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    6 of the best hot spots in Dubai that transform into a sensory dining delight

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    For a high-octane dining experience you’re in the right place.
    Known for its elaborate theatrics and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Dubai is never short of venues to visit to experience with your friends and family.
    With a combination of dining and dinner, we’ve curated a guide of upscale dining spots that are sure to impress on your next visit.
    Babylon

    Drawing inspiration from the Mesopotamian city of Babylon, this entertaining haven merges with enchanting fairytales every day in the ‘Gardens of Love’. Prepare to be swept off your feet as you embark on a journey into a world of pure magic at the award-winning DIFC hotspot and step boldly through a mystical portal to enchantment, immersing yourself in an entirely fresh concept for Babylon’s thrilling season three. Located at the Podium Level of Gate Village 05 in DIFC, it’s open from Tuesday to Saturday 8:30pm to 3am and is close on Sunday and Monday.
    For more information visit here 
    Josette

    For a thrilling evening of cabaret performances, burlesque dancers and artists from Paris, this traditional Parisian restaurant amps it up a notch with its old Hollywood charm that guests simply can’t get enough off. With cutting-edge video projection technology to elevate he visual experience, these interactive shows are reminiscent of a bygone era. Located in DIFC, near ICD Brookfield, the Josette shows transcend eras, dance styles and aesthetics with fascination in every performance. The candy-coloured grandeur is elevated with exuberant romance from the ‘1920s taking the dining experience up a level. To experience Josette thrilling shows, a minimum spending of Dhs500 is required in both main dining and lounge areas.
    For more information visit here. 
    Krasota

    By combining all elements of food, art and show, guests can seamlessly dissolve on a journey between reality and artistry. Through the medium of storytelling, this multisensory dining experience merges haute cuisine and artistic brilliance through an ingenious performance. The intimate venue only caters to 20 guests ensuring a personalised experience for everyone who visits. Designed to savour the hidden meanings behind the masterpieces, this multisensory adventure leaves an indelible impression on every palate and imagination. The experience is priced at Dhs1,830 per person and is located at Downtown Hotel.
    For more information visit here. 
    DREAM

    The dreamy venue offers an all-in-one escape from reality. With a range of talented international acts and show-stopping acrobatics, the venue stands out with its Mediterranean-inspired menu and unparalleled mixology, combining classic and signature cocktails. They bring magic and fantasy to life with spectacular 3D visual mapping, captivating performances and acrobatic dancers alongside exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and is located at Address Beach Resort, JBR. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday 8pm until late and a minimum spend starts at Dhs1,000 and varies depending on the day of the week.
    For more information visit here. 
    Q’s Bar & Lounge

    Q’s Bar and Lounge showcases world-class performances from emerging artists handpicked by the music legend himself who has won 28 Grammys across his career spanning over seven decades and who has collaborated with legendary icons across various music genres. Q’s Bar and Lounge provides the perfect old-world charm that can be enjoyed with sumptuous bar bites, and a wide selection of beverages inspired by the legendary achievements of Quincy Jones. With Versace-designed leather couches, mahogany tables and unmatched acoustics, this spot is a must visit. Located in Palazzo Versace, the performances take place Wednesday to Sunday, 7pm onwards.
    For more information visit here. 
    Theater

    As one of the most unique entertainment hotspots in the Middle East, Theater is committed to presenting real artists and incredible shows while serving up delicious and innovative dishes created by award winning Chef Mattheus Stinnissen. With the debut of ‘Lost in Time’, Theater continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, offering an immersive experience unlike anything seen before. From the swinging melodies of the 1920’s to the revolutionary spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and disco fever of the 1970’s, ‘Lost in Time’ is guaranteed to have audiences of every age. Located at Fairmont Hotel, it’s open from Tuesday to Saturday 10pm to 3am.
    For more information visit here. 
    – 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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    In pics: Handé Erçel threw a Gatsby-Themed party for her 30th birthday

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    44 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 14 IMAGES
    Turkish Handé Erçel goes back in time to the Roaring Twenties with a Great Gatsby-themed party to enjoy her 30th birthday in an elaborate setting.
    A series of stunning photos from the night were shared on the actress’ Instagram account to her 31 million fans.
    By taking it back in time to the period of the 1920s, Erçel bought the American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story back to life as she looked beyond gorgeous in her matching looks. She also had an exquisite silver cake topped with red cherries and long candles to complement the evening.
    The superstar was donned in two completely different white-hued looks. In the first, Erçel wore a jacket and hot-shorts and held a stick. However, while cutting the “white” cake, the Turkish actress wore a short white dress. In both outlooks, the model made a special hairstyle to match the party theme.
    A host of guests attended “The Great Birthday’ and were also seen wearing clothes to match the theme party of the Turkish actress. Hande Erçel’s sister Gamze was of course one of the main party guests who attended the celebration along with her husband Caner Yıldırım.
    Swipe through the gallery to see snippets of the lavish celebrations.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @handemiyy More

