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Life
by Ruman Baig
2 hours agoActors Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson will soon be welcoming their first baby together. The couple have chosen Dubai for their babymoon.
Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson babymoon in Dubai
Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick, the glamorous couple, are currently basking in the sun-kissed shores of Dubai, enjoying a much-deserved babymoon. The couple, who tied the knot in a romantic Italian ceremony earlier this year, is expecting their first child together. Spotted at the One&Only Royal Mirage and Bab Al Shams, the soon-to-be family of four looked happy together.The news of their pregnancy was met with overwhelming joy and excitement from fans and industry peers alike. The couple shared the happy news on social media with a series of stunning maternity photos, showcasing their love and anticipation for their growing family.
Amy, a former Miss India, has already experienced the joys of motherhood with her son Andreas from a previous relationship.
Ed Westwick, best known for his role as the charismatic Chuck Bass in the hit TV series “Gossip Girl,” has found love and happiness with Amy. The couple’s love story is a modern-day fairytale, filled with romance, laughter, and unwavering support.
Their Dubai babymoon offers a much-needed respite before the arrival of their little one. The couple is indulging in luxurious experiences, exploring the city’s vibrant culture, and simply enjoying each other’s company. It’s a time for them to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories.Amy and Ed, filled with gratitude and anticipation, are preparing for the next chapter of their lives. They are excited to embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood.
The couple’s journey continues to captivate fans around the world. As they begin this new adventure, we wish them all the best and can’t wait to see the beautiful family they will create.
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Lifeby Sarah Joseph4 hours ago VIEW GALLERY/ 11 IMAGESThinking of planning a special dinner for your upcoming anniversary? We’re here to help.There are a myriad of romantic hotspots for couples in Dubai – be it for your proposal, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or any special occasion you wish to celebrate – you’re sure to find something to fit your taste.From surreal views to a dimly lit interiors, this emirate never short of venues to celebrate your special occasion, hence there’s no room for letting romance slip in Dubai.Explore our curated guide of romantic venues to dine at for a special evening of cherished memories with your loved one.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @mimiarr More
Lifestyle
by Olivia Morris
2 hours agoTransport yourself to the heart of the Amalfi coast at Dubai’s newest fine-dining haven.
Ristorante Loren is a new Italian restaurant located on the rooftop of the popular beach destination, SAN Beach, on West Palm Beach, with interiors inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s era of the Italian Riviera which will take guests on an immersive dining experience.
Embodying the mantra of la bella vita – the good life – the colourful and stylish venue evokes a true sense of escapism.
With stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline, Loren Ristorante focuses on exceptional Italian cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean influence.
The restaurant offers two dining concepts – an indoor dining area with a front-row view of the open kitchen, and a beachside dining area with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island.
As group executive chef of Food Fund International (FFI) and the restaurant, Praba Manickam makes all the FFI’s concepts from scratch and is the mastermind behind their quality food for over a decade. Today, Manickam is responsible for the creation of 11 concepts and managing a total of 24 restaurants and is responsible for all the new homegrown concepts including this one.
The open floor plan of the restaurant includes a customised marble bar, a large open kitchen, and a wine cellar that offers some of the finest picks from Italy. Loren Ristorante evokes a luxurious and chic, yet sophisticated atmosphere, emulating the ambience of a refined Italian coastal dining experience.
Take a look inside this chic new dining spot below.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied MoreWelcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week we chat with French entrepreneur and architect Nina Parvaresh, founder of Concept Me. The Dubai design firm first launched in 2008, branding itself as a “multi-disciplinary boutique studio” in the emirate. “Creativity is at the core of what we do, being able to bring life and soul to high-end residential projects,” the founder says.
Emirates Woman sat down with Parvaresh to discuss the making of Concept Me and all of the ups and downs in between.
What was your favourite subject at school?
In short, my favourite subject was History/Geography. The way we studied those in France was as one subject. Maps really stunned me I remember. I was fascinated by the layout of cities, the visuals that showcased their constant development and changes. I would go through those plans and feel an obsessive need to know more about them, trace my hands across the different areas and automatically start visualizing how the little, intricate details in those cities of the past actually looked like. I had a tendency for the obsessive! So, I remember very vividly how much I loved that class and the stories I would make up about the maps and plans we were given.What was your first job?
