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DHS 10 DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE 392
WIN!
UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000
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DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

YOUR GUIDE TO THE BIG SCREEN BONANZA
PLUS
THE FESTIVE SEASON SORTED
BRYAN ADAMS, GUNS N’ ROSES, CREAMFIELDS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NYE IN DXB
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, on Friday and 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
15
What’s On Awards 2010
The winners, the gossip,
the best dressed and
more from the awards
night of the year
29
Seventh heaven
Find out what’s in store
at this year’s Dubai
International Film
Festival
41
A month of music
Guns N’ Roses,
Bryan Adams and
Creamfields compete
for your ears this month
51
Festive season sorted
We’ve got Christmas
all wrapped up, plus
the pick of what’s
happening on NYE
p51
p15
DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 3
The round-up
12 125
Salaam Music and clubs
December in Dubai At the arcades with Tim
sorted Hassall & The August
Company plus this
38 month’s club diary
Competitions
It's a Christmas 131
extravaganza this Travel
month. For more, see A short trip to Cairo,
pages 72, 88, 96, 104, travel deals and going
128 and 160 on holiday with a
falconer
70
Films 143
Our verdict on the latest Hot list
releases, including Dubai’s top ten bars,
TRON: Legacy, Danny spas, brunches and
Boyle’s 127 Hours and restaurants
Gulliver’s Travels
162
75 Backchat
Eating out Catboy on feeling
Brought to you by festive before the rest
the letter M, we have of us
reviews of Mezlai,
Mistral and MezzaLuna,
plus chatting with
Giorgio Locatelli
91
p81
Art
Green Art Gallery’s new
space, art news and
five exhibitions to see
this month
99
Shopping
A cracking Christmas
gift guide and Sophia
answers your sartorial
head-scratchers
107
Mind and body
A trip to the new ESPA
spa, eyelash extensions,
a roadtrip to Al Ain, his
and hers at Armani/Spa
and this month’s best
beauty deals
117
Sport and outdoor
p109
Exercise expert Mr
Fitness and top tips
for latecomers to our
running mission
4 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

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This month we’ve been...
Editor-in-Chief
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Group Editor & Managing Partner
lan Fairservice
Group Senior Editor
Gina Johnson | gina@motivate.ae
Senior Editor
Mark Evans | marke@motivate.ae
Deputy Editor
Helen Spearman | helen@motivate.ae
Features Editor Testing crackers, p51
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, Dominic Eliis, Hannah Fray,
At the What’s On
Vikram Gawde, James Houghton, Catherine
Still running, p122 Awards, p15
Jarvie, Russell Kempson, Richard Luck, Farooq
Editor’s note
Salik, Simon Smedley, Sophia Triantafillou,
Adam Workman
General Manager
Production and Circulation
S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae I remember my best-ever Christmas gift. Stop! Police! was an electric
Production Manager
Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae car racing set, resplendent with a US style cop car, whose job it
Production Controller was to chase a juggernaut at breakneck speed around a figure
Murali Krishnan | muralik@motivate.ae
eight racing track, over the Golden Gate Bridge (not to scale,
General Manager – Group Sales unfortunately), and, well, back around the track again. It. Was. Ace.
Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae It might not sound much in these heady days of iPads and online
Senior Advertisement Manager
Dale Isaac | dale@motivate.ae trickery, but trust me, I had hours of fun with that thing until its sad demise, when
Advertisement Manager my older brother swapped it for something or other that I probably didn’t want, but
Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae
which he assured me was much, much better. (This is the lad, by the way, who once
General Manager, Abu Dhabi
Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae swapped an empty shoebox for a bike to the kid down the road, telling him it was ‘an
Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi Action Man deserter’. I kid you not.)
Darryl Wiley | darryl@motivate.ae
Today, when asked my Christmas wish list I responded with a Vivienne Westwood suit
Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 and a subscription to Monocle.
(including Airmail charges)
Times might change, but Christmas hasn’t – it’s still a great time of year, regardless
of what’s on your wish list, and hopefully you get some time off to enjoy it. Should
you be worried about what to do, where to go, what to eat or pretty much anything
else Yuletide related, fear not, we’ve got you covered, with our Christmas made easy
guide, p51 (check out our quick guide to the best Christmas markets, too, p13 – a
Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE personal fave). We’ve also taken the liberty of doing the same for New Year’s Eve, too,
Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436,
E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae so your festive season’s all wrapped up, if you’ll excuse the pun.
Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Oh, and should you happen to see an electric police car-based game when you’re
Building 8, Dubai, UAE,
Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 out doing your Christmas shopping, I’ll be more than happy to give it a home. Times
Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, haven’t changed that much.
Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124,
E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae
London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, Enjoy the issue.
London NW1 3ER, UK,
E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae
Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

We're officially part of the Twitterati.
Salaam!
Follow us at WhatsOnDubai for
exclusive updates on nightlife,
restaurants and more around the
UAE. Tweet yourself.
Stocking filler-sized December
What’s hot Guess list

Whale sharks Really? What’s-his-chops? No,
A project has been launched to tag you don’t say?
endangered whale sharks swimming in
the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The Shark
Watch Arabia team, led by scientist
David Robinson, is aiming to
attach satellite tags to five
90%
ATLANTIS FOOD FESTIVAL
whale sharks a year for the We were having lunch with a 'well-known
next five years in an attempt to Michelin-starred Italian chef' at Atlantis this
monitor the fish’s movements. month, and he let slip that a food festival
Apparently the whale shark is the was being planned for the start of 2011
GETTY/GALLO IMAGE
biggest fish in the ocean. You learn involving all the hotel’s big name restau-
something new every day. rants – Ronda Locatelli, Nobu, Ossiano and
www.sharkwatcharabia.com Rostang. He also said, "but keep that quiet."
Oops.
Gulf for Good
Looking for a stocking-filler for the
nippers? UAE-based charity Gulf For Good
has released Incr-Edible, a food themed
80%
EMINEM 65%
book for children featuring games, puzzles Every man and his hip hop-loving mutt has HAKKASAN
and recipes. It costs Dhs25 and all the been telling us that the real Slim Shady is This one’s direct from the VIP end of the
money goes to support children’s charities set to stand up on stage in Abu Dhabi some Grand Prix last month, where we met a very
in Haiti and Cuba. time very soon. We heard he was originally informed man in the Abu Dhabi food indus-
Available in Early Learning Centre and planned to appear on National Day, but try. Our man whispered that, following the
other UAE retailers someone wisely pointed he probably wasn’t success of the world beating Chinese Hakas-
the best man for that job… Nevertheless, san in the capital, Alan Yau is set to open a
he will appear in the capital soon, we’re branch in Dubai. They’re also opening one in
What’s not assured. Mumbai, too, should you be over that way.
Seasonal airfares
Christmas is coming. You want to make it
home in time for the big day. The only way to This month we’re going to…
do it is on a plane. But your ticket costs twice
the regular price so you can’t buy your gran FARMERS’ MARKET
a Christmas present. It’s not the customers It’s terribly exciting that the UAE is embracing
they’re hurting, it’s their elderly relatives. local, seasonal produce that has only travelled
from farms in Al Ain or Abu Dhabi rather than
Carbon emissions clocking up the air miles like most supermarkets’
British consultancy firm Maplecroft has produce here. At the Souk Al Bahar Farmers’
named the UAE as the world’s most prolific Market you can buy a variety of veg (aubergines
carbon emitter, heading up a 183 country- and courgettes are in season now), as well as
ranking table. The firm puts the UAE’s high organic eggs, poultry and meat. Wicker baskets
carbon emissions down to the abundance at the ready, people. The revolution has begun.
of desalination plants. Whatever it is, Fri, Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, 10am to 5pm.
ISTOCK
we’re not happy. Tel: (04) 4252240. www.bakerandspiceme.com

FESTIVE MARKETS
Five Questions… Fred Fogherty Four Christmas markets
for you to visit
Fred Fogherty has been an
Illusionist, magician and self- MADINAT MARKET
Seasonal snacks, gifts and treats will be on
proclaimed mentalist for 17 offer at the Madinat’s annual Christmas
years, gracing the stages of market. Santa will be making an appearance
from 6pm to 8.30pm daily, and there will
Europe and Asia. This month be plenty of activities to keep the family
he starts a new residency at entertained, such as a mini train and cookie
the Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, bakery.
Dec 9 to 26, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh,
where he’ll be wowing the Dubai, 5pm to midnight, free. Tel: (04) 3666730
crowd every Friday for the
SWISS CHRISTMAS
next four months MARKET
Get a taste of Europe this Christmas at the
Swiss market in the courtyard at Abu Dhabi’s
Why Dubai? Beach Rotana, where you’ll find regional
I’m currently touring in the Middle East and, delicacies and gifts, and hear traditional carols.
luckily, Dubai is my first stop. And for good Dec 9 to 11, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Tourist
reason – everybody knows about Dubai. Club Area, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 6979000
I can guarantee one and a half hours of
spectacular entertainment, including magic, an applauding audience. SANTA’S CHRISTMAS
illusion, mentalism, music and dance in first- Quick thinking. What’s the greatest feat MARKET
class luxurious surroundings. you have ever managed? If you still haven’t done your seasonal
How did you discover you were a With magic, it’s probably the levitation of shopping, then head to the gardens at the
mentalist? a building of thousands of tonnes before a Al Ain Rotana, which will be home to stalls
Being a magician wasn’t enough, since magic flabbergasted crowd. With mentalism, it's bursting with festive goodies for sale. Santa
was nothing new. So I studied psychology definitively playing Russian roulette. will be making an appearance and carol
and NLP to learn more about human nature Russian roulette? singers will provide the soundtrack.
and myself. It’s reality; it doesn’t involve super Yeah, I can’t afford to make a mistake, Dec 16 to 17, Al Ain Rotana, Al Ain, from 5pm,
natural power. As a mentalist, I can show you because a .357 Magnum can blow a hole free. Tel: (03) 7545111
it is possible to go inside people's minds and through a 50cm thick wall. It's a very intense
extract information using my knowledge of experience. Sometimes, if I’m not feeling ARTE WINTER MARKETS
psychology, logic and observation. up to it, I stop the act. It's too dangerous ARTE (Artisans of the Emirates) hold monthly
What’s the strangest reaction you've otherwise. Only three mentalists have ever markets, with December's crafty offering
ever had? performed this feat, including me. dedicated to Christmas. Over 120 exhibitors
I asked a member of the audience to assist Dec 10 to March 31, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah will bring their creative wares to Times Square
me with a trick that involved cutting her in Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, daily 4pm and for one weekend, with everything from
two and she was so scared that she fainted 8pm, afternoon show Dhs100 to 350, evening photography to gourmet food and fashion on
on the table. Pretending it was part of my Dhs200 to Dhs 890. Tel: (04) 4484848. www. offer. A great chance to get a one-off gift.
show, I continued the act. She woke up to fredfogherty.com Dec 10 to 11, Times Square Mall, Sheikh Zayed
Road, Dubai. www.arte.ae
KARMA KAFE WORLD SWIMMING

Getting a table at Karma Kafe over-looking CHAMPIONSHIP
the fountains is near impossible, packed The FINA World Swimming Championship
with a cool crowd tucking into tempura, is sure to make a splash at Dubai Sports
black cod and wagyu. We will be heading Complex this month, as 1,000 swimmers
along after work for a bento box and two take part in the 25 metre event. So if you
drinks for Dhs99 (Sat to Thurs 6pm to 8pm) like to watch people splashing about in
and staying later on Sundays, where Speedos, purchase your tickets now.
there is 50 per cent off all drinks. Karma Dec 15 to 19, Dubai Sports Complex,
can be sweet. Dubailand, Dubai, 10am to 1pm and 7pm Find us at
Karma Kafe, Souk al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai. to 10pm, heats Dhs10, finals Dhs30, Dhs150. www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai
Tel: (04) 4230909. www.karma-kafe.com www.dubaiswimming2010.ae

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 12.30pm - 2.30pm à la carte starting from AED 150 per person
Business Lunch 12.30pm - 2.30pm 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 7.00pm - 12.00am à la carte starting from AED 230 per person
Dinner Degustation Menu 7.00pm - 12.00am 8-course menu starting from AED 745 per person
For reservations please contact:

Telephone: +971 4 3017600
Email: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com
jumeirah.com
Ladies and gentlemen, we present
the What’s On Awards 2010. The winners,
the dinners, the dresses and stresses.
Secret whispers, words of thanks and
where you, the readers, have been
dining this year
Because it’s
a people’s choice Scott Price
award, it’s more Chef Of The Year
important than
other awards that Temperamental celebrity chef Gordon
Ramsay trusted 29-year-old Scott’s talent so
have panels. It much he installed him at the helm of Verre.
tells you a lot. In a short space of time he has revitalised
the menu and overseen the installation of
– Rainer Becker, a fabulous chef’s table at the restaurant. As
we pointed out back in October, "Price is
founder of Zuma an exceedingly talented young chap". And
that’s why we named him our chef of the
year. Well done, sir.
Zuma chefs
Ian Fairservice
and the Zuma team
Eyaad Al-Kourdi, vice president and

country manager MasterCard
Zuma Middle East and Scott Price
Restaurant Of The Year Thanks for a

and Favourite Japanese great evening.
The team is well
The big winner from last year with four awards, Zuma remains happy
Dubai’s favourite Japanese as well as scooping the much-covet-
– text from Scott
ed big prize, Restaurant of the Year 2010. "It’s absolutely amaz-
Price the day
ing," Zuma founder Rainer Becker told us over lunch shortly after the awards
after Zuma’s win. "Because it’s a people’s choice award, it’s more
important than other awards that have panels. It tells you a lot."

US Consul General
to Dubai HE Justin
Siberell and Shona
McSweeney
Chef Norberto Al Qasr pre brunch

Palacios
Asado Al Qasr
Favourite Brunch
Favourite Americas
A continued star at the top of our Hot List,
A regular on our monthly You clearly agree, with the Al Qasr never fails to impress. Clearly the
Hot List, Asado is one of Argentinean restaurant famed Dubai-voting public agree, with the chic
our favourite restaurants in for its whole roasted baby brunch spot grabbing the star prize in a
Dubai, thanks to its warm goat scooping the Favourite Shona McSweeney hotly contested category. Well done to
and welcoming atmosphere. Americas award. all concerned.
Peter Skudutis
The Barasti boys

enjoying their award
Barasti
Favourite Bar
Once again Barasti walked constant reminder to every
away as the people’s favourite visitor as to why they moved
bar, and it’s not surprising, to Dubai in the first place, it’s a Ashley Saxton and
Peter at Barasti given that it’s a venerable sun, sand and a solid plate of Andreas Schnidrig
institution here in Dubai. A fish and chips haven.

WHAT’S ON AWARDS 2010
Boulevard Café
Favourite café
We suspected Boulevard
Café was onto a winner
when we spotted a queue
there, early one Friday
morning. With a prime slice
of Old Town pavement to
call home, this Parisian-style
café produces breakfasts,
French favourites and
divine desserts from dawn
to midnight. It was also the
winner of What’s On’s best
sandwich taste test, and it Boulevard's Ryan De Villiers receives
seems the eating (and vot- the award from Eyaad Al-Kourdi,
ing) public have come over vice president and country manager
all Francophile. Ryan De Villiers and CD Kotze MasterCard Middle East
Thai Kitchen I’m so happy

Favourite Far Eastern for Rivington Grill.
Congratulations
Another What’s On favourite this. Park Hyatt for the organisa-
Dubai can do no wrong in our eyes. Its relaxed tion of the event, it
bargain brunch is firmly ensconced in the top
five of our Hot List, but we’re also regulars for
was amazing
dinner. We love the small sharing plates and
are particularly partial to the roasted duck – e-mail from
curry. And it seems you all agree, too. Good Emmanuel Sabater,
work, Dubai. operations manager,
Caprice Holdings
Chefs Paul and

Liz on the terrace
Action at Thai Kitchen

Rivington Grill
Favourite European
Ah, Rivington Grill, the Riv, RG, has created from some of the
our second home. The number freshest produce in the city.
of times we’ve sat upon its Head pastry chef Liz Stevenson
terrace enjoying the superb was as pleased as we were that
Saturday roast beef with the team’s hard work had paid
Reef Fakhoury and Yorkshire pudding or lingered off, and spend the night with Dee Kyriacoudes, Paul Bussey
Adrian Slater over an extremely long lunch a huge grin on her face. Well and Liz Stevenson
revelling in what the kitchen done Liz and co.

Chef John at the helm
Cooking up a storm at Teatro
Indego by Vineet
Favourite Indian/Pakistani
We’ve had the honour of most influential Indian chefs
meeting the charming Vineet the world has ever known,
Bhatia on a number of oc- with his distinctive dishes
John Sinjobi and casions and he’s one of the changing people’s perception
Anthony Fernandes nicest fellows ever to don an of what Indian cuisine can
apron. He’s also one of the really be.
Teatro
Favourite International
International cuisine. What on earth does
it mean? Most restaurants fail to find a
suitable answer to that question and end
up with, well, a bit of a mess. Not Teatro.
Incorporating dishes from India, Italy, Japan
and Thailand it has a loyal following, so no
surprise that they took home the Favourite
International award. We’ll be back for a Sonia Casonato
plate of the fabulous lobster pasta soon.
The men behind the magic

at Armani Ristorante
Armani Ristorante
Favourite Italian
A stunning restaurant in Dubai’s "Salutations, Signore Armani.
Leo Holli, Alan Snyman first designer hotel, Armani Armani Ristorante is our new
and Mark McCarthy Ristorante is a worthy winner favourite Italian," announced
for its blend of familiar Italian fa- What’s On in June, and the pub-
vourites and innovative dishes. lic clearly agrees with us.

A big thank you

for a superb event
last night. The Zuma
Shabestan
team Dubai and
Favourite Middle Eastern
internationally are all Given the (understandably) stiff competi-
very pleased by the tion in this category, Shabestan’s award-
honour bestowed winning streak is especially impressive, and
upon us by the to take the prize again was always going
What’s On Awards. to be tough. However, its loyal following,
which flock en masse for the fresh bread
The two awards will
and sizzling grills, will have been in no
be displayed with
doubt that they were more than up to the
pride task. Shabestan, we salute you.
– Ajaz Sheikh, director of

operations, Zuma
The whole Zuma gang
Zuma (Independent)
Favourite Japanese
Zuma has a habit of winning multiple awards. Voted Restaurant
Of The Year by us, the What’s On team, our favourite Japanese
Estelle, Ajaz and Shab restaurant also appears to be yours. For the second year in a
row, Zuma is the people’s Favourite Japanese.
The LPM team

was utterly thrilled
at the win and went
back to the restaurant
to take the trophy
on a lap of honour.
I thought I was
watching the FA Cup
Final or something
Ali Fatehnezhad, Janet Fittzner
The LPM hommes at work and Uwe Michael
– e-mail from an insider
at La Petite Maison
La Petite Maison
Best Newcomer
Opened a mere two months, Browne put his dinner jacket
gorgeous bistro LPM quickly on “just in case” when the
won the hearts and taste buds nominations were announced,
of Dubai’s foodie scenesters, before gathering his thrilled
claiming the number one spot team and taking to the stage.
in our very own Hot List. Op- Nice jacket, Paul, and well Cedric, Izi and Paul of LPM
erations director Paul Weldon done, guys.

The Fish Market is Dubai’s favourite “market style” fresh seafood restaurant which
offers unrivalled views of the Creek as well as the freshest seafood available. Choose
from a wide selection of freshly caught fish and an array of seafood delicacies, then
relax whilst our team of South East Asian Chefs prepare it exactly as you like it.
Fish Market, Seafood restaurant, is open daily for Lunch from 12:30 pm - 3:15 pm,
Dinner 7:30 pm - 11:15 pm
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

Baniyas Road, P.O. Box 476, Dubai UAE
For Bookings, please call 04-205 7333
Infocenter.Dxbza@radissonblu.com
radissonblu.com/hotel-dubaideiracreek
Hisham Mchater and Lady

Elizabeth Anson
The team at BBC
The chefs responsible

for Beach Bar & Grill's
success
Beach Bar & Grill

Favourite Seafood
We do like to be beside the Serving up fresh fish and suc-
seaside, and so do the dedi- culent seafood on the torch-lit
Belgian Beer Café cated diners at the Beach Bar
and Grill, who voted it their
terrace, dining here is more
of an experience than a mere Hisham Mchater
Favourite Pub Grub favourite seafood restaurant. meal.
Is this really the first time our beloved BBC

had walked away with a What’s On Award?
You people, you can be tough sometimes.
Fortunately, you came to your senses
this year and rewarded the pub where we
go to eat our grub. Cheers, BBC. Long may
you reign.
Paul De Visser,
Soumiya Bounyar
and Michael Szczepanski
Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Favourite Steakhouse
Steven Greenwood, No compromises are made on addition of a new ladies’ night
Kieron Hunt, Tom Lord quality at Ruth’s Chris, a fact no doubt boosted the steak-
and Christian Knerr deeply appreciated by Dubai’s house’s appeal this year, with
carnivores who voted in their Monday nights packed at both
droves for this SZR spot. The the bar and in the cosy booths.

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
Chi @ The Lodge

THE BAND Favourite Nightclub
The Maple Jacks rocked the
ninth What’s On Awards A previous winner and stalwart of Dubai’s clubbing
scene, if you’re looking for the party, then it’s prob-
ably at Chi. From fancy dress to Zane Lowe, this year
has seen some crazy nights at this indoor/outdoor
venue, with live acts and weekly DJ residenents
keeping the clubbing masses dancing.
Sir Maurice Flanagan

and Thomas Overson
Rugby 7s
Favourite Sports Event
More of an institution than an event, the rugby sevens
is a weekend-long party. Crazy costumes, die-hard
fans and an exuberant party crowd, for a few days in The Chi chaps with
December This Sporting Life takes over Dubai. With Motivate Group
capacity crowds at the new stadium last year, it’s no Senior Editor Gina Johnson
surprise that the gong went to this people-pleaser.
THE FOOD
Jebel Ali International
Hotel put on their usual
Rod Stewart
impressive spread Favourite Event
Rod the Mod was at his legendary best at this year’s
sell out show at The Sevens stadium. Packed with old
and new fans alike, Dubai was buzzing for days after,
with concertgoers and Dubai 92 listeners voting the
rock'n'roll legend number one.
Rania Hamadeh and

Anthony Younes
Jazz Festival
Favourite Festival
A true highlight of Dubai’s musical calendar, this
festival attracts jazz fans from the Middle East and
beyond with its eclectic line-up of humble heroes
Jonathan Gosselin
and big names. This year saw David Gray and James and Christine
Morrison grace the main stage, which obviously Santagelo
impressed you lot, as you thrust the award their way.

Party people
A few highlights from a spectacular night
TWITTER WHISPERS
ON THE BIG NIGHT
@WhatsOnDubai
awards tonight!
Cracking out the
heels again : )
– princess2802
Just arrived at the

@WhatsOnDubai
awards. The set up
is amazing and the Regina Hackett
weather is perfect
– thatdubaiguy
Is @TomCruise at the
@WhatsOnDubai
awards tonight...?
– rockingtheshow
FACEBOOK CHAT
THE MORNING
Sune Pieterse AFTER What's On with Rivington Grill
Chi @ The Lodge -

best nightclub in
Dubai 2010 What’s
Tyra Nawaz On Awards! Thank u
everyone for voting -
much luv and thanks
– Sinbad Palanki
It was sooo much

fun
– Daleen Nel
Kyriacoudes
Thank you for

Tom and Dan from Dubai 92 having us : ) I really Ilana Vd Merwe Kate Bole
enjoyed the Mexican
food, oysters and
drinks
– Jibran Qazi
So thrilled for LPM

– a real honour!
Thanks so much for
your support
(Left) Tanya Abboud (Left) Masaharu Kondo
(Right) Carina Abboud
– Eileen Wallis
(Right) Estelle Michel Sir Maurice Flanagan

www.bertolucci-watches.com
ABU DHABI Tel: 02 6745000 AL AIN Tel: 03 7541150 DUBAI: Radisson SAS Tel: 04 2229687
Dubai Mall Tel: 04 3399330, Mall of the Emirates Tel: 04 3412424
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Seventh
heaven
The Dubai International
Film Festival returns with
a raft of great movies, all
manner of stars and a rare
opportunity to find out what
life’s like behind the camera
Entering its seventh year, the Dubai
International Film Festival (DIFF) continues
to mature at a rapid rate. Just look at the films
due to open and close this year’s cinematic
celebration – The King’s Speech, which is
already being tipped for Oscar success, and
the long-awaited 3D extravaganza TRON:
Legacy.
And the excitement doesn’t end there. For
DIFF 2010 will also showcase 127 Hours,
Danny Boyle’s harrowing follow-up to the
his world-conquering Slumdog Millionaire,
and The Way Back, the continent-spanning
adventure film that sees Academy Award-
nominated director Peter Weir head back
behind the camera for the first time since
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The
World.
Like all good festivals, DIFF isn’t simply
interested in Hollywood. From a season of
must-see Mexican movies to an international
selection of children’s films, the festival
embraces cinema in all its forms. And if that
wasn’t enough, this year movie buffs will also
have the chance to learn directly from film
titans like the aforementioned Mr Weir.
The Dubai International Film Festival – it’s
what December was invented for.
Dec 12 to 19, Dubai International

Film Festival, Madinat Arena, The
ISTOCK
Walk, JBR, Mall of the Emirates and

First Group Theatre, Dubai, from
Dhs25. Tel: (04) 3913278.
www.dubaifilmfest.com

A Tiro De Piedra
Endamorada
Chicogrande
The Dead Sea
Down Mexico
way
This year, DIFF’s ‘In Focus’
known, is perhaps most familiar to Western
audiences for his portrayal of Apache, the
villainous ‘generalissimo’ in Sam Peckinpah’s
The Wild Bunch. While he made a good living
playing heavies in Hollywood, Fernandez was
first and foremost a filmmaker. And while no
capture Pancho Villa following a raid on a
New Mexico outpost, you’re unlikely to see a
better horse opera all year.
Not that the season is solely concerned with
the Mexico of Zapata and Zorro. In Presunto
Culpable (Dec 13 and 14), documentary film-
strand casts special atten- sane person would question his manliness maker Roberto Hernández examines the case
– he arrived on The Wild Bunch set with 50 of wrongly convicted criminal Tono Zuniga.
tion on the Latin American teenage concubines in tow – Fernandez’s films Sent down in 2005 for a murder he couldn’t
movie hotbed are anything but hymns to machismo. Indeed, possibly have committed, Zuniga’s trial is
in Enamorada, the women are every bit as re-examined by a brace of young attorneys
All manner of things come to mind when ballsy as the men. whose findings make Hernández’s film every
you think of Mexico – Aztecs, earthquakes, Photographed by the late, great Gabriel bit as important as Errol Morris’ Academy
Acapulco... and, of course, awesome Figueroa, Enamorada looks for all the Award-winning The Thin Blue Line.
motion pictures. During the last decade world like an animated series of Ansel It’s not just Mexico’s legal system that’s
alone, the home of luche libre and jai-lai Adams photographs. Featuring many of the broke, however. Sebastián Hiriart’s A Tiro
has given us such masterpieces as Amores era’s top Mexican stars, this is a great place De Piedra uses the experiences of a young
Perros, The Crime Of Father Amaro and Y to start exploring the nation’s cinematic sheepherder to highlight the poverty facing
Tu Mama Tambien. history in general and Fernandez’s his countrymen and the illusion of freedom
If you think Mexico has only recently impressive filmography in particular. that’s offered by the United States. Meanwhile,
become a movie hotbed, you’re wrong – dead If Enamorada doesn’t satisfy your appetite in Ortiz Cruz’s The Dead Sea (Dec 10 and 11),
wrong. For proof of this, look no further for western adventure Mexican-style, Felipe a blackout sparks off a crime wave that only
than one of the highlights of the DIFF’s Cazalas’ Chicogrande (Dec 13) provides a comes to an end when the power is restored
2010 ‘In Focus’ season, Enamorada (Dec fascinating counterpoint to Fernandez’s and the wrongdoers realise that they must put
15). A story of guerrilla warfare and illicit picture. Made this year but set in 1916, the right their wrongs.
love, Enamorada was filmed in 1947 by the film was commissioned to commemorate the
notorious Emilio Fernandez. A veteran of 100th anniversary of the Mexican revolution. Various locations, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3913278.
the Mexican Civil War, ‘Indio’, as he was Centring upon the US Cavalry’s attempts to www.dubaifilmfest.com

