DHS 10 NOVEMBER 2010 ISSUE 391

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UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000 W VIDEO
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THE
ABU DHABI
GRAND PRIX
2010
YOUR GUIDE TO THE BIG
RACE AND YASALAM
I
B
R H E
T A
A D ID

FANCY A CURRY?
U S

HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE BEST

B IN
A

00 COVER AD & DXB.indd 1 10/28/10 9:26:05 AM

 For those with taste

With Ember’s chic seasonal menu, it’s easy to stay on trend. Located in the heart of Fashion
Avenue in The Dubai Mall, Ember creates a stunning new culinary collection every season.
Dinner is served daily from 6.30pm to 11.30pm and lunch, Thursday through Saturday,
from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. Closed on Sunday.
For reservations call +971 4 438 8999 or e-mail dine.dubaimall@theaddress.com On trend, every season
 Contents
Features
17 34
Life's a beach Pit stop parties
We go in search of Abu Kanye West, Linkin Park
Dhabi's best beach and Prince are just
clubs three of the artists set to
rock the F1's Yasalam
23 stage
Abu Dhabi Art
The capital’s 40
most exciting art Curry collection
extravaganza We prepared our
palates and overdosed
27 on the spicy stuff to give
7s heaven you our verdict on Abu
Everything you need to Dhabi's best curries
know about this year’s

p97
Rugby Sevens

31
Abu Dhabi Grand
Prix 2010
As the Grand Prix roars
into town, we give you
the low-down on the
big event
p40

p17
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 3

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 The round-up
67 91
Art Music & clubs
Beautiful People in Band of the month
Bastakiya, going green Juliana Down and
in Al Quoz and five to what's happening in
see this month clubland

74 97
Shopping Travel
Pay attention men, Going long haul in
Sophia says you ARE Catalonia, relaxation,
judged by your shoes, Sri Lankan style,
plus our essential explorer Adrian Hayes’
beach reads top tips and November's
best deals
77
Mind & body 111
Jet lag treatments, Hot list
haircuts, LPG magic Abu Dhabi’s top bars,
and a trip to Jasmine restaurants, brunches
Spa and spas

85 130
Sport & outdoor Backchat

p47
Our running mission Our man Gareth on
continues, plus Mr the rise of the celebrity
Fitness tackles your restaurant
health questions

14
Salaam
What's what in Abu
Dhabi in November

44
Films
Our verdict on George
Clooney's starring role
in The American, plus
Burke & Hare, Saw 3D
and more

47
Eating out
La Petite Maison,
cooking with Vineet
Bhatia, seafood at
Emirates Palace and
The Critic on why fresh
is best

65
Competitions
Get your hands on
prizes including

p77
brunches, dinners
and energy drinks. For
more, see pages 72, 94
and 128

4 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

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29040AE_WHATS_ON_NOV.indd 1

PROJECT MK-8111 UAE WHAT’S ON MAG (SPREAD) ISSUE/POST DATE NOV 10

10/25/10 2:09 PM
 f fun for kids …"
"… Shop & Win …"

so
"… Lot

HANG OUT FOR THE FUN OF IT

Simply spend Dhs 200 in any of our outlets until 20th November and you could win
one of seven prizes of Dhs 50,000 each. Enjoy the two-month extravaganza at Dubai Marina Mall.
It’s the place to hang out for fashion, fun, festivities and fantastic prizes.

MALL TIMINGS: Saturday to Wednesday: 10am – 10pm. Thursday and Friday: 10am – midnight.
For more details contact Guest Services on 04 – 436 1020
"… Entertainment for
every
one
…"

G et into a holiday mood …"

"…
 This month we’ve been...
Editor-in-Chief
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Group Editor & Managing Partner
lan Fairservice
Group Senior Editor
Gina Johnson | gina@motivate.ae

Editor
Mark Evans | marke@motivate.ae
Deputy Editor
Helen Spearman | helen@motivate.ae
Features Editor Karting with Juliana Down, p91
Gareth Rees | gareth@motivate.ae
Chief Sub Editor
Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae
Senior Designer
Sheila Lyn Carino | sheila@motivate.ae
Editorial Assistant/Picture Researcher
Karen Sequeira | karen@motivate.ae
Picture Researcher - Gulfpics
Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae

Contributors
Naveed Ahmed, Victor Besa, James Brennan,
Louise Browne, Stef Burgon, Vikram Gawde,
Rubbing shoulders with Gordon Testing curries,
Robbie Greenfield, James Houghton, Catherine Ramsay, p55 p40
Jarvie, Russell Kempson, Richard Luck, Farooq

Editor’s note
Salik, Simon Smedley, Sophia Triantafillou,
Tom Watterson, Adam Workman

General Manager
Production and Circulation
S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae 'If you’ve got it, flaunt it' is certainly the mantra we’ve grown used
Production Manager
Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae to here in Abu Dhabi, and none more so than this month, with the
Production Controller visit of the multi-million dollar spectacular that is the Abu Dhabi
Murali Krishnan | muralik@motivate.ae
Grand Prix. Talk about a big show – there can be few sports that
General Manager – Group Sales come close to spending the sort of money your average F1 outfit
Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae screams through, with some teams splurging an estimated US$400
Senior Advertisement Manager
Dale Isaac | dale@motivate.ae million a year. Crazy money.
Advertisement Manager But costs be damned; the circus is in town and we’re here to enjoy it. Not wanting
Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae
to take anything away from the race itself, which I’m sure will be very exciting
General Manager, Abu Dhabi
Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae (and let’s face it, with those sorts of figures being spent, it should be) but it’s the
Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi concerts that go along with it that have us all revved up. With no less than Prince,
Darryl Wiley | darryl@motivate.ae
Linkin Park and Kanye West fronting the bill (none of who would have come in on
Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 the cheap side themselves, I’m sure), it’s a line up to whet the appetite of even the
(including Airmail charges)
most ardent of gig-goers.
Excited? Us? We’ve been trying to guess the line-up for pretty much most of the
year (and had it right at one stage, apparently, only for organisers Flash to change
it after word got out on Paul McCartney’s planned visit), and come race weekend
we’ll be camped out at Yas Island for the duration. If it’s anything like last year,
Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE which seemed to go off without a hitch from where I was standing, then it looks
Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436,
E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae like we’re in for another great show.
Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, I’m just glad I’m not footing the bill.
Building 8, Dubai, UAE,
Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845
Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Enjoy the issue.
Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124,
E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae
London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road,
London NW1 3ER, UK,
E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 13

13 intro_AUD.indd 13 10/28/10 9:08:29 AM


Salaam!
Petite November
What’s hot
Espa
We’ve been waiting for the opening of
The Yas Hotel’s spa for some time and now
it’s finally open we’ve made a booking and
should have a verdict for you soon.
We’re expecting great things.
The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu
Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6560600. www.
theyashotel.com
What’s your pin?
We don’t know how, we don’t know why
– we just know that someone, somewhere
sorted it all out and that
the proposed Blackberry ban is now off.
BBM to your heart’s
content. Ping!
Gawd bless ‘er
Britain’s head of state, Queen Elizabeth
II, hits the capital this month with her
husband the Duke of Edinburgh for a
two-day visit. It’s the second visit to the
UAE for the monarch, who’ll be in the
Emirates November 24 and 25, before
going onto Oman. Flags at the ready.
What’s not
Electricity rates
As if it wasn’t expensive enough already
to live in the capital, Abu Dhabi Water and
Electricity Authority (Adwea) has announced
that electricity and water rates are set to
rise. The rate hike is all in the name of the
environment, though, with the higher
prices aimed at reducing consumption. Just
remember to turn the aircon off when you
leave the house.
Cost of living
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
Experts are claiming that the UAE is going
to get even more expensive because the
dirham is pegged to the slumping dollar
and a global currency war is taking place. In
layman’s terms. Prices could rise.
14 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
14-15 SalaamAD.indd 14
We're officially part of the Twitterati.
Follow us at WhatsOnAbuDhabi
for exclusive updates on nightlife,
restaurants and more around the
UAE. Tweet yourself.
Guess list
What was that? You heard
what?
70%
JEAN RENO
The French star of Leon appears in The
Philosopher, a short film by Fujairah director
Abdulla AlKaabi’s that is set to show at DIFF
(December 12 to 19), and rumour has it Reno
will be front and centre at the festival.
50%
ALAIN DUCASSE it or won’t its that does the rounds every
This one came from a star source. Cough, couple of months, but one of our most reli-
Gordon, cough, Ramsay, cough, splutter. able tech informants thinks there may be
The French-born chef has 27 restaurants something in it this time. And after all, the
around the world, including the three Skype’s the limit (excuse us).
Michelin star Alain Ducasse at The Dorches-
ter in London, so we wouldn’t be surprised if
Gordon was right. 10%
REMM ACRA
15%
SKYPE TO BE UNBLOCKED
Lebanese designer Remm Acra is set to
open a boutique in Beirut this month, which
will be her first outside of New York City.
This is another one of those constant will Next logical step? We're hearing it's the UAE.
This month we’re going to…
DIVAZ
Having attended the lavish opening of Divaz, the
new floating venue at Jebel Ali Golf Resort, we
know it’s a splendid setting for a party. The vessel
can accommodate 200 revellers and whether you
opt to sail off into the waters of the Arabian Gulf
or stay anchored in the hotel’s private marina,
you’re sure to rock the boat. We soon found our
sea legs, that’s for sure. Anchors away, aye-aye,
captain and shiver me timbers.
Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Jebel Ali, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 8145108. www.jebelali-international.com
10/28/10 9:40:57 AM
!
Five Questions… Beverley Knight
British soul singer Beverley
Knight has risen from the
British underground scene
in the mid-1990s to become
an R&B institution, scoring
an MBE along the way. She
plays the Chequered Flag
Ball this month
What’s in store for us at the ball?
I’ll be doing a few songs, about 30 minutes
or so. There’ll be a collection of old and new
– mostly old, so people are familiar with the
music. And we’ll be keeping it quite upbeat
as well – after all, it is a celebration. I’m
hoping to loosen everyone up a bit. When
you go to formal occasions the tendency
is to feel you have to be quite stiff in your
approach. When I hit the stage it will be all
about having a good time.
Are you a fan of Formula One?
Yeah, I’m a big racing fan. I’ve been to
Silverstone in the UK more times than I
can mention to see the Grand Prix and
I’ve been to Monaco as well, which was
fantastic. I always try and catch it on TV, but
neither Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button
are doing fantastically well, which I’m quite
gutted about. Back home I drive an Audi S5
convertible with a V6 turbo charged engine.
Oh, nice. You won British quiz show
Celebrity Mastermind answering question
on fellow Grand Prix performer Prince.
Are you pals?
Prince and I have worked together and
I’ve had the privilege of singing with him
on stage a few times. He very kindly flew
… up to frontman Axl Rose to
AMBER LOUNGE
You’ll do well to bag one of the
few remaining tickets, either for the opening
Friday night or the closing Sunday evening,
but if you do, expect to be in amongst the
stars. Aerosmith's Steve Tyler and Hollywood
actress Neve Campbell graced the lounge in
2009. We expect to see more stars this year.
If we can get in.
Nov 12 and 14, Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton
Abu Dhabi, Dhs76,000 for a table of eight.
www.amber-lounge.com
14-15 SalaamAD.indd 15
BOOK IT NOW
YAS ISLAND
SHOW
WEEKENDS
As if the Abu Dhabi Grand
Prix wasn’t enough, Yas
Island Show Weekends will
see the capital host the
Jonas Brothers, Nelly Furtado
and Guns N’ Roses…
JONAS
BROTHERS
Nov 18
The teen-pop sensation
that is the Jonas Brothers
has sold more than eight
me to his rental home for the 2008 Oscars million records, so they’re
and got me on stage on the night to sing clearly doing something right.
with him. As a lifelong Prince fan, that was Catch Kevin, Joe and Nick in what’s sure to
unbelievable. It still remains the greatest be a sell-out show.
experience of my life.
Prince isn’t the only royalty you’ve hung NELLY
out with though, is he? FURTADO
No. I did get to meet the Queen. She’s ever Nov 26
so cute. Very little. I got on with her as well Canadian singer-
as anyone can get on with the Queen. She songwriter Nelly Furtado
speaks to you, you don’t speak to her and headlines the second of the
she didn’t know much about my music Yas Island weekend shows.
or me. Very sweet natured, but one firm The Grammy Award-winning star
handshake. She doesn’t take any nonsense. releases her greatest hits album, Lifestyle,
What’s happening after the ball for you? this month, so expect her to wow the crowd
I’ll be recording a new album this month, with a melody of her hits, including I’m Like
which is a tribute to British Soul. So look A Bird, Promiscuous and Say It Right
Right.
out for that.
Nov 12, Chequered Flag Ball, InterContinental GUNS N’ ROSES
Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (04) 4456842. www. Dec 16
chequeredflagball.com Now that Slash has
taken his top hat and
his quite considerable
guitar skills elsewhere, it’s
lead the line for GNR, but just
how well remains to be seen. The band
RSTW CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION were heavily criticised after their recent
Fancy spending a cultural afternoon ogling performances at the Leeds and Reading
some artworks? Of course you do, and it festivals in the UK, so here’s hoping they’re
just so happens that Manarat Al Saadiyat is on form when they arrive in the capital.
currently displaying works from celebrated Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150,
New York art collector Larry Gagosian. You can Dhs350 to Dhs450 with hotel stay. Tel: (02)
take in works by Rauschenberg, Ruscha, Serra, 5098000 www.thinkflash.ae
Twombly, Warhol and Wood while nodding
appreciatively and making intelligent noises.
Until Jan 24, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, Find us at
10am to 8pm, free. Tel: (02) 4061400. www. www.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi
saadiyat.ae
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 15
10/28/10 9:41:08 AM
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
 Oh we do like to
be by the seaside,
at a swim-up bar and
snoozing under a palm tree.
Escape the office for a day
of fun in the sun with the
best beach clubs in
Abu Dhabi

17-21 Beach clubs AD.indd 17 10/28/10 9:49:22 AM

 ABU DHABI’S BEST BEACH CLUBS

Where?
Hiltonia Beach
Club, Hilton, Abu
Dhabi
Located in Al Khubeirah, to the west of Abu
Dhabi city centre, Hiltonia is a great beach
club if you like water sports and have an
adventurous spirit. Of course, you can take it
easy if you like, but there’s plenty to do if you
want to use up a bit more energy than just
lazing on a sun lounger.
What’s included?
Enjoy a day by the sea and by one of the
three swimming pools. There’s a whirlpool, a
wooden sea deck and an extra large chess set,
which will keep you amused for a good few
hours. For the little ones, there are waterslides
and splash pools and 350m of private beach
to explore. Water sports are available,
including windsurfing lessons and sailing on
a catamaran, and a 31ft 250HP twin engine
Barracuda boat is available for charter,
which can take up to five passengers. It can
be hired for snorkelling trips, fishing trips,
a day at Bahraini Island and Futaisi Island,
including pick up and drop offs, as well as
sightseeing cruises along the Corniche. There
are new personal trainers at the health club,
massages indoor and outdoors, facials and
other treatments, as well as private swimming Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton
lessons available.
How much?
A day at the beach club is Dhs140 weekdays Where? Where?
and Dhs175 weekends. Personal training starts Beach Rotana Bayshore Beach,
from Dhs195 for members and hotel guest
for an hour, and Dhs230 for non-members.
Hotel InterContinental,
Windsurfing lessons start from Dhs160 per Despite being close to the Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi
person, sailing on a catamaran is Dhs110 total the Beach Rotana is a world a way from the Located at Al Khubeirah, Bayshore Beach is
for one hour with a group of friends, while hustle and bustle of city life. Give the weekly aimed at the cooler crowd, with a chill out
waterskiing starts from Dhs75. shopping trip a miss and hit the chilled-out lounge, beanbags and a DJ soundtracking
Snorkelling trips start from Dhs780, including Bay View beach club instead. the day.
equipment and soft drinks, fishing trips start What’s included? What’s included?
from Dhs750 including equipment, soft Open from 8.30am to 10.00pm, the beach With close to 300m of private white, sandy
drinks and water, a day at Bahraini and Futaisi club offers towels and umbrellas for guests. beaches, the Bayshore boasts its own marina,
islands, including pick up and drops off with The Bay View Restaurant serves light snacks not to mention the excellent Fishmarket
soft drinks, water and umbrellas, starts from (sandwiches, steaks, burgers, grills), as well restaurant, which is open for lunch and
Dhs830. as a range of healthy salad options, plus dinner. Fridays see the recently launched
Sightseeing cruises along the Corniche start soups and baguettes served poolside and at chill out lounge open its doors, with beats
from Dhs250 for a 30-minute cruise to Dhs815 the beach. Activities include waterskiing, supplied courtesy of DJ Rabih, and comfy
for a two-hour cruise around Abu Dhabi. A pedallos, canoes, banana ride and tube ride, beanbags as far as the eye can see. Open
one-hour Thai massage is Dhs380 per person, windsurfing, boat trips, laser dinghy, knee from 2pm to 8pm, towels, umbrellas and
while a 90-minute massage is Dhs450. boarding and wake boarding. even a couple of sun loungers provided with
Details How much? the entry fee.
Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) Through the week it costs Dhs150 per person How much?
6924993. www.hilton.abudhabi.com and Dhs230 for couples, or Dhs70 for children Entrance fee is Dhs75 per person. Entry is
aged five to 17 and free for under-fives. At free for Friday brunch and lunch diners at
weekends it’s priced at Dhs210 per person or Selections, Boccaccio, The Yacht Club and
Dhs310 for couples. Dhs70 for children aged Chamas.
five to 17, free for under-fives. Details
Details Bayshore Beach, InterContinental Abu Dhabi.
Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) Tel: (02) 6666888.
6979000. www.rotana.com www.intercontinentalabudhabi.com

18 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

17-21 Beach clubs AD.indd 18 10/28/10 9:49:31 AM


Where?
Shangri-La Hotel,
Qaryat Al Beri, Abu
Dhabi
Located in Bain Al Jessrain, close to the
Mussafah Bridge, the Shangri-La’s beach club
is everything you’d expect from the big name
brand.
What’s included?
The Shangri-La has a focus on long-term
membership, but regular pricing and
packages are available for day entrance,
which includes towels, a sunbed, umbrellas,
a complimentary water bottle and cold face
towels. Guests can have lunch at the outdoor
pool bar or feast on Sofra’s international
buffet. Chinese cuisine is also available at
Shang Palace.
How much?
Day rate is Dhs250, Dhs125 for children under
the age of 16, and entrance for children under
the age of three is free.
Details
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Tel:
(02) 5098632. www.shangri-la.com
17-21 Beach clubs AD.indd 19
ABU DHABI’S BEST BEACH CLUBS
Where?
Beach Rotana The Club, Mina
Sadiyat, Abu Dhabi
On the other side of Saadiyat Bridge from
Saadiyat Island, The Club is the original Abu
Dhabi beach club. If you are heading there by
taxi, you should ask for The British Club, the
name the venue is more commonly known
by. It’s a private club and access is restricted
to members and their guests. The Club was
established in 1962 and was the first of its
kind in the UAE. It is still run on a not-for-
profit basis.
What’s included?
You won’t run out of things to do here. There
are two gently sloping beaches, extending
for 250m, one of which is for adults only.
Towels and umbrellas are provided. There is
also a 25m swimming pool and two walk-in
children’s pools, 11 food and beverage outlets,
10,000sqft state-of-the-art health complex
including gym, two squash courts, four tennis
courts, one volleyball court and one indoor
badminton court. As if that wasn’t enough,
there’s also a library, kayaking, a climbing
wall, children’s fun zone, sailing club, dive
club, amateur dramatics and snooker, as well
as dry cleaners, a hair and nail salon and
beauty treatments.
How much?
The cost of individual membership is currently
Dhs6,375 per adult for the first year, reducing
Where? to Dhs2,875 in the second year and beyond.
Al Raha Beach For children aged four to 17, the cost is
Hotel & Resort, Dhs2,075 for the first year, reducing to Dhs925
in the second year and onwards, while for
Abu Dhabi children up to the age of three, year one costs
Lush green lawns, a pristine beach and Dhs675, reducing to Dhs375 for the second
temperature controlled pool await at this five- year and beyond.
star hotel in Al Raha. Details:
What’s included? The Club, Mina Sadiyat, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02)
You’ll get access to the pool, beach, sauna 6731111. www.the-club.com
and steam room, plus towels, sun loungers
and umbrellas. The hotel often does special
deals, so ring ahead to check if there’s an offer Hatta
available. (Chlorinated)
How much?
Pay Dhs130 during weekdays or Dhs160 at
Pools
weekends. Hatta Fort Hotel might not have a beach,
Details: but the stunning views of the mountains
Al Raha Beach Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Tel: (02) and a bargain pool day deal might steal
5080555. www.danathotels.com you away from the sands. From Saturday
to Thursday, pool access costs Dhs50 (or
Dhs30 for children), while the weekends
will set you back Dhs90 and Dhs50
for junior sun seekers. Included in the
price are umbrellas, lockers, changing
room access, cold towels, fruit, children’s
games and use of the two temperature
controlled pools from 9am to 6pm.
Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta. Tel: (04) 8099333.
www.jebelali-international.com
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 19
10/28/10 9:49:38 AM
 ABU DHABI’S BEST BEACH CLUBS
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Where?
Sheraton Hotel &
Resort, Abu Dhabi
At the eastern end of the Corniche, the
Sheraton is a good choice if you want
somewhere to chill out, especially as they
currently have a special offer on that includes
a relaxing massage.
What’s included?
The Relaxing Saturday Package runs all of
this month, and features a 50-minute tension
release oil massage, as well as entry to the
resort, access to the three pools, the gym,
sauna and Jacuzzi. Lunch is not included in
the package, but guests can order food by
the pool from a selection of warm and cold
dishes, or at Il Paradiso Seafood restaurant by
the lagoon.
How much?
A cheeky Dhs199.
Details:
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort. Tel: (02)
6970257. www.sheraton.com/abudhabi
20 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
17-21 Beach clubs AD.indd 20
Where?
Traders, Abu Dhabi Cove Rotana
A classic beach club choice if you want your
day to include a swim and a bit of a work out,
followed by some poolside relaxation. Traders
is part of the Shangri-La group, so you can
expect high standards.
What’s included?
Traders offers good quality beach club fare,
with passes available for its swimming
pool, gym and beach. You can choose your
combination, so if you don’t fancy the gym,
no problem. Packages available include
swimming pool day pass only, gym day
pass, swimming pool and gym day pass,
and a swimming pool, gym and beach pass.
Sunbeds, towels and umbrellas are included.
How much?
The swimming pool day pass is Dhs65, the
gym day pass is Dhs65, the swimming pool
and gym day pass combination is Dhs100 and
the full swimming pool, gym and beach pass
will set you back Dhs125.
Details:
Traders, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02)
5108888. www.tradershotel.com
10/28/10 9:49:53 AM
 ABU DHABI’S BEST BEACH CLUBS
FURTHER
AFIELD
Where?
Le MÉridien Al
Aqah Beach Resort,
Fujairah
A must-do mini-break, this hotel’s pool
is either a tranquil retreat or party zone,
depending on the day. Live music, giant
frozen cocktails, a swim-up bar, day trips and
cracking poolside cuisine create a day-long
staycation to remember.
What’s included?
The hotel’s Day Out package gives you access
to the huge pool and lengthy beach, plus
loungers and towels. On Fridays you’ll also
get a buffet lunch. Adults can get involved
in free activities including water volleyball,
beach volleyball, and aqua aerobics, while
children are welcome at the Penguin Club,
where they can try pizza making, T-shirt
painting and visit the mini zoo to see the
rabbits. Water sports are also available at
additional costs, with a full-day Discover
Scuba course priced at Dhs550, boat trips
to Musandam for Dhs300 and snorkelling
session for Dhs150.
How much?
Dhs100 on weekdays and Dhs50 for children
aged six to 12. Under sixes get free pool and
beach access but will be charged Dhs50 for
the Penguin Club. On Fridays you can pay
Dhs199 for pool access and buffet lunch.
Bargain.
Details:
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah.
Tel: (09) 2449000. www.starwoodhotels.com
Where?
The Cove Rotana,
Ras Al Khaimah
It’s a village-style resort built into a hillside
overlooking the sea, with villa accommodation
boasting private pools. It’s well worth a stay, but dining with an international buffet, C-View is a
is only two hour’s from Abu Dhabi and offers a
quiet day in the sun if that’s all you’re after.
What’s included?
There are two packages. The Beach Day pass
gets you access to the 600m beach and two
infinity pools, a voucher (for Dhs50 at weekends at Dhs400. The cost for children between the
or Dhs30 on weekdays) to spend on massage
treatments or food and drink at the resort. The
other option is the Swim & Dine offer, which
includes a huge lunch buffet at international
restaurant Cinnamon, then all-day use of the
pools and beach. Towels are included, but
17-21 Beach clubs AD.indd 21
Danat Resort, Jebel Dhanna
you’ll have to get there early for sunbeds and
umbrellas. Water sports are available at extra
cost and there are a number of dining options
from beach bars to Basilico, a rather smart
Italian with a lovely terrace.
How much?
Beach Day pass is Dhs150 at weekends or
Dhs100 during the week, while Swim &
Dine costs Dhs220 at weekends, Dhs175 on
weekdays and Dhs100 for under-12s.
Details
The Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah.
Tel: (07) 2066000. www.rotana.com
Where?
Danat Resort,
Jebel Dhanna,
Ruwais
It’s a drive – in fact, it’s a good two hours 30
minutes drive from the west of Abu Dhabi
city, but worth the trek for a different day out.
What’s included?
The Beach Getaway offer for two people includes
a 20-minute massage by the beach, water tube
ride for two and use of the pool, beach, gym,
tennis and squash courts, steam and sauna and a
kids play area. The Tide restaurant offers all-day
lobby coffee lounge and Waves pool and beach
bar serves cocktails, juices and snacks by the
pool and beach.
How much?
The Beach Getaway for two people is available
ages of five and 12 is Dhs50, while up to two
children below the age of five can use the
resort facilities for free.
Details
Dannat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02)
8012333. www.danahotels.com
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 21
10/28/10 9:50:02 AM
 Shangrila_iKandy_(?206mm x 270mmPage 1 10/21/2010 2:55:34 PM

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Season open. Game on.