I was a teenager when I decided to get a job! I started tutoring other students when I was 15. I always liked explaining concepts and seeing how people understood ideas in their own ways. So, I continued tutoring different kids my age and younger to make some side money. Tutoring always made me happy because it’s a two-way interaction and because it involves two of my favourite elements: people and concepts! Following that, my first official job was a brief stint teaching Architecture in Saudi which didn’t last very long as I kicked off Concept Me around the same time. I don’t think I would make a very good employee, between you and I.
What brought you to Dubai?
I moved to the Middle East (to Jeddah particularly) in 2008, a month after graduating. A couple of years after living there, I believe I wanted to be living somewhere with more flexibility, more openness and somewhere that would ease my way of doing business. I spent some time going back and forth to Dubai, it being the hub that it became during that phase and I found it quite easy to do business, set up the company and most importantly to source and recruit amazing talents. So, yeah, it was about remaining in the Middle East but in a place that I felt more at ease with.
What inspired you to enter the architecture/interior space?
I am not sure there was a specific inspiration for me to go into the field. For as far back as I remember, I was busy sketching houses as a child. I learned to draw before I could speak fluently! Even at home as a child, I had opinions on how we should lay out our furniture, how the elements in our space should be, and how decorative items should line up. Most importantly, I was always sensitive to the spaces around me, which unconsciously is why I was always drawn to the field. More so, I have always loved the human scale of architecture. I am not invested in creating landmark skyscrapers, but rather spaces for real people that can leave an impact on them. My love of maps, cities and the way urban grids dictated peoples’ livelihoods is also a contributing factor. As a child, my parents took me travelling frequently which fostered my obsession with cities like New York, Paris, Milan, etc.. The Middle Eastern heritage in me also goes to see the beauty of cities like Tehran, Beirut, Istanbul… So, I guess that’s what curated my directed love for this field.
Talk us through the inspiration of what Concept Me does.
As a boutique scale firm, my vision for Concept Me was to handle projects in a very holistic manner that takes the project from A to Z. Whatever we do is always focused on creating a unique personality for any space. Creativity is at the core of what we do, being able to bring life and soul to high-end residential projects. However, we also have a mission to be ‘client-centric’. My aim is to have clients that trust us blindly, tell us what they want and then get peace of mind until we hand over the project they had seen in their mind’s eye. We’ve made this possible at Concept Me with our multi-disciplinary team, their international talent and our empathetic intellect.
What are the key elements of your role?
Essentially, I think I am juggling a bit too many roles at the moment, which is maybe natural in a boutique-scale company environment. However, I am working on this, gradually! Primarily, however, one of the key elements of my role is client management. I take it upon myself to understand my client’s mindstate, to reassure them, to direct their vision and to inform them of the rationale behind our design choices and how we can bring their space to life in the best way possible. The second key element is to be the final decision-maker on all design choices. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, one that is driven by creative input, it can become challenging to keep all the creative choices from different people consistent, so that’s where I come in so we can have a final, polished, cohesive space instead of a pastiche. And finally, one of the hats I wear is the business development hat, whereby I keep signing deals while heading the design department! As I said, I am juggling a couple of roles…
Talk us through your daily routine.
This is a great topic haha! My calendar is usually locked from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm. I aim to get a workout in as soon as I get up, which is contrary to my nature since I am not a great morning person! Luckily, I live close to the office and I am trying to maximize my steps count, so I manage to walk to the office where I sift through my emails. I then get to the essential part of catching up with the team, organizing what each one’s day looks like. And then it’s a non-stop rollercoaster of meetings between operations, logistics and design meetings. Of course, there are days when I am on site, days when I am at showrooms, galleries and supplier warehouses! In between those, I try to always make time for meetings with my marketing team and my financial team. It sounds much more organized on paper, but it doesn’t feel that organized when I am cramming my healthy lunch in between Zoom calls at the office! I eventually get home, feed my furry babies, get through some more emails, take a good walk, do my stretches and get to my pillow before I get back up, drink my hot water and lemon and do it all over again gladly!What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
The first piece of advice I would have for someone in the field is, ‘Find balance.’ I am someone who sacrificed her 20s for work. I took on quite a big load of stress early on in life. This took away from my health at some point. So, my advice is to prioritize your health, prioritize your personal life at some points, prioritize your best friends’ birthdays or weddings, etc. Keep in mind that sacrifice will come at every step. So, you might miss your trip with the people you love, you might not be there for family reunions and more. So, please, hustle all you can for the business, but find some balance so you don’t look back in retrospect and wish you had done it differently.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
I will keep this short so it resonates with whoever is reading it, ‘The universe has a lag time, so always be patient to see the result of what you’re planting.’ Now, repeat that to yourself.
