.

Tel: (02) 6979334

4

‘HOME STYLE’ CHICKEN CURRY RANGOLI

5

BEEF NIHARI AL IBRAHIMI

8.5/10

This satisfying collaboration of chicken, onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, chili and yoghurt is cooked in a thick-bottomed pan, then sautéed over a medium flame.

Guaranteed to help you get over the sniffles, the spice levels are just right and we were left wanting more. Always a good sign.

Rangoli, Rotana Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs75. Tel: (02) 6564000

8/10

Hungry? A whole leg of beef should hit the spot. Cooked with traditional spices including dry ginger, red chillies, black pepper and turmeric, this hearty dish is not only amazing value, but a real treat for the taste buds. Surprisingly good quality beef (no unidentified meat here), too.

Al Ibrahimi Restaurant, Electra Street and Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi, Dhs14. Tel: (02) 6346258 / (02) 6344244

Dal Makhani – Zari Zardosi

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 41

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10 CURRIES: TESTED

6

ROGAN E JOSH ZARI ZARDOSI

7

DAL MAKHANI INDIA PALACE

8

CHICKEN GREEN CURRY KONKANS

8/10

Invitingly presented and milder than expected, this tender baby lamb dish is cooked with whole spices, onion and tomato.

Ideal with fluffy rice, it has a home-cooked taste, earning it two decisive thumbs up.

Zari Zardosi, Al Raha Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs51.

Tel: (02) 5565188

7.5/10

A flavourful combination of lentils and beans that are soaked overnight, then gently simmered on low heat and finished with butter and cream. Perhaps not strong enough for a main meal (could do with being richer), it’s a good contender for sharing, but at Dhs18 you can’t really complain.

India Palace, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs18.

Tel: (02) 6448777

7/10

If this was a competition based on best facial expression, here's your winner – one tester bit straight into a green chilli. Bold. Chicken pieces cooked in a gravy of coriander, mint leaves and green chillis (careful), with spices and herbs, made this a good old fashioned, hot and spicy curry. And just look at that man go as he heads for the water cooler…

Konkans, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, Dhs15.

Tel: (02) 6760588

Rogan E Josh – Zari Zardosi

9

MUTTON KOFTA AL IBRAHIMI

7/10

A cheeky little Pakistani curry, this was nice and spicy, just as we hoped. With minced mutton balls marinated with cumin seeds, dry coriander, salt and pepper and cooked in tomato paste, if you are looking for a subcontinental taste then here it is – and you’ll get change from Dhs15.

Al Ibrahimi, Electra Street and Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi, Dhs14. Tel: (02) 6346258 or (02) 6344244

10

Lamb Nehari, Beach Rotana

FISH CURRY KONKANS 6.5/10

What a scorcher. This fiery feast of pomfret cooked with searing Indian spices and grated coconut is not for the faint hearted, but if rich, hot and spicy is your thing, get yourself down to Konkans.

Konkans, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, Dhs18.

Tel: (02) 6760588

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10/28/10 6:12:54 PM

THURSDAYS: UNPLUGGED AT THE ROOFTOP Kick back with unplugged rhythms under the stars in Dubai’s most stylish outdoor setting. From 9pm.

For reservations, please contact: One&Only Royal Mirage +971 4 399 99 99 or info@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae

FILM The American

Burke And Hare Saw 3D

WHO?

George Clooney, Irina Björklund, Thekla Reuten, Johan Leysen, Paolo Bonacelli, Anton Corbijn (director)

Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Isla Fisher, Christopher Lee, Tim Curry, John Landis (director)

Tobin Bell, Carey Elwes, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Sean Patrick Flanery, Kevin Greutert (director)

TAGLINE

‘From the director of Control’

‘No job too small. No body too big. No questions asked’

‘In eye-popping 3D’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

Veteran assassin Jack (Clooney) decided to call it a day, just as soon as he polished off one last assignment in Italy.

Williams Burke and Hare (Pegg and Serkis), who made a living selling corpses to Edinburgh’s medical schools, discovered they could become really rich by bumping people off instead of simply grave robbing.

Survivors of Jigsaw’s demented genius met up with self-help guru Bobby Dagen (Flanery), unaware that their revelations would spark off a new cycle of horror.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

Watch the most charismatic American actor of his generation do his whole charismatic American thing.

Get behind two blokes all right thinking people would detest.

Watch a sub-par Saw movie in 3D.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

Anton Corbijin’s acclaimed debut picture, the Ian Curtis/Joy Division biopic Control, and edgier George Clooney offerings such as The Good German and Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind.

John Landis’ horror classic An American Werewolf In London and Simon Pegg’s bloody superb Shaun Of The Dead.

Saws 1 to VI. It might also appeal to those who got a kick-out of recent 3D horror releases such as Piranha and The Final Destination.

TOP TRIVIA

Before he moved into movies, Anton Corbijn was one of the world’s most celebrated stills photographers.

Pegg’s on-screen wife is played by his Spaced co-star Jessica Hynes (nee Stevenson).

While the other Saw films had relatively short schedules, the use of 3D technology meant this picture took almost half a year to complete.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD REVIEW

Not classic Clooney, but you have to admire his ambition.

A film crying out to be described as dead funny.

The appeal of Jigsaw remains a puzzle.

RATE OR SLATE?

★★★✩✩

★★★★✩

★★✩✩✩

44 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

FILM | NEW RELEASES

Jackass 3-D

The Hole

Khatta Meetha The Death And Life Of Charlie St Cloud

Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, Jeff Tremaine (director)

Chris Massoglia, Nathan Gamble, Teri Polo, Bruce Dern, Chelsea Ricketts, Joe Dante (director)

Akshay Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Rajpal Yadav, Johnny Lever, Urvashi Sharma, Priyadarshan (writer-director)

Zac Efron, Charlie Tahan, Amanda Crew, Donal Logue, Kim Basinger, Burr Steers (director)

‘They’re back. In 3D’

‘What are you so afraid of?’

‘From the director of Bhool Bhulaiyaa’

‘Life is for living’

Johnny Knoxville and his brave/ incredibly stupid band decided it was time to perform a new set of inspired/insane stunts.

Teenage brothers Dane and Nathan (Massoglia and Gamble) found a hole in their basement leading to a place where they must confront their worst fears.

Ambitious road builder Sachin Tichkule (Kumar) found his dreams crushed at every turn by corrupt Indian bureaucrats.

Charlie St Cloud (Efron) was left distraught by the death of his younger brother, only for a new love and the spirit of his late sibling to provide his life with fresh purpose.

Watch grown men demonstrate that they really don’t know better.

Watch a couple of contemporary kids have the bejesus scared out of them. Which if you’ve just been cut up by one of them on his poncey scooter, could prove a genuine delight.

See the Bollywood equivalent of The Full Monty or Brassed Off: pictures that aim to entertain but contain powerful political messages.

See Zac Efron take another step along the road from teen stardom to sophisticated movie actor.

The earlier films, the first of which saw the boys patrol Tokyo in panda suits while the second featured Johnny Knoxville being rundown by a yak while blindfolded.

Joe Dante’s excellent kids ‘n’ horror combos Gremlins, The ‘Burbs and, er, Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Above-average rom-coms, and are interested in seeing what such films would be like if they came with lots of dancing and any number of show-stopping tunes.

The sort of films you have to watch through teary eyes.

Bam Margera was attacked by a woman with a baseball bat during shooting. The assault left the skateboarder with bleeding on the brain.

Be sure to stay for the unnerving post-credits sequence.

Massive Bollywood star Akshay Kumar started out life as a waiter in a Bangkok restaurant.

Since filming, Zac Efron has grown a full beard and moustache. It looks rubbish.

Genius to some, boorish idiocy to others.

This month’s third 3D offering’s the pick of the bunch.

It’s unsubtle, but there’s no denying it’s fun.

Efron’s good, but this wellintentioned film is waterlogged.

★★★✩✩

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩

★★✩✩✩

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 45

DISHING OUT THE WORLD’S MOST ORIGINAL

ingredients Walk into LuLu and you'll find a world of difference in everything we bring to table. Fresh foods, ready-to-cook, fruits & vegetables, spices, cheese, seafood… anything you need to cook up your favorite meal is flown in daily from around the world.

www.luluhypermarket.com

With 83 branches in easy-to-reach locations and award winning customer service catering to over 410,000 shoppers a day, no wonder the world comes to shop at LuLu.

ABU DHABI

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FUJAIRAH

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EATING OUT How many curries does it take to floor a journo? Nope, it’s not a joke.

Curry is an extremely serious matter indeed. For three days straight we tested red curries, yellow curries, brown curries, veggie curries, lamb curries, chicken curries, naans, popadums – the lot – so you, dear reader, know where to go to indulge in the best examples of this classic Indian dish (p40). And as if that weren’t enough, we also visited the renamed Indego by Vineet to sample the Michelin starred chef’s new menu and took a cooking master class with Vineet Bhatia himself (p52). You can also enjoy our verdict on our new favourite restaurant La Petite Maison (p48) and the new menu at Emirates Palace’s Sayad (p51), plus we have little chat with celeb chef Gordon Ramsay (p55), the UAE’s newest brunches (p59), The Critic on growing and catching your own dinner (p62) and a Saffa barbecue (braai) at Dubai’s Els Club (p63). Now eat it all up like good little readers and we’ll let you stay up to read the Arts section. The answer, by the way is, 30.

NOBU

Gareth Rees, Features Editor

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 47

EATING OUT

On the menu A tasty trio of newsy nibbles BUILD YOUR OWN It’s not often we’d be advising you to visit an 'all day dining' restaurant, they tend to be a little on the dull side, but Al Manzil Hotel’s Conservatory has launched a new menu concept – and, as we discovered recently, produces some rather good burgers (try the lamb and be prepared to get messy). You are encouraged to chat with the chefs, who will then create bespoke dishes based on those featured on the new lunch and dinner menu. There’s also a salad bar and live cooking stations. And Pierre Gagnaire-trained chef Antoine Christian is overseeing it all.

Al Manzil Hotel, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4285923. www. southernsunme.com/almanzil ROCOCO TREATS November 14 marks the start of an Italian Festival at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach and Rococo chef Enzo Neri has a few surprises in store for us. The Italian chef has launched a special three-course set menu available for Dhs195 and will prepare dishes using a different Italian seasonal ingredient (pears, chestnuts, aubergine, raspberry) each week until December 4. There will also be cooking classes, (Nov 10 and 29), where you can learn to cook with chef Neri in the kitchen.

Rococo, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4484860. www.sofitel.com MAMA MIA! Have you ever wondered why Italian men make so much of a fuss about their mamas? Maybe it's fancy tasting Italian cooking just like mama used to make it (and still does, it seems)? To prove this, chef Doretta Calchetti will be preparing a special a la carte menu for lunch and dinner at Grand Hyatt Dubai’s Andiamo restaurant, from November 6 to 11, and holding a cooking class on November 10.

Mamma Doretta promises chicken livers with black olive cream and Bringoli pasta with rabbit. That does it for us.

Nov 6 to 11, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3172222. www.dubai.hyatt.com 48 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

La Petite Maison The Dubai branch of LPM becomes an instant classic Probably the easiest way to judge a successful restaurant is by how full it is. Yet a bustling dining room can still be something of a rarity in Dubai, where even the finest restaurants might be far from full, or worse still, empty. There’s nothing more dismal than eating in silence, just the shuffling of the chef ’s restless feet emanating from the dormant kitchen.

Contradictorily, the fuller the restaurant, the more intimate your experience. When all is alive about you, conversation flows. In an empty restaurant, the unfilled space and silence slaps an oppressive hand across your mouths.

La Petite Maison, on only its fourth night, was chock-a-block.

Not just busy – full to the brim.

A visitor to the Emirates would have thought LPM was a Dubai restaurant stalwart, not the new kid on the block, although it soon will be.

Confident door staff, not at all surprised that yet more guests were upon them, guided us past the bar and its pre-meal tipplers, and through an efficient army of waiters swooping from table to table. Moving at lighting speed, they’re recommending a dish to a couple in the corner, delivering several plates to a large table of suits or pouring a glass of wine for a few hipsters coolly nodding their approval of yet another wonderful hors d’oeuvres plate.

You could be in New York or London. The place is alive.

But back to those hors d’oeuvres. LPM promotes a sharing concept, naturally – it’s the best way to eat – shared food guaranteeing a united experience and steady conversation from the off. The waiter will advise you to try three or four dishes, which is plenty, but we ran our taste buds over seven – it pays to be thorough, after all.

The onion tart, a wafer of crisp pastry, smothered with sweet onion and several small slices of anchovy arrive first, quickly followed by a vast creamy cloud of burrata festooned with tomatoes and basil and a magical mix of fishy sardine, sweet grape and tomato. Three carpaccio plates follow suit, all layered with fine slivers of sirloin, marinated salmon with pink peppercorns and fresh scallop, and a bowl of warm prawns sitting gracefully in a mildly peppery puddle of olive oil. We couldn’t find fault with any of these uncomplicated but delightful dishes.

A supple meaty hunk of turbot was given a homely heft, baked and served in a petite cassoulet with white wine, olive oil and a handful of soft and gorgeously vinegary artichokes. But the dish de la nuit consisted of several juicy lamb cutlets, the exterior sticky and charred from the grill, the flesh below magnificently pink.

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A small rowboat of classic vanilla crème brulée was faultless and a tart, naughtily named summer berry froth with a milky yoghurt ice cream and several crisp vanilla nuggets of doughnut was jolly, but the cheesecake… The cheesecake was the cheesecake to end all cheesecakes. And all meals.

Do we need to tell you to book a table?

Need to know Location: DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai Tel: (04) 4390505 Web: www.lpmdubai.ae Open: Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm Cuisine type: French (Niçoise) Must eat: grilled lamb cutlets Bill for two: Dhs930 (without alcohol)

In tweet form… Our new favourite restaurant in Dubai. Book a table.

Now. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

What’s On Awards 2010 The people’s choice awards have arrived – voting has closed, you have had your say. But who will those winners be?

The time has come. The reckoning is over. You have cast your votes, either online, via SMS or the old-fashioned nomination cardfilling way. One of you is set to win the grand prize – a fivenight stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort in the Maldives, with return flights. But the real winners will be the restaurants that take home one of those coveted What’s On Awards and the honour of hanging a What’s On winner’s plaque outside their people-approved establishment on November 7.

Last year’s big winner was Zuma, which it turned out was not only our favourite Japanese restaurant in Dubai, but yours too. Chef Colin Clague and his team walked off with no fewer than four What’s On Awards. Can they do it again? Or will another restaurant usurp that Favourite Japanese title? One thing is for sure, Zuma can’t win the coveted Best Newcomer award two years

At your leisure Abu Dhabi Golf Club, serving up the best in quality entertainment and leisurely dining options.

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running. Which young prince will be passed the crown by the mighty king Zuma? Who will win Favourite European, Italian or seafood?

The answer is that we don’t know (unless you’re reading this after November 7, that is). That’s the beauty of allowing you, the people, to choose. After all, you’re the ones who pay to eat in these restaurants and you’re the ones we’ve been buying what is now the best-selling entertainment magazine in the UAE for these past 31 years. Without you, neither the magazine, the awards nor many of these restaurants would exist. So thank you.

And goodnight.

NEW HOME-MADE POOLSIDE PIZZA Take - aways are also available

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 49

EATING OUT

A taste of things to come Three new ways to fill your belly YELLOW LOUNGE What’s On loves to lounge – who doesn’t?

– so we’ve been waiting for the opening of Yellow Lounge since we heard rumour of a champagne bar hitched to French brasserie Rive Gauche some time ago. Now it’s here.

We’re talking hors d’oeuvres, champagne, cocktails, an extensive wine list, music and themed nights. With Red Lounge recently opening at Raffles, we’re thinking the lounge might be a new trend. You heard it here first.

The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4367777. www.theaddress.com

Sayad Emirates Palace’s fish restaurant welcomes a new chef and menu There’s an overwhelming sense of calm in Emirates Palace’s Sayad.

Maybe it’s the large aquarium taking up most of the space at the restaurant’s doors, its occupants drifting happily around the tank, or even the soothing shades of aqua of the décor inside, but whatever it is it made us feel, well, calm. Calm and aquatic.

Named, rather aptly, after the Arabic for ‘the fisherman’, Sayad unashamedly takes its cues from the deep, with its cutesy fish-embossed tiles leading to an intimate terrace and impressive views over the marina and out to sea.

Armed with a new menu, as provided by the equally new chef Shaun Anthony, the restaurant is set to take on the abundance of seafood eateries in the capital (including the excellent Nautilus and Finz, to name but two) for the title of king of the sea.

Anthony is no slouch, having learned his trade under the watchful eye of no less than Gordon Ramsay, so the bun fight

(or should that be cod fight?) is most definitely on, and with an impressive array of ocean offerings on his menu, the competition should take notice.

We started with an amusebouche of white anchovy mousse with potato chips, its light dusting of smoked Spanish paprika giving it a spicy edge and setting the tone.