THE
ESSENTIAL
ED HARRIS
The film star’s must-see
movies
THE RIGHT STUFF
He’s played countless
memorable villains
(see The Rock, The
Truman Show and A History Of
Violence) but Harris was never better
than as John Glenn, the all-American
hero who became the first astronaut
to orbit the globe.
GETTY IMAGES
WALKER
Our man gives an
Academy Award-
worthy performance
Ed Harris
in Alex 'Repo Man'
Cox’s demented period movie
about William Walker, the 19th century
American renaissance man who, not
content with conquering Nicaragua,
decided to make himself president.
The Way Back star on down to the set ASAP. It turned out to be
working with Peter Weir a terrific experience but, usually, I prefer it APOLLO 13
when I’m not flying by the seat of my pants. Harris takes another
and Colin Farrell Is your The Way Back co-star Colin Farrell stab at all things
The Way Back is based on an incredible tale. the real deal? NASA, here essaying
Were you aware of the story before you Absolutely and utterly. I’ve been in the Gene Kranz, the
read the script? business a long time and I’ve seen a veteran flight controller
I had heard something about it – which number of people seemingly reach the top entrusted with rescuing Jim Lovell (Tom
was just as well because if I’d only had the of the tree in no time at all. The truth is, Hanks) and his fellow Apollo astronauts
script to go on, I might have assumed a tale in most cases, the person in question has from the far reaches of outer space.
as remarkable as this could only have been been working for ages. And that was the
dreamt up by a screenwriter. To think these case with Colin – he wasn’t an overnight POLLOCK
people trekked from Siberia to India all but sensation. He’d been acting since he was a Long obsessed with
defies belief. teenager. Anyone who thinks his success explosive action
What would you say to those who claim isn’t deserved clearly hasn’t watched his painter Jackson
The Way Back is just a film about people work. You can’t hold your own opposite Pollock, Harris rightly
walking? Al Pacino [The Recruit] or Val Kilmer received an Oscar
That’s a bit like saying the Mona Lisa is just a [Alexander] or Brendan Gleeson [In Bruges] nomination for his to-the-edge
nice picture of a lady. And besides, those Lord unless you’re really good actor. performance in this, a film made all the
Of The Rings movies were largely about two And which fine actors can we expect to see more remarkable by the fact he also
little guys walking, and audiences responded you starring opposite in the near future? directed it.
to them pretty positively. Well, I’ve just finished a movie called That’s
This is the second time you’ve worked with What I Am with my wife [fellow actor Amy NIXON
Peter Weir. Madigan] and the WWE wrestler Randy As E Howard Hunt, the CIA
Yes, although fortunately on this occasion, Orton. And I’m just about to make a movie spook who masterminded
I had a bit more time to prepare. With The called Man On A Ledge which seems to feature the Watergate break-in,
Truman Show, I signed on after the picture every actor in Hollywood. Elizabeth Banks, Harris provides both a masterclass in
had already started shooting. Originally, Ed Burns, Kyra Sedgwick, Sam Worthington, understated villainy and one of the high
Peter wanted Dennis Hopper to play the part Jamie Bell – quite a crowd, isn’t it? points of Oliver Stone’s dark study of
of Christof, the TV producer, but that didn’t Dec 15, Madinat Arena, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs80. America‘s most flawed president.
work out, so I got a call asking if I could come Tel: (04) 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com

THE BEST
OF THE
REST
The pictures you’d be an
idiot to ignore
Still haven’t seen anything you like?
Then check out the family-friendly
Cinema For Children segment, which
includes entertainment from as far
afield as Poland (The Magic Tree, Dec
19), Japan (Oblivion Island: Haruka, Dec
16) and France (Eleanor’s Secret, Dec 18),
and also showcases a live-action 3D
adaptation of The Nutcracker (Dec17)
featuring Nathan Lane, John Turturro,
Frances De La Tour and Richard E Grant
together with eight original songs
from Sir Tim Rice (The Lion King, Jesus
Christ Superstar). And then there’s hit
French comedy Copacabana (Dec 18)
starring the mother-daughter team of
Isabelle Huppert and Lolita Chammah,
acclaimed German drama Suicide
Club (Dec 17 and 18), new Romanian
GETTY IMAGES
masterpiece If I Want To Whistle, I’ll

Whistle (Dec 13 and 15) and Tamra
Davis’ awesome art documentary Jean-
Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (Dec
Colin Firth
13 and 14). All this, plus Corridor (Dec 18
and 19), an edge-of-your-seat Swedish
psycho-thriller, and Biutiful (Dec 18)
the new film from Alejandro González
Iñárritu (21 Grams, Babel) which stars
the mighty Javier Bardem (No Country
The most English of actors him to [eccentric Australian speech From Old Men, Before Night Falls) as a
on his new period drama therapist] Lionel Logue. street criminal coming to terms with
Is it true the Royal Family weren’t too keen mortality. In short, if there’s nothing
and his love of Bob Dylan on this story being told? here that takes you fancy, you can’t be
In The King’s Speech you play the I don’t know whether they had a problem that big a fan of film.
painfully shy George VI. Was it hard to with us tackling it, but I understand that Various locations, Dubai. Tel: (04)
affect a stammer? someone wanted to write about the King’s 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com
It was tough in as much as we never knew stammer back in the 1970s and they got
quite how bad George’s stammer was before in touch with the Queen Mother and she
it was suggested he seek treatment. The wrote back and said the events were so
scenes in which he literally seizes up, we painful, she didn’t want the story told
have no knowing if things were ever actually during her lifetime. That that was how she
that bad. But playing an impediment is a felt so long after these events took place
bit like affecting an accent – it’s the sort of give you some idea of how much this affair
reason people become actors in the first took out of the Windsors.
place. If you can’t do it, you should probably You’re a widely admired actor. Is there Oblivion Is
land: Haru
find another line of work. a particular performer you have a ka
George never completely lost his stammer, fondness for?
did he? Bob Dylan. I am in complete awe of the
No, and from what I’ve read, it seems that, man. I’m fortunate in that I’ve seen him
even though things improved, he found the perform any number of times and each
condition utterly debilitating. You can only concert is a special, life-enhancing occasion.
wonder how things would have been had Dec 12, Madinat Arena and The Walk, JBR,
the future Queen Mother not introduced Dubai, 8pm, Dhs25.
ecret
Eleanor’s S
Sean PETER WEIR

The Aussie legend on a
Penn
journeys – it’s
lifetime of learning subconscious
stuff but there’s
Seven years have passed between no disputing those
GETTY IMAGES
Master And Commander and The patterns are there.
Way Back. I take if you haven’t been
twiddling your thumbs? Do you think any of your films are
DIFF’s Lifetime Achievement
Believe it or not, I’ve been very busy. What underrated?
Award-winner people forget is, it takes a very long time to I don’t know if it’s underrated, but I’m
make movies. One film can take up four always happy to hear good things about The
You appear to dislike Los Angeles. Is it or five years of your life. Back in 2006, Last Wave [Weir’s 1977 crime drama about
tough to work there? I came very close to making a film with a lawyer, Richard Chamberlain, defending
My problem with LA is that Johnny Depp called Shantaram. It was a a band of Aborigines on a murder charge].
each street corner is a thriller about a heroin addict who escapes The Aboriginal issue has haunted white
reminder of something from a maximum security prison and goes Australians for decades – I see our new
stupid I did in the on the run. The problem was, me and the Prime Minister [Julia Gillard] is very keen
past. That’s the studio saw the film in a very different light. to address is, which is encouraging. But
reason I’ve spent They wanted one thing, I wanted another, with The Last Wave what I wanted to say
much of my life and since we couldn’t agree, I moved on. I was that, everything I’d learned about
living outside of the remember Oliver Stone once saying that he Aborigines up to that point, at school and
town – who wants wanted to make a film about the quiz show college, was complete rubbish.
to be reminded of all scandals of the 1950s, and he was all good
the dumb things they’ve to go when he decided it wasn’t a story he What drew you to The Way Back?
done? wanted to tell. Of course, Robert Redford It’s hard to say what draws you to any
Sweet & Lowdown is showing at DIFF. While ending up telling that story, but I can movie. I think ultimately I was drawn
you don’t actually perform in the film, is it identify with what Oliver was saying. You to the idea of endurance and the idea of
true that you learned the guitar so you’d only get to make so many films in a lifetime. walking – ostensibly it’s just a long walk
look authentic? Why tell a story that isn’t worth telling? and something like that is strange to film.
Yes. It was a nightmare, actually. Time was pretty
tight so I had to learn it really quickly - and while You’ve a very eclectic CV – from barking- What inspires you?
I picked things up pretty quickly when I was mad comedies like The Cars That Ate All sorts of things. It might surprise
younger, it’s very hard for me to do nowadays. Paris and the dark fairytale of Picnic At you but I’m actually a pretty big Monty
Orson Welles used his acting pay cheques Hanging Rock to intelligent rom-coms Python fan. The first time I saw their
to finance his films. Have you ever gone like Green Card and Hollywood epics TV show back in the 1970s, I was a
down that route? such as Master And Commander. Is there budding comedy writer. Seeing things
Sure. I made Carlito’s Way because I needed any pattern to the films you’ve made? like The Lumberjack Song had the most
a huge chunk of change to get The Crossing I think there is, yes. Not that I’ve set out incredible impact upon me. Not that you’d
Guard into production. That’s not the only to make these films with a plan in mind. necessarily know that from my films.
reason I made that movie - working with Al There’s an old saying in filmmaking
Pacino is its own reward – but getting my that a director makes the same movie What advice would you give to film
movie made certainly influenced my decision. over and over again. I don’t think that’s students?
Speaking of Carlito’s Way, was that a wig? quite true. What I can say is that, when Make mistakes – it’s a great way to learn.
That was my own hair. I had it styled you look back at your films, distinct Dec 15, Madinat Arena, 8pm, Dhs80. Tel:
especially to make me look like a balding patterns emerge. Certain themes, certain (04) 3913278. www.dubaifilmfest.com
fortysomething.
You’re a favourite with the impressionists.
Who does the best Sean Penn?
I think I’m pretty good at it. And [Jerry WIN! DIFF TICKETS
Maguire actor] Jay Mohr’s very good, too – he
hasn’t got the voice quite right, but he’s got my There are so many films showing at DIFF that you couldn’t possible see them all,
walk down. but if you have as many must-sees on your list as we do it’s going to cost you a fair
You have a cameo in Being John Malkovich. few dirhams to satisfy your hunger for celluloid. Unless of course you enter this
What kind of film would Being Sean Penn competition to win tickets. For your chance to enjoy one of the fabulous films showing
be? at the Dubai International Film Festival, visit www.winwithmotivate.com and tell us...
It would be a horror movie. And there would Sean Penn starred in which of these critically acclaimed films?
be nudity. a) Mystic River
Dec 17, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, b) Mystic Pizza
3.45pm, Dhs25. Tel: (04) 3913278. c) Magical Mystery Tour
www.dubaifilmfest.com

For Indulgence.
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Film
School
Inspired by DIFF? From
ISTOCK
acting to editing, the UAE
is geared up to get you
involved
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the secrets and techniques involved in acting Jan 29, three-day introduction course, Dhs3,800 music videos to a two-year film-making course.
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DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, combining multiple media types such as out of your usual schedule, this will open your
Tue 4.30pm to 5.30pm, Dhs1,350. video, animation, text and sound to create eyes to the film industry. Without the dreaded
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and its neighbour, The Address Hotel! There are also carousel rides, a Christmas Tree made of water, fire jugglers and a host of
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at Dubai Marina Mall. It’s the place to hang out for fashion, fun, food and festivities.
MALL TIMINGS: Saturday to Wednesday: 10am – 10pm. Thursday and Friday: 10am – 12midnight.
For more details contact Guest Services on 04 436 1020.
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ABU DHABI MUSIC SPECIAL
APPETITE FOR
DESTRUCTION
Better late than never, Axl Rose is finally promoting Guns N’ Roses’ not-so-new album, with
Abu Dhabi at long last making it to his tour schedule. But why the wait?
Guns N’ Roses – or as his detractors like Keyboardist Dizzy Reed had been around with Rose in the late nineties.
to point out, Axl Rose and a band of since 1991 and shadowy programmer Chris “He called in pretty much every day, though.
replacements – are at last in the midst of Pitman quietly appeared on the scene in 1998. He’d ask who was there, what they were doing.
touring after the anti-climatic release of the The drum stool has seen a high rotation, He’d say to tell them that, ‘I’m coming in, I’ll be
15-years-in-the-making Chinese Democracy with Josh Freese doing extensive work on there in awhile.’ I’d tell the band, ‘Axl called and
almost two years ago. Chinese Democracy, including co-writing the said he’s coming in’.
Gone is top-hatted icon Slash, who left title track, before handing in his notice. A Then he’d never show up.”
acrimoniously in 1995 citing creative hurt and angry Rose re-recorded with Primus Every few months, say sources, somebody,
differences (“I think the beginning of the end drummer Brain. if not everybody, would get fired – at least
was when we put a synthesizer on Paradise Later, session drummer Frank Ferrer
City”, says the guitarist). helped out and it’s Ferrer who’s booked for
Drummer Matt Sorum was fired by Axl Rose the current tour.
and Duff McKagan bailed soon after... Slash, Why the revolving door?And what took so
McKagan and Sorum went on to form Velvet long?
Revolver. Original drummer Steven Adler was There are many reasons, say insiders,
long gone, as was co-founder Izzy Stradlin. although the buck ultimately stops with
A revolving door of new guitarists has Axl Rose.
included solo shredder Buckethead and Robin The business and emotional impact of the
Finck of Nine Inch Nails, who entered the fray original band’s break-up ate a
in 1997 and 2000 respectively and left their good part of the nineties,
marks all over Chinese Democracy. Buckethead and then when Rose finally
eventually bailed on the band (largely because gathered an all new line-up
he hated Finck) and later Finck, tired of in 1998, he put them to
waiting for Rose to move the project forward, work rehearsing and then
returned to Nine Inch Nails – twice. (reluctantly) re-recording
Still on board are Richard Fortus of all the songs from the
Psychedelic Furs, who joined in 2002 (replacing Guns N’ Roses debut,
Paul Huge who replaced Gilby Clarke who Appetite For Destruction
replaced Stradlin) and Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, and eating up a good part
who signed up in time for their 2006 tour and of the year. Rose himself
some (supposedly) final recording sessions. would not show up for
The current tour is hosting the well-received weeks at a time.
debut of newly arrived Darren Jay ‘DJ’ Ashba, “He’d be ‘on’ for a
a guitarist for Motley Crue offshoot Sixx AM. couple of weeks and
Bass and keyboards have remained stable then ‘off ’ for a couple
with former Replacements bassist Tommy weeks,” recalls Dave
Stinson a rock solid member of Guns N’ Roses Dominguez, an engineer
since taking over from McKagan in 1997. who started the sessions
ROCK OF AGES
Tracing the stroppy rock leviathans’ tumultuous career...
1985 1987 1988 1990
Formed in Los Angeles by Release classic debut album Two fans die during GNR’s set at Drummer Steven
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
motormouth frontman Axl Rose Appetite For Destruction, wh ich UK festival Monsters Of Rock at Adler is fired.
and original guitarist Tracii Guns, becomes one of the biggest-selling Castle Donington.
who departs later that year, records ever, shifting 28 million
replaced by iconic top hatted six- copies and counting.
stringer Slash.
management could step in and resolve the issue.

“It took two days to break the room
down because he fired everybody,” confirms
Dominguez.
“(Axl) would show up at two, two-thirty,
and no one would be around, he’d get upset.
‘Where are they?’ ‘I don’t know, they all left.’
Then he’d call the next day. ‘Who’s there?’ ‘Just
Josh.’ ‘OK, have everybody leave. Have them
break everything down. We’re done.’”
When the sessions were on track and Rose
was in attendance, sometime’s he’d play with
the band but he’d rarely sing.
He would talk, however.
The studio was all business in terms of
never having guests, drugs or alcohol around,
but many nights the sessions would give way
to nights of storytelling as the entertaining
front man held court.
“He was, quiet, soft-spoken, very amicable Sean Beavan, responsible for the unpopular In 2004, the record company cut its
and friendly, and always very ‘up’,” recalls soundtrack song, Oh My God, lasted a couple support amid long-standing complaints that
drummer Chris Vrenna, who turned down of years, as did Queen producer Roy Thomas the project was out of control financially (and
an offer to join the band after a few weeks of Baker and Caram Constanza, with Andy to a lesser extent, creatively) and that Rose
sessions that Rose rarely attended. Wallace the last one up with Rose eventually was unappreciative and belligerent.
“‘Hey, did you see the movie that opened taking the project to his home studio and later “They wrote him off,” says a source. “I
last night?’ or ‘did you see the news today?’ Or declaring that he never did find a producer. think they finally recouped enough of their
‘check out these records today,’ that sort of thing. There were plenty of distractions taking investment by releasing the live album and
He loved to debate or discuss something.” Rose out of music mode including off-the- the greatest hits package,” says a source, “and
There were long conversations about his wall therapists dishing out treatments and weren’t really interested in making any new
former band mates, especially Slash. “He counselling in the new age centre of Sedona, commitments.”
spoke of them fondly,” says a source. “Like Arizona, which apparently didn’t involve Subsequent bouts of touring in 2006 and
family members who were dead.” successful anger management – Rose was 2007 were low-key with not a lot of hoopla.
The new material for years on end had arrested for fighting with airport staff on his Rose finally agreed to release Chinese
no lyrics. Rose had the band record and log way home from there in 1998. Democracy in November 2008.
endless ‘bits’ of music. Rose was also constantly dealing with The resulting record, with its moments of
“Some were three seconds long, some were dozens of lawsuits with band mates, the brilliance with layers and layers of musical
three minutes long,” recalls Dominguez. record label and other business sources over genius and true emotion was ultimately too
Sometimes it was just a guitar lick. ‘Oh, that’s the rights to the Guns N’ Roses material and complex to be accessible to radio.
cool.’ They were transferred to CD. Everything other issues. And with the label support still minimal,
had an ID and a number, then the CDs were In 2002 when the album wasn’t ready as an angry Rose refused to promote it beyond
made for each member of the band. They expected. one emailed Q&A with Billboard magazine
could go, OK, on set four, CD three, idea 15, Rose was convinced to reinvigorate (and and some posts on a few Internet fan sites.
let’s do something with that.’ Then everybody help finance) the project with a world tour in He withdrew from sight.
would take their CD home, get the part and 2002 but that ended badly. Very badly. “He’s in one of his ‘down’ periods, revealed
write something to that. It was intense.” After getting off to a good start in Asia a source. They can’t get him to do anything.”
There was no hurrying or pressuring Rose. in the summer, it disintegrated first with It’s taken some time, but Rose is now finally
‘Prodding’ often appeared to be grounds a no-show for the North American tour out of the doldrums and on the road, hitting
for the dismissal of numerous producers, opener September in Vancouver and again in the capital as part of a fractured world tour
record reps and managers. Philadelphia in December, both resulting that saw him play the UK and South America.
Producer Youth was terminated; apparently in riots. Our advice is see him while you can
after Rose learned the man had been offered a The rest of the tour was cancelled and – who knows when he’ll get round
million dollar bonus if he met a deadline. Rose disappeared. to the next tour…
1991 1994 2008 2010

Ambitious dual albums Use GNR go on hiatus. Slash and bassist After 14 years of ceaseless line-up Slash claims US$100m offers haven’t
Your Illusion I and II hit shelves, Duff McKagan exit in 1996 and changes, sporadic shows and tempted him to consider rejoining
topping the US Billboard 1997 respectively, leaving Rose as aborted recordings, mythical GNR. "One of us will die before a
charts. Fans riot after Rose halts the only Appetite... era member. album Chinese Democracy finally reunion," Rose suggests. McKagan
a show in Missouri by leaping drops. reconciles rather sooner, playing
offstage to collar a fan with a four songs with GNR in London
video camera. Rhythm guitarist in October, days before the band
Izzy Stradlin quits soon afterwards. announce their first ever UAE show.

For days without end
For tranquility. For relaxation. For friends. For conversation. For timeless afternoons.
The Jetty Lounge, beachside at The Palace, One&Only Royal Mirage. Now open. For you.
For reservations please telephone The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage on +971 399 99 99
or email: fb.acourt@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae
18 ‘til he
Canadian rocker Bryan
Adams left school at 15 to
pursue a career in music,
room before they become sensible and realise
if you break it, you pay for it.
What have you got in store for us?
My shows are a little acoustic and electric,
you spend it on?
A piece of fruit.
Sensible. Is that how you’ve kept in such
good nick?
released his first album and I have the full band with me – so it will I had a conversation with the famous
be fully rocking. Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer once, as
at 20, and topped the UK You’ve just released an acoustic album, he was turning 100 years old, and I asked him
charts for 16 weeks with his Bare Bones… what the secret is to a long life. He said, “eat
record-breaking hit song Yeah. It’s been received very well, and the less and love women”. I couldn’t agree more.
incredible thing about it is I never wanted Are you still enjoying the bachelor lifestyle
Everything I Do (I do it for to release it as a major album. It was just at 51 or does some lucky lady have a
you) in 1991. Stopping off in something I wanted to have available to fans chance of snaring you?
that came to my acoustic show. When my Ha! That reminds me of that brilliant song
Dubai on his world tour, the record company heard about it, they asked from the movie Elizabeth. “When I walk the
30-year rock veteran shows me if they could release it. tightrope, don’t stop me, let me try; I want to
Your first album was released in 1980 – that take chances, find out what it takes to fly, I
no signs of slowing down must seem like a lifetime ago. don’t care at all if you agree, I belong to me.”
Yeah, but it was the best thing that could have What do you look for in a woman?
Dubai’s part of world tour, but this won’t happened to us. We were able to get out of the She’d have to be funny, self-deprecating,
be the first time you’ve been here, right? crappy bars and into the better ones – I had gentle, ambitious, kind and clever.
That’s right – we were the first Western my foot in the door, I proved to myself it was OK, let’s talk about 'that' song – Everything I
band to ever play Dubai, way before it possible to move forward, I’ve never lost that Do (I do it for you). Sixteen weeks at the top
was the metropolis it is now. So it’s good feeling. of the charts. 16! It’s fair to say, some people
to come by every few years to make sure Did you ever imagine yourself doing were over it. How do you feel about it?
you’re still making good humus and anything else? I love it – it’s an amazing song. There are a
falafel. Never. I couldn’t imagine anything better, few songs I’ve written, like Summer Of 69 for
It’s as good as ever. So how’s the tour can you? Play music, see the world, pay example, which are equally as big, but never
going so far? your rent. Perfect. got the accolades. The other song came at the
My life is lived on tour, one just rolls into What about the fame – is that something right time, but songs like 69 put it there.
the next. I do 120 shows a year. It’s good to you enjoy? You’re an extremely successful artist. What
be on the road, to see things, meet people, I don’t care about being famous. I just care would you like your legacy to be?
get out of your shell a bit, then go home about moving forward, that’s what interests I don’t dwell on the past at all, I’m only
with anticipation. I like being able to travel me. Music never gets dull. Ever. thinking about the present and the future. My
all over the place and see the world, it You’ve been in the music business for more legacy? 18 ‘til I die.
never gets old. All the major capitals are than 30 years. What’s the most important What have you got planned for the next 30
fascinating. We have a big tour of India lesson you’ve learnt? years? Do you plan on being on tour in your
coming up in February and I can hardly Don’t sign anything. 60s like Jagger?
wait to get there. It’s such an amazing Ha, is it true you learned that the hard way, Mick is amazing, one of the best rock
country. by signing a deal for $1? songwriters of all time. If I can be half as in
Touring with Bryan Adams doesn’t Yes, it’s true, back in 1978. It was a terrible shape and bright at his age, I’ll be happy.
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
sound too wild. Was there a stage of deal. I signed to get my music heard when I What’s next for Bryan Adams?
your career where you went slightly off was 18. Believe it or not, I’m still signed to Bed. I’ve got to get up to fly to NYC. See you soon.
the rails? that one-dollar deal today – but there have Dec 17, Dubai World Trade Centre Arena, Dubai,
All young bands of any repute go through been a couple of renegotiations since 1978! 7pm, Dhs250 to 500. Tel: (04) 3913460.
a phase of demolishing at least one hotel If we gave you one dollar now what would www.bryanadams.com

e dies
WIN!
A MEETING WITH
BRYAN ADAMS
For a chance to win VIP tickets to this month’s
Bryan Adams gig in Dubai, plus the chance to
meet Canada’s most famous rock star, just visit
www.winwithmotivate.com and answer the
following question.
In what film did Bryan Adams’ song

Everything I Do (I do it for you) appear?
a) Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
b) Robin Hood: Men In Tights
c) Batman & Robin
CREAMFIELDS
ABU DHABI
Back for its second running after last
year’s debut event, hugely respected global
dance festival brand Creamfields once
SASHA’S
TOP 5
again fittingly brings the absolute cream
of the clubbing world to Abu Dhabi. The
ten-hour blowout is headlined by French
REMIXES
megastar David Guetta, supported by
multicultural trance trio Above & Beyond,
British progressive king Sasha (the only
artist returning from 2009’s line-up) and
Dutch dance floor destroyer Sander Van Renowned for big name remixes, Sasha
Doorn. They are also joined by two of the picks his five favourite re-workings from
UK’s brightest talents: trance, techno and his glittering career…
house-raiding rising star Gareth Emery and
breaks/house innovator James Zabiela. FELIX DA HOUSECAT
WATCHING CARS
GO BY
GARETH EMERY For many people, this was the fly in the
ointment on the first Involver album. But
I really enjoyed working on it and we got
nominated for a Grammy.
The Manchester-based
DJ/producer reflects on a THOM YORKE
THE ERASER
landmark year in his career, It was amazing to work on a Thom Yorke
which saw him release de- track. Kid A was a life-changing album for me.
but album Northern Lights… MADONNA
RAY OF LIGHT
This has definitely been a watermark year: The biggest remix I’ve ever worked on.
I turned 30, finished my debut album and I remember getting the phone call to
bought a house for the first time. Now it’s all work with Madonna. It was great. I was
done it’s nice to look back and think, ‘that was jumping up and down on my bed.
a big year’ but whilst it was happening it was
bloody tough. So many things happened. I UNKLE
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
wrote my album in seven months and during IN A STATE

that time I was on tour, so I was abroad In A State was a real pain. I’d just set my
half the time and then while I was home I’d studio up and slaved over the mix for
have three or four days a week in the studio weeks, but the final result was epic.
writing music. There literally was no time for
anything else: family engagements, friends. LADYTRON
I missed out on a lot of stuff. I didn’t have DESTROY
a chance to sit down and reflect on turning EVERYTHING YOU
30, it was lost in a world of gigs and planes TOUCH
and travelling. Creamfields in the UK was I really liked the original and we
one of the best festivals of the year, so I’m were going to do a big version,
looking forward to Creamfields Abu Dhabi. but then came up with this
I’m interested to see how it translates to the stripped back, wonky version.
Middle East.

GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
JAMES
ZABIELA’S
FIVE-STEP
GUIDE TO
DJING
CONSIDER YOUR
SURROUNDINGS…
No two crowds are the same. If I’m
playing somewhere I’ve played before
and know what to expect, those gigs
are obviously much easier. You know
what to do this time.
USE THE BEST

EQUIPMENT…
I helped develop the [industry standard
Pioneer CD mixing decks] CDJ-2000s. All
my music’s on a little SD card that goes
in my pocket, you can arrange playlists,
browse chronologically and search really
easily.
BE PREPARED…
PAAVO SILJAMÄKI I always get nervous before a gig but I’m

more organised now and more relaxed
before I play. The more prepared you are,
(ABOVE & BEYOND)

the more you can improvise.
TAKE A CHANCE…
It’s easy to play big tunes and
The other members of Above & Beyond favourite producers to remix classics from rock a crowd. Anyone with a basic
played Yasalam in Abu Dhabi last year, but the label, so we’ve got a lot of exclusive understanding of mixing can do it, but
this is your first visit personally. What are new mixes. then there’s nothing to differentiate
you expecting? Above & Beyond are massive festival crowd you from the next person. You have to
I don’t know exactly, but I have high veterans, having played to a million people have the X-factor. I’ll still risk it every time
expectations. I’ve heard a lot of people say on a Brazilian beach in 2007. That’s one because I’d feel dissatisfied if I didn’t.
good things about Abu Dhabi and other mind-boggling big dance floor…
Creamfields parties we’ve played around Yeah. The beach was 5km long and full of HIRE THE RIGHT
the world have been fantastic. But I’ve been people, soundsystems all along and with us PEOPLE…
really surprised how the Internet means that at one end. I don’t know if you can actually When I started out I just wanted to play
wherever we go, people know our songs see a million people on a beach because records. I still do. But it’s a competitive
almost instantly. That’s been really amazing of the curvature of the planet. There were business. Without agents and managers I’d
in the last five years, everything’s happening hands for as far as our eyes could see. It was be lost. Send your mix CDs to agents. That’s
around the world at the same time. incredible. how I got my break. Until I got signed to an
And what can we expect? Can constant global touring become agency I’d never even been abroad.
We’re working on an artist album at the dizzying sometimes?
moment, so we’ve been test-driving new We do so much flying around it is all a little bit December 9, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu
tracks. And our record label Anjunabeats of a blur for me, so to trace my tracks I Google Dhabi, Dhs250. www.creamfields.ae
is ten-years-old now so we’ve asked our myself to see where I’ve actually been.

Looking for the most magical way
to spend the festive season?
Set your sights on Grand Millennium Dubai Hotel
Sun kissed during the day and lit up by a kaleidoscope of festive lights at night, this
is the perfect playground to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Whether
you’re in search of a luxury getaway or on the lookout for a place to party, our
collection of restaurants offer a perfect venue for everyone. From a romantic
soiree or opulent dining experience to an exciting live display of culinary skills,
expect to be mesmerised by spectacular choice this festive season.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha South - TECOM, P.O. Box 212422, Dubai - United Arab Emirates
T +971 (0) 4 429 9999 F +971 (0) 4 374 3777 E fb.reservations@grandmill-dubai.com
www.millenniumhotels.com
A Member of Millennium Hotels and Resorts

We’ve got the holidays all wrapped up, from where to meet
Santa to the best NYE parties. Hang up your stocking, grab
a mince pie and get into the Christmas spirit
CHRISTMAS MEET SANTA IN CHRISTMAS AT

TREE LIGHTING THE SANDS BLOOMING-
This year Gulf Ventures is hosting a festive evening DALE’S
If a night of carols, mulled wine, mince pies Combine a trip to the desert with meeting Santa.
and the annual lighting of the Christmas
tree doesn’t warm your cockles, then you near Al Awir, with a grotto, Christmas crackers, One of the world’s best department stores
might as well change your name to Grinch sledge rides, sand boarding, barbecue, two house has a calendar of events to get you in the
McScrooge. beverages and unlimted soft drinks. mood this Christmas. Our picks are the
Dec 6, Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, 7pm to 9pm, Dec 17, Gulf Ventures, Duba, Dhs175, children gingerbread house and festive desserts
free. Tel: (04) 2824750. www.theirishvillage.ae Dhs50. Tel: (04) 4045880 cooking demo at 10.30am on Monday,
December 6, the tree decorating for kids
BUY THE BEST PIERRE GAGNAIRE, PROPRIETOR
from 3pm on Saturday, December 11,
and the cupcake frosting on Saturday,
MINCE PIES REFLETS PAR PIERRE GAGNAIRE
"WE HAVE OYSTERS FROM A FRIEND’S OYSTER
December 18. Aside from the special
events, Bloomingdale’s has some of the best
Extensive tastings by the team unanimously
concluded that most moreish mince pies are FARM IN BRITTANY, HOMEMADE FOIE GRAS, BEEF, Christmas windows on display and some
available at Baker & Spice. Just bigger than bite- A GRATIN DAUPHINOIS, ROASTED CHESTNUTS, lovely gifts in the souvenir shop – we’ve got
size, with a home-made feel, delicious spiced A BIG CHEESE PLATTER, A FRUIT SALAD our eye on the Bloomie’s bear. Just saying.
filling and flaky pastry means we’ll be buying Bloomingdale’s, Dubai Mall, Old Town,
AND A SOUFFLÉ"
these and passing them off as our own. Dubai. Tel: (04) 3505333
MY
Baker & Spice, Souk al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai. PERFECT
Tel: (04) 4252240 CHRISTMAS

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.
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.
www.luluhypermarket.com
ABU DHABI AL AIN DUBAI SHARJAH AJMAN UAQ FUJAIRAH RAK

MY
PERFECT
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
LIZ STEVENSON, HEAD PASTRY CHEF,

RIVINGTON GRILL
"THE FAMILIAL ASPECT OF WORKING WITH
A CLOSEKNIT TEAM MAKES THE DAY SPECIAL.
WHETHER AT WORK OR AT HOME, THE
PERFECT CHRISTMAS IS ONE WHICH LEAVES
EVERYONE CONTENT, WARM AND SATISFIED"
LET IT SNOW
The weather outside might be far from
frightful, but DUCTAC is still celebrating
the white stuff with Let It Snow, a stage
extravaganza with award-winning singer
Alison Jiear performing festive favourites,
show tunes and Disney classics, with her live
band and a specially formed local choir.
Dec 3 to 11, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Al
Barsha, Dubai, from Dhs120. Tel: (04) 3414777.
www.ductac.org
WORK PARTY
NIBBLES
Sadly, stale crisps and flat fizz usually prevail at
office Christmas parties, but BokaBento at The
Bonnington is putting the sparkle back this year.
TAKEAWAY
There are three menus available for lunch and
dinner, starting from Dhs165 per person, featuring
salt crusted rib of beef, tian of bell pepper, organic
TURKEY
turkey roulade, chocolate mille fuille and spiked Christmas dinner at home, without the
eggnog. You can pay Dhs145 extra per head for hassle of shopping, cooking and faffing BIG BIRD
two hours of unlimited wine and beer – often around with a meat thermometer? We’re Where? Le Méridien Dubai
necessary at a work do. in. Here’s our pick of places that will What do we get? Served alongside the
BokaBento, The Bonnington, Jumeirah Lake prepare your festive feast. Gobble, gobble turkey is chestnut and bread stuffing,
Towers, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3560600 glazed chestnuts, buttered broccoli
and carrots, roast baby potatoes, veal
TASTY BIRD chipolata sausages and cranberry sauce.
CHRISTMAS Where? The Palace How many people will it feed? There are
COOKING What do we get? A 6.5kg turkey, roasted

potatoes with garlic and rosemary, honey
three sizes of marinated bird, from 5kg for
eight people up to a whopping 10kg for 18
If slaving over a hot stove brings you out in a carrots, Brussels sprouts, apple stuffing and people.
cold sweat, then sign up for a masterclass at chipolatas. Price? From Dhs440
MezzaLuna, where you can learn how to make How many people will it feed? Eight Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Garhoud,
festive favourites with an Italian twist. You’ll Price? Dhs750 Dubai. Tel: (04) 7022445
start off with a hearty breakfast, conquer The Palace, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4287808
cooking three courses, master the perfect
cocktail, and enjoy lunch with the chef. POSH BIRD
Dec 18, MezzaLuna, InterContinental Dubai Festival BARGAIN BIRD Where? The Address Dubai Mall
City, Dubai, 10am to 2pm, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 7011127 Where? City Centre Hotel & Residence What do we get? Roasted turkey with
What do we get? A 6kg turkey, apple and black truffle and goose liver filling,
chestnut stuffing, Brussels sprouts, roasted cranberry and thyme sauce, Brussels
potatoes, carrots, cranberry sauce and sprouts, Vichy carrots, potatoes and
RUBEN HERRERA AGUILERA, CHEF, gravy. Order before December 10 and you’ll green beans.
MAYA BY RICHARD SANDOVAL get a free 450g Christmas pudding. How many people will it feed? Six to
"THE FESTIVE SEASON IS ALL ABOUT THE How many people will it feed? Eight eight, depending on appetites.
WHOLE FAMILY COMING TOGETHER TO Price? Dhs395 Price? Dhs750
COOK TRADITIONAL MEXICAN FOOD City Centre Hotel & Residences, Deira, Dubai. The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai. Tel:
FOR NOCHE BUENA"" Tel: (04) 6038600 (04) 4388888
MY
PERFECT
CHRISTMAS

MY
PERFECT
CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
CHEF PAUL LUPTON, RHODES MEZZANINE

"CHRISTMAS IS NEVER JUST ABOUT GIVING
OR RECEIVING PRESENTS, BUT ABOUT
SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS,
DRINKING AND EATING, AND ENJOYING THE
COMPANY OF LOVED ONES"
CHRISTMAS AT
CARLUCCIO’S
If we were casting for the What’s On grotto,
Carluccio would be the man giving out the
presents. He’s jolly. Celebrate Italian-style this
year, with a festive shopping event from 6pm
to 9pm on December 9 where you’ll get 15 per
cent discount, plus canapés and deli nibbles at
both the Mirdif City Centre and Dubai Mall
branches. Children can decorate their own
piece of gingerbread on December 21 from
10am to noon at Carluccio’s in Dubai Mall,
where they’ll get free hot chocolate and wear
their very own apron, just like the big man’s.
Carluccio’s, Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4341320. Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 2843728
RAINER BECKER, FOUNDER OF ZUMA
TEA PARTY AT
PANTOMIME "I’M VERY TRADITIONAL. I DO A SMOKED
THE PALACE
FAVOURITE
SALMON WITH POTATO RÖSTI, LOTS OF
CAVIAR AND SOUR CREAM, A TRADITIONAL Children can meet Santa and the elves (and
What’s Christmas without a little entertainment? ROASTED GOOSE AND CARAMELISED have a photo taken) at this one of a kind
Aladdin at the Madinat is this year’s hot ticket, tea party, where there’s face painting, story
CHESTNUTS. NO SUSHI FOR CHRISTMAS"
CHRISTMAS
with comedy, dancing and enough ‘he’s behind telling and plenty of sweet treats, finger
you!’ mischief to exhaust the children. sandwiches and a hot buffet. Booking
Dec 22 to Jan 2, Madinat Theatre, Madinat MY recommended.
PERFECT
Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dubai, various show CHRISTMAS Dec 18, The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, 3pm
times, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 3666546. to 6pm, Dhs120, free for under-tens.
www.jumeirah.com Tel: (04) 4287852
SINGALONG
THE WITH SANTA
Gather the family around the Christmas
ULTIMATE tree for carol singing with Santa.

Dec 16, Millennium Hotel, Khalifa Street,
Abu Dhabi, 7pm, free. Tel: (02) 6146000
CRACKER Only two – yes really – of these beauties

from Asprey are in Dubai. To be found at
Bloomingdale’s, they might not look so
special, but at Dhs850 per cracker, you can
expect to find something pretty special
inside. You’ll get the standard hat and motto
(no joke though – we suspect sense of
humour might be lacking at Asprey) plus a
sterling silver gift, such as a bracelet, watch,
pen or money clip, making for either a very
extravagant cracker on the dining table, or a
really rather lovely present.
Asprey at Bloomingdale’s, Dubai Mall, Old
Town, Dubai, Dhs850. Tel: (04) 3505333

ORANGE GLAZED
CARROTS, BRUSSEL
SPROUTS AND PEAR
RED CABBAGE BY
PREPARE THE
RHODES MEZZANINE’S
PAUL LUPTON
PERFECT CHRISTMAS FOR THE CARROTS

INGREDIENTS
DINNER t
t
t
1kg of carrots
250ml orange juice (from carton)
125g castor sugar
Chefs from three of our favourite t Salt
t White pepper
restaurants share their culinary knowledge,
providing you with all the ingredients METHOD
Place orange juice and sugar in a pan, reduce by
for a classic Christmas meal half and put aside for finishing the carrots
Peel the carrots and cut into 1cm discs
Cook carrots in boiling water until tender, drain
and leave to cool to room temperature
Return carrots to pan, add orange juice reduction
and heat before adding salt and white pepper to
serve
FOR THE BRUSSEL SPROUTS

INGREDIENTS
t 800g Brussel sprouts
t 100g almond flakes
t 80g butter
METHOD
Peel off outer leaves and cut a cross in the bottom
stalk of each sprout
Place sprouts in a pan of boiling, salted water and
cook until tender in the middle
Remove from heat, drain, leave to cool in a
container of ice water, drain again and put aside
Melt butter until bubbling, add sprouts and
almonds and sauté until golden
FOR THE CABBAGE

INGREDIENTS
tOne small, red cabbage thinly sliced
tThree pears, peeled, cored and cut into cubes
TRADITIONAL ROASTED tOne large onion, sliced
POTATOES BY VERRE’S
t500ml red wine
tTwo tbsp honey
SCOTT PRICE tKnob of butter
tSalt and pepper
INGREDIENTS
t Five large potatoes (King Edward, desiree, Marris METHOD
piper) Pre heat oven to 170˚C
t Five tbsp goose fat, Maldon sea salt, black pepper Place all vegetables in a braising pot, season
with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, cover with
METHOD parchment paper and a lid and cook in the oven for
Pre heat the oven to 190˚C two hours, until syrupy. Check after one hour and, if
Peel and cut the potatoes to your preferred size dry, add water
Place in a lightly salted pan of cold water, slowly
bring to the boil and allow to cook for five minutes
Turn down heat and simmer until the potatoes
start to break at the edges
Drain off the water and return to the pan to dry
on the stove for a couple of minutes
While drying, start warming your goose fat in a
roasting tray until hot enough to fry the potatoes
Season potatoes with salt and pepper; add to the
roasting tray and stir until coated in goose fat
Place tray in the oven and roast for 20 to 30
minutes
Check and stir every five minutes until golden
and crispy

WHAT’S
ON
WISH
LIST
What the team are asking
Santa for this year
Mark, Senior Editor
I love Christmas. Top
of my list would be a
Vivienne Westwood suit,
TURKEY, GRAVY, FOR THE GRAVY
INGREDIENTS
a pair of Technics 1200
AND CHESNUT AND record decks (in silver,
APRICOT STUFFING BY t 500g peeled shallots
t 15g thyme very important, that) a
RIVINGTON GRILL t 8ltrs veal jus subscription to Monocle
t 200g T45 flour and, like the rest of the
FOR THE TURKEY t 200g Lurpak butter world, an iPad. Although
INGREDIENTS
t Free range 4kg turkey METHOD
I’ll be more than happy with the
t Salt and pepper Sweat down shallots and thyme in butter normal Sunderland AFC home shirt,
t 175g unsalted butter Make a roux with butter and flour, add fat from aftershave and socks that I always
t Muslin roasting tray get... Merry Christmas!
Add veal jus, simmer and cook out the roux
METHOD
Helen, Deputy Editor
Pre heat oven to 180˚C, place turkey in roasting FOR THE STUFFING
tin, season with salt and pepper and massage the INGREDIENTS
If a new motor is out of the
seasoning into the skin tOne small onion, peeled and chopped question (the Pajero mockery
Melt butter in a large pan, fold muslin in four and t25g butter must stop in 2011), I’m
lower into the pan until it soaks up all the melted t125g dried apricots, roughly chopped jumping on the bandwagon
butter t4450g sausage meat and requesting an iPad –
Lay the muslin over the turkey, completely tGrated zest and two tbsp lemon juice despite suspecting I have no
covering the breast and upper thighs t225g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped
actual use for it. Much more
Pour 300ml of water into the roasting tin, place t50g brown bread crumbs
practical, however, would be
into the oven and cook for three hours and 20 tTwo egg yolks
minutes, basting the bird every 30 minutes with pan tPinch of salt and pepper new sunnies and I’ve got my (squinting)
juices eyes on a pair of skull detail Alexander
Pierce the thickest part of the bird with a skewer. METHOD McQueen aviators to pay tribute to the
If the juices run clear, it’s done. If it’s pink, place back Fry onion in butter until soft and golden, then set big man. If all that is out of budget, I’d
into the oven until done aside to cook slightly
Transfer to a large serving dish, discard the muslin Place remaining ingredients in a bowl, mix well
be happy with a packet of Percy Pigs
and leave to rest for 30 minutes. Cover with foil to using your hands to knead. Use to stuff turkey or from M&S and some running socks, to
prevent the meat going cold cook separately be honest.
Gareth, Features Editor

Rumour has it I might be unwrapping
an iPhone, if I’m a really good boy.
But I’m planning on giving up digital
cameras and re-embracing
film, so I’d also like a Pentax
SLR film camera to sit
alongside the Polaroid I got
for my birthday and the 1950s
Kodak Brownie 127 I picked up for
my more visually appealing other half in
Venice. I’d also like a partridge in a pear
tree, dinner with an elf and a ride on
FC’s sled.

MY
PERFECT
CHRISTMAS
JOHN SINJOBI, CHEF, INDEGO BY VINEET

"II ALWAYS TRY AND CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
BY COOKING SOME OF MY FAVOURITE DISHES
SUCH AS APPAM WITH CHICKEN STEW AND
CHRISTMAS PLUM CAKE"
SWEET STUFF FREE LIMO

Dentists should be on call this December; the
Grand Lobby at the Beach Rotana is packed Book a table for four in Ember on
with enough treats to keep them busy until Christmas Eve and you’ll arrive in style
summer. Expect traditional favourites like in a limo, free of charge. Ember is also
puddings and pies, plus a giant gingerbread offering an hour of free babysitting so you
house. can enjoy the chateau briand, bubbles and
From Dec 5, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, live music without naughty nippers.
Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi. Ember, The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai,
Tel: (02) 6979000 Dhs650 per couple including house
beverages. Tel: (04) 4387888.
PARTY TIME
www.theaddress.com
Dubai’s Sheraton hotel is throwing the

ultimate party for children this year, with a DESERT
visit from Santa (with a surprise promised),
Mr Magician performing, a special buffet and DINNER
bouncy castle. Blend Middle East and West at Bab Al
Dec 10, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Shams. Arabian restaurant Al Forsan is
Towers, JBR, Dubai, 4pm to 7pm, Dhs100. Tel: serving up a festive buffet, complete with
(04) 3153218 oud player, traditional entertainment and,
of course, a visit from Santa.
KICK-START Al Forsan, Bab Al Shams, Dubai, Dhs210
CHRISTMAS
including soft drinks, Dhs90 for children age
five to 12. Tel: (04) 8096194
It can be hard to get into the Christmas BRUNCH BY
spirit when it’s 30 degrees outside, but if
this festive day doesn’t help then your only SINGING ON BURJ KHALIFA
hope is a flight to Lapland. Children can SHEIKH ZAYED Make this one to remember. Fazaris is
decorate their own gingerbread house,
Santa will pay a visit, the Christmas Tree ROAD hosting a brunch with alfresco dining,
views of Burj Khalifa, international dishes
will be lit, a choir will be singing and you The Shangri-La’s lobby should bring some and entertainment so you can eat, drink
can tuck into mulled wine, eggnog and cheer on the night before Christmas with and be merry.
mince pies. Prepare to feel Christmassy. old-fashioned carols and contemporary Fazaris, The Address Downtown Dubai, Old
Dec 15, Sheraton, Abu Dhabi, from 4pm, seasonal favourites performed by their Town, Dubai, Dhs325 including soft drinks
Dhs50, Dhs95 for children. Tel: (02) 6970224 choir. Santa will be stopping by at 7.15pm. or Dhs475 including house beverages and
Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, a glass of bubbly, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04)
7pm, free. Tel: (04) 4052703 4368799
DOWNTOWN
MEXICAN BUFFET
MAYHEM A celebratory spread awaits at The
Superstar chef Richard Sandoval brings Conservatory in Al Manzil on the night
you a Mexican sharing feast to remember before Christmas. All-time favourite
this Christmas Eve. Live music from dishes will grace the straining buffet tables,
The Bottom Line and a dip in the pool with five hours of eating on offer at this
are included. Bet you wouldn’t do that Old Town eatery. Denim or constraining
at home – unless you’re from Mexico, in clothing not recommended.
which case, feliz navidad, amigo. The Conservatory, Al Manzil, Old Town, Dubai,
Maya, Le Royal Méridien, Dubai Marina, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs195 including soft
Dubai, Dhs300 including pool and beach drinks, Dhs275 including house beverages or
access. Tel: (04) 3165550 Dhs375 including bubbly. Tel: (04) 4285888

CRACKERS: TESTED
Which Christmas crackers went off with a bang?
BEST LUXURY lasts long after the bang. Perfect for families a Post-It and stick it on your head, this
1) TOM SMITH DELUXE who don’t like each other, these should fill the is a (alarmingly fun) Christmas version
CRACKERS long, awkward silences of Christmas Day. involving antler headbands. Goodies
What’s On says: These rather lovely looking Dhs100 for six from Marks & Spencer include colouring pencils, playing cards
crackers promptly covered us in glitter and an eggcup, all revealed with a very
(which remained for the next two days), 3) LUXURY CRACKERS satisfying snap.
but we’ll forgive them for the high quality What’s On says: Poor quality hat, but a joke Dhs125 for 12 from Marks & Spencer
gold crowns, gifts including an iPod case, AND a brain teaser saved it for Debenhams, not
cufflinks and jewellery box, and booming to mention some nice little novelties like mini BEST FOR FAMILIES
bang. A luxury choice for a fancy festive day. make-up brushes, folding scissors and a photo 5) FAMILY CRACKERS
Dhs190 for six from Spinneys frame. A very good price for 12 very good What’s On says: Whoopee cushions and
looking crackers. those 'magic' red fish that predict the
2) MINI RED CRACKERS WITH Dhs150 for 12 from Debenhams future? Our kind of crackers! Aimed squarely
GAMES at children, the colourful hats, trivia and
What’s On says: While they’re pretty BEST OVERALL jokes ("what is white, lives at the North Pole
expensive given their number and size, you 4) WHO AM I? CRACKERS and runs around naked? A polar bare") will
also get a box of three mini games (Trivia, What’s On says: Akin to that game where keep you amused, too.
What’s My Word?, and Buzz Words) so the fun you write the name of a famous person on Dhs125 for 12 from Debenhams
CHRISTMAS SEE SANTA ON A

BARBECUE JET SKI
Poolside favourite Cabana is firing up As far from log fires and the Queen’s
the barbie on the 25th, so if you’re tired speech as you can get, kick back on the
of turkey and sick of sprouts you can white sands of Nasimi beach, where
seek refuge with Aussie-style grills and you can enjoy a beach barbecue for
complimentary pool access. lunch then watch Santa zip past on his
Cabana, The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs195 traditional jet ski and ‘reindeers’. We
per person include soft drinks or Dhs350 per might just go out of sheer curiosity.
person including house beverages. Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Dhs295.
Tel: (04) 4387888. www.theaddress.com Tel: (04) 4261001
MICHELIN BARGAIN
MENU BELGIAN
Scott Price, What’s On’s chef of the year, The Belgian Café is closed for Christmas
has devised a four-course lunch but is serving up a wallet-friendly
lunch, including Gordon three-course set menu in the evening.
AWARD Ramsay’s signature Expect a mix of Belgian dishes and
WINNER sage, apple and chestnut seasonal favourites, all washed down
stuffing, Verre’s roast with a wide selection of beers from the
potatoes and traditional turkey. See drinks list.
page 56 for some expert cooking Belgian Café, InterContinental Abu Dhabi,
tips from Scott.Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Dhs175. Tel: (02) 666688
Dubai, Dhs495. Tel: (04) 3182111
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
THREEYEAROLD SON WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON AND ENJOY HIMSELF AS MUCH AS I USED TO"

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SEAFOOD
SPECIAL
Pierchic’s romantic setting and fine fish fare
is a winner year-round, but offers a welcome
change from turkey and the trimmings this
Christmas. And included in the set menu is
half a bottle of champagne and free flowing
house beverages. Merry Christmas indeed.
Pierchic, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dubai,
Dhs650. Tel: (04) 3666730
ITALIAN FEAST
Gather the family for an Italian-style Christmas
dinner at Sevilo’s. There’s a huge six-course menu,
complete with turkey, trimmings, unlimited wine
and beer included. Santa will be there with gifts, too.
Sevilo’s Italian Restaurant, Millennium Hotel,
Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs225, Dhs110 for
children. Tel: (02) 6146000
CHAMPAGNE BUSSOLA ON (Dhs350) using their usual outstanding

AND FINE THE BEACH
seasonal produce, such as Severn and
DINING Dine alfresco at Bussola this year, either

Wye smoked salmon, ‘Kelly Bronze’
roasted turkey and chestnut stuffing with
Gary Rhodes’ Dubai outpost is serving Christmas downstairs for the five-course set menu all the trimmings, your favourite puds
in its signature flair. A four-course menu created (Dhs330 and Dhs165 for children) or upstairs and a winning cheeseboard. The Riv will
by the man himself is guaranteed to set the bar for for a la carte pizza. also allow their loyal customers to go
years to come, with a glass of champagne on the Bussola, The Westin, Dubai Marina, Dubai. a la carte, choosing much-loved dishes
terrace at sunset and even a gift to take home. Tel: (04) 5117139 (including a roast for traditionalists) as
Rhodes Mezzanine, Grosvenor House, Dubai they can on any other day.
BARGAIN
Marina, Dubai, Dhs1250. Tel: (04) 3176000 Rivington Grill, Souk al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4230903
DINNER FOR GOURMET AT
UNDER DHS100 THE ONE BARASTI
Vista has two choices for the big day; slow The One has created a special Christmas BARBECUE
roasted poussin with all the trimmings for menu featuring ‘seasonal starters’, ‘magical A solid pick for Dubai’s party people on the
Dhs95 per head, or roast beef with horseradish mains’ and ‘festive finales’ with dishes like big day, Barasti is serving an
mash, green beans and red wine jus for Dhs130. turkey with the trimmings, salmon stack and a la carte menu throughout
Vista, Holiday Inn Express, Internet City, Dubai. eggnog and pecan cheesecake. Two courses AWARD Christmas Day then a
Tel: (04) 4275500 will set you back a mere Dhs64, or go for the WINNER barbecue from 6pm. Live
full three courses for Dhs79. You’ll even get a music from Emanuel and
LIVE COOKING coffee for free. Stompers, plus DJs later on should get you
STATIONS Until Dec 30, The One, Khalidiya Theatre, Abu

Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6811900
in the spirit. Failing that, there’s always the
frozen cocktails.
Fill your boots at Jing Asia on the 25th, where Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort &
you’ll find international cuisines, live cooking
and festive favourites until midnight. TRIED AND Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3181398
Crowne Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs160, TESTED AT NYC STYLE
7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6563000
RIVINGTON Manhattan Grill will transport you and
MOUNSSEF OUAHDANI, HEAD CHEF,
BISTRO MADELEINE GRILL your clan to the big apple with its four-
course menu (available for both lunch
"THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS IS ONE SPENT Winner of Favourite European at this and dinner) packed with meaty cuts and a
WITH FAMILY IN FRANCE. WITH COLD year’s What’s On Awards, fantastic selection of wines to complement
WEATHER, SNOW COVERED LANDSCAPES, Rivington Grill is a your yuletide meal.
AND CHILDREN PLAYING BY THE OPEN FIRE AWARD fantastic choice for top Manhattan Grill, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha,
IN THE LIVING ROOM" WINNER British fare this Christmas.
The team is serving up a
Dubai, 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm,
Dhs350 per person including soft drinks.
MY
PERFECT set four-course menu from noon to 5pm Tel: (04) 3171234
CHRISTMAS