For reservations, please call 04 405 2703.
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 75880, Dubai, U.A.E. Only at Shangri-La
 ABU DHABI ART

abu dhabi art

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

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 23

23-25 AD Art.indd 23 10/28/10 10:28:23 AM

 ABU DHABI ART
Rita Aoun-Abdo This is Abu Dhabi Art’s second
is the director of year – what can visitors expect
culture at TDIC, the to see?
This year will see a significantly
organisors behind expanded programme of events.
this year’s event There is more cooperation
between the content of the
platform and the art fair
participants, combining the
lectures, discussions and
workshops with the art on display.
The aim is to enable visitors to
24 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
23-25 AD Art.indd 24
hear from the experts and then
witness the art in person. Abu
Dhabi Art has outreached to
more collectors and visitors from
across the globe.
How has the event developed
since last year?
The concept of the event
remains the same in terms
of the holistic approach to
organising a boutique-style art
fair surrounded by a series of
events and programmes to create
an artistic platform in line with
Abu Dhabi’s cultural strategy.
However, we have further
developed the link between the
participating galleries in the fair
and the events and programmes
to integrate all elements of Abu
Dhabi Art. This is important for
the community and visitors as it
will not only provide them with a
richer experience, but will allow
10/28/10 10:28:27 AM

them to learn more about the art
fair world.
How important is the event to
Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar?
Abu Dhabi Art is a platform
for dialogue and exchange,
both within the art scene and
between Abu Dhabi and the
world. The appetite for such an
event was witnessed by lasy year's
success, and by developing the
programme further this year it is
in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategy
to become a cultural focal point
for the world.
Last year saw a strong
presence of international
galleries, as well as a good
representation from the
region. Will there be a similar
balance this year?
The concept of Abu Dhabi Art
has not changed as we are still
working on the same ideas and
themes. Participants from all
corners of the world will gather
in Abu Dhabi, the meeting point
for all cultures, communities and
people. Total exhibitor count
this year is 50 from 17 different
countries.
Who do you hope to attend
the event – is it for art buyers
and enthusiasts, or is it
something you hope everyone
will enjoy?
The cultural institutions of Abu
Dhabi will target locals, residents
23-25 AD Art.indd 25
and visitors from all over the
world. Abu Dhabi Art is for all
– buyers and enthusiasts alike.
As it is an event including a fair,
exhibitions public programmes
and educational workshops, it
will attract art collectors but also
students, artists, businessmen,
tourists, curators and scholars
and the general public.
How many people attended
last year – do you hope to
expand on that?
More than 15,000. Abu Dhabi
Art 2009 exceeded expectations,
with acclaimed exhibitions and
talks, as well as the boutique fair
that attracted the participation of
50 of the world’s most prominent
and innovative galleries from
19 countries displaying a wealth
of museum quality work. ADA
is part of the broader vision for
Abu Dhabi. For example, Saadiyat
Island is expected to attract
1.5 million visitors a year once
finished in 2018.
How do you see Abu Dhabi
Art in contrast to Art Dubai –
do you think you cater to the
same audience, or are there
crucial differences?
Abu Dhabi Art is not in ‘contrast’
with Art Dubai, but is completely
complementary to all the artistic
events happening in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Art is just one of
many ‘vehicles’ to showcase the
progress Abu Dhabi has made in
turning vision into reality. All the
cultural events and initiatives in
Abu Dhabi respond to a holistic
approach to translate the vision of
the emirate's cultural strategy and
ambitions.
November 4 to 7, Emirates Place,
Abu Dhabi. www.abudhabiartfair.ae
ABU DHABI ART
Play Station:
A Visitor’s Guide to ADA’10
If you think visiting an art fair is just
about looking at what's on display, think
again – the second Abu Dhabi Art takes
interactivity to a whole new level. What’s
On takes a rifle through the programme
Explore
Fifty exhibitors from 17 countries form the basis of this year’s fair,
in which international big hitters such as Gagosian Gallery and
White Cube line up alongside local leaders of the likes of The Third
Line and Meem. Refusing to be kowtowed by anything so trivial as
floor space, the fair will incorporate ‘Beyond’, an outdoor sculpture
park that sets out to allow a platform to “contemporary artworks
and projects that exceed the scope of the exhibition booths”.
Perhaps most innovative of all for 2010, however, is ‘Signature’,
a dedicated space – almost like a satellite fair – that will feature
solo exhibitions by emerging international artists represented by
galleries from the Middle East, United Kingdom and USA. Iranian
artist Reza Derakshani is What’s On’s pick of this particular crop.
Make
Abu Dhabi Art has ramped up its design programme this year.
This includes high-profile appearances by the likes of Brazilian
design impresarios The Campana Brothers and exhibitions and
workshops with, among others, Middle Eastern graphic design
and typographic organisation the Khatt Foundation and local
design mavens Traffic. What this means in practice is a lot of
hands-on fun for visitors to the fair, with a daily programme of
workshops (many of which are open to all and free to join). The
morning printmaking and creative artwork sessions (alternate
days at 11.30am), particularly, look like they’re shaping up to be
a lot of fun. Although for a small fee, you could try your hand at
anything from 3D modelling to woodwork.
Listen
For those who feel an art fair is as much about an exchange
of ideas as it is commerce, this year’s programme of talks and
discussions will not disappoint. Film screenings, book launches
and panel debates about everything from Van Gogh to the
relationship between the art dealer, curator and artist (testy
at times is our guess) all litter the programme, with a good
balance between international and Middle Eastern techniques
and markets.
Shop
What’s a fair without a souvenir or three? With no coconut shy or
shooting gallery to provide the goods (what do you mean it’s not
that kind of fair?), Abu Dhabi Art has commissioned Artyfact – a
special, pop-up retail emporium selling official limited-edition
ADA’10 catalogues and related merchandise (the latter specially
created by Emirati designers) alongside carefully selected books,
magazines and various art and design objects. Don’t know about
you, but we love it when art and commerce meet.
www.abudhabiartfair.com
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 25
10/28/10 10:28:31 AM
 RUGBY 7S

The
magnificent
Sevens
As the hot-potch fleet of vehicles cruises up
the Al Ain Road, luxury coaches breezing
past rickety old mini-buses and gleaming 7...
4x4s burning off the stretch limos and taxis,
it is one of the strangest migrations towards Things
the city that Dubai ever sees.
But, then, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby that make
Sevens is no ordinary event. It is not only an
annual glimpse of top-class sport at its best, the Sevens
special
but also a multicultural, multifaceted festival
that brings together every class of humanity.
From the oval-ball fanatics to the oil barons;
from networking banking execs to awe-struck 1) They only play seven minutes each way...
young families; and from ladies who normally
do lunch to excitable teenagers seeking a new 2) Except in the final where the halves
thrill. The Sevens is just unique. last ten minutes.
From December 2 to 4, all are welcome at the
The Sevens stadium, the purpose-built arena 3) During the knock-out stages, drawn
which is likely to fill its 50,000 capacity on every matches are resolved by playing five
day of the 72-hour extravaganza. And learning minutes extra time.
the words of the choruses of Sweet Caroline, We
Will Rock You and maybe a bit of The Proclaimers 4) All kicks at goal, including penalties
is an absolute must if you want to feel at home and conversions, must be drop goals.
amid the raucous masses.
Do not be afraid to improvise, either. 5) Players who receive yellow cards are
Brandishing inflatable Springboks is a 'sin binned' for two minutes.
favourite pastime for some South Africa fans.
And it might get you noticed around the 6) Sides can name five substitutes, three
world, too. The 2009-10 series was broadcast of whom can take the field.
to 141 countries across six continents.
The muscle-flexing, fleet-footed players will 7) And if the game’s still
get down to the serious business. Like those undecided, the teams play
from Samoa, the reigning Sevens champions, five minutes of sudden
New Zealand, the recent Commonwealth Games death extra time – which
gold-medal winners in Delhi, and England, who is to say, the first team
always enjoy huge support. that scores wins.
ILLUSTRATIONS: LINDA COULTER

All the spectators have to do is choose

their favoured mode of transport for the
journey. Book it now. Be there... or be
severely square.
Dec 2 to 4, The Sevens, Al Ain Road, Dubai,
Thurs free, Fri Dhs170, Sat Dhs230, season
Dhs300. www.dubairugby7s.com

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 27

27-28 Rugby 7s AD.indd 27 10/28/10 10:38:08 AM

 RUGBY 7S
7...
Essentials for
the sevens
HATS MORE LIKE IT
It’s bound to be boiling so cover your bonce or else
the only thing you’ll have to show for your day out
is a strong dose of sunstroke.
CREAM OF THE CROP
And while you’re about it, take some sun block,
unless you intend to get so red that you’ll have
no choice but to support the Celtic countries. NUMBER OF TRIES SCORED
THE UNSURE THING SANTIAGO GOMEZ CORA
Yes, we all want to see our side win, but the nature
of rugby sevens means nothing’s ever certain. Go
hoping for success, not expecting it.
WE HAVEN’T GOT BOOS FOR YOU?
Sevens is one of the last places where the
Corinthian spirit still thrives so don’t ruin everything
by heckling the ref/the Welsh/your mates, etc.
UAE FOR ME!
Whoever else you’re backing, be sure to get
behind the boys from the Arabian Gulf. If it
wasn’t for them, the Dubai tournament might
not even exist.
THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK
Don’t worry: the bars won’t run out of beer. Be sure
to pace yourself, otherwise you’ll be toddling home
before the Plate final. NUMBER OF TRIES SCORED
‘THE OLYMPICS OF RUGBY’ PESAMINO LAST SEASON
That’s how a New Guinea player once described
sevens. Approach the tournament with that
attitude and you’ll have a great day, regardless
who wins.
THE WORLD RECORD NUMBER OF POINTS
SCORED BY ENGLAND’S BEN GOLLINGS
28 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
27-28 Rugby 7s AD.indd 28
7…
Players to
watch this
year
MIKAELE PESAMINO
The Samoan try machine was one of the main
reasons the Islanders claimed their first World
Sevens title last season.
THE WORLD RECORD LUKE MORAHAN
After eons in the sevens doldrums, the Wallabies
BY ARGENTINA’S are back in the running thanks to young talents
such as Robbie Coleman and Luke Morahan.
TOMASI CAMA
He shares his name and his flair with his Fijian
legend father. However, Cama’s carving out a
major name for himself in All Black colours.
DJ FORBES
There’s a reason New Zealand start every IRB
Sevens season as favourite for the overall title: it’s
because of quality players like Derek 'DJ' Forbes.
RHYS WEBB
A scrum-half with pace and guile in equal
measure, Webb played a pivotal role in Wales’s
shock World Cup Sevens victory in Dubai in
2009.
ISOA DAMU
Fijian-born but playing in England’s colours,
BY SAMOA’S MIKAELE the pride of the British Army is one of the most
dominating forwards in the game today.
BEN GOLLINGS
Described as the 'Sachin Tendulkar of sevens'
during the Delhi Commonwealth Games, you
can expect the England ace to add to his world
record points total.
POINTS ON OFFER TO
DUBAI’S WINNING TEAM
10/28/10 10:38:10 AM
Whats on 206x270mm.ai 1 8/25/10 11:13 AM
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and a double-window big date. 3-row bracelet in stainless steel
fine-brushed & polished black PVD coating. Domed sapphire
crystal, scratch-resistant with anti-reflective treatment.

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ABU DHABI Tel: 02 6745000 AL AIN Tel: 03 7541150 DUBAI: Deira City Center Tel: 04 2953780
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 Abu Dhabi
Grand Prix 2010
One of the world’s most glamorous sports arrives on Yas Island this
month for the final race of the 2010 Formula One season.
After the success of the inaugural F1 in Abu Dhabi last year, the Yas
Marina Circuit plays host to this year’s race on Sunday, November 14.
Want to know the best vantage points? Need tips on drivers? Unsure
of where to go and when? Read on for your essential guide to the
capital’s sporting spectacular

Watching
from Yas
Island
There’s no need to wait until race day to get
your F1 fix. This is a four-day event at the Yas
Marina Circuit on Yas Island, and it starts on
Thursday, November 11 with the opportunity
for a pit lane walk.
You can watch the teams in action as they
prepare the cars for the practice session. The
F1 Village and Oasis areas will be open, but
the pit lane walk is only available to three-day
ticket holders.
Friday, November 12 is F1 practice day,
so you’ll get a chance to see the cars on the of the future in one of the GP2 cars. Hamilton, Mark Webber, Jenson Button or
track. You might even get lucky and bag The big race on the Sunday is what it’s all Sebastian Vettel for the race win?
an autograph or two. And there’s also an about – the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Get Vettel won last year’s race and will be keen
opportunity to watch the GP2 and Porsche there early to catch the thrills and spills in for victory again, while his Red Bull team-
GT3 cars flying around the circuit. the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge and the GP2 mate Webber has had a great 2010 season so
Saturday is qualifying day and is when Europe series. far and will be gunning for the win after his
things start to get serious. A good qualifying The GP2 guys all want to impress for second place finish last year, but former world
session is vital for the drivers as grid position the chance to win a place in F1, but their champions Alonso, Hamilton and Button have
on race day is all-important for picking enthusiasm and exuberance – and lack of all been on good form and will be in contention.
up a good haul of points. The fastest car in experience compared to the likes of Fernando And how about the F1 title? One thing’s
qualifying starts the race at the front of the Alonso and Lewis Hamilton – means you’ll for sure, if the championship has not been
grid. This is effectively a time trial for the F1 see close racing, and there’s a chance you’ll decided already, we’ll know who the 2010
cars, so you’ll get to see how fast these guys even see the odd crash here and there. world champion is by the end of the race.
can get round the track. And the GP2 and Then, sit back and enjoy the main event. At the time of writing, five drivers are fair
Porsche GT3 and racers will be going all out It’s the only twilight race on the F1 calendar, bets, making it one of the most exciting and
for speed, too. You might even spot an F1 star which adds to the spectacle. Will it be Alonso, competitive F1 seasons of all time.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 31

31-33 F1 AD.indd 31 10/28/10 5:53:59 PM

 FORMULA ONE
How to get
there
The Yas Marina Circuit is easily accessible by
road from anywhere in the UAE. If you are
travelling from Abu Dhabi city, it will take you
around 30 minutes to get to the circuit, while
from Dubai you’ll be looking at a journey time
of just over an hour.
Access to the circuit itself is via a 12-lane
highway that you can access from Sheikh
Maktoum Road from Abu Dhabi, or Sheikh
Zayed Road from Dubai.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is only 15
minutes away.
Where to
watch the
race from
The main entrance brings visitors into the
heart of the circuit, taking them under
the track to the area behind the main
grandstand, which accommodates almost
7,000 spectators opposite the pit building.
One of the best views of the circuit is from
the west grandstand. The run-off area for
cars that fail to negotiate the tight turn at
the end of the long straight passes directly
underneath this grandstand.
But you are well placed in terms of viewing
the race from any seat at the circuit. Spectators
in the north grandstand have a great view of
the hairpin, while fans in the south grandstand
get a view out over the 500-room Yas Hotel,
the Marina and the Yacht Club.
The seating on top of the support pit
building allows spectators to see the
support race action up close and take in a
broad sweep of the circuit, including turns
around the Marina.
Tickets
Ticket prices start from Dhs1,800 for a
two-day pass, and Dhs2,000 for a three-
day pass that also allows you access to the
circuit on the Thursday. VIP packages start at
Dhs4,250.
www.yasmarinacircuit.ae
32 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
31-33 F1 AD.indd 32
F1 cars are are powered by 650 hp V8
engines capable of 18,000 revolutions per
minute, meaning they’re not only fast,
they are also very loud. Take earplugs.
Plan your trip in advance, aim to arrive
early and bring your circuit map. The Yas
Marina Circuit is pretty vast and, unless
you fancy spending a lot of your time
walking, you need to know where you are
going. The good news is that you’ll get a
circuit map and map of the island with
your ticket. If in doubt, aim for the Oasis
Area entrance or the Yas Arena.
What to wear
The race itself is is held at night so the
temperature will be pleasant.
But if you take our advice and plan
to check out what else is on offer,
including the GP2 race, bear in mind
that you’ll need appropriate clothing for
the daytime sun, and consider taking an
extra layer for after the sun goes down.
In terms of dress code, common sense
applies. Casual wear is appropriate for
racing fans, although if you go for one of
the VIP options, you might want to don
something a bit smarter.
Cameras
It’s well worth taking a camera, but
aiming for top quality snaps could work
against you. Anyone carrying a camera
that looks a bit too 'professional' might
have their access restricted in certain
areas. To get the pics you want, go for
something fairly standard, or just use
your camera phone.
Refreshments
There’s no need to worry about taking
a picnic with you (and it’s not allowed,
anyway). You will be well catered for
at the venue with numerous food and
drink outlets at every grandstand.
Generally speaking, the fare on offer is
not particularly over-priced. If you are
lucky enough to get the VIP treatment,
you can expect to be well catered for.
More info
Still not sure what you are doing? Check
the Yas Marina Circuit website at www.
yasmarinacircuit.ae. And, of course, you
can refer to our Grand Prix Guide, free
with this copy of What’s On.
A beginner’s
guide
For those of you who don’t follow F1 and have
no idea what to expect, here’s a rough guide
to the sport
• A new points system introduced for this
season has made racing more competitive,
with 25 points for a win, 18 points for second
place and 15 for third, down to one point for
tenth place.
• The F1 season started at the relatively new
Sakhir circuit in Bahrain on March 14 and was
won by two times former world champion
Fernando Alonso, now driving for Ferrari.
Abu Dhabi is, once again, the final race of the
season.
• Going into the final few races of the season,
five drivers were battling it out for the title
– Alonso, Mark Webber (Red Bull), Lewis
Hamilton (McLaren), Jenson Button (McLaren)
and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull).
• Up to and including October 10, those five
drivers had shared out this season’s race wins
between themselves, with Alonso winning
five races, Webber four, Vettel and Hamilton
three each, and Button claiming two race wins.
Parade of
champions
The Abu Dhabi GP will feature no less than four
F1 world champions. Jenson Button won the title
last season following Lewis Hamilton’s dramatic
championship triumph the year before, when
he clinched the title by one point by virtue of an
overtaking move on the last corner of the last lap
of the last race of the season.
Alonso has won the championship twice,
and Abu Dhabi will be graced for the first time
by F1 legend Michael Schumacher, who has
won the title seven times and is reckoned by
many F1 fans to be the greatest driver of all
time. After retiring from the sport in 2007 he
returned to action this season but has so far
failed to compete with the big boys.
10/28/10 5:54:02 PM

The
potential
race
winners
8 3
Fernando Alonso
(Ferrari)
Chances of victory: 8/10
Alonso is the two times former world champ
and has enjoyed a strong second half to the
season. One of the contenders for a race
victory in Abu Dhabi.
2
Lewis Hamilton
(McLaren)
Chances of victory: 8/10
The 2008 champion. The young Brit driver
triumphed two years ago after going close
to winning the title in his stunning debut
season in 2007. He had an average season
by comparison in 2009, but is back with a
vengeance and went into the last few races of
this year’s campaign as one of the favourites
for the title.
11 Robert Kubica (Renault)
Chances of victory: 5/10
9 Rubens Barrichello (Williams)
Chances of victory: 4/10
10 Nico Hülkenberg (Williams)
Chances of victory: 3/10
12 Vitaly Petrov (Renault)
Chances of victory: 3/10
14 Adrian Sutil (Force India)
Chances of victory: 3/10
15 Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force india)
Chances of victory: 2/10
22 Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber)
Chances of victory: 2/10
23 Kamui Kobayashi (BMW Sauber)
Chances of victory: 2/10
31-33 F1 AD.indd 33
FORMULA ONE
5 Sebastian Vettel
(Red Bull)
Chances of victory: 8/10
Many F1 fans’ one to watch this season and
a serious title contender. Going into the final
7 Felipe Massa
(Ferrari)
Chances of victory: 6/10
Came so close to winning the title in 2008, but
was pipped by Lewis Hamilton. Missed the
few races of the season, he was still in with
a chance of securing his first championship
end of last season after being struck on the
helmet by a bouncing spring from another car.
win. Seen by many F1 fans as 'the new Back in action this year but so far hasn’t lived
Schumacher', the young German has earned up to his 2008 form.
the less complimentary ‘crash kid’ tag this
season after a series of reckless errors.
Michael Schumacher
6 Mark Webber
(Red Bull)
Chances of victory: 8/10
The Australian F1 veteran was supposed to be
Red Bull’s number two driver this season, but
(Mercedes)
Chances of victory: 5/10
The seven times world champion is back in F1
this season, but hasn’t lived up to his former
glories. The fact that Mercedes are not one of
has outperformed team-mate Sebastian Vettel the leading F1 teams hasn’t helped either, but
and went into the final few races of the season he hasn’t made the grade personally.
4
with a strong chance of winning the title.
Nico Rosberg
1 Jenson Button
(McLaren)
Chances of victory: 7/10
The reigning world champ. The experienced
Brit finally claimed the title with Brawn GP last
(Mercedes)
Chances of victory: 5/10
The son of 1982 world champion
Keke Rosberg, he is regularly
outperforming his much more
year, before linking up with 2008 champion illustrious team-mate.
Lewis Hamilton at McLaren this season. At the
time of writing he was still in with a shout of
taking the title, but his championship hopes
had started to fade.
16 Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso)
Chances of victory: 1/10
17 Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso)
Chances of victory: 1/10
18 Jarno Trulli (Lotus)
Chances of victory: 1/10
19 Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus)
Chances of victory: 1/10
20 Sakon Yamamoto (HRT)
Chances of victory: 1/10
21 Bruno Senna (HRT)
Chances of victory: 1/10
24 Timo Glock (Virgin)
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
Chances of victory: 1/10
25 Lucas di Grassi (Virgin)
Chances of victory: 1/10
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 33
10/28/10 5:54:48 PM
The pit stop
parties
There’s more to F1 than
cars. As the capital’s motor
sports bonanza returns, so
does the series of gigs and
concerts that is Yasalam

An intimate
evening
with…
For anybody who noticed a testosterone-
heavy slant to Yasalam’s flagship gigs (Prince,
Kanye West and Linkin Park), feminine help
is at hand over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
weekend thanks to an intimate three-night
stand at The Yas Hotel.
The soulful tones of Gabrielle (November
12) kick things off, a genuine popstar in her
native UK during the 1990s after debut single
Dreams hit number one. Recent years haven’t
treated her so kindly, though a new studio
album is reportedly underway.
Sugababes (November 13) are
unrecognisable from the fresh-faced teen girls
that in 2000 embarked on the most successful
career of any 21st century female act thus far.
It’s more than simply growing up, however:
all the original members have since quit.
After parting ways with rapper Jay-Z’s Roc
Nation label in March, the new-look trio are
working on their next LP.
Corinne Bailey Rae (November 14) has
courageously risen from the ashes this year,
meanwhile, tackling her husband’s death with
sophomore album The Sea. Though failing
to replicate her multi-million-selling debut
record’s success, it did win favour with critics,
picking up a Mercury Prize nomination and
countless plaudits en route.
Nov 12 to 14, Longitude Bar, The Yas Hotel, Yas
Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs800. www.theyashotel.com

34 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

 Motormouth self-promoter and, since
July, Twitter fiend extraordinaire,
Kanye West’s egotistical-slash-
strangely self-aware opinions
have pebbledashed the media as
anticipation builds for new album
Fantasy
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
These are just an edited handful of his
best/worst/bizarre/banal quotes and
tweets from recent weeks…

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

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

Kanye West Waaaaay nicer.”