The North Atlantic Ocean trout with white asparagus and almond crumble was off-the-boat fresh; its gentle poaching producing a meltingly tender result, with the crumble adding texture. Followed by smoked haddock veloute with parsnip, quail’s eggs and ratte potato – the haddock’s milky flavour combining with a parsnip purée to give the dish a sweet and earthy feel – it was certainly an impressive start for chef Anthony’s menu.

A main course of halibut with wild mushroom, artichoke and tomato was cooked to perfection; the girolle mushrooms adding to the rustic texture, while the basil

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from the cherry tomatoes and the sherry vinegar foam brought out a surprising richness and acidity.

To end, we ambitiously opted for a lemon tart, although it was always going to be foolhardy manoeuvre, and despite enjoying a bite or two it was quickly game over. Will it be game over for the rest of the capital’s fish restaurants?

It’s certainly seafood for thought.

Need to know Location: Sayad, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Tel: (02) 6905643 Web: www.emiratespalace. com Open: 6.30pm to 11.30pm Cuisine type: seafood Must eat: halibut, with wild mushroom, artichoke and tomato Bill for two: Dhs800 (without alcohol)

In tweet form… Abu Dhabi seafood fans take note: Sayad means business Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

MAISON SUCRE We’re sure our cupcake feature last month inspired you to rush out and gorge yourself on the dainty delicacies, but if you haven’t had your fill, Maison Sucre, the capital’s newest bakery, will be happy to stuff you to the gills with fluffy sponge and sugary icing. Or, if cupcakes ain’t your thing, there are tarts, pastries and made-to-order cakes.

Corner of Khaleej Al Arabi Street and Zayed the First Street, Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 9am to 11pm, Fri 10am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6396622. www.maisonsucreuae.com JAMIE’S ITALIAN Is he coming or isn’t he? Rumours of Jamie Oliver making his Dubai restaurant debut have been doing the rounds for a number of years – the restless, crusading cook has even paid us a visit, but we’re yet to see a real commitment. Until now.

We’ve been promised that a branch of Oliver’s popular Jamie’s Italian (15 UK restaurants and counting) will open at Festival Centre late this month, boasting 290 covers, a pasta bar and a menu brimming with Mediterranean classics. The man himself may even turn up to give it his ‘pukka’ seal of approval.

Wicked, as the Essex chef himself would say.

Festival Centre, Marina Pavilion, Dubai Festival City, Dubai NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 51

EATING OUT

Indego by Vineet

HEF CELEB C L SPECIA

Vineet Bhatia’s new menu reminds us just how unique the chef’s talent is Vineet Bhatia. He’s the chef who made his name in London revolutionising the cooking of his homeland, becoming the first Indian chef to win a coveted Michelin star and going on to open several restaurants around the world – including, in 2005, Indego at Grosvenor House in Dubai.

The restaurant now renamed Indego by Vineet has been the only Indian restaurant in our Hot List from day one. Why? Because nobody does Indian cuisine quite like Vineet Bhatia. It’s not just the wonderful food – plenty of Indian restaurants in the city do wonderful – it’s the thinking behind it. Traditional Indian cooking techniques have been questioned, everything broken down to the barest essentials and reconstructed as works of art – cleaner flavours, fewer but carefully combined spices, elegant presentation, smaller portions.

European élan combined with a depth and complexity of flavour that is unmistakably Indian.

You couldn’t hope to replicate it.

Bhatia is, undoubtedly, a genius.

Now, the great man himself doesn’t captain the good ship Indego, but the dishes are all his and now we have shown we’re ready for Indian fine dining in Dubai, the menu has been refined to reflect the level of cuisine found at Bhatia’s Michelin starred Rasoi in London’s Chelsea.

You can enjoy a six-course tasting menu for a startlingly reasonable Dhs550, but we plunged right into the a la carte.

A well judged crab and lentil soup served with several crab fritters was magnificent, while three hunks of monkfish were coated in a zingy, deep green herb tandoori coating that stirred the palate, preparing the ground for the supple, sleek fish beneath. The best start to a meal one could wish for.

Though the menu proffers numerous biryanis and a handful of sharing plates, the section promising contemporary Indian

is where Bhatia’s mastery is really on show.

We sampled several prawns precisely poached in coconut with a chilli masala edge, which the waiter insisted were the house speciality. It was pretty special, but the two lamb dishes we ordered were astonishingly fine.

Pot-roasted ginger lamb chops – sold, we hear you cry already. We’d just like to add that the chops were flawlessly prepared and the korma spiked with a cheeky hit of truffle oil which got along with the ginger like an old friend. The slow-cooked, tender flesh of the Kashmiri lamb shank distanced itself from the bone without so much as a fork prod and sat there looking at it like

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a stranger. The classic onion and tomato rogan josh, on the other hand, joined it as they strolled serenely down our gullet. Sides of sweet, fresh South Indian vegetable stir-fry, thick Tadka dal and a basket of flawless naans did the trick for two, leaving just enough room for two light desserts.

Chunky strips of pineapple piled high like jenga blocks adorned with sweet spices and pepper, served with a dollop of pineapple sorbet. And a small selection of rose petal, vanilla bean, roasted coconut and almond and mango smoothies.

Some distance from the usual heavy and cloying Indian desserts. All hail Vineet Bhatia.

In tweet form… A new menu from the world’s foremost Indian chef, showing off his consummate and unique skills to the full. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

“Nobody does Indian cuisine quite like Vineet 52 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

EATING OUT

Cooking

by Vineet

Our favourite Indian chef, the multi-Michelin starred Vineet Bhatia, was kind enough to invite us into his kitchen, where we prepared this simple dish that even the clumsiest of cooks could handle.

VINEET ON… …the new name

…Abu Dhabi

…menu changes

Location: Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai Tel: (04) 3998888 Web: www. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com Open: Mon to Sat 7pm to midnight Cuisine: Indian Must eat: green herb tandoori monkfish Bill for two: Dhs900 (without alcohol)

Bhatia”

…copycats

I’m very happy with people copying me – it’s the greatest form of flattery, but, obviously, nobody would acknowledge it. It does encourage me to innovate and I always have an ace up my sleeve.

We have a kitchen at home, which is a miniature version of the restaurant kitchen. That’s where it all happens.

When we arrived in Dubai not many people knew who we were or what we were about, so we weren’t confident using the name at that stage. As time has passed all our various restaurants have started to carry the ‘by Vineet’ tag. Now people associate a certain kind of quality with the name. It shows it’s one of ours. Simple as that.

Need to know

a lot more robust. The people who dine here appreciate sophisticated flavours. When you come into a place like Grosvenor House, you expect something grand.

We’re looking at opening up a restaurant in Abu Dhabi in July next year. It will be similar – fine dining – but it’s not finalised.

ASSORTED SEAFOOD IN RAW MANGO CURRY

There’s a slight change with the menu. We’re tilting more towards what we do in London. We’ve contemporised the cuisine a bit more. When we first came here four or five years ago it was slightly different, it had to be tamed because Dubai was a new market. Trying to pitch Indian fine dining was a gamble, which paid off. It was not as elaborate as London. Now it will be more in tune. After this menu change, we will gauge reaction in the next three to four months and I’ll come back in March and make a bigger change. We want to take it to the level that we’re doing things in Europe.

INGREDIENTS 200g cubed hammour fillet, eight pieces scallop meat, 300g lobster chunks, ten shelled and cleaned prawns, one pinch turmeric powder, one tbsp lemon juice, salt, two tbsp corn oil, one tsp mustard seeds, two sprigs of curry leaves, one finely sliced small red onion, one tsp chopped garlic, one tsp chopped ginger, one pinch turmeric powder, 800ml raw mango gravy, 100ml thick coconut milk

…Dubai diners

PREPARATION Marinate the assorted fish with the salt and lemon juice and one pinch of turmeric powder and put aside. Heat corn oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once it splutters add the curry leaves, red onion, garlic, ginger, and sauté until onion is translucent. Add turmeric powder and sauté. Add the hammour, prawns and lobster, and sauté for three minutes on a low heat. Add raw mango sauce and allow to cook until seafood is almost done.

Add scallops and cook for further three or four minutes. Add coconut milk, check the seasoning and serve with rice.

The climate here has changed a lot. People’s taste buds have changed and they now appreciate and acknowledge the concept of fine dining Indian. It’s the norm now. Each restaurant has a head chef and an element of individuality, but any new additions I will decide. They don’t change dishes. I come four or five times I year and I keep an eye on things.

…the Bhatia style of cooking

There’s nothing wrong with the old fashioned way, but it is very heavy. You end up with food leftover that you can’t eat. The dishes we do here wouldn’t work in Bur Dubai or Karama, because it’s a different audience. There they expect to get something

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 53

Ramsay

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CHEF CELEEBCIAL SP

“I haven’t finished learning” He’s suffered a rash of restaurant closures, a jarring split from the CEO of Gordon Ramsay Holdings – who also happens to be his fatherin-law – and recently said goodbye to yet another of his protégés, Angela Hartnett. But if Gordon Ramsay is having a tough time he doesn’t show it, and he's definitely not ready to hang up his chef's jacket just yet So, what do you think of the newly refurbished Verre, then, Gordon?

I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been upset at Verre in the last nine years. Based on the reports I’ve had on the restaurant reopening, we’re 80 per cent of the way there. We’re not perfect, but we’re getting there.

Were you worried about giving head chef Scott Price so much freedom at just 29?

I don’t want to be cloned and I don’t want them in a straightjacket. What he has is an amazing palate and I trust that palate. Scott’s a trusted lieutenant and he’s got to find his feet.

On the back of his brilliant pedigree he’d be an absolute fool if he messed it up with just 40 to 60 covers a night. I’m not saying we’re untouchable, but we certainly set the benchmark in Dubai. So I’m very proud of him and, more importantly, he’s going to go a long way. What this kitchen has spawned over the last decade is quite extraordinary. Some of the best chefs in the UK have come out of Verre in Dubai.

Like Angela Hartnett?

Sure. It’s been a significant week. Angela is now lock, stock and barrel holding the baby and owning 100 per cent of [London

The masterclass Gordon Ramsay joins us in the Verre kitchen for one of Scott Price’s masterclasses “I can sense him, he’s definitely around,” chef Scott said, his head darting this way and that trying to spot his boss before his boss spotted him.

Ramsay seems to have that effect on people, but when he finally did arrive he was, well, not chirpy exactly, but certainly animated, chatting as we prepared a fine apple tarte tatin and slightly overcooked our duck.

We must admit we were quite looking forward to a rollicking, but the celeb chef spent most of the time making fun of his young protégé – most notably for not talking enough.

No need to worry, though – if you sign up for a masterclass, Scott will do plenty of talking without the big man there and you’ll get a Verre apron, recipes and breakfast thrown in. Masterclass. Done.

Verre, Hilton Dubai Creek, 10am to 2pm, Dhs950 per person. Tel: (04) 2271111 NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 55

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56 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

RAMSAY STREET Ramsay protégés that have flown the nest

Marcus Wareing Having worked for Ramsay for 15 years, Wareing left – rather unceremoniously – in 2008 to open Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley Hotel, which was named best restaurant in London by the Harden’s Guide the same year, ahead of Ramsay’s own three star Royal Hospital Road.

Jason Atherton Ramsay appointed Atherton executive chef of Verre in 2002, following stints at Spain’s El Bulli, working under the mighty Ferran Adria, Frith Street and L’Anis in London. He later returned to London to run Ramsay’s Maze, but left in April planning to set up his own restaurant.

So you’ll continue doing what you’re doing, despite the press? You don’t really like the media attention, do you, Gordon?

No, not really, no. I hate it. I’m a chef. Unfortunately, the profile was built on the back of the success – not because it was being chased.

The press have been phenomenal, but it has its dark side as well. If you dance with the devil, don’t be surprised if you get burnt.

Angela Hartnett The most recent of his charges to strike out on her own, Hartnett started at Ramsay’s Aubergine along with Marcus Wareing in 1994 and worked at numerous Ramsay restaurants before opening Verre in 2001. Hartnett won a Michelin star at The Connaught Hotel in 2004 and most recently ran the kitchen at Ramsay’s Murano in London. Just last month she bought Ramsay out and is now chef and owner of Murano.

APPLE TARTE TATIN (FOR SIX) INGREDIENTS 15 red apples, 400g caster sugar, 350g unsalted butter, one sheet of rolled puff pastry (available pre-made in supermarkets) PREPARATION Place the sugar in a pan and caramelise. Slowly beat in the butter, being careful not to split caramel. Pour caramel into a large, round ovenproof dish and leave to cool. Quarter all but one of the apples and remove the seeds and core using a knife, halve the remaining apple and remove the seeds and core using an apple corer. Place one apple half in the centre of the dish and place the quarters around the centrepiece to form a circle. Roll out the puff pastry to 3mm to 4mm then cut a circle a little larger than the dish and cover the apples with it, making sure to push the edges of the pastry down in-between the apples. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until pastry is cooked and crisp and the caramel dark brown. Turn the mould over onto a plate while hot and lift off the mould. Serve with ice cream.

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES

restaurant] Murano. To think that she came out here and set up Verre right at the beginning, sadly just a week after 9/11 – the worst time for any opening anywhere in the world.

But we weathered the storm, we went from strength to strength and it’s become a great breeding ground.

You have a reputation for having quite a bad temper. Any need to shout at Scott today?

No, no need to shout at him. I have a great relationship with these guys. I know how difficult and what a pain I can be at times. But when it’s good, it’s good. When it’s bad, they need to know it’s bad.

If Michelin came to Dubai, would Verre be good enough to win a star?

Verre would get more than one Michelin star. There are big restaurants over here, but I’ve eaten out, I’ve seen the competition, and Verre would be edging on two or three Michelin stars.

That’s a bold call.

There would be a lot of Michelin stars. Not just Pierre Gagnaire, Locatelli, Nobu and the Gary Rhodes aspect, but there are some extremely good restaurants in Dubai. I’ve come across phenomenal Chinese and Indian, for example, and it [Michelin] would be the icing on the cake. If you can put a Michelin guide in Vegas, you can definitely put a guide in Dubai.

You know quite a few big name chefs. Is Dubai still on their radar?

Dubai is very much a place chefs still want to come to. Alain Ducasse is on the verge of signing somewhere. Guy Savoy is looking again. It’s a bit of a draw.

Can we expect some more Gordon Ramsay restaurants?

I would like to do something else, but it has to be the right opportunity. Perhaps something more relaxed – a steakhouse or a grill or something with a little bit more of a lively buzz as opposed to the fine dining room.

Not planning on stopping any time soon, then?

I’m 43. Three big openings next year. The Savoy Grill next month. I think that’s enough for a year. Stopping? That sounds like getting old and boring, right? No, I’m not going to stop. I need to keep going and I’m naturally excited about food, but I also get bored very quickly.

Bored enough for a return to the kitchen?

No plans to return. Definitely not. I don’t want to die behind the stove and I like my life outside the kitchen. There are cooks and there are chefs. I love cooking, I absolutely love it, but my god, I’ve served my time behind the stove. I’m still getting better. I haven’t finished learning. But do I need to be at the helm and start deboning duck and lamb, filleting sea bass at half past seven in the morning? No, not really.

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EATING OUT

Enjoy our round-up of

ARMANI/HASHI

Dubai’s newest brunches

What was that shooting pain we felt? Oh yes, it was Armani/Hashi being so hip it hurts. Not only is the address a sure-fire way to wow, their new brunch is all that and then some, with stunningly fresh seafood, unrelenting Bollinger and killer views.

Throw in the sushi buffet, a la carte mains, a children’s room complete with nanny and enough sake to sink Molly Brown and you’re onto a winner. A very cool winner.

Best for: Sophisticates Armani/Hashi, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 3.30pm, Dhs290 with soft drinks, Dhs380 with selected beverages, Dhs585 including Bollinger and Dhs145 for children aged four to ten. Tel: (04) 8883888. www.dubai.armanihotels.com

DUSIT THANI DUBAI

Warehouse

NOBU HIGH BRUNCH

Armani/Hashi

Nobu co-founder Robert De Niro once said :“There’s nothing more ironic or contradictory than life itself”. Fortunately, business partner Nobu Matsuhisa leaves the twaddle to Bob, while he busies himself creating such dishes as his legendary black miso cod. Enjoy that and more with Nobu’s new brunch, which boats an impressive a la carte menu, wine, beer and sake tasting in four hours of Japanese fusion fun.

Best for: Nobu fans Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs320 without alcohol, Dhs490 with alcohol. Tel: (04) 4262626. www. atlantisthepalm.com

A pan-Asian feast in the truest sense, you can enjoy phad Thai from Thailand, sushi from Japan, a Chinese dim sum station and curries from India and Sri Lanka, as well as fruit and ice carvings for the eminently sensible sum of Dhs200 with house beverages. The 24th floor of the Dusit Thani Dubai is the only place to be on a Saturday.

Best for: Those who overspent on Friday night and need a quality feed Dusit Thani Dubai, 133 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sat noon to 4pm, Dhs145 food only, Dhs175 without alcohol, Dhs200 with house beverages, Dhs259 with sparkling, Dhs449 with champagne and house spirits. Tel: (04) 3174515. www.dusitthanidubai.dusit.com

WAREHOUSE MALT DRUNCH

Pull on your loosest trousers, take a deep breath and swot up on your knowledge of rare malt-based beverages. Starters, a main course a la carte and a dessert buffet should line the belly, but the real action arrives in liquid form, with a choice of more than 50 beers. Cheers!