Season’s greetings
Mall of the Emirates: 04 341 4844 - Deira City Center: 04 295 8404 - Burjuman: 04 351 7009 - Mercato: 04 349 9115
Wafi City: 04 327 9669 - JBR - The Walk: 04 437 6494 - Mirdif City Center: Tel. 04 284 3223 - Dubai Int’l Airport - T3: 04 220 3360
From yachts and luxury

hotel packages to six-course
meals and superstar DJs,
we’ve rounded up the best
ways to spend New Year’s
Eve 2010
PAUL VAN DYK

The Grammy Award-winning superstar DJ
clearly likes Dubai. He makes a return for a
New Year’s Eve party at Dubai World Trade
Centre that will also include vocalists,
dancers and acrobats. Cool.
Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, Dhs200 to
Dhs350. Tel: (04) 3326345. www.peppermint-
experience.com
360˚
OK, so charging an eponymous entry
fee doesn’t excuse the fact that you gain
nothing but entry for your money, but 360˚
is all about location. You’re sitting over
the waters of the Arabian Gulf, sipping
cocktails – the ideal way to celebrate
another year spent in the city of bling.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, from
9pm, Dhs360. Tel: (04) 4068999.
www.jumeirah.com PEARLS & CAVIAR

SKYLITE THE YACHT

Free? Yep, that’s right, the Must Have Soul CLUB
lads are not going to charge a fil for their The Hot List favourite is offering a set
New Year’s extravaganza at The Yas Hotel. menu with champagne and selected spirits
And they’re promising a ‘secret special for Dhs795, house beverages and canapés
guest DJ’. There must be a catch? No? OK, for Dhs495 or just Dhs150 entry. And
then – we’ll be there. everyone can enjoy the DJs, singer Lee
The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm Fields and a dance show.
to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1249640. www. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street,
musthavesoul.com Abu Dhabi, Dhs150 to Dhs795. Tel: (02) 6666888.
www.ichotelsgroup.com
ARMANI/PRIVE
You only receive one glass of champagne BICE
for your Dhs500, but we’re sure Prive didn’t Start off the evening with a five-course
name this night ‘Mysterious Seduction of Italian meal before moving on to your party
Dark Passion’ just for giggles. All we know of choice. You should never celebrate on an
is that it will involve resident DJs, a visual empty stomach, after all.
show and a special menu. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Dhs450.
Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, Dhs500. Tel: (02) 6924993. www.hilton.com/Abu-Dhabi
Tel: (04) 8883308. www.dubai.armanihotels.com
ZENITH
ATELIER 360°
It’s Arabic Night at Zenith this New Year’s
Six Defected DJs, including ATFC, Copyright, Eve. DJ Shady spins Arabic beats, there’s a
M People’s Shovel, Miss Divine and Andy belly dancer and your drinks are included in
Daniell, and a possible 2,000 people sounds
like a recipe for a pretty decent New Year’s
PEARLS & the price. Tables can be booked for Dhs2,000
to Dhs3,500.
party at Dubai’s newest club. CAVIAR Zenith, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Abu
Emirates Towers, Dubai, Dhs250 to Dhs450. There’s no more stylish way to celebrate Dhabi, Dhs400, ladies Dhs200. Tel: (02) 6773333
Tel: (050) 5655427 than with a Masquerade Gala Dinner. A
SPECTRUM ON
champagne reception, oyster bar, five-course
menu with wine pairings and fireworks over VISTA ROOFTOP
ONE the water with a view of the Sheikh Zayed BAR &
Grand Mosque.
Spectrum On One is offering all the elements Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 8pm RESTAURANT
of its popular brunch package, with a few to 3am, Dhs1,100. Tel: (02) 5098777. Four courses, wine and beer and fireworks
added luxury extras. Cosmopolitan cooking www.shangri-la.com all for Dhs550. Not a bad deal, really, is it?
stations, endless Moet & Chandon, plus Express by Holiday Inn Dubai Knowledge Village,
caviar and foie gras should allow you to THE Tecom, Dubai Media City, Dubai, Dhs550.
sashay into 2011 in style.
Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm OBSERVATORY Tel: (04) 4275500. www.hiexpress.com
Look down on everyone else’s celebrations

BARASTI
to 12.30am, Dhs795. Tel: (04) 3118316.
www.fairmont.com from the 52nd floor of the Marriott Harbour
Hotel, where you should be able to see all It’s Barasti as usual but it just so happens
the fireworks in Dubai as you enjoy bubbly, to be New Year’s Eve. Bands, big DJs and
ARMANI HOTEL beverage carts, buffet and a DJ until 2am. just Dhs150 for a standard ticket bought in
advance, including a food voucher. A table
DUBAI
Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai
Marina, Dubai, 8pm to 2am, Dhs1,000. Tel: (04) for four with a bottle of bubbly and tapas is
It may seem a little bit pricey, but if you 3194000. www.marriott.com Dhs3,500, a table for ten in the VIP lounge
really want to impress your better half with drinks is Dhs5,000 and the upper
you get quite a lot for your hard-earned deck will set you back Dhs1,500 per person
loot, including an Armani Classic Suite,
breakfast, 32 Italian Armani chocolates, 30-
AL MANSOUR including buffet and a bottle of champagne.
DHOW
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai
minute spa treatments and dinner for two Marina, Dubai, 7pm to 3am, Dhs150 to Dhs5,000.
at Armani/Mediterraneo. If that doesn’t Spend the early part of the evening focused Tel: (04) 3993333.
impress her (or him) nothing will. on more pressing concerns and eat late at the www.lemeridienminaseyahi.com
Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, international buffet while sipping half a bottle
Dhs4,480. Tel: (04) 8883999. www.dubai. of red or white wine and a creek cruise. Not a
armanihotels.com bad way to see in the New Year.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, Dubai,
9.30pm to 12.30am, Dhs549. Tel: (04) 2057033

THE IRISH SHUJA YACHT TAMANYA

VILLAGE Just Dhs300 to celebrate the arrival of 2011 TERRACE
The classic Dubai expat New Year’s Eve. aboard a Yacht? We’re in. The package You only receive one drink (a glass of fizz at
Cheap entry, a buffet, music, midnight includes buffet dinner, a cocktail, belly midnight), but for Dhs150 the tiny Tamanya
fireworks and a traditional pub atmosphere. dancer, live music and, of course, a cruise Terrace offers a DJ and some decent views.
Those who fail to plan always end up at the along the coast of Abu Dhabi. Intimate and, most importantly, cheap.
IV, which is why most of them failed to plan Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, from 8pm,
in the first place. Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs300. Tel: (02) 6742020. Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3669111. www.radissonblu.com
The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs250 to www.leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
300. Tel: (04) 2824750. www.irishvillage.ae
IKANDY RHODES
ASADO Half a bottle of champagne, house MEZZANINE
Winner of the Best Americas prize at this beverages, numerous nibbles and Pacha, A five-course menu designed by our pal Gary,
month’s What’s On Awards, there is no Ibiza resident DJ Greg Sahara. If you don’t plus wine pairings, a glass of fizz as the clock
more inviting restaurant in Dubai. For your want to suffer the taxi home, why not book strikes 2011 and house beverages at Buddha
dirhams you get a four-course grill menu, an a suite with breakfast for Dhs2,011. Bar and Gallery Bar for the after party.
Argentinean band and access to the late night Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai,
party at Ewaan afterwards. from 7pm, Dhs590. Tel: (04) 4052703. Dhs1,900. Tel: (04) 3998888.
The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, from 7pm, Dhs700. www.shangri-la.com www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
Tel: (04) 4287808. www.theaddress.com
DUBAI MARINA STILLS DINNER UNDER

Everybody’s favourite Yas Island bar is one
YACHT CLUB of the cheaper options for December 31, THE STARS
The timing of this cruise will allow you and providing a New Year’s Eve set menu, a DJ Atlantis’ infamous beach is keeping it
your pals to enjoy a pleasant meal or start and it’s usual laid-back style. relatively low-key with a sophisticated affair
the evening off with a pub session before Crowne Plaza Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Abu offering a poolside aperitif, live cooking
embarking on a cruise at 11pm, in plenty of Dhabi, from 7pm, Dhs175. Tel: (02) 6563000. stations, DJ and a fireworks display. OK, so
time to celebrate the chiming of the clock www.crowneplaza.com it’s not that low-key.
at midnight. A glass of fizz and canapés are Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Dhs1,875 to Dhs2,500.
included in the price. Tel: (04) 4261000. www.atlantisthepalm.com
Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai,
11pm to 2am, eight to ten people Dhs7,500.
Tel: (04) 3627900. DHOW AND
ANCHOR
www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com
Whoever came up with the idea of combining

EMBER GRILL the excitement of New Year’s Eve with an
Agatha Christie murder mystery theme
AND LOUNGE obviously knows what our idea of a good time
Wow your other half with a romantic is. There’s also a BBQ buffet, house beverages,
evening for two at Ember, including a four- half a bottle of champers, a jazz band and
course dinner and a saxophonist. fireworks at midnight.
The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs799 per Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 1am,
couple. Tel: (04) 4388010. www.theaddress.com Dhs990. Tel: (04) 4068999. www.jumeirah.com
RHODES MEZZANINE
VERRE
If you fancy taking it easy this year, you
could do worse than dinner at celeb chef
Gordon Ramsay’s Dubai restaurant, where
What’s On Chef of the Year Scott Price is
serving up a Dhs695 six-course menu.
Hilton Dubai Creek, Dubai, Dhs695.
Tel: (04) 2277550. www.gordonramsay.com
THE IRISH VILLAGE
CHECK OUT OUR CLUB DIARY FOR

FULL NEW YEAR’S EVE CLUB LISTINGS, P126
Where all your
wishes come true
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Brimming with festive cheer, all our restaurants and bars have an exciting choice of
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stay in luxury amidst the enthralling festivities, on special seasonal packages. If you
need inspiration for festive presents, our ‘Gift of Living Well’ customised spa packages,
stocking fillers or gift certificates are great ways to show how much you care.
To make your booking, please call +971 4 324 8888 or email bookus.dubai@raffles.com
www.raffles.com/dubai
FILM
TRON: Legacy 127 Hours
TRON: Legacy 127 Hours The Chronicles Of

Narnia: The Voyage
Of The Dawn Treader
WHO? Jeff Bridges, Michael Sheen, James Franco, Kate Mara, Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes,
Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Amber Tamblyn, Treat Williams, Georgie Henley, Will Poulter,
Bruce Boxleitner, Joseph Kate Burton, Danny Boyle Liam Neeson, Michael Apted
Kosinski (director) (writer-director) (director)
TAGLINE ‘The game has changed’ ‘Every second counts’ ‘Return to magic. Return to hope.
Return to Narnia’
ONCE UPON A TIME... In a virtual world, a drone worker Mountaineer Aron Ralston Lucy and Edmund Pevensie
plotted to override the master (Franco) paid a visit to remote (Henley and Keynes) returned to
control program. part of Utah... and found himself Narnia to travel with the newly
trapped under a boulder with crowned King Caspian (Barnes)
little hope of survival. to the very end of the world.
IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE Revisit that wonderful time in Experience the sort of true story Revisit a more innocent age of
MOOD TO... the early 1980s when anything that would be dismissed out of fantasy cinema where nobody’s
computer related felt impossibly hand if it had been dreamt up by too nasty and everything’s
exotic and exciting. a Hollywood screenwriter. resolved in time for tea.
WATCH THIS IF YOU The original Tron, naturally. And Epic, against all odds survival The earlier Narnia movies and
LIKE... unless you’re one of those odd stories such as Touching The Void. similarly themed fantasy pictures
people who doesn’t like Jeff Bridges, such as Willow and The Never
there’s at least one terrific reason for Ending Story.
making space for this in your diary.
TOP TRIVIA Garrett Hedlund (Troy) was in After attending the picture’s Voiced by Eddie Izzard in Prince
competition with Ryan Gosling premiere at the Toronto Film Caspian, swashbuckling mouse
(Half Nelson) and Chris Pine (Star Festival, the real Aron Ralston was Reepicheep is here performed by
Trek) for the role of Sam Wise. so overcome with emotion he had Simon Pegg.
to be helped from the cinema.
WHAT’S ON TEN WORD The computer age is about to Danny Boyle has somehow We’d be lion if we said it
REVIEW experience a reboot. managed to top Slumdog Millionaire. was a classic.
RATE OR SLATE? PREVIEW ★★★★★ ★★★✩✩

FILM | NEW RELEASES
The King's Speech Megamind
Monsters The King’s Megamind Gulliver’s

Speech Travels
Whitney Able, Scoot McNairy, Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jack Black, Emily Blunt,
Gareth Edwards (writer- Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Jonah Hill, Ben Stiller, Tom Jason Segel, Amanda Peet,
director) Pearce, Michael Gambon, Tom McGrath (director) Billy Connolly, Rob Letterman
Hooper (director) (director)
‘Now it’s our turn to adapt’ ‘From the director of The Damned ‘What if the bad guy won?’ ‘Something big is going down’
United’
While on assignment in South The abdication of Edward VIII Super villain Megamind (Ferrell) Travel journalist Lemuel
America, photojournalist Andrew (Pearce) left the painfully shy defeated the heroic Metro Man Gulliver (Black) set off for
Kaulder (McNairy) agrees to George VI (Firth) to cope with (Pitt), only to discover that life Bermuda only to find himself
escort tourist Samantha Wynden both a kingdom and a crippling without a nemesis is pointless stranded in Liliput, a place
(Able) back to the US – a task speech impediment. rather than pleasurable. where he dwarves the locals by a
that would be far simpler if they good six feet.
didn’t have to cross the ominously
monikered Infected Zone.
See a science-fiction film where Catch the sort of film Merchant See an animated movie that isn’t See what happens when the
the special effects play second Ivory might make if a) they afraid to balance out its sugar arch satire of Jonathan Swift
fiddle to strong storytelling and weren’t so in thrall to EM Forster, content with a decent dash of salt. is blended with the Frat Pack
spine-tingling suspense. and b) they hadn’t both been dead comedy stylings of Jack Black.
for ages.
Equally intelligent genre Classy royalist dramas such as The The recent Despicable Me which Fair-to-middling Black-
offerings like Neill Blomkamp’s Madness Of King George and The also depicted events from the xploitation pictures like
District Nine. Queen. evildoer’s point of view. Year One, Nacho Libre and
Shallow Hal.
Monsters was made for a mere This is the second time Michael Tom McGrath wanted to call Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears
$200,000. By comparison, James Gambon has essayed George V: the film Mastermind but was Prada) turned down a leading
Cameron’s Avatar was budgeted he previously played the part in forbidden from doing so by the role in Iron Man 2 to star in
at over $230 million. the TV drama The Lost Prince. manufacturers of the once- Gulliver’s Travels.
popular board game.
The evolution of sci-fi cinema Forget The King’s Speech: Firth Perfectly serviceable, but Pixar do You will be entertained. Jonathan
continues at a pleasing pace. should prepare an Oscar speech. this stuff so much better. Swift would be appalled.
★★★★✩ ★★★★✩ ★★★✩✩ ★★★✩✩

WIN
BIG THIS

CHRISTMAS!
WIN! DINNER
FOR FOUR AT
QAMARDEEN
HOTEL
Still not full of mince pies and chocolates
from your advent calendar? You and
three friends can win a delectable Italian
four-course dinner, including a bottle of
Prosecco, that will have you celebrating
the festive season in style. Indulge in
the gastronomic delights of Italy at Esca
Restaurant, the elegant dining destination
at Southern Sun Qamardeen Hotel. You’ll
find a dinner buffet, a la carte menu in
elegant interiors, state-of-the-art oven that
serves baked bread and pizza in a variety
of flavours, and an array of delicious salads
and desserts, so get ready for a generous
helping of Italian hospitality. For your
chance to win, tell us…
What cheese is normally used on
a pizza?
a) feta
b) stilton
c) mozzarella
ON
CLICHKMOTIVATE.CDOS
M
IT A
ND LO
WIN! A FESTIVE TEA AND SPA DAY TO
.WINW
EN
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FOR TWO AT THE PALACE MORE
Unwind from the Christmas shopping then get in the mood with this seasonal
sensation from The Palace. You and a friend will enjoy the 60-minute Spa Wonder
treatment, followed by a four-hour festive tea (think mince pies, Yule log, apple
cinnamon crumble and scones). For your chance to win this lovely day, simply
tell us:
Which fruit will you find in mince pies?
a) Pineapple
b) Raisins
c) Mango

makeitmerrier
Celebrations are in double measure at the Village. Loads of

fun, food and festive fare for young and old. All the way from
a scintillating Xmas setting to a promising New Year dawn.
Xmas Starburst & Xmas Bazaar

Christmas lights smile on 1st December with the opening of the
Xmas Bazaar. It’s entertainment unlimited with Santa’s gifts for kids,
games and fun fare, cookies, eggnog… so much to enjoy!
Bazaar gates open 5:30pm & Lights up at 6:00pm.
Enjoy a lavish variety of festive treats & entertainment throughout

this season at Resto, Wokcano, 18oz, Sahriye and The Village Club.
Weekend room rates starting from AED345*

*Rates subject to availability, exclusive of 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.
For more information & reservations,

please call +971 2 495 2000
Al Salam Street, p.o.box 128967, Abu Dhabi, UAE. t. +971 2 4952000 f. +971 2 4952001
info.thevillage@onetoonehotels.com onetoonehotels.com GPS coordinates +24° 28' 31.11", +54° 23' 16.84"
EATING OUT
Firstly, we’d like to congratulate all the winners
in this year’s What’s On Awards, including Zuma,
for their Restaurant Of The Year prize, and Verre’s
Scott Price, who scooped our Chef Of The Year
trophy, in what was a magnificent awards
ceremony last month. Well done all of you.
OK, down to December business. It’s that time
of year again – the festive season. And you
know what that means, don’t you? Food, and
lots of it. Golden turkey, fat roast goose, chestnuts roasting on
an open fire, brandy soaked Christmas pudding, oven fresh
mince pies – and all of it guilt free. You can feed your face
for the entire month until your New Year’s resolutions kick in
January 1 (or, if you’re us, January 2). To help you on your way,
we drank greedily from the overflowing cup of seasonal spirit
and asked three of our best chef pals to show you how to
prepare the perfect festive feast up front (p56). Also in Eating
Out this month, we trumpet the arrival of Mezlai, a new Emirati
restaurant at Emirates Palace (p76), enjoy an exclusive tasting
of Bice’s tenth anniversary menu (p79), join Italian chef Giorgio
Locatelli for a catch up (p81) and dine like Ibn Battuta at Mistral
(p82). Plus our verdict on MezzaLuna (p85), The Critic on celeb
chefs (p86) and Pierre Gagnaire on Reflet’s lunch menu (p87).
Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and good eating to you all.
Gareth Rees, Features Editor
LOCATELLI

EATING OUT
Mezlai
The region’s first '100 dripping in a fragrant, warming
per cent' Emirati oil that cried out to be mopped up
with bread.
restaurant opens While there are some dishes
you might recognise, such as
You may have lived on these desert chicken biriyani, on offer steel
shores for a few years now, perhaps yourself and stay local, with
know the odd Arabic word and UAE raised lamb slow simmered
can comfortably navigate your for 18 hours, local seafood and
way around the menu at your local mixed grills all coming out of the
Lebanese when guests are in town kitchen with fanfare. We opted
(“Manakish is just like cheesy bread, for the Omani lobster, served
mum, you’ll like it”), but you haven’t with saffron rice and three types
scratched the surface yet, young ‘un. of mayonnaise, although it didn’t
Your favourite platter of fattoush need them. Served in its shell, with
and hummus might be delicious, juicy chunks of meat brilliantly
but it’s not as local as you think seasoned and topped with cheese,
(sorry, Al Mallah, old late-night it was faultless.
friend). And for a taste of truly While our fellow diners were
Emirati cuisine you might need clearly in it for the long-haul, with
to step out of your comfort zone a plate after plate brought to their
little, as we found at Mezlai. tables, we ordered a ginger ale and
Claiming to be the first Emirati lime mocktail and called it a night,
restaurant in the UAE – and to be despite the siren song of the carb
fair, we can’t think of any others – and cream heavy dessert list.
Mezlai has tapped into a market The well-planned menu,
others have foolishly ignored; charming staff and sedate
offering authentic cuisine to Abu surrounds might jar with your
Dhabi dwellers and tempting usual Friday night Arabic feast,
tourists with the promise of a once but Mezlai has created a tribute to
in a lifetime dining experience. the cuisine, a place where you can
Where they cleverly strike the sample dishes like nothing else,
balance is boasting unusual items and truly tap into food from this
alongside the faintly familiar, part of the world. And not a plastic
although we would advise chair in sight.
against their listing Kraft cheese
as an ingredient. You can take trousers are) and if dining with a of fish arrived in a bowl, and were
familiarity too far. large group this is definitely the promptly covered with a veloute
They could have gone all out way to go, with a tableful of dishes of cream, garlic and saffron, then Need to know
on the décor (camels and the to sample. However, there were a topped with a mussel. While the
like), but instead you’ll find two few items on the a la carte menu chef was obviously aware of not Location: Emirates Palace,
distinct dining areas; one near the that caught our eye, so we decided drowning the mild flavour of our Abu Dhabi.
open kitchen and another tucked to go off-piste and share – a finned friend, the soup could Tel: (02) 6907999
around the corner with more decision we wouldn’t regret. have used a little more seasoning Web: www.emiratespalace.com
luxurious seating and alcoves for Your meal, of course, starts with and risked swimming into bland Open: daily 7pm to 11pm
private dining, where Emirati bread, a staple in Emirati cuisine. A waters. Luckily the next dish was Cuisine: Emirati
customers were feasting behind basket of paper thin rgag came to far from flavourless, a plate of Must eat: homemade lamb
silk curtains. Rather than a cheesy the table with three dips, including homemade lamb sausages. Dark sausages
theme, the result is an elegant a piquant sundried tomato with and dense, they were packed Bill for two: Dhs400 (without
space with double height ceilings, almond combo, swiftly followed by with peppery punch, covered in alcohol)
huge lanterns and warm colours, rgag zataar. A million miles from tomato and caramelized onion and
and the promise of the terrace the 3am stodge you might have
opening soon. tried, the near-transparent crepe-
In tweet form… Upmarket Arabic fare that
Food-wise, the easiest option like rgag was light, delicate and might educate but never shock. Go with
might have been to go for a set served with honey and cheese to a group, ask for recommendations and
menu (there are two, priced at nicely off-set the spice. follow me
prepare to be impressed. Follow us at

Dhs380 and Dhs550 per head Next, the shark veloute. That’s WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
depending on how elasticised your right, Jaws soup. Small, pale cubes

At your leisure
Abu Dhabi Golf Club,
serving up the best in quality entertainment
and leisurely dining options.
ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI
Every Monday from 6pm
ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ & ALL DAY A LA CARTE DINING
Every Friday
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE ACOUSTIC GUITAR WITH DANNY SHIRRAN

Every Friday from 6pm - 9pm
SATURDAY FLOATIN’ FILMS

Every Saturday from 7pm
NEW HOME-MADE POOLSIDE PIZZA

Take - aways are also available
EATING OUT
Bice A taste of
The veteran Italian things to
is bringing back a
handful of old classics
come
to celebrate its tenth Could one of these
anniversary this month three restaurants
become your new
In 1926 Dubai didn’t exist – at favourite?
least not as the thriving metropolis
we recognise today. But far away
BAKER & SPICE
in the Northern Italian city of Dubai has come late to
Milan, an industrious woman the culinary revolution
named Beatrice Ruggeri (Bice to in organic and sustainable
her friends) was busy setting up a produce. How many café in
family orientated trattoria called the UAE talk about 'food miles'
il Ristorante Da Gino e Bice (later and their 'carbon footprint'?
How many know what those
Bice Milano). And that’s where it terms mean? Well, Baker & Spice
all began. Eighty-four years later sources its food locally, from
there are 23 Bice restaurant spread Omani fishermen and Abu Dhabi
across the globe from the USA and farmers, making it one of a kind in
Latin America to Europe, Africa Dubai. This second outlet, located
and the Middle East – including souk-side behind Al Manzil Hotel,
specialises in freshly made breads,
three outlets in the UAE. pastries and cakes and operates
Bice, Hilton Abu Dhabi and a home delivery service. Healthy
Bice Mare, Souk Al Bahar Dubai takeaway. Whatever next?
(a seafood speciality restaurant Dukkan Al Manzil, behind Al Manzil
opened just last year) are both Hotel, Downtown Dubai, Dubai,
popular, but it is at the Hilton black truffle shavings just for good 7am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4279856.
www.bakerandspiceme.com
Dubai Jumeirah Resort that is set measure. Followed by a main
to celebrate its tenth birthday this course of sea bass fillet – yielding BOHOUSE CAFE
month with a selection of favourite flesh, skin on but not crispy We attended the grand opening of
dishes from the past decade enough – surrounded by a small Bohouse Café recently and came
featuring alongside the regular a la posse of vongole (ever so slightly away mighty impressed. Possibly
carte menu. shrivelled) and swimming in a because they presented us with an
eggplant and fed us mini burgers.
We were granted an exclusive puddle of custard-bright saffron Aimed squarely at the UAE’s
tasting of the old favourites before and lime sauce, it was bang on arty types, Bohouse is decidedly
they hit the menu following the the money. Dessert was raspberry bohemian, with white walls, bright
official birthday celebration on crème brûlée, red berry sauce fabrics, indoor shisha lounge and
December 7 and it’s clear to see and a white truffle ice cream that a vast terrace that overlooks the
that Bice is still going strong after didn’t seem quite right, but was – beach, perfect for enjoying some
ten years. Going more than strong, especially with a spoonful of the Need to know gelato and organic nibbles.
The Walk, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04)
in fact. It was bustling, even berry reduction. Each course was 4298655. www.bohousecafe.com
though it was a Sunday evening. served with a fitting wine pairing. Location: Hilton Dubai
And remember, a decade in Dubai All in all, impressive stuff. Jumeirah Resort, The Walk, STAY BY YANNICK ALLENO
is worth several anywhere else, And, having dined at Bice, we’re JBR, Dubai Michelin-starred chef Yannick
making Bice’s ongoing popularity never going to be satisfied with Tel: (04) 3991111 Alleno has had a hand in the
development of all the One&Only’s
even more impressive. fewer than four trolleys again. Web: www.bicegroup.com
new restaurants. Zest, serving
Our meat-free feast started with There was a seafood trolley, a Open: noon to midnight Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine, a
a light lobster salad. The soft flesh drinks trolley, a trolley loaded with Cuisine type: Italian marina-side lounge specialising in
of several large lobster parts resting different bottles of olive oil and, Must eat: lobster salad Mediterranean cuisine named 101
on a smooth avocado tartar, with a finally, cheese trolley. Bice clearly Bill for two: Dhs1,050 and finally, the pièce de résistance,
couple of salty spoonfuls of caviar loves trolleys. Luckily, so do we. Stay. The fine dining restaurant has
a unique seating policy offering
and a lemon dressing putting a 'conversation' and 'sharing' tables,
spring in its step. Then came three In tweet form… There are no birthday as well as a pastry library.
al dente parcels of homemade blues at BiCE, with a menu that’s One&Only The Palm, Dubai. Tel:
tortelli filled with spinach and follow me definitely worth celebrating. Follow us at (04) 4401010. www.thepalm.
ricotta and smothered in a truffley WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi oneandonlyresorts.com
cream sauce and a sprinkling of

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Price : A’la Carte + AED350 pper person for unli
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Entertainment by : Trio band
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Reservation : 04 207 1717 / 1216
rreekside Japanese Restaurant