On music
“Sometimes I think in the back of
Date: November 12 my mind (I know that’s redundant)
In terms of building anticipation for album
releases, few artists can compete with
“Man, ninjas are I wonder what Thom Yorke’s doing
right now?”
Chicago’s crown prince of collegiate hip hop,
Kanye West. The run-up to latest opus My
kind of cool. On women
Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy has swiftly
become a drama of ludicrous scale acted out
I just don’t know “Please don’t let girls start wearing
dark lipstick again. I just think girls
to the amusement/entrancement of the entire
world wide web. First, a bizarre episode where
any personally” need to know that guys don’t really like
black lipstick.”
West earned international column inches
after making Steven Holmes, an entirely – Kanye West On technology
unknown man from nondescript English city “For a year and two days now I
Coventry, the only person he ‘followed’ on haven’t had a cell phone to get
Twitter. At time of going to press, West has away from the commercial and
just posted a supposedly banned version of pop worlds.”
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’s ’s cover art,
a crude painting of two naked monsters that, On women and
frankly, deserves censoring for artlessness technology
over any obscenity. Such online tomfoolery, “Why is [it] so sexy to me when I see
alongside various controversial incidents, [a] girl pull an iPad out her purse?”
have threatened to overshadow the fact that
West’s music alone is more than worthy of On, um, well…
worldwide attention. Consistently evolving “If baroque and mod had a car crash
over four studio albums to date, 2008 what would that ambulance look
departure 808s & Heartbreak was perhaps his like?”
most notable sharp career turn, majoring on
Auto-Tune voice effects and often swapping “Man, ninjas are kind of cool. I just
rapping for singing. Headline-making antics don’t know any personally.”
continue to keep Kanye West in the limelight,
but with a genuinely great back catalogue
to call upon, he continues to execute a rare
balance between pleasing the masses and his
GETTY IMAGES

own disparate whims.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 35

 YASALAM
Linkin Park
Date: November 13
Ubiquitous on the post-millennium metal
scene, it’s difficult to construct a concrete
argument against any band – like Linkin
Park – who have sold more than 50 million
albums. Hybrid Theory was the record
that catapulted the Californians to global
dominance in 2000, a polished alloy of blunt
nu-metal bluster, angst-riddled anger and
stadium rock magnitude that ticked all the
right boxes for a generation of rebellious
teenagers. Led by dual mouthpieces Chester
Bennington and Mike Shinoda, the sextet
have, to their credit, attempted to refine
that template over three studio albums that
have followed, toning down rap influences
while pushing a sound nearer to American
alternative rock. This year’s A Thousand
Suns – based around themes involving
atomic warfare – even drew comparisons to
vanguards of intelligent rock music such as
Muse and Radiohead. One facet didn’t alter,
though: continuing to shift units against the
tide of recession and falling record sales, A
Thousand Suns shipped 241,000 copies in
the US during its first week on the way to
topping the Billboard charts. Mere days before
their Yasalam appearance, the inaugural
International Linkin Park Underground
Summit takes place in London, a mark of the
GRAPHEAST
cult of fan devotion that surrounds the band.
36 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
Prince
Date: November 14
Given the name that his parents bestowed on
him, Prince Rogers Nelson was never likely to
work in an office. Stardom was the only real
option, a route the pocket-sized Minnesota funk-
rock legend has traversed with hitherto unrivalled
flair across his celebrated 30-year career.
Operating for almost all of that time outside the
constraints of trends or fads, briefly surmising the
52-year-old’s highs and lows is almost impossible.
Suffice to say, however, that most followers won’t
be hanging out for selections from latter-day
albums such as this year’s newspaper/magazine
covermount freebie 20Ten. The countless classic
cuts from his impressive repertoire chiefly hail
from earlier years; indeed, many would argue
he has never bettered much-heralded 1980s LPs
1999 and Purple Rain. Notching total record
sales into a remarkable nine figures, it’s probably
only a seeming willingness to out-weird himself
that has prevented Prince from doubling or even
tripling that figure. But whether as Prince or an
unpronounceable squiggle that led flummoxed
onlookers to label him The Artist Formerly
Known As Prince, he has always known how
to pull off live shows equal parts brilliant
showmanship, eccentric imagery and
timeless songs.
Even by eccentric popstar standards, the Prince threw a hissy fit earlier this year,
man born Prince Rogers Nelson’s career killing his website and declaring the
has been defined by especially weird, information superhighway an outmoded
wonderful and often contrary watermark dirt track. At last check, the Internet was
moments. Here are the top five… struggling on regardless.
1 Changing
a symbol
his name to
4 Covering Radiohead
Typographers globally endured mild
Not crazy itself, but the diminutive star
was made to look smaller than usual after
panic in 1993 when Prince switched to demanding the removal of YouTube footage
an unpronounceable squiggle vaguely showing his live take on Creep. Thom Yorke
resembling a hummingbird’s tongue and co overruled him. Ouch.
licking juxtaposed male and female gender
symbols. A sly marketing ploy, mind.
5 Refusing to play
1999 ever again
2 Giving away albums
Prince has twice handed out
latter-day studio albums as national
After wheeling out signature tune 1999
during a Millennium Eve concert, Prince
vowed to consign it in the 20th Century. The
newspaper/magazine covermounts, song proved bigger than the man by 2007,
notably in the UK, with supposed though, reinstating it to his set.
subversive intent. The subtext? Either
flagging sales or a genius tax write-off.
3 Claiming the internet
was ‘over’ November 12 to 14
, Yas Arena, Yas
ab i, ad mission free with
A prior pioneer of online releases, Island, Abu Dh
www.yasalam.ae
F1 race tickets only.
 Making a splash.
Live the moment.

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On the Corniche
When Formula One motor racing arrived
in Abu Dhabi for the first time last year,
the UAE’s long-running spirit of going one
bigger, better and more glamorous took
over. The associated Yasalam festivities
went way beyond the planet’s premier
motor sport championship and its legions
of devoted petrol-heads its triumphant
inaugural run attended by almost half a
million people. It was a no brainer, then,
that Yasalam would return for 2010,
building up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
feature race itself on November 14.
This year Yasalam is based around 2009’s
three most successful elements: Live On
Abu Dhabi Corniche, Live Across The
City and after-race concert series Live
On Yas Island. With the former two
programmes completely free to the public,
Yasalam again provides a citywide month
of cultural breadth surrounding what
would alone represent one of the largest
extravaganzas on the region’s calendar.
And the line-up is deservingly stupendous
38 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
for an event resplendent in a name that
translates to ‘wow’, boasting something for
revellers of all ages.
Live On Abu Dhabi Corniche’s chief
attraction comes as worldwide music
luminaries light up Beats On The Beach
at Al Sahil Beach (November 10 to 13).
Multi-million-selling dancehall king Sean
Paul raps up the opening night’s pinnacle,
followed 48 hours later by evergreen
English pop beauty Sophie Ellis-Bextor,
smooth New York rapper Fabolous
and Lebanese idol Nancy Ajram. The
contrasting talents of enigmatic R&B star
Kelis and Lebanese Dabke vocalist Fares
Karam close the final evening. In slightly
more sedate scenes, the F1 FanZone is
open to November 14 with all manner of
motor sport-related attractions, driver
signings, F1 race screenings, plus extreme
sports demonstrations, while Grand
Prix images are on display at Abu Dhabi
Galleria (to November 14). Beach cinema
screenings run to November 2, with South
American-themed activities running over
the weekend of the season’s penultimate F1
race, the Brazilian Grand Prix (November
5 to 7).
Live Across The City, meanwhile,
continues with an illustrious exhibition
of F1 imagery in The Art Of Racing
(until November 14), complemented
by work from local schoolchildren, and
an interactive F1 media zone (until
November 14). Between all that, students
and professionals alike compete in pedal
car modification contest Corniche Beach
Customs on November 7.
And the Yas Island fun isn’t entirely
exclusive to those with race-day tickets
(which gain access to concerts from
American megastar triumvirate Kanye
West, Linkin Park and Prince, November
12 to 14). There are post-gig after-parties,
which will be open to all planned, too.
www.yasalam.ae
 20 CURRYS: TESTED

curries

What’s On scoured the capital and

scorched our taste buds to track
down Abu Dhabi’s best curry. Here
come the spice sweats…
ISTOCK

40 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

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 10 CURRIES: TESTED

1
MURG MAKHANI
INDIA PALACE
9.5/10
This butter chicken dish was the talk of the
team. Tender chicken tikka in a rich tomato
sauce, finished with fenugreek and served
with naan, roti, parathas and steamed rice.
It’s India Palace's most popular dish and we
reckon its loyal customers are onto a winner.
Complex, creamy and exceptionally tasty,
it’s also a bit of a bargain. Get yourself
a spoon.
India Palace, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs30.
Tel: (02) 6448777

2 4
DAL MAKHANI
ZARI ZARDOSI
9/10
The black lentils in this traditional favourite
are simmered overnight in a clay oven, then
finished with butter and cream. The result is
a comforting hug of a dish, full of warmth.
Served with plain paratha to mop up the
last traces, this isn’t one if you’re watching
the calories but for a one-off you can’t
go wrong.
Zari Zardosi, Al Raha Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs29.
‘HOME STYLE’ CHICKEN
CURRY RANGOLI
8.5/10
This satisfying collaboration of chicken,
onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, chili and
yoghurt is cooked in a thick-bottomed
pan, then sautéed over a medium flame.
Guaranteed to help you get over the sniffles,
the spice levels are just right and we were
left wanting more. Always a good sign.
Rangoli, Rotana Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi,
Dhs75. Tel: (02) 6564000

5
Tel: (02) 5565188

3
LAMB NEHARI
INDIGO
9/10
The slow cooked shank of lamb, caramelised
red onion, turmeric and original spices from
Lucknow combine to create an upmarket
curry. Granted, it’s on the expensive side but
the stylish restaurant, knowledgeable staff
and fantastic flavours more than justify the
bill. Delicious.
Indigo, Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, Dhs120.
Tel: (02) 6979334
BEEF NIHARI
AL IBRAHIMI
8/10
Hungry? A whole leg of beef should hit
the spot. Cooked with traditional spices
including dry ginger, red chillies, black
pepper and turmeric, this hearty dish is not
only amazing value, but a real treat for the
taste buds. Surprisingly good quality beef
(no unidentified meat here), too.
Al Ibrahimi Restaurant, Electra Street and
Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi, Dhs14. Tel: (02)
6346258 / (02) 6344244

Dal Makhani – Zari Zardosi

ISTOCK

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 41

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 10 CURRIES: TESTED

6
ROGAN E JOSH
ZARI ZARDOSI
8/10
Invitingly presented and milder than
expected, this tender baby lamb dish is
cooked with whole spices, onion and tomato.
Ideal with fluffy rice, it has a home-cooked
taste, earning it two decisive thumbs up.
Zari Zardosi, Al Raha Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs51.
Tel: (02) 5565188

7
DAL MAKHANI
INDIA PALACE
7.5/10
A flavourful combination of lentils and
beans that are soaked overnight, then
gently simmered on low heat and finished
with butter and cream. Perhaps not strong
enough for a main meal (could do with
being richer), it’s a good contender
for sharing, but at Dhs18 you can’t
really complain.
India Palace, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs18.
Tel: (02) 6448777

8
CHICKEN GREEN CURRY
KONKANS
7/10
If this was a competition based on best facial
expression, here's your winner – one tester
bit straight into a green chilli. Bold. Chicken
pieces cooked in a gravy of coriander, mint
leaves and green chillis (careful), with spices
and herbs, made this a good old fashioned,
hot and spicy curry. And just look at that man
go as he heads for the water cooler…
Konkans, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, Dhs15. Rogan E Josh – Zari Zardosi
Tel: (02) 6760588

9
MUTTON KOFTA
AL IBRAHIMI
7/10
A cheeky little Pakistani curry, this was nice
and spicy, just as we hoped. With minced
mutton balls marinated with cumin seeds,
dry coriander, salt and pepper and cooked
in tomato paste, if you are looking for a
subcontinental taste then here it is – and
you’ll get change from Dhs15.
Al Ibrahimi, Electra Street and Madinat Zayed,
Abu Dhabi, Dhs14. Tel: (02) 6346258 or (02)
6344244

10
FISH CURRY
KONKANS
6.5/10
What a scorcher. This fiery feast of pomfret
cooked with searing Indian spices and
grated coconut is not for the faint hearted,
but if rich, hot and spicy is your thing, get
yourself down to Konkans.
Lamb Nehari, Beach Rotana Konkans, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, Dhs18.
Tel: (02) 6760588

42 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

40-42 Currys_AUD NEW.indd 42 10/28/10 6:12:54 PM

 THURSDAYS:
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 FILM
The American
WHO? George Clooney, Irina
Björklund, Thekla Reuten,
Johan Leysen, Paolo Bonacelli,
Anton Corbijn (director)
TAGLINE ‘From the director of Control’
ONCE UPON A TIME... Veteran assassin Jack (Clooney)
decided to call it a day, just as
soon as he polished off one last
assignment in Italy.
IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE Watch the most charismatic
MOOD TO... American actor of his generation
do his whole charismatic
American thing.
WATCH THIS IF YOU Anton Corbijin’s acclaimed debut
LIKE... picture, the Ian Curtis/Joy Division
biopic Control, and edgier George
Clooney offerings such as The
Good German and Confessions Of
A Dangerous Mind.
TOP TRIVIA Before he moved into movies,
Anton Corbijn was one of the
world’s most celebrated stills
photographers.
WHAT’S ON TEN WORD Not classic Clooney, but you have
REVIEW to admire his ambition.
RATE OR SLATE? ★★★✩✩
44 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
Burke And Hare Saw 3D
Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Isla
Fisher, Christopher Lee, Tim
Curry, John Landis (director)
‘No job too small. No body too
big. No questions asked’
Williams Burke and Hare (Pegg
and Serkis), who made a living
selling corpses to Edinburgh’s
medical schools, discovered
they could become really rich by
bumping people off instead of
simply grave robbing.
Get behind two blokes all right
thinking people would detest.
John Landis’ horror classic An
American Werewolf In London
and Simon Pegg’s bloody superb
Shaun Of The Dead.
Pegg’s on-screen wife is played by
his Spaced co-star Jessica Hynes
(nee Stevenson).
A film crying out to be described
as dead funny.
★★★★✩
Tobin Bell, Carey Elwes, Costas
Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Sean
Patrick Flanery, Kevin Greutert
(director)
‘In eye-popping 3D’
Survivors of Jigsaw’s demented
genius met up with self-help guru
Bobby Dagen (Flanery), unaware
that their revelations would spark
off a new cycle of horror.
Watch a sub-par Saw movie
in 3D.
Saws 1 to VI. It might also appeal
to those who got a kick-out
of recent 3D horror releases
such as Piranha and The Final
Destination.
While the other Saw films had
relatively short schedules, the use of
3D technology meant this picture
took almost half a year to complete.
The appeal of Jigsaw
remains a puzzle.
★★✩✩✩

Jackass
3-D
Johnny Knoxville, Bam
Margera, Steve-O, Chris Pontius,
Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, Jeff
Tremaine (director)
‘They’re back. In 3D’
Johnny Knoxville and his brave/
incredibly stupid band decided it
was time to perform a new set of
inspired/insane stunts.
Watch grown men demonstrate
that they really don’t know better.
The earlier films, the first of
which saw the boys patrol Tokyo
in panda suits while the second
featured Johnny Knoxville
being rundown by a yak while
blindfolded.
Bam Margera was attacked by
a woman with a baseball bat
during shooting. The assault left
the skateboarder with bleeding on
the brain.
Genius to some, boorish idiocy
to others.
★★★✩✩
The Hole
Chris Massoglia, Nathan
Gamble, Teri Polo, Bruce Dern,
Chelsea Ricketts, Joe Dante
(director)
‘What are you so afraid of?’
Teenage brothers Dane and
Nathan (Massoglia and Gamble)
found a hole in their basement
leading to a place where they
must confront their worst fears.
Watch a couple of contemporary
kids have the bejesus scared out
of them. Which if you’ve just
been cut up by one of them on
his poncey scooter, could prove a
genuine delight.
Joe Dante’s excellent kids ‘n’
horror combos Gremlins, The
‘Burbs and, er, Gremlins 2: The
New Batch.
Be sure to stay for the unnerving
post-credits sequence.
This month’s third 3D offering’s
the pick of the bunch.
★★★★✩
Khatta Meetha The Death And
Life Of Charlie
St Cloud
Akshay Kumar, Trisha
Krishnan, Rajpal Yadav,
Johnny Lever, Urvashi Sharma,
Priyadarshan (writer-director)
‘From the director of Bhool
Bhulaiyaa’
Ambitious road builder Sachin
Tichkule (Kumar) found his
dreams crushed at every turn by
corrupt Indian bureaucrats.
See the Bollywood equivalent of
The Full Monty or Brassed Off:
pictures that aim to entertain
but contain powerful political
messages.
Above-average rom-coms, and
are interested in seeing what such
films would be like if they came
with lots of dancing and any
number of show-stopping tunes.
Massive Bollywood star Akshay
Kumar started out life as a waiter
in a Bangkok restaurant.
It’s unsubtle, but there’s no
denying it’s fun.
★★★✩✩
FILM | NEW RELEASES
Zac Efron, Charlie Tahan,
Amanda Crew, Donal Logue,
Kim Basinger, Burr Steers
(director)
‘Life is for living’
Charlie St Cloud (Efron) was
left distraught by the death of
his younger brother, only for a
new love and the spirit of his
late sibling to provide his life
with fresh purpose.
See Zac Efron take another
step along the road from teen
stardom to sophisticated movie
actor.
The sort of films you have to
watch through teary eyes.
Since filming, Zac Efron
has grown a full beard and
moustache. It looks rubbish.
Efron’s good, but this well-
intentioned film is waterlogged.
★★✩✩✩
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 45
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EATING OUT
How many curries does it take to
floor a journo? Nope, it’s not a joke.
Curry is an extremely serious matter
indeed. For three days straight we
tested red curries, yellow curries,
brown curries, veggie curries, lamb
curries, chicken curries, naans,
popadums – the lot – so you,
dear reader, know where to go to
indulge in the best examples of this classic Indian
dish (p40). And as if that weren’t enough, we also
visited the renamed Indego by Vineet to sample
the Michelin starred chef’s new menu and took a
cooking master class with Vineet Bhatia himself
(p52). You can also enjoy our verdict on our new
favourite restaurant La Petite Maison (p48) and the
new menu at Emirates Palace’s Sayad (p51), plus
we have little chat with celeb chef Gordon Ramsay
(p55), the UAE’s newest brunches (p59), The Critic
on growing and catching your own dinner (p62)
and a Saffa barbecue (braai) at Dubai’s Els Club
(p63). Now eat it all up like good little readers and
we’ll let you stay up to read the Arts section. The
answer, by the way is, 30.

Gareth Rees, Features Editor

NOBU

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 47

 EATING OUT
On the
menu
A tasty trio of
newsy nibbles
BUILD YOUR OWN
It’s not often we’d be
advising you to visit an
'all day dining' restaurant,
they tend to be a little
on the dull side, but Al
Manzil Hotel’s Conservatory has
launched a new menu concept
– and, as we discovered recently,
produces some rather good
burgers (try the lamb and be
prepared to get messy). You are
encouraged to chat with the chefs,
who will then create bespoke
dishes based on those featured
on the new lunch and dinner
menu. There’s also a salad bar and
live cooking stations. And Pierre
Gagnaire-trained chef Antoine
Christian is overseeing it all.
Al Manzil Hotel, Downtown,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 4285923. www.
southernsunme.com/almanzil
ROCOCO TREATS
November 14 marks the start of
an Italian Festival at Sofitel Dubai
Jumeirah Beach and Rococo chef
Enzo Neri has a few surprises in
store for us. The Italian chef has
launched a special three-course
set menu available for Dhs195 and
will prepare dishes using a different
Italian seasonal ingredient (pears,
chestnuts, aubergine, raspberry)
each week until December 4. There
will also be cooking classes, (Nov
10 and 29), where you can learn to
cook with chef Neri in the kitchen.
Rococo, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah
Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04)
4484860. www.sofitel.com
MAMA MIA!
Have you ever wondered why
Italian men make so much of a fuss
about their mamas? Maybe it's
fancy tasting Italian cooking just
like mama used to make it (and still
does, it seems)? To prove this, chef
Doretta Calchetti will be preparing
a special a la carte menu for
lunch and dinner at Grand Hyatt
Dubai’s Andiamo restaurant, from
November 6 to 11, and holding
a cooking class on November 10.
Mamma Doretta promises chicken
livers with black olive cream and
Bringoli pasta with rabbit. That
does it for us.
Nov 6 to 11, Grand Hyatt Dubai,
Oud Metha, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3172222. www.dubai.hyatt.com
48 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
La Petite Maison
The Dubai branch
of LPM becomes an
instant classic
Probably the easiest way to judge a
successful restaurant is by how full
it is. Yet a bustling dining room
can still be something of a rarity
in Dubai, where even the finest
restaurants might be far from
full, or worse still, empty. There’s
nothing more dismal than eating
in silence, just the shuffling of the
chef ’s restless feet emanating from
the dormant kitchen.
Contradictorily, the fuller the
restaurant, the more intimate your
experience. When all is alive about
you, conversation flows. In an
empty restaurant, the unfilled space
and silence slaps an oppressive
hand across your mouths.
La Petite Maison, on only its
fourth night, was chock-a-block. The onion tart, a wafer of A small rowboat of classic
Not just busy – full to the brim. crisp pastry, smothered with vanilla crème brulée was faultless
A visitor to the Emirates would sweet onion and several small and a tart, naughtily named
have thought LPM was a Dubai slices of anchovy arrive first, summer berry froth with a
restaurant stalwart, not the new quickly followed by a vast creamy milky yoghurt ice cream and
kid on the block, although it soon cloud of burrata festooned with several crisp vanilla nuggets
will be. tomatoes and basil and a magical of doughnut was jolly, but the
Confident door staff, not at all mix of fishy sardine, sweet grape cheesecake… The cheesecake
surprised that yet more guests and tomato. Three carpaccio was the cheesecake to end all
were upon them, guided us past plates follow suit, all layered with cheesecakes. And all meals.
the bar and its pre-meal tipplers, fine slivers of sirloin, marinated Do we need to tell you to book
and through an efficient army of salmon with pink peppercorns a table?
waiters swooping from table to and fresh scallop, and a bowl of
table. Moving at lighting speed, warm prawns sitting gracefully in
they’re recommending a dish to a mildly peppery puddle of olive
a couple in the corner, delivering oil. We couldn’t find fault with Need to know
several plates to a large table of any of these uncomplicated but
suits or pouring a glass of wine for delightful dishes. Location: DIFC, Gate Village
a few hipsters coolly nodding their A supple meaty hunk of turbot 8, Dubai
approval of yet another wonderful was given a homely heft, baked Tel: (04) 4390505
hors d’oeuvres plate. and served in a petite cassoulet Web: www.lpmdubai.ae
You could be in New York or with white wine, olive oil and a Open: Sun to Fri noon to
London. The place is alive. handful of soft and gorgeously 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm
But back to those hors vinegary artichokes. But the dish Cuisine type: French (Niçoise)
d’oeuvres. LPM promotes a de la nuit consisted of several juicy Must eat: grilled lamb cutlets
sharing concept, naturally – it’s lamb cutlets, the exterior sticky Bill for two: Dhs930 (without
the best way to eat – shared food and charred from the grill, the alcohol)
guaranteeing a united experience flesh below magnificently pink.
and steady conversation from the
off. The waiter will advise you to In tweet form… Our new favourite
try three or four dishes, which restaurant in Dubai. Book a table.
is plenty, but we ran our taste follow me
Now. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and
buds over seven – it pays to be WhatsOnAbuDhabi
thorough, after all.
What’s On
Awards 2010
The people’s choice
awards have arrived
– voting has closed,
you have had your
say. But who will
those winners be?
The time has come. The reckoning
is over. You have cast your votes,
either online, via SMS or the
old-fashioned nomination card-
filling way. One of you is set to
win the grand prize – a five-
night stay at the luxurious Four
Seasons Resort in the Maldives,
with return flights. But the real
winners will be the restaurants
that take home one of those
coveted What’s On Awards and
the honour of hanging a What’s
On winner’s plaque outside their
people-approved establishment
on November 7.
Last year’s big winner was
Zuma, which it turned out was
not only our favourite Japanese
restaurant in Dubai, but yours
too. Chef Colin Clague and his
team walked off with no fewer
than four What’s On Awards. Can
they do it again? Or will another
restaurant usurp that Favourite
Japanese title? One thing is for
sure, Zuma can’t win the coveted
Best Newcomer award two years
At your leisure
Abu Dhabi Golf Club,
serving up the best in quality entertainment
and leisurely dining options.
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running. Which young prince
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Favourite European, Italian
or seafood?
The answer is that we don’t
know (unless you’re reading this
after November 7, that is). That’s
the beauty of allowing you, the
people, to choose. After all, you’re
the ones who pay to eat in these
restaurants and you’re the ones
we’ve been buying what is now
the best-selling entertainment
magazine in the UAE for these
past 31 years. Without you,
neither the magazine, the awards
nor many of these restaurants
would exist. So thank you.
And goodnight.
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 49

Sayad
Emirates Palace’s fish
restaurant welcomes
a new chef and menu
There’s an overwhelming sense of
calm in Emirates Palace’s Sayad.
Maybe it’s the large aquarium
taking up most of the space at the
restaurant’s doors, its occupants
drifting happily around the tank,
or even the soothing shades of
aqua of the décor inside, but
whatever it is it made us feel, well,
calm. Calm and aquatic.
Named, rather aptly, after the
Arabic for ‘the fisherman’, Sayad
unashamedly takes its cues from the
deep, with its cutesy fish-embossed
tiles leading to an intimate terrace
and impressive views over the
marina and out to sea.
Armed with a new menu, as
provided by the equally new chef
Shaun Anthony, the restaurant
is set to take on the abundance
of seafood eateries in the capital
(including the excellent Nautilus
and Finz, to name but two) for the
title of king of the sea.
Anthony is no slouch, having
learned his trade under the
watchful eye of no less than
Gordon Ramsay, so the bun fight
(or should that be cod fight?) is
most definitely on, and with an
impressive array of ocean offerings
on his menu, the competition
should take notice.
We started with an amuse-
bouche of white anchovy mousse
with potato chips, its light dusting
of smoked Spanish paprika giving
it a spicy edge and setting the tone.
The North Atlantic Ocean trout
with white asparagus and almond
crumble was off-the-boat fresh;
its gentle poaching producing a
meltingly tender result, with the
crumble adding texture. Followed
by smoked haddock veloute with
parsnip, quail’s eggs and ratte
potato – the haddock’s milky flavour
combining with a parsnip purée to
give the dish a sweet and earthy feel
– it was certainly an impressive start
for chef Anthony’s menu.
A main course of halibut with
wild mushroom, artichoke and
tomato was cooked to perfection;
the girolle mushrooms adding to
the rustic texture, while the basil
In tweet form… Abu Dhabi seafood
fans take note: Sayad means business
follow me Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and
WhatsOnAbuDhabi
from the cherry tomatoes and the
sherry vinegar foam brought out a
surprising richness and acidity.
To end, we ambitiously opted
for a lemon tart, although it was
always going to be foolhardy
manoeuvre, and despite enjoying
a bite or two it was quickly game
over. Will it be game over for the
rest of the capital’s fish restaurants?
It’s certainly seafood for thought.
Need to know
Location: Sayad, Emirates
Palace, Abu Dhabi
Tel: (02) 6905643
Web: www.emiratespalace.
com
Open: 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Cuisine type: seafood
Must eat: halibut, with wild
mushroom, artichoke and
tomato
Bill for two: Dhs800
(without alcohol)
EATING OUT
A taste of
things to
come
Three new ways to
fill your belly
YELLOW LOUNGE
What’s On loves to
lounge – who doesn’t?
– so we’ve been waiting
for the opening of Yellow
Lounge since we heard rumour
of a champagne bar hitched to
French brasserie Rive Gauche
some time ago. Now it’s here.
We’re talking hors d’oeuvres,
champagne, cocktails, an
extensive wine list, music and
themed nights. With Red Lounge
recently opening at Raffles, we’re
thinking the lounge might be a
new trend. You heard it here first.
The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai,
Mon to Sat 7pm to midnight. Tel:
(04) 4367777. www.theaddress.com
MAISON SUCRE
We’re sure our cupcake feature
last month inspired you to rush
out and gorge yourself on the
dainty delicacies, but if you
haven’t had your fill, Maison
Sucre, the capital’s newest bakery,
will be happy to stuff you to the
gills with fluffy sponge and sugary
icing. Or, if cupcakes ain’t your
thing, there are tarts, pastries and
made-to-order cakes.
Corner of Khaleej Al Arabi Street and
Zayed the First Street, Khalidiya, Abu
Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 9am to 11pm,
Fri 10am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6396622.
www.maisonsucreuae.com
JAMIE’S ITALIAN
Is he coming or isn’t he? Rumours
of Jamie Oliver making his Dubai
restaurant debut have been doing
the rounds for a number of years
– the restless, crusading cook has
even paid us a visit, but we’re yet to
see a real commitment. Until now.
We’ve been promised that a branch
of Oliver’s popular Jamie’s Italian
(15 UK restaurants and counting)
will open at Festival Centre late
this month, boasting 290 covers,
a pasta bar and a menu brimming
with Mediterranean classics. The
man himself may even turn up to
give it his ‘pukka’ seal of approval.
Wicked, as the Essex chef himself
would say.
Festival Centre, Marina Pavilion,
Dubai Festival City, Dubai
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 51
 EATING OUT