Best for: Beer lovers Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs159 to Dhs259. Tel: (04) 7022560. www.lemeridien-dubai.com/ en/dining NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 59

EATING OUT

Sheraton Deira

The Gramercy

This isn’t a brunch, it’s a lunch, or rather six lunches. Choose to dine at Persia Persia, Mahi Mahi, Medzo, Carter’s, Thai Chi or Seville’s for just Dhs225.

Best for: Picky people Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, noon to 3.30pm, Dhs130 without alcohol, Dhs225 with alcohol.

Tel: (04) 3244100. www.wafi.com

SHERATON DEIRA

A cold buffet, eggs and pasta made to order, a buffet and a dessert corner – all for under Dhs150. Can’t say fairer than that, now, can you?

Best for: Those on a budget Sheraton Deira Hotel, Al Muteena Street, Deira, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs109 without alcohol, Dhs149 with alcohol. Tel: (04) 2688888. www.starwoodhotels.com

DHOW PALACE HOTEL

There’s nothing flashy or complicated about this one, but with its all you can eat buffet and rock bottom price tag, it’s ideal for big families looking to fill up on a Friday afternoon.

Best for: Families Dhow Palace Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Dhs79 with five drinks, Dhs39 for children.

Tel: (04) 3599992. www.dhowpalacedubai.com

THE GRAMERCY

Not really a brunch at all this, more an afternoon meal, but labels be damned.

Choose from The Gramercy’s impressive French-leaning a la carte menu until 5pm, then enjoy drinks and a dance until 9pm. The DJ plays “New York style beats“, apparently.

Best for: Pushing on into the evening DIFC, Unit 7, Level 2, Building 3, Dubai, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs175 without alcohol, Dhs325 with alcohol. Tel: (04) 4377511

CARAMEL RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Set menus are the order of the day at Caramel. No matter which of the three packages you choose, you will be able to choose two appetisers, one main and a dessert from the a la carte menu. Resident DJ Kirk spins tunes throughout.

Best for: Lounge lizards DIFC, Dubai, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs300 without alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages, Dhs495 with Laurent Perrier. Tel: (04) 4256677. www.carameldubai.com

60 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

THE CAVENDISH

Choose one of the two brunch packages with alcohol and you will have access to The Bonnington’s pool facilities after enjoying European and Asian fare at the hotel‘s signature restaurant, The Cavendish.

Best for: A post-brunch dip The Bonnington, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs145 without alcohol, Dhs245 with house beverages, Dhs345 with premium beverages. Tel: (04) 3560600. www.bonningtontower.com

AL BUSTAN ROTANA

SLOANE’S

Certainly not for revellers, Sloane’s brunch is looking to appeal to a more cultivated clientele looking to enjoy a civilised lunch, choosing from an Italian buffet and various live cooking stations with a glass of sparkling wine.

Best for: A quiet lunch Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs220. Tel: (04) 3998888. www. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

Wafi

Caramel

If variety is the spice of life, then Al Bustan‘s Grand Friday brunch is a sure fire winner.

With a smorgasbord of different cuisines you are pleasingly spoiled for choice. The aptly named Choices restaurant joins forces with The Blue Elephant and Benihana restaurants to offer a mouthwatering mix of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Italian delights. And the frozen ice cream plate is one of the best dessert offerings in town.

Best for: Dessert Al Bustan Rotana, Casablanca Road, Al Garhoud, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs199.

Tel: (04) 2820000

ISTOCK

WAFI

THE LAID-BACK AND LIVELY MEET AND MINGLE AT

The Address

MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

Contemplate

the sunset and spectacular views, sip liquid refreshments, indulge in sumptuous grilled cuisine and unwind in surroundings that capture the essence of urban chic. Nineteen and the Sunset Terrace & Lounge present a vibrant, yet relaxing atmosphere, perfect for an elegant Friday Brunch or Saturday Roast. Additionally, stop by with friends for a light bite mid week paired with flavoursome vintages and zesty beverages.

Visit The Address Montgomerie Dubai, seven days a week, and enjoy exceptional offers from as little as AED 99.

T +971 4 363 1275 F +971 4 438 7888 NINETEEN@THEADDRESS.COM WWW.THEADDRESS.COM

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.

Fresh food. It tastes better. We all know that. If it’s a choice between that leathery old tomato that’s taken on the look of a Dr Who baddie in the back of your fridge, and that shiny, proud new tomato bought from the supermarket only yesterday, there’s no contest.

But I’m talking about even fresher than that.

Sure, you can be really obsessive and set up camp outside Spinneys to get the pick of that morning’s delivery of tomatoes, but you’d just look plain weird doing that – at best. At worst, you’d be arrested, and prison tomatoes aren’t particularly fresh – in fact, they aren’t tomatoes, they’re potatoes. No, I’m talking real fresh food. The freshest you 62 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

can get. The kind you grow or kill yourself.

“Grow it yourself?”, I’m imagining hearing you cry in overplayed disbelief. “This is the UAE,” you add, still whining. “The laws of nature don’t apply here, it’s hotter than the planet Mercury, soil turns to glass, even the palm trees have to be imported from Taiwan, and they’re made out of vulcanised rubber...” etc. Yes, we all know it’s hot here, but growing your own herbs and vegetables in the Emirates is a cinch, as long as you take care of them.

“But I don’t have a garden,” you persist annoyingly. Well, you don’t need a garden. OK, if you’re planning on growing an orchard of banana trees, then perhaps you do. But you can get great results growing your own cherry tomatoes and herbs on your balcony.

You start the seedlings off on a window ledge indoors while it’s still hot outside. But when the plants are a few weeks old and the weather is more temperate, it’s time to get them out in the open where they’ll flourish in the glory of the UAE’s greatest natural resource: sunlight. As long as you keep them watered regularly, they’ll thrive. I should know – I did it last year, along with some

“WE ALL KNOW IT’S HOT HERE, BUT GROWING YOUR OWN HERBS AND VEGETABLES IN THE EMIRATES IS A CINCH, AS LONG AS YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM” coriander, oregano and basil, and wrote a really smug blog post about it on my blog, duguzzle. blogspot.com.

The benefit of growing your own cannot be overstated. It’s the freshest food you can get and you can really taste the difference. The tomatoes are sweeter and juicier, the herbs more fragrant and vibrant. And when you consider that fresh produce immediately begins to slowly decompose as soon as it’s picked, it’s got to be better than supermarket stuff that’s spent days in storage and transit before it even hits the shelves.

So that’s growing your own

sorted, what about killing your own (vegetarians may leave the room in a spasm of moral indignation now)? Now, I’m not advocating picking off pigeons with an air rifle, however much fun that might be. Neither am I saying you should keep a herd of sheep on your balcony. But you can go sea fishing, or even better – crab hunting.

Night-time crab hunting tours near the mangroves of Umm Al Quwain, armed with nothing but a spear, a bucket and a murderous disposition, will re-acquaint you with the cave dweller within. And it will reward you with delicious, fresh crab. The freshest you can get.

EATING OUT

Join the Saffa carnival Enjoy an evening of family fun at The Els Club Unless you hail from South Africa, you probably won’t know what a braii or a sokkiejol is – we had no idea – but now‘s your chance to find out. For nonSaffas, a braii is a barbecue and a sokkiejol is a dance, often involving hundreds of people, both of which you’ll find at the Els Club’s South African festival this month.

The organisers expect to draw a crowd of 1,000-plus for the festival, who’ll also enjoy a potjie cook-off judged by a special ‘celebrity’ guest – possibly Els himself – with ten teams of four competing to prepare the best potjie or layered stew in a large

pot set over hot coals.

There will also be bouncy castles, face painting and clowns for the diminutive members of your clan and various golf competitions on the flood-lit driving

range for the olds, including ‘breaking the glass’ – ie thumping a golf ball as hard as you can at a plate of glass in an attempt to smash it and claim victory. In South Africa they call this kind of

thing a ‘jol’, apparently. Whatever you call it, it’s sounds like a fun party to us, bru.

Nov 26, The Els Club, Dubai Sports City, Dubai, 4pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 4251010. www.elsclubdubai.com

A REAL TASTE OF IRELAND IN DUBAI

Opening in November

First opened in Dublin in 1964, McGettigan’s Irish Pub has now arrived in Dubai!

Enjoy the craic in Dubai’s first and only Irish family owned and run Irish Pub!

From a well poured pint of Guinness, or a shot of Jameson, to Irish breakfasts and other fine Irish fare – McGettigan’s has it all, plus so much more – live sports, entertainment and the friendliest service in town!

Nearest Metro - Jumeirah Lakes Towers Valet parking available at Bonnington.

Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Plot J3-J4, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, P.O. Box 37246, Dubai, U.A.E. T: +971 4 356 0000 F: +971 4 356 0400 E: info@mcgettigansdubai.com www.mcgettigansdubai.com

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 63

Win with What’s On WIN! DINNER FOR SIX WITH WHAT'S ON AT VERRE'S CHEF'S TABLE Having dined at Scott Price's chef's table and looked on as Gordon Ramsay himself gave it the official nod of approval during his flying visit in October, we know this is a fine prize. And as if dinner for you and five friends wasn't enough, What's On will join you for the evening. To win the opportunity to dine with us at one of the finest restaurants in Dubai, just answer the following question.

Where was Gordon Ramsay born? a) Glasgow b) Shanghai c) Dubai

ON M CLICHKMOTIVATE.CDOS

A IT ND LO .WINW WWW TER THIS A ITIONS TO EN E COMPET MOR

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 65

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COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND GREEN ART GALLERY

ARTS

p68 In the eye of the beholder p69 Art alert p69 Down Bastakiya way p70 Five to see p71 Lover’s leap NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 67

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST SALMAN

ARTS

In the eye of the beholder An art studio for young adults with special needs, Mawaheb from Beautiful People opened in Bastakiya last month.

The concept was adopted from similar ventures in the Netherlands and aims to help integrate special needs individuals within the community while encouraging them to discover new skills. Manager Sonja Tatton takes time to tell What’s On about the project How did the opening go?

On October 1 we held an admissions day. It was an opportunity for the parents and their children to come to the studio and have a look around and talk to us about the programme. The day was a huge success and for me in particular the day was a proud moment. To see how grateful the parents were about there being something like this in Dubai for their children was worth all the effort that it has taken to establish the studio. We plan to have the official opening later in the year.

What do you hope to offer Dubai’s special needs community?

We hope that the community will embrace the studio and know that Mawaheb from Beautiful People is dedicated to inspiring and teaching new skills to their children. People 68 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

can apply to attend for a minimum of one day a week and a maximum of three days a week for the year from September until June. Essentially it is a place of acceptance and understanding of each other, where young adults can come and learn not only artistic skills, but develop their self confidence and feel valued.

Is the studio open to visitors?

Absolutely! We love visitors. We are very fortunate to be located in an area that is immersed in local and international art and culture, so we already have a lot of passing interest.

It is also important that we encourage people to drop by and see what wonderful things people with special needs can do.

An important aspect of our vision is to educate people to the fact that although someone has a disability, they can still contribute to society and make a difference. We guarantee that whoever walks through those doors will leave with a smile on their face.

What are your plans for the future?

We currently have a weekly programme that we offer our students which is under the direction of our resident artist, Gulshan Kavarana. Our plan is to have a series of workshops in various mediums of art from visiting artists. We also have plans to teach students cooking skills with a trained professional in our small commercial kitchen. Eventually we would like to open a small café, where the public can drop in for light refreshments while marvelling at the wonderful artwork. Essentially, we are studio for everyone to enjoy.

Sun, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Mawaheb from Beautiful People, Villa 40, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3532100. www. mawaheb-dubai.com.

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST SARAH

ARTS

Art alert Skills set

There’s something about the winter months that seems to encourage a thirst for creative knowledge in What’s On’s collective psyche. If you feel the same, look no further than Art Sawa’s truly inspiring programme of courses and one-off classes. This month alone offers everything from a five-session intro into the history of art (starting from November 8) to a one-off music appreciation masterclass on the eclectic oeuvre of one John Cage (November 30).

The Al Quoz gallery also offers regular workshops in audition and performance preparation, seasonal crafts and the like.

Check out the website for details. www.artsawa.com

Art Prize winners announced

Now entering its third year, the Abraaj Capital Art Prize continues to go from strength to strength. Famously feted as the world’s biggest art prize, for the first time this year the US$1 million prize pot is to be split among five – rather than three, as in previous years – artists from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Jananne Al-Ani (Iran), Nadia Kaabi-Linke (Tunisia), Timo Nasseri (Iraq) and Hamra Abbas and Shezad Dawood from South Asia will each work with guest curator Sharmini Pereira to produce original works that will get their first public airing at Art Dubai 2011. Can’t wait. www.abraaj.com/acap

On the move

It’s all change again over in Al Quoz as Green Art Gallery prepares to up sticks from its longstanding Jumeriah home and settle into a brand spanking new warehouse space in – you guessed it – Al Serkal Avenue in December. Al Quoz has long been touted as Dubai’s answer to East London or Downtown New York’s art scene, and with a fistful of some of the city’s most exciting galleries now located in one (easily walkable!) place, it looks like that prediction is finally set to come true. About time, we say. www.gaagallery.com

Down Bastakiya way – three more reasons to visit Bur Dubai

XVA GALLERY Set in the winding backstreets of Bastakiya’s traditional lanes, XVA Gallery continues to be one of the best reasons to venture Creekside. Its cuttingedge exhibitions arguably set the standard for Dubai’s contemporary art scene. And the shop and café aren’t half bad either. www.xvagallery.com

MAJLIS GALLERY Twenty-one-years-young this month, Majlis continues to enchant with its relatively traditional roster of artists, on-site craft shop and oh-sopeaceful courtyard – an oasis in the middle of Bur Dubai’s trafficclogged madness. www.themajlisgallery.com DUBAI MUSEUM It’s amazing just how few of the emirate’s residents have paid a visit to this, the official guardian of Dubai’s maritime and cultural history. Make like a tourist for an afternoon by wandering its cool, calm corridors in the restored Al Fahidi Fort – you won’t regret it. www.dubaitourism.ae NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 69

ARTS

Five to see

ÅBORDELINES: DECONSTRUCTING EXILE

The final show in Green’s Jumeirah gallery is a cracker – a group exhibition of work by contemporary Palestinian artists.

Unsurprisingly given the artists’ background there is much musing on identity and displacement, all deftly handled and thoroughly thought-provoking.

Until Nov 30. Green Art Gallery, Villa 23, 51st Street, Jumeirah, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3449888. www.gagallery.com

ÑMEZZO ÅSUSAN THOMPSON: BOTANICAL ARTIST

Botanical art was a favourite of the Victorian era, but fell out of favour as the 20th century progressed. This charming exhibition of Thompson’s delicately intricate close-ups of plants and flowers, however, shows us all what we’re missing.

Until Nov 18, Majlis Gallery, Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3536233. www.themajlisgallery.com

Not all art needs a gallery setting, as this exhibition at Aspen in the Kempinski Hotel demonstrates. Courtesy of the Vindemia Art & Antique Gallery it features the work of self-educated Lebanese painter Georges Bassil, who finds the inspiration for his ”ballerinas” in the voices of Billie Holiday and Umm Kulthum.

Until Nov 21, Vindemia Art & Antique Gallery, Aspen, Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4270219

ÅRABBIT IN WONDERLAND

Using both painting and video animation, Farideh Lashai takes the rabbit of the title on a journey through the kind of eccentric world of which Lewis Caroll would be proud. There’s a dark heart at the centre of all this, however, as the artist muses on her homeland, Iran, and its place in a changing world.

Nov 3 to Dec 9, Gallery IVDE, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3235052. www.ivde.net 70 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

The heavy stylisation of Hayv Kahraman’s works belie the subtle layers of their message.

In this, her first solo exhibition in the UAE, the artist uses depictions of childhood games to play with meanings and notions of gender. It gives a whole new meaning to the nature/nurture debate.

Until Dec 1, The Third Line, behind Spinney’s warehouse, Al Quoz 3, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3411367. www.thethirdline.com

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST: THE THIRD LINE GALLERY

ÉPINS AND NEEDLES

Lovers’ leap

WIN!

THEA TRE T

If you ICKET S for th 'd like to s We ha e grand to ee When H tal of a ve two rr pairs o nada they Met Sally For yo n re f tic ur www.wchance to wkets to giv ad on. e aw in in Who p and answwithmotivaa pair, visit ay. te layed e Harry r this ques .com tion. a) Billyin the origin Crysta al mo b) Billy vie? l c) Billi Connolly e Pipe r

Forget ”to be or not to be” or the meaning of life – one of the most pressing questions of the past few decades came courtesy of perennial Hollywood classic When Harry Met Sally in 1989.