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    Chef Tom Allen on helming Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-star restaurant Dinner in Dubai

    Emirates Man

    by Joelle Albeaino
    3 hours ago

    Chef de Cuisine Tom Allen of Michelin-star restaurant, Dinner, by Heston Blumenthal talks to Emirates Man about his culinary journey so far and his current stint in Dubai.
    Can you tell us a bit about your background and how your culinary journey began?
    I was born and raised in Cheltenham, a small town in Gloucestershire, England. In 2001, I began my first full-time role working at Lumiere, a small 30-cover restaurant in Cheltenham as Chef de Partie. Working there at such an impressionable age, I learned the values of hard work and dedication and it was during this period that I met Ashley Palmer-Watts, who was at the time the Head Chef of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck. In 2005, I made the move to The Fat Duck restaurant working with an incredible team where I developed a passion for the many processes of the prestigious three-Michelin-starred kitchen. I then joined Dinner in 2009 assisting Heston Blumenthal and developing the historical dishes that they would open the restaurant with, working alongside food historians and museum curators to bring Heston’s vision to life. In 2019 I then took on the role of Head Chef – Dinner London.
    What or who has been your biggest culinary inspiration throughout your career?
    Before I started my career, my parents inspired me. My mum was a stay-at-home mum, so we would always cook together in the kitchen and my dad would grow fruit and vegetables in our garden. Cooking at home was a way to bring the family together and is where I formed an emotional connection with food. My main inspiration since being in the culinary world would have to be Heston Blumenthal; he has been my main inspiration. His profound outlook on cooking, along with his approach to food, flavours, and storytelling has always amazed me. I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with Heston for more than 14 years, and this has had a real impact on the way I approach food.

    Could you describe your signature style that sets you apart from other chefs?
    My style as a chef is twofold, there’s my approach to cooking and discovering dishes from the ages and bringing them to the modern pallet, to how I manage and work with my team, boosting morale and garnering camaraderie. At heart, I am a perfectionist, and every intricate detail must be met to the highest of standards – this is across everything I do. That said, my culinary style is forever evolving and that is a testament to how I have been mentored by such an innovative teacher, that is Heston. It starts with sourcing great quality ingredients and having an amazing team to bring the dishes to life. At Dinner, we always tell the story behind each dish to give it authenticity, that point of difference, and reference. That’s why we search for historical links and work with historians, museum curators, and people who are passionate about food history to help bring all those components together, which we can then use when applying our techniques and methodology to provide a genuine story that that we can deliver to our guests.
    What eventually brought you to Dubai?
    Before I came to lead Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Dubai, I was overseeing Dinner in London. Heston had instilled immense trust in me to carry and drive his concept further, from the development of the dishes to overseeing the entire team. Years of dedication and commitment resulted in the opportunity to come to Dubai, to bring the concept here, and to make the restaurant a success. It was thrilling, and equally inspiring to come to an exciting new market like Dubai, which at the time was receiving global recognition for its culinary landscape.

    Dinner by Heston Blumenthal was awarded a Michelin star – what does this mean to you?
    To receive a star after being open for a very short period of time, we were completely overjoyed at the award and very proud and very honoured to receive the recognition from the MICHELIN Guide. It means a lot to me and the team; our hard work and dedication have been recognized by one of the most prestigious names in the culinary world. It’s given us a major boost to continue pushing our boundaries and raising the bar.
    Running a Michelin-star restaurant requires meticulous attention to detail and maintaining exceptional standards. How do you stay on top of that?
    We uphold Michelin-star standards through meticulous processes, ways of sourcing products, menu creation and service excellence, but the backbone to the success comes down to the team and passion. I’ve always been passionate about harvesting authentic culture and making sure that we are a collaborative force working towards the same goal. I’ve put in place a regular training session, where the team not only tests their skills but encourages them to be creative and experiment in the kitchen. My team must be happy and motivated because, at the end of the day, the level that we work at is hard enough, and so I want people to wake up in the morning after their days off and feel happy and inspired about coming to work.

