CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
CRACKERS: TESTED Which Christmas crackers went off with a bang? BEST LUXURY
1) TOM SMITH DELUXE CRACKERS What’s On says: These rather lovely looking crackers promptly covered us in glitter (which remained for the next two days), but we’ll forgive them for the high quality gold crowns, gifts including an iPod case, cufflinks and jewellery box, and booming bang. A luxury choice for a fancy festive day. Dhs190 for six from Spinneys 2) MINI RED CRACKERS WITH GAMES What’s On says: While they’re pretty expensive given their number and size, you also get a box of three mini games (Trivia, What’s My Word?, and Buzz Words) so the fun
lasts long after the bang. Perfect for families who don’t like each other, these should fill the long, awkward silences of Christmas Day. Dhs100 for six from Marks & Spencer 3) LUXURY CRACKERS What’s On says: Poor quality hat, but a joke AND a brain teaser saved it for Debenhams, not to mention some nice little novelties like mini make-up brushes, folding scissors and a photo frame. A very good price for 12 very good looking crackers. Dhs150 for 12 from Debenhams BEST OVERALL
4) WHO AM I? CRACKERS What’s On says: Akin to that game where you write the name of a famous person on
a Post-It and stick it on your head, this is a (alarmingly fun) Christmas version involving antler headbands. Goodies include colouring pencils, playing cards and an eggcup, all revealed with a very satisfying snap. Dhs125 for 12 from Marks & Spencer BEST FOR FAMILIES
5) FAMILY CRACKERS What’s On says: Whoopee cushions and those 'magic' red fish that predict the future? Our kind of crackers! Aimed squarely at children, the colourful hats, trivia and jokes ("what is white, lives at the North Pole and runs around naked? A polar bare") will keep you amused, too. Dhs125 for 12 from Debenhams
CHRISTMAS BARBECUE
SEE SANTA ON A JET SKI
MICHELIN MENU
BARGAIN BELGIAN
Poolside favourite Cabana is firing up the barbie on the 25th, so if you’re tired of turkey and sick of sprouts you can seek refuge with Aussie-style grills and complimentary pool access. Cabana, The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs195 per person include soft drinks or Dhs350 per person including house beverages. Tel: (04) 4387888. www.theaddress.com
Scott Price, What’s On’s chef of the year, has devised a four-course lunch, including Gordon AWARD Ramsay’s signature WINNER sage, apple and chestnut stuffing, Verre’s roast potatoes and traditional turkey. See page 56 for some expert cooking tips from Scott.Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai, Dhs495. Tel: (04) 3182111
As far from log fires and the Queen’s speech as you can get, kick back on the white sands of Nasimi beach, where you can enjoy a beach barbecue for lunch then watch Santa zip past on his traditional jet ski and ‘reindeers’. We might just go out of sheer curiosity. Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Dhs295. Tel: (04) 4261001
The Belgian Café is closed for Christmas lunch but is serving up a wallet-friendly three-course set menu in the evening. Expect a mix of Belgian dishes and seasonal favourites, all washed down with a wide selection of beers from the drinks list. Belgian Café, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Dhs175. Tel: (02) 666688 MY PERFECT CHRISTMAS
OLIVIER BILES, HEAD CHEF, REFLETS PAR PIERRE GAGNAIRE "I’VE I’VE NOT BEEN AS EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS TO COME SINCE I WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD, AS THIS YEAR WILL BE THE FIRST THAT MY THREEYEAROLD SON WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON AND ENJOY HIMSELF AS MUCH AS I USED TO" 60 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010