So, can a man and a woman ever be just friends? While we may disagree with WHMS’s conclusion, there’s no doubting that Sally and Harry’s journey from frenemies to star-crossed lovers is one of the most entertaining this side of the gender divide – and not just because of that now famous diner scene (“I’ll have what she’s having...”). Great news, then, that this particular celluloid gem is now getting a new lease of life on the Dubai stage courtesy of Popular Productions.

The stage version of When Harry Met Sally caused quite the stir when it first hit London’s West End in 2004. Since then, productions have been staged pretty much constantly, from New York to Edinburgh. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal may have defined the characters on screen, but Sally and Harry’s real charm lies in Nora Ephron’s original screenplay – cleverly adapted and brought to life on stage by playwright Marcy Kahan – which goes a long way to explain why the play has been so successful: it is the story, rather than the stars, that defines it.

Which is not to say that the Madinat production isn’t without its stars: both John Cusworth and Gillian Budd are West End actors of good standing, while Popular Productions has been responsible for sell-out UAE shows from Woman In Black to Blood Brothers. Will we be battling for a front row place on opening night? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

Nov 16 to 7. Madinat Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3666546. www.seewhenharrynetsally.com NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 71

Win with What’s On Another bumper month of prizes. For your chance to win, visit www.winwithmotivate. com, answer the questions and keep your fingers crossed

WIN! BRUNCH FOR EIGHT AT AQUARA

Round up some pals, commandeer a table at Aquara and go nuts on the seafood buffet. Just don’t forget about that dessert room.

Heaven really is a place on earth. If you fancy a free Friday brunch at this gorgeous waterside spot, you’ll have to tell us…

Which of the following is not seafood? a) Oysters b) Crab c) Corn on the cob

WIN! STEAK DINNERS FOR TEN AT PALERMO

That’s right – you and nine friends could be enjoying the steak night at Palermo at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. Held every week on Mondays and Tuesdays, there’s a meaty feast of steaks and grills, all served in the welcoming restaurant or on the terrace under the stars. For your chance to win this fantastic feeding frenzy, answer this question correctly: Which of the following is a polo term? a) Pukka b) Chukka c) Mukka

WIN! A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF MONSTER ENERGY DRINK

Are you flagging? Need some energy for the next 12 months?

Luckily we have a year’s supply of Monster Energy drink to keep you going through late nights and morning afters or, if you want to be a traditionalist, get you pumped up for sporting action. To get your hands on a case (24 cans) per month for 12 months, tell us: Which of the following ingredients won’t be found in Monster Energy? a) Taurine b) Unicorn tears c) Ginseng

72 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

WIN! BRUNCH FOR FOUR AT THE AL BUSTAN ROTANA

To celebrate the launch of brunch at Choice’s restaurant at the Al Bustan Rotana, we have a table for four to give away. Top restaurants like Benihana and Blue Elephant serve up exotic dishes, alongside Italian, Indian and Arabic favourites, plus enough desserts to keep Dubai dentists in business for years. To be in with a chance of winning a table for four, correctly complete this saying: Variety is the spice of… a) Life b) Strife c) Rife

SHOPPING

ESSENTIAL

BEACH READS Kickback on the beach and enjoy the autumn sun with one of these ripping yarns

THE SKATING RINK, ROBERTO BOLANO

Chilean author Roberto Bolano blew this pop stand called Earth back in 2003, but the success in English translation of his novel The Savage Detectives in 2006 set loose a flood of Bolano books in English, including this story of crime, politics, infatuation and figure skating set on Spain’s Costa Brava. Read it, then read the entire Bolano canon before two more translations in 2011.

If you like this try… Blow-up And Other Stories, Julio Cortázar A JOURNEY, TONY BLAIR

You may not like Anthony Charles Lynton Blair, but he's the man took the reins of Britain’s Labour party in 1994, led them to a landslide election victory after 18 years in opposition in 1997 – the first of three electoral triumphs – sat at the head of government as Prime Minister for a decade and changed the face of British politics forever. This stout tome covers everything from 1994 to 2010. Anyone interested in British, or indeed world politics, will devour it in days.

If you like this try… The New Machiavelli, Jonathan Powell DEAD LIKE YOU, PETER JAMES

British crime writer Peter James is a big name amongst fans of the genre, and his series of novels featuring Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, of which Dead Like You is the sixth, has brought some of his best sales. It follows Grace as he attempts to solve the murders of two women in Brighton.

Thrilling stuff from an accepted master of the crime genre.

If you like this try… The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson 74 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

WALKING TO HOLLYWOOD, WILL SELF

THE GLASS PALACE, AMITAV GHOSH

Walking to Hollywood is an exploration of French theorist Guy Debord’s psycho-geography (the effect of environment on an individual’s behaviour and emotions) in the form of a fictionalised memoir in which the author himself appears in the form of the main character Charles Ryder. Of course it is. Will Self wrote it.

Split into three sections, the surreal action unfolds during a walk through LA and the East Coast of Yorkshire. A strange book, but then strange is Self’s modus operandi.

If you like this try… Crash, J G Ballard

With almost too much plot to cram into one book, this epic love story crosses borders, generations and class systems. Cleverly weaving India’s rich history with intricate fiction, The Glass Palace is a classic rags-toriches saga following an extended family’s journey that will keep you gripped from beach to bar to bed.

If you like this try… A Fine Balance, Rohinton Mistry

FREEDOM, JONATHAN FRANZEN

This impeccably researched account includes memories from former employees and schoolmates of Sumner, a founding member of Joy Division and New Order. Nolan bravely handed over his work to the man himself and the result is a book packed with footnotes from Sumner confirming and also disputing various tall tales. Recommended for curious musos and post-punk nerds.

If you like this try… The Hacienda: How Not To Run A Nightclub, Peter Hook

Published just two months ago, Freedom has already been dubbed a ‘modern classic’ and the embodiment of the ‘great American novel’, and its author Jonathan Franzen ((The Corrections), whose mug was recently plastered across the cover of Time magazine, hailed as the saviour of America literature and the heir to literary giants Updike, Bellow, Roth and DeLillo. So, let’s just say this family drama in which the characters spew out references to pop culture, is a pretty good read.

If you like this try… Underworld, Don DeLillo JUMP!, JILLY COOPER

Ah Jilly, you gap-toothed lovely.

The purveyor of horsey romps returns with this small town tale of an aspiring racehorse and the characters that surround her. There are wealthy trainers, handsome stable lads and more toned thighs in jodpurs than you can shake a whip at, so you’ll be transported from desert sands to the English countryside at galloping speed.

If you like this try… Polo, Jilly Cooper

BERNARD SUMNER: CONFUSION, DAVID NOLAN

ONE DAY, DAVID NICHOLLS

Catching up with two characters, Emma and Dexter, on every July 15 over 20 years from the day they leave university. One Day is a rare novel that successfully jumps through great chunks of time, leaving the reader guessing where the next chapter will take them. The superbly written protagonists aren’t always likeable, but guide you through a full range of human emotions, resulting in a moving read just crying out to be made into a film.

If you like this try… Juliet, Naked, Nick Hornby

Got a fashion question for Sophia?

E-mail editor-wo@motivate.ae

Sophia says...

We drag the oh-so stylish Sophia Triantafillou away from the helm at Emirates Woman into the grubby What’s On office to answer your wardrobe woes I'm in need of a smart pair of shoes – none of those ones that curl up at the ends or have buckles or pennies stuck to them.

Just smart, shiny and stylish. Tips?

Jeff, Old Town, Dubai My mother always told me “you can tell a man by his shoes” and I am afraid to admit she is right. One of the biggest fashion faux pas a man can make is to wear shoes that are old, have a (high) heel or a rubber sole. If casual is what you are after, look no further than Tom Ford, who does about the best slippers and loafers around. Hermès and Bottega Veneta are also excellent choices for shoes that (if you look after them)

will last for many years to come. If you need some dress shoes, head to your nearest Louis Vuitton boutique for some sleek designs that are sans buttons and buckles.

Shoes by Louis Vuitton

I live in Abu Dhabi and commute to Dubai a couple of times a week. My wife hates my backpack (from my university days). Can you suggest a bag that doesn’t look too feminine and fits all of my stuff in it?

Paul, Abu Dhabi You definitely need a suit bag that will not only hold your suits, but

ties and cufflinks too. 'Roll ons' are also really easy and come with front pockets that can fit a laptop or files safely inside. Gucci at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi have a luggage range for the fashionforward gent, but if you are looking for something a little more casual (and inexpensive) Zara has some great choices.

Bag by Gucci

I have a wedding to go to next month and was planning to wear my favourite new LBD to the reception until someone

told me that wearing black does not coincide with proper wedding etiquette. Is this true? I don’t want to upset the bride on her big day.

Polly, Bur Dubai, Dubai First things first, you can wear black anywhere so please don’t hesitate in wearing black to this wedding. Black is a forever-chic option and can be accessorised with striking stilettos and A bag to make a certain fashion statement.

Add a hat with some netting and stand out from the crowd in style!

Lanvin

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His‘n’hers

MIND & BODY

Our guy and gal check out Grand Millennium’s Jasmine Spa

Hers

His

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE

SHIATSU

TALK US THROUGH IT… The Japanese shiatsu massage technique involves applying firm pressure with the fingers, palms and thumbs. There’s no messing about with this treatment. You arrive, change, lie down on a table in a slightly chilly room and then receive some serious prodding and pummelling (in a good way).

THE BEST BIT? My muscles were extremely stiff from training for the Dubai Marathon (Run with us!, p82), but a series of stretches at the end of the treatment left me loose and ache free. One of the most effective massages I’ve ever had.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? They weren’t. Not a throwaway thong in sight.

SLEEP FACTOR? Nope.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED? Anyone looking to rid themselves of some particularly persistent strains and pains. It would make a grand post-sports massage.

If you’re looking for relaxation, luxury or pampering, do not seek it with shiatsu.

TALK US THROUGH IT… Firstly, a very well informed therapist explained that the massage doesn’t use oils, just pressure points on lymph nodes to release toxins. I was duly warned that I might feel a bit dizzy and tired afterwards. She started to masANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? sage various points from throat to Treatments are administered sans pants. Just before you disrobe HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? feet and I promptly fell asleep.

SLEEP FACTOR? there’s always a slight worry that Dhs340 for 60 minutes, Dhs490 Loads, thanks very much.

THE BEST BIT? you’ve made an underwear error. for 90 minutes, Dhs590 for 120 After a brutal week of deadlines, But naked was, indeed, house rules. minutes.

WHO SHOULD GET 6am starts and birthdays, a mid INVOLVED? afternoon nap was just what the Lymph fluid retains toxins and sleep doctor ordered. After wak- waste, so if you’re embarking on ing, the world was a better place. a detox regime or diet this treatment to rid the body of nasties is ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? a great place to start.

I suspect I might have kicked the therapist as I dozed off in one of HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? those ‘I’m falling off a step’ type Dhs300 for 45 minutes, Dhs360 dreams. for 60 minutes, Dhs540 for 90 minutes.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS? Jasmine Spa, Grand Millennium, Absent. After looking high and TECOM, Al Barsha, Dubai, 10am to low I resigned myself to wear9pm. Tel: (04) 4299999. ing my own. And very nice they www.millenniumhotels.com were, too.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 79

MIND & BODY

Jet set

Whether you’ve been abroad or just had a big night on the tiles, we’ve rounded up the best jet lag treatments to restore skin, boost energy and cheat sleep DESTINATION Jet Away at Sensasia Urban Spa

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Spa at Amara

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90 minutes IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

The Jet Away treatment looks at reviving your whole being, kicking off with a peppermint footbath and inhalation of essential oils to awaken your senses. The full body is a clever combination of light to medium pressure, lymphatic drainage to get rid of water retention and bloating, and gentle stretching, leaving you in a dreamy state.

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Amara Spa ONBOARD MEALS You’ll be welcomed with a refreshing chilled tea then posttreatment indulged with Sensasia’s sensational ginger tea, which is served with cucumber and carrot sticks. Top marks.

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WHAT’S ON SAYS The ‘whole body’ approach is a winner, working a treat on that nasty post-flight bloat and tricking your mind into feeling well-rested, even if you’ve been on a plane (with a five-yearold kicking the back of your seat) for the last 14 hours.

TICKET PRICE

Sensasia

TICKET HOTLINE Sensasia Urban Spa, The Village Mall, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3498850. www.sensasiaspas.com

DEST

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Jet Lag at The Spa

FLIG

JET LAG MASSAGE

FLIGHT TIME 80 minutes IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Take your pick from a selection of several Aromatherapy Associates oils before hitting the table and enjoying a period of intense body brushing (one of the most pleasing sensations we’re ever experienced) and a few stretches (don’t worry, no effort on your part). The therapist then applies pressure to all the right spots on your spine and administers an outstanding massage.

ONBOARD MEALS We enjoyed three cracking cups of restorative ginger tea – soothing, but with a gentle kick – prostrate and blanketcovered in the relaxation area. We like ginger tea. A lot.

WHAT’S ON SAYS After a ten-hour flight from Milan, we couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful, cosy and luxurious spa. The changing room is vast and the slippers are first-rate (we’re still wearing them).

Firsts Clas

TICKET HOTLINE The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai Mall, Dubai, 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4388025. www.theaddress.com

80 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

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Sanctuary Spa

MIND & BODY

A cut above

ISTOCK

Trust is paramount when it comes to choosing a barber – you don’t want any old clown with a tub of Brylcreem and a penchant for pruning going at your glossy locks.

Here are just a few of our favourites MANCHESTER SALON BUDGET There are numerous budget barbers to be found in Dubai.

What’s On has a friend who had his hair cut for his wedding at Four Brothers, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area for just Dhs15. And they threw in a scalp massage. And we have it on good authority, from one of our colleagues with very a fine haircut, that Manchester Salon is the place to be. “There are plenty of good Indian bar-

bers, but look for a Filipino guy called Grace working on the second floor – he’s the best,” our pal says.

Al Muteena St, near Lulu Hypermarket, Deira, Dubai, Dhs20. Tel: (04) 2625577 NIVEA HAUS SPA Located at The Dubai Mall, Nivea Haus’ The Barber Shop is one of the friendliest and most efficient sheering stops in Dubai. We’ve been visiting once a month for a year now and every cut is identical. When a man can sit in that chair without worrying or administering instruction, he knows he’s found the barber for him. Ask for Abed – a true gent. He remembers exactly what length MIDand style we desire and even the RANGE chat we were having the last time

we sat in his chair. Dhs100, including a wash.

Job done.

Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4340777. www.niveahaus.ae

BLOW TONY & GUY If you’re going to spend big on your wig, OUT it’s a good idea to go for a well-known name – not always a guarantee of quality, but we’ve entrusted our hair to the pros at Tony & Guy on many an occasion and never left feeling, or looking, silly. T&G has been around for almost 50 years and all of its staff are fully trained and carrying the special Tony & Guy Diplomas to prove it. If you want the cheapest cut on offer make an appointment with a regular stylist, or for an extra Dhs35 opt for the style director. We recommend Chris – top cuts, and he knows his football, too.

Emirates Towers Hotel, Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs200 to Dhs235. Tel: (04) 3303345. www.toniandguy.com

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 81

MIND & BODY

The latest openings and offers from the land of beauty

THAI PRIVILEGE SPA Celebrate Diwali with Thai Privilege Spa this November. Their themed package includes a 60-minute face or body therapy, herbal bleach for the face, mani-pedi and L'Oréal hair treatment, worth Dhs745 in total but costs Dhs499 this month.

Villa 1047, Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3489679 N.A.I.L.S Marina-based ladies rejoice. We visited this new neighbourhood salon expecting a standard mani-pedi experience.

Instead, we found lovely treatment rooms downstairs, a range of top-notch massages on offer and the charming therapists using totally organic products.

What a nice surprise. The Thai massage (Dhs360 for 75 minutes), administered by the firm handed Sharon, was our pick, but we’ll be back to try the highly recommended Hot Stone treatment very soon.

N.A.I.L.S, Trident Marinascape, Marina Boulevard, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4473688. www.nailsorganicspa.com MANDARA SPA Awaken your body and mind with the 115-minute Sultry Citrus Body Buff by Elemis at the Monarch’s spa, at a special reduced price this month. For Dhs700 you’ll get the foot ritual, exotic lime & ginger salt glow, mini facial, Elemis bath and Balinese massage with body oil. The offer also includes your choice of Elemis bath products to take home, worth Dhs300, and you’ll get access to the health club, pool, steam room and sauna.

Mandara Spa, The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5018888 82 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

LPG facial The latest high-tech facial promises more than a good old rub-down – in fact its USP is to deliver a non-surgical facelift – so no pain and all gain? What’s On finds out…

THE VERDICT

THE SALES PITCH Not all of us on What’s On are into cuttingedge gadgets. In fact, for some of us, downloading songs from iTunes is about as hightech as we get. So when LPG called about their techie facial treatment, we weren’t overcome with excitement. But when we heard the bit about it being a ‘non-surgical facelift’ our jaded ears pricked up. It could be said that the treatment is a bit like a gym session for your face – lots of exercising of the epidermis, but without you having to lift so much as an eyelash. Sounds good to us.