HEF
Indego by Vineet CELEB C L
SPECIA

Vineet Bhatia’s new

menu reminds us
just how unique the
chef’s talent is
Vineet Bhatia. He’s the chef
who made his name in London
revolutionising the cooking of
his homeland, becoming the
first Indian chef to win a coveted
Michelin star and going on to
open several restaurants around
the world – including, in 2005,
Indego at Grosvenor House
in Dubai.
The restaurant now renamed
Indego by Vineet has been the
only Indian restaurant in our Hot
List from day one. Why? Because
nobody does Indian cuisine quite
like Vineet Bhatia. It’s not just
the wonderful food – plenty of
Indian restaurants in the city
do wonderful – it’s the thinking A well judged crab and lentil is where Bhatia’s mastery is really a stranger. The classic onion and
behind it. Traditional Indian soup served with several crab on show. tomato rogan josh, on the other
cooking techniques have been fritters was magnificent, while We sampled several prawns hand, joined it as they strolled
questioned, everything broken three hunks of monkfish were precisely poached in coconut with serenely down our gullet. Sides of
down to the barest essentials coated in a zingy, deep green herb a chilli masala edge, which the sweet, fresh South Indian vegetable
and reconstructed as works of tandoori coating that stirred the waiter insisted were the house stir-fry, thick Tadka dal and a
art – cleaner flavours, fewer but palate, preparing the ground for the speciality. It was pretty special, basket of flawless naans did the
carefully combined spices, elegant supple, sleek fish beneath. The best but the two lamb dishes we trick for two, leaving just enough
presentation, smaller portions. start to a meal one could wish for. ordered were astonishingly fine. room for two light desserts.
European élan combined with a Though the menu proffers Pot-roasted ginger lamb chops – Chunky strips of pineapple
depth and complexity of flavour numerous biryanis and a handful sold, we hear you cry already. We’d piled high like jenga blocks
that is unmistakably Indian. of sharing plates, the section just like to add that the chops were adorned with sweet spices and
You couldn’t hope to replicate it. promising contemporary Indian flawlessly prepared and the korma pepper, served with a dollop of
Bhatia is, undoubtedly, a genius. spiked with a cheeky hit of truffle pineapple sorbet. And a small
Now, the great man himself oil which got along with the ginger selection of rose petal, vanilla
doesn’t captain the good ship like an old friend. The slow-cooked, bean, roasted coconut and
Indego, but the dishes are all his tender flesh of the Kashmiri lamb almond and mango smoothies.
and now we have shown we’re shank distanced itself from the Some distance from the usual
ready for Indian fine dining in bone without so much as a fork heavy and cloying Indian
Dubai, the menu has been refined prod and sat there looking at it like desserts. All hail Vineet Bhatia.
to reflect the level of cuisine
found at Bhatia’s Michelin starred In tweet form… A new menu from the
Rasoi in London’s Chelsea. world’s foremost Indian chef, showing
You can enjoy a six-course off his consummate and unique skills to
tasting menu for a startlingly follow me
the full. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and
reasonable Dhs550, but we WhatsOnAbuDhabi
plunged right into the a la carte.

“Nobody does Indian cuisine quite like Vineet

52 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

Cooking
by Vineet
Our favourite Indian chef, the
multi-Michelin starred Vineet
Bhatia, was kind enough to
invite us into his kitchen, where
we prepared this simple dish
that even the clumsiest of
cooks could handle.
VINEET ON…
…the new name
When we arrived in Dubai not many people knew
who we were or what we were about, so we weren’t
confident using the name at that stage. As time has
passed all our various restaurants have started to
carry the ‘by Vineet’ tag. Now people associate a
certain kind of quality with the name. It shows it’s
one of ours. Simple as that.
…menu changes
There’s a slight change with the menu. We’re tilt-
ing more towards what we do in London. We’ve
contemporised the cuisine a bit more. When we
first came here four or five years ago it was slightly
different, it had to be tamed because Dubai was a
new market. Trying to pitch Indian fine dining was
a gamble, which paid off. It was not as elaborate
as London. Now it will be more in tune. After this
Need to know menu change, we will gauge reaction in the next
three to four months and I’ll come back in March
Location: Grosvenor and make a bigger change. We want to take it to the
House, Dubai Marina, Dubai level that we’re doing things in Europe.
Tel: (04) 3998888
Web: www. …Dubai diners
grosvenorhouse-dubai.com The climate here has changed a lot. People’s taste
Open: Mon to Sat 7pm to buds have changed and they now appreciate and
midnight acknowledge the concept of fine dining Indian. It’s
Cuisine: Indian the norm now. Each restaurant has a head chef and
Must eat: green herb an element of individuality, but any new additions
tandoori monkfish I will decide. They don’t change dishes. I come four
Bill for two: Dhs900 or five times I year and I keep an eye on things.
(without alcohol)
…the Bhatia style of cooking
There’s nothing wrong with the old fashioned way,
but it is very heavy. You end up with food leftover
Bhatia” that you can’t eat. The dishes we do here wouldn’t
work in Bur Dubai or Karama, because it’s a differ-
ent audience. There they expect to get something
EATING OUT
a lot more robust. The people who dine here
appreciate sophisticated flavours. When you come
into a place like Grosvenor House, you expect
something grand.
…copycats
I’m very happy with people copying me – it’s the
greatest form of flattery, but, obviously, nobody
would acknowledge it. It does encourage me to
innovate and I always have an ace up my sleeve.
We have a kitchen at home, which is a miniature
version of the restaurant kitchen. That’s where it
all happens.
…Abu Dhabi
We’re looking at opening up a restaurant in Abu
Dhabi in July next year. It will be similar – fine din-
ing – but it’s not finalised.
ASSORTED SEAFOOD
IN RAW MANGO CURRY
INGREDIENTS
200g cubed hammour fillet, eight
pieces scallop meat, 300g lobster
chunks, ten shelled and cleaned
prawns, one pinch turmeric
powder, one tbsp lemon juice, salt,
two tbsp corn oil, one tsp mustard seeds,
two sprigs of curry leaves, one finely sliced
small red onion, one tsp chopped garlic,
one tsp chopped ginger, one pinch turmeric
powder, 800ml raw mango gravy, 100ml
thick coconut milk
PREPARATION
Marinate the assorted fish with the salt
and lemon juice and one pinch of turmeric
powder and put aside. Heat corn oil in a pan
and add mustard seeds. Once it splutters add
the curry leaves, red onion, garlic, ginger, and
sauté until onion is translucent. Add turmeric
powder and sauté. Add the hammour, prawns
and lobster, and sauté for three minutes
on a low heat. Add raw mango sauce and
allow to cook until seafood is almost done.
Add scallops and cook for further three or
four minutes. Add coconut milk, check the
seasoning and serve with rice.
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 53
 EATING OUT

Ramsay CHEF
CELEEBCIAL
SP

“I haven’t finished learning”

He’s suffered a rash of
restaurant closures, a jarring
split from the CEO of Gordon
Ramsay Holdings – who also
happens to be his father-
in-law – and recently said
goodbye to yet another
of his protégés, Angela
Hartnett. But if Gordon
Ramsay is having a tough
time he doesn’t show
it, and he's definitely
not ready to hang
up his chef's jacket
just yet

So, what do you think of

the newly refurbished Verre,
then, Gordon?
I can count on one hand how many
times I’ve been upset at Verre in the last
nine years. Based on the reports I’ve had on
the restaurant reopening, we’re 80 per cent
of the way there. We’re not perfect, but we’re
getting there.
Were you worried about giving head chef
Scott Price so much freedom at just 29?
I don’t want to be cloned and I don’t want
them in a straightjacket. What he has is an
amazing palate and I trust that palate. Scott’s a
trusted lieutenant and he’s got to find his feet.
On the back of his brilliant pedigree he’d be
an absolute fool if he messed it up with just 40
to 60 covers a night. I’m not saying we’re un-
touchable, but we certainly set the benchmark
in Dubai. So I’m very proud of him and, more
importantly, he’s going to go a long way. What
this kitchen has spawned over the last decade
is quite extraordinary. Some of the best chefs
in the UK have come out of Verre in Dubai.
Like Angela Hartnett?
Sure. It’s been a significant week. Angela
is now lock, stock and barrel holding the
baby and owning 100 per cent of [London
The masterclass
Gordon Ramsay joins us in
the Verre kitchen for one of
Scott Price’s masterclasses
“I can sense him, he’s definitely around,”
chef Scott said, his head darting this way
and that trying to spot his boss before his
boss spotted him.
Ramsay seems to have that effect on
people, but when he finally did arrive he
was, well, not chirpy exactly, but certainly
animated, chatting as we prepared a
fine apple tarte tatin and slightly No need to worry, though – if you sign
overcooked our duck. up for a masterclass, Scott will do plenty
We must admit we were quite looking of talking without the big man there
forward to a rollicking, but the celeb chef and you’ll get a Verre apron, recipes and
spent most of the time making fun of his breakfast thrown in. Masterclass. Done.
young protégé – most notably for not Verre, Hilton Dubai Creek, 10am to 2pm,
talking enough. Dhs950 per person. Tel: (04) 2271111

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 55

 EATING OUT
restaurant] Murano. To think that she came
out here and set up Verre right at the begin-
ning, sadly just a week after 9/11 – the worst
time for any opening anywhere in the world.
But we weathered the storm, we went from
strength to strength and it’s become a great
breeding ground.
You have a reputation for having quite a
bad temper. Any need to shout at Scott
today?
No, no need to shout at him. I have a great
relationship with these guys. I know how
difficult and what a pain I can be at times. But
when it’s good, it’s good. When it’s bad, they
need to know it’s bad.
If Michelin came to Dubai, would Verre be
good enough to win a star?
Verre would get more than one Michelin
star. There are big restaurants over here, but
I’ve eaten out, I’ve seen the competition,
and Verre would be edging on two or three
Michelin stars.
That’s a bold call.
There would be a lot of Michelin stars. Not just
Pierre Gagnaire, Locatelli, Nobu and the Gary
Rhodes aspect, but there are some extremely
good restaurants in Dubai. I’ve come across
phenomenal Chinese and Indian, for example,
and it [Michelin] would be the icing on the
cake. If you can put a Michelin guide in Vegas,
you can definitely put a guide in Dubai.
You know quite a few big name chefs. Is
Dubai still on their radar?
Dubai is very much a place chefs still want
to come to. Alain Ducasse is on the verge of
signing somewhere. Guy Savoy is looking
again. It’s a bit of a draw.
Can we expect some more Gordon
Ramsay restaurants?
I would like to do something else, but it has
to be the right opportunity. Perhaps some-
thing more relaxed – a steakhouse or a grill
or something with a little bit more of a lively
buzz as opposed to the fine dining room.
Not planning on stopping any time soon,
then?
I’m 43. Three big openings next year. The Sa-
voy Grill next month. I think that’s enough for
a year. Stopping? That sounds like getting old
and boring, right? No, I’m not going to stop. I
need to keep going and I’m naturally excited
about food, but I also get bored very quickly.
Bored enough for a return to the kitchen?
No plans to return. Definitely not. I don’t
want to die behind the stove and I like my life
outside the kitchen. There are cooks and there
are chefs. I love cooking, I absolutely love it,
but my god, I’ve served my time behind the
stove. I’m still getting better. I haven’t finished
learning. But do I need to be at the helm and
start deboning duck and lamb, filleting sea
bass at half past seven in the morning? No,
not really.
56 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
RAMSAY STREET
Ramsay protégés that
have flown the nest
Marcus Wareing
Having worked for Ramsay
for 15 years, Wareing left –
rather unceremoniously – in
2008 to open Marcus Wareing
at The Berkeley Hotel, which was named
best restaurant in London by the Harden’s
Guide the same year, ahead of Ramsay’s
own three star Royal Hospital Road.
Jason Atherton
Ramsay appointed Atherton
executive chef of Verre in
2002, following stints at
Spain’s El Bulli, working
under the mighty Ferran
Adria, Frith Street and L’Anis
in London. He later returned to London
to run Ramsay’s Maze, but left in April
planning to set up his own restaurant.
Angela Hartnett
The most recent of his
charges to strike out on her
own, Hartnett started at
Ramsay’s Aubergine along
with Marcus Wareing in 1994
So you’ll continue doing what you’re and worked at numerous
doing, despite the press? You don’t really Ramsay restaurants before
like the media attention, do you, Gordon? opening Verre in 2001. Hartnett won a
No, not really, no. I hate it. I’m a chef. Unfor- Michelin star at The Connaught Hotel in
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
tunately, the profile was built on the back of 2004 and most recently ran the kitchen
the success – not because it was being chased. at Ramsay’s Murano in London. Just last
The press have been phenomenal, but it has month she bought Ramsay out and is
its dark side as well. If you dance with the now chef and owner of Murano.
devil, don’t be surprised if you get burnt.
APPLE TARTE TATIN (FOR SIX)
INGREDIENTS
15 red apples, 400g caster sugar, 350g unsalted butter, one sheet of
rolled puff pastry (available pre-made in supermarkets)
PREPARATION
Place the sugar in a pan and caramelise. Slowly beat in the butter, being
careful not to split caramel. Pour caramel into a large, round ovenproof dish and leave
to cool. Quarter all but one of the apples and remove the seeds and core using a knife,
halve the remaining apple and remove the seeds and core using an apple corer. Place
one apple half in the centre of the dish and place the quarters around the centrepiece
to form a circle. Roll out the puff pastry to 3mm to 4mm then cut a circle a little larger
than the dish and cover the apples with it, making sure to push the edges of the pastry
down in-between the apples. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or
until pastry is cooked and crisp and the caramel dark brown. Turn the mould over onto a
plate while hot and lift off the mould. Serve with ice cream.
novotel.com

Le roi du foie gras lui-même

all the way from his own Lab in France freshly to you.
Chef Robert Chaffanjon is back! Do
not miss his marvelous specialties during his seasonal
Famous Festival at Le Beaujolais Restaurant
From October 26 to November 4, 2010
Together with live performance of the
French accordionist Frank Gergaud
&
singer Stephanie

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ARMANI/HASHI
What was that shooting pain we felt? Oh
yes, it was Armani/Hashi being so hip it
hurts. Not only is the address a sure-fire
way to wow, their new brunch is all that and
then some, with stunningly fresh seafood,
unrelenting Bollinger and killer views.
Throw in the sushi buffet, a la carte mains,
a children’s room complete with nanny and
enough sake to sink Molly Brown and you’re
onto a winner. A very cool winner.
Best for: Sophisticates
Armani/Hashi, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa,
Downtown, Dubai, noon to 3.30pm, Dhs290
with soft drinks, Dhs380 with selected
beverages, Dhs585 including Bollinger and
Dhs145 for children aged four to ten. Tel: (04)
8883888. www.dubai.armanihotels.com
Armani/Hashi
Warehouse
NOBU HIGH BRUNCH
Nobu co-founder Robert De Niro once
said :“There’s nothing more ironic or
contradictory than life itself”. Fortunately,
business partner Nobu Matsuhisa leaves
the twaddle to Bob, while he busies himself
creating such dishes as his legendary black
miso cod. Enjoy that and more with Nobu’s
new brunch, which boats an impressive a la
carte menu, wine, beer and sake tasting in
four hours of Japanese fusion fun.
Best for: Nobu fans
Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, noon
to 4pm, Dhs320 without alcohol, Dhs490
with alcohol. Tel: (04) 4262626. www.
atlantisthepalm.com
EATING OUT
Enjoy our round-up of
Dubai’s newest brunches
DUSIT THANI DUBAI
A pan-Asian feast in the truest sense, you can
enjoy phad Thai from Thailand, sushi from
Japan, a Chinese dim sum station and curries
from India and Sri Lanka, as well as fruit and
ice carvings for the eminently sensible sum
of Dhs200 with house beverages. The 24th
floor of the Dusit Thani Dubai is the only
place to be on a Saturday.
Best for: Those who overspent on Friday
night and need a quality feed
Dusit Thani Dubai, 133 Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, Sat noon to 4pm, Dhs145 food only,
Dhs175 without alcohol, Dhs200 with house
beverages, Dhs259 with sparkling, Dhs449
with champagne and house spirits. Tel: (04)
3174515. www.dusitthanidubai.dusit.com
WAREHOUSE MALT
DRUNCH
Pull on your loosest trousers, take a deep
breath and swot up on your knowledge of
rare malt-based beverages. Starters, a main
course a la carte and a dessert buffet should
line the belly, but the real action arrives in
liquid form, with a choice of more than 50
beers. Cheers!
Best for: Beer lovers
Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud,
Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs159 to Dhs259. Tel:
(04) 7022560. www.lemeridien-dubai.com/
en/dining
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 59
 EATING OUT
The Gramercy
WAFI
This isn’t a brunch, it’s a lunch, or rather six
lunches. Choose to dine at Persia Persia,
Mahi Mahi, Medzo, Carter’s, Thai Chi or
Seville’s for just Dhs225.
Best for: Picky people
Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, noon to 3.30pm,
Dhs130 without alcohol, Dhs225 with alcohol.
Tel: (04) 3244100. www.wafi.com
SHERATON DEIRA
A cold buffet, eggs and pasta made to order,
a buffet and a dessert corner – all for under
Dhs150. Can’t say fairer than that, now,
can you?
Best for: Those on a budget
Sheraton Deira Hotel, Al Muteena Street, Deira,
Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs109 without
alcohol, Dhs149 with alcohol. Tel: (04) 2688888.
www.starwoodhotels.com
DHOW PALACE HOTEL
There’s nothing flashy or complicated about
this one, but with its all you can eat buffet
and rock bottom price tag, it’s ideal for
big families looking to fill up on a Friday
afternoon.
Best for: Families
Dhow Palace Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, noon to
4pm, Dhs79 with five drinks, Dhs39 for children.
Tel: (04) 3599992. www.dhowpalacedubai.com
SLOANE’S
Certainly not for revellers, Sloane’s brunch
is looking to appeal to a more cultivated
clientele looking to enjoy a civilised
lunch, choosing from an Italian buffet and
various live cooking stations with a glass of
sparkling wine.
Best for: A quiet lunch
Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 1pm
to 4pm, Dhs220. Tel: (04) 3998888. www.
grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
60 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
THE GRAMERCY
Not really a brunch at all this, more an
afternoon meal, but labels be damned.
Choose from The Gramercy’s impressive
French-leaning a la carte menu until 5pm,
then enjoy drinks and a dance until 9pm. The
DJ plays “New York style beats“, apparently.
Best for: Pushing on into the evening
DIFC, Unit 7, Level 2, Building 3, Dubai, 2pm
to 5pm, Dhs175 without alcohol, Dhs325 with
alcohol. Tel: (04) 4377511
CARAMEL RESTAURANT
& LOUNGE
Set menus are the order of the day at
Caramel. No matter which of the three
packages you choose, you will be able to
choose two appetisers, one main and a
dessert from the a la carte menu. Resident
DJ Kirk spins tunes throughout.
Best for: Lounge lizards
DIFC, Dubai, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs300 without
alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages,
Dhs495 with Laurent Perrier. Tel: (04) 4256677.
www.carameldubai.com
Caramel
Sheraton Deira
Wafi
THE CAVENDISH
Choose one of the two brunch packages
with alcohol and you will have access to The
Bonnington’s pool facilities after enjoying
European and Asian fare at the hotel‘s
signature restaurant, The Cavendish.
Best for: A post-brunch dip
The Bonnington, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai,
12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs145 without alcohol,
Dhs245 with house beverages, Dhs345 with
premium beverages. Tel: (04) 3560600.
www.bonningtontower.com
AL BUSTAN ROTANA
If variety is the spice of life, then Al Bustan‘s
Grand Friday brunch is a sure fire winner.
With a smorgasbord of different cuisines
you are pleasingly spoiled for choice. The
aptly named Choices restaurant joins forces
with The Blue Elephant and Benihana
restaurants to offer a mouthwatering mix of
Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Italian
delights. And the frozen ice cream plate is
one of the best dessert offerings in town.
Best for: Dessert
ISTOCK
Al Bustan Rotana, Casablanca Road, Al
Garhoud, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs199.
Tel: (04) 2820000
 THE LAID-BACK AND LIVELY MEET AND MINGLE

AT The Address MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

Contemplate the sunset and spectacular views, sip liquid

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

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

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NINETEEN@THEADDRESS.COM
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 THE CRITIC
James Brennan knows
food. Having written on
everything from bhajis
to burgers for a string of
international publications,
James is now the
Middle East chairman
of the World’s 50 Best
Restaurants judging panel.
Don’t miss his monthly
musings every issue.
Fresh food. It tastes better. We all
know that. If it’s a choice between
that leathery old tomato that’s
taken on the look of a Dr Who
baddie in the back of your fridge,
and that shiny, proud new tomato
bought from the supermarket
only yesterday, there’s no contest.
But I’m talking about even
fresher than that.
Sure, you can be really
obsessive and set up camp outside
Spinneys to get the pick of that
morning’s delivery of tomatoes,
but you’d just look plain weird
doing that – at best. At worst,
you’d be arrested, and prison
tomatoes aren’t particularly fresh
– in fact, they aren’t tomatoes,
they’re potatoes. No, I’m talking
real fresh food. The freshest you
62 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
can get. The kind you grow or kill
yourself.
“Grow it yourself?”, I’m
imagining hearing you cry in
overplayed disbelief. “This is the
UAE,” you add, still whining. “The
laws of nature don’t apply here, it’s
hotter than the planet Mercury,
soil turns to glass, even the palm
trees have to be imported from
Taiwan, and they’re made out of
vulcanised rubber...” etc. Yes, we
all know it’s hot here, but growing
your own herbs and vegetables in
the Emirates is a cinch, as long as
you take care of them.
“But I don’t have a garden,”
you persist annoyingly. Well, you
don’t need a garden. OK, if you’re
planning on growing an orchard
of banana trees, then perhaps you
do. But you can get great results
growing your own cherry tomatoes
and herbs on your balcony.
You start the seedlings off on a
window ledge indoors while it’s
still hot outside. But when the
plants are a few weeks old and
the weather is more temperate,
it’s time to get them out in the
open where they’ll flourish in the
glory of the UAE’s greatest natural
resource: sunlight. As long as
you keep them watered regularly,
they’ll thrive. I should know – I
did it last year, along with some
“WE ALL KNOW IT’S HOT
HERE, BUT GROWING YOUR
OWN HERBS AND VEGETABLES
IN THE EMIRATES IS A CINCH,
AS LONG AS YOU TAKE CARE
OF THEM”
coriander, oregano and basil, and
wrote a really smug blog post
about it on my blog, duguzzle.
blogspot.com.
The benefit of growing your
own cannot be overstated. It’s
the freshest food you can get
and you can really taste the
difference. The tomatoes are
sweeter and juicier, the herbs
more fragrant and vibrant. And
when you consider that fresh
produce immediately begins to
slowly decompose as soon as it’s
picked, it’s got to be better than
supermarket stuff that’s spent
days in storage and transit before
it even hits the shelves.
So that’s growing your own
sorted, what about killing your
own (vegetarians may leave
the room in a spasm of moral
indignation now)? Now, I’m not
advocating picking off pigeons
with an air rifle, however much
fun that might be. Neither am I
saying you should keep a herd of
sheep on your balcony. But you
can go sea fishing, or even better
– crab hunting.
Night-time crab hunting tours
near the mangroves of Umm Al
Quwain, armed with nothing but
a spear, a bucket and a murderous
disposition, will re-acquaint you
with the cave dweller within. And
it will reward you with delicious,
fresh crab. The freshest you can get.
 EATING OUT

Join the Saffa carnival

Enjoy an evening
of family fun at
The Els Club

Unless you hail from South

Africa, you probably won’t know
what a braii or a sokkiejol is – we
had no idea – but now‘s your
chance to find out. For non-
Saffas, a braii is a barbecue and a
sokkiejol is a dance, often involv-
ing hundreds of people, both of
which you’ll find at the Els Club’s
South African festival this month.
The organisers expect to draw
a crowd of 1,000-plus for the
festival, who’ll also enjoy a potjie pot set over hot coals. range for the olds, including thing a ‘jol’, apparently. Whatever
cook-off judged by a special There will also be bouncy ‘breaking the glass’ – ie thump- you call it, it’s sounds like a fun
‘celebrity’ guest – possibly Els castles, face painting and clowns ing a golf ball as hard as you can party to us, bru.
himself – with ten teams of four for the diminutive members of at a plate of glass in an attempt Nov 26, The Els Club, Dubai Sports
competing to prepare the best your clan and various golf com- to smash it and claim victory. In City, Dubai, 4pm to late, free. Tel: (04)
potjie or layered stew in a large petitions on the flood-lit driving South Africa they call this kind of 4251010. www.elsclubdubai.com

A REAL TASTE OF IRELAND IN DUBAI

Opening in November
First opened in Dublin in 1964, McGettigan’s Irish Pub has now arrived in Dubai!
Enjoy the craic in Dubai’s first and only Irish family owned and run Irish Pub!

From a well poured pint of Guinness, or a shot of

Jameson, to Irish breakfasts and other fine Irish fare –
McGettigan’s has it all, plus so much more – live sports,
entertainment and the friendliest service in town!
Nearest Metro - Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Valet parking available at Bonnington.

