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    6 elegant jazz spots that strike a chord in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    40 mins ago

    After a long week at work, a sophisticated evening with jazz is one of the best ways to wind down.
    Having been around for years, jazz has become a staple in our lives with its soulful sounds of classics in an opulent setting. As we delve into the world of pure musical bliss in Dubai, knowing how it all began, sheds light on how these hotspots focus on authenticity.
    The History
    Jazz began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, primarily in the culturally diverse city of New Orleans, Louisiana. It emerged from a blend of African American musical traditions with European influences, creating a new, vibrant style of music.
    During Prohibition, from the 1920s’ jazz thrived in illegal speakeasies where people came to drink, dance, and listen to live performances.
    Early on it began as a hybrid of African rhythms, European harmonies, and American culture. However, it quickly became a vehicle for self-expression, improvisation, and artistic innovation. It spread from New Orleans to the world, evolving into a rich and diverse genre with numerous subgenres and global influence.
    Overall, Dubai has a lively scene with a mix of upscale venues and intimate settings.
    Here are some popular spots to enjoy live jazz in Dubai:
    Q’s Bar and Lounge

    Located at Palazzo Versace, the space offers an intimate venue created by legendary music producer Quincy Jones. The atmosphere is luxurious and chic, offering performances by world-class musicians. It ensured the perfect blend of great music, fantastic cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere.
    For more information visit Q’s Bar and Lounge
    Jass Lounge

    First of all, the bar is just how a Jazz Club should be, dark and sultry but with a large sprinkling of DIFC with its first-class cocktail experience. All you need to do is sit back and be entertained by the fantastic selection of musicians that they have on their roster. It’s a place where art attracts art and often fellow musicians who frequent the venue as spectators can’t help themselves but join the fun and contribute to the show, adding to the eclectic atmosphere of the venue. It’s open daily from 6pm until late in DIFC Gate District 2.
    For more information visit Jass Lounge
    Sola Jazz Lounge

    Experience an evening of live jazz at the award-winning SOLA Jazz Lounge, taking guests on an authentic one-of-a-kind journey. Romanticize your evening and immerse in the world of Jazz to go back in time to a vintage era. Here guests are immediately engulfed with thrilling music by world-renowned jazz artists, bands, and hotly-tipped rising stars, accompanied by a wide selection of cocktails and perfect end to the evening. With each programme designed by the team’s designated music curator, this evening is not one to miss out on. Located at Raffles The Palm, it’s open from 5pm to 3am.
    For more information visit raffles.com
    Nola Eatery & Social House
    This New Orleans-inspired venue offers Southern American cuisine alongside live jazz music. It’s a casual and lively place with a focus on laid-back jazz vibes. Located in JLT, NOLA revolves around music and evolves throughout the day to create an immersive ambience from day into the late night. Delivering a sensational music experience rooted in Jazz and complimentary genres. Guests can expect live performances by the loved Nuvo Soul band complimented by high-energy jazz and soul beats by the in-house resident DJ.
    For more information visit Nola Eatery & Social House
    BOCA
    A stylish Mediterranean restaurant in the DIFC that occasionally hosts jazz nights. The ambiance is elegant, and the jazz complements the fine dining experience.
    For more information visit Boca.
    The Fridge

    As a hub for independent musicians and live performances. The Fridge often hosts jazz events in its artistic warehouse space.Located in Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. If you’re looking for a more underground, artistic vibe in Dubai’s arts district, this is the space to be.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram  More

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    15 hidden speakeasies to book in Dubai for an incognito experience

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 15 IMAGES
    For the ultimate hidden experience, speakeasies are the best way to get to know any city.
    What started during the ‘Prohibition Era’ has gone on to become a modern-day refined concept today, that has now gained popularity in different parts of the world.
    After taking over basements, warehouses and other hidden spaces in the 1920s in New York, speakeasy bars became a hallmark for niche cocktails and delectable delights. What first needed a password to enter is now open to the public, however, it’s only if you know you know.
    The history of the concept
    The speakeasy concept originated in the United States during Prohibition (1920–1933), a time when the sale, production, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned under the 18th Amendment. The term “speakeasy” refers to an illicit bar or nightclub where alcohol was sold and consumed in secret.
    The name “speakeasy” itself likely comes from the practice of telling patrons to “speak easy” or quietly when ordering drinks to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement. These hidden speakeasies were often located behind unmarked doors, in basements, or behind fronts like soda shops or cafes, and required passwords or secret codes to enter.
    After Prohibition ended in 1933 with the passage of the 21st Amendment, speakeasies disappeared as legal drinking establishments returned. However, in the 21st century, there has been a resurgence of speakeasy-style bars, now celebrated for their secretive entrances, vintage decor, and craft cocktails, evoking the glamour and mystique of the original era.
    To champion this undying spirit, Dubai has opened a plethora of speakeasies that add a hint of mystery from the moment you enter.
    So, if you’re up for a little prohibition-style secrecy, Emirates Woman is here to help with all the underground bars that are worth a visit.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @haileybieber More