THE TREATMENT We’re at LPG HQ with Marimel Rodrigues, the softly spoken training manager for the brand. She guides us into a room with a pretty scary looking machine; it’s the sort of thing that looks like a prop from of an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. We’re worried that it was going to be pretty invasive – but Marimel ensures us we will leave looking simply better, not red raw or remotely sore.

We lay on the spa bed and she removes eye and face make-up. She then starts up the machine. It sounds like a vintage steam engine and is surprisingly soothing as it chugs away.

The Hoover-like attachment manipulates the skin at a faster and more effective rate than any therapists’ fingers could move, plus the ‘sucking’ sensation increases your blood flow, and feels pretty nice, too. She uses different attachments for specific areas of the face, going very gently around the eye area, and firmer around the jaw line. The treatment doesn’t last much longer than 30 minutes – so it doesn’t take too much time out of our busy schedules, always good when you’re explaining to the Editor you’re off for a facial at lunchtime.

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THE VERDICT Despite it not being the most luxurious treatment in Dubai – no yummy oils, cleansing of chakras, fragrant candles, heavenly scalp massages, or nice herbal cuppa to finish – you certainly come out with more refined and lifted cheekbones and a clearer complexion, which means we’ll take this quick treatment over a lengthy oily rubdown anytime. A course of six sessions is recommended, but you do notice a difference from day one – so yes, it really is no pain, but plenty of gain.

LPG at Tips & Toes, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, Dhs160 per session. Tel: (04) 4293477

“The treatment is a bit like a gym session for your face – lots of exercising of the epidermis, but without you having to lift so much as an eyelash”

THE ULTIMATE 19TH HOLE. DON'T MISS GOLF'S ULTIMATE PARTY It's the sporting event of the year. The world will be watching. And this is your chance to take part, as 60 of the game's greatest names go head-to-head. Enjoy four days of dawn-to-dusk partying and say you were there when the 2010 Dubai World Champion was crowned.

Visit www.DubaiWorldChampionship.com for free tickets and information on premium hospitality packages.

25-28 NOVEMBER

2010

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Mr Fitness Run with us!

Sport shorts

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 85

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Mr Fitness

Got a fitness question for James?

E-mail otivate.ae o editor-w @m

Our resident exercise guru answers your health and fitness questions I can’t afford to join a gym so I’m jogging now, but know I should be doing some strength training, too.

What can I do at home?

Brodwin, Deira, Dubai

Are supplements a con? I’m a healthy 30-year-old guy with a good diet, so don’t feel like I’m missing out on vitamins. What are the benefits?

Noel, Bur Dubai, Dubai There are many useless supplements, but there are ones that I believe do add value. Two basic supplements everyone should be using are a quality omega three fish oil and a multi-vitamin. Don’t skimp on price, you get what you pay for. Google the benefits of fish oils and you will find that there isn’t anything that they don’t help with, from improved cognitive function (IQ) to a reduction of inflammation in the body to helping lose body fat. Winner.

What’s a good exercise to do to start working out again? I’m a little out of practise and want to get back in the swing of things.

Praveen, Oud Metha, Dubai A good activity should be something that you enjoy and that you will actually do.

Consistently. Perhaps going to the gym bores you, or the thought of going out for a run sends you into cold sweats. How about trying something like rollerblading?

It’s surprisingly tough, great for the legs (look at all those ice skaters) and low impact. Another option is to get out onto the open waters and crack on with a bit of kayaking, again a great workout for the arms and abs. If you fancy challenging your balance and stability, then why not try some paddle boarding? Start off short and build up your effort levels.

PROUDLY OPERATES

info@rmalhospitality.ae

What’s the deal with exercising and eating? Should you eat for the exercise you’re about to do or the exercise you’ve just done? If I exercise in the morning I’m always exhausted by lunch – am I not eating at the right time?

Sunita, Karama, Dubai There could be numerous reasons why you feel exhausted by lunch and one could be to do with what you are eating.

However, without knowing what you are eating, what your training sessions consist of, how much sleep you get and possible hormonal issues it is hard to say what the exhaustion issue is. A simple thing to do is to have half of a workout shake (protein and carbs) before you train and the other half once you have finished. So if you’re training at 7.30am, have half at around 7ish and then the other half at say 8.40am, just after training. I would then advise you to have a solid protein and carb meal at about 10am, to aid with the recovery process, before having lunch as usual.

You’re right. Strength training has numerous benefits on the body, such as increased muscle tone, the burning of more calories at rest, increased bone density and the reduction of the likelihood of injury just to name a few. You could start off with a simple body weight work-out and add a bit of a twist to it by making it an escalating density work-out and you’re onto a winner.

L Renegade row 30 seconds work: 30 seconds rest.

L Split squat 30 seconds work each leg: 30 seconds rest L Push-up variation 30 seconds work: 30 seconds rest L Single leg dead lift 30 seconds work each leg: 30 seconds rest L Mountain climber 30 seconds work: 30 seconds rest Work through from one to five in a circuit format. Work each exercise for 30 seconds and then rest for 30 seconds before moving onto the next. Record how many reps you are able to complete for each exercise and repeat the circuit twice with a 60-second rest in the middle. At the end of the two circuits total up how many reps you have done in the 15 minutes (that’s your density) and aim to beat it next time.

What Mr Fitness James Houghton doesn't know about staying healthy isn't worth knowing. In his seven years as a personal trainer, he's helped West End actresses lose the pounds and worked with the Arabian Gulf rugby sevens team to keep them in peak condition.

wagamama The Greens Tel 04 361 5757 wagamama Al Fattan Towers Tel 04 399 5900 (Open daily noon to midnight, deliveries) www.rmalhospitality.com/wagamama.asp

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 87

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Run with us!

The long, gruelling road to the longest race of our lives (some longer than others) has begun. We’ve talked a good game, we’ve started training – now it’s down to business. Our running guru and veteran of many marathons Chris Miller talks diet, training schedules and why it’s still not too late to run with us!

Right, by now you should have been inspired by last month’s Run with us! column to sign up for the Dubai Marathon, RAK Half Marathon or the Dubai 10km Road Race and started running. But you probably don’t have any idea what you’re doing and might already be wishing you hadn’t committed yourself to such a titanic task.

Do. Not. Fear. Chris Miller is here. Chris is a well-being and fitness consultant at The Energy Clinic in Dubai. He is also a keen runner and veteran of a number of long-distance races. And, if you’ve managed to haul yourself out of bed for one of our free Monday morning What’s On training sessions with Chris at Safa Park, you’d know he’s an encouraging trainer and a nice guy to boot.

So nice in fact that he’s given us these top tips about diet and training.

Diet tips

L Make sure you’re eating some form of

protein with every meal (beans, meat)

L Eat fruit and or vegetables with every meal L Make sure you eat breakfast (something

high in carbohydrates like oats)

L Take Omega three (Norwegian Gold)

and multivitamin supplements (Time For Change) L Start to experiment with sports drinks when running 60 minutes or more

Training schedule (four sessions per week)

1 A long run, progressively increasing the distance each session 2 Run a shorter distance at a faster pace 3 Interval training session (join our free Safa Park sessions, Monday, 6.30am) 4 Strength training session, focusing on legs, hips and core And remember – it’s not too late. “The first time you run a race you’re running to finish it,” says Chris. “There’s plenty of time left to train, even for the marathon.”

RUN WITH US! Join our free weekly What’s On training session with Chris and Mr Fitness at Safa Park, 6.30am every Monday. For more information, contact gareth@motivate.ae. Also keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook (WhatsOnDubai) for updates and our blog (www.runwhatsonrun.wordpress.com) for more detailed advice.

Tested: Adidas MiCoach Let’s face it, personal trainers are pricey.

Luckily, the re-launched Adidas MiCoach (this one without the need of a Samsung phone) comes with this little fat-busting gizmo. It talks wirelessly to a heart rate monitor and stride sensor, recording your workout stats and giving you access to mountains of data via the MiCoach website.

Just strap the heart rate monitor across your chest, stick the handy Pacer dongle to any pair of runners (it attaches at the laces, so you won’t have to buy specialized shoes) and you’re ready to go. The first time you power the MiCoach up, it will ask you to run a qualifying session where 88 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

you’ll need to walk, jog and sprint at certain intervals. It will then tailor-make your own personal workouts to any fat burning, cardio boosting or distance goals you fancy.

There’s even real-time audio coaching, with the pebble-sized gadget barking orders to'speed up'or 'slow down' as well as delivering handy stats (time, distance, pace) based on your workout. After your run, connect the MiCoach to your computer via USB, and it will give you calories burned, heart rate and intensity stats.

It’s compatible with any MP3 player packing a 3.5mm audio jack, which means Eye Of The Tiger on repeat, right?

Adidas, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Dhs495.

Tel: (04) 3477007. www.micoach.com

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Sports shorts Your bite-size guide to the sporting month

What’s this? Zen Zen Yoga instructor Lucy Roberts has plenty to offer this month.

First up, there’s cardiolates – a cunning blend of cardio and Pilates that works the heart and lungs and helps strengthen your core and improve posture (Thursdays 9am). Or if you’re really keen, Lucy is holding five daily sessions between November 21 and 25 at Media City. You can sign up to one for Dhs100 or all five for Dhs450.

Nov 21 to 25, Zen Yoga, Dubai Media City, BBC building 10, Dubai, 7am to 9am, Dhs100 to Dhs450. Tel: (04) 3670425. www.yoga.ae

Masterstrokes Fancy a dip? How about a 1km swim around the Burj Al Arab. Sign up to the Swim Burj Al Arab event, donate Dhs275 to medical organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres, and take part in either the competitive or the family swim from the Burj to Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Go on, it’s all in the name of charity. www.swimburjalarab.com

With Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, ICC HQ and Freddie Flintoff turning up in everyone’s local watering hole, Dubai is fast becoming a cricket hot spot. And this month, sports fans, we will be treated to the first test match between Pakistan, who will be looking to put the scandal surrounding their recent disastrous tour of England behind them, and the more settled South Africa – obvious frontrunners. A soft seat cushion, a large and silly hat (the sillier the better) and a few cold ones – there is no better way to spend a sunny day (or five).

Nov 12 to 16, Dubai Sports City, Emirates Road, near Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, free to Dhs150 for five days. Tel: (04) 4251111. www. dubaisportscity.ae

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 89

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Howzat!

The boys line up with

Deputy editor Helen dons an attractive vest

Victory! Friendships are forgotten on the track

JULIANA DOWN What’s On took the boys from Juliana Down go-karting to blow off some steam after being cooped up in the recording studio. The new album, Empires, is out next month – a heavy blend of alternative rock roars and addictive lyrics that is already getting solid air-play on Dubai radio. Lead singer Dia H yelled, “We’re back and

ready to rock!” as he ripped around the track with Sari R (guitar), Vee (bass) and Lionel (keyboards). After already opening for Muse, Justin Timberlake and Velvet Revolver, we reckon 2011 will be the year Juliana Down explode onto the international music scene. www.myspace.com/officialjulianadown NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 91

Shot on location at Dubai Autodrome

everything to race for

CLUB DIARY This month’s mightiest nights in Clubland

5

CTRL @ Catwalk The underground house night returns for another instalment of DJ Afroboogie-led fun, with guest appearances from the Substance and Warped crews.

Catwalk, Golden Tulip, Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002 Sundowner Sessions @ Sundowner WEEKLY

Laid-back beats by the pool, courtesy of resident DJ Chris Smith.

Sundowner, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 5.30pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (02) 6563053 Terry Francis @ Digital Double bubble from London, as sometime Fabric man Terry Francis takes over Trilogy's main room, while the ever-reliable Norman Jay sets up camp on the Rooftop.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs130 to Dhs150. Tel: (050) 7258277

6

Play @ Nasimi

WEEKLY

Beach games, happy hour from 3pm to 5pm, barbecue and live Radio 1 broadcast of Schooly's soulful sessions might just be the perfect way to end your weekend.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 3pm to late, free.

Tel: (055) 2004321

10

Ultimate Ladies Night @ Zinc WEEKLY

5

It’s club classics all the way at the popular cabin crew hangout, with more drinks deals than you can shake a FACE card at.

Zinc, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs75, free for ladies.

Tel: (050) 1515 609

Norman Jay @ Digital

5 MustHaveSoul @ Skylite EW WEEKLY

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Simon Reid, the man behind soulful dance night MustHaveSoul, bares his own about the new night in Abu Dhabi

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12 Mylo @ Digital

92 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

Why the move to the capital? What's the appeal with Skylite?

Once we saw the venue we knew it would work for our style of music. It's not pretentious, has a great location – on the roof of the hotel, overlooking the F1 race track. And it has a great Funktion 1 sound system. We're hoping people from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai will come down, party with us and stay the night. We'll be running a free coach service from Etihad Plaza for Etihad staff, too.

So how do you feel about the city’s scene at the moment?

I feel it’s an untapped market, still

very much in its infancy. All it takes is good music. There are amazing events planned for Yas Island, and it could become a hub for activity for the capital. We hope to be a big part of it.

Who should come to MustHaveSoul @ Skylite?

Everyone is welcome; we're not pretentious. Our parties are all about giving people good music and nights they'll remember. The event is on every Friday so we want people to come down and let their hair down, have a good time, enjoy their surroundings and dance.

And what can we expect tune-wise?

We pride ourselves on our music policy.

People who come to MustHaveSoul can expect the very best in what we call 'soulful dance music'. So expect anything from soul, funk, disco and nu disco, to soulful and deep house music.

Plus, we'll be bringing an international guest once a month.

What are your winter 2010 anthems?

Look out for something very special coming from one of our DJs – Sean McCabe featuring Stephanie Cooke coming soon on Kingstreet Sounds, Also I think Hippie Torrales featuring Rosie Gaines' Never Quite The Same is up there, too.

Sum up MustHaveSoul in five words or less.

Must have good times.

Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free, promotional room rate of Dhs550 including breakfast. Tel: (055) 6160643. www.musthavesoul.com

CLUB DIARY 80s @ Stills WEEKLY

DJ Fadi takes you back to the 1980s every Wednesday night. Dig out those legwarmers.

Stills, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6563053

12

Mylo @ Digital Trilogy continues to ship over the big boys; this time it's Mylo providing the soundtrack for your Friday night. Expect slick electronica, big basslines and a few screaming fans.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs130 to Dhs150. Tel: (050) 7258277 Acoustic @ Abu Dhabi Gold Club WEEKLY

Acoustic music every Friday night with Danny Shirran.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nahkl, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 10pm, free. Tel; (02) 5588990

13

Just Sundays @ Cavalli Club WEEKLY

Glam clubbing for glam people – expect the music on the commercial side, and the people on the well-to-do side.

Cavalli Club, Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 3329260

19

Mr Mr’s 30th Birthday @ Audiotonic One of our great musical mates celebrates the big 3-0 with Matthew Charles, Julian Jinx, Vas Floyd and Raxon all taking a turn behind the deck, live on Radio 1.

The birthday boy will also be playing a set at 8pm.

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

20

Saturday Night Fever @ Alpha WEEKLY

Retro-loving fun from the Alpha residents, with disco and more on offer.

Alpha, Le Méridien Village, Garhoud, Dubai, 9pm to late, Dhs50, free for ladies and FACE card holders. Tel: (050) 9130165 Grant Nelson @ MustHaveSoul Celebrate MustHaveSoul’s first birthday with special guest Grant Nelson, regarded by many as the pioneer of UK house.

Support from residents Simon Reid, Tristan Bain and Dan Chadwick.

360, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (055) 6160643

25

Norman Doray @ Armani/Prive The man behind Apocalypse spins the tunes for Armani’s ever-glam crowd.

Armani/Prive, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 8883888 Ministry of Sound @ Barasti Beach A beach-side spectacular with MoS tunes, stilt walkers and fire dancers providing the entertainment, plus giveaways and drink promotions.

Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 before 10pm, free for ladies.

Tel: (04) 3991313

Layo & Bushwacka @ Digital Breakbeat fun from the UK duo, who are sure to draw a big crowd.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs130 to Dhs150. Tel: (050) 7258277 Soundwave @ Nasimi The little brother to the mammoth Sandance, this beach party will feature Zane Lowe DJing and Nightmares On Wax with their full live band. Expect sandy fun from afternoon to late.

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to late, price TBC. Tel: (055) 2004321

27

Karizma @ MustHaveSoul The Baltimore-based spinner drops by for a night of house action, backed up ably by Simon Reid, Tristan Bain and Dan Chadwick.

360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (055) 6160643

Mr Mr @ Audiotonic

11 Retrospect @ 360˚

26

Evren Ulusoy @ Audiotonic Turkish delights from Evren, who brings his brand of deep house to the offshore party. Expect backup from Mr Mr, Vas Floyd and Raxon.

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

Martin Rushent, legendary punk, electro and pop producer, has worked with some of the greats. Now in his 60s, with a son in electro band Does It Offend You, Yeah?, we caught up with him ahead of his first trip to Dubai

26 Zane Lowe @ Nasimi

19

What can the 360˚ crowd expect from you?

I’m going to be doing my 1970s and 80s set. A mixture of The Human League, bit of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox… a whole range of early 80s artists from ones I’ve produced and some I really love.

You worked with seminal postpunk band Joy Division. How did that come about?