    In your opinion, what is the hero dish at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal?
    Looking at the menu at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, we celebrate hero dishes from the ages, so it’s hard to choose one. From our starters, the Meat Fruit is the most iconic, there is a sense of playfulness, and it shows that things aren’t quite like what they seem (something Heston would always say). When you finish your dining experience two desserts stand out the most. You have our Tipsy Cake (c.1858), which historically takes the lead from the arrival of the first pineapples to the English court in 1700. It’s served with slices of roasted pineapple that have been slowly roasted on a spit for up to six hours. How it’s roasted is really interesting, our pineapple rotisserie is driven by our ‘The Dinner Escapement’ (clock), which is a breath-taking installation in the centre of the restaurant, its pully system reaches across the dining room and to the kitchen, to turn the rotisserie. Then we have our showstopper, which was inspired by one of the world’s first innovative chefs, the theatrical table side Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Trolly (c.1901). This is inspired by the work of Agnes B Marshall, a 19th century culinary entrepreneur, also known as ‘the Queen of Ices’ for her work in the development and design of ice cream production and storage.
    Finally, what is the future for Chef Tom Allen and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal?
    Despite only being open since earlier this year, we have achieved a great deal of success already and this is just the beginning for us. Our focus right now is building the team, enhancing the experience for our guests, and ensuring that we’re driving Dinner forward as one of the world’s most unique and exciting award-winning restaurants. We look to launching and showcasing many more dishes from history, and to story tell them through the language of taste and flavour.
    For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by Dinner by Heston Blumenthal More

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    11 best turkey takeaways to purchase in Dubai for the upcoming festivities

    If you’re looking to plan an intimate Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at home, the holiday bird might just be the perfect open to make it a special one this year.
    This centerpiece main dish will ensure you skip the grocery line and opt for a gourmet option for all your guests as it comes accompanied with all the stuffing and trimmings to celebrate with your loved ones.
    Tailored to every appetite, Emirates Woman has curated a ready-to-eat guide of Turkey offerings to delight in this season in Dubai for a cosy evening in.
    Jones The Grocer

    The classic roast turkey is priced at Dhs795, the roast turkey with sides is priced at Dhs1,049, the Silver package including roast turkey with premium sides and apple cinnamon pie or a pumpkin pie is priced at Dhs1,189, the Gold package including roast turkey with premium sides and the artisan cheese board or artisan charcuterie board is priced at Dhs1,449 and the Diamond Package with premium sides, a choice of artisan cheese board or charcuterie board and a choice of apple cinnamon pie or pumpkin pie is Dhs1,559. Guests are encouraged to pre-order online or at their nearest Jones the Grocer outlet – whether it be for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or just a jolly festive feast, Jones the Grocer is the ultimate choice for your festive needs and each package serves 8 to 10 people with a a sage and apricot stuffed roast turkey with cranberry sauce and juniper-infused gravy. The turkey takeaway option is available across all stores in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
    For more information visit jonesthegrocer.com
    Reform Social & Grill

    A classic British whole roasted turkey takeaway with all the trimmings including roast vegetables, brussels sprouts, cabbage, stuffing, gravy & cranberry sauce. Available from November 16 to December 25, 2023, the offering for four people is for Dhs440 and for 8 people is for Dhs680. Located at The Lakes, it’s open from12pm until 11pm.
    For more information visit reformsocialgrill.ae
    Couqley

    Available for dine-in or takeaway with a 72-hour notice, customers can now order Couqley’s full turkey feast that serves groups of 8 to 10 people. The loved French restaurant’s traditional turkey is served with a selection of sides including aromatic mushroom stuffing, roasted brussels sprouts, potato gratin, truffle mac & cheese and roasted vegetables, as well as their signature cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy. The whole turkey is priced at Dhs799, the whole turkey with sides including all sides plus Gravy and Cranberry is Dhs1,199 for 800grams each side. Additional sides can be added starting for Dhs49.
    For more information visit couqley.ae
    Bull & Bear

    One of the city’s most exquisite restaurant’s located at Waldorf Astoria DIFC has a Turkey takeaway option from November 15 until December 23, where guests can choose between a Whole Turkey with all the trimmings included beetroot cured salmon, valhrona bruche noel and a festive pudding for Dhs1,245. The turkey takeaway options serve between 6 to 8 people, and must be pre-ordered at least 48 hours in advance allowing guests to spend more time with loved ones. Orders can be placed via WhatsApp 058 600 6776 between 9am to 6pm.
    For more information visit newsroom.hilton.com
    Raffles The Palm