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    15 hidden speakeasies to book in Dubai for a night out

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 15 IMAGES
    For the ultimate hidden experience, speakeasies are the best way to get to know any city.
    What started during the ‘Prohibition Era’ has gone on to become a modern-day refined concept today, that has now gained popularity in different parts of the world.
    After taking over basements, warehouses and other hidden spaces in the 1920s in New York, speakeasy bars became a hallmark for niche cocktails and delectable delights. What first needed a password to enter is now open to the public, however, it’s only if you know you know.
    To champion this undying spirit, Dubai has opened a plethora of speakeasies that add a hint of mystery from the moment you enter.
    So, if you’re up for a little prohibition-style secrecy, Emirates Woman is here to help with all the underground bars that are worth a visit.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @haileybieber More

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    15 hidden speakeasies to visit in Dubai for a night out

    Lifeby Sarah Joseph4 hours ago VIEW GALLERY/ 15 IMAGESFor the ultimate hidden experience, speakeasies are the best way to get to know any city.What started during the ‘Prohibition Era’ has gone on to become a modern-day refined concept today, that has now gained popularity in different parts of the world.After taking over basements, warehouses and other hidden spaces in the 1920s in New York, speakeasy bars became a hallmark for niche cocktails and delectable delights. What first needed a password to enter is now open to the public, however, it’s only if you know you know.To champion this undying spirit, Dubai has opened a plethora of speakeasies that add a hint of mystery from the moment you enter.So, if you’re up for a little prohibition-style secrecy, Emirates Woman is here to help with all the underground bars that are worth a visit.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @haileybieber More

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    How Soul Kitchen has become the first multi-room experience in the UAE