I loved Joy Division. I just thought they were fantastic. I remember going up to see them in Manchester, before anyone had heard of them and they were playing in a tiny little hall above some shops. They were just amazing.

I couldn’t believe it. I told them to come to London immediately to do an album.

So which era do you most fondly remember?

I had a great time in the mid to late 70s with Buzzcocks and The Stranglers. That was a lot of fun and a lot easier than making ‘80s records.

They were touring bands so you just plonked them in the studio; you got a good sound, recorded them, dubbed the vocals, mixed it and went home. Then we moved into the 80s and the machines started to develop – and they were primitive back then and a nightmare to work. I remember thinking “I came into the music industry so I wouldn’t be a bank clerk, typing on a keyboard, and that’s exactly what I’m doing”.

And how do you feel about advancing technologies these days?

I can do things now in five minutes that used to took me a day. I’m well chuffed!

Who are you working with now?

The band I’ve just finished working on are The Pipettes. Very pop and the other end of the playing field to Does It Offend You, Yeah?. They had an album out a while ago, very gimmicky, but they’ve made lots of changes.

People react to it like Marmite – either thinking it’s the greatest pop album ever made, or they just hate it.

Many industry insiders have called you a pioneer. How do you feel about that?

I think they’re dead right! There weren’t many of us doing it back in the day and over the last 20 years I’ve been listening to electro and dance and they’re still using little tricks that I developed back in the 80s. The remarkable thing is when I meet real heroes of mine, like Grandmaster Flash, and they say I was the biggest influence on their work. It’s amazing.

360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (050) 2269440. www.myspace.com/mrushent.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 93

Win with What What’ss On ISTOCK

ON M CLICHKMOTIVATE.CDOS

A IT ND LO .WINW WWW TER THIS A ITIONS N T E E P O T COM MORE

WIN! A MONTH OF TRX CLASSES TRX is the latest exercise craze, and we have a month of unlimited classes at The Aviation Club to give away. The dynamic sessions involve equipment suspended from the ceiling, so you use your body weight to build strength and flexibility, while controlling difficulty. If you fancy a month of free full body work-outs, then answer this question…

TRX was developed by a military man. Was he a… a) Navy SEAL b) Navy Dolphin c) Navy Manatee

WIN! BRUNCH AT ARMANI/ HASHI PLUS A SIGNATURE TREATMENT AT ARMANI/SPA

Italian-style luxury is within reach with this amazing prize. The winner can enjoy brunch for two at Hashi, Armani’s stunning Japanese restaurant, complete with sushi buffet, Robati grills, a la carte mains and Bollinger (see out review on page 59). They will also receive a 90-minute Crema Nera signature treatment in Armani/Spa, one of Dubai’s most stylish urban retreats. To be in with a chance of winning this five-star experience, simply tell us: What is Mr Armani’s first name? a) George b) Giorgio c) Gino

94 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

WIN! A BARBECUE NIGHT FOR SIX You and five chums could be enjoying an evening of meaty, charred goodness (with drinks to wash it down) at the new cook out night at City Centre Hotel & Residence. Every Friday and Saturday night there’s lamb chops, steaks, jumbo prawns and more on the barbie, plus salads and desserts with live entertainment from the resident songsters. If you’d like to give it a try, you’ll have to get this question right: Which of the following are you unlikely to find on a barbecue? a) Burger b) Kebab c) Lemon sorbet

THE MAKING OF A MARQUE 2010

06.11

What makes a great marque an icon? Passion, emotion, innovation and a thoroughbred race heritage.

Invitation: @V\ HYL PU]P[LK [V ^P[ULZZ H ZLSLJ[PVU VM ZL]LYHS JSHZZPJ 7VYZJOL PJVUZ Ă…V^U PU

from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Exhibited in Dubai for one day only, do not miss this chance to embark on a journey into the legendary Porsche history.

Date:

Saturday, 6th November 2010

Time:

From 12:00 pm onwards

Venue: Porsche Centre Dubai

1st interchange Sheikh Zayed Road, near Mazaya Centre

www.porschedubai.com

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NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 97

Family Fun Day. BBQ-on-the-lawn.

Saturdays are Fun days, thanks to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s very own hawksbill restaurant!

Starting from the 23rd October, and running every Saturday until the 27th November, you can eat as much as you can at our BBQ on the lawn.

There’ll be jumping castles, face painting, kids’ golf and a variety of games, with loads of prizes to be won.

And as if the BBQ wasn’t enough, there will also be popcorn, candy floss, hotdogs and corn-on-the-cob to fill those empty spaces!

The Fun Day runs from midday until 5pm, whilst the BBQ – which costs AED80 per person – concludes at 3pm.

We look forward to welcoming you all to what promises to be a great day out for the entire family. We’re only minutes away from Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, and there is ample parking available.

For all reservations please telephone 02 499 8107 or email fb@sbgolfclub.ae Visit us at www.sbgolfclub.ae

TRAVEL | CATALONIA

Wild at heart

From bustling Barcelona to tiny fishing villages near the French border, northern Catalonia has something for everyone – in almost every language.

What’s On takes a tour of Spain’s ‘Wild Coast’

LONG HAUL

“Bonjour Mesdames!” The hotel receptionist is smiling brightly, but we are perplexed.

Travel can feel discombobulating at the best of times, but even allowing for jet lag and time differences we take pride in at least knowing what country we’re in. “Bonjour Mesdames,” she tries again, her smile a little tighter. We glance, faintly baffled, at one another before shrugging and offering a muffled “bonjour” in reply.

We are standing in the lobby of the Hotel Duran in the Catalonian city of Figueres, northern Spain. Fittingly for a city that is the birthplace of Salvador Dali, the experience thus far is shaping up to be decidedly surreal – why is the Spanish receptionist in a Spanish hotel speaking to us, clearly a couple of native English speakers, in French?

The answer is quite simply geography.

Figueres may lie 30km inland from the French border on the northern Costa Brava (‘Wild Coast’), but it shares some of the traits of its Gallic neighbours including, we’re discovering, a certain freedom with the language. Around these parts, French and Spanish are mixed and mingled with dextrous ease. That’s when they’re not all speaking the official second language, Catalan.

Confused? There’s no need to be.

Spanish geo-politics may baffle (there are 17 autonomous communities within the

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Costa Brava seascape

Barcelona's Parc Guell at sunset NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 99

TRAVEL | CATALONIA

Three more reasons to visit the Costa Brava El Bulli Consistently voted one of the world's best restaurants, Ferran Adria’s El Bulli restaurant is a short drive from the resort town of Roses.

The chef who put the gastro into molecular gastronomy has announced that next year (it only opens from June to December) will be the restaurant’s last. Get on the waiting list now. www.elbulli.com Empúries This ancient city on the Gulf of Roses was founded by the Phoenicians in 600BC. After them, the Greeks and Romans both had their turn. The result? Ruins from each of the three cultures can be seen here, including stunning floor mosaics and the layout of the original Greek harbour.

Girona Northern Catalonia’s second city offers all the trappings of urban life – culture, fine dining and enough shopping opportunities to make your bank manager weep – at a considerably more relaxed pace than Barcelona.

Kingdom of Spain, of which Catalonia is one), but the best way for the average visitor to approach anything is to simply go with the flow.

In Figueres the flow goes pretty firmly in one direction – this is a city that is all about its most famous son. From the props and drawings that adorn the Hotel Duran’s walls to the mind-boggling theatricality of the Dali Theatre-Museum, in this – frankly otherwise unlovely – place there’s no escaping Salvador Dali. The great Surrealist conceived the museum as his gift to his hometown and it would seem that it is one that just keeps on giving – visitors flock in their thousands to visit it every year.

Dali also looms large in the pretty town of Cadaqués , about an hour’s drive up the coast.

The artist spent his childhood summers here and later settled into a home nearby in the tiny fishing village of Port Lligat. If you haven’t had enough of the moustachioed one’s personal proclivities (we’ll say no more about the decidedly dodgy swimming pool), you can join the merry band of tourists on the next leg of their Dali-homage. Either way, make sure you leave plenty of time to explore Cadaqués.

There are some places that defy description and this is one. Almost everyone we meet tells us this town is special, but no one quite manages to put it into words. We’re none the wiser after a visit to Cadaqués Museum where Cecelia Baldes, who moved to the town from her native Barcelona 20 years ago, explains the town’s je ne sais quoi in 100 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

Girona

TRAVEL | CATALONIA

terms of a particularly magical “energy”. “You either really love this place or you feel nothing,” she adds.

“It’s not in the middle.”

Certainly, Cadaqués’ beauty is undeniable: whitewashed stone houses with terracotta tiled roofs are piled around the kind of picture-perfect horseshoe bay of which postcards are made. The town was, until relatively recently, only reachable by sea and even today, dozens of boats, big and small, continue to bob in the bay. This remoteness played no small part in allowing the town to escape the high-rise building boom that has blighted much of the rest of the Costa Brava in recent decades.

But it takes more than that to attract the stream of artists who, since Picasso visited 100 years ago, have been making A steady pilgrimage to the town (it boasts more art galleries per square metre than anywhere else in Spain). Or to explain how Chinese developers became so enchanted with the place that plans to build an exact replica of it over a 100-acre site in Xiamen Bay – allowing Chinese holidaymakers to get a whiff of the town’s magic without ever having to get their passports stamped – are currently underway.

We leave the Cadaqués conundrum to the experts, choosing instead to spend a couple of days soaking up its charms, no questions asked.

This involves a day walking around the Cap de Creus peninsula watching waves crash and seagulls soar up and over the rocky headland, another spent puttering gently by boat in and out of quiet

Top: View of Costa Brava’s beaches and villages Above right: Casa Batlló

neighbouring bays, and hours lolling indulgently on the town’s tiny, pebbled beach. By night we hop the many bars and restaurants that line the waterfront, grazing on tapas at the strip’s open-air restaurants and tapping our feet to live bands at L’Hostal, a dimly-lit dive that counts Mick Jagger and Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriella Garcia Marquez among its guests. Whatever the key to Cadaqués’ mysterious energy may be, we are entranced.

So it’s a shock, four days and three hours travelling time later, to find ourselves pulling into Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia station to be confronted with the push and pull of city life.

Barcelona is arguably Spain’s most vibrant city. It certainly takes the award for its most eccentric.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 101

TRAVEL | CATALONIA The village of Cadaques

Santa Maria church

Our first sight upon leaving the station is the writhing, skeletal artistry of Casa Battló (casabattlo.es), a private house designed by Antoni Gaudi, the architect whose stillunfinished cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, serves as architectural mascot for the city and remains its most visited attraction.

Further quirks abound over in Montjuïc Park where 4,500 pastel-coloured lightbulbs and many thousand litres of water nightly bring the Font Màgica de Montjuïc (that’s Magic Fountain to you and me) to life. Eat your heart out Dubai Fountain – this baby is kitsch with a capital ‘K’.

But Barcelona is as sophisticated as it is idiosyncratic. With time short, we stop for a quick coffee in the magnificent Boqueria indoor food market on La Rambla before heading to the Gothic Quarter to wander through its narrow cobbled streets, pay 102 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

homage to Picasso (the artist spent his youth in the city and is honoured with his own museum on Calle Montcada) and gorge on tapas at legendary local favourite Cal Pep’s zinc-topped bar. From there it’s a short stroll down to stylish charms of Barceloneta. This once working class neighbourhood was given a makeover for the Olympics in 1992 and hasn’t looked back since. Now it’s all smart apartments and beachfront bars, a place where bathing beauties cycle and rollerblade the waterfront by day and live la vida loca by night.

The newest jewel in the city’s style crown, however, is a further short stroll south.

Designed by famed local architect Ricardo Bofill, the sail-shaped W Hotel has been called the city’s answer to the Burj Al Arab.

Pitch up poolside and you’ll be treated to magnificent views over the Mediterranean, fine cocktails and an absurdly pretty crowd of fellow loungers. We settle in, order a signature wet mojito and raise a glass. Finally, a language we fully understand.

Need to know Getting there Emirates flies daily from Dubai to Barcelona via Madrid from Dhs4,300 in November Accommodation L Hotel Duran, Figueres. Tel: (+34) 972501250. www.hotelduran.com L Salvador Dali’s hometown is good base for visiting spots along the northern Costa Brava L W Hotel Barcelona. Tel: (+34) 932952800. www.whotels.com.barcelona Spain’s hottest new hotel opening, bar none

La Sagrada Familia catherdral in Barcelona

Currency 1 Euro = Dhs5.1

TRAVEL | SRI LANKA

Island fever

SHORT HAUL

ISTOCK

Lazing, surfing, strolling and eating, Sri Lanka’s southern shores offer our very own The Critic, James Brennan, idyllic respite from city life I’m in the classic beach holiday position. Feet up, pointing towards the sea. Head down, peering up through gently whispering palm fronds at a powdery blue sky. My right hand is toying idly with caster-sugar sand, and my left appears to have merged with the atoms, floating somewhere in time and space. Waves crash up against megalithic rocks that emerge from the water like prehistoric beached whales. The rhythmic swoosh of the tide has soothed me into a state of stupefied bliss.

Thing is, I hate beach holidays.

Under normal circumstances, the mere suggestion of a beach holiday would have me reaching for a Trans-Siberian Railway timetable or a map of the West Papuan rainforest.

The brain-blotting torpor of just lying there on a stretch of granulated rock, clutching a John Grisham novel and waiting for the sun to turn me into a human glow stick doesn’t usually appeal. But then there’s Sri Lanka.

I first visited the teardrop-shaped island to the south east of India in 2006. It was almost two years after the Boxing Day tsunami claimed thousands of lives and devastated communities along its east and south coasts.

The country was still in the grip of a long and violent civil war, yet I found the indomitable spirit and friendliness of the people instantly endearing. But it was the raw natural beauty of the southern coastal areas around Galle and Unawatuna that poked a hole through my prejudice.

104 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

Now the civil war is over and I’m back in Sri Lanka, enjoying the beaches again.

I’m lounging at Dalawella, a quiet stretch of guesthouses and mini-resorts just south of Unawatuna along the Galle-Matara coast road. Here the shore is as serene and idyllic as the laws of nature can allow. All that travel stress – from airport hassles to the four-hour night-drive from Colombo – peels away with each majestic rush of seawater. Did you know more people are killed each year by falling coconuts than shark attacks? Well, that’s all I have to worry about right now. I glance up at the tall palms overhead. No coconuts. As you were.

The beauty of this particular beach holiday, above most others, is that you can easily find a pace to suit your mood. When the most you can be bothered to do is perspire and reach for ice cold drinks, Dalawella is perfect. You can just lie there, luxuriating in the gentle sea breeze as tiny hermit crabs scurry over the rocks, and fishermen cast their lines from stilt poles driven into the seabed. They sit patiently for hours on wooden cross beams a few feet above the sea, motionless so as not to disturb the fish. The sun goes down drowsily, like an old man getting into bed.

When you feel like upping the tempo from such bone-idle inertia to something a little more invigorating, there’s Unawatuna.

Slightly more developed than Dalawella, and just a few minutes away by tuk-tuk, Unawatuna’s beaches are busier, but no less beautiful. Scattered around a network of quiet lanes set back off the main road, there’s a range of accommodation here, from cheap B&Bs, to all-inclusive resorts. There are beachside cafes, bars and restaurants to flit between after sunset and, while the vibe is suitably sleepy, there are plenty of opportunities to socialise with locals and fellow lazy travellers.

Above: The view from Galle lighthouse Right: An idyllic Sri Lankan beach

TRAVEL | SRI LANKA

The most stressful thing you might do here is haggle with a tuk-tuk driver over fare. A return trip along the coast road, past Dalawella to Koggala and Ahangama, should cost you no more than five hundred Rupees.

And there’s good reason to make the short journey. The white sandy beaches get even more picturesque along the way. A haven for wildlife, Koggala Lake attracts a rainbow of exotic birds, and the nearby Ananda spice garden provides the opportunity to stock up on citronella oil to ward off the inevitable squadrons of mosquitoes.

Should you really wish to get the blood pumping, Ahangama is to the surfer what Dalawella is to the beach slouch. There are precious few attractions here other than the galloping waves, so it’s hardly ever crowded

and you can ride those breakers until you run out of surf wax. If you haven’t already spotted them trying to dodge your board in the water, you can visit the nearby Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery, where baby turtles are nurtured and released safely back into the sea.

After a few days of somnambulistic pottering around the beaches of Dalawella and Unawatuna, I head to the town of Galle, a few miles down the coast. As my tuk-tuk driver threads through a mesh of growling buses and chugging lorries, I feel my heartbeat readjusting to the rhythm of town life. Galle’s new town is a Stockhausen symphony of car horns, motors and urban noise. It’s the cranking engine room of the region, vibrant with life, but hardly the most attractive spot on the coast. Galle’s old town, however, is an NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 105

TRAVEL | SRI LANKA

Where to stay DALAWELLA SRI GEMUNU For the laziest phase of your holiday, the relaxed simplicity of this colonialstyle beachfront hotel will hit the spot perfectly. Rooms with air conditioning are fine, but the sea-facing fan-only rooms are just as good, especially when you open the shutters and let the gentle breeze and crashing waves lull you to sleep at night.

