Life

February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
Il Borro’s Head Chef Fulvio Opalio spoke to us about his love for Italian cuisine and why working for the brand has changed his life.
Can you talk us through your career history?
​I’ve been always curious about cooking and food so I decided to go to the culinary school. After a few experiences in Italy, I decided to leave and I went to the Bahamas at the age of 18 to work for one of the most luxurious hotels in the Caribbean. I moved back to Europe one year later and went to Spain and Greece before moving to Dubai in 2011 joining BiceMare. I then decided to try a new hotel experience in Palazzo Versace during the opening period right before moving to Roberto’s for an amazing two years. Finally, I reached Il Borro and I can definitely say that it changed my life. 

Where does your love for food originate?
​To be honest, there is not a particular time or event happened, I’ve just always dreamt of becoming a chef since I was a child. I always thought it would give me the chance to travel the world. Then at school, I understood that it really was my calling.
What eventually brought you to Dubai?

​At the time I was in Greece and I found an announcement of recruiting chefs to work in Dubai and I applied for it. After a few weeks of interviews and e-food tasting, I moved to Dubai. A few years after moving here I found an interesting post on my Facebook memories from 2008. The post said, “I don’t know when, but one day I will work in Dubai.” It’s funny because that’s what happened exactly three years later.
What do you love about what you do?
​I love the chance to work with an amazing team, to be always under pressure to make things better every day. I love the challenges.
How does the food and beverage industry in Dubai differ from other places around the world?
​The biggest difference about Dubai is the attention to the details and the variety of influences from around the world.
What are the hero dishes, in your opinion, at Il Borro?
​We have to have a very varied menu as we try to accommodate everyone’s taste, but we also must not forget our “traditions”. If I had to pick particular dishes I would choose carpaccio di Barbabietola, our marinated beetroot carpaccio with figs and goat cheese; polpo alla Griglia, the crispy and tender octopus with potatoes salad; tortelli alla zucca e tartufo nero, our signature homemade tortelli filled with pumpkin and a generous shave of black truffle; pici all’aglione, the traditional Tuscan homemade thick spaghetti with organic cherry tomato sauce and garlic; bistecca alla fiorentina, the queen on our menu, 1.3kg of chianina beef grilled in the charcoaled oven; and last but not the least our famous cheesecake – to die for! Here’s a complete set menu for you!
Who would you say your chef inspiration is?
All the chefs I have worked with in previous years have been really important for me and all of them inspired me.
What are the hurdles you’ve experienced during your career?
I really consider myself a very lucky person, husband and dad. We all face challenges in our lives, it’s just a matter of how we react to them. For sure, I can say that 2020 was the toughest year ever, full of unexpected events.
​
On the opposite end of the spectrum, what are the milestones?
​I’m only 30 years old and no milestones yet achieved, but I have laid the foundations of my career and Il Borro gave me this beautiful chance. I have many more years ahead and many dreams and aspirations to make them a reality. Only when I retire will I look back and say, “Yes, I did it!”
What do you see next for Il Borro Dubai?
​​The brightest future ­– we have just begun this journey and year by year we are becoming stronger and stronger.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what does love mean to you and how do you plan to instil love into your life throughout 2021?
Love is many things. Love is loyalty. Love is unselfishness. Love is family. Love is everything we want love to be. My plan is only to give more time to my family throughout 2021.
February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
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Since Keeping Up With the Kardashians first aired on TV in 2007, plenty has changed throughout the series, along with the way they’ve all transformed over the years.
With every detail being documented on the reality TV series, it’s interesting to look back on how they’ve evolved, especially since the final episodes of KUWTK will air in the coming months.

Kris Jenner

Often referred to as the ‘momager’ for all her kids’ professional affairs, the matriarch of the Kar-Jenner clan Kris Jenner still manages to look young while being a grandmother to many little ones. She’s a key element of the show and continues to hold her fort despite the changes we’ve all seen on the show.
Kendall Jenner

She first appeared on the hit reality show just at 11-years-old. Now Kendall is a fully-fledged supermodel in the fashion industry as she’s walked the runway for some of the biggest names in the industry and continues to be part of many successful fashion campaigns.
Kylie Jenner

Having built one of the fastest-growing beauty brands, this makeup mogul is both an entrepreneur and mother, who has shown promising results in the efforts she has put into building her brand. She premiered on the show when she was only nine-years-old and has definitely come a long way.
Also read: Kylie and Kendall Jenner’s 14-year transformation on KUWTK
Khloé Kardashian

With her recent transformation pictures creating quite a stir on social media, Khloe has managed to maintain an impressive fitness routine throughout the years while also becoming mentally stronger overcoming the challenges she has been through. Khloe has also gone on to build a successful all-inclusive fashion brand, Good American.
Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian has amassed a massive fan base over the years as she has launched her own shapewear and beauty brand, while also being remembered on the series for some of her funniest moments. The entrepreneur has become an internet sensation due to her hilarious memes, bold looks at various events while also being a mother of four children. Her transformation is definitely note-worthy as she has definitely evolved with the times.
Kourtney Kardashian

Known for sarcastic remarks and hilarious comebacks, Kourtney Kardashian is involved in the retail and fashion industries with her sisters Kim and Khloé. Most recently, she’s launched her own lifestyle platform, Poosh, discussing everything from lifestyle, to wellness, relationships and more.
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The founder of leading UAE salons, Negin Fattahi-Dasmal, has sadly passed away after a 13-year battle for cancer.
With a passion for thriving within the beauty industry in the region, her resilience and spirit will continue to live on as she has inspired many other women around her.