    Lifeby Sarah Joseph26 mins ago Launched by Factory People, the most influential experiential group in the MENA region, Soul Kitchen highlights alternative culture, art and talent beyond its fine-dining concept.From carefully curated dishes to expertly crafted cocktails, each element on the menu focuses on Levantine influences as the concept of migration inspires creativity at the restaurant.Having opened in the heart of Business Bay, Soul Kitchen pays an ode to the Arab diaspora, which brings hints of elements from Buenos Aires to Mexico Levantine cuisine.So, to understand more about the concept, Emirates Woman spoke to Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala Mortada on how it all began and how the restaurant has already made its mark on Dubai’s dining scene.Talk us through the concept.When Factory People moved to Dubai, we were among many other Lebanese creatives, companies, and people, who after enduring life threatening events in our home country, looked to do what we do best in a new country, a new home. But this wasn’t the first-time people from the Levant had to leave in flocks, As the influence of Levantine cuisine quickly spread across the whole continent, these dishes became popular as it borrowed from its surroundings and continuously reinvented itself with the ingredients of every region it migrated to. From Shawarma inspired Tacos al pasto to Halawa inspired marzipan and Sambosic inspired Empanadas. The concept of migration is at the heart of our culture, in the Levant, “El Ghorba” is a word we hear over and over again growing up. The concept of migration is at the heart of Soul Kitchen’s story too, which is why the interior is an ode to Soul Kitchen’s spirit animal: The migratory Bird.Already a popular restaurant in Beirut from Factory People, what inspired you to bring it to this part of the world.We created Soul Kitchen in Beirut around seven years ago in order to have a space to let loose, have amazing cocktails, and curate music that we listen to at home. It was a first of its kind cocktail bar nested in The Grand Factory, our very first club in Beirut. We wanted to build a place where we belonged, and where our friends could meet up, while still being in a club where some of the biggest artists and DJs in the world are performing on a weekly basis. Soul Kitchen quickly became a space that had a major influence on how we dressed, how we danced, it influenced our drinking culture, and a soul kitchenesque style was established. In Dubai, it serves a very similar purpose: listening to beautiful and interesting curated sounds, having a gorgeous cocktail bar experience, but most importantly: serving delicious food.The interiors boast a bold look with millennial pink walls, bar, ceiling and flooring – talk us through the inspiration / How does the Dubai location take subtle hints from its OG Lebanese location?When designing the interior, I really didn’t want to stray too far away from the original Soul Kitchen’s essence, so I kept green as a predominant color, and trees and plants around the place to add life via organic elements, this is contrasted by the warm and cozy terracotta color, along with the very geometric structures and patterns in the woodwork that allows for a more imposing elevated look. Aside from the colors, the geometric “msharrabiya” in the ceiling is an element I purposefully installed throughout one of the ceilings, this also borrowed from the aesthetics of the Beirut Soul Kitchen, and Lebanese architecture as well.The menu features a myriad of flavors along with Arab and South American flavours – what are the key dishes available?We are very passionate about the dishes that were carefully created by our Chef Margarita Vaamonde. The Hummus Chimichurri, a revisited levantine Hummus plate using actual green chickpeas and a delicious chimichurri sauce hailing from Argentina and Uruguay. The White Fish Tabboule Ceviche is actually my mother’s tabboule recipe mixed with Chef Margarita’s ceviche, it is one of our most delicious dishes. Our Wagyu Kafta is inspired by the Lebanese Arayes, our take on this dish is with a kafta made of Wagyu beef, served inside an Arepa, a very traditional corn meal bread originally from Venezuela and Colombia.Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala MortadaMusic plays an important role at the venue – tell us how the restaurant stays on top of this?Behind our music programming is my partner Wassim Bou Malham, a rockstar producer and musician who is very passionate about music from all around the world. He makes sure we stay on top of the game in terms of sounds that keep Soul Kitchen a space for discovery, of inspiration and of collaboration with interesting artists. Our Monday Jazz nights have taken Dubai by storm, giving our guests the opportunity to be transported by alternative jazz bands from different countries that are redefining the new jazz sounds of today. We also invite diggers and curators from around the world to share their sounds on specific nights. Our latin Sunday nights allow our guests to discover a different Latin American country’s sounds in every edition, last edition was an ode to Colombia and the next one will be about Peru. The weekends are predominantly having a more groovy and dance affair after dinner, making Soul Kitchen a place where our community can perform, listen, eat, drink, or just dance the night away.Guests can explore Arab migration through installations by acclaimed artists – what are some of the famous art installations?Behind the bar, is an ever-rotating mechanical installation depicting a flock of birds, designed by myself (Factory People’s co-founder and chief creative officer, Tala Mortada), and creative director Hamza Mekdad. The idea of the installation is to tell the story of the last hundreds of years of people endlessly having to leave their homes in the Levant, in search for inspiration, safety, and a feeling of home. Overarching the green room, stands Rumi Dalle’s installation “Feathers of migrating birds”, where each of the 150 feathers carries the story of a migrating artisan, from Beirut to Dubai, feeding into the concept of Soul Kitchen. Rumi Dalle is an acclaimed artist from Beirut, behind works she handcrafts for Hermes and Iwan Maktabi to name a few. The walls are adorned with carpets curated by Iwan Maktabi, as part of a semi permanent installation that will keep reinventing itself with new collaborations every 6 months, to exhibit works by artists and curators we admire.What lies ahead for the brand?A month on from its opening, Soul Kitchen has already established itself as a communal space and an intersection point for the many scenes and subcultures of Dubai. As the space is taking its own positioning in the scene, our offering is also adapting to the latter. Our favorite places are ones that evolve with their guests, we have just recently opened up our terrace, we’re creating a lounge experience and tequila bar in the green room, we are opening a club next door in order to host more sounds and nights that will be mostly centered around music, and bar bistrot on the other side of the restaurant to invite people to have a more relaxed day time experience in the premises as well. We are very excited about the next steps, and about experiencing Dubai through Soul Kitchen’s eyes.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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    10 Low-Calorie Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer

    Even the fastest and fittest like to let their hair down (and so do we!), but we might as well get some nutrients out of our cocktails, right? These low-calorie cocktails pack a punch and are nutritionally dense, too. Each low-calorie cocktail contains fruits and veg that deliver nutritional benefits beyond the buzz you’ll feel while sipping away. Let Happy Hour begin!