Christmas Eve Japanese Buffet | 24 Decemberr 2010
Price : AED200 per person (food only) & AED 350 per person with house beverag
ages
New
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Decembe
Decemb
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Price
ce : AED500 per person with soft beverages & AED720 per person with house bevera
agees
Entertainment by : Trio band
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Reservation : 04 207 1750 / 1216
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Decembe 2010
Price : A’la Carte + AED250 per person for unlimited house beverages
Entertainment
E inme by : Resident band
Reservation
ationn : 04 207 1733 / 1216
hhe Lobby
Lob y Caféfé
Festive Treats | From 16 December 2010
Traditional roast turkey complete with trimmings, festive gourmet hampers, freshly baked cookiees,
indulgent Christmas logs, delicious Marzipan Stollen and Panettone, colourful ginger houses
and many more…
Reservation : 04 207 1719 / 1216
a Dinner in Ballroom
ala
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner | 31 December 2010
Price : AED700 per person
Entertainment by : DJ and belly dancers
Reservation : 04 207 1405 / 1216
SHERATON DUBAI CREEK HOTEL & TOWERS

PO Box 4250, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai | E-mail: dubai.creek@sheraton.com | Web: sheraton.com/dubai
Look us up on: ®
EATING OUT
Mama Mia! On the

Michelin starred chef menu
Giorgio Locatelli Three things you
runs one of London's need to know
ISTOCK
most popular about the UAE
restaurants Locanda food scene
Locatelli, as well as
BARGAIN
Ronda Locatelli at BREAKFASTS
Not one, not two, but
Atlantis in Dubai three restaurants have
launched breakfasts available
How are things going at for Dhs35 or less. Carluccio’s
Ronda Locatelli? Breakfast Magnifica includes
scrambled eggs, turkey bacon,
We’ve been open more than two sautéed mushrooms, tomato,
years and things are going well. toast, juice and tea or coffee
Very well. We did 200 covers last for Dhs35. Bite Café at Iconic,
night. It was like a hurricane. I like meanwhile, serves eggs, sausages,
to come to Dubai and I’ve been beef bacon, toast, tea or coffee for
here 17 days already this year, but Dhs14 on Fridays and Saturdays
and Dhs20 weekdays. And, our
when I’m here I like to stay in the favourite, Bistro Madeleine has
restaurant – in my kitchen. just introduced a spin on its classic
Why’s that? breakfast for Dhs35 – eggs, turkey
Maybe it’s because I kind of like bacon, tomato, French fries, toast
it [laughs]. It’s just natural. I grew and jam, juice and a coffee.
up in the kitchen. When I had Carluccio’s, Dubai Mall, Mirdif City
Centre and Marina Mall, Dubai, 9am
problems when I was young, to 11am. Tel: (04) 4341320. www.
that’s where I hid. It’s almost like carluccios.com.
not working for me. So if there’s Iconic, Deira City Centre, Dubai, Sun
one place I feel comfortable, it’s in to Thurs 8.30am to 10.30am, Fri and
the kitchen. Sat 10am to noon. Tel: (04) 2943444.
Will you still be behind the www.theiconicstore.com.
Bistro Madeleine,
stove in your 60s, like Pierre if the guide came to Dubai.
InterContinental Dubai Festival
Koffman? How many would Ronda City, Dubai, 8am to 11am. Tel: (04)
Pierre is a big beast. Mama Mia! Locatelli get? 7011111. www.ichotelsgroup.com
He will never let go. It’s physically We set out to be a family
demanding. I’m only 47, but restaurant that produces GAME ON
sometimes after we do service at high quality food with fresh Hot on the heels of its ladies night
(free mocktails for the girls 6pm
lunch and I’m sitting in my office, ingredients. We don’t have the to 9pm every Monday), dim sum
I feel like I’ve been through hell little garnishes and things like specialist Ping Pong has teamed
and he and the boys are ready for Gordon does. Maybe he cares up with Hamleys toy store to
the evening! about things like that. I really launch Sunday Funday. Test out
don’t give a monkey’s! your multi-tasking capabilities,
You don’t care about Michelin? while trying to use your chopsticks
and play Monopoly, Scrabble,
How does the team here Yes, of course. As a chef, it was Cluedo or chess.
compare to the team in London? one of the best days of my life Ping Pong, Dubai Mall, Dubai, Sun
In London the boys are crazy. when they gave us the star in 6pm to midnight. Tel: 800 74641664
Here they are calmer. That calm London. I have had a Michelin
environment is better to learn in. star now for 17 years and it’s CURRY NIGHT
Cooking should not be rushed. useful to have somebody that is What better way to say goodbye
to the working week and wolf
You’re not a shouter like a guarantor of your quality. But whistle at the weekend than with a
Gordon Ramsay, then? business-wise, I don’t see anyone curry night, which is actually more
No. It makes good TV to see coming to the restaurant with the of an evening brunch. An Indian
Gordon going crazy and shouting, guide under their arm. banquet with house beverages for
but I must admit that it doesn’t Ronda Locatelli, Atlantis The Palm, just Dhs195. Not bad. Not bad at all.
make for a productive kitchen. Dubai, Sat to Wed 1pm to 11pm, Atrium, Grand Millennium, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai, Thurs 7pm to
We spoke to Gordon last Thurs to Fri 1pm to midnight. 11.30pm, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 4299999
month and he said Verre Tel: (04) 4260000.
would get two Michelin stars www.atlantisthepalm.com

EATING OUT
Mistral
Ibn Battuta Gate’s baked bread started things off
Middle Eastern nicely. We particularly enjoyed a
couple of crispy lamb sambousek
offering opens and an intriguing beetroot baba
its door ghanoush – an interesting twist
on the typical Arabic dip. Then
Ibn Battuta is perhaps one of the it was on to the main buffet for
greatest travellers in the history meat galore – kebab, a couple
of the world. The 21-year-old of fine shawarma, slices of roast
set off on a pilgrimage to Mecca turkey carved to order (not sure
in 1325 and returned 30 years where in the Islamic world old
later. He was the original rolling Battuta ate this, but the meat was
stone, traversing the entire Islamic tender) and innumerable rice
world from Africa to Europe, the dishes. All agreeably prepared
Middle East, India and Asia (a and not allowed to stew in their
reputed 75,000 miles), writing the heated incubators for too long.
Rihla – an in depth account of his Some homemade strawberry
wanderings – upon his return. The ice cream, a finger dipped in
great man ate a good number of the chocolate fountain and we
meals in numerous countries in were ready to follow in Battuta’s
his time and mentioned a few of footsteps. Taxi!
them in the Rihla.
Mistral, at the relatively new
Ibn Battuta Gate hotel, has drawn Need to know
inspiration from Battuta’s writings, Mistral is a gigantic, high- like, so this is a handy place – just a
creating what they call a ‘new era ceilinged, open plan room with a brisk trot from Ibn Battuta Mall – Location: Ibn Battuta Gate
answer to the buffet’. We struggled large open kitchen servicing a hot to slake a mean post-shop hunger Hotel, opposite Ibn Battuta
to spot anything ‘new era’ about buffet, a bread station producing or a bargain brunch alternative Mall, Dubai
what was, undeniably, a traditional za’atar to order, a salad bar, a cheese (alcohol is extra, but a decent wine Tel: (04) 4445568
Middle Eastern buffet with a few station and a dessert area. For just list is available). Web: www.moevenpick-
Asian and Western touches. Dhs165 for dinner and Dhs125 for The vast selection of mezze hotels.com
Restaurants with buffet stations lunch you can scoff as much as you accompanied by hot, freshly Open: from 6.30am
are not usually our bag, but the Cuisine type: Moorish/
Battuta connection is more than just In tweet form… Discuss the travels of Middle Eastern/
a gimmick. Well, maybe it isn’t, but Moroccan adventurer Ibn Battuta while International
the food was very good indeed and enjoying a plentiful, predominantly Middle Must eat: beetroot baba
the story of Ibn Battuta is enthralling follow me
Eastern buffet for just Dhs165. Follow us at ghanoush
and provided something to talk WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi Bill for two: Dhs330
about over dinner.
IBN BATTUTA TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS

1326 1332
Explores Egypt Meets Byzantine
before spending Emperor Andronikos 1368
1304 Ramadan in III Palaiologos in 1351 Dies in Morocco,
Born in Damascus and Constantinople on his Visits the Sahara having spent
Tangier, travelling to way to Afghanistan Desert, Mali and his final years as
Morocco Mecca and India Timbuktu a judge
ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGE
1325 1330 1346 1355

Sets of on Visits Somalia Begins his journey Completes
the Hajj to and the Swahili home to Morocco the Rihla
Mecca Coast from Quanzhou, China

EATING OUT
MezzaLuna
There’s a decent and pizza to order and serving a Resisting the urge to go for This is not food to blow your
traditional Italian a la carte menu. pizza or pasta (you don’t need mind (though it may give your
Italian hidden away We went for dinner, but with to hear us bang on about those gut a go), but it’s hearty and
at InterContinental floor to ceiling windows that old friends, do you?), we tried to honest, two can eat a couple of
would allow plenty of daylight in order the fegato alla Veniziana – a courses for less than Dhs300 and,
Residence Suites and outdoor tables, it’s probably dish of slow braised veal liver if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to try
more of a lunch option. We hear it with an onion and white wine the Venetian gastronomy.
The InterContinental Residence also does a decent breakfast. gravy, described as ‘a foundation And if you fancy a tipple
Suites. Few people have heard of From the antipasti selection stone of Venetian gastronomy’. after dinner – MezzaLuna is
it, and even less know where it is we ordered what turned out to Unfortunately, the foundation sans alcohol – there’s Level
(although we did hear a rumour be an enormous plate strewn stone was off the night we visited 17, a pleasant bar with a
that former England cricket with a fabulous variety of Italian – isn’t that always the way in life? terrace located, perhaps not
star Freddie Flintoff was staying cold cuts, cheeses, pickles and – so we opted for a nicely roasted unsurprisingly, on the 17th floor.
there), so it’s not what you’d sundried tomato. Not common baby chicken, or rather the various
describe as an easy place to find. in Dubai. It would have done for separated parts of one, that was
Let’s just say if you head towards two, but being a bit greedy we also supposedly marinated in red chilli, Need to know
Dubai Festival City, somewhere devoured a bowl of slowly stewed mustard, rosemary and lemon but
near Al Badia Golf Club, you’ll beef brisket in a thick, tangy red lacked the punch those ingredients Location: InterContinental
be on the right track – but you wine sauce – superb for dipping promised, and a respectable Residence Suites, DFC,
should probably check the website a few too many hunks of white, breaded lamb rack in a port Dubai
for directions before venturing crusty bread. Proper salt of the wine jus with a side of eminently Tel: (04) 7011128
out to find it. earth peasant food, this. passable peperonata. Web: www.ichotelsgroup.
But do try and find it, because com
you’ll discover a rather nifty little In tweet form… A quiet Italian hidden Open: 6:30am to midnight
Italian restaurant there, just off from the hordes at Dubai Festival City, Cuisine type: Italian
the lobby, that’s great for a spot of serving traditional dishes in a pleasant Must eat: selection of
lunch or a quiet dinner. follow me
environment. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai Italian cold cuts

MezzaLuna is clean and bright and WhatsOnAbuDhabi Bill for two: Dhs280
with an open kitchen making pasta

THE CRITIC
Dubai’s press. Nothing strange

James Brennan knows
about that.
food. Having written on Of course, Ramsay’s got his
everything from bhajis work cut out, what with opening a
to burgers for a string of new chain of gastro-pubs on Mars,
international publications, and filming yet another TV show
James is now the where he makes hardened chefs
Middle East chairman cry by just standing there, folding
his arms and glowering. And
of the World’s 50 Best
that’s not to mention conducting
Restaurants judging panel. his ongoing family dramas in the
Don’t miss his monthly media like a bad season of Dallas. “WHEREAS RAMSAY’S TEAM
musings every issue. We can forgive Ramsay HAVE AN IDOL, GAGNAIRE’S
because, underneath all that
on-screen bravado and intensity,
PEOPLE HAVE A MENTOR.
According to Gordon Ramsay’s he’s a jolly sort. And it’s a credit SOMEONE TO GUIDE AND
ex-business partner, and still, but
only just, father-in-law, Chris
to his head chef Scott Price that
Verre is still a fine restaurant.
INFLUENCE THEM ON A
Hutcheson, Gordon is “a very But Ramsay’s lack of presence ONE-TO-ONE BASIS”
strange character.” His words, not raises certain questions about the
mine. He’s so strange, in fact, that UAE’s celebrity chef restaurant studios or on racetracks. He makes Soon Dubai’s gastronomes
when their company opened a phenomenon. Are these places it out to Reflets in Dubai at least will have yet another celebrity
Ramsay restaurant in Melbourne, just cash cows for chefs who three or four times a year. And chef restaurant to patronise.
Australia, “Gordon never asked pop their name over the door he’s usually here for over a week, Jamie Oliver will be opening
once how it was going.” and stand back as the mindless getting to know staff, and inspiring his new Italian place at Festival
Thankfully for UAE-based dupes come rushing in with their them. “The team is the spirit of the City, and it remains to be seen
Ramsophiles, the volatile chef dirhams? How much of their story,” says Gagnaire. “It’s them what the socially aware chef will
with the cesspool vocab cares time do these chefs owe their who carry the spirit of this place.” get up to when he comes here.
a shade more about his Dubai customers? And are they really Whereas Ramsay’s team have He’ll get a big thumbs up if he
venture, Verre. So much so, in worthy of their lofty status? an idol, Gagnaire’s people have a decides to protest outside Chili’s
fact, that he recently spent a One chef who might be is mentor. Someone to guide and in Garhoud. But if he takes
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
whole 24-hours in the city – Pierre Gagnaire. Like Ramsay, influence them on a one-to- Dubai’s press racing round the
well, it was his first visit for two he’s got a glut of Michelin stars one basis. For all of Ramsay’s Autodrome in VW camper vans,
years. Naturally, a fair chunk of and restaurants around the globe. charisma, star-quality and sense then I’m quitting this food-
that 24-hours was spent racing But he spends more time visiting of fun, I know which type of boss writing lark to become an arms
Audis at the Autodrome with his kitchens than he does in TV I’d prefer. dealer. Enough’s enough.

USHNA_WHATSON_DEC.pdf 1 11/24/2010 10:44:02 AM
Lunch with Pierre

Gagnaire
Multi-Michelin
starred culinary
magician Pierre
Gagnaire on his
restaurant’s new
lunch menu and his
plans for the UAE,
plus our verdict on
lunch at Reflets
Why should we come and try

the new lunch menu?
The idea behind the lunch menu
is to offer a great meal within
your lunch hour. Just because you Reflets. It is very easy to open
don’t have a lot of time on your and close soon after, or simply
hands, doesn’t mean you can’t let go. A restaurant is a story you
enjoy quality. write every day, and as I am not
You’ve just visited Reflets. a man of concepts, I have to be
How’s it doing? extremely attentive to details in
Very well. I am extremely happy order for each restaurant to have
with the work done by the team. its own story.
My plan for the future is to gain How do big name chefs, such
even greater recognition for the as you, benefit the Dubai
quality of the food and service. And restaurant scene?
to be the best restaurant in Dubai. Perhaps by giving pleasure;
What plans do you have for exposing both guests and the
further UAE restaurants? restaurant team to quality and a
None. I'm concentrating on new approach to food.
“Just because you don’t have a

lot of time on your hands, doesn’t
mean you can’t enjoy quality.”
THE WHAT’S ON VERDICT

Here’s what we thought of Pierre’s new lunch menu
We ate four amuse bouche, including a cleverly constructed dish of white

beetroot ice cream and glazed eel, followed by a huge lump of frozen
mozzarella with radish, beetroot and cherry tomato and a dish of poached
cod in a traditional béarnaise sauce with crunchy winter roots and Darphin
potatoes. To be able to eat food this inventive in Dubai for just Dhs180 is a
minor miracle, enabling anyone with a spare couple of hundred dirham to
sample Pierre Gagnaire’s unparalleled culinary wizardry without forking out
Dhs1,000 or so for the full dinner experience.
Reflets, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Mon to Fri noon to 2.30pm, Dhs180.
Tel: (04) 7011199. www.pierre-gagnaire.com

WIN
BIG THIS

CHRISTMAS!
WIN! DINNER FOR FOUR AT

INDEGO BY VINEET
To celebrate winning Favourite Indian/Pakistani at this year’s What’s
On Awards, we have dinner for four with wine at this amazing
restaurant. With a fusion menu devised by Michelin-starred chef
Vineet Bhatia, an elegant dining space and wonderful staff, it was a
very deserving winner indeed. For your chance to enjoy this award-
winning food, simply tell us...
Which of the following are not staples in Indian cuisine?
a) Spices
b) Rice
c) Angel Delight
ON
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IT A
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MOR

FESTIVITIES ON THE HILL
From cozy Christmas lunches to New Year’s Eve parties hosted by some of Europe’s top DJs, Christmas and
New Year at InterContinental Abu Dhabi promises to be remembered well into 2011. Find out more about
our festive lunch and dinner specials across seven outlets, by calling 800 423463 or email us at dine@icauh.ae.
Don’t miss the carols and gingerbread house at our tree lighting ceremony in the Piano Lounge from 5-7pm
on December 12th.
intercontinentalabudhabi.com
ARTS
p92 Pastures new
p93 It’s Christmas!
p93 All roads lead to
Al Quoz
p93 News in brief
p94 Five to see
p95 Get with the
programme
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND CARBON 12

ARTS
Pastures new
Green Art Gallery is one of
the most established on
Dubai’s art scene, but after
15 years in Jumeirah it’s
upped sticks and moved
to Al Quoz. Gallery director
Yasmin Atassi gives
What’s On the low-down
on the move
You’ve recently moved the gallery to Al

Quoz – what was behind that decision?
For the past two years we’ve been expanding
the gallery and programme and we needed
a bigger space that could accommodate
upcoming exhibitions and also give our
artists the freedom to exhibit without
limitation. The most important aspect for me
is that it gives my artists, and the curators we
work with, the ability to create and exhibit
bigger works without the limitation of space
irrespective of medium. For artists, such
flexibility is extremely important.
Do you see Al Quoz – and Al Serkal
Avenue in particular – as the new centre
of Dubai's art scene?
Absolutely. Actually, right from when we
first made the decision to move, we wanted
to move to Al Quoz. We were particularly
interested in moving to Al Serkal Avenue
as it has a very interesting cluster of art
galleries and offers big warehouse spaces.
Our old gallery was in Jumeirah and we have
been there since the gallery opened in 1995.
Back in the day, Jumeirah was the place to
be and was a very natural choice to open an
art gallery there. But, of course, times have
changed and, more importantly, artists’ works “Times have changed and, more importantly,
have changed and that requires bigger rooms, artists’ works have changed and that requires
higher ceilings and a more “rough looking”
space. bigger rooms, higher ceilings and a more “rough
Green Art Gallery was established in 1995 looking” space”
– how have you seen Dubai’s art scene
change over the past 15 years? citywide cultural policy. It’s been incredible about. Then in January, we’re planning a solo
It’s changed tremendously. I think what’s seeing the quality of the exhibitions being show for Turkish painter Ebru Uygun. She
amazing about what happened in Dubai is mounted in Dubai’s art galleries and the basically paints on canvas, then destroys the
that it was a very underground grassroots support they provide to their artists, each work into pieces and reconstructs them again.
movement of young people setting up and with their own identity, but with a huge Uygun’s work can be seen as a metaphor for
really trying to build an art scene. We all collective camaraderie. the deconstruction of traditional artistic
operate without any government support Tell us a little about what we’re going to practice. Yes, painting plays a role, but so
and have all worked together in creating a see in the gallery… does performance, collage, sound making and
very solid collectors’ base both in the city and This month’s show – the first in our new sculpture. This is going to be her first solo in
beyond. Unlike other cities in the Gulf region, space – is a group show from our collection. the Middle East so we are very excited.
our galleries were not set up as a result of a It will give visitors a chance to see what we’re www.gagallery.com

ARTS
It’s Christmas! News in brief

MATHAF OPENING IN QATAR
It won’t have escaped your attention in this The Middle East’s ongoing
merry month of December that Christmas is development as a major player on the
just around the proverbial with its prom- world art stage has just taken another
ises of parties and presents, while wilfully step forward with the announcement
ignoring the fact that we live in a sun-soaked that Mathaf (which means "museum" in
desert by rounding all of that off with lashings Arabic) Arab Museum of Modern Art is
of fake snow. What we most look forward to set to open in Qatar on 30 December.
at this time of the year, however, are not the With an inaugural exhibition that
material gains of the season, but the rather promises to showcase 100 years of
more soul-sweetening ones that come in the modern Arab art and a pre-exhibition
form of seasonal entertainment – and the programme that kicks off as far afield as
cheesier the better, we say. Which is why we’re Cairo, we think it’s fair to say that this,
delighted to see that the Madinat Theatre is not unlike the UAE’s equally ambitious
continuing its annual panto tradition with culture projects such as Saadiyat Island,
one of the genre’s finest – Aladdin. Billed as goes a long way to put the region very
‘family entertainment’ it may be, but there local choir. As the name suggests, punters can firmly on the world stage.
are few things more fun at any age than the expect Christmas classics aplenty, alongside www.qma.com
SARAH MARTIN @ ICANDYFOREVER.COM
chance to shout dire warnings and chanted jazz numbers and well-known show tunes.
reposts at men and women dressed in drag. Best of all? Singing along is most definitely MIX AND MINGLE
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas with- encouraged – we’re warming up our vocal It’s never been easier to share ideas
out it. chords right now. with likeminded individuals, as two very
If a slightly more measured approach to Let it Snow, Dec 3 to 11, DUCTAC, Mall of different events taking place this month
seasonal traditions is called for, may we the Emirates, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3414777. www. reveal. Get your cultural knowledge
recommend Let it Snow? An evening of music ductac.org. Aladdin, Dec 22 to Jan 2, Madinat up to speed at one of Art Couture’s
and song led by Olivier Award-nominated Theatre, Madinat, Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) monthly Art & Coffee mornings, which
performer Alison Jiear and a specially-formed 3666546. www.madinattheatre.com offer discussions with an artist, curator
or other professional over a nice cuppa
in the pleasant surrounds of JBR. Or
All roads lead to Al Quoz

take a tip from Shelter and take your
normally online musings offline at
GeekFest, an "offline social for online
people" taking place on December 17.
Just in case you were It’s good to talk, after all.
still in any doubt that Al www.artcoutureuae.com
Quoz is where it’s at in www.shelter.ae
terms of the local scene,
another of the city’s well- DUBAI MUSEUM
established galleries has It’s amazing just how few of the
upped sticks and moved emirate’s residents have paid a visit
there this month. Traffic, to this, the official guardian of Dubai’s
the design gallery-cum- maritime and cultural history. Make like
shop, has gone mega a tourist for an afternoon by wandering
– two gallery spaces (one its cool, calm corridors in the restored
currently showing work Al Fahidi Fort – you won’t regret it.
from the Traffic collection, www.dubaitourism.ae
the other a solo show by
Iranian painter Hesam
Rahmanian), a pop-up
education space that will
be used for discussions
and talks, bookstore and
on-site studio space for
the gallery’s resident
artists. All of which leaves
What’s On’s whistle well
and truly whetted. See
you there!
www.viatraffic.org

ARTS
Five to see
IMAGE COPYRIGHT OF THE ARTIST AND COURTESY OF THE FARJAM COLLECTION

ÅART IN IRAQ TODAY
Meem’s comprehensive overview of the contemporary Iraqi art
scene continues until the middle of this month. This second part ÅNUJOOM: CONSTELLATIONS OF ARAB ART
of a four-exhibition series running until April 2011 is a fascinating This latest group show – drawn from the seemingly infinite
insight into the art of a country that has many, many stories to tell. resource that is the Farjam Collection – is like a who’s who of
Fascinating. contemporary Middle Eastern art. Featuring works from the likes
Until Dec 12, Meem Gallery, fourth interchange, Umm Suqeim Road of Lara Baladi, Youssef Nabil and Mona Hatoum in media from
(near Marina Interiors), Dubai. Tel: (04) 3477883. www.meem.ae painting and sculpture to photography, it’s an ideal entree into the
artists and techniques of the region.
ÑTHE UNBEARABLE The Farjam Collection, DIFC Gate Village 4, off Zabeel Road, Dubai,
LIGHTNESS OF BEING free. Tel: (04) 3230303. www.farjamcollection.org
This group show from some
of the brightest and best of
the Carbon 12 stable features
works from What’s On favourites
Gil Heitor Cortesao and Sara
Rahbar, alongside US portraitist
Katherine Bernhardt and sculptor
Rui Chafes. Quite honestly we’d
be happy to find any of these in
our Christmas stocking.
Until Jan 10, Carbon 12, Warehouse
D37, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz
1, Dubai, free. Tel: (050) 4644392.
www.carbon12dubai.com
ÉOPENING THE DOORS

 COLLECTING MIDDLE
EASTERN ART
Organised as part of Abu Dhabi
Art and with works secured
by Christie's – with a pedigree
like that, anyone with even a
passing interest in the region’s art
would be daft to miss this show. ÅTOMORROW IS NOW
Featuring 90 works by leading The apparently simple lines of some of Ines A Landmesser’s latest
practitioners from the 1920s to series of works belie a complex rumination on the changing society
today, the exhibition is the latest in which we live. Get up close and the 'wide open spaces' of her
in Abu Dhabi’s cultural arsenal. paintings reveal tight lines and layered paintwork – works that, like
Until Jan 8, Gallery One, Emirates the Emirates themselves, teem with life and hidden stories.
Palace, Abu Dhabi. Dec 5 to 15, Ghaf Gallery, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, free.
Tel: (02) 6909000 Tel: (02) 6655332. www.ghafgallery.com

Get with the
programme
Archaeology and history buffs have several reasons to head to

Sharjah this month with a series of talks and demonstrations
set to take place in and around its Heritage Centre. Those keen
to know more about the region’s architecture can round off
an exploration of Bait Al Naboodah’s unique system of wind
scoops and Islamic-influenced light system with a practical
workshop on plasterwork on the 11th of the month. There’s
also a discussion about mleiha coins led by UAE University’s Dr
Hamed M Bin Seray, which takes place at Sharjah Archaeology
Museum on the 22nd. But for the truly dedicated – or those
who will simply do anything to avoid tinsel and turkey at all
costs – the Meet The Curator programme at Sharjah Museum ABU DHABI
of Islamic Civilisation finishes its 2010 programme with a

discussion on 'Islamic Architecture Between East and West' on
December 25. What are you waiting for?
www.sharahmuseums.ae

SBGC WO 88x245 XmasNY10 v3.indd 2 23/11/2010 15:21
WIN
BIG THIS

CHRISTMAS!
WIN! A NIGHT IN THE

FAIRMONT’S IMPERIAL
SUITE, PLUS DINNER
FOR TWO
The newly refurbished Imperial Suite at Dubai’s Fairmont hotel is
a spectacular two-storey penthouse, boasting a Jacuzzi, rooftop
terrace and Bose home entertainment system. In addition to a
night’s stay, we also have dinner for two at The Exchange Grill, one
of the city’s finest steakhouses. For your chance to wind down from
the madness and merriment with this fantastic prize, simply tell us...
Which of the following is not a steak?
a) T-bone
b) Rib-eye
c) T-bird
ON
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IT A
.WINW ND LO
TO EN PET
COM
MORE

SHOPPING
p101 Sophia says
p102 12 gifts of Christmas

Got a fashion
© Gap 2010
question for
Sophia?
Sophia says...
E-mail
editor-wo@motivate.ae
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
“A seat for every kid

at the table.”
It's my first work Christmas party since What accessory would you
– Lauren Bush
I arrived in Abu Dhabi and I'm stuck on recommend buying to liven up a LBD?
what is appropriate attire. It's a young- Jennifer, Satwa Co-Founder of FEED Projects
ish company and we're having dinner
and a disco in a hotel ballroom. I'm 27 There are so many! Start with shoes. A
and a size 12 to 14. statement pair, whether metallic or matte,
Sophie, Abu Dhabi will do the trick every time. Jewellery comes
next, so opt for either a stunning necklace or
If the party is a earrings – never both, unless you are going
formal occasion, to a black tie affair. Have some fun
go for a cocktail with your handbag and get a cute
dress that is more clutch, think crystals, feather and
on the chic side; luxurious leathers.
think short or three
quarter sleeve.
Necklace by
Team it with a Agatha
cropped jacket
or shawl for the What do you want this holiday?
dinner, which you can whip off
once you arrive on the dance
floor. If it is a black tie event,
ensure you have a floor length Shoes by Jimmy Choo
gown and it’s best to avoid any
halter or backless styles.
All dresses available at Reiss Where on the high street can I find a
good tux? I rented before moving to
the UAE, but there are loads of black
tie events coming up so I need to
take the plunge but can't afford to go
My wife hates my Velcro wallet (which designer.
I have had since university). Should I Paul, Old Town
buckle under the pressure and get a THE DUBAI MALL
leather one? DEIRA CITY CENTRE
Zara and H&M are your best bets; you just
Mark, Hatta MERCATO | BURJUMAN
have to get in fast as they are one of the
MIRDIF CITY CENTRE
most popular items – especially at this
Velcro wallets are for children and must be ARABIAN CENTER | MARINA MALL
time of the year. If you still have some
avoided by men over the age of 13. Make AL WAHDA MALL
dirhams in your pocket after your visit,
her happy and put it on your Christmas list. invest in a good quality pair of coloured AL JIMI MALL gap.ae
socks to spruce up the suit. Shoes should
be of the patent variety, but black
leather will suffice if short on funds. Most
important of all, even more than the socks,
is the bow tie itself. Purchase the type
where you have to tie the knot (not clip).
The clip ties look cheap and clown-like,
Wallets by whereas a hand-tied bow tie looks super
Giorgio Armani
chic, even if you are wearing high street.