While founding various incredible salons such as N.Bar, 1847 and JetSet, Negin was also a mentor to many as she playing an incredible part in growing the beauty industry in the region.

In a tribute shared to the Jet Set Dubai Instagram page, the team shared their heartbreak over Negin’s passing.
“N.Bar, 1847 & JetSet have lost a visionary, and those that were fortunate enough to work and know Negin have all lost an incredible friend and inspiring mentor,” their statement read. “Negin’s passion, innovative nature, and pure brilliance changed the region’s beauty industry 20 years ago, and her spirit will forever live on in our brands as we navigate through this difficult time.
“We will never find the words to express our sadness, but we find comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on through our dedication to the work that she loved so much.”
Negin is survived by her husband Salem and their four children: Kian, Alia, Noor and Amir.
If you wish to share any memories or condolences, you can email info@thegroomingcompany.ae. 
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While ushering the year of the Ox in this year, celebrating China’s most important celebration on February 12, 2021, marks Chinese New Year with a host of special locations to celebrate the occasion.
The annual event is the first day of a new year on the Lunar calendar, which is more than 5,000 years old, allowing for you to indulge some authentic cuisine with your loved ones at these Dubai-based hotspots.
Saffron

With an authentic Chinese celebration, guests can enjoy a selection of Cantonese, Szechuan, Shandong and Anhui dishes with comforting favourites including the Peking duck and Hong Kong noodles with an extensive line-up of deserts not to be missed. Available from February 10 to the 16, it starts at Dhs255 per adult and is open from Saturday to Thursday 6pm to 10:30pm and Friday 7pm to 11pm.
For more information visit Atlantis.com
Shanghai Me

Being at the epitome of art deco elegance, inspired by the culinary traditions of East Asia, the practice of delicate dishes have taken centuries to perfect with the region’s rich heritage that can be seen throughout the menu serving recipes that have been preserved with a playful twist while maintaining Asian tradition. Open from Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 12am and the terrace is open from 12pm to 2am and is located at Gate village 11, DIFC.
For more information visit shanghaime-restaurant.com
Indochine

Featuring exotic French-Vietnamese cuisine, while being perfect for intimate dinners, you can celebrate Chinese New Year’s with your loved ones at this timeless classic features an array of delectable dishes. Located in DIFC, Indochine open on Sunday to Wednesday from 12pm to 1am and Sat 7pm to 1am, Thursday and Friday is 7pm to 3am.
For more information visit indochinedxb.com
Zhen Wei

Serving an enticing menu of items with contemporary Pan Asian cuisine, the entire experience takes you on a sensory journey with exotic flavours of the east as you delight in authentic flavours and kickstart the Chinese New Year. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, 6 to 10:30pm, Zhen Wei is located at Bluewaters Dubai.
For more information visit caesars.com
Hutong

Celebrating northern Chinese cuisine in a stylish setting with a beautiful setting with amazing dim sums and creative cocktails. This award-winning chic restaurant is not one to miss as you embrace the new year in style. Located at Gate Building 6, DIFC, it’s open from Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 2:30pm and 6pm to 12am.
For more information visit hutong-dubai.com
Asia Asia

The award-winning restaurant and lounge takes its inspiration from the ancient spice route with a journey from Asia through to the Far East, as you dine and unwind with gourmet Pan-Asian fusion dishes and creative cocktails, complimented by incredible views of Dubai Marina’s skyline to celebrate this special occasion. Located at Pier 7, Asia Asia is open from Sunday to Wednesday 6pm to 1am and Friday and Saturday 2pm to 1am.
For more information visit asia-asia.com
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If you’re currently on the hunt for some fitness inspiration or looking to change up your exercise routine, perhaps Hailey Baldwin Bieber might be able to help as she’s just spilled the beans on what her trick is to staying fit.

Speaking on the Women’s Health Going for Goal podcast, Bieber revealed she’s a huge fan of Pilates and boxing.
“I’ll do a couple of sessions a week in the gym, weight training and cardio, I used to be a ballet dancer so Pilates for me gets my body personally in the best shape because it’s very elongating,” she explained. “A lot of the movements in Pilates are very similar to dance.
“And I think that’s why I identify with and like it so much.”
Previously in an interview with Byrdie in 2018, she revealed she does an occasional detox cleanse which helps her to reset, especially before big events such as Fashion Week.
She also prioritises protein and vegetables in her foods, making sure she follows a balanced diet.

While Bieber is an advocate for being healthy physically, she’s also a hugely comitted to taking care of her mental health as she believes in including positive habits in her daily routine, as she also deals with anxiety.
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