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

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 63

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

ON
CLICHKMOTIVATE.CDOS
M
IT A
.WINW ND LO
WWW TER THIS A ITIONS
TO EN E COMPET
MOR

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 65

The ultimate pampering experience
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 ARTS
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND GREEN ART GALLERY

p68 In the eye of the

beholder
p69 Art alert
p69 Down Bastakiya way
p70 Five to see
p71 Lover’s leap

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 67

 ARTS
In the eye of
the beholder
An art studio for young adults with
special needs, Mawaheb from Beautiful
People opened in Bastakiya last month.
The concept was adopted from similar
ventures in the Netherlands and
aims to help integrate special needs
individuals within the community while
encouraging them to discover new
skills. Manager Sonja Tatton takes time
to tell What’s On about the project
How did the opening go?
On October 1 we held an admissions day. It was an opportunity
for the parents and their children to come to the studio and
have a look around and talk to us about the programme. The
day was a huge success and for me in particular the day was
a proud moment. To see how grateful the parents were about
there being something like this in Dubai for their children was
worth all the effort that it has taken to establish the studio. We
plan to have the official opening later in the year.
What do you hope to offer Dubai’s special needs
community?
We hope that the community will embrace the studio and
know that Mawaheb from Beautiful People is dedicated to
inspiring and teaching new skills to their children. People
68 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST SALMAN
can apply to attend for a minimum of one day a week
and a maximum of three days a week for the year from
September until June. Essentially it is a place of acceptance
and understanding of each other, where young adults can
come and learn not only artistic skills, but develop their self
confidence and feel valued.
Is the studio open to visitors?
Absolutely! We love visitors. We are very fortunate to be
located in an area that is immersed in local and international
art and culture, so we already have a lot of passing interest.
It is also important that we encourage people to drop by and
see what wonderful things people with special needs can do.
An important aspect of our vision is to educate people to
the fact that although someone has a disability, they can still
contribute to society and make a difference. We guarantee
that whoever walks through those doors will leave with a
smile on their face.
What are your plans for the future?
We currently have a weekly programme that we offer our
students which is under the direction of our resident artist,
Gulshan Kavarana. Our plan is to have a series of workshops
in various mediums of art from visiting artists. We also
have plans to teach students cooking skills with a trained
professional in our small commercial kitchen. Eventually we
would like to open a small café, where the public can drop
in for light refreshments while marvelling at the wonderful
artwork. Essentially, we are studio for everyone to enjoy.
Sun, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Mawaheb from Beautiful People, Villa
40, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3532100. www.
mawaheb-dubai.com.

Art alert
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST SARAH
Skills set
There’s something about the
winter months that seems to
encourage a thirst for creative
knowledge in What’s On’s
collective psyche. If you feel
the same, look no further
than Art Sawa’s truly inspiring
programme of courses and
one-off classes. This month
alone offers everything from
a five-session intro into the
history of art (starting from
November 8) to a one-off
music appreciation masterclass
on the eclectic oeuvre of one
John Cage (November 30).
The Al Quoz gallery also offers
regular workshops in audition
and performance preparation,
seasonal crafts and the like.
Check out the website for
details.
www.artsawa.com
Down Bastakiya way
– three more reasons to visit Bur Dubai
XVA GALLERY
Set in the winding backstreets
of Bastakiya’s traditional lanes,
XVA Gallery continues to be
one of the best reasons to
venture Creekside. Its cutting-
edge exhibitions arguably
set the standard for Dubai’s
contemporary art scene. And
the shop and café aren’t half
bad either.
www.xvagallery.com
Art Prize winners
announced
Now entering its third year,
the Abraaj Capital Art Prize
continues to go from strength
to strength. Famously feted as
the world’s biggest art prize, for
the first time this year the US$1
million prize pot is to be split
among five – rather than three, as
in previous years – artists from
across the Middle East, North
Africa and South Asia. Jananne
Al-Ani (Iran), Nadia Kaabi-Linke
(Tunisia), Timo Nasseri (Iraq)
and Hamra Abbas and Shezad
Dawood from South Asia will
each work with guest curator
Sharmini Pereira to produce
original works that will get their
first public airing at Art Dubai
2011. Can’t wait.
www.abraaj.com/acap
MAJLIS GALLERY
Twenty-one-years-young
this month, Majlis continues
to enchant with its relatively
traditional roster of artists,
on-site craft shop and oh-so-
peaceful courtyard – an oasis in
the middle of Bur Dubai’s traffic-
clogged madness.
www.themajlisgallery.com
ARTS
On the move
It’s all change again over in Al
Quoz as Green Art Gallery
prepares to up sticks from
its longstanding Jumeriah
home and settle into a brand
spanking new warehouse
space in – you guessed it – Al
Serkal Avenue in December. Al
Quoz has long been touted as
Dubai’s answer to East London
or Downtown New York’s art
scene, and with a fistful of
some of the city’s most exciting
galleries now located in one
(easily walkable!) place, it looks
like that prediction is finally
set to come true. About time,
we say.
www.gaagallery.com
DUBAI MUSEUM
It’s amazing just how few of
the emirate’s residents have
paid a visit to this, the official
guardian of Dubai’s maritime
and cultural history. Make
like a tourist for an afternoon
by wandering its cool, calm
corridors in the restored
Al Fahidi Fort – you won’t
regret it.
www.dubaitourism.ae
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 69
 ARTS

Five to see

ÅBORDELINES: DECONSTRUCTING EXILE

The final show in Green’s Jumeirah gallery is a cracker – a
group exhibition of work by contemporary Palestinian artists.
Unsurprisingly given the artists’ background there is much musing
on identity and displacement, all deftly handled and thoroughly
thought-provoking.
Until Nov 30. Green Art Gallery, Villa 23, 51st Street, Jumeirah, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3449888. www.gagallery.com

ÑMEZZO
Not all art needs a gallery
setting, as this exhibition at
Aspen in the Kempinski Hotel
ÅSUSAN THOMPSON: BOTANICAL ARTIST demonstrates. Courtesy of
Botanical art was a favourite of the Victorian era, but fell out of the Vindemia Art & Antique
favour as the 20th century progressed. This charming exhibition Gallery it features the work of
of Thompson’s delicately intricate close-ups of plants and flowers, self-educated Lebanese painter
however, shows us all what we’re missing. Georges Bassil, who finds the
Until Nov 18, Majlis Gallery, Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, inspiration for his ”ballerinas” in
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3536233. www.themajlisgallery.com the voices of Billie Holiday and
Umm Kulthum.
Until Nov 21, Vindemia Art &
Antique Gallery, Aspen, Kempinski
Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4270219

ÉPINS AND NEEDLES

The heavy stylisation of Hayv
Kahraman’s works belie the
subtle layers of their message.
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST: THE THIRD LINE GALLERY

In this, her first solo exhibition

in the UAE, the artist uses
depictions of childhood games
to play with meanings and
notions of gender. It gives a
whole new meaning to the
nature/nurture debate.
ÅRABBIT IN WONDERLAND Until Dec 1, The Third Line,
Using both painting and video animation, Farideh Lashai takes the behind Spinney’s warehouse, Al
rabbit of the title on a journey through the kind of eccentric world Quoz 3, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3411367.
of which Lewis Caroll would be proud. There’s a dark heart at the www.thethirdline.com
centre of all this, however, as the artist muses on her homeland,
Iran, and its place in a changing world.
Nov 3 to Dec 9, Gallery IVDE, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 3235052. www.ivde.net

70 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

 THEA
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Forget ”to be or not to be” or the meaning of life – one of the

most pressing questions of the past few decades came courtesy
of perennial Hollywood classic When Harry Met Sally in 1989.
So, can a man and a woman ever be just friends? While we
may disagree with WHMS’s conclusion, there’s no doubting that
Sally and Harry’s journey from frenemies to star-crossed lovers
is one of the most entertaining this side of the gender divide
– and not just because of that now famous diner scene (“I’ll
have what she’s having...”). Great news, then, that this particular
celluloid gem is now getting a new lease of life on the Dubai
stage courtesy of Popular Productions.
The stage version of When Harry Met Sally caused quite the
stir when it first hit London’s West End in 2004. Since then,
productions have been staged pretty much constantly, from
New York to Edinburgh. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal may have
defined the characters on screen, but Sally and Harry’s real
charm lies in Nora Ephron’s original screenplay – cleverly
adapted and brought to life on stage by playwright Marcy Kahan
– which goes a long way to explain why the play has been so
successful: it is the story, rather than the stars, that defines it.
Which is not to say that the Madinat production isn’t without
its stars: both John Cusworth and Gillian Budd are West End
actors of good standing, while Popular Productions has been
responsible for sell-out UAE shows from Woman In Black to
Blood Brothers. Will we be battling for a front row place on
opening night? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!
Nov 16 to 7. Madinat Theatre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 3666546. www.seewhenharrynetsally.com

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 71

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

WIN! BRUNCH FOR EIGHT AT

AQUARA
Round up some pals, commandeer a table at Aquara and go nuts
on the seafood buffet. Just don’t forget about that dessert room.
Heaven really is a place on earth. If you fancy a free Friday brunch at
this gorgeous waterside spot, you’ll have to tell us…
Which of the following is not seafood?
a) Oysters
b) Crab
c) Corn on the cob WIN! STEAK DINNERS FOR TEN AT
PALERMO
That’s right – you and nine friends could be enjoying the steak night
at Palermo at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. Held every week
on Mondays and Tuesdays, there’s a meaty feast of steaks and grills,
all served in the welcoming restaurant or on the terrace under the
stars. For your chance to win this fantastic feeding frenzy, answer
this question correctly:
Which of the following is a polo term?
a) Pukka
b) Chukka
c) Mukka

WIN! A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF

MONSTER ENERGY DRINK
Are you flagging? Need some energy for the next 12 months?
Luckily we have a year’s supply of Monster Energy drink to keep you
going through late nights and morning afters or, if you want to be
a traditionalist, get you pumped up for sporting action. To get your
hands on a case (24 cans) per month for 12 months, tell us:
Which of the following ingredients won’t be found in Monster
Energy?
a) Taurine
b) Unicorn tears
c) Ginseng
WIN! BRUNCH FOR FOUR AT THE
AL BUSTAN ROTANA
To celebrate the launch of brunch at Choice’s restaurant at the
Al Bustan Rotana, we have a table for four to give away. Top
restaurants like Benihana and Blue Elephant serve up exotic
dishes, alongside Italian, Indian and Arabic favourites, plus enough
desserts to keep Dubai dentists in business for years. To be in with a
chance of winning a table for four, correctly complete this saying:
Variety is the spice of…
a) Life
b) Strife
c) Rife

72 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

 SHOPPING
THE SKATING RINK, ROBERTO
BOLANO
Chilean author Roberto Bolano
blew this pop stand called Earth
back in 2003, but the success in
English translation of his novel The Savage
Detectives in 2006 set loose a flood of Bolano
books in English, including this story of
crime, politics, infatuation and figure skating
set on Spain’s Costa Brava. Read it, then read
the entire Bolano canon before two more
translations in 2011.
If you like this try… Blow-up And Other
Stories, Julio Cortázar
A JOURNEY, TONY BLAIR
You may not like Anthony Charles
Lynton Blair, but he's the man took
the reins of Britain’s Labour party
in 1994, led them to a landslide
election victory after 18 years in
opposition in 1997 – the first of three electoral
triumphs – sat at the head of government as
Prime Minister for a decade and changed the
face of British politics forever. This stout tome
covers everything from 1994 to 2010. Anyone
interested in British, or indeed world politics,
will devour it in days.
If you like this try… The New Machiavelli,
Jonathan Powell
DEAD LIKE YOU, PETER JAMES
British crime writer Peter
James is a big name amongst
fans of the genre, and his series
of novels featuring Detective
Superintendent Roy Grace, of which Dead
Like You is the sixth, has brought some of his
best sales. It follows Grace as he attempts to
solve the murders of two women in Brighton.
Thrilling stuff from an accepted master of the
crime genre.
If you like this try… The Girl With The
Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson
74 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
ESSENTIAL
BEACH READS
Kickback on the beach and enjoy the autumn
sun with one of these ripping yarns
WALKING TO HOLLYWOOD,
WILL SELF
Walking to Hollywood is an
exploration of French theorist
Guy Debord’s psycho-geography
(the effect of environment on an
individual’s behaviour and emotions) in the form
of a fictionalised memoir in which the author
himself appears in the form of the main character
Charles Ryder. Of course it is. Will Self wrote it.
Split into three sections, the surreal action unfolds
during a walk through LA and the East Coast
of Yorkshire. A strange book, but then strange is
Self’s modus operandi.
If you like this try… Crash, J G Ballard
FREEDOM, JONATHAN FRANZEN
Published just two months
ago, Freedom has already been
dubbed a ‘modern classic’ and
the embodiment of the ‘great
American novel’, and its author
Jonathan Franzen ((The Corrections), whose
mug was recently plastered across the cover of
Time magazine, hailed as the saviour of America
literature and the heir to literary giants Updike,
Bellow, Roth and DeLillo. So, let’s just say this
family drama in which the characters spew out
references to pop culture, is a pretty good read.
If you like this try… Underworld,
Don DeLillo
JUMP!, JILLY COOPER
Ah Jilly, you gap-toothed lovely.
The purveyor of horsey romps
returns with this small town tale
of an aspiring racehorse and
the characters that surround
her. There are wealthy trainers, handsome
stable lads and more toned thighs in jodpurs
than you can shake a whip at, so you’ll be
transported from desert sands to the English
countryside at galloping speed.
If you like this try… Polo, Jilly Cooper
THE GLASS PALACE, AMITAV
GHOSH
With almost too much plot to
cram into one book, this epic love
story crosses borders, generations
and class systems. Cleverly
weaving India’s rich history with intricate
fiction, The Glass Palace is a classic rags-to-
riches saga following an extended family’s
journey that will keep you gripped from
beach to bar to bed.
If you like this try… A Fine Balance,
Rohinton Mistry
BERNARD SUMNER:
CONFUSION, DAVID NOLAN
This impeccably researched
account includes memories
from former employees and
schoolmates of Sumner, a
founding member of Joy Division and
New Order. Nolan bravely handed over his
work to the man himself and the result is a
book packed with footnotes from Sumner
confirming and also disputing various tall
tales. Recommended for curious musos and
post-punk nerds.
If you like this try… The Hacienda: How Not
To Run A Nightclub, Peter Hook
ONE DAY, DAVID NICHOLLS
Catching up with two characters,
Emma and Dexter, on every July
15 over 20 years from the day they
leave university. One Day is a rare
novel that successfully jumps through great
chunks of time, leaving the reader guessing
where the next chapter will take them. The
superbly written protagonists aren’t always
likeable, but guide you through a full range of
human emotions, resulting in a moving read
just crying out to be made into a film.
If you like this try… Juliet, Naked,
Nick Hornby
 Got a fashion
question for
Sophia?
E-mail
Sophia says... 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

I'm in need of a smart pair of
shoes – none of those ones
that curl up at the ends or have
buckles or pennies stuck to them.
Just smart, shiny and stylish. Tips?
Jeff, Old Town, Dubai
My mother always told me “you
can tell a man by his shoes” and I am
afraid to admit she is right. One of
the biggest fashion faux pas a man
can make is to wear shoes that are
old, have a (high) heel or a rubber
sole. If casual is what you are after,
look no further than Tom Ford, who
does about the best slippers and
loafers around. Hermès and Bottega
Veneta are also excellent choices for
shoes that (if you look after them)
will last for many years to come. If
you need some dress shoes, head to
your nearest Louis Vuitton boutique
for some sleek designs that are sans
buttons and buckles.
Shoes by Louis Vuitton
I live in Abu Dhabi and
commute to Dubai a couple of
times a week. My wife hates my
backpack (from my university
days). Can you suggest a bag
that doesn’t look too feminine
and fits all of my stuff in it?
Paul, Abu Dhabi
You definitely need a suit bag that
will not only hold your suits, but
ties and cufflinks too. 'Roll ons' are
also really easy and come with
front pockets that can fit a laptop
or files safely inside. Gucci at the
Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi have
a luggage range for the fashion-
forward gent, but if you are looking
for something a little more casual
(and inexpensive) Zara has
some great choices.
Bag by Gucci
I have a wedding to go to next
month and was planning to
wear my favourite new LBD to
the reception until someone
told me that wearing black does
not coincide with proper wedding
etiquette. Is this true? I don’t want
to upset the bride on her big day.
Polly, Bur Dubai, Dubai
First things first, you can wear
black anywhere so please don’t
hesitate in wearing black
to this wedding. Black is a
forever-chic option and can
be accessorised with striking
stilettos and A bag to make
a certain fashion statement.
Add a hat with some netting
and stand out from the
crowd in style!
Lanvin

AARON MAREE
presents

I N N O VAT I V E M I D D L E E A S T E R N
NEW AGE D E S S E R T S
F O R T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N

“I hope this book is a learning tool for someone else. If even

one apprentice can use it to succeed or to re-ignite that
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have succeeded.”

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145
Available at all leading retail outlets in the Gulf and at

PO Box 2331 Dubai UAE Tel +971 4 282 4060 Fax +971 4 282 789 books@motivate.ae
PO Box 43072 Abu Dhabi UAE Tel +971 2 677 2005 Fax +971 2 677 0124 motivate-adh@motivate.ae

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 75

MIND & BODY

SANCTUARY SPA, THE PULLMAN

p79 His 'n' hers

p80 Jet set
p81 A cut above
p82 The verdict
p82 Spa deals

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 77


His‘n’hers
Our guy and gal check out Grand Millennium’s Jasmine Spa
His
SHIATSU
TALK US THROUGH IT…
The Japanese shiatsu massage
technique involves applying firm
pressure with the fingers, palms
and thumbs. There’s no messing
about with this treatment. You
arrive, change, lie down on a table
in a slightly chilly room and then
receive some serious prodding and
pummelling (in a good way).
THE BEST BIT?
My muscles were extremely stiff
from training for the Dubai
Marathon (Run with us!, p82), but
a series of stretches at the end of
the treatment left me loose and
ache free. One of the most effective
massages I’ve ever had.
ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS?
Treatments are administered sans
pants. Just before you disrobe
there’s always a slight worry that Dhs340 for 60 minutes, Dhs490
you’ve made an underwear error.
But naked was, indeed, house rules. minutes.
MIND & BODY
Hers
LYMPHATIC
DRAINAGE MASSAGE
HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE
PANTS?
They weren’t. Not a throwaway
thong in sight.
SLEEP FACTOR?
Nope.
WHO SHOULD GET
INVOLVED? TALK US THROUGH IT…
Firstly, a very well informed
Anyone looking to rid themselves
therapist explained that the mas-
of some particularly persistent
sage doesn’t use oils, just pressure
strains and pains. It would make
a grand post-sports massage.points on lymph nodes to release
toxins. I was duly warned that I
If you’re looking for relaxation,
might feel a bit dizzy and tired
luxury or pampering, do not seek it
with shiatsu. afterwards. She started to mas-
sage various points from throat to
HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG? feet and I promptly fell asleep. SLEEP FACTOR?
Loads, thanks very much.
for 90 minutes, Dhs590 for 120 THE BEST BIT?
After a brutal week of deadlines, WHO SHOULD GET
6am starts and birthdays, a mid INVOLVED?
afternoon nap was just what the Lymph fluid retains toxins and
sleep doctor ordered. After wak- waste, so if you’re embarking on
ing, the world was a better place. a detox regime or diet this treat-
ment to rid the body of nasties is
ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? a great place to start.
I suspect I might have kicked the
therapist as I dozed off in one of HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG?
those ‘I’m falling off a step’ type Dhs300 for 45 minutes, Dhs360
dreams. for 60 minutes, Dhs540 for 90
minutes.
HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE
PANTS?
Absent. After looking high and Jasmine Spa, Grand Millennium,
low I resigned myself to wear- TECOM, Al Barsha, Dubai, 10am to
9pm. Tel: (04) 4299999.
ing my own. And very nice they
www.millenniumhotels.com
were, too.
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 79
 MIND & BODY

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

DESTINATION
Jet Away at Sensasia Urban Spa
N
DESTINATIO Spa
eatment at Amara
JET LAG MASSAGE
FLIGHT TIME
Jet Lag Tr
GE
JET LAG MASSA
90 minutes

FLIGHT TIME IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

75 minutes
The Jet Away treatment looks at reviving your whole being,
T kicking off with a peppermint footbath and inhalation of
TERTAINMEN
IN-FLIGHT EN ath in your
private essential oils to awaken your senses. The full body is a
with a footb from the m
enu
ent begins your music
clever combination of light to medium pressure, lymphatic
Your treatm ch oo se assage bed
wh ere you ca n
on to a heat med drainage to get rid of water retention and bloating, and gentle
ga rd en e in sid e owering
ssical). Mov h before sh stretching, leaving you in a dreamy state.
(we went cla et Body Polis with a 45-minute
-m in ut e Butter-swe at ed sk in , Amara Spa
for a 30 ur dehydr with a steam
en revive yo ial. Finish off
outside, th Hy dr a Radiance fac ONBOARD MEALS
in
Anne Semon nch.
a spot of lu
shower and You’ll be welcomed with a refreshing chilled tea then post-
treatment indulged with Sensasia’s sensational ginger tea,
which is served with cucumber and carrot sticks. Top marks.
ONBOARD
MEALS included,
ne menu is
olside cuisi es, noodle sa
lad,
s lu nch from the po sa nd wi ch
A deliciou ur dough WHAT’S ON SAYS
ba rb ec ue chicken, so s on offer.
with d juice
al fruits an
fresh season The ‘whole body’ approach is a winner, working a treat on
that nasty post-flight bloat and tricking your mind into feeling
ze well-rested, even if you’ve been on a plane (with a five-year-
SAYS won’t snoo
WHAT’S ON u probably old kicking the back of your seat) for the last 14 hours.
and while yo nd looking)
like
ber one spa, ve feeling (a
It’s our num yo u’l l lea
treatment, perb.
during this our kip. Su
a sold 12-h TICKET PRICE
you’ve had
Sensasia Dhs440 Firsts
Urban Spa Clas
TICKET PRIC
E st
Fir ss TICKET HOTLINE
Dhs570 Cla Sensasia Urban Spa, The Village Mall, Beach Road, Jumeirah,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3498850. www.sensasiaspas.com
NE to 10pm.
TICKET HOTLI Dubai. 9am
bai, Deira,
rk Hyatt Du tt.com
Amar a Sp a, Pa
w.duba i.p ar k.hya DEST
Tel: (04) 60
21234. ww INAT
Revi
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DESTINATION tali
sing
Mass
Jet Lag at The Spa FLIG age
HT TIM at S
E anct
90 m
inute u ary
s Spa
FLIGHT TIME
JET LAG MASSAGE IN-FL
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80 minutes ENTE
RTAIN G MASS
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Follo MEN
w T
pres ing an e
cribe p
IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT the v d to p ic weeke
iews repa n
mus from re fo d, a Revit
Take your pick from a selection of several Aromatherapy ic t r a
muc and an e he 24th the work lising M
Associates oils before hitting the table and enjoying a period h-ne v e ns fl oor, ing w assa
pres ed g
of intense body brushing (one of the most pleasing sensations sure ed dark ofter tow the treat eek. Afte e, was
truly mass n ess. T el co men r adm
we’re ever experienced) and a few stretches (don’t worry, fi a v e t s ir
minu rm, awa ge using herapist ring our tarted w ing
no effort on your part). The therapist then applies pressure tes fl k e S e it
ew b en, tone ssential am then yes to cr h soft
y, bu a o e
to all the right spots on your spine and administers an t the nd ener ils of ber began a d ate
ONB re m g g
outstanding massage. OAR ay ha ise. Unfo amot an eep
D ME ve be rtun d min
ALS e n a li a te tt
The
Pu ttle s ly the 90 o
ONBOARD MEALS date llman k leepin
s. Gu eeps g.
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ee din healthy
We enjoyed three cracking cups of restorative ginger tea ing. with
WHA herb
– soothing, but with a gentle kick – prostrate and blanket- T’S O al te
N SA as, w
covered in the relaxation area. We like ginger tea. A lot. YS ater
This and
was
a
The Sp
Pullm an ov
a n ’s sp e r d ue re
WHAT’S ON SAYS more a m
than is in
lived certainly der to go
up to o fo
After a ten-hour flight from Milan, we couldn’t have asked for its n ne to wat r more m
TICK ame ch an a
a more peaceful, cosy and luxurious spa. The changing room is ET PR
ICE
. d the ssages. T
treat h
vast and the slippers are first-rate (we’re still wearing them).
Dhs4 men e
75 t

TICKET PRICE TICK

ET HO Business
Firsts Class
TLINE
Dhs625 Sanc
Clas
tuar
Duba y
i. Tel: Spa, The
(04) Pu
TICKET HOTLINE 3772 llman, M
380. a
www ll of the
.pull E
The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai Mall, Dubai, 9am to man mirates,
hote
9pm. Tel: (04) 4388025. www.theaddress.com ls.co Al Barsh Sanctuary Spa
m a,

80 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010


A cut above
Trust is paramount when it
comes to choosing a barber
– you don’t want any old
clown with a tub of Brylcreem
and a penchant for pruning
going at your glossy locks.
Here are just a few of our
favourites
MANCHESTER SALON
There are numerous budget BUDGET
barbers to be found in Dubai.
What’s On has a friend who
had his hair cut for his wedding at Four
Brothers, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area
for just Dhs15. And they threw in a scalp
massage. And we have it on good authority,
from one of our colleagues with very a fine
haircut, that Manchester Salon is the place
to be. “There are plenty of good Indian bar-
ISTOCK
bers, but look for a Filipino guy called Grace
working on the second floor – he’s the best,”
our pal says.
Al Muteena St, near Lulu Hypermarket, Deira,
Dubai, Dhs20. Tel: (04) 2625577
NIVEA HAUS SPA
Located at The Dubai Mall, Nivea Haus’ The
Barber Shop is one of the friendliest and most
efficient sheering stops in Dubai. We’ve been
visiting once a month for a year now and
every cut is identical. When a man can sit in
that chair without worrying or administering
instruction, he knows he’s found the barber for
him. Ask for Abed – a true gent. He
remembers exactly what length
and style we desire and even the MID-
chat we were having the last time RANGE
MIND & BODY
we sat in his chair. Dhs100, including a wash.
Job done.
Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4340777.
www.niveahaus.ae
TONY & GUY BLOW
If you’re going to spend big on your wig, OUT
it’s a good idea to go for a well-known
name – not always a guarantee of quality,
but we’ve entrusted our hair to the pros at Tony
& Guy on many an occasion and never left
feeling, or looking, silly. T&G has been around
for almost 50 years and all of its staff are fully
trained and carrying the special Tony & Guy
Diplomas to prove it. If you want the cheapest
cut on offer make an appointment with a
regular stylist, or for an extra Dhs35 opt for the
style director. We recommend Chris – top cuts,
and he knows his football, too.
Emirates Towers Hotel, Sheik Zayed Road,
Dubai, Dhs200 to Dhs235. Tel: (04) 3303345.
www.toniandguy.com
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 81
 MIND & BODY

Spa news LPG facial THE

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

THE SALES PITCH

THAI PRIVILEGE SPA
Celebrate Diwali with Thai Privilege Spa
this November. Their themed package
includes a 60-minute face or body
therapy, herbal bleach for the face,
mani-pedi and L'Oréal hair treatment,
worth Dhs745 in total but costs Dhs499
this month.
Villa 1047, Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3489679
Not all of us on What’s On are into cutting-
edge gadgets. In fact, for some of us, down-
loading songs from iTunes is about as high-
tech as we get. So when LPG called about
their techie facial treatment, we weren’t
overcome with excitement. But when we
heard the bit about it being a ‘non-surgical
facelift’ our jaded ears pricked up. It could
be said that the treatment is a bit like a gym
session for your face – lots of exercising of
the epidermis, but without you having to lift
so much as an eyelash. Sounds good to us.