SHOPPING
gifts of
Christmas Your guide to perfect presents for man,
woman and child
ISTOCK
Hobie kayak
From Dhs2,500
Transform your weekends with
this kayak.
ACT Marina
Turtle adoption
Dhs200
Adopt a Hawksbill turtle
with the Marine Turtle
Conservation Project. This
turtly great gift includes a
cuddly toy turtle, adoption
Kymera wand remote control certificate, sticker, photo
Dhs330 card with turtle facts and
One step closer to being Harry Potter. info on the programme.
www.aido.com www.gulfturtles.com
Diptique candles
Dhs270
A lovely gift to last
the year.
Harvey Nichols
Globe-Trotter luggage
From Dhs1,590
Expensive, yes, but you can't put a
price on baggage carousel envy.
Harvey Nichols

© Gap 2010
Cath Kidston purse
Dhs150
Encourage loved ones to spend
in style with this floral purse.
Bauhaus
BeatsPro headphones
Dhs1,815
Serious headphones for a
serious music-lover.
Virgin Megastore
BlackBerry Torch
9800
Dhs2,699 “For kids to know
The smartest
smartphone around. where they’re
www.du.ae headed but
remember where
they’ve been.”
– Naveen Selvadurai
Co-Founder of Foursquare
Alexander
McQueen booties
Dhs4,200
Surely an investment?
Harvey Nichols
MacBook Air
From Dhs4,499
Super light, portable
and stylish.
www.abmme.com
What do you want this holiday?
Braces by
Thomas Pink
Dhs300
Add some stylish festive
cheer to a dark suit.
Harvey Nichols
Fortis watch
Price on application
Sporty bling for the man in gap.ae
your life.
www.fortis-watches.com

WIN
BIG THIS

CHRISTMAS!
WIN! A SPA
EXPERIENCE AT THE
GRAND MILLENNIUM
AL WAHDA
We’ve teamed up with one of the newest spas in
Abu Dhabi to offer one lucky couple and afternoon
of pure pampering. Zayna Spa at the Grand
Millennium Al Wahda is the biggest spa and health
club in Abu Dhabi, with an extensive treatment
menu and elegant surrounds. We have 'his and hers'
experiences up for grabs, including a caviar facial
and body wrap for the ladies, and Swedish massage
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win a day of holistic relaxation, simply tell us…
What is the name of the new spa recently
opened in the Grand Millennium Al Wahda
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a) Zeyna Spa
b) Zayna Spa
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MIND & BODY
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p111 His ‘n’ hers
p112 Eyelash extensions
p112 Nurturing
experience
p113 Tips & Toes
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MIND & BODY
ESPA at Yas Hotel

Will Yas Island’s newest spa
live up to the hype?
There’s no such thing as a ‘quick tour’ of the
ESPA spa at Yas Hotel. This place is vast.
There’s even a lift, for Pete’s sake. And we got
lost trying to get back to the lobby. While size
can matter at a spa (there are few things more
uncomfortable and pointless than an over-
crowded relaxation room), ESPA clearly has
some design boffins behind the scenes, and
despite the acres of slate floor and seemingly
endless corridors, it has been laid out in a way
that creates a comforting feel. Rather than
rooms the size of aircraft hangars, there are
many different areas, from the modern
hammam and alfresco deck with loungers
overlooking the marina, to Metronap pods for
an energy-boosting snooze and the amazing
light therapy space (a bit like that sky-high
Bubble Room in Charlie & The Chocolate Fac-
tory) that changes colour every five minutes.
The men’s lounge even has a view of the F1
race track, so you can feel manly while sipping
your ginger tea. And don’t get us started on the
Irish cotton chocolate brown robes – a klepto
crime was nearly committed.
So, it’s fair to say we were impressed. But
would the treatments live up to the chic sur-
rounds? In a word, yes. A million times yes.
As the only ESPA spa in the Middle East,
they’ve taken this modern brand on board
“It’s fair to say we were impressed. But

would the treatments live up to the chic
surrounds? In a word, yes”
and run with it, so you’ll find no other prod- knots, but they were no match for her expert
ucts in sight. The signature treatments use 98 touch and she advised against spending so
per cent natural oils, and begin with a foot much time at the computer. We love a bit of
ritual (nice wash in a petal-filled footbath) life advice with a massage.
before you choose which products will be While we suspect many a businessman
used, all based on smell. With an afternoon might just nip in for a 40-minute Muscle
appointment we opted for the two-hour Reviver (Dhs300) which promises to get rid
Tension Soother with energizing oils to stop of tension related headaches, ESPA has all the
us falling asleep at the many traffic lights on makings of a destination day spa, with a food
Yas Island. The treatment includes dry body menu, extensive facilities and a menu packed
brushing (scratchy), exfoliation and facial with treatments to address all manner of
cleanse, then hot volcanic stones being placed ailments or demands. We’ll be doing our best
on chakras to release deep-seated tensions, to try every one.
before a full body and scalp massage to force
you into near slumber. Therapist Rinti was ESPA, Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to
fairly amused by our ‘very crunchy’ shoulder 9pm, Dhs725. Tel: (02) 6560862

swiss made
watches
MIND & BODY
His‘n’hers
Our guy and gal put the Armani/Spa through its paces
His Hers
SIGNATURE CUSTOM
COLLECTION TREATMENT
TALK US THROUGH IT… TALK US THROUGH IT…

The Signature Collection Unsurprisingly, bespoke is
involves donning a pair of silk Armani’s modus operandi. You
pyjamas and enjoying a decent pay for time rather than specific
60-minute massage combining treatments, so are welcomed
shiatsu, Thai and acupressure HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE by an Armani-clad expert who
followed by a pleasant (none PANTS? will find out what you need, via
of that hideous squeezing and Pointless. Who needs throwaway a short questionnaire. For my
steaming) facial with Skin Min- undies when they’re rocking a form-filling I was awarded a 50-
erals products. Ask for Jacopo, pair of silk PJs? minute cleansing facial and deep
the senior therapist. tissue back massage then headed
SLEEP FACTOR? to the hydrotherapy area for rain
THE BEST BIT? Mr Armani’s ceremony couch is showers, steams and more.
Aside from the silk pyjamas, it actually a low-lying bed, making
would have to be the relaxation it the most comfortable treat- THE BEST BIT?
lounge – soft drinks, food, a pot ment table in Dubai (aside from The high-tech massage bed was
of tea and a selection of quality the defective head hole). Sleep pretty heavenly when combined
reading material. should not be a problem. with scalp massage and a heated
beanbag effort. That sounds a bit
ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? WHO SHOULD GET elderly, but trust me on this. Top
The treatment bed, or ‘ceremony INVOLVED? marks for new UK magazines,
couch’, may have been created by Anyone who is a fan of Gior- cereal bars and pomegranate juice
one of the foremost designers of gio Armani’s celebrated style. in the relaxation lounge, too. gised, then no doubt the team
our age, but it almost suffocated Nobody else could have created could help you with that.
me. Placing your face in that this spa. ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS?
airless space is a bit like being The whole spa felt a bit chilly, so WHO SHOULD GET
smothered by a pillow, so unless HOW MUCH AND HOW I ended up covered in blankets INVOLVED?
you can breathe through your LONG? during the treatment and didn’t Truth be told, this spa is one for
ears, turn you head to the side. Dhs820 for 90 minutes. warm up until waiting outside the boys – all clean lines and
for my car. dark grey – rather than a girlie
spa. Head here for a functional
HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE treatment with superb products
PANTS? by accomplished therapists.
Well, presumably Mr Armani
was involved so they must be HOW MUCH AND HOW
Dubai’s only designer dispos- LONG?
ables. Small, black and stretchy. Dhs650 for 90 minutes.
Molto Italiano.
Armani/ Spa, Armani Hotel
SLEEP FACTOR? Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 9am to
High, but that was because my 9pm.Tel: (04) 8883888.
custom treatment was designed www.dubai.armanihotels.com
to relax. If you need to be ener-

MIND & BODY
Nuturing
experience
Eyelash extensions
Will longer lashes lead to
What’s On reader and a fuss-free beauty regime,
mum-to-be Hannah
Fray went in search of
or will they be shedding
THE
VERDICT
quicker than a Christmas
a pregnancy-friendly tree on Boxing Day?
massage in Dubai… and
finally found the pre-natal
pampering she’s been THE SALES PITCH
Bin the mascara and chuck the curlers out,
looking for if you can spare the time and money then
Ever since I became pregnant spend the party season with lashes to make a
I’ve barely managed to relax cartoon cow jealous. Sisters Beauty Lounge
for a minute. From three will affix your peepers with extensions that
solid months of violent should last up to a month.
morning sickness through
to that crippling backache THE TREATMENT
that takes hold in the later The look you’re going for with these Before
stages of pregnancy, the enhancements is doe-eyed ingénue, not Lily
condition offers little mercy. Savage, so when the therapist asks if you’d like
For months now I have been looking a ‘natural’ or ‘dramatic’ look, it might be wise
for a spa that understands and can help – to go for the more subtle approach. You can
if only temporarily – take the stresses and also choose from colours like violet and green
strains away. As a spa enthusiast I had no – not exactly in keeping with what nature
problems picking up the phone to some gave you, but attention grabbing nonetheless.
of my regular haunts to ask if they could Far from the strip of fake eyelashes you
cater for a woman in the family way … see clumsily stuck to the eyelids of showgirls
but my requests were apparently too and hen party attendees, Sisters uses between
specialist for most. 70 and 100 individual lashes per eye, placing
So it was with great relief, now that I each one 1mm from your lash line. Your After
am seven months pregnant, that I found eyelids are separated with special tape – not
The Spa at The Address Dubai Mall as A Clockwork Orange as it sounds – and
accommodating and more than willing the process takes around an hour and a half two-week mark, and a few were determined
to meet my needs. (longer if you opt for a more dramatic look), enough to hang on until week three, but you
As a first-time customer to this so we recommend a little nap. can go back for maintenance every fortnight.
particular spa, I was more than impressed. Reactions were varied, from girls asking
The ambiance was second to none and THE VERDICT quietly if we’d had extensions and if so where,
the selection of drinks and fruits offered You’ll wake up with lashes so long and thick how much and begging for details, to a
topped off a feeling of real luxury. we suspected an enthusiastic flutter might certain member of What’s On not noticing
The masseuse was attentive and asked a trigger a tornado somewhere in Middle and saying that men don’t care about these
series of incisive questions about the way America. Use your new weapons with things. Well, they might not care, but for a
I felt and how my body was responding to caution. In theory you can shower, swim few weeks of waking up looking good without
pregnancy. The way she positioned bundles and sleep as normal, but need to keep your reaching for the mascara, we’ll definitely be
of pillows suggested that she had done new lashes away from water for 24 hours, be getting involved again.
this before. When the treatment started it careful with the make-up remover and, as we Sisters Beauty Lounge, Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel:
became clear they were experts. discovered, avoid getting smashed in the face (04) 3399307. 1 Shk Shakhbout Street, Zaab,
I had come to the right place. Working on by giant waves. These babies are strong, but Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 2222501. Dhs600 for a full
my stretched muscles and aching calves, not invincible. set with in-fills from Dhs200.
months of tension simply melted away. Our new lashes started shedding around the www.sistersbeautylounge.com
The therapy was well worth waiting
for. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find some
time after the baby’s born to go back and
indulge once more.
“You’ll wake up with lashes so long and
The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, thick we suspected an enthusiastic flutter
Dubai, Tel: (04) 4388888. Dhs460.
www.theaddress.com
might trigger a tornado somewhere in
Middle America”
Tips & Toes
Luxury? In Al Ain? We Face next, and Hollywood’s
favourite brand Yonka makes
take a road trip to an appearance, with a selection
investigate of facials to suit all skin ages,
conditions and problems. We
It might be best known for opted for Le Grand Classique
roundabouts, the zoo and the (Dhs350 for 90 minutes), a deep
(frankly, amazing) Hili Fun City, cleansing treatment that will get
but a secret spa is lurking in the rid of all those pore-blocking
Garden City. Situated opposite nasties without using too much
Al Ain Mall and above a bank, steam, which can damage and
Tips & Toes is the last thing you’d stretch skin. After the fairly
expect to find in this part of town, painful extractions, you’re treated
yet plenty of pampered ladies to a massage and mask so you
have sought it out. Far from the don’t leave the room with the
dusty car park below, the spa is a dreaded red face.
bejewelled space of red and purple Other unexpected treatments
silks, reclining chairs, treatment are available, from eyelash
rooms and dark woods, with a extensions (Dhs500) to LPG
team of staff waiting to massage, slimming (Dhs400 per session),
file and enhance. which should get you ready for
If you’re taking the time to that LBD and ill-advised work
drive the 90 minutes from Dubai, party indulgence.
then it makes sense to make a While the day spas of five-
day of it, and luckily Tips & Toes star hotels offer a (frequently
had a treatment list to inspire expensive) poolside retreat, it is
even the most jaded spa fan. As possible to spend an afternoon
the name suggests, nails are a being treated like a princess and
strong suit so we kicked off with get polished results. You might
a special mani-pedi with a ginger just need to get in the car.
scrub and masque (Dhs180) for
a refreshing – and Christmassy – Tips & Toes, Opposite Al Ain Mall,
spin on the classic. Al Ain. Tel: (03) 7640511

MIND & BODY
Spa news
Get party ready with these PASTELS 30 per cent off when you book the Siam
discounts and deals in the You could be a bit cheeky with this one. Buy Heritage package. You’ll get 180 minutes
any product from the Cloud 9 range (for of detoxifying relaxation including the use
land of all things pretty curling or straightening) and the team at of Thai herbs to steam and draw toxins
Pastels will give you a free demonstration on to the surface, then a signature massage
your own hair. Our plan is to buy some kit for a to improve energy flow and blood
SPACES gift and walk out with a lovely barnet. Giving circulation.
Spaces, an in-store spa and receiving in the same visit. Thumbs up. Villa 1047, Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road,
concept, offers speedy Pastels, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3947393 Dubai, Dhs455. Tel: (04) 3489679
treatments and good
value packages so you can HEAVENLY SPA NATURAL ELEMENTS
fit in your Christmas shopping Treat yourself and your harried other half to Sign up for the two-week December
around a little pampering. The Express the two-hour 55-minute Cherish Moments package at Le Méridien Dubai’s fantastic
Package (Dhs270) includes a 30-minute package for two, this December. You’ll both gym and you’ll get full use of the two
facial, mani-pedi and free 30-minute body enjoy a welcome foot ritual, Arabian body pools, Jacuzzi, steam room, fitness centre,
massage. Impressive stuff indeed. Men scrub, 85-minute massage, facial and light a free body composition test, day pass
aren’t neglected either, with a relaxing lunch from the spa menu. voucher and 50 per cent off in either
facial, mani-pedi and 30 minutes of The Westin, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs1,217 the spa or salon. Perfect for losing a
reflexology for a mere Dhs200. per person. Tel: (04) 5117901 few pounds, before gaining them over
Spaces, Oasis Centre, Level 3, Sheikh Zayed Christmas.
Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5154400. Spaces, THAI PRIVILEGE SPA Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Garhoud,
Iconic, Deira City Centre, Dubai. The new year sales have started early at Dubai, Dhs1,200 peak and Dhs900 off-peak.
Tel: (04) 2957271 Thai Privilege Spa, where they’re offering Tel: (04) 2170000

SPORT & OUTDOOR
p119 Anyone for tennis?

p121 Mr Fitness
p122 Run with us!
ISTOCK

SPORT & OUTDOOR
Anyone for tennis?

With grubby whites,
borrowed racquets and
Wimbledon aspirations at
the ready, we hit the courts
How lovely it must be to be from one of
those families that are good at tennis;
powerful father with the killer serve, elegant
mother with her impeccable outfit and nifty
volley, and little Charles and Henry with
their miniature racquets and tournaments
at the weekends. Sadly, the team at What’s
On are more The Bash Street Kids than Enid
Blyton. But could it be too late to learn
the sport?
Inspired by the Mubdala Community Cup
and Federer’s thighs, we roped Sergio from
Tennis 360 (who are helping to host the com-
petition) into giving us a lesson. The poor
mug. Firstly, he needed to assess what level
we were at, which resulted in one of the least
dignified performances the Ritz-Carlton
courts have probably ever seen.
Gareth had kept it quiet that last year he’d
played every week, while I had lessons ap-
proximately 20 years ago – a revelation that
succeeded in making me feel both old and two players at (dramatically) different levels,
unaccomplished. Super. Still, Sergio didn’t Sergio covered the basics, elevating both
seem too appalled (or hid it well) so we got our games with ease and Gareth’s serve was
to work. Starting with forehands, he talked instantly improved. I even hit the ball onto
us through each motion, connecting each the correct court a few times. Maybe the fact
movement with the eventual hope of us con- that the Tennis 360 team work regularly with
necting with the ball. What was especially
“We covered forehand, children meant that he was able to relate.
appreciated was the fact he explained why backhand, volleys We covered forehand, backhand, volleys
each stage was necessary, rather than just in- and serves in just 45 minutes, using some
structing us into the right pose, which meant
and serves in just 45 inventive bits of kit, from plastic spots to
it all made sense much more quickly. With minutes” help with feet positioning (Gareth didn’t
need them) to a giant fishing rod attached
to a tennis ball to help with extension in
serving (Gareth didn’t need that either). For
less than an hour of exercise, the session was
surprisingly tiring, with aerobic movement,
strength in the swing and explosive speed all
incorporated – and no doubt as we improve
we’ll get an even better work out.
While tennis probably won’t form the
backbone of many people’s regular exercise,
a weekly lesson could prove to be a social,
and somewhat entertaining, way to learn a
new sport. And maybe one day, just one day,
we’ll have sparkling whites and a backhand
to envy.
Tennis 360, Dubai, 45-minute semi-private

lesson for two Dhs300. Tel: (04) 4478960.
www.tennisthreesixty.com

SPORT & OUTDOOR
Got a fitness
question for
James?
Mr Fitness E-mail
editor-wo@m
otivate.ae
Our resident exercise guru
answers your health and
fitness questions
There’s no nice way of saying this, but tion and good nutrition enables the body
I sweat a LOT when exercising. My to repair, grow and become stronger.
fitness needs improving, but is this an The trick is discovering whether you are
indication that I’m really out of shape? exercise obsessed or just an avid exercise
Vipin, Karama, Dubai enthusiast…
Honestly, sweating a lot is nothing to

worry about when you are exercising – I
know a lot of fit people who do just that. I am currently a qualified yoga teacher
When you sweat during exercise it tends but would like to also become a
to be a sign of an efficient cooling system. personal fitness trainer, can you give
An athlete (we are all athletes at one level me any advice on where I can study in
or another) who has adapted to keep the dubai or even a online course that
body core cool during exercise will shunt will garantee me the qualifications?
blood to the skin’s surface more quickly Also how long would it take me to
and release heat from the body. At the become qualified?
same time, the sweat glands increase their Lucy, Dubai
output and thus cool the body during
sweat evaporation. While fit people tend ME Fit Pro, based here in Dubai, are the
to produce more sweat than more seden- leading education and training provider
tary people, they lose less sodium, because in the Middle East and they offer a Level
the body reabsorbs more of it. The result 2 Fitness Qualification which is known
is a more efficient cooling system. as Fit-Q and endorsed by the Australian
Fitness Leaders Network. Once you have
completed the Fit-Q course, which takes
about three months, you are highly encour-
Can you explain BMI to me? I’m 6’2”, aged to take the ACE (American Council
and weigh 115kg, which puts me in of Exercise) exam which will take you up
the ‘obese’ category but I’m just a big Is it possible to become addicted to to Level 3 in the industry. ACE is more
build and muscled. Should I ignore exercise? I go to the gym before work globally recognized and all of the Fit-Q
my BMI? and by 8pm I’m itching to work out lectures provided by ME Fit Pro are geared
Ahmed, Jumeirah, Dubai again. Is this normal? up to prepare you for the ACE exam.
Adora, Jumeirah, Dubai There are online options such as the
Simply, Body Mass Index (BMI) is a NASM-CPT course ( National Academy
relationship between your height and your It’s not technically in my capacity to say Of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal
weight. It does not differentiate between whether this is normal or not. However, to Trainer) which can be done via an online
lean body mass (muscle) and fat mass, my knowledge there is no current accepted portal but you don’t get the benefits of the
which is where the misclassification can diagnosis for ‘exercise addiction’ or similar person to person teaching, which in my
occur. Whilst it has its uses in quickly disorders. There is however the recognition opinion you can’t beat.
evaluating the average individual who sits of inappropriate compensatory behaviour If you’re interested in finding out more
in front of a computer and is never active, in those suffering from Bulimia Nervosa in about the training and education provided
it may not be the best indicator of you order to prevent weight gain. by Me Fit Pro then the best person to
weight health. According to BMI some Personally, I have come across people contact is Phil Elder. His email is phillip@
of the best athletes in the world today, in the past who appear to be what I would mefitpro.com
competing at the highest levels possible class as addicted to exercise. What you do
are clinically obese! need to bear in mind is that although you
A better indicator to use is body com- may feel like you want to do more train- What Mr Fitness James Houghton
position analysis to determine functional ing, it is the time you allow your body to doesn't know about staying healthy
isn't worth knowing. In his seven
weight – simply, percentage of tissue recover that facilitates the best gains. On years as a personal trainer, he's
that is metabolically active and useful one side, training traumatises our bodies helped West End actresses lose the
(muscle), versus percentage of tissue that to some degree causing it to breakdown pounds and worked with the Arabian
is metabolically useless (fat). and on the other side, recovery, regenera- Gulf rugby sevens team to keep them
in peak condition.

SPORT & OUTDOOR
Run with us!

Race day is looming. Our
trainer-clad feet bounce
closer to the start line
every day, but first we must
negotiate running’s nemesis
– the carb packed festive
period. Our marathon
expert – managing director
of The Energy Clinic Chris
Miller – talks us through the
final weeks of training and
resisting temptation
Chris Miller joined us for the What’s

On Awards last month, where he ate
an astonishing quantity of food while
admonishing us for our over indulgence
(quite rightly) and excusing himself with the
line “you’ve got to feed that body”. And so
you have, but Christmas is on the way and
although the goose is getting fat, it doesn’t
mean you can too. physical exercise, is put your body through pushing yourself too hard from that point
“In terms of resisting temptation, the key the kind of punishment it will receive over onwards, eating well, keeping yourself active,
thing is to focus your mind on what it is 26 miles,” he warns. “You are slamming your doing relatively long runs but not with the
you’re about to do,” says Chris. “When you do feet into the floor, essentially jumping up and same kind of intensity or with the intention of
a run you can reward yourself with the extra down for 26 miles.” increasing speed.”
carbs or whatever, but if you don’t train you’ll And if you’re determined to give it a go anyway? But you should still stick to your training
just make yourself heavier, which when you “Understand the consequences. It’s going to schedule, with at least one shorter run of
come to race day will make you slower and hurt afterwards, it’s going to be horrible while six to eight miles and a longer run of 12 to
generally less fit. It will be a lot harder.” you do it, but if you have the right mental 14 miles.
So if you want to enjoy your Christmas attitude you’ll get to the end like everyone “You want to do them nice and easy.
dinner, make sure you run at least 15km else, get the medal and be able to say you’ve Faster than you’d run the marathon, but you
before you delve into your stocking. And done a marathon.” don’t need to increase your speed. Just keep
if you do eat one too many mince pies, So, you heard the man, there’s hope for your legs used to doing the volume of work,”
remember it’s not the end of the world. Don’t everyone. But if you have been attending says Chris.
let it affect your confidence. our weekly What’s On running session or
“If you do fall off the wagon, you need to following Chris’ training advice on this page, Chris’ Christmas gifts
get back on,” advises Chris. “Just write it off, you should be reaching your maximum for runners
understand that it happens sometimes and distance and starting to think about taking LFoam massage rollers, Dh75, Amazon.com
you can’t always be perfect. But tomorrow is things down a notch. LHeart rate monitor, all good sports shops
another day and you can get up and do the “By mid-December, a month away from the LGym Boss, Dhs75, Gymboss.com
right thing.” marathon, you should have done the longest LBorn To Run, Christopher McDougall,
And if up to this point, with the Dubai long run that they’re going to do (probably Dhs35, Amazon.com
Marathon and the 10km on January 21 and around the 22 mile mark),” says Chris. LSurvival Of The Fittest, Mike Stroud,
the RAK Half on February 18, you’ve been “Within the final month you want to be Dhs30, Amazon.co.uk
naughty and not done enough training (any reducing the length of your long run – not LTrainers, Saucony, Dubai Mall
training) Chris advises that you seriously
consider if you’re ready or not – especially if RUN WITH US!
you fancy having a crack at the marathon. Join our free weekly What’s On training session with Chris and Mr Fitness at Safa Park, 6.30am every
“You need to have a serious look in the Monday. For more information, contact gareth@motivate.ae. Also keep an eye on our Twitter
(twitter.com/WhatsOnDubai) and Facebook (facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai) for updates and our
mirror. The last thing you want to do,
blog (www.runwhatsonrun.wordpress.com) for more detailed advice.
especially if you haven’t been doing a lot of

BAND E
MUSIC OF THTH
MON
Tim Hassall
& The August
Company
This fairground attraction began in a at Beirut’s Outdoor Festival and more
Dubai high school, where Tim and Faye intimate gigs at Dubai’s Alpha. Tim’s
performed together then lost touch in new album, This Restless Heart, features
that classic post-graduation whirlwind. Faye on keyboards and backing vocals
A chance 7am meeting four years later and will debut live at The Madinat in
at Glastonbury festival rekindled the February. Until then, you can hear him
creativity and lead to the group forming, from Wednesday to Saturday 8pm to
with Tim and his songwriting as the 11pm at The Wharf at Mina A’Salam.
backbone and local musicians joining to
collaborate for crowds as diverse as 5,000 http://timhassall.bandcamp.com

CLUB DIARY
This month’s clubbing highlights
9
WEEKLY
Substance @ Catwalk
16
WEEKLY
WHAT'S ON PICK
Underground house with residents Steve DJ Solo @ Freshly Laced
Darley and Rich Showell. Solo is building quite a following with his
Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to hip hop, soul and funk infused sets at the
3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002 Ibis Hotel in Barsha. The DJs start doing
their thing at 10pm, but don’t miss the
WHAT'S ON PICK happy hour 6pm to 8pm or the Dhs20
DJ Yoda @ Nasimi Beach Boutique Caipirinhas from 8pm.
The utterly brilliant British turntabalist Ibis Hotel, Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road,
makes a welcome return to the UAE, armed Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 43996699
with his usual bag of mixing tricks.
Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 9pm Get D.U.M.M. @ Catwalk
to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 before 9pm, ladies Dubai stalwart Matt Charles rinses the
free. Tel: (055) 2004321 tech house.
Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm
Fergie @ Ill Communications to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002
Progressive house from the erstwhile BBC
Radio One DJ. SYNFetic @ See You Next Friday
Rooftop, Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, presents SYNFetic
10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130. Tel: (050) Dubstep, Drum’n’bass, breaks and electro
7258277 from SYNF resident DJs Da: Funct and Just
Some Kid.
Acos Coolkas @ Audiotonic Studio, Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai,
The Russian duo return for a synth-powered 10pm to 3am, Dhs90 to Dhs130. Tel: (050)
twilight set. 7258277
360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh,
Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. WHAT'S ON PICK
www.audiotonic.dj Lee Burridge @ Ill Communications
Former Bomb resident Burridge
Kiko Navarro @ MustHaveSoul touches down for a set of his trademark
The Pacha, Ibiza DJ previews his new progressive house.
album, Ocho. Rooftop, Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai,
9
Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130. Tel: (050)
4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1249640. www. 7258277
musthavesoul.com
Duff Disco @ Audiotonic
Dennis Ferrer @ Chi Garden Nu disco producer spins, well, nu Disco.
Soulful house New York style from the Also check out the Residents Rubdown
veteran DJ and producer. December 24. DJ Yoda @ Nasimi
Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, 360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Beach Boutique
9pm to 3am, Dhs120, free before 11pm. Tel: Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 4068999.
(04) 3379470. www.chinightclubdubai.com www.audiotonic.dj
10 Brahms & Co @ Zuma

French jazz duo Brahms & Oriental dressing, soft shell crab, spicy
Co combine decks, trumpet tofu and crispy fried langoustines are
firm favourites.
and vocoder to produce a Wow – sounds like you know your
unique sound that has seen food. And yet you still manage to fit
them become regulars at the into those sharply cut suits…
Bed Supper Club in Bangkok, It is all about the suit. These days,
people don’t dress up any more to
Kudeta in Singapore and the go out – so we dress up the party. We
Pershing Hall in Paris, as well as come from Paris, so we are always well
perform at catwalk shows for dressed and our usual style is smart
Dior and Gucci. casual. The key ingredient to a good
suit? A good tailor in Singapore.
You have quite an interesting set up. What else have you got going on at
How did you hit upon that formula? the moment?
Completely by accident. We met on stage We are currently recording an album
at an event on the Champs Elysees, Paris. – we have been on the road for five
We found that Brahms on the decks and Co years, so we play and record in our
with the instruments worked really well. portable studio. After Zuma Dubai we
Why Zuma? will go to Doha, Singapore and then St
Rainer Becker, the co-founder of Zuma, Petersburg.
came to visit us in the Bed Supper Club And 2011?
in Bangkok and within two minutes Keep doing what we love. No need for
asked us to come to play at his place in a long holiday – life is a holiday.
Dubai. The food at Zuma is amazing. Zuma, DIFC, Dubai, 7pm to 9pm, free. Tel:
The Chilean sea bass, seared beef with (04) 4255660. www.zumarestaurant.com

CLUB DIARY
17 Steve Lawler @ Allure by

Cipriani
British DJ and producer Steve Lawler has been
a driving force on the house scene since
his early days organising raves in his native
Birmingham. A favourite of Space in Ibiza,
Lawler continues to tour globally and runs
digital-only label Viva Music.
Is this your first time playing Abu Dhabi?