And what is the worst?
‘You cannot get this done, just give it up.’ Being the stubborn person that I am, I found strength in challenging all the people (and they were many) that told me to give up what I was doing.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
This answer is split two ways. The first massive challenge I had to get over professionally came when I was 30. Due to a couple of bad decisions and partnerships, I was left with a business that was bankrupt with 25 people dependent on me. I was abandoned by my business partners with a negative company balance. This was a real defining moment because I had to rebuild the business and grow it better than it was before. The burnout in the aftermath really hit me, but you know, we made it! The second part presents itself as going through a really powerful personal problem and having to live with it, get over it and heal from it whilst handling the complex and overwhelming operations that I run at Concept Me. Thankfully, I was able to get through these difficult situations through patience, self-reflection and a fantastic team.
What are the future plans for your brand?
In summary, the future is to work with clients that are connoisseurs of the craft! I want to work with people who inspire me, who understand the powerful value of high-end design, to penetrate a market that appreciates what we do and push the limits of how spaces can really impact the ways we live. The plan is already underway, we have expanded our repertoire into the kind of markets we want to work on and we are taking the company international with aims to find the quality clients that will allow us to leave our design imprint globally! The future looks bright, thankfully.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied MoreLife
by Sarah Joseph
October 31, 2023With the festive season in full-swing and Diwali just around the corner, it’s always memorable to enjoy a fine-dining Indian meal together with your loved ones.
All set to take place on Sunday, November 12, 2023, Diwali celebrations are in full form this month and there’s no better way to begin it than to embark on journey of spices and Indian culinary delights to savour in style.
With no dearth of Indian restaurants in Dubai to cater to everyone’s palate, the world of spice has seen a contemporary twist with its playful interiors and gastronomic culinary journey.
So, if you’re thinking of where to book during the upcoming weeks to kickstart the celebrations this month.
Atrangi by Ritu DalmiaLead by well renowned Indian Chef Ritu Dalmia, Atrangi’s culinary offerings shine a spotlight on lesser-known regional Indian delicacies, infusing the vibrant venue with the comforting essence of homemade cooking. With a varied menu that caters to a diverse range of palates, Atrangi offers a personalised solution for those seeking the ultimate culinary experience. To experience the key dishes, Diners can choose between two options for the tasting menu. The five-course tasting menu is priced at Dhs440 or an indulgent seven course experience priced at Dhs640. The seven-course menu is inclusive of a delectable amuse bouche and palate cleanser, heightening the dining experience and allowing each signature plate to create a harmony of flavours with each bite. It’s available from 6pm to 12am and is located in the prestigious Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel.
For more information visit atrangidubai.com
TrésindWith a modernist take on the Indian cuisine, Trèsind has been serving fine-dining Indian cuisine and is known for its exceptionally innovative culinary offerings. With Executive Chef Mohammed Zeeshan at the helm, Tresind now offers a Premium Chef’s Tasting Menu for its patrons to offer an unparalleled dining experience. Guests can experience a variety of dishes such as Cannoli Samosa with Tomato Chutney, Asparagus Salad, Truffle Mushroom Consommé and more. The price starts at Dhs550 for both the Veg and Non-Veg menu, and is available throughout the week during dinner hours this tasting menu includes Amuse Bouche, Chaat, a selection of starters, palate cleanser, a selection of main courses and desserts. Diners can end their meal with desserts such as Black Forest Mithai Tart and Paan Cotton Candy. Located at the Arabian Court at One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai Marina, it’s open from 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm.