N.A.I.L.S THE TREATMENT

Marina-based ladies rejoice. We visited
this new neighbourhood salon expecting
a standard mani-pedi experience.
Instead, we found lovely treatment
rooms downstairs, a range of top-notch
massages on offer and the charming
therapists using totally organic products.
What a nice surprise. The Thai massage
We’re at LPG HQ with Marimel Rodrigues,
the softly spoken training manager for the
brand. She guides us into a room with a
pretty scary looking machine; it’s the sort
of thing that looks like a prop from of an
episode of Grey’s Anatomy. We’re worried
that it was going to be pretty invasive – but
Marimel ensures us we will leave looking

(Dhs360 for 75 minutes), administered
by the firm handed Sharon, was our
pick, but we’ll be back to try the highly
recommended Hot Stone treatment
very soon.
N.A.I.L.S, Trident Marinascape, Marina
Boulevard, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04)
4473688. www.nailsorganicspa.com
MANDARA SPA
Awaken your body and mind with the
115-minute Sultry Citrus Body Buff by
Elemis at the Monarch’s spa, at a
special reduced price this month. For
Dhs700 you’ll get the foot ritual, exotic
lime & ginger salt glow, mini facial,
Elemis bath and Balinese massage with
body oil. The offer also includes your
choice of Elemis bath products to take
home, worth Dhs300, and you’ll get
access to the health club, pool, steam
room and sauna.
Mandara Spa, The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed
Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5018888
82 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
simply better, not red raw or remotely sore.
We lay on the spa bed and she removes
eye and face make-up. She then starts up the
machine. It sounds like a vintage steam engine
and is surprisingly soothing as it chugs away.
The Hoover-like attachment manipulates the
skin at a faster and more effective rate than any
therapists’ fingers could move, plus the ‘suck-
ing’ sensation increases your blood flow, and
feels pretty nice, too. She uses different attach-
ments for specific areas of the face, going very
gently around the eye area, and firmer around
the jaw line. The treatment doesn’t last much
longer than 30 minutes – so it doesn’t take too
much time out of our busy schedules, always
good when you’re explaining to the Editor
you’re off for a facial at lunchtime.
“The treatment is a bit like a gym session
for your face – lots of exercising of the
epidermis, but without you having to lift so
much as an eyelash”
ISTOCK
THE VERDICT
Despite it not being the most luxurious
treatment in Dubai – no yummy oils, cleans-
ing of chakras, fragrant candles, heavenly
scalp massages, or nice herbal cuppa to
finish – you certainly come out with more
refined and lifted cheekbones and a clearer
complexion, which means we’ll take this
quick treatment over a lengthy oily rub-
down anytime. A course of six sessions is
recommended, but you do notice a differ-
ence from day one – so yes, it really is no
pain, but plenty of gain.
LPG at Tips & Toes, Jumeirah Beach Residence,
Dubai, Dhs160 per session. Tel: (04) 4293477
THE
ULTIMATE
19TH
HOLE.
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ULTIMATE PARTY
It's the sporting event of the year. The world will be watching. And
this is your chance to take part, as 60 of the game's greatest names
go head-to-head. Enjoy four days of dawn-to-dusk partying and say
you were there when the 2010 Dubai World Champion was crowned.

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

25-28
NOVEMBER
2010
 SPORT & OUTDOOR

p87 Mr Fitness
p88 Run with us!
p89 Sport shorts
ISTOCK

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 85

 SPORT & OUTDOOR
Got a fitness
question for
James?
E-mail
Mr Fitness editor-w @m
o otivate.ae

Our resident exercise guru

answers your health and
fitness questions
Are supplements a con? I’m a healthy
30-year-old guy with a good diet,
so don’t feel like I’m missing out on
vitamins. What are the benefits?
Noel, Bur Dubai, Dubai
There are many useless supplements,
but there are ones that I believe do add
value. Two basic supplements everyone
should be using are a quality omega
three fish oil and a multi-vitamin. Don’t
skimp on price, you get what you pay
for. Google the benefits of fish oils and
you will find that there isn’t anything
that they don’t help with, from improved
cognitive function (IQ) to a reduction of
inflammation in the body to helping lose
body fat. Winner.
What’s a good exercise to do to start
working out again? I’m a little out of
practise and want to get back in the
swing of things.
Praveen, Oud Metha, Dubai
A good activity should be something that
you enjoy and that you will actually do.
Consistently. Perhaps going to the gym
bores you, or the thought of going out for
a run sends you into cold sweats. How
about trying something like rollerblading?
It’s surprisingly tough, great for the legs
(look at all those ice skaters) and low
impact. Another option is to get out onto
the open waters and crack on with a bit
of kayaking, again a great workout for the
arms and abs. If you fancy challenging
your balance and stability, then why not
try some paddle boarding? Start off short
and build up your effort levels.
What’s the deal with exercising
and eating? Should you eat for the
exercise you’re about to do or the
exercise you’ve just done? If I exercise
in the morning I’m always exhausted
by lunch – am I not eating at the right
time?
Sunita, Karama, Dubai
There could be numerous reasons why
you feel exhausted by lunch and one
could be to do with what you are eating.
However, without knowing what you are
eating, what your training sessions consist
of, how much sleep you get and possible
hormonal issues it is hard to say what the
exhaustion issue is. A simple thing to do
is to have half of a workout shake (protein
and carbs) before you train and the other
half once you have finished. So if you’re
training at 7.30am, have half at around
7ish and then the other half at say 8.40am,
just after training. I would then advise
you to have a solid protein and carb meal
at about 10am, to aid with the recovery
process, before having lunch as usual.
I can’t afford to join a gym so I’m
jogging now, but know I should be
doing some strength training, too.
What can I do at home?
Brodwin, Deira, Dubai
You’re right. Strength training has
numerous benefits on the body, such as
increased muscle tone, the burning of more
calories at rest, increased bone density and
the reduction of the likelihood of injury
just to name a few. You could start off with
a simple body weight work-out and add a
bit of a twist to it by making it an escalating
density work-out and you’re onto a winner.
L Renegade row 30 seconds work: 30
seconds rest.
L Split squat 30 seconds work each leg: 30
seconds rest
L Push-up variation 30 seconds work: 30
seconds rest
L Single leg dead lift 30 seconds work each
leg: 30 seconds rest
L Mountain climber 30 seconds work: 30
seconds rest
Work through from one to five in a circuit
format. Work each exercise for 30 seconds
and then rest for 30 seconds before moving
onto the next. Record how many reps you
are able to complete for each exercise and
repeat the circuit twice with a 60-second
rest in the middle. At the end of the two
circuits total up how many reps you have
done in the 15 minutes (that’s your density)
and aim to beat it next time.
What Mr Fitness James Houghton
doesn't know about staying healthy
isn't worth knowing. In his seven
years as a personal trainer, he's
helped West End actresses lose the
pounds and worked with the Arabian
Gulf rugby sevens team to keep them
in peak condition.

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

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 87

 SPORT & OUTDOOR
Run with us!
The long, gruelling road to
the longest race of our lives
(some longer than others)
has begun. We’ve talked a
good game, we’ve started
training – now it’s down
to business. Our running
guru and veteran of many
marathons Chris Miller talks
diet, training schedules and
why it’s still not too late to
run with us!
Right, by now you should have been inspired
by last month’s Run with us! column to
sign up for the Dubai Marathon, RAK Half
Marathon or the Dubai 10km Road Race and
started running. But you probably don’t have
any idea what you’re doing and might already
be wishing you hadn’t committed yourself to
such a titanic task.
Do. Not. Fear. Chris Miller is here. Chris
is a well-being and fitness consultant at The
Energy Clinic in Dubai. He is also a keen run-
ner and veteran of a number of long-distance
races. And, if you’ve managed to haul yourself
out of bed for one of our free Monday morn-
ing What’s On training sessions with Chris
at Safa Park, you’d know he’s an encouraging
trainer and a nice guy to boot.
So nice in fact that he’s given us these top
tips about diet and training.
Tested: Adidas MiCoach
Let’s face it, personal trainers are pricey.
Luckily, the re-launched Adidas MiCoach
(this one without the need of a Samsung
phone) comes with this little fat-busting
gizmo. It talks wirelessly to a heart rate
monitor and stride sensor, recording your
workout stats and giving you access to
mountains of data via the MiCoach website.
Just strap the heart rate monitor across
your chest, stick the handy Pacer dongle
to any pair of runners (it attaches at the
laces, so you won’t have to buy specialized
shoes) and you’re ready to go. The first
time you power the MiCoach up, it will
ask you to run a qualifying session where
88 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
RUN WITH US!
Join our free weekly What’s On training session with Chris and Mr Fitness at Safa Park, 6.30am every
Monday. For more information, contact gareth@motivate.ae. Also keep an eye on our Twitter and
Facebook (WhatsOnDubai) for updates and our blog (www.runwhatsonrun.wordpress.com) for
more detailed advice.
you’ll need to walk, jog and sprint at certain
intervals. It will then tailor-make your own
personal workouts to any fat burning, cardio
boosting or distance goals you fancy.
Diet tips
L Make sure you’re eating some form of
protein with every meal (beans, meat)
LEat fruit and or vegetables with every meal
LMake sure you eat breakfast (something
high in carbohydrates like oats)
LTake Omega three (Norwegian Gold)
and multivitamin supplements (Time For
Change)
LStart to experiment with sports drinks
when running 60 minutes or more
Training schedule
(four sessions per week)
1 A long run, progressively increasing the
distance each session
2 Run a shorter distance at a faster pace
3 Interval training session (join our free Safa
Park sessions, Monday, 6.30am)
4 Strength training session, focusing on legs,
hips and core
And remember – it’s not too late. “The first
time you run a race you’re running to finish
it,” says Chris. “There’s plenty of time left to
train, even for the marathon.”
There’s even real-time
audio coaching, with the
pebble-sized gadget barking
orders to'speed up'or 'slow
down' as well as delivering
handy stats (time, distance, pace)
based on your workout. After your run,
connect the MiCoach to your computer via
USB, and it will give you calories burned,
heart rate and intensity stats.
It’s compatible with any MP3 player
packing a 3.5mm audio jack, which means
Eye Of The Tiger on repeat, right?
Adidas, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Dhs495.
Tel: (04) 3477007. www.micoach.com

Sports shorts
Your bite-size guide to
the sporting month
What’s this? Zen
Zen Yoga instructor Lucy Roberts
has plenty to offer this month.
First up, there’s cardiolates
– a cunning blend of cardio
and Pilates that works the
heart and lungs and helps
strengthen your core and
improve posture (Thursdays
9am). Or if you’re really keen,
Lucy is holding five daily sessions between
November 21 and 25 at Media City. You
can sign up to one for Dhs100 or all five for
Dhs450.
Nov 21 to 25, Zen Yoga, Dubai Media City, BBC
building 10, Dubai, 7am to 9am, Dhs100 to
Dhs450. Tel: (04) 3670425. www.yoga.ae
Masterstrokes
Fancy a dip? How about a 1km swim around
the Burj Al Arab. Sign up to the Swim Burj
Al Arab event, donate Dhs275 to medical
organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres, and
take part in either the competitive or the
family swim from the Burj to Jumeirah Beach
Hotel. Go on, it’s all in the name of charity.
www.swimburjalarab.com
SPORT & OUTDOOR
Howzat!
With Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium,
ICC HQ and Freddie Flintoff turning up in
everyone’s local watering hole, Dubai
is fast becoming a cricket hot
spot. And this month, sports
fans, we will be treated to
the first test match between
Pakistan, who will be looking
to put the scandal surrounding
their recent disastrous tour of
England behind them, and the
more settled South Africa – obvious
ISTOCK AND GETTY/GALLO IMAGE
frontrunners. A soft seat cushion, a large
and silly hat (the sillier the better) and a few
cold ones – there is no better way to spend a
sunny day (or five).
Nov 12 to 16, Dubai Sports City, Emirates
Road, near Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, free to
Dhs150 for five days. Tel: (04) 4251111. www.
dubaisportscity.ae
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 89
 The boys line up with
everything to race for
JULIANA
Deputy editor Helen
dons an attractive vest
DOWN
What’s On took the boys from Juliana
Down go-karting to blow off some
steam after being cooped up in the
recording studio. The new album,
Empires, is out next month – a heavy
Victory! Friendships are blend of alternative rock roars and
addictive lyrics that is already getting
forgotten on the track solid air-play on Dubai radio. Lead
singer Dia H yelled, “We’re back and
Shot on location at Dubai Autodrome
ready to rock!” as he ripped around
the track with Sari R (guitar), Vee
(bass) and Lionel (keyboards). After
already opening for Muse, Justin
Timberlake and Velvet Revolver, we
reckon 2011 will be the year Juliana
Down explode onto the international
music scene.
www.myspace.com/officialjulianadown
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 91
 CLUB DIARY
This month’s mightiest nights in Clubland
5
CTRL @ Catwalk
The underground house night returns for
another instalment of DJ Afroboogie-led
fun, with guest appearances from the
Substance and Warped crews.
Catwalk, Golden Tulip, Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to
3am, free. Tel: (050) 4517002
Sundowner Sessions @ Sundowner
WEEKLY
Laid-back beats by the pool, courtesy of
resident DJ Chris Smith.
Sundowner, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas
Island, Abu Dhabi, 5.30pm to 9pm, free. Tel:
(02) 6563053
Terry Francis @ Digital
Double bubble from London, as sometime
Fabric man Terry Francis takes over Trilogy's
main room, while the ever-reliable Norman
Jay sets up camp on the Rooftop.
Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to
3am, Dhs130 to Dhs150. Tel: (050) 7258277
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES
92 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
6
Play @ Nasimi
WEEKLY
Beach games, happy hour from 3pm to
5pm, barbecue and live Radio 1 broadcast
of Schooly's soulful sessions might just be
the perfect way to end your weekend.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 3pm to late, free.
Tel: (055) 2004321
10
Ultimate Ladies Night @ Zinc
WEEKLY
It’s club classics all the way at the popular
cabin crew hangout, with more drinks
deals than you can shake a FACE card at.
Zinc, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs75, free for ladies.
Tel: (050) 1515 609
12
Mylo @ Digital
5 MustHaveSoul @
Skylite EW
WEEKLY N
Simon Reid, the man
behind soulful dance night
MustHaveSoul, bares his
own about the new night
in Abu Dhabi
Why the move to the capital? What's
the appeal with Skylite?
Once we saw the venue we knew it
would work for our style of music. It's
not pretentious, has a great location
– on the roof of the hotel, overlooking
the F1 race track. And it has a great
Funktion 1 sound system. We're
hoping people from both Abu Dhabi
and Dubai will come down, party with
us and stay the night. We'll be running
a free coach service from Etihad Plaza
for Etihad staff, too.
So how do you feel about the city’s
scene at the moment?
I feel it’s an untapped market, still
5
Norman Jay @ Digital
very much in its infancy. All it takes
is good music. There are amazing
events planned for Yas Island, and it
could become a hub for activity for the
capital. We hope to be a big part of it.
Who should come to MustHaveSoul
@ Skylite?
Everyone is welcome; we're not
pretentious. Our parties are all about
giving people good music and nights
they'll remember. The event is on every
Friday so we want people to come
down and let their hair down, have a
good time, enjoy their surroundings
and dance.
And what can we expect tune-wise?
We pride ourselves on our music policy.
People who come to MustHaveSoul
can expect the very best in what we
call 'soulful dance music'. So expect
anything from soul, funk, disco and nu
disco, to soulful and deep house music.
Plus, we'll be bringing an international
guest once a month.
What are your winter 2010 anthems?
Look out for something very special
coming from one of our DJs – Sean
McCabe featuring Stephanie Cooke
coming soon on Kingstreet Sounds,
Also I think Hippie Torrales featuring
Rosie Gaines' Never Quite The Same is
up there, too.
Sum up MustHaveSoul in five words
or less.
Must have good times.
Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free,
promotional room rate of Dhs550
including breakfast. Tel: (055) 6160643.
www.musthavesoul.com

80s @ Stills
WEEKLY
DJ Fadi takes you back to the 1980s
every Wednesday night. Dig out those
legwarmers.
Stills, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu
Dhabi, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6563053
12
Mylo @ Digital
Trilogy continues to ship over the big boys;
this time it's Mylo providing the soundtrack
for your Friday night. Expect slick electronica,
big basslines and a few screaming fans.
Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to
3am, Dhs130 to Dhs150. Tel: (050) 7258277
Acoustic @ Abu Dhabi Gold Club
WEEKLY
Acoustic music every Friday night with
Danny Shirran.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nahkl, Abu
Dhabi, 7pm to 10pm, free. Tel; (02) 5588990
13
Just Sundays @ Cavalli Club
WEEKLY
Glam clubbing for glam people – expect
the music on the commercial side, and the
people on the well-to-do side.
Cavalli Club, Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 3329260
19
Mr Mr’s 30th Birthday @ Audiotonic
One of our great musical mates celebrates
the big 3-0 with Matthew Charles, Julian
Jinx, Vas Floyd and Raxon all taking a
turn behind the deck, live on Radio 1.
The birthday boy will also be playing a
set at 8pm.
360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to
2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405
26
Zane Lowe @
Nasimi
20
Saturday Night Fever @ Alpha
WEEKLY
Retro-loving fun from the Alpha residents,
with disco and more on offer.
Alpha, Le Méridien Village, Garhoud, Dubai,
9pm to late, Dhs50, free for ladies and FACE
card holders. Tel: (050) 9130165
Grant Nelson @ MustHaveSoul
Celebrate MustHaveSoul’s first birthday
with special guest Grant Nelson, regarded
by many as the pioneer of UK house.
Support from residents Simon Reid, Tristan
Bain and Dan Chadwick.
360, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to
2am, free. Tel: (055) 6160643
25
Norman Doray @ Armani/Prive
The man behind Apocalypse spins the
tunes for Armani’s ever-glam crowd.
Armani/Prive, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa,
Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 8883888
Ministry of Sound @ Barasti Beach
A beach-side spectacular with MoS tunes,
stilt walkers and fire dancers providing
the entertainment, plus giveaways and
drink promotions.
Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort &
Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 5pm to 2am,
Dhs100, Dhs50 before 10pm, free for ladies.
Tel: (04) 3991313
26
Evren Ulusoy @ Audiotonic
Turkish delights from Evren, who brings
his brand of deep house to the offshore
party. Expect backup from Mr Mr, Vas Floyd
and Raxon.
360, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to
2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405
Layo & Bushwacka @ Digital
Breakbeat fun from the UK duo, who are
sure to draw a big crowd.
Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 9pm to
3am, Dhs130 to Dhs150. Tel: (050) 7258277
Soundwave @ Nasimi
The little brother to the mammoth
Sandance, this beach party will feature
Zane Lowe DJing and Nightmares On Wax
with their full live band. Expect sandy fun
from afternoon to late.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to late, price
TBC. Tel: (055) 2004321
27
Karizma @ MustHaveSoul
The Baltimore-based spinner drops by for
a night of house action, backed up ably by
Simon Reid, Tristan Bain and Dan Chadwick.
360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to
2am, free. Tel: (055) 6160643
11 Retrospect @ 360˚
Martin Rushent, legendary
punk, electro and pop
producer, has worked with
some of the greats. Now in
his 60s, with a son in electro
band Does It Offend You,
Yeah?, we caught up with
him ahead of his first trip to
Dubai
What can the 360˚ crowd expect
from you?
I’m going to be doing my 1970s and 80s
set. A mixture of The Human League, bit
of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Spandau
Ballet, Ultravox… a whole range of early
80s artists from ones I’ve produced and
some I really love.
You worked with seminal post-
punk band Joy Division. How did
that come about?
I loved Joy Division. I just thought they
were fantastic. I remember going up
to see them in Manchester, before
anyone had heard of them and they
were playing in a tiny little hall above
some shops. They were just amazing.
I couldn’t believe it. I told them to
come to London immediately to do
an album.
CLUB DIARY
19
Mr Mr @ Audiotonic
So which era do you most fondly
remember?
I had a great time in the mid to
late 70s with Buzzcocks and The
Stranglers. That was a lot of fun and
a lot easier than making ‘80s records.
They were touring bands so you
just plonked them in the studio; you
got a good sound, recorded them,
dubbed the vocals, mixed it and
went home. Then we moved into
the 80s and the machines started to
develop – and they were primitive
back then and a nightmare to work. I
remember thinking “I came into the
music industry so I wouldn’t be a bank
clerk, typing on a keyboard, and that’s
exactly what I’m doing”.
And how do you feel about
advancing technologies these
days?
I can do things now in five minutes
that used to took me a day. I’m well
chuffed!
Who are you working with now?
The band I’ve just finished working
on are The Pipettes. Very pop and the
other end of the playing field to Does
It Offend You, Yeah?. They had an
album out a while ago, very gimmicky,
but they’ve made lots of changes.
People react to it like Marmite – either
thinking it’s the greatest pop album
ever made, or they just hate it.
Many industry insiders have called
you a pioneer. How do you feel
about that?
I think they’re dead right! There
weren’t many of us doing it back in
the day and over the last 20 years I’ve
been listening to electro and dance
and they’re still using little tricks
that I developed back in the 80s. The
remarkable thing is when I meet real
heroes of mine, like Grandmaster
Flash, and they say I was the biggest
influence on their work. It’s amazing.
360˚, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 8pm
to late, free. Tel: (050) 2269440.
www.myspace.com/mrushent.
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 93
 Win with What
What’ss On
ON
CLICHKMOTIVATE.CDOS
M

ISTOCK
IT A
.WINW ND LO
WWW TER THIS A ITIONS
TO EN PET
COM
MORE

WIN! A MONTH OF TRX

CLASSES
TRX is the latest exercise craze, and we have a month of
unlimited classes at The Aviation Club to give away. The
dynamic sessions involve equipment suspended from the
ceiling, so you use your body weight to build strength and
flexibility, while controlling difficulty. If you fancy a month of
free full body work-outs, then answer this question…
TRX was developed by a military man. Was he a…
a) Navy SEAL
b) Navy Dolphin
c) Navy Manatee

WIN! BRUNCH AT ARMANI/

HASHI PLUS A SIGNATURE
TREATMENT AT ARMANI/SPA WIN! A BARBECUE NIGHT
Italian-style luxury is within reach with this amazing prize. The winner
can enjoy brunch for two at Hashi, Armani’s stunning Japanese FOR SIX
restaurant, complete with sushi buffet, Robati grills, a la carte mains
You and five chums could be enjoying an evening of meaty,
and Bollinger (see out review on page 59). They will also receive a
charred goodness (with drinks to wash it down) at the new
90-minute Crema Nera signature treatment in Armani/Spa, one of
cook out night at City Centre Hotel & Residence. Every Friday
Dubai’s most stylish urban retreats. To be in with a chance of winning
and Saturday night there’s lamb chops, steaks, jumbo prawns
this five-star experience, simply tell us:
and more on the barbie, plus salads and desserts with live
What is Mr Armani’s first name?
entertainment from the resident songsters. If you’d like to give
a) George
it a try, you’ll have to get this question right:
b) Giorgio
Which of the following are you unlikely to find on a
c) Gino
barbecue?
a) Burger
b) Kebab
c) Lemon sorbet

94 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

THE MAKING
OF A MARQUE
06.11
race heritage.