Just try not to sleep too much during the day. www.sri-lanka-resort.com altogether more alluring prospect.

The Galle Fort was completed by Dutch colonialists in the late 17th century, and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Tracing a peninsula overlooking the old harbour, the sturdy ramparts stood resolute against the 2004 tsunami, while much of the new city outside the walls was destroyed. As a result, restoration work on many of the old Dutch houses and administrative buildings inside the fort carried on unimpeded, and some have been returned to their former pomp.

The Galle Fort Hotel was a gem merchant’s mansion that was saved from ruin by two Australian entrepreneurs and transformed into one of the best colonial-style boutique hotels in Asia. Its faithfully restored exterior is certainly befitting of the best-preserved colonial sea fort on the entire continent.

But it’s the dark-wooden splendour of the interior that evokes a sense of a golden age of travel – where sundowners can be sipped on the terrace as the day wraps itself up in the purr of the ceiling fans. I make it my base to explore the old town.

The next morning I amble through the snug streets of the fort, admiring the historically sensitive restorations here and there, but also the crumbling old facades that have been untouched for centuries. The fort I visited in 2006 was a deathly quiet, drab and slightly unwelcoming place with few tourists. Now it’s a thriving and colourful working community with shops, museums, schools and places of worship. Walking past the peeling walls of the old police station, I peek through the door of the local Vice Squad. In the deserted office, the walls display faded newspaper clippings 106 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

UNAWATUNA UNAWATUNA BEACH RESORT With its family swimming pool, tennis courts and lively bar area, this is the place to come if you’re looking to interact with other human beings. An all-inclusive package means that don’t have to leave the complex, but tuk-tuks are available outside when cabin fever finally sets in. www.unawatunabeachresort.com

GALLE GALLE FORT HOTEL Karl Steinberg and Christopher Ong’s renovated Dutch mansion house is a masterpiece of colonial restoration. A template for any would-be hotelier who’s thinking of transforming a rundown property into something truly magical, this boutique hotel gets it spot on, from the stately reception rooms to the serene swimming pool and the classically styled rooms. If it wasn’t so neatly done, it might resemble an upmarket auctioneers, there are so many beautiful antiques scattered about the place. But should a particular piece catch your eye, our friendly proprietors will gladly listen to offers. www.galleforthotel.com

Fishermen fishing on stilts in Koggala

Seeing the town in a tuk tuk

Need to know

of past cases cracked, while an old Adler typewriter waits on a spartan desk. It’s like an exhibit in a museum, but then so are most things in Galle Fort.

I follow a path that hugs the ancient walls to where a 1930s art deco lighthouse stands over the Point Utrecht Bastion. From there I continue along Hospital Street to the National Maritime Archaeology Museum, which has recently reopened after a hefty donation from the Dutch government. From ships’ wheels to old compasses, the museum displays a raft of exhibits salvaged from the many wrecked vessels that surround the Galle promontory.

Like my beach-holiday preconceptions, they had been dashed on the rocks of Sri Lanka’s stunning southwest tip.

Where to eat Galle Fort Hotel It’s that place again. We wouldn’t be recommending it if it wasn’t truly exceptional, but it is. The setting, overlooking the softly lit courtyard swimming pool, is perfect and the food is just as good. The menu changes every day, but you can be sure of superbly executed home-made Asian fusion food with Sri Lankan flourishes, from crumbling crab cakes to icy fruit sorbets.

How to get there L FlyDubai direct to Colombo, from Dhs700 L Transfers by taxi can be arranged through hotels, or you can negotiate with drivers at the airport Currency 100 Sri Lankan Rupees = 3.25 Dirhams

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TRAVEL | TRAVELS WITH...

Travels with…

Adrian Hayes

What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had?

That’s a difficult one, but I guess Krabi in Thailand. Sun, sand, sea and, erm, rock climbing. Seriously, it’s such a stunning location that I went three times in 18 months a few years back.

What’s been your biggest travel disaster?

A small team and myself were doing some diving work for the Fijian government and I’d planned a four-day sport diving stopover in Guam on the way back to Hong Kong.

I arrived in Guam with a heavily swollen, poisoned foot – somehow incurred in the last week in Fiji – and, turning up at the US military base for some medication, was hospitalised for the full four days whilst they worked out what it was. They eventually put

A trio of deals for the thrifty traveller PACK FOR PHUKET Luxury Hotels by Dnata has just gained a new property and the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is offering some alluring opening rates. Located on Karon Beach, all rooms have sea views and the property boasts four swimming pools, a tennis court and spa. Just Dhs554 for a deluxe room and Dhs1,157 for a luxury pool suite. Based on double occupancy, the offer is valid to December 24. www.dnata.com 108 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

HOT FIVE It seems discount airfares are all the rage in the UAE at the moment, and Etihad has five of the very best to rouse your winter wanderlust.

Fly economy to Bangkok (Dhs1,895), Kuala Lumpur (Dhs1,905), Frankfurt (Dhs2,435), Munich (Dhs2,525) and London (Dhs2,505) without straining the bank balance. The offer is valid to December 31 and you can travel to March 2011. We’re thinking a cheeky long weekend in Munich would quell the postChristmas January blues nicely. www.etihadairways.com

my whole leg in plaster. But I went back to Guam a few years later to make amends.

If you could advise people to visit one destination what would it be?

Nepal. Do a mountain trek amidst some of the most stunning scenery and the friendliest people on the planet. And see how it changes your perspective on your home country.

What are your three top tips for surviving a long airport stopover?

Always have something to read. A small stuff sack with eyeshades and ear plugs goes with me everywhere, along with a small air pillow. I can sleep on any aircraft, noisy bar or even a ditch with something for the neck, eyes and ears.

What item do you never travel without?

A fold up toothbrush and small tube of paste.

Disgusting as it may seem, I’ve gone for 70 days without washing at all and am pleased to report you suffer no ill effects whatsoever. Your teeth, however, is the one exception.

What destination serves the best food?

I love Indian food, so anything and anywhere in the sub continent. www.adrianhayes.com

“I’ve gone for 70 days without washing at all”

WINTER WONDERLAND We look forward to the launch of the Emirates Holidays Ski & Winter Holidays brochure. We can’t ski, but we really like looking at the pictures of snow-capped peaks and be-goggled skiers gliding down snow-blanketed European mountainsides with seeming ease. For us any attempt at recreating this feat would end in broken bones, so the Dhs3,562 package to Innsbruck, Switzerland is more our speed. Economy flights from Dubai to Munich and three nights accommodation and breakfast. Valid to March 31, 2011. www.emirates-holidays.com

ISTOCK

UAE-based polar explorer Adrian Hayes holds the record for reaching the North Pole, South Pole and Mount Everest in the quickest time. Having travelled to more than 100 countries, he knows a thing or two about taking a trip. As he prepares for two major expeditions in 2011, the British adventurer proffers some of his hard won travel wisdom

TRAVEL EXTRA

We may be renowned for our pristine golf courses.

But our course of choice

is served off the green.

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a golfer to enjoy a meal on the stunning grounds of the Yas Links Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. From delicately prepared spiced duck breast and pan-seared foie gras at Barranca, to the celebratory ambience of a bite with the boys at Hickoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Bar; indulge in a little taste of the good life. And let our award-winning chefs show you what it means to dine with a difference.

For enquiries and reservations, please contact +971 2 810 7777 or visit www.yaslinks.com

THE HOT LIST Key New entry Non-mover Up

p113 p117 p121 p125

Bars Restaurants Brunches Spas NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 111

LA PETITE MAISON

Down

THE HOT LIST

THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES

BARS

Yacht Club

ATMOSPHERE

1

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

Friendly and busy, like a good bar should be.

With its raft of great bars and restaurants, the Souk Qaryat Al Beri is our number one entertainment spot in the capital.

Mingling and meeting new people.

Around average drinks prices for the capital, although some of the cocktails can send the bill creeping up.

2

It’s chilled early on, while later in the evening the party vibe kicks in as the DJ spins some house grooves.

There are few cooler locations in the capital than this marina-side bar.

Dressing up to the nines and being seen.

3

Within a few months of opening Relax@12 has become one of the busiest bars in the capital.

Perched on top of Aloft, one of the hippest new hotels in the city.

A near perfect recreation of a fin de siècle European bar.

As homely as a wooden chalet in the Black Forest.

Left Bank

Yacht Club

Relax@12

4

Belgian Café

5

Brauhaus

Left Bank

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

The stylish interior was the place to dine over the summer, but now it's terrace time.

Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 7pm to 1pm, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 2am.

Tel: (02) 5581680. www. emiratesleisureretail. com

Your wallet will be considerably lighter after a night out here.

It’s bearable outside so the outdoor space comes into its own once again.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen After Ramadan, Sat to Wed noon to 1am, Thurs noon to 3am., Fri 2pm to 3am, Sat 5pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6666888. www.ichotelsgroup. com

A nightclub vibe, without the queues to get in and cover charge.

Refreshingly affordable.

This is rapidly becoming one of our favourite haunts.

Aloft Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, 5pm to 2am.

Tel: (02) 6540000. www.aloftabudhabi. com

Some of the capital's best bars and restaurants – Yacht Club and Chamas to name but two – are located at the InterCon, making this quite the nightlife hub.

Great food and a few beers with pals.

It’s on the expensive side, but justifiably so.

Don’t leave without trying the Belgian waffles.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, 5pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6666888. www.ichotelsgroup. com

The Beach Rotana hotel also has the superb Pregos, Rodeo Grill and Benihana restaurants and the ace Trader Vic’s bar, all under one roof.

A plate of German sausage and sauerkraut and a stein of lager.

You’ll rack up a hefty bar tab if you order too many of the speciality beers.

Celebrate Oktoberfest here.

Guaranteed messiness.

Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana.com

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2010 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’S ON ON 113 113

HOT ON EELSa THPeEarlsH , Shangri-L

BARS

11 a Crowne Plaz r 12 Heroes, Cafe, Al Dia om tt Bo ck 13 Ro el Capital Hot irates Palace Em s, le oi 14 Et eraton hcomber, Sh 15 The Beac Dhabi Abu

Stills

ATMOSPHERE

6 Y Bar

7

Chameleon

8

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

Y Bar is becoming the coolest spot for suburban Abu Dhabians to hang out.

Persuade your designated driver to head out to Yas Island. It’s packed with great bars and restaurants.

Anyone looking for a change of scenery.

Mid-range.

A petite bar with quiet alcoves that are perfect places to sip a few cocktails with friends.

The bar is a few paces from the quality Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, Frankie’s and Cedar Lounge restaurants.

A few relaxed drinks in an elegant setting.

With the huge bar and leather seating there's a smart city pub feel.

Stills would be our favourite local pub, if it only it were a bit more, well, local.

There’s a Polynesian island feel, with various island brica-brac lining the walls.

9

Packed with punters enjoying the craic.

10 PJ O’Reilly’s

114 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Fast becoming the landing pad for those living off the main island.

Yas Island Rotana Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2.30am.

Tel: (02) 6564000. www.rotana.com

Beer and wine are moderately priced; cocktails and champagnes will have the bank manager asking questions.

If unusual beverages are your bag, try the candyfloss cocktail.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 3am.

Tel: (02) 6543333. www.fairmont.com

A couple of afterwork pints.

The drinks are reasonably priced, but the food tends to be a bit pricey.

Stills serves one of the finest beef pies in the city. Kudos from us.

Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 12.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6563000. www.ichotelsgroup. com

The Beach Rotana's one of the city’s oldest, but classiest, hotels.

If you like your cocktails large, ice cold and packed with fruit, head here.

Too many big nights on the big cocktails at Traders and you’ll be off to the workhouse.

Try the Mai Tai. It's the cocktail that made Trader Vic’s famous.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana.com

Le Royal Méridien is home to the ever-popular Sax nightclub, should you fancy busting some moves on the dance floor.

An unpretentious night on the tiles.

The super-cheap prices will mean your dirhams will go a long way.

Some of our best nights out have been in PJs. And we go out a lot.

Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6742020. www.lemeridien.com

Stills

Trader Vic’s

Trader Vic's

CHILLED OUT REGGAE VIBES MOUTH-WATERING CARIBBEAN SIZZLE

The Address

FOR A SULTRY SATURDAY

Welcome to Sultry Saturdays at Cabana, with our all-new Caribbean

BBQ featuring spicy island delights and optional pool access.

Chill by the water with reggae vibes and indulge in our chef’s BBQ feast including grilled firecracker prawns, a live chicken Fajita station and fresh island salads – served up with stunning views of the world’s tallest building. Come on down and feel the rhythm Cabana-style, with Sultry Saturdays at The Address Dubai Mall.

Every Saturday: 12.30pm – 4.30pm Dhs 155 or Dhs 245 with selected house beverages Pool access: Dhs 100 per person T +971 4 438 8999 DINE.DUBAIMALL@THEADDRESS.COM WWW.THE ADDRESS.COM

A BUSINESS HOTEL THAT SPECIALIZES IN ASIAN TASTE. HOW COME?

When it comes to Asian cooking, we mean business.

Welcome to Cristal Hotel.

For the executive who still can’t quite manage to perfect chopsticks, an Asian buffet in GEMS RESTAURANT for only AED 99*, guarantees you’ll have no problems eating as much as you like (optional knife and fork provided).

Call us a Hotel if you want, we prefer to be thought of as dynamic hospitality.

Try us, you will enjoy.

Call 02 652 0000 Zayed the 1st Street, adjacent to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre Web: cristalhotelsandresorts.com * Subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee

DYNAMIC HOSPITALITY

THE HOT LIST

THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE

RESTAURANTS

Etoiles

ATMOSPHERE

1 2 3 4 5 Ushna

LOCATION

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

The chandeliers and oil paintings are the epitome of understated elegance.

European cuisine served without the unnecessary foams and jellies.

The Between The Bridges area is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of superb restaurants.

Dhs800 for two, sans alcohol, is a good estimate of what you’ll pay.

The restaurant is huge, but always packed with diners wanting to see if Hakkasan lives up to its esteemed reputation.

Small alcoves, divided up

by Oriental wooden panels create a mazelike feel to the huge restaurant.

The jasmine smoked beef is out of this world.

A Michelinstarred restaurant in the world’s most expensive hotel. Yes, this is luxury living.

Your bill’s going to hit the fourfigure mark.

Deal with it.

Hakkasan is now hitting its stride. Expect it to battle for the top spot.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. www.hakkasan. com

Warm and cosy, and luckily lacking a stuckup vibe.

The dim lighting and dark walls make the dining room feel like a snug little barn.

The finest steaks and British cuisine in the capital.

This shiny new hotel is one of our favourites in Abu Dhabi.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to at least Dhs800 for a three-course meal for two, we advise eating elsewhere.

With this and Frankie's under his Abu Dhabi belt, MPW is a local hero.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6543333. www.fairmont. com

The open kitchen and the swarms of waiters dashing about carrying chunks of meat makes for a bustling vibe.

A cavernous restaurant, decked out in a chic black leather theme.

Prior to visiting Chamas, skip some meals to save room for the barrage of meat that will be sliced onto your plate.

Nab a spot on the terrace at the nearby Yacht Club for after dinner drinks.

Dhs600 is more than worth it for all this meat.

We love meat, hence we love Chamas.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6666888. www. ichotelsgroup. com

Modern, sophisticated, but definitely Indian.

The earthbrown theme and sleek furniture mean we give Ushna's interior designers two thumbs up.

The finest Northern Indian cuisine made with delicate combinations of spices.

Souk Qaryat Al Beri has plenty of shops and bars, so you won’t be stuck for activities after your meal.

When your bill arrives, expect it to be in the region of Dhs500 for two.

The best curry house in Abu Dhabi.

Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 5581769. www.cplmg.com

MPW Steakhouse & Grill

Chamas

FOOD

Hakkasan

Effortlessly sophisticated.

Bord Eau

Hakkasan

INTERIOR

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 117

A taste of France in the desert. A must for foodies.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

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

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2010 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’S ON ON 117 117

HOT ON EELSal Bahr THE H irmont Bab

RESTAURANTS

, Fa 11 Frankie’s Royal Méridien Abu Le r, na Fa Al 12 Dhabi i-La lace, Shangr 13 Shang Pa on Blu Yas Island ss di bi 14 Filini, Ra on Abu Dha 15 Bice, Hilt

Toki

PRICE ON ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S INTERIOR SAYS...

6 Toki

7 Finz

9 Etoiles

10 Mombasa Grille

LOCATION

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Our favourite spot for sushi, and clearly most other people’s too, as it’s generally packed to the rafters.

A neon illuminated sushi station in the corner is the focal point in the darkly decorated, dimly lit dining room.

An extensive menu, which contains some unusual regional Japanese dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the UAE.

The Hilton's slightly dated, but has a certain old school charm.

Expect change from a Dhs500 note for a threecourse meal for two.

We love the bento boxes; a great way to sample a variety of cuisines.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6814151. www.hilton.com

A favourite spot for VIPs and jetsetters.

The glass walls mean there’s plenty of light during the day in this ultra-modern restaurant.