For more information visit tresind.com
AamaraIf you’re looking for a unique dining experience inspired by the ancient Silk Route, check out Aamara at the VOCO Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. Here to dazzle your palate during the Festival of Lights with an exclusive 10-course Diwali tasting menu priced at Dhs(all inclusive) per person. The dishes include rustic onion focaccia served with zaatar pesto hummus, delicate butterfly prawns accompanied by mohmara chutney and more which is available until November 16, 2023. Aamara has curated a menu that celebrates the diversity of flavors and techniques shared along this historic route. Guests can look forward to a moody interior with a modern, contemporary finish, a Mediterranean and Indian-inspired menu, and a captivating cultural fiesta.
For more information visit aamara.ae
MastiAfter shifting to a new location, Masti is all set to welcome guests to its restaurant situated at the Dubai Edition. Listed in the first Michelin Guide this restaurant brings a bold 360-degree experiential offering of innovative food, experimental beverages and unmatched hospitality. Masti remains emboldened and unafraid to be different. The new location will take risks and deliver a buzzing dining scene, with a sprinkling of Masti spice at The Dubai Edition. Befitting of the restaurant’s legendary reputation, the iconic Dubai Edition Hotel, optimally positioned on Fountain Street, Downtown will prove a stellar destination from which the restaurant can shine from. The restaurant is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12:30pm to 1am and 12:30pm to 2am.
For more information visit mastidubai.com
Indego by VineetKnown for its experimental take on Indian cuisine and craft cocktails, the restaurant was opened by the first Indian Michelin chef who has curated an eccentric menu with fine-dining presentation. With brightly decorated interiors in an intimate setting, where the sharing-style menu features street food-inspired dishes prepared on a griddle, clay oven, grill and stew pot. Located in Grosvenor House, it’s open from Monday to Friday 7pm to 12am and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm and 7pm to 12am.
Rang MahalThis restaurant brings an elevated touch to Dubai’s dining scene with innovative and creative Indian cuisine in an upscale setting. In celebration of Diwali, the upscale Indian restaurant will launch a masterfully crafted 9-course set menu on November 12, 2023 that offers diners a taste of the vibrant colours of India. The menu thereafter will be available daily. The culinary team have put together a carefully curated offering specifically for the festival of lights, featuring a special multi-course dinner with an optional beverage pairing, fitting for the Diwali celebrations. The 9-course set menu features a selection of popular favorites from Rang Mahal, with each dish designed to transport diners through the myriad of flavours of the Indian sub-continent. Located within the iconic JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, the menu is priced at Dhs375 for a 9-course set menu and Dhs495 for a menu with a beverage.
For more information visit mariott.com
The CrossingTo celebrate the annual festival of lights, The Crossing at H Hotel is offering a special menu until November 12, 2023. Michelin-acclaimed Chef Jitin Joshi has crafted a set menu featuring their signature dishes like Patti Chaat (reimagined using tempura shiso leaves, chickpea chaat, creamy yoghurt, and tangy chutneys) and Chicken Makhan Malai (tandoor chicken with mint labneh and pickled onion) plus some exclusive Diwali specials. From lunches with colleagues to grand 20-course feasts, they have something for everyone. With options starting from Dhs175 per person to all tastes. For a grand and luxurious celebration, guests can also book an exclusive, customisable experience with the Chef and Sommelier for only Dhs450 per person.
For more information visit crossingtherestaurant.com
Little Miss IndiaVisitors are immersed in a unique full entertainment experience as they are invited on a culinary tour of India with our glamorous globetrotter and fictional character. Guests can enjoy a myriad of dishes such as Dal Bati Churma, Jodhpuri Gatte with gram flour dumplings and even traditional Rajasthani sweets with age-old recipes. The restaurant is open from Monday to Thursday 6pm until 11pm and Friday to Sunday 2pm until 11pm and is located at Fairmont The Palm.
For more information visit Fairmont.com
The Cinnamon ClubThis colourful haven Dubai redefines modern Indian cooking, leading the charge with a stunning new menu of contemporary Indian cuisine created by Chef Vivek Singh and Head Chef Kamini Jha, which combines some of the Cinnamon Legends from the highly successful Cinnamon Collection in London, including the original Cinnamon Bazaar and Cinnamon Kitchen dishes, with a number of thrilling promotions making their way to the venue. From Chaat to chai, each dish is carefully prepared for guests to savour. Located in Park Hyatt, it’s open daily from 6:30pm to 11:30pm and is closed on Monday.
For more information visit hyattrestaurants.com
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