2010
What makes a great marque an icon? Passion, emotion, innovation and a thoroughbred

Invitation: @V\HYLPU]P[LK[V^P[ULZZHZLSLJ[PVUVMZL]LYHSJSHZZPJ7VYZJOLPJVUZÅV^UPU
from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Exhibited in Dubai for one day only, do not
miss this chance to embark on a journey into the legendary Porsche history.
Date: Saturday, 6th November 2010
Time: From 12:00 pm onwards
Venue: Porsche Centre Dubai
1st interchange Sheikh Zayed Road, near Mazaya Centre

www.porschedubai.com
 TRAVEL

p99 Wild at heart

p104 Island fever
p108 Travels with....
ISTOCK

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 97

Family Fun Day. BBQ-on-the-lawn.
Saturdays are Fun days, thanks to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s very
own hawksbill restaurant!
Starting from the 23rd October, and running every Saturday until the
27th November, you can eat as much as you can at our BBQ on the lawn.
There’ll be jumping castles, face painting, kids’ golf and a variety
of games, with loads of prizes to be won.
We look forward to welcoming you all to what promises to be a great
day out for the entire family. We’re only minutes away from Abu Dhabi’s
Corniche, and there is ample parking available.
For all reservations please telephone 02 499 8107
or email fb@sbgolfclub.ae
Visit us at www.sbgolfclub.ae

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

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

Wild at heart
From bustling Barcelona
to tiny fishing villages
near the French border, LONG
northern Catalonia has HAUL
something for everyone –
in almost every language.
What’s On takes a tour of
Spain’s ‘Wild Coast’

“Bonjour Mesdames!” The hotel receptionist

is smiling brightly, but we are perplexed.
Travel can feel discombobulating at the best
of times, but even allowing for jet lag and
time differences we take pride in at least
knowing what country we’re in. “Bonjour
Mesdames,” she tries again, her smile a little
tighter. We glance, faintly baffled, at one
another before shrugging and offering a
muffled “bonjour” in reply.
We are standing in the lobby of the Hotel
Duran in the Catalonian city of Figueres,
northern Spain. Fittingly for a city that is the
birthplace of Salvador Dali, the experience
thus far is shaping up to be decidedly surreal
– why is the Spanish receptionist in a Spanish
hotel speaking to us, clearly a couple of native
English speakers, in French?
The answer is quite simply geography.
Figueres may lie 30km inland from the
French border on the northern Costa Brava
(‘Wild Coast’), but it shares some of the
traits of its Gallic neighbours including,
we’re discovering, a certain freedom with the
language. Around these parts, French and
Spanish are mixed and mingled with dextrous
ease. That’s when they’re not all speaking the
official second language, Catalan.
Confused? There’s no need to be.
Spanish geo-politics may baffle (there are
17 autonomous communities within the

Costa Brava
seascape

Barcelona's Parc
Guell at sunset
ISTOCK

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 99

 TRAVEL | CATALONIA

Three more
reasons to visit
the Costa Brava
El Bulli
Consistently voted one of the world's best
restaurants, Ferran Adria’s El Bulli restaurant
is a short drive from the resort town of Roses.
The chef who put the gastro into molecular
gastronomy has announced that next year (it
only opens from June to December) will be the
restaurant’s last. Get on the waiting list now.
www.elbulli.com

Empúries
This ancient city on the Gulf of Roses was
founded by the Phoenicians in 600BC. After
them, the Greeks and Romans both had their
turn. The result? Ruins from each of the three
cultures can be seen here, including stunning
floor mosaics and the layout of the original
Greek harbour.

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

Kingdom of Spain, of which Catalonia is one), but

the best way for the average visitor to approach
anything is to simply go with the flow.
In Figueres the flow goes pretty firmly in one
direction – this is a city that is all about its most
famous son. From the props and drawings that
adorn the Hotel Duran’s walls to the mind-boggling
theatricality of the Dali Theatre-Museum, in this –
frankly otherwise unlovely – place there’s no escaping
Salvador Dali. The great Surrealist conceived the
museum as his gift to his hometown and it would
seem that it is one that just keeps on giving – visitors
flock in their thousands to visit it every year.
Dali also looms large in the pretty town of
Cadaqués , about an hour’s drive up the coast.
The artist spent his childhood summers here and
later settled into a home nearby in the tiny fishing
village of Port Lligat. If you haven’t had enough of
the moustachioed one’s personal proclivities (we’ll
say no more about the decidedly dodgy swimming
pool), you can join the merry band of tourists on
the next leg of their Dali-homage. Either way, make
sure you leave plenty of time to explore Cadaqués.
There are some places that defy description and
this is one. Almost everyone we meet tells us this
town is special, but no one quite manages to put
it into words. We’re none the wiser after a visit to
Cadaqués Museum where Cecelia Baldes, who
moved to the town from her native Barcelona 20 Girona
years ago, explains the town’s je ne sais quoi in

100 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

 TRAVEL | CATALONIA

terms of a particularly magical “energy”. “You either

really love this place or you feel nothing,” she adds.
“It’s not in the middle.”
Certainly, Cadaqués’ beauty is undeniable:
whitewashed stone houses with terracotta tiled roofs
are piled around the kind of picture-perfect horseshoe
bay of which postcards are made. The town was, until
relatively recently, only reachable by sea and even
today, dozens of boats, big and small, continue to bob
in the bay. This remoteness played no small part in
allowing the town to escape the high-rise building
boom that has blighted much of the rest of the Costa
Brava in recent decades.
But it takes more than that to attract the stream
of artists who, since Picasso visited 100 years ago,
have been making A steady pilgrimage to the
town (it boasts more art galleries per square metre Top: neighbouring bays, and hours lolling indulgently on
than anywhere else in Spain). Or to explain how View of the town’s tiny, pebbled beach. By night we hop the
Chinese developers became so enchanted with the Costa Brava’s many bars and restaurants that line the waterfront,
place that plans to build an exact replica of it over beaches and grazing on tapas at the strip’s open-air restaurants
a 100-acre site in Xiamen Bay – allowing Chinese villages and tapping our feet to live bands at L’Hostal, a
holidaymakers to get a whiff of the town’s magic Above right: dimly-lit dive that counts Mick Jagger and Nobel
without ever having to get their passports stamped Casa Batlló Prize-winning author Gabriella Garcia Marquez
– are currently underway. among its guests. Whatever the key to Cadaqués’
We leave the Cadaqués conundrum to the mysterious energy may be, we are entranced.
experts, choosing instead to spend a couple of So it’s a shock, four days and three hours
days soaking up its charms, no questions asked. travelling time later, to find ourselves pulling
This involves a day walking around the Cap de into Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia station to be
Creus peninsula watching waves crash and seagulls confronted with the push and pull of city life.
soar up and over the rocky headland, another Barcelona is arguably Spain’s most vibrant city. It
spent puttering gently by boat in and out of quiet certainly takes the award for its most eccentric.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 101

 TRAVEL | CATALONIA
Santa Maria church
Our first sight upon leaving the station is
the writhing, skeletal artistry of Casa Battló
(casabattlo.es), a private house designed by
Antoni Gaudi, the architect whose still-
unfinished cathedral, La Sagrada Familia,
serves as architectural mascot for the city and
remains its most visited attraction.
Further quirks abound over in Montjuïc
Park where 4,500 pastel-coloured lightbulbs
and many thousand litres of water nightly
bring the Font Màgica de Montjuïc (that’s
Magic Fountain to you and me) to life. Eat
your heart out Dubai Fountain – this baby is
kitsch with a capital ‘K’.
But Barcelona is as sophisticated as it is
idiosyncratic. With time short, we stop for
a quick coffee in the magnificent Boqueria
indoor food market on La Rambla before
heading to the Gothic Quarter to wander
through its narrow cobbled streets, pay
102 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
homage to Picasso (the artist spent his youth
in the city and is honoured with his own
museum on Calle Montcada) and gorge on
tapas at legendary local favourite Cal Pep’s
zinc-topped bar. From there it’s a short stroll
down to stylish charms of Barceloneta. This
once working class neighbourhood was given
a makeover for the Olympics in 1992 and
hasn’t looked back since. Now it’s all smart
apartments and beachfront bars, a place
where bathing beauties cycle and rollerblade
the waterfront by day and live la vida loca
by night.
La Sagrada Familia
catherdral in Barcelona
The village of
Cadaques
The newest jewel in the city’s style crown,
however, is a further short stroll south.
Designed by famed local architect Ricardo
Bofill, the sail-shaped W Hotel has been
called the city’s answer to the Burj Al Arab.
Pitch up poolside and you’ll be treated to
magnificent views over the Mediterranean,
fine cocktails and an absurdly pretty crowd
of fellow loungers. We settle in, order a
signature wet mojito and raise a glass. Finally,
a language we fully understand.
Need to know
Getting there
Emirates flies daily from Dubai to Barcelona
via Madrid from Dhs4,300 in November
Accommodation
LHotel Duran, Figueres. Tel: (+34)
972501250. www.hotelduran.com
LSalvador Dali’s hometown is good base
for visiting spots along the northern
Costa Brava
LW Hotel Barcelona. Tel: (+34) 932952800.
www.whotels.com.barcelona
Spain’s hottest new hotel opening, bar none
Currency
1 Euro = Dhs5.1
 TRAVEL | SRI LANKA
Island
fever
Lazing, surfing, strolling and
eating, Sri Lanka’s southern
shores offer our very own The
Critic, James Brennan, idyllic
respite from city life
I’m in the classic beach holiday position. Feet
up, pointing towards the sea. Head down,
peering up through gently whispering palm
fronds at a powdery blue sky. My right hand
is toying idly with caster-sugar sand, and my
left appears to have merged with the atoms,
floating somewhere in time and space. Waves
crash up against megalithic rocks that emerge
from the water like prehistoric beached
whales. The rhythmic swoosh of the tide has
soothed me into a state of stupefied bliss.
Thing is, I hate beach holidays.
Under normal circumstances, the mere
suggestion of a beach holiday would have me
reaching for a Trans-Siberian Railway time-
table or a map of the West Papuan rainforest.
The brain-blotting torpor of just lying there
on a stretch of granulated rock, clutching a
John Grisham novel and waiting for the sun
to turn me into a human glow stick doesn’t
usually appeal. But then there’s Sri Lanka.
I first visited the teardrop-shaped island to
the south east of India in 2006. It was almost
two years after the Boxing Day tsunami
claimed thousands of lives and devastated
communities along its east and south coasts.
The country was still in the grip of a long and
violent civil war, yet I found the indomitable
spirit and friendliness of the people instantly
endearing. But it was the raw natural beauty
of the southern coastal areas around Galle
and Unawatuna that poked a hole through
ISTOCK
my prejudice.
104 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
SHORT
HAUL
Now the civil war is over and I’m back
in Sri Lanka, enjoying the beaches again.
I’m lounging at Dalawella, a quiet stretch
of guesthouses and mini-resorts just south
of Unawatuna along the Galle-Matara coast
road. Here the shore is as serene and idyllic
as the laws of nature can allow. All that travel
stress – from airport hassles to the four-hour
night-drive from Colombo – peels away with
each majestic rush of seawater. Did you know
more people are killed each year by falling
coconuts than shark attacks? Well, that’s all I
have to worry about right now. I glance up at
the tall palms overhead. No coconuts. As you
were.
The beauty of this particular beach holiday,
above most others, is that you can easily find
a pace to suit your mood. When the most you
can be bothered to do is perspire and reach
for ice cold drinks, Dalawella is perfect. You
can just lie there, luxuriating in the gentle
sea breeze as tiny hermit crabs scurry over
the rocks, and fishermen cast their lines from
stilt poles driven into the seabed. They sit
patiently for hours on wooden cross beams a Above:
few feet above the sea, motionless so as not to The view
disturb the fish. The sun goes down drowsily, from Galle
like an old man getting into bed. lighthouse
When you feel like upping the tempo
from such bone-idle inertia to something a Right:
little more invigorating, there’s Unawatuna. An idyllic Sri
Slightly more developed than Dalawella, and Lankan beach
just a few minutes away by tuk-tuk, Unawa-
tuna’s beaches are busier, but no less beauti-
ful. Scattered around a network of quiet lanes
set back off the main road, there’s a range of
accommodation here, from cheap B&Bs, to
all-inclusive resorts. There are beachside ca-
fes, bars and restaurants to flit between after
sunset and, while the vibe is suitably sleepy,
there are plenty of opportunities to socialise
with locals and fellow lazy travellers.

The most stressful thing you might do
here is haggle with a tuk-tuk driver over
fare. A return trip along the coast road, past
Dalawella to Koggala and Ahangama, should
cost you no more than five hundred Rupees.
And there’s good reason to make the short
journey. The white sandy beaches get even
more picturesque along the way. A haven for
wildlife, Koggala Lake attracts a rainbow of
exotic birds, and the nearby Ananda spice
garden provides the opportunity to stock up
on citronella oil to ward off the inevitable
squadrons of mosquitoes.
Should you really wish to get the blood
pumping, Ahangama is to the surfer what
Dalawella is to the beach slouch. There are
precious few attractions here other than the
galloping waves, so it’s hardly ever crowded
TRAVEL | SRI LANKA
and you can ride those breakers until you run
out of surf wax. If you haven’t already spotted
them trying to dodge your board in the water,
you can visit the nearby Sea Turtle Farm &
Hatchery, where baby turtles are nurtured
and released safely back into the sea.
After a few days of somnambulistic pot-
tering around the beaches of Dalawella and
Unawatuna, I head to the town of Galle, a few
miles down the coast. As my tuk-tuk driver
threads through a mesh of growling buses
and chugging lorries, I feel my heartbeat
readjusting to the rhythm of town life. Galle’s
new town is a Stockhausen symphony of
car horns, motors and urban noise. It’s the
cranking engine room of the region, vibrant
with life, but hardly the most attractive spot
on the coast. Galle’s old town, however, is an
NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 105
 TRAVEL | SRI LANKA
Where to stay
DALAWELLA
SRI GEMUNU
For the laziest
phase of
your holiday,
the relaxed
simplicity of
this colonial-
style beachfront
hotel will hit the spot
perfectly. Rooms with air conditioning are
fine, but the sea-facing fan-only rooms are
just as good, especially when you open
the shutters and let the gentle breeze and
crashing waves lull you to sleep at night.
Just try not to sleep too much during
the day.
www.sri-lanka-resort.com
altogether more alluring prospect.
The Galle Fort was completed by Dutch
colonialists in the late 17th century, and is
now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Tracing
a peninsula overlooking the old harbour, the
sturdy ramparts stood resolute against the
2004 tsunami, while much of the new city
outside the walls was destroyed. As a result,
restoration work on many of the old Dutch
houses and administrative buildings inside
the fort carried on unimpeded, and some
have been returned to their former pomp.
The Galle Fort Hotel was a gem merchant’s
mansion that was saved from ruin by two
Australian entrepreneurs and transformed
into one of the best colonial-style boutique
hotels in Asia. Its faithfully restored exterior
is certainly befitting of the best-preserved
colonial sea fort on the entire continent.
But it’s the dark-wooden splendour of the
interior that evokes a sense of a golden age of
travel – where sundowners can be sipped on
the terrace as the day wraps itself up in the
purr of the ceiling fans. I make it my base to
explore the old town.
The next morning I amble through the
snug streets of the fort, admiring the histori-
cally sensitive restorations here and there, but
also the crumbling old facades that have been
untouched for centuries. The fort I visited in
2006 was a deathly quiet, drab and slightly
unwelcoming place with few tourists. Now it’s
a thriving and colourful working community
with shops, museums, schools and places of
worship. Walking past the peeling walls of the
old police station, I peek through the door of
the local Vice Squad. In the deserted office,
the walls display faded newspaper clippings
106 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
UNAWATUNA
UNAWATUNA BEACH RESORT
With its family swimming pool, tennis
courts and lively bar area, this is the place to
come if you’re looking to interact with other
human beings. An all-inclusive package
means that don’t have to leave the complex,
but tuk-tuks are available outside when
cabin fever finally sets in.
www.unawatunabeachresort.com
Fishermen fishing
on stilts in Koggala
of past cases cracked, while an old Adler
typewriter waits on a spartan desk. It’s like
an exhibit in a museum, but then so are most
things in Galle Fort.
I follow a path that hugs the ancient walls
to where a 1930s art deco lighthouse stands
over the Point Utrecht Bastion. From there I
continue along Hospital Street to the National
Maritime Archaeology Museum, which has
recently reopened after a hefty donation from
the Dutch government. From ships’ wheels to
old compasses, the museum displays a raft of
exhibits salvaged from the many wrecked
vessels that surround the Galle promontory.
Like my beach-holiday preconceptions,
they had been dashed on the rocks of Sri
Lanka’s stunning southwest tip.
GALLE
GALLE FORT HOTEL
Karl Steinberg and Christopher Ong’s
renovated Dutch mansion house is a
masterpiece of colonial restoration. A
template for any would-be hotelier who’s
thinking of transforming a rundown
property into something truly magical,
this boutique hotel gets it spot on, from
the stately reception rooms to the serene
swimming pool and the classically styled
rooms. If it wasn’t so neatly done, it might
resemble an upmarket auctioneers, there
are so many beautiful antiques scattered
about the place. But should a particular
piece catch your eye, our friendly
proprietors will gladly listen to offers.
www.galleforthotel.com
Seeing the town
in a tuk tuk
Need to know
Where to eat
Galle Fort Hotel
It’s that place again. We wouldn’t be
recommending it if it wasn’t truly
exceptional, but it is. The setting,
overlooking the softly lit courtyard
swimming pool, is perfect and the food
is just as good. The menu changes every
day, but you can be sure of superbly
executed home-made Asian fusion
food with Sri Lankan flourishes, from
crumbling crab cakes to icy fruit sorbets.
How to get there
L FlyDubai direct to Colombo, from
Dhs700
LTransfers by taxi can be arranged
through hotels, or you can negotiate with
drivers at the airport
Currency
100 Sri Lankan Rupees = 3.25 Dirhams
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 TRAVEL | TRAVELS WITH...
Travels with…
Adrian Hayes
UAE-based polar explorer
Adrian Hayes holds the
record for reaching the
North Pole, South Pole and
Mount Everest in the quickest
time. Having travelled to
more than 100 countries, he
knows a thing or two about
taking a trip. As he prepares
for two major expeditions in
2011, the British adventurer
proffers some of his hard
won travel wisdom
A trio of deals for the
thrifty traveller
PACK FOR PHUKET
Luxury Hotels by Dnata has just gained
a new property and the Centara Grand
Beach Resort Phuket is offering some
alluring opening rates. Located on Karon
Beach, all rooms have sea views and the
property boasts four swimming pools, a
tennis court and spa. Just Dhs554
for a deluxe room and Dhs1,157
for a luxury pool suite. Based
on double occupancy, the
offer is valid to December 24.
www.dnata.com
108 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
What’s the best holiday
you’ve ever had?
That’s a difficult one, but I guess
Krabi in Thailand. Sun, sand, sea
and, erm, rock climbing. Seriously, it’s such a
stunning location that I went three times in 18
months a few years back.
What’s been your biggest travel disaster?
A small team and myself were doing some
diving work for the Fijian government and
I’d planned a four-day sport diving stopover
in Guam on the way back to Hong Kong.
I arrived in Guam with a heavily swollen,
poisoned foot – somehow incurred in the
last week in Fiji – and, turning up at the
US military base for some medication, was
hospitalised for the full four days whilst they
worked out what it was. They eventually put
HOT FIVE
It seems discount airfares are all the rage in
the UAE at the moment, and Etihad has five of
the very best to rouse your winter wanderlust.
Fly economy to Bangkok (Dhs1,895), Kuala
Lumpur (Dhs1,905), Frankfurt (Dhs2,435),
Munich (Dhs2,525) and London (Dhs2,505)
without straining the bank balance. The offer
is valid to December 31 and you can travel
to March 2011. We’re thinking a cheeky long
weekend in Munich would quell the post-
Christmas January blues nicely.
www.etihadairways.com
TRAVEL
EXTRA
my whole leg in plaster. But I went back to
Guam a few years later to make amends.
If you could advise people to visit one
destination what would it be?
Nepal. Do a mountain trek amidst some of
the most stunning scenery and the friendliest
people on the planet. And see how it changes
your perspective on your home country.
What are your three top tips for surviving
a long airport stopover?
Always have something to read. A small stuff
sack with eyeshades and ear plugs goes with me
everywhere, along with a small air pillow. I can
sleep on any aircraft, noisy bar or even a ditch
with something for the neck, eyes and ears.
What item do you never travel without?
A fold up toothbrush and small tube of paste.
Disgusting as it may seem, I’ve gone for 70
days without washing at all and am pleased to
report you suffer no ill effects whatsoever. Your
teeth, however, is the one exception.
What destination serves the best food?
I love Indian food, so anything and anywhere
in the sub continent.
www.adrianhayes.com
“I’ve gone for 70 days
without washing at all”
WINTER WONDERLAND
We look forward to the launch of the
Emirates Holidays Ski & Winter Holidays
brochure. We can’t ski, but we really like
looking at the pictures of snow-capped
peaks and be-goggled skiers gliding down
snow-blanketed European mountainsides
with seeming ease. For us any attempt
at recreating this feat would end in
broken bones, so the Dhs3,562 package
ISTOCK
to Innsbruck, Switzerland is
more our speed. Economy
flights from Dubai to
Munich and three nights
accommodation and
breakfast. Valid to March
31, 2011.
www.emirates-holidays.com
 We may be renowned for
our pristine golf courses.
But our course of choice
is served off the green.

You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy a meal on the stunning grounds of the Yas Links Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. From delicately prepared
spiced duck breast and pan-seared foie gras at Barranca, to the celebratory ambience of a bite with the boys at Hickory’s Sports Bar;
indulge in a little taste of the good life. And let our award-winning chefs show you what it means to dine with a difference.

For enquiries and reservations, please contact +971 2 810 7777 or visit www.yaslinks.com
THE HOT LIST
Key
New entry

Non-mover

Up

Down

p113 Bars
p117 Restaurants
LA PETITE MAISON

p121 Brunches
p125 Spas

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 111

 THE HOT LIST THE
FINEST FOR
BEVERAGES
BARS AND
BITES

Yacht Club Left Bank

ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

1
Friendly and busy, With its raft of Mingling and Around average Souk Qaryat Al Beri,
The stylish Between The Bridges,
like a good bar great bars and meeting new drinks prices for the
interior was Abu Dhabi,
should be. restaurants, the people. capital, although
the place to Sat to Wed 7pm to
Souk Qaryat Al Beri some of the
dine over the 1pm, Thurs and Fri
is our number one cocktails can send
Left Bank summer, but 7pm to 2am.
entertainment spot the bill creeping up. Tel: (02) 5581680.
now it's terrace
in the capital. www.
time.
emiratesleisureretail.
com

2
It’s chilled early on, There are few Dressing up to Your wallet will It’s bearable InterContinental Abu
while later in the cooler locations in the nines and be considerably Dhabi, Al Bateen
outside so the
evening the party the capital than this being seen. lighter after a night After Ramadan, Sat
outdoor space to Wed noon to 1am,
vibe kicks in as marina-side bar. out here. comes into Thurs noon to 3am.,
the DJ spins some its own once Fri 2pm to 3am, Sat
Yacht Club house grooves. again. 5pm to 1am.
Tel: (02) 6666888.
www.ichotelsgroup.
com

3
Within a few Perched on top of A nightclub vibe, Refreshingly This is rapidly Aloft Abu Dhabi,
months of opening Aloft, one of the without the queues affordable. Abu Dhabi National
becoming one
Relax@12 has hippest new hotels to get in and cover Exhibition Centre,
of our favourite Khaleej Al Arabi Street,
become one of the in the city. charge. haunts. 5pm to 2am.
busiest bars in the Tel: (02) 6540000.
Relax@12 capital. www.aloftabudhabi.
com

4
A near perfect Some of the capital's Great food and a It’s on the Don’t leave InterContinental Abu
recreation of a fin de best bars and few beers with pals. expensive side, but Dhabi, Al Bateen,
without trying
siècle European bar. restaurants – Yacht justifiably so. 5pm to 1am.
the Belgian Tel: (02) 6666888.
Club and Chamas waffles. www.ichotelsgroup.
to name but two – com
Belgian Café are located at the
InterCon, making
this quite the
nightlife hub.

5
As homely as a The Beach Rotana A plate of German You’ll rack up a Celebrate Beach Rotana Hotel,
wooden chalet in hotel also has the sausage and hefty bar tab if you Tourist Club Area, Abu
Oktoberfest
the Black Forest. superb Pregos, sauerkraut and a order too many of Dhabi, 12.30pm to
here. 11.30pm.
Rodeo Grill stein of lager. the speciality beers. Guaranteed Tel: (02) 6979000.
and Benihana messiness. www.rotana.com
Brauhaus restaurants and the
ace Trader Vic’s bar,
all under one roof.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON
ON 113
113
 HOT ON
THPeEarlsH EELSa
BARS 11 , Shangri-L
12 Heroes,
tt
Crowne Plaz r
om
a
Cafe, Al Dia
13 Ro ck Bo
el
Capital Hot
oiles, Em irates Palace
14 Et eraton
hcomber, Sh
15 The Beac Dhabi
Abu

Stills Trader Vic's

ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

6
Y Bar is becoming Persuade your Anyone looking Mid-range. Yas Island Rotana
Fast becoming Hotel, Yas Island, Abu
the coolest spot designated driver for a change of
the landing pad Dhabi,
for suburban Abu to head out to Yas scenery.
for those living 4pm to 2.30am.
Dhabians to hang Island. It’s packed
off the main Tel: (02) 6564000.
out. with great bars and
Y Bar island. www.rotana.com
restaurants.

7
A petite bar with The bar is a few A few relaxed Beer and wine If unusual Fairmont Bab Al Bahr,
quiet alcoves paces from the drinks in an elegant are moderately Between The Bridges,
beverages are
that are perfect quality Marco setting. priced; cocktails Abu Dhabi,
your bag, try 6pm to 3am.
places to sip a Pierre White and champagnes the candyfloss Tel: (02) 6543333.
few cocktails with Steakhouse & Grill, will have the bank cocktail. www.fairmont.com
Chameleon friends. Frankie’s and Cedar manager asking
Lounge restaurants. questions.

8
With the huge bar Stills would be our A couple of after- The drinks are Stills serves one Crowne Plaza Yas
and leather seating favourite local pub, work pints. reasonably priced, Island, Abu Dhabi,
of the finest
there's a smart city if it only it were a but the food tends noon to 12.30pm.
beef pies in Tel: (02) 6563000.
pub feel. bit more, well, local. to be a bit pricey. the city. Kudos www.ichotelsgroup.
from us. com
Stills

9
There’s a Polynesian The Beach Rotana's If you like your Too many big Try the Mai Tai. Beach Rotana, Tourist
island feel, with one of the city’s cocktails large, ice nights on the big Club Area, Abu Dhabi,
It's the cocktail
various island bric- oldest, but cold and packed cocktails at Traders 7pm to midnight.
that made Tel: (02) 6979000.
a-brac lining the classiest, hotels. with fruit, head and you’ll be off to Trader Vic’s www.rotana.com
walls. here. the workhouse. famous.
Trader Vic’s

10
Packed with Le Royal Méridien An unpretentious The super-cheap Some of our Le Royal Méridien,
punters enjoying is home to the night on the tiles. prices will mean Sheikh Khalifa Street,
best nights out
the craic. ever-popular Sax your dirhams will Abu Dhabi,
have been in noon to 1am.
nightclub, should go a long way. PJs. And we go Tel: (02) 6742020.
you fancy busting out a lot. www.lemeridien.com
PJ O’Reilly’s some moves on the
dance floor.