Yeah. I’ve been playing Dubai for years at Peppermint, but
never Abu Dhabi. Dubai’s a VIP crowd. I’d expect Abu Dhabi
to be similar.
30
Do you check out the local cuisine before shows?
I make a habit of it wherever I go. I love going out to dinner,
the whole social aspect and eating great food. Not only really
nice restaurants, but also street food.
GETTY IMAGE
Is there anywhere in the world you still aspire to play?

Paul Van Dyk @ I never got the chance to play Love Parade in Germany. I really
Peppermint Experience wanted to. There was talk about doing it next year. That’s gone
completely out the window after the disaster [21 people died
at this summer’s event, leading to its cancellation].
Yolanda Be Cool @ Chi
The people’s favourite nightclub You’ve been promising an artist album. When’s it due?
welcomes the Aussie duo behind 2010 hit No idea. I’m going into the studio, but that could still mean
We No Speak Americano. the album will be released in ten years time. Writing an
Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai, album is out of my comfort zone. My comfort zone is four-
9pm to 3am, Dhs120, free before 11pm. Tel: to-the-floor house music for a dance floor. With my album
(04) 3379470. www.chinightclubdubai.com I’m specifically not going to do that. The whole approach is
23
different.
Allure by Cipriani, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (505) 969543
We Are @ Catwalk
The Catwalk residents collide, as Steve Defected @ Atelier
31 Only In Dubai
Darley, Rich Showell, Adam and Dan, Defected DJs ATFC, Copyright, M People’s
Afroboogie and Matt Charles do their thing. Shovel, Miss Divine and Andy Daniell.
Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to Atelier, Emirates Towers, Dubai, 9pm, Dhs250
3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002 to Dhs450. Tel: (050) 5655427
24 @ Habtoor Grand DJ Greg Sahara @ Ikandy

The Pacha, Ibiza resident plays in 2011.
Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
7pm, Dhs590. Tel: (04) 4052703. www.
Residents @ MustHaveSoul shangri-la.com
Simon Reid and co man the decks to see in Hot on the heels of his debut residencies in the biggest nightclubs
Christmas Day. in the world. New Year’s Eve @ MustHaveSoul
Sylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, album Warrior, Dubai-based Ambitious. Back in Dubai though, The MHS residents are joined by a ‘secret DJ’.
4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1249640. www. DJ and producer Dion what can we expect from you on We’re intrigued.
musthavesoul.com Mavath launches his new New Year's Eve? Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi,
30
Most importantly, great music from 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1249640. www.
night Only In Dubai (OiD), this musthavesoul.com
one of the foremost DJs of 2010. Axwell
month with a New Year’s Eve
30
hasn’t played in Dubai for three years.
party starring Swedish House His success as an artist, as well as
CTRL @ Catwalk Mafia star Axwell being ranked as a top ten DJ and being
Dark, edgy, tech house from Afroboogie. a member of the super group The
Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to Swedish House Mafia means you can Tom Middleton @
3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002 What’s OiD all about? Audiotonic
OiD is more than a nightclub brand expect some amazing tunes.
Paul Van Dyk @ Peppermint Experience – it’s a lifestyle entertainment brand Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai Marina,
The Grammy Award-winning DJ returns to complete with CDs, DVDs and clothing. 9pm to 3am, Dhs450 to Dhs650. Tel: (050)
Dubai for the New Year’s Eve party. If you look at 90 per cent of the world’s 7186232. www.dionmavath.com
Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, Dhs200 to biggest nightlife brands, a DJ whose
Dhs350. Tel: (04) 3326345. www.peppermint-
experience.com music pushes the brand further fronts
them. So if you like the type of music
Tom Middleton @ Audiotonic I produce or play then you will love
Eclectic king Tom Middleton is joined the OiD nights. As well as the monthly
by Vincenzo and residents Mr Mr and night, we will also be holding OiD
Tristan Bain and, apparently, 17 minutes of Outdoors every two months, which
fireworks. 360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al will be a larger concert event with big
Sufouh, Dubai, from 9pm, Dhs360. Tel: (04)
4068999. www.jumeirah.com name artists.
Sounds like you have grand plans?
Mysterious Seduction of Dark Passion We’re not looking to compete just in
@ Armani/Prive Dubai, because it’s such a small market.
New Year’s Eve fun, with the Armani/Prive We are looking to go global and take
resident DJs. it to the biggest nightlife brands.
Armani/ Prive, Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Within five years we want to be having
Khalifa, Dubai, Dhs500. Tel: (04) 8883308.
www.dubai.armanihotels.com

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CARLUCCIOS_WHATSON_HP_NOV25_OUT.pdf 1 11/25/2010 3:25:19 PM
TRAVEL
p133 Paris on the Nile

ISTOCK
p140 Travels with...

TRAVEL | CAIRO
SHORT
HAUL
Mysterious
Pyramids of Giza
Paris
Cairo can, at times, seem a
truly ferocious beast of a city.
Known as Um ad-Dunya
(mother of the world), the
on the
Egyptian capital meanders
chaotically between an ancient
civilization, a medieval Islamic
marketplace and a modern
day metropolis – all of which
is served with an unhealthy
Nile
dollop of static traffic and
nonchalant smog.
It is, of course, home to one
of the Seven Wonders of the
World, the Giza Pyramids,
and accompanying Egyptian
Museum – the wonder here
The ancient pyramids and chaotic being why such a splendid
bazaars of Cairo inspired the collection of antiquities is
displayed in the fashion of
Orientalists, and today the city’s artistic a child emptying a box of
spirit lives on in its art galleries, cafés The Khayer Lego on the floor. As well
ISTOCK
and antique shops Bek mosque as exploring the captivating

remains of Ancient Egypt, the

From extravagant Gala dinners to traditional buffets and turkey takeaways with all the trimmings,
why not join us at Al Raha Beach Hotel for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY NEW YEAR

Sevilla Restaurant (24 & 25 December) Sevilla Restaurant Gala Dinner
Enjoy our festive Christmas Buffet Brunch prepared by our award- With an extravagant buffet to choose from, plus a line-up of live
winning chefs. entertainment, you’re guaranteed to see in 2011 in memorable style.
Dhs 185* per person, half price for children under 12 years of age. Dhs 420* per person, including welcome bubbles / Dhs 490* per
person, including selected beverages.
Azur Restaurant (24 December only)
Begin the celebrations in style with a glass of bubbles followed by our Azur Restaurant
extravagant seven course dinner menu. Enjoy an opulent 6 course set menu inspired by the flavours of the
Dhs 235* per person, half price for children under 12 years of age. Mediterranean, then party until the early hours in Enigma nightclub.
Dhs 320* per person.
Our popular Bubbles and Tapas Brunch will get everyone in the
festive mood, with free-flowing bubbles and Sangria and delicious *Subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.
home-made Spanish cuisine.
Dhs 290* per person, half price for children under 12 years of age.
Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels
P.O. Box 38616, Abu Dhabi, UAE | T. +971 2 508 0555 | F. +971 2 508 0444 | Toll Free 800 ALRAHA | E. info@danatresortalraha.ae | www.danathotels.com
A Member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts
TRAVEL | CAIRO
River Nile at dusk
“Decades of pollution and negligence have

taken their toll on these grand structures and
today they stand largely in a state of disrepair”
city is also famed for the unrivalled, ethereal European credibility in their own city. This
beauty of its historic mosques and Coptic blend of European and local references gives
Christian churches. There is, however, a third Cairo’s skyline a truly unique identity, but
and slightly more sedate theme running richly decades of pollution and negligence have
through the veins of Cairo. taken their toll on these grand structures and
The city has long been regarded as the today they stand largely in a state of disrepair.
artistic heartbeat of the Arab world and The best spot to first soak up this faded
today its cafés, antique shops and art galleries grandeur is Downtown Cairo; the city centre
continue to offer a small slice of the Parisian designed by French architects commissioned
lifestyle in an exotic North African climate. by Isma’il Pasha in the late 19th and early
The relationship between Paris and this 20th century. Ask to be dropped off outside
part of the world extends back to the 19th the famous Groppi café on Talaat Harb
century to a time of mutual admiration. Square, a once cherished tearoom for
While French artists and writers, bored of the Cairene social elite that now serves
their own bourgeois aesthetic, looked to the barely edible cakes in barely decorated
mosques, sail boats and sheeshahs of the surroundings. The beautiful mosaic entrance
Orient to inspire a more exotic backdrop for nevertheless remains perfectly intact and Ceiling of Muhammed
their works, Cairenes looked to Hausman’s from here it is possible to duck down any of Ali Mosque
Belle Epoque Paris architecture to give them the major streets leading off the square, which

TRAVEL | CAIRO
have a host of seedy bars, musty old antique

shops and the occasional art gallery. Café at Giza
Downtown Cairo’s antique shops are
impossible to miss. Each explodes out onto
the pavements with all manners of bric-a-
brac providing endless entertainment for
nostalgia buffs. Gramophones, chandeliers
and furniture are amongst the most readily
available items, all of which are sold in
questionable condition by overenthusiastic
shopkeepers who strongly claim otherwise.
If you want a more modern take on arts
and crafts in Cairo, head to the impressive
Townhouse Gallery just off Hussein El Me’mar
Pasha Street, which has three floors dedicated
to exhibiting the works of contemporary Arab
artists. The renovated house and its adjoining
warehouse space also provides studios,
classrooms, a library and a bookshop and is
therefore the perfect way to infiltrate Cairo’s
vibrant arts scene – just make sure to check
ahead for opening times and to see what new
exhibitions are on that week
The constant hustle and bustle of Khalili), narrow street markets and breathtaking
Downtown Cairo is certainly one way to Ottoman mosques that inspired the Orientalists
work up an appetite, and if you’re not brave in the 19th century. To witness firsthand just
enough to sample any of the area’s many how one influenced the other, visit the site of
shawarma or koshery (Egypt’s national dish; Ibn Tulun – arguably the city’s oldest surviving
a mixture of rice, lentils and macaroni) mosque – which shares its entrance with the
hole-in-the-wall eateries, stop-off instead at Gayer Anderson Museum; the former residency
the rather eccentric Felfela. Serving hearty of an English major who accumulated a vast
traditional Egyptian cuisine, the restaurant’s collection of Oriental art and furniture during
bizarre jungle theme can entail sharing a his time living in Cairo in the 1930s.
dining table with a bubbling fish tank, caged While the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is cherished
doves or even the odd stray terrapin. Local for its sparseness and tranquility – the
recommendations include taameya (an perfectly symmetrical arcades and stunning
Egyptian spin on falafel – made from deep- spiral minaret make this an absolute must-
fried fava beans as opposed to chick peas) see – the Gayer Anderson Museum is a far
and baba ghanoush (essentially just aubergine more cluttered affair. Narrow corridors and
mixed with various seasoning), both of which small winding staircases link the rooms of the
are rich in flavour and even richer in calories. museum, each of which grows more bombastic
Once fully nourished, it’s time to leave in design and theme as the tour unfolds. Major
Downtown Cairo and brave the even more Anderson was a true hoarder and it’s deeply
manic neighbourhood of Islamic Cairo. Here Cairo downtown area amusing to envision him once pottering around
you can savour the old city bazaar (Khan el this tall rickety building, carefully arranging his
artefacts and pompously naming every room
– our personal favourite is the Chinese Room,
which doesn’t appear to reference anything
from remotely near the Far East.
The close proximity of the mosque
and museum also illustrates just how
misrepresentative the Orientalists lavish
spin on Islamic culture actually was. Yet it is
impossible not to get caught up with all this
interior design madness, but to really crank it
up to five on the Orientalist Richter scale, opt
to spend a night at Le Riad Hotel De Charme.
One of only two boutique hotels in Cairo, Le
Riad was opened only a year ago by a French
entrepreneur who ambitiously renovated
a derelict building on El Moez Street, very
close to Khan el Khali. The mosques along
Khan El-Khalili bazaar this cobbled road have similarly been
immaculately restored and at night they

TRAVEL | CAIRO
The impressive
Cairo skyline
“The Turkish Hammam inspired walk-in showers and dust of the capital on an aquatic mattress
of calm. Go at sunset when the smog floods
and elegant roof garden show deftness of everything with an atmospheric hazy orange
touch, and the sheer extravagance and size of light and makes the city look like the subject of
a 1970s Polaroid picture. Take some very British
each suite feels like waking up in a palace” liquid refreshment and a picnic and recreate
your own Agatha Christie-inspired scene, a
world away from the flashing multi-coloured
are lit up in a combination of greens and fairy lights and pumping Egyptian pop tunes of
reds to look remarkably like a scene out of A traditional felucca some of the Nile’s other naval inhabitants – the
the Disney version of Aladdin. Continuing boat on the Nile perfect end to your Orientalist outing in Cairo.
this theme, Le Riad has 17 suites, each of
which are individually decorated according
to a particular period or society in Egyptian
Need to know
history – ranging from the Pharonic and WHERE TO STAY
Ottoman suites through to the Modern-Arabic Le Riad Hotel De Charme, 114 Muiz Li
suite. With its eye-watering colour schemes, Din Allah Street, Cairo, Egypt, Dhs1,100
the hotel doesn’t initially appear to do subtle, to 1,500 including breakfast and tax.
but the Turkish Hammam inspired walk-in Tel: +202 27876074. www.leriad-
showers and elegant roof garden show deftness hoteldecharme.com
of touch, and the sheer extravagance and size
of each suite feels like waking up in a palace. HOW TO GET THERE
No princely excursion, however, would be LDirect flights from Dubai to Cairo with
complete without a felucca boat trip down the Emirates Airlines from Dhs2,000 return.
Nile. The most painless way to sort this out is LDirect flights to Cairo from Abu Dhabi
to go to the dock on the corniche opposite the with Etihad from Dhs1,500 return.
Four Seasons Hotel in Garden City. Here you
will find a plethora of white broad sailboats CURRENCY
complete with Egyptian captains in traditional 100 EGB = Dhs63
dress waiting to sail you away from the noise

TRAVEL | TRAVELS WITH...
Travels with… TRAVEL

EXTRA
Jannes Kruger
What are your three top tips for surviving
a long airport stopover?
I absolutely hate flying and airports. My only
advice is to do your utmost not to go com-
pletely insane by any means at your disposal.
I once missed a connecting flight in Ethiopia
and they managed to lose my luggage as an
added bonus. Just the thought of the experi-
ence drains the energy from my body.
What item do you never travel without?
As falconer at Ras Al What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had? My camera. I take loads of photos to make up for
I’m not at all turned on by shopping malls, my lack of skill. That way I stand a decent chance
Khaimah’s the Banyan nightclubs or architecture, so I tend to veer of at least ending up with a few good shots.
Tree Al Wadi, South African towards nature when I’m on vacation. My most What destination serves the best food?
Jannes Kruger entertains memorable trip was to the Kgalagadi Trans- Where I grew up barbecues and red meat are a
frontier Park a few years ago. I discovered an way of life. In fact, we jokingly refer to chicken
guests with daily bird of prey active Martial Eagle nest and spent days with as a vegetable. I’m not overly excited by spicy
displays, runs the Middle a camera and binoculars next to the road ob- food, but I’ll never forget the meals I had in Sri
East’s first falconry course serving the parents feeding and protecting the Lanka. There is a small family run restaurant
eaglet. My poor partner was bored to tears. in Unawatuna called One Love. They make the
and oversees a breeding What’s been your biggest travel disaster? most amazing coconut curry dishes and are
programme for Saker falcons I rolled my car on a deserted farm road. I was the friendliest people you will ever meet.
flung through the windscreen and landed on Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Al Mazraa, Ras Al Khaim-
and indigenous owls. It’s my back next to the road. The small sedan ah. Tel: (07) 2067777. www.banyantree.com
safe to say he’s fond of birds, was a total write-off, but miraculously I only
but he’s also a passionate suffered minor scratches and sore ribs
“I rolled my car on a
If you could advise people to visit one
conservationist and not a destination, what would it be? deserted farm road. I was
big fan of cities If you are a city person, take your pick. One flung through the windscreen
city is like the next in my opinion. For wildlife,
definitely Kruger National Park in South Africa. and landed on my back”
LUXURY CHRISTMAS
If you’re looking for a somewhere special
to spend Christmas, you could do a lot
Three cut price escapes worse than The Chedi in Muscat. You can
for the festive season avoid the hassle of a long journey and for
RO144 (Dhs1,375) per person per night
THAI TREAT spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
ACE ALEXANDRIA Planning on spending the festive season in five-star comfort, including breakfast,
This is a real gem, ladies and gents. Three here in the UAE? Yes? Then how do you early check-in and late check-out, 20 per
nights at a four-star hotel in Cairo, two fancy a pre-Christmas luxury break for you cent spa discount, a four-course Christmas
nights in Alexandria, breakfast, visits to the and your better half to Thailand? Return Eve dinner and a Christmas Day brunch
Pyramids of Giza and various other sights flights, four nights at the opulent Trisara serenaded by a jazz band. And if you want
ISTOCK
with an English speaking guide, all your resort in Phuket in an ocean view room with to stay a few nights before or after, it’s
transfers and return economy a pool, breakfast and transfers for Dhs7,645 just RO50 (Dhs480) per person
flights from Sharjah Airport – per person. Activities available include per night with breakfast
all for Dhs2,740 per person. cruises to local islands, snorkelling and yoga from December 20 to 27
Available until April 20, classes, but we’d just lounge by the pool for (excluding December 24 and
2011. Bargain, in our book. the entire trip if we were you. 25, of course).
www.airarabia.com www.dnata.com www.mebreaks.com

novotel.com
Together with you,

let’s celebrate a fabulous
CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL
in all our Restaurants & Bars.
Bring your party to our party

& experience the unforgettable
glee of the NEW YEAR!
For reservations, contact Novotel Centre Hotel Abu Dhabi Tel: (971) 2 633 35 55, Fax: (971) 2634 36 33
Novotel@novotel-abudhabi.ae / H0662-FB1@accor.com www.accor.com
THE HOT LIST
Key
New entry
Non-mover
Up
Down
p145 Bars
p149 Restaurants
SPECTRUM ON ONE
p153 Brunches
p157 Spas

THE HOT LIST THE
FINEST FOR
BEVERAGES
BARS AND
BITES
Barasti 360˚
ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...
1
Filled with pretty At the centre of Meet friends for a It’s far from cheap Building 3, DIFC,
Great Dubai, Sun to Thurs
girls and men with a DIFC, Caramel’s quick post-work – neighbourhood
atmosphere, the 11am to 2am.
pretty healthy bank leafy terrace offers drink, be tempted hazard – but ladies
chance of celeb- Tel: (04) 4256677.
balance, Caramel respite from the by the menu then get half price
spotting and www.carameldubai.
is packed with the concrete jungle, settle in until cocktails from
Caramel seriously good com
beautiful people. while inside you’ll midnight. Try the 6pm to 9pm on
food. We’re sold.
find a city-style bar. kobe sliders. Tuesdays.
2
Depends when you Slap bang in the Music and serious Ouch. The dirhams We’re willing Jumeirah Beach Hotel,
go. It’s chilled on Arabian Gulf, we posing. Dubai’s finest stack up if you Al Sufouh, Dubai, Sun
to overlook the
Friday and Saturday recommended break out thei finery arrive early and to Thurs 5pm to late,
slow service for Fri and Sat 4pm to
afternoons but catching a golf come Friday for leave late. the tunes and 2am. Tel: (04) 4068769
once the sun sets, buggy up the jetty those all-important views.
360˚ the party goes off. to 360’s gangplank. photos ops.
3
Miami pool party. Media City. One Mingling. This Pretty decent, Try the evening Media One, Dubai
DJ under the stars. of the last places place is packed actually, with high Media City, Dubai, Tues
brunch on a
That constant you’d expect to find with revellers both rollers getting to Sat noon to 3am. Tel:
Friday then head (04) 4271000. www.
threat of being watery debauchery. post-brunch and poolside tables. out to the pool mediaonehotel.com
thrown in the deep mid-week. Go with to continue the
M Dek end. We love it. a group. party.
4
Varies wildly Right on the beach. Quiet sundowners Annoyingly The Marmite Le Méridien Mina
between laid-back Split between with the sand expensive to be Seyahi Resort &
of the bar
cool on the beach, poolside and between your toes. honest. About Spa, Dubai Marina,
scene, you can’t Dubai, 11am to 2am.
to mania at the bar – beachside, there’s When the hoards of Dhs35 for a tiny deny Barasti’s Tel: (04) 3993333.
it’s a brave man that usually a quiet or sunburnt tourists drink in one of popularity. www.lemeridien-
Barasti pushes to the front hot spot depending turn up it’s your cue those little plastic minaseyahi.com
on a Friday night. on what you’re after. to leave. glasses. Sort it out.
5
Packed with pals Cracking views of Escape Dubai at this Some of the beers A warm breeze Crowne Plaza Festival
sharing dinner, the SZR skyline cosy pub, complete are pricey, but City, Dubai, Sun to
with a cold beer
romance alfresco from the terrace, with Euro-feel, the food is pretty Mon 6pm to 2am, Tue
and moules to Wed noon to 2am,
and boys getting valet parking and fantastic food and an reasonable. frites. Job done. Thurs and Fri noon to
boisterous at the bar. shopping nearby extensive drinks list. 3am. Tel: (04) 7012222.
Belgian Beer should chill you out. www.ichotelsgroup.
Cafe
com

NOVEMBER
HOT ON
BARS THE HEsEDLubSai Marinai
The Addres , DIFC
11 Blends, mercy
12 The Gra Mall
s, The Ad dress Dubai
13 Neo e Westin
, Th
14 Senyar lam
r, Mina A’Sa
15 Bahri Ba
Neos Zuma Left Bank
ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...
6
Slick. The restaurant Zuma kick-started Rocking some High-end prices Building 6, DIFC,
Hot staff and Dubai, Fri to Wed noon
is downstairs, but DIFC’s rep as a grown up garb, at a high-end bar. a cool crowd
there’s serious chat nightlife hub and throwing back Choose wisely to 2am, Thurs noon to
make us feel all 3am. Tel: (04) 4255660.
and card swapping continues to set the some sakes and and you’ll be OK. warm inside. www.zumarestaurant.
on the terrace. standard. enjoying the We usually stick to Might be the com
Zuma loungey music. mojitos. sake, too.
7
Fix up, look sharp In the tallest Money to burn? As steep as the Burj The bar is Armani Hotel, Burj
and bring your building in the This is the place for Khalifa. Khalifa, Old Town,
beautiful but
A-game to this world. Dress to you. Also great for Dubai, Mon to Sat
definitely one 10pm to 3am. Tel:
tres swank Armani impress Giorgio. people watching for special (04) 8883888. www.
outpost. and wondering occasions. armanihotels.com
Armani/Prive how you’ll pay the
bill.
8
Civilised, with Right on the creek A few drinks, Reasonable given Don’t leave Park Hyatt Dubai,
outdoor tables at one of the most lovely canapés the stunning Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri
without
overlooking the beautiful hotels in and picking out setting and quality from 6pm to 1am, Tel:
sampling the (04) 3172222, www.
yachts and killer the land. which boat you’d of fare. raw bar. dubai.park.hyatt.com
cocktails. have. The Pershing,
The Terrace please.
9
Pretty buzzing At the heart of Great BOGOF value Not bad at all, even We nicknamed Aquara, Dubai Marina,
most nights, but Dubai Marina, with and the weather outside of happy Dubai, daily from 6pm
it The Youth
out of control come the water literally a is perfect for hour. to 12 midnight, Tel:
Club last winter (04) 3627900, www.
Thursday when the stone’s throw from this place at the – lots of young dubaimarinayachtclub.
world and his pal the vast deck. moment. pups. com
The Yacht turn up for happy
Club hour.
10
Calabar comes into Right at the centre Cocktails and chat. Above average, but Did we mention The Address
its own during the of Old Town, Don’t expect super this isn’t the kind Downtown Dubai,
the beanbags?
winter, when you affording you great speedy service, of place to chuck Emaar Boulevard,
can crach out on views of the Burj though. pints down your Downtown Dubai,
daily from 6pm to
the beanbags with Khalifa from said throat anyway. 2am, Tel: (04) 436 8888,
Calabar some pals. beanbags. www.theaddress.com
146 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 146

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THE HOT LIST
THE
ELITE
OF THE
EATING OUT
RESTAURANTS SCENE
Indego by Vineet MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 149 La Petite Maison
ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR FOOD LOCATION PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...
1
Booking is White panelled Chef Izi likes DIFC, where We managed DIFC, Gate
Best Newcomer
essential. Hurry walls with to keep things you’ll find our to drop Dhs930 Village 8,
(without at the What’s Dubai, Sun
and you may moulding simple and two favourite
alcohol), but On Awards last to Fri noon
be able to aplenty, sociable, with restaurants
two could eat month says it to 2.30pm
wheedle your contemporary sharing of his within tottering
La Petite well for Dhs650. all, doesn’t it? and 7pm to
way in for the artworks, dark, outstanding distance of each 11pm. Tel: (04)
Maison Gypsy Queens bare wood Niçoise (from other. 4390505. www.
on December 7 floors, a long bar. Nice) cuisine lpmdubai.ae
and 8. encouraged.
2
Check out Eat in the bright Colin Clague’s DIFC. The area it Dhs1,000 for Winner of our Building 6, Gate
Parisian jazz downstairs departure will be helped to make two. The Ebisu Village, DIFC, Sat to
Best Restaurant
duo Brahms & restaurant, or felt more deeply a dining hot Express lunch Thurs 12.30pm to
award and voted 3pm, Sat to Wed
Co’s residency, sink into one of than the team spot. menu (miso Best Japanese 7pm to midnight,
finishing the comfortable will admit, but plus main) is Restaurant by Thurs and Fri 7pm
Zuma December 10. If sofas in the Zuma still has Dhs62 and the you, the people to 1am. Tel: (04)
you’re lucky you lounge area for one of Dubai's Ebisu (miso plus of Dubai. 4255660. www.
may catch us on a more relaxed most innovative three courses) is zumarestaurant.
the decks. meal. kitchens. just Dhs120. com
3
The people’s A be-cushioned Vineet Bhatia Grosvenor Dhs900 We’ve known Grosvenor
(and our) welcome area, rewrote the House. Pop out (without Indego was House, Dubai
favourite Indian a winding rulebook for onto the terrace alcohol), which the best Indian Marina,
Restaurant is stairway and a Indian cooking. for a post- for this level of restaurant in Dubai, Sun to
cosy restaurant. fine dining is Dubai for a Thurs 7pm to
always warm The recently dinner tipple.
Indego by well worth it. long time, and 11pm. Tel: (04)
and inviting. revamped menu 3176000. www.
Vineet is a triumph. it seems you
have too. grosvenorhouse-
dubai.com
4
Always buzzing, The moment Chef Chris Book a table Dhs400 for two. There will Souk Al Bahar,
make sure you you step into Lester has left, on the terrace Try the Dhs80 Level 3, Old
always be a
book a table RG the sights, but the menu for 6pm on and Dhs100 Town, Dubai,
place in our noon to
in advance – sounds and boasts some a Saturday lunch menus. hearts, and our 11pm. Tel: (04)
especially if you smells of the fine new dishes, and order the bellies, for the 4230903. www.
Rivington want to dine on open kitchen including a rare roast beef Riv. rivingtongrill.ae
Grill the terrace. awaken your (in Dubai) beef and Yorkshire
senses. Wellington. pudding. We’ll
be there.
5
Even when the The designer Gordon Ramsay It’s the wrong Dhs395 for We’re looking Hilton Dubai Creek,
restaurant’s followed the put Verre in the end of town three courses Sun to Fri 7pm to
forward to even
not full, Verre blueprint for a capable hands but, until it and Dhs495 for 11.30pm. Tel: (04)
the six-courses. greater things 2277550. www.
maintains an air contemporary of chef Scott moves (we from our Chef
For the chef’s gordonramsay.
of majesty. fine dining Price. One of the hear this may of the Year Scott
Verre table it’s Dhs695 com
restaurant down big man’s better be on Gordon’s per person Price and his
to the last piece decisions of agenda), it is without alcohol. talented team.
of cutlery. 2010. worth the taxi.