    Cocktail Essentials

    Get your cocktail on with these essential tools – and consider yourself the bartender aficionado of the party.

    Cocktail Making Kit

    With this kit, you’ll find all the essentials you need to create any cocktail. You’ll find a strainer, stirrer and multiple other tools.

    Woolworths Vivi Coupe

    These are so pretty to drink from and are the correct size for cocktails, including margaritas and zingers. Pour away.

    Humble & Mash Spirit Stones

    These won’t dilute your drinks and keep them cool while you shake up your infusion. Plus, they’re neutral-coloured and can complement any drink.

    Beat-The-Bloat Zinger

    Big up the beet – the plant pigment betacyanin, which gives the veg its rich colour, has been found to ward off cancer. Beetroot also stimulates the liver’s detoxifying function, making it the ultimate damage-minimising mixer for a boozy blend.

    Prep Time 15 minutes mins

    Course Appetizer, DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 125 kcal

    5 cm ginger4 beetroot50 ml vodka or ginice to tastesplash soda waterrosemary sprigs to garnish
    Peel the ginger, then juice with the beetroot. Pour into a shaker with vodka or gin (not both) and shake well.Pour over ice, add a splash of soda and garnish.

    Keyword Beetroot cocktail

    READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

    Kickstarter Kiwi Margarita

    With 12 kiwis, this is only three short of a rugby team. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium, the kiwi is the rugged forward of fruits, tackling the fat in your blood and kicking sleep problems into touch.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course cocktails, DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 444 kcal

    1 lime12 kiwis peeled50 ml tequilaice2 tsp Himalayan salt2 tsp coconut sugarpinch Cayenne pepper30 ml organic rice syrup
    Juice the lime and kiwis; blend with tequila and ice.In a saucer, mix the salt, coconut sugar and cayenne; set aside.Put the syrup into a second saucer.Dip the glass rims in the syrup, then the salt concoction. Pour in the cocktail and serve.

    Keyword kiwi margarita

    READ MORE: 5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

    Vodka Sour

    Put the sweet in this sour with rice syrup – a fructose- free alternative to the traditional cocktail syrup. Like the rice it’s made from, the syrup contains energy- enhancing B vitamins.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Calories 165 kcal

    5 cm ginger70 ml vodka20 ml organic rice syrup20 ml lemon juice2 egg whitesicepinch cinnamon
    Peel and juice the ginger, then add to a cocktail shaker along with the vodka, rice syrup, lemon juice and egg whites.Mix first without ice, then add ice and shake. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

    Cucumber Spritz

    Glugging your cucumber is just as good for your skin as donning two slices monocle-style – its inflammation-busting antioxidants soothe puffiness. The fruit is also rich in elasticity-boosting silica. Bottoms up!

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 78 kcal

    1 cucumber50 ml gin50 ml sparkling watermint handfulcucumber slices to garnish
    Chuck cucumber into juicerStir with gin and sparkling water, then pour into highballs and garnish with mint and cucumber.

    READ MORE: The 2 Hangover-Curing Recipes You’ll Need This Weekend

    Pear Sipper

    To keep your diet from going pear-shaped, load up on, well, pears. A Brazilian study found those who ate them daily consumed fewer overall kilojoules thanks to satiety-boosting fibre.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 169 kcal

    2 pears, peeled2 tbsp cinnamon50 ml spiced rumpinch of nutmegpear slices, to serve
    Toss the pears into a juicer, then mix the juice with the cinnamon in a shallow pan and warm gently over a low heat.Stir in the spiced rum and serve in glasses garnished with nutmeg and pear slices.

    Hail Mary

    Deadlines doing your face no favours? Lycopene, found in tomatoes, can boost levels of procollagen to help keep your skin elastic and youthful. Sip those eye bags away.

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 102 kcal

    4 tomatoes1/2 beetroot1/2 cucumber1/4 lemonpinch ground Cayenne pepper50 ml vodkaicecelery sticks and cherry tomatoes to garnish
    Juice the tomatoes, beetroot, cucumber and lemon, then add a pinch of cayenne.Mix in a shaker with vodka and ice, and showcase your third-base wrist action.Serve in highballs with celery and a cherry tomato, then knock ’em back!