The freshest fish, crabs, lobsters and shellfish cooked. beautifully with a selection of puréed vegetables.

The Yas Hotel looks like NASA scientists have designed it. The restaurant is due to reopen this month after a refurb.

Pushing close to the four-figure mark for a three-course meal for two.

Light and bright, this is lovely for lunch, and is transformed at night.

The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6560600. www. theyashotel. com

The wooden chalet is a charming and romantic dining spot.

With its shark skulls, fishing nets and lobster baskets lining the walls, Jacques Cousteau would feel right at home in Finz.

Up there with the best seafood creations in the capital.

The beachside terrace is calling…

Dhs700 is about average for a three-course meal without booze.

Fresh seafood and quality ingredients are what Finz does.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana. com

Very relaxed to start, with the pace picking up as the night moves on – this is a restaurantcum-nightclub after all.

The tables overlook a dance floor, leaving you in no doubt of its alter ego.

European and British dishes, cooked with flair.

At the far end of the Emirates Palace’s gigantic lobby, with the sauvé air to match.

A meal for two should come in around the Dhs700 region.

The steamed monkfish with lobster tail will knock you sideways.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. www.etoilesuae. com

Busy, without being rammed, meaning you should be able to find a table here.

Eclectic, to say the least, with African masks, spears and animal skins lining the walls.

A huge array of fine dishes from around the world, from Indian curries to African grilled meats.

Pop into Left Bank, our number one bar in the capital, after your meal.

It’s virtually next door.

Around Dhs600 will do for a meal for two.

A restaurant that manages to master a variety of international cuisines.

Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 5581868.www. mobasagrille.ae

Nautilus

8

INFO FOOD

Mombasa Grille

118 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 118

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES

OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH

Le Vendome Brasserie

Al Fanar

1

ATMOSPHERE

FOOD

LOCATION

This brunch attracts a classy, well-behaved crowd.

Enough seafood to fill a trawler, plus a vast selection of meats and salads.

At long last it’s cool enough to venture into the stunning gardens of Emirates Palace, making this brunch a worthy number one.

Impressing visitors with Middle Eastern luxury.

Everyone is here to have fun, but it rarely gets too rowdy.

A truly international blend of curries, sushi and Arabic food, as well as a cracking cheeseboard.

The glitzy Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is just minutes away from a raft of other bars and restaurants at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri.

A relaxed a la carte brunch in a cool bar.

Some truly superb PanAsian cuisine, including sushi, noodles and tempura.

As chilled as a lazy donkey snoozing under a tree.

It starts out quiet, but has been known to become a bit boisterous later on.

Le Vendome Brasserie

2

Elements

3

Yacht Club

4

Sofra Boulevard

5

Al Fanar

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Dhs565 includes the finest Laurent Perrier Rosé champagne.

You’re paying through the nose, but it’s worth splashing out for.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6907999. www. emiratespalace. com

Birthdays, leaving dos or any other special occasion.

Dhs399 with Moet & Chandon champagne, Dhs299 with wine and beer, Dhs222 without alcohol.

Top notch food and free-flowing champagne.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 11.30am to 3pm.

Tel: (02) 6543000. www.fairmont. com

With the late start the terrace will be cool enough to enjoy properly. We’ve been waiting a few months for this one.

As the Yacht Club brunch finishes at 6pm, it drifts perfectly into an evening out.

The Dhs165 with unlimited a la carte food and drinks is cheap in our books.

A great way to spend an afternoon with friends in the fading sun.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, 2pm to 6pm.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup. com

Your usual brunching options, plus some fine Moroccan tagines and a live seafood cooking station.

Sofra’s a giant, spacious restaurant in the decadent Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri.

Anyone and everyone.

There’s enough room for families and party people.

Dhs220 for unlimited wine and soft drinks – around average for Abu Dhabi’s brunching scene.

All-round excellence makes this one of our top spots.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm.

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

A good array of seafood and salads.

This is the city’s first revolving restaurant, and its lofty location makes for spectacular views.

A memorable brunch in a truly unusual restaurant.

Dhs220 with wine. It’s slap bang in the middle of Abu Dhabi’s brunch price range.

New chef Alain Roin has improved the quality no end.

One to watch.

Le Royal Méridien, Khalifah Street, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. www. ichotelsgroup.com

BEST FOR

PRICE

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 121

HOT ON THE HEteEsLPaSlace

BRUNCHES

Emira 11 Etoiles, s Island ne Plaza Ya ow Cr , ia As t 12 Jing of Al e, 13 Din ien rie, Le Mérid 14 La Brasse Royal Meridien Le lly’s, 15 PJ O’Rei

Chamas

Pearls & Caviar

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON FOOD SAYS...

6 7

8

GInger

9

One To One

10

BEST FOR

PRICE

A healthy bustle of brunchers.

A boatload of fishes awaits consumption at the P&C buffet.

Pearls & Caviar’s waterfront location has great views of the Grand Mosque.

Seafood fanatics.

Dhs299 with champagne, Dhs199 with other drinks.

On the upper end of the scale, but bubbly’s included in the bill.

The aromas of barbecued meats and the Latino beats from the live band make for a merry vibe.

On arrival, you’re handed a twosided card. Turn it to green to keep the meat coming, turn it to red when you’re ready to explode.

The InterCon is a bit out on a limb, but great bars such as Yacht Club and Belgian Café should keep you from wanting to head elsewhere.

Ravenous carnivores.

This family brunch is busy with multigenerations tucking into the buffet.

An international buffet, plus barbecue.

Something for everyone.

The everpopular Park Rotana. And each table of four gets a free massage in the hotel spa.

Result.

A lot of people’s favourite brunch, so be sure to book ahead.

Three fine restaurants stacked on top of each other with three different cuisines.

Lively but not too rowdy, this is a great choice for groups.

Designed in a market style, you can stroll around sampling fresh grills, seafood, sushi to order, and desserts.

Pearls & Caviar

Chamas

INFOLOCATION

Flavours

122 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

See you on the terrace.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. www.shangrila.com

Dhs165 with one cocktail is good value, but if you want to down drinks you could notch up a hefty tab.

A superb brunch you’ll want to keep coming back to.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, 1pm to 3pm.

Tel: (02) 6666888. www. ichotelsgroup. com

A family feast that leaves you money in the bank. There’s face painting and balloon modelling for the children, too.

Dhs150, including two house beverages.

Who doesn’t love a free massage after lunch?

Park Rotana, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 6573333. www. rotana.com

We're still waiting for signposts to One To One hotel, as its backstreet location makes it a nightmare to find.

A party that won’t leave you broke.

Dhs200 with alcohol and Dhs140 without.

Pleasantly affordable.

One of the most popular brunches in town.

One To One Hotel, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 4952000. www. onetoonehotels. com

At the heart of the capital, the Sheraton is close to Corniche Park for a post-brunch meander.

Groups with varied tastes.

From traditional roasts to exotic sashimi, everyone is catered for.

Very reasonable at Dhs225 including free flowing bubbly.

Children under six eat for free.

Good food at a good price, this is one to watch.

Sheraton Hotel, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6773333. www. starwoodhotels. com

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 122

Weekly Happenings at the Top Saturday - Jazz Night Live jazz band and special deal on pre-selected beverages.

Doors open at 18:00 hours

Sunday - Chill out with Rosemount Watch the sun go down over Media City every Sunday whilst relaxing with a glass of Rosemount grapes and chill out music by resident DJ AnOn. Doors open at 17:00 hours

Satu rda Jazz N y ight

Tuesday - Ladies Night Ladies receive three complimentary glasses of bubbly.

A blend of sophisticated Soul, Funk and Commercial House Music by resident DJ AnOn. Doors open at 17:00 hours

Wednesday - Latino Night nt

u day emo Sun by Ros p Dro

Mixture of Latin Music including Salsa, Meringue and Samba by resident DJ AnOn. Special offers on pre-selected beverages.

Doors open at 17:00 hours

day Wednes ht Latino Nig

Thursday - Pink Paw Party

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Have a blast at Tamanya Terrace rooftop bar every Thursday with an evening of progressive house tracks spinned by DJ AnOn. Ladies in pink will be awarded with a free drink.

Dress Code: Pink touch Doors open at 17:00 hours

Friday - Favela Chic

Thursday Pink Paw Party

Live the spirit of Favela Chic as Tamanya Terrace bounces into the weekend with resident DJ AnOn and HUSH on percussion, spinning funky electro Brazilian beats. Special offer on Brazilian cocktails.

Door opens at 18:00 hours.

ay Frid ic la Ch Fave

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City PO Box 211723, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971-4-366-9111, Fax: +971-4-361-1011 radissonblu.com/hotel-mediacitydubai tamanya.mediacity.dubai@radissonblu.com

THE HOT LIST SPAS Anantara Spa

Zen Spa

THERAPISTS

1

MENU

THE SPA

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 125 PRICE

The staff, who mostly hail from Thailand, are true geniuses in the art of pampering.

Extremely luxurious.

Treatments such as Journey To The Island Of Java and Gateway To Arabia are as opulent as they sound.

This palatial spa is so big it has its own wing of the Emirates Palace all to itself.

You wouldn’t expect a sevenstar hotel spa to be cheap and it isn't. Most of the treatments come in around the Dhs1,000 mark.

Professional and welcoming, they’re all guaranteed to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

From Filipino Hilot massages to caviar facials, it’s extensive to say the least.

Imagine a small temple hidden in the Himalayas – that’s what the Chi Spa’s rooms resemble.

They aim to please by inquiring whether the temperature of the room and the music being played is just to your liking.

Almost every month a new, innovative treatment is added.

4

They’re as friendly and skillful a group of therapists as you’ll find anywhere in the UAE.

5

A multinational team of therapists, hailing from as far a field as Zimbabwe and Nepal.

Anantara

2

Chi Spa

3

Zen Spa

Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab

The Spa

THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

We’re big fans of the diamond facial, which will knock years off.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. www. emiratespalace. com

Far from cheap, but worth the extra expense.

The spa has one of the best Jacuzzis in the capital.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

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

The spa’s located in the basement of the Beach Rotana.

But it’s so large and spacious you won’t feel you’re underground.

It’s a five-star hotel, but prices aren’t excessive.

For example, the aromatherapy massage costs Dhs348 for an hour.

Try the signature treatment – stress and knots will disappear.

Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6979000. www.rotana.com

All your usual massages, plus some unusual ones thrown in, such as exfoliating sand baths and water-based Vichy spas.

The views from the windows of the undulating dunes of the Liwa Desert add to the relaxation quotient of your therapy.

Expensive, but not unreasonably so.

Another reason to visit this amazing desert retreat.

Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi 10am to 10pm.

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

The separate menus for men and women are both packed with imaginative treatment options.

They haven’t gone overboard with the décor. It’s sparse and functional.

We’d say it was mid-range.

Yas Hotel’s spa opens soon.

Will it topple the Radisson Blu?

Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6562000. www.radissonblu. com

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2010 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’S ON ON 125 125

HOT ON E HxuEryEMLenS’s Spa, THge Lu

11 Man/A l Marina Mal ub & Spa, lth Cl ea H ul So 12 Body & ach Hotel Al Raha Be urist Day Spa, To tic is ol H 13 Crystal Club Area Beauty Spa, 14 Madonna ziyah Al Marka s, Spa & Fitnes 15 Oriental Al Bateen

SPAS

Sharanis Wellness Spa

THERAPISTS

6

Serenity Spa

7

Hiltonia Health Club & Spa

8

Eden Spa

9

Sharanis Wellness Spa

10 The Lounge

MENU

Eden Spa

THE SPA

PRICE

They’re all very serious about making sure you get the right treatment for you.

We are big fans of the Aroma Massage, which combines body exfoliation and a deep tissue massage.

Located on the mezzanine floor above a shop with separate rooms for facials, massages, Moroccan baths and hairstyling.

Treatments are generally cheaper than the hotel equivalent. Dhs450 for the 90-minute Aroma Massage is cheap as chips.

The all-female staff won’t interrupt you with small talk. You’re free to snooze through your therapy if you like.

A wide-ranging menu, including waxing, manicures and luxurious packages.

Small and intimate with an Oriental themed décor. No complaints here.

They’re all knowledgeable, but therapist Fe has been there for 15 years and is a master in knot busting.

With a spa, hammam and hair salon, it’s extensive to say the least.

Well trained and well informed, the girls here know which treatment you need to make you feel better.

A crack team of hairdressers and masseurs. They’re all dedicated to making the menfolk look and feel better.

126 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Undoubtedly the best femaleonly spa in the capital.

Serenity Spa, above Paris Gallery, Zayed The First Street, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6678880. www.uaeparisgallery.com

Surprisingly affordable for a hotel spa.

Hiltonia is also home to one of the best beach clubs in the city.

Hiltonia Beach Club, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 9pm.

Tel: (02) 6924324. www.hilton.com

Slightly dated, but pleasant enough. The huge relaxation pool is the centrepiece of the spa.

The Spa Prestige Moisturising Facial will set you back Dhs660. About mid-range for the capital.

Make time to relax by the pool after your spa. You won’t regret it.

Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6446666. www. starwoodhotels.com

From waxing to blow-dries, Sharinas covers all the treatment bases to make ladies look better.

The huge villa in Khalifa A can be a bit tricky to find, but its far-flung location makes for a relaxed atmosphere.

You’ll pay less that you would for the equivalent treatment in a hotel spa.

Ideal for a day of pampering with the girls.

Corner of 35th and 62nd Street, Khalifa A, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm.

Tel: (02) 5562601. www.sharanisspa. com

The whole spectrum of treatments – from haircuts to hammam baths.

A large villa that’s centrally located but also has plenty of parking.

Dhs240 for a full body massage is far from being pricey.

The invigorating Moroccan bath leaves you feeling reborn.

Khaleej Al Arabi Street. 11am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6677377. www.thelounge.ae

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 126

Join the Friday Brunch Fun! Longâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brunch begins Fridays at 12pm all the way through to 4pm. Gather your friends to eat and drink as much as you can for only AED149*.

Book a table for 10 and 2 people eat for FREE! *Price is inclusive of 10% municipality fees and 10% service charge

P.O.Box 30430, Dubai, U.A.E. T: +971 (0)4 312 2202, F: +971 (0)4 312 2207, fb.towers@rotana.com.

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With two popular Flip models now on sale in the Middle East, Flip Video has teamed up with What’s On to give away four Flip Mino HD video camcorders to lucky What’s On readers.

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128 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

Backchat with Gareth Rees What’s On’s features editor Gareth Rees asks – where are all the celebrity chefs in Abu Dhabi?

I interviewed the genius chef Vineet Bhatia the other day (p52). Lovely chap, and do you know what he said to me? He said he’s going to open a restaurant in Abu Dhabi in 2011. Thank goodness, I thought. It’s about time the capital’s food scene upped its stardom quotient. Before our good friend Marco Pierre White opened Frankie’s and his eponymous steakhouse at the Fairmont last year, Abu Dhabi was sans celeb chefs.

But now, with Hakkasan at Emirates Palace, Marco’s two restaurants and Vineet’s place on the way, it looks like our beloved capital

the most eager replies from readers.

Gary Rhodes told me recently that he thinks Dubai is a real culinary hub. He’s right.

The chefs may not be behind the stoves, but the names are usually a guarantee of quality. Ramsay, Rhodes, Locatelli, Bhatia, Gagnaire, Carluccio, Nobu, Zuma, Rivington Grill and my new favourite restaurant La Petite Maison (p48). Starrier than a night sky over the desert. And a new name seems to arrive every couple of months. Jamie Oliver will become the latest celeb chef to grace the UAE when his Jamie’s Italian opens at Dubai Festival Centre this month.

If Michelin flew into town tomorrow, I’m pretty sure many of Dubai’s restaurants would win themselves a star – or maybe is starting, slowly, to attract the big names. even two.

Why is this important? Because without Our proud capital has some fine eateries, Michelin or an abundance of homegrown but it has the potential to become a culinary talent at the high end of the destination talked about around the world market, the UAE relies on these big names, for its fine restaurants, too. I’ll be chatting to imported from overseas to underpin its food a few of the big guns in town for Gourmet scene, keep standards high and shine a bit Abu Dhabi in February and encouraging of their starlight over proceedings. Just look them to set up shop in the capital. Imagine at Dubai. what it would do for the food scene if Alain Our glitzy neighbour has become, to Passard, a regular visitor to the festival, borrow a phrase from the mighty Marlon opened here.

Brando, a contender. Foodies talk about So, let’s hope a few more of the world’s the emirate’s restaurants in London, New celeb chefs follow Marco and Vineet’s York and Europe. Blogs like The Critic’s example. And if you run into Pierre (p62) duguzzle.blogspot.com have sprung Koffmann or Michel Roux on your travels, up to cater to all those food lovers eager to make sure you tell them about the read about Dubai’s gastronomic offerings, weather. Never should our fine city Eating Out is the most popular section of find itself in the back of a moving car our illustrious magazine and our tweets and complaining that it "coulda been a Facebook posts on restaurants always illicit contender". And I’m sure it won’t.

Don’t miss next month’s What’s On for Guns’n’Roses, Creamfields and your perfect Christmas 130 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

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