HOT ON
RESTAURANTS TH E HEEzaLniS
ne
11Rhodes Mez
Ristorante
12 Armani
13 Margaux
a
14 Terra Firm
15 Asado
West 14th Rhodes Twenty10 Traiteur
PRICE
ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON
INTERIOR INFO FOOD LOCATION PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO
SAYS... SAYS...
6
There’s always Forget the Roll up, roll Reflets has its Dhs1,000 and Take a day off
InterContinental
a sense of minimalism of up, by a ticket own private then some, but Dubai Festival
most modern floor at the work, book a City, Dubai, 7pm
reverence in to Gagnaire’s the three- table at lunch
the air at Pierre restaurants, magical culinary InterCon. Is course lunch to 1am. Tel: (04)
Pierre favours that exclusive and prepare to 7011128. www.
Gagnaire’s Dubai emporium. menu, available be amazed.
purple carpet, enough for you? ichotelsgroup.
Reflets outpost. pink chandeliers See what we Monday to com
Par Pierre and mahogany thought of the Friday, is a
Gagnaire’s balloon-back revamped lunch bargain at just
chairs. menu, p85. Dhs180.
7
Traiteur is the The high, The recently Do we need to Three courses for Traiteur will Park Hyatt
ideal restaurant vaulted ceiling revisited menu tell you again two for around come into its Dubai, Deira,
for a romantic is Traiteur’s includes such that Park Hyatt Dhs615. Dhs280 Dubai, Sun
own this festive
assignation. standout design intriguing Dubai is our per person for to Fri 7pm to
dishes as roast favourite hotel season. midnight. Tel:
The Christmas feature, but the three-course
Traiteur scallops stuffed in the city? (04) 3172222.
Day brunch is it is the open with Comte set menu. www.dubai.
sure to be fully kitchen below cheese. park.hyatt.com
subscribed. that powers
proceedings.
8
People are Pure NYC, with Order the 300g Beside the Dhs550 for It didn’t win Oceana Beach
beginning to low lighting, Australian rib beach at two without a What’s On Club, The Palm
discover this a cocktail eye medium- Oceana Beach alcohol, making Award, but Jumeirah,
New York-style bar and even rare and enjoy. Club, which it cheaper West 14th is Dubai, noon to
than your our favourite 3pm and 6pm
steakhouse, the requisite is not an easy
West 14th average Dubai steakhouse. to midnight Tel:
despite the fact exposed brick in place to find steakhouse. (04) 4477601.
that it’s rather the gents’ toilet. (print the map www.west14th.
well hidden. on the website). ae
9
It’s still pretty Purple and It’s a grill, just like It seems Gary We spent We’d advise a Le Royal
busy at black play the Gary promised. is trying to take Dhs630 for a Méridien Beach
table upstairs
Twenty10 so it’s leading role, Order the lamb over Dubai meal for two. Resort and Spa,
for a more Dubai, 7pm
best to book creating a rack rare. Marina one You could easily romantic to midnight.
ahead. design that Gary hotel at a time. spend more, or if evening at Tel: (04)
Rhodes describes as you were careful,
Twenty10 Twenty10. 3995555. www.
"gangster". Fair a little less. garyrhodes.
enough. com
10
With its cocktail The sunken Go for yellowtail The Monarch Dhs700 should Our second The Monarch
bar and restaurant sashimi, black Dubai may buy you three favourite Dubai, Sheikh
private dining floor and dim cod or our not flaunt its courses, sushi Japanese Zayed Road,
rooms, Okku lighting gives perennial luxuriousness and sashimi. spot in town Dubai, 7pm
– big words, to midnight.
encourages the effect of preference – the or its prime Tel: (04)
Okku the late night descending crispy rice. address, but given the
competition. 5018777. www.
lounge lizard. below decks on we’re not afraid okkudubai.com
a ship. to do just that.

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THE HOT LIST
OUR
PICK
OF THE
BRUNCH
BRUNCHES BUNCH
Traiteur Al Qasr
ATMOSPHERE FOOD LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...
1
It’s always fully Do you like Jump aboard Persuading Ready your Madinat
The proud Jumeirah,
subscribed, cheese? How an abra and your mum and credit card for a owner of a
despite the about made- check out the dad that you’ve painful Dhs495 Dubai, 12.30pm
What’s On to 4pm. Tel: (04)
price. So book to-order steak? bars at Madinat made it. It’s transaction. Award for Best 3666730. www.
ahead. Sushi? Oxtail Jumeirah post- compulsory to Brunch. The jumeirah.com
Al Qasr burger? Come brunch. visit Al Qasr at people have
on. What do you least once every spoken.
like? Al Qasr is 12 months.
likely to have it.
2
A live jazz Chef Franck Whether you Anyone with Up to you. Go for the Park Hyatt
band, open Detrait and his book a private style, taste, élan Dhs295 sans champagne
Dubai, Deira,
kitchen and team do classic dining room, a and a love of alcohol, Dhs425 Dubai, noon to
sun streaming table near the option. Brunch 4pm. Tel: (04)
French brasserie timeless French with house is not about
through the open kitchen 3172222. www.
fare. And they food. beverages, compromise.
Traiteur windows should buffet or a seat dubai.park.
be the key do it very well on the terrace, Dhs550 with hyatt.com
ingredients at indeed. enjoyment is Veuve Cliquot or
any successful guaranteed. Dhs1,500 with a
brunch. limo pick up.
3
You’ve been to Fresh sushi Home to both The best Kitsu (no Haven’t we Building 6, DIFC,
Zuma before, and sashimi Zuma and La Japanese food alcohol), Dubai, 12.30pm
said enough
right? Has and a thrilling Petite Maison, in Dubai. Dhs315. Kowaku to 4pm. Tel: (04)
already? It’s the 4255660. www.
it ever been selection of DIFC now has (with alcohol), best Japanese zumarestaurant.
lacking custom? dishes from the some serious Dhs425. Kyasha restaurant in com
Zuma No, and brunch inspired regular culinary clout. package with Dubai. Full.
is no different. menu. champers, Stop.
Book ahead. Dhs550.
4
Take a table Duck noodle Right on the It’s all a la carte, Dhs225 with If Thursday Park Hyatt
on the terrace soup. Papaya water at the so you don’t alcohol. An night was
Dubai, Deira,
and kick back salad. Gently Park Hyatt have to leave absolute Dubai, noon to
and enjoy the heavy, give 4pm. Tel: (04)
spiced curries. Dubai, which, in your seat. If bargain. yourself a break
bobbing boats 3172222. www.
Vast basket of case we haven’t you’re a lazy so on Friday.
in the Marina dubai.park.
Thai Kitchen and the gentle rice brought to made it clear, and so looking hyatt.com
jazz drifting table. is our favourite for a civilised
from the hotel in Dubai. afternoon.
speakers. You've found it.
5
Light, bright Live cooking Sunshine floods This is a real Dhs395 with Did we mention InterContinental
and buzzing, stations whip the vast room people-pleaser alcohol, Dhs295 Dubai Festival City,
the cheese
with a live band, up Peking and the terrace – a huge choice without. Dubai, 12.30pm
room? to 4pm. Tel: (04)
terrace and a duck, pizzas, overlooks the of chow, great
7011111. www.
merry crowd. barbecued cuts skyline, so either service and not ichotelsgroup.
Anise and more – but way you’re onto too rowdy. com
don’t miss the a winner.
cheese room.

BRUNCHES HOT ON
THehEouH EELSnch
se Malt Dru
11 War ious
12 Bubbalic Café
Be lgian Beer
13
14 Yalumba
ne
15 Media O
Armani/Hashi Spectrum On One
PRICE
ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON
FOOD INFOLOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO
SAYS... SAYS...
6
Not as infamous Champagne, Saunter onto A notable The Dhs425 Madinat
It’s time people
as its next door steak, seafood, the terrace, brunch with price tag puts Jumeirah,
neighbour Al order a duck started talking Dubai, 12.30pm
sushi – all the friends or it at the higher
Qasr, but always wrap from one about Mina to 4pm. Tel: (04)
usual high- visitors. end of the
well attended. of the outdoor A’Salam. 3668888. www.
end brunch spectrum.
Mina A'Salam cooking stations jumeirah.com
suspects. The and try and
cocktails and spot the turtles
setting make it swimming
special, though. below.
7
It’s appropriate Platters of On the beach, A chilled out Dhs300 for Don your Le Royal
to turn up to grilled meat and in the pool or alfresco party. pool and beach sombrero,
Meridien Beach
this brunch fish between nodding to the access from Resort & Spa,
in swimming 1pm and 4pm rhythms of the 10am to 6pm, pull on your Dubai Marina,
shorts, so it’s fair on the Maya live mariachi plus lunch swimmers and Dubai, 10am to
to say it’s pretty terrace. band and DJ. and a 30 per crack open cold 6pm. Tel: (04)
Maya laid-back. cent beverage one poolside. 3165550. www.
discount leroyalmeridien-
between 5pm dubai.com
and 7pm.
8
DJ and banter Sushi buffet, Dubai’s only Sushi and sake Dhs290 Knock out views, Armani Hotel,
inside, cool robati grills, designer hotel. lovers. Also a (without insanely good
Burj Khalifa,
breezes and platters of great shout alcohol), Old Town,
Dhs380 (house food and a lively Dubai, noon
views on the nibbles brought if you’ve got vibe make this
beverages), to 3.30pm. Tel:
terrace. This to the table and children in a welcome
Armani/Hashi Dhs585 (04) 8883888.
is an elegant a la carte mains tow – there’s (Bollinger). Go newbie to the www.dubai.
brunch on that are worth a supervised for the Bolly. scene. armanihotels.
prime Dubai the brunch playroom. com
real estate. price alone.
9
The friendly This is "BBQ the Take a table Meat, drink A very A meat The Grand Grill
waiter makes South African outside for a and being as reasonable feast of epic Steakhouse,
this experience, way", which more traditional merry as an elf Dhs295 with proportions. Habtoor Grand
making sure means an end- barbecue on Christmas alcohol or Brilliant. Resort & Spa,
you’re never Lobby level,
less procession experience. Day (the start Dhs225 without.
The Grand thirsty and Dubai Marina,
are devouring of plates laden of his year-long Dubai, 12.30pm
Grill with grilled holiday).
your fair share to 4pm. Tel: (04)
of flesh. Good meats. 3994221. www.
banter, too. thegrandgrill.
com
10
One of Dubai’s Eight kitchens Come Friday Multinational Dhs550 for Spectrum On Fairmont
most popular serving up afternoon, the eating. the full bubble One will never Dubai, Sheikh
brunches, cuisine from first floor of the experience, disappoint. Zayed Road,
Spectrum Europe, Fairmont Dubai Dus395 for the Dubai, noon to
Thailand, China, 3pm. Tel: (04)
Spectrum always entices a is devoted Hops and Vines
India, Japan and 3325555. www.
On One good crowd. the Middle East. entirely to option or Dhs295 fairmont.com/
brunching. sans booze. dubai

THE
THE HOT LIST DADDIES
OF THE
HEALTH AND
SPAS LEISURE
SCENE
Armani/Spa Amara Sensasia Urban Spa
THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...
1
Knowledgeable There’s a lengthy One of the most There are monthly Park Hyatt Dubai,
A treatment at
and professional, and luxurious list beautiful spaces offers that take Deira, Dubai,
these relaxation of treatments on in Dubai, Amara Amara makes 9am to 10pm.
the sting out of
experts will take offer. Grouped has a courtyard everything Tel: (04) 6021234.
the steep prices –
you from stressed by theme, there’s with daybeds, a better. We www.dubai.park.
but the quality of
Amara out to blissed out. an emphasis stunning outdoor love it. hyatt.com
We recommended on rituals and pool and each products, spa and
Sue if knots packages that treatment room therapists more
are your main include pool and has a private than justify them.
problem. health club access. outdoor shower.
2
Quiet, kind and Innovative and Asian chic with Choose wisely and That ginger tea The Beach Club, Al
with a firm hand imaginative, you’ll splashes of jewel you’ll get an hour- alone makes Nafura, Shoreline
when necessary, find treatments tones; the cosy long massage for it worth the Apartments, The Palm
Sensasia’s staff you never knew rooms are a true Dhs310. trip, but the Jumeirah, Dubai,
treatments are 10am to 10pm.
are trained to the you needed. retreat. And the Tel: (04) 4227115.
Sensasia highest standards. We love specific dressing gowns are amazing too.
www.sensasiaspas.
Urban Spa massages like the best in town. com
the Hi Heeler for
aching feet.
3
There’s a mix Talise sets itself The treatment Various, but the The Optimal Al Qasr, Al Sufouh,
of nationalities apart with its rooms are linked 80-minute Royal Dubai,
Health
and specialities, naturopath, life by leafy outdoor Hammam is a fair 9am to 10pm.
Assessment Tel: (04) 3666818.
from massage coaching and pathways, with Dhs450. (Dhs1,495 until www.jumeirah.com/
therapists to a GP. medical testing, an outdoor pool December 1) is talise
Talise Spa This spa is packed in addition to the tucked away for superb.
with experts. large spa menu. those day-long spa
sessions.
4
Modern zen There are You’d never expect It’s pricey, but Quiet and The Address Dubai
awaits at this separate menus this shrine to worth it for luxurious, with Mall, Old Town, Dubai,
vast spa, with for ladies and de-stressing to the quality of quality added 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04)
experienced gents. Particularly be mere minutes treatments and extras, this spa 4388888.
is a true retreat. www.theaddress.com
therapists on recommended from the hectic snooze you’ll enjoy.
The Spa hand to guide you is the Jet Lag Dubai Mall. It’s the
from reception to treatment. perfect antidote
relaxation. to an afternoon of
shopping.
5
An international There’s no As stylish as you’d Not as bad as The unique Armani Hotel, Burj
mix of staff. treatment menu expect from you fear, with 90 Khalifa, Old Town,
'decide for you'
We had a as such, just book Giorgio. It’s a sleek minutes costing Dubai,
approach is 9am to 9pm.
knot-busting a time slot (from space with dark Dhs650, up to great for spa Tel: (04) 8883888.
South African. 90 minutes to a greys and clean Dhs2,500 for a newbies. www.dubai.
Armani/Spa Impressive. full day) and the lines. See our full day. armanihotels.com
therapist decides. review on p111.
DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON
ON 157
157
HOT ON
LSOnly
THE HEa,EOne
SPAS &
y Sp
11 One&Onl Mirage
Royal l,
rContinenta City
12 Spa Inte ai Fe stival
enta l D ub
InterContin Dubai Marin
a
13 N.A.I.L.S, nd Spa,
14 The G ra
tt Dubai
Grand Hya Al Maha
s Spa,
15 Timeles rt
Desert Reso
Banyan Tree Al Wadi Thai Privilege Spa
THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...
6
Male and female The menu invites Shared steam and Mid-range, with Desert Palm, Al
What could be
therapists are you to 'drop sauna facilities a 60-minute Ann Awir Road, after
available with your robe, cares make it an ideal better than a International City,
Semonin massage
their extensive and guard'. destination for rub down then Dubai, 9am to 9pm.
for Dhs450 and an
knowledge. Cheeky. There are couples. We steak at Rare? Tel: (04) 3238888.
hour of reflexology
Lime Spa They’re happy to Anne Semonin especially like the Nothing. www.desertpalm.ae
answer questions, treatments, plus clever two-way for Dhs395.
or just let you a choice ranging windows so you
nod off. from ear candling can look out over
to sculpting rituals. the polo fields.
7
The female Each month Hidden away in Well priced at We tried a 1074 Uttamah Villas,
therapists at this brings new an Al Wasl villa, around Dhs350 fruity orange
Al Wasl Road, Jumeira,
ladies-only spa treatments and the spa is a cosy for an hour-long Dubai, 10am to 10pm.
undergo two discounts. You’ll escape with a massage. Keep an facial a few Tel: (04) 3489679. www.
years of training find everything lovely garden for eye out for those weeks ago thaiprivilegespadubai.
and the results from blow-dries to yoga. special offers, too. and are still com
Thai Privilege are impressive. luxury rituals, all glowing.
Spa with a Thai flavour.
8
The team at The extensive list It’s an impressive You’re on The Palm A spa that Atlantis The Palm,
Atlantis will greet covers gentlemen’s spa with a huge so expect to pay will have you Palm Jumeirah, Dubai,
you with ginger shaves, expert staircase, beautiful the big bucks, 10am to 10pm. Tel:
with two-hour wanting more (04) 4261020. www.
tea, treat you to pedicures, lengthy "floating" walkway (and asking for
packages costing atlantisthepalm.com
some high quality rituals and more. and underwater- a pay rise).
Spa & Fitness Dhs1,000. They’ve
pampering then Particularly themed treatment priced it with
Centre bring more tea. recommended are rooms. tourists in mind,
the Clarins facials. but it’s worth
treating yourself.
9
All graduates Asian-inspired It's a bit of a trek to Five-star prices The Rainforest Banyan Tree Al Wadi,
from the Banyan therapies in exotic RAK so you need for five-star Ras Al Khaimah, 10am
includes an ice
Tree Academy, treatment rooms. to spend the day treatments, but to 10pm. Tel: (07)
igloo, tropical 2067777.
so you're in safe (which means an hour in The showers, www.banyantree.
hands. spending big) to Rainforest (a hammam and com
Banyan Tree make the journey hydrotherapy more.
Al Wadi worthwhile. experience) is only
Dhs77.
10
Super friendly Try the fourhanded Seriously soft Slightly above Enjoy a The Monarch, Sheikh
and dedicated to Mandara dressing gowns, average at Dhs470 Zayed Road, Dubai,
massage
making your me- Massage. You’ll Elemis facials for the 65-minute 9am to 10pm. Tel:
and lunch at (04) 5018888. www.
time as enjoyable be pushed, pulled and the beautiful Muscle Ease Okku or Ruth’s themonarchdubai.
as possible. and pulverised steam room were massage. Chris for only com
Mandara Spa into a state of our highlights. Dhs299.
somnolence by
two therapists.

WIN
BIG THIS

CHRISTMAS!
ON
CLICHKMOTIVATE.CDOS
M
IT A
.WINW ND LO
TO EN ET
COMP
MORE
WIN! A SPA WEEKEND

AT THE YAS HOTEL
Be among the first to try the new ESPA spa at the Yas
Hotel with this amazing prize. The winner and their
guest will get a noon check-in then enjoy ‘his and
hers’ afternoons, with a choice of spa treatments at
ESPA, before dinner at elegant seafood restaurant
Nautilus. Also included is an overnight stay in a
deluxe marina room overlooking Yas Marina, buffet
breakfast, valet parking, use of the health club and
rooftop pool, and a late check-out at 6pm. For your
chance to win a weekend away from it all, simply
tell us…
Which island is the Yas Hotel situated on?
a) Long Island
b) Yas Island
c) Isle of Wight

Backchat with Catboy
Along with my Christmas tunes, I have also
amassed quite a collection of seasonal films.
From the first of December, I plan to watch at
least one festive film per day. I have no hard and
fast rules on the order, but Christmas Eve is al-
ways saved for Frank Capra and James Stewart.
I’ll even watch TV I’d normally baulk at. For
instance, I never watch cookery shows but every
year I stare at Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen and
daydream about a well-proportioned turkey.
I have an open door policy throughout
December. Anyone is welcome to join me. It
Our man on the radio claims The reason I can associate with that plot so is the one time of year I shake-off my reclusive
easily is I absolutely love Christmas films. In shackles and become a genial, occasionally
Christmas is a time for all – fact, I love most things about this time of year. rambunctious, host. Friends are welcome to my
even reclusives like him For me, being in Dubai only magnifies these food, drink, movies, music and company, no
feelings. I may be in the Middle East and De- questions asked. I almost feel a duty to provide
I am writing this on board a United Airlines cember may be hotter than most British sum- unabashed festive fun.
flight, stuck on the Tarmac in Honolulu. This mers, but when you walk through the door of And what’s the pay-off, you might ask. It’s
is the return journey from this year’s Dubai Chez Cat, you’re walking through a wormhole simple. This is the one bit of tradition I have left
92 Barasti Big Deal. I have approximately two into the traditional British Christmas. in my life. I don’t like birthdays, Valentines Day,
days of travelling ahead of me. If I don’t make Here’s how I run things. First of all, for me Easter or New Year’s Eve, but Christmas will
every connection back to Dubai, I am going to Christmas begins on the first day of Decem- always be special. I love the coming together to
miss my flight to Sri Lanka, which is an early ber. That’s when the tree goes up. It has to be a break bread. I love the imagery and iconogra-
Christmas treat to myself. real fir, preferably Norwegian, every year. Yes, phy. I love the carols, the unwrapping of gifts,
We have been sat on the runway for well over they’re expensive but nothing beats opening the the afternoon nap, the bad telly, the chocolates,
an hour now because the plane’s GPS is on the front door and breathing in that pine aroma. I the hours spent trying to get a small red hat
fritz and, as the affable pilot has pointed out, we bet half of you are saying BUT WHAT ABOUT and cotton-wool beard on my feral kitty for just
need it to get over the water. I’m pretty relaxed THE MESS? To those people I say this... Pine one photograph, the storytelling, the excite-
about it now because I have a five-hour ‘safety needles on a tiled floor is not the Da Vinci ment and, of course, the feast.
buffer’ in LA. That mood will change with time. Code of cleaning problems. Most of my life is spent wearing a cynical,
That said, the whole thing smacks of a feel- Next is the music. In the car, the villa and sarcastic coat. For one month each year it’s nice
good, festive, family film. I’m Chevy Chase, a as often as I can get away with on Dubai 92, I to take it off and put on a Christmas sweater.
hard-working, gaff-prone yet lovable buffoon play a selection of Christmas music that I’ve Merry Christmas, all.
just trying to get home for Christmas. Every- been adding to over the years. My normal
thing that can go wrong will go wrong, but just music snobbery goes out of the window and I Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird
in the nick of time I’ll get home and it will be welcome Mariah, The Darkness, Slade and even Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs, 6am to
the best Christmas ever. Band Aid 20 with open ears. 10am, Dubai 92. www.dubai92.com
Don’t miss next month’s What’s On for

what’s new in the Emirates in 2011, backstreet
curries and Dubai’s best salads

www.omegawatches.com
ABHISHEK BACHCHAN’S CHOICE.
AVAILABLE AT:
Omega boutiques (BurJuman, Deira City Centre, Dubai Mall,

Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre, Sahara Centre, Wafi)
and at select Rivoli Stores. Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI

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DHS 10 DECEMBER 2010 ISSUE 392

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

4 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Graeme McDowell Louis Oosthuizen

For advance ticket sales please visit abudhabihsbcgolfchampionship.com

New attitude hotels for business travelers. www.pullmanhotels.com

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 11

Stocking filler-sized December

What’s hot Guess list

we’re not happy. Tel: (04) 4252240. www.bakerandspiceme.com

12 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

KARMA KAFE WORLD SWIMMING

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 13

For reservations please contact:

Eyaad Al-Kourdi, vice president and

Zuma Middle East and Scott Price

Restaurant Of The Year Thanks for a

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 15

Chef Norberto Al Qasr pre brunch

The Barasti boys

16 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Thai Kitchen I’m so happy

Chefs Paul and

Action at Thai Kitchen

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 17

Chef John at the helm

Cooking up a storm at Teatro

The men behind the magic

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 19

A big thank you

– Ajaz Sheikh, director of

The whole Zuma gang

The LPM team

20 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

Hisham Mchater and Lady

The team at BBC

The chefs responsible

Beach Bar & Grill

Is this really the first time our beloved BBC

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 23

Chi @ The Lodge

Sir Maurice Flanagan

Rania Hamadeh and

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 25

Just arrived at the

Chi @ The Lodge -

It was sooo much

Thank you for

So thrilled for LPM

26 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

fate and fortune

$ECEMBERSHOWTIMEPMONLY $ECEMBERAND*ANUARY¥NOPERFORMANCE #PPLPOMJOFOPXBUNBEJOBUUIFBUSFDPN

Dec 12 to 19, Dubai International

Walk, JBR, Mall of the Emirates and

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 29

30 WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2010

DECEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 31

$ECEMBERSHOWTIMEPMONLY$ECEMBERAND*ANUARY¥NOPERFORMANCE #PPLPOMJOFOPXBUNBEJOBUUIFBUSFDPN