    READ MORE: How To Add More Vegetables To Your Diet, Even If You’re Busy

    Power Daiquiri

    This packs a potassium one-two punch, thanks to the bananas and spinach. A trial of cyclists found that the humble banana powered them through intensive exercise as effectively as a sports drink. It’s recovery fuel and a party starter.

    Prep Time 2 hours hrsCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 78 kcal

    1 banana1/4 lime, plus wedges to serve15 g baby spinach30 ml organic rice syrup50 ml light rum
    Pre-party prep: cut the banana into six pieces and freeze.Juice the lime and add to a blender with the banana. Juice the spinach and whizz with the rice syrup, then the rum and serve with lime wedges.

    Berry and Basil Bellini

    Studies have shown basil to be antifungal and antibacterial, bolstering your immunity as you rack up countless bar tabs on the party circuit. And strawberries can reduce the risk of heart disease in women by 32 percent if consumed three times a week. Cheers!

    Prep Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Calories 113 kcal

    50 g fresh basil, finely chopped plus extra to serve400 g strawberries200 ml sparkling white wine
    Purée the basil and strawberries.Divide between two Champagne flutes, top up with sparkling wine and decorate with extra basil.

    READ MORE: The 27 Best Wines For Any Occasion You Can Imagine

    Mocha Martini

    Being caffeine-free, the buzz in this Martini comes from its theobromine, a compound in raw cacao that triggers mood- lifting “happy hormone” serotonin. It gets better: polyphenols in coffee (even decaf) sharpen cognitive function!

    Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 158 kcal

    120 ml decaffeinated espresso30 ml organic rice syrup4 tsp raw cacao powder70 ml vodkaice
    Brew four shots of decaf espresso and leave to cool. Meanwhile, create a paste by mixing rice syrup and raw cacao powder.Combine everything with ice cubes and shake. Pour from a height into two Martini glasses. Dust with cacao powder to serve.

    Piña Colada

    Coconut oil’s lauric acid wards off infections and boosts collagen for healthy skin.

    Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 10 minutes mins

    Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

    Servings 2Calories 321 kcal

    1 pineapple, chopped2 tbsp coconut oil50 ml golden rum32 ice cubespinch unsweetened desiccated coconutpineapple wedges, to serve
    Freeze half your pineapple in advance.Come cocktail hour, juice the fresh pieces, then blitz in a blender with the frozen chunks and coconut oil.Add the rum and ice and blend for 30 seconds.Serve with a sprinkle of coconut and a pineapple wedge.

    This story was written by Julia Scirrotto; Photograph by Helena Yankovsk/Unsplash More

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    The secret is out: 15 unique speakeasies to visit in Dubai for a night out

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    13 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 15 IMAGES
    For the ultimate hidden experience, speakeasies are the best way to get to know any city.
    What started during the ‘Prohibition Era’ has gone on to become a modern-day refined concept today, that has now gained popularity in different parts of the world.
    After taking over basements, warehouses and other hidden spaces in the 1920s in New York, speakeasy bars became a hallmark for niche cocktails and delectable delights. What first needed a password to enter is now open to the public, however, it’s only if you know you know.
    To champion this undying spirit, Dubai has opened a plethora of speakeasies that add a hint of mystery from the moment you enter.
    So, if you’re up for a little prohibition-style secrecy, Emirates Woman is here to help with all the underground bars that are worth a visit.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @haileybieber More

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    The secret is out: 15 luxe speakeasies to visit in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 15 IMAGES
    For the ultimate hidden experience, speakeasies are the best way to get to know any city.
    What started during the ‘Prohibition Era’ has gone on to become a modern-day refined concept today, that has now gained popularity in different parts of the world.
    After taking over basements, warehouses and other hidden spaces in the 1920s in New York, speakeasy bars became a hallmark for niche cocktails and delectable delights. What first needed a password to enter is now open to the public, however, it’s only if you know you know.
    To champion this undying spirit, Dubai has opened a plethora of speakeasies that add a hint of mystery from the moment you enter.
    So, if you’re up for a little prohibition-style secrecy, Emirates Woman is here to help with all the underground bars that are worth a visit.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @haileybieber More