114 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

CHILLED OUT REGGAE VIBES
MOUTH-WATERING CARIBBEAN SIZZLE

The Address FOR A SULTRY SATURDAY

Welcome to Sultry Saturdays at Cabana, with our all-new Caribbean

BBQ featuring spicy island delights and optional pool access.
Chill by the water with reggae vibes and indulge in our chef’s
BBQ feast including grilled firecracker prawns, a live chicken
Fajita station and fresh island salads – served up with stunning
views of the world’s tallest building. Come on down and feel the
rhythm Cabana-style, with Sultry Saturdays at The Address Dubai Mall.

Every Saturday: 12.30pm – 4.30pm

Dhs 155 or Dhs 245 with selected house beverages
Pool access: Dhs 100 per person

T +971 4 438 8999 DINE.DUBAIMALL@THEADDRESS.COM

WWW.THE ADDRESS.COM
A BUSINESS HOTEL
THAT SPECIALIZES
IN ASIAN TASTE.

HOW COME?

When it comes to Asian cooking,

we mean business.

Welcome to Cristal Hotel.

For the executive who still
can’t quite manage to perfect
chopsticks, an Asian buffet in
GEMS RESTAURANT for only
AED 99*, guarantees you’ll have no
problems eating as much as you like
(optional knife and fork provided).

Call us a Hotel if you want,

we prefer to be thought of as
dynamic hospitality.

Try us, you will enjoy.

Call 02 652 0000

Zayed the 1st Street, adjacent to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
Web: cristalhotelsandresorts.com

* Subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee DYNAMIC HOSPITALITY

 THE HOT LIST
THE
ELITE
OF THE
EATING OUT
RESTAURANTS SCENE

Etoiles Hakkasan
MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 117

ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR FOOD LOCATION PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

1
Effortlessly The chandeliers European The Between Dhs800 for two, Shangri-La
A taste of Qaryat Al Beri,
sophisticated. and oil cuisine served The Bridges sans alcohol, is
France in the Between The
paintings are without the area is a foodie’s a good estimate Bridges, Abu
desert. A must
the epitome unnecessary paradise, with of what you’ll Dhabi,
for foodies. 6.30pm to
of understated foams and plenty of superb pay.
Bord Eau elegance. jellies. restaurants. 11.30pm.
Tel: (02)
5098888.
www.shangri-la.
com

2
The restaurant Small alcoves, The jasmine A Michelin- Your bill’s going Hakkasan is Emirates Palace,
is huge, but divided up smoked beef starred to hit the four- West Corniche,
now hitting its
always packed by Oriental is out of this restaurant in figure mark. Abu Dhabi,
stride. Expect it 7pm to 11pm.
with diners wooden panels world. the world’s Deal with it. to battle for the Tel: (02)
wanting to see create a maze- most expensive top spot. 6909000.
Hakkasan if Hakkasan like feel to the hotel. Yes, this is www.hakkasan.
lives up to huge restaurant. luxury living. com
its esteemed
reputation.

3
Warm and cosy, The dim lighting The finest steaks This shiny new If your budget With this and Fairmont Bab Al
and luckily and dark walls and British hotel is one of doesn’t stretch Bahr, Between
Frankie's under
lacking a stuck- make the dining cuisine in the our favourites in to at least The Bridges,
his Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi,
up vibe. room feel like a capital. Abu Dhabi. Dhs800 for a belt, MPW is a 7pm to 1am.
snug little barn. three-course local hero. Tel: (02)
MPW meal for two, we 6543333.
Steakhouse advise eating www.fairmont.
& Grill elsewhere. com

4
The open A cavernous Prior to visiting Nab a spot on Dhs600 is more We love meat, InterContinental
kitchen and restaurant, Chamas, skip the terrace than worth it for Abu Dhabi, Al
hence we love Bateen, Abu
the swarms of decked out in some meals to at the nearby all this meat. Chamas. Dhabi,
waiters dashing a chic black save room for Yacht Club for 7pm to
about carrying leather theme. the barrage of after dinner midnight.
Chamas chunks of meat meat that will drinks. Tel: (02)
6666888.
makes for a be sliced onto www.
bustling vibe. your plate. ichotelsgroup.
com

5
Modern, The earth- The finest Souk Qaryat Al When your bill The best curry Souk Qaryat Al
sophisticated, brown theme Northern Indian Beri has plenty arrives, expect Beri, Between
house in Abu The Bridges, Abu
but definitely and sleek cuisine made of shops and it to be in Dhabi.
Indian. furniture with delicate bars, so you the region of Dhabi, 12.30pm to
midnight.
mean we give combinations of won’t be stuck Dhs500 for two. Tel: (02) 5581769.
Ushna Ushna's interior spices. for activities www.cplmg.com
designers two after your meal.
thumbs up.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON
ON 117
117
 HOT ON
RESTAURANTS THE H EELSal Bahr
irmont Bab
, Fa
11 Frankie’s Royal Méridien Abu
Al Fa nar, Le
12 Dhabi
i-La
lace, Shangr
13 Shang Pa on Blu Yas Island
diss
14 Filini, Ra on Abu Dha
bi
15 Bice, Hilt

Toki Mombasa Grille

PRICE
ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON
INTERIOR INFO FOOD LOCATION PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO
SAYS... SAYS...

6
Our favourite A neon An extensive The Hilton's Expect change We love the
Hilton Abu
spot for sushi, illuminated menu, which slightly dated, from a Dhs500 Dhabi, Corniche,
bento boxes; Abu Dhabi,
and clearly sushi station contains some but has a certain note for a three- a great way
most other in the corner is unusual regional old school course meal for 7pm to 11pm.
to sample Tel: (02) 6814151.
people’s too, the focal point Japanese dishes charm. two. a variety of www.hilton.com
Toki as it’s generally in the darkly that you won’t cuisines.
packed to the decorated, dimly find anywhere
rafters. lit dining room. else in the UAE.

7
A favourite spot The glass walls The freshest The Yas Hotel Pushing close to Light and The Yas Hotel,
for VIPs and jet- mean there’s fish, crabs, looks like NASA the four-figure bright, this Yas Island, Abu
setters. plenty of light lobsters and scientists have mark for a Dhabi, 12.30pm
is lovely for to 3pm and
during the shellfish cooked. designed it. The three-course lunch, and is 7pm to 11pm.
day in this beautifully with restaurant is meal for two. transformed at Tel: (02)
Nautilus ultra-modern a selection due to reopen night. 6560600.
restaurant. of puréed this month after www.
vegetables. a refurb. theyashotel.
com

8
The wooden With its shark Up there The beachside Dhs700 is about Fresh seafood Beach Rotana,
chalet is a skulls, fishing with the terrace is average for a and quality Tourist Club
charming and nets and lobster best seafood calling… three-course Area, Abu Dhabi,
ingredients are 12.30pm
romantic dining baskets lining the creations in the meal without what Finz does. to 3.30pm
spot. walls, Jacques capital. booze. and 7pm to
Finz Cousteau would 11.30pm.
feel right at Tel: (02) 6979000.
home in Finz. www.rotana.
com

9
Very relaxed to The tables European and At the far end A meal for two The steamed Emirates Palace,
start, with the overlook a British dishes, of the Emirates should come West Corniche,
monkfish with
pace picking dance floor, cooked with Palace’s gigantic in around the Abu Dhabi,
lobster tail noon to 3pm
up as the night leaving you in flair. lobby, with the Dhs700 region. will knock you and 7pm to
moves on – this no doubt of its sauvé air to sideways. 11.30pm.
Etoiles is a restaurant- alter ego. match. Tel: (02)
cum-nightclub 6909000.
after all. www.etoilesuae.
com

10
Busy, without Eclectic, to say A huge array Pop into Left Around Dhs600 A restaurant Souk Qaryat Al
being rammed, the least, with of fine dishes Bank, our will do for a Beri, Abu Dhabi,
that manages to
meaning you African masks, from around number one bar meal for two. 7pm to
master a variety midnight.
should be able spears and the world, from in the capital, of international Tel: (02)
to find a table animal skins Indian curries to after your meal. cuisines. 5581868.www.
Mombasa here. lining the walls. African grilled It’s virtually next
Grille mobasagrille.ae
meats. door.

118 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 118

 THE HOT LIST
OUR
PICK
OF THE
BRUNCH
BRUNCHES BUNCH
Le Vendome Brasserie

Al Fanar

ATMOSPHERE FOOD LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

1
This brunch Enough seafood At long last it’s Impressing Dhs565 You’re paying Emirates Palace,
attracts a classy, to fill a trawler, cool enough visitors with includes the West Corniche,
through the Abu Dhabi,
well-behaved plus a vast to venture into Middle Eastern finest Laurent nose, but it’s
crowd. selection of the stunning luxury. Perrier Rosé 12.30pm to
worth splashing 3.30pm.
meats and gardens of champagne. out for. Tel: (02)
Le Vendome salads. Emirates Palace,
Brasserie 6907999.
making this www.
brunch a worthy emiratespalace.
number one. com

2
Everyone is here A truly The glitzy Birthdays, Dhs399 Top notch Fairmont Bab Al
to have fun, but international Fairmont Bab leaving with Moet food and Bahr, Between
it rarely gets too blend of curries, Al Bahr is just dos or any & Chandon The Bridges,
free-flowing
rowdy. sushi and Arabic minutes away other special champagne, Abu Dhabi,
champagne. 11.30am to
food, as well from a raft of occasion. Dhs299 with 3pm.
Elements as a cracking other bars and wine and beer, Tel: (02)
cheeseboard. restaurants at Dhs222 without 6543000.
the Souk Qaryat alcohol. www.fairmont.
Al Beri. com

3
A relaxed a la Some truly With the late As the Yacht The Dhs165 A great way InterContinental
carte brunch in superb Pan- start the terrace Club brunch with unlimited to spend an Abu Dhabi, Al
a cool bar. Asian cuisine, will be cool finishes at 6pm, a la carte food Bateen,
afternoon with
including sushi, enough to enjoy it drifts perfectly and drinks is 2pm to 6pm.
friends in the Tel: (02)
noodles and properly. We’ve into an evening cheap in our fading sun. 6666888.
Yacht Club tempura. been waiting a out. books. ichotelsgroup.
few months for com
this one.

4
As chilled as Your usual Sofra’s a giant, Anyone and Dhs220 for All-round Shangri-La
a lazy donkey brunching spacious everyone. unlimited wine excellence Qaryat Al Beri,
snoozing under options, plus restaurant in There’s enough and soft drinks – Between The
makes this
a tree. some fine the decadent room for around average Bridges, Abu
one of our top Dhabi,
Moroccan Shangri-La families and for Abu Dhabi’s spots. noon to 4pm.
Sofra tagines and a Qaryat Al Beri. party people. brunching
Boulevard Tel: (02)
live seafood scene. 5098888.
cooking station. www.shangri-la.
com

5
It starts out A good array This is the city’s A memorable Dhs220 with New chef Le Royal
quiet, but has of seafood and first revolving brunch in a wine. It’s slap Méridien,
Alain Roin has Khalifah Street,
been known salads. restaurant, truly unusual bang in the improved the Abu Dhabi,
to become a and its lofty restaurant. middle of Abu quality no end. 12.30pm to
bit boisterous location makes Dhabi’s brunch One to watch. 3pm. Tel: (02)
Al Fanar later on. for spectacular price range. 6742020.
www.
views. ichotelsgroup.com

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 121

 HOT ON
BRUNCHES THE HEteEsLPaSlace
Emira
11 Etoiles, s Island
Asia, Crow ne Plaza Ya
12 Jing e, Aloft
13 Din ien
rie, Le Mérid
14 La Brasse Royal Meridien
lly’s, Le
15 PJ O’Rei

Pearls & Caviar Chamas

PRICE
ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON
FOOD INFOLOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO
SAYS... SAYS...

6
A healthy bustle A boatload of Pearls & Caviar’s Seafood fanatics. Dhs299 with Shangri-La
See you on the Qaryat Al Beri,
of brunchers. fishes awaits waterfront champagne,
terrace. Between The
consumption at location has Dhs199 with
the P&C buffet. great views other drinks. Bridges, Abu
Dhabi,
of the Grand On the upper 1pm to 4pm.
Pearls & Mosque. end of the scale, Tel: (02)
Caviar but bubbly’s 5098888.
included in www.shangri-
the bill. la.com

7
The aromas On arrival, you’re The InterCon is Ravenous Dhs165 with A superb InterContinental
of barbecued handed a two- a bit out on a carnivores. one cocktail is Abu Dhabi, Al
brunch you’ll
meats and the sided card. Turn limb, but great good value, but Bateen,
want to keep 1pm to 3pm.
Latino beats it to green to bars such as if you want to coming back Tel: (02)
from the live keep the meat Yacht Club and down drinks to. 6666888.
Chamas band make for a coming, turn Belgian Café you could notch www.
merry vibe. it to red when should keep you up a hefty tab. ichotelsgroup.
you’re ready to from wanting to com
explode. head elsewhere.

8
This family An international The ever- A family feast Dhs150, Who doesn’t Park Rotana, Al
brunch is busy buffet, plus popular Park that leaves you including Salam Street,
love a free
with multi- barbecue. Rotana. And money in the two house Abu Dhabi,
massage after 12pm to
generations Something for each table of bank. There’s beverages. lunch? 4pm. Tel: (02)
tucking into the everyone. four gets a free face painting 6573333. www.
GInger buffet. massage in and balloon rotana.com
the hotel spa. modelling for
Result. the children, too.

9
A lot of people’s Three fine We're still A party that Dhs200 with One of the One To One
favourite restaurants waiting for won’t leave you alcohol and Hotel, Al
most popular Nahyan, Abu
brunch, so be stacked on signposts to broke. Dhs140 without. brunches in Dhabi,
sure to book top of each One To One Pleasantly town. noon to
ahead. other with hotel, as its affordable. 3pm. Tel: (02)
One To One three different backstreet 4952000.
www.
cuisines. location makes onetoonehotels.
it a nightmare com
to find.

10
Lively but not Designed At the heart Groups with Very reasonable Good food at Sheraton Hotel,
too rowdy, this in a market of the capital, varied tastes. at Dhs225 Corniche Road,
a good price, Abu Dhabi,
is a great choice style, you can the Sheraton From traditional including free this is one to
for groups. stroll around is close to roasts to flowing bubbly. 12.30pm to
watch. 3.30pm. Tel: (02)
sampling fresh Corniche exotic sashimi, Children under 6773333. www.
Flavours grills, seafood, Park for a everyone is six eat for free. starwoodhotels.
sushi to order, post-brunch catered for. com
and desserts. meander.

122 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 122

 Weekly Happenings at the Top
Saturday - Jazz Night
Live jazz band and special deal on pre-selected
beverages.
Doors open at 18:00 hours

Sunday - Chill out with Rosemount

Watch the sun go down over Media City every
Satu Sunday whilst relaxing with a glass of Rosemount
rda
Jazz N y grapes and chill out music by resident DJ AnOn.
ight
Doors open at 17:00 hours

Tuesday - Ladies Night

Ladies receive three complimentary glasses of bubbly.
A blend of sophisticated Soul, Funk and Commercial
House Music by resident DJ AnOn.
Doors open at 17:00 hours

Wednesday - Latino Night

Mixture of Latin Music including Salsa, Meringue and
nt day
Wednes
u Samba by resident DJ AnOn. Special offers on
day emo
Sun by Ros ht
Dro
p pre-selected beverages. Latino Nig
Doors open at 17:00 hours

Thursday - Pink Paw Party

Have a blast at Tamanya Terrace rooftop bar every
Thursday with an evening of progressive house tracks
spinned by DJ AnOn. Ladies in pink will be awarded
with a free drink.
Dress Code: Pink touch
Doors open at 17:00 hours
TT uu ee Thursday
s sd
LaLdaide d ayay Pink Paw Party
isesNN
igihgth Friday - Favela Chic
t
Live the spirit of Favela Chic as Tamanya Terrace
bounces into the weekend with resident DJ AnOn
and HUSH on percussion, spinning funky electro
Brazilian beats. Special offer on Brazilian cocktails.
Door opens at 18:00 hours.

ay
Frid ic
la Ch
Fave

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

PO Box 211723, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971-4-366-9111, Fax: +971-4-361-1011
radissonblu.com/hotel-mediacitydubai
tamanya.mediacity.dubai@radissonblu.com
 THE
THE HOT LIST DADDIES
OF THE
HEALTH AND
SPAS LEISURE
Anantara Spa
SCENE

Zen Spa
MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 125

THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

1
The staff, who Extremely This palatial spa You wouldn’t Emirates Palace,
We’re big fans West Corniche,
mostly hail from luxurious. is so big it has its expect a seven-
of the diamond Abu Dhabi, 10am
Thailand, are true Treatments such own wing of the star hotel spa to
facial, which to 10pm.
geniuses in the art as Journey To The Emirates Palace all be cheap and it
will knock years Tel: (02) 6909000.
of pampering. Island Of Java and to itself. isn't. Most of the
Anantara off. www.
Gateway To Arabia treatments come emiratespalace.
are as opulent as in around the com
they sound. Dhs1,000 mark.

2
Professional From Filipino Imagine a small Far from cheap, The spa has Shangri-La Qaryat
and welcoming, Hilot massages to temple hidden but worth the Al Beri, Between
one of the best
they’re all caviar facials, it’s in the Himalayas extra expense. the Bridges, Abu
Jacuzzis in the Dhabi, 10am to
guaranteed extensive to say – that’s what the capital. 10pm.
to make your the least. Chi Spa’s rooms Tel: (02) 5098888.
Chi Spa experience as resemble. www.shangri-la.
pleasant as com
possible.

3
They aim to Almost every The spa’s located It’s a five-star Try the Beach Rotana
please by month a new, in the basement of hotel, but prices Hotel, Tourist Club
signature
inquiring whether innovative the Beach Rotana. aren’t excessive. Area, Abu Dhabi,
treatment – 10am to 10pm.
the temperature treatment is But it’s so large For example, the stress and knots Tel: (02) 6979000.
of the room and added. and spacious you aromatherapy will disappear. www.rotana.com
Zen Spa the music being won’t feel you’re massage costs
played is just to underground. Dhs348 for an
your liking. hour.

4
They’re as All your usual The views from Expensive, but not Another reason Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa
friendly and massages, plus the windows of unreasonably so. Desert, Abu Dhabi
to visit this
skillful a group of some unusual the undulating 10am to 10pm.
amazing desert Tel: (02) 8862088.
therapists as you’ll ones thrown in, dunes of the Liwa retreat. www.qasralsarab.
find anywhere in such as exfoliating Desert add to the anantara.com
Anantara Spa, the UAE. sand baths and relaxation quotient
Qasr Al Sarab water-based Vichy of your therapy.
spas.

5
A multinational The separate They haven’t gone We’d say it was Yas Hotel’s spa Radisson Blu Hotel,
team of menus for men overboard with the mid-range. Yas Island, Abu
opens soon.
therapists, hailing and women are décor. It’s sparse Dhabi, 10am to
Will it topple 10pm.
from as far a field both packed and functional. the Radisson Tel: (02) 6562000.
as Zimbabwe and with imaginative Blu? www.radissonblu.
The Spa Nepal. treatment options. com

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON
ON 125
125
 HOT ON
E HxuEryEMLenS’s Spa,
THge Lu
11 Man/A
SPAS 12 Body &
So ul H
l
Marina Mal ub & Spa,
ea lth Cl
ach Hotel
Al Raha Be urist
H olistic Day Spa, To
13 Crystal
Club Area
Beauty Spa,
14 Madonna ziyah
Al Marka s,
Spa & Fitnes
15 Oriental
Al Bateen

Sharanis Wellness Spa Eden Spa

THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

6
They’re all very We are big fans Located on the Treatments are Serenity Spa, above
Undoubtedly Paris Gallery, Zayed
serious about of the Aroma mezzanine floor generally cheaper
the best female- The First Street,
making sure you Massage, which above a shop with than the hotel
only spa in the Khalidiyah, Abu
get the right combines body separate rooms for equivalent. Dhs450
capital. Dhabi, 10am to
treatment for you. exfoliation and facials, massages, for the 90-minute 10pm.
Serenity Spa a deep tissue Moroccan baths Aroma Massage is Tel: (02) 6678880.
massage. and hairstyling. cheap as chips. www.uae-
parisgallery.com

7
The all-female A wide-ranging Small and intimate Surprisingly Hiltonia is also Hiltonia Beach Club,
staff won’t menu, including with an Oriental affordable for a Corniche, Abu Dhabi,
home to one of
interrupt you with waxing, manicures themed décor. No hotel spa. 10am to 9pm.
the best beach Tel: (02) 6924324.
small talk. You’re and luxurious complaints here. clubs in the www.hilton.com
free to snooze packages. city.
Hiltonia Health through your
Club & Spa therapy if you like.

8
They’re all With a spa, Slightly dated, The Spa Prestige Make time to Le Méridien,
knowledgeable, hammam and hair but pleasant Moisturising Facial Tourist Club Area,
relax by the
but therapist Fe salon, it’s extensive enough. The huge will set you back Abu Dhabi, 9am
pool after your to 11pm. Tel: (02)
has been there to say the least. relaxation pool is Dhs660. About spa. You won’t 6446666. www.
for 15 years and is the centrepiece of mid-range for the regret it. starwoodhotels.com
Eden Spa a master in knot the spa. capital.
busting.

9
Well trained and From waxing The huge villa in You’ll pay less Ideal for a day Corner of 35th and
well informed, the to blow-dries, Khalifa A can be a that you would 62nd Street, Khalifa
of pampering
girls here know Sharinas covers bit tricky to find, for the equivalent A, Abu Dhabi, 9am
with the girls. to 9pm.
which treatment all the treatment but its far-flung treatment in a
Tel: (02) 5562601.
you need to make bases to make location makes hotel spa. www.sharanisspa.
Sharanis you feel better. ladies look better. for a relaxed com
Wellness Spa atmosphere.

10
A crack team of The whole A large villa that’s Dhs240 for a full The Khaleej Al Arabi
hairdressers and spectrum of centrally located body massage Street. 11am to
invigorating
masseurs. They’re treatments – but also has plenty is far from being 10pm.
Moroccan bath Tel: (02) 6677377.
all dedicated to from haircuts to of parking. pricey. leaves you www.thelounge.ae
making the men- hammam baths. feeling reborn.
The Lounge folk look and feel
better.

126 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 126

 Join the Friday Brunch Fun!
Long’s brunch begins Fridays at 12pm all the way through to 4pm. Gather
your friends to eat and drink as much as you can for only AED149*.

Book a table for 10 and 2 people eat for FREE!

*Price is inclusive of 10% municipality fees and 10% service charge

P.O.Box 30430, Dubai, U.A.E. T: +971 (0)4 312 2202, F: +971 (0)4 312 2207, fb.towers@rotana.com.
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128 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010

 Backchat
with Gareth Rees
What’s On’s features editor
Gareth Rees asks – where
are all the celebrity chefs
in Abu Dhabi?
I interviewed the genius chef Vineet Bhatia
the other day (p52). Lovely chap, and do
you know what he said to me? He said he’s
going to open a restaurant in Abu Dhabi in
2011. Thank goodness, I thought. It’s about
time the capital’s food scene upped its
stardom quotient. Before our good friend
Marco Pierre White opened Frankie’s and
his eponymous steakhouse at the Fairmont
last year, Abu Dhabi was sans celeb chefs.
But now, with Hakkasan at Emirates Palace,
Marco’s two restaurants and Vineet’s place
on the way, it looks like our beloved capital
Don’t miss next month’s What’s On for
Guns’n’Roses, Creamfields and
your perfect Christmas
130 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2010
the most eager replies from readers.
Gary Rhodes told me recently that he
thinks Dubai is a real culinary hub. He’s right.
The chefs may not be behind the stoves,
but the names are usually a guarantee of
quality. Ramsay, Rhodes, Locatelli, Bhatia,
Gagnaire, Carluccio, Nobu, Zuma, Rivington
Grill and my new favourite restaurant La
Petite Maison (p48). Starrier than a night sky
over the desert. And a new name seems to
arrive every couple of months. Jamie Oliver
will become the latest celeb chef to grace
the UAE when his Jamie’s Italian opens at
Dubai Festival Centre this month.
If Michelin flew into town tomorrow, I’m
pretty sure many of Dubai’s restaurants
would win themselves a star – or maybe
is starting, slowly, to attract the big names. even two.
Why is this important? Because without Our proud capital has some fine eateries,
Michelin or an abundance of homegrown but it has the potential to become a
culinary talent at the high end of the destination talked about around the world
market, the UAE relies on these big names, for its fine restaurants, too. I’ll be chatting to
imported from overseas to underpin its food a few of the big guns in town for Gourmet
scene, keep standards high and shine a bit Abu Dhabi in February and encouraging
of their starlight over proceedings. Just look them to set up shop in the capital. Imagine
at Dubai. what it would do for the food scene if Alain
Our glitzy neighbour has become, to Passard, a regular visitor to the festival,
borrow a phrase from the mighty Marlon opened here.
Brando, a contender. Foodies talk about So, let’s hope a few more of the world’s
the emirate’s restaurants in London, New celeb chefs follow Marco and Vineet’s
York and Europe. Blogs like The Critic’s example. And if you run into Pierre
(p62) duguzzle.blogspot.com have sprung Koffmann or Michel Roux on your travels,
up to cater to all those food lovers eager to make sure you tell them about the
read about Dubai’s gastronomic offerings, weather. Never should our fine city
Eating Out is the most popular section of find itself in the back of a moving car
our illustrious magazine and our tweets and complaining that it "coulda been a
Facebook posts on restaurants always illicit contender". And I’m sure it won’t.
 www.omegawatches.com
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