    For families looking for a regal festive feast to enjoy in the comfort of their home, Raffles The Palm’s Turkey to Go offers a convenient option for a mouth-watering turkey roast, with no hassle. Guests can order the roasted turkey 48 hours in advance and collect it from the hotel’s grand Patisserie, next to Blüthner Hall. The roasted turkey can be accompanied by a choice of traditional trimmings, such as stuffing and cranberry sauce, along with indulgent desserts, including classic Christmas pudding. The takeaway festive option is priced from Dhs550 and is available from November 23 until January 2, 2024
    For more information visit rafflesthepalm.com
    The Duck Hook

    Enjoy a relaxing holiday with the perfect roast Turkey delivered right to your door, just in time to impress your guests. Packages include chilled par-cooked boneless turkey breast, served with all the signature trimmings, desserts, mince pies and crackers. Vegan and Gluten-Free alternatives are also available. The Delivery dates are from December 8 to 10, 15 to 17, 22 to 25, 29 to 30 and pick up is available from Jumeirah Emirates Towers from 22nd to 25, and 31 December. It’s priced at Dhs495 for two people, Dhs825 for four people, Dhs1,540 for eight people and Dhs2,365 for twelve. Guests can avail the 20 percent discount all packages, when ordered are pre-booked before November 15, 2023.
    For more information visit here.
    Lobby Lounge at Address Boulevard

    Those looking to have an extra delicious holiday season at home can enjoy the Festive takeaways including sweet and savoury treats that will enhance the celebrations. Whether it’s a scrumptious Turkey or festive desserts, the selection from the Festive Desk will allow guests to be wowed from the comfort of their own home with grab & go goodies from the Lobby Lounge. It’s priced at Dhs599 per turkey for 6 to 8 people and Dhs290 per kg of Panettone and is available from December 15 to 31, 2023, from 10am to 4pm.
    For more information visit addresshotels.com
    Sheraton at Mall of the Emirates

    Jazz up the celebrations this festive season with a special turkey takeaway from Sheraton Mall of the Emirates. Allow the hotel’s talented culinary team to craft the perfect home-style feast for you. Whether it’s a family gathering or an office Christmas party, you can pre-order a juicy and tender traditional oven-roasted, stuffed turkey or leg of lamb served with classic condiments, including brussels sprouts with turkey bacon, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, glazed carrots with chestnuts, gravy and cranberry sauce. Celebrate hassle-free and let Sheraton MOE do all the preparations while delivering the turkey straight to your doorstep or making it ready for pickup. Orders must be made 48 hours in advance and is available from 5 to 31 December for Dhs549 for a 6 to 7kg Turkey with 1kg condiments and pick up from the hotel, otherwise a Dhs100 delivery charge will apply.
    For more information visit mariott.com 
    Ladurée

    Elevate your celebrations at home easier and indulge inexquisite flavours with the delicious 8kg roasted Turkey, expertly prepared and generously filled with traditional French stuffing, a savoury blend of Cepesmushrooms and breadcrumbs. Drizzle the rich and decadent Chicken jus over the turkey for a burst of flavours that’ll have your taste buds dancing.Start you feast with five different side dishes including mouthwatering stuffed mushrooms, followed by a creamy and cheesy baked spinach gratin with Mournay sauce. The Pomme Anna a la française, a classic French potato dish, will leave you craving for seconds,while sautéed baby vegetables featuring heirloom carrots, asparagus, and pearl onions add a touch of elegance starting at Dhs950. All takeaway orders must be made 48 hours in advance from November 21 to December 31, 2023 onwards and is available across all outlets in Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills and more.
    For more information visit laduree.ae
    Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah

    Unwind this season and let Marriott Resort’s culinary artisans craft an authentic festive feast with all the trimmings. Every detail, thoughtfully attended to, is the perfect centrepiece for the festive gathering. Guests can order and collect their roasted turkey cooked to perfection, alongside traditional accompaniments including brussel sprouts with chestnuts, roasted potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, stuffing, sauces and more. This festive spread is completed with a complimentary box of petit fours. Prior booking required 24 hours in advance. Orders can be placed daily from December 5, 2023 until January 7, 2024 and the whole Turkey for 7kg up to ten guests is priced at Dhs750, for 5kg up to six guests is Dhs550.
    For more information visit marriot.com
    Atlantis The Palm

    Secure your festive feast with Atlantis The Palm’s exclusive turkey offerings, available in two sizes: Medium (serving 6 to 8) for Dhs895 and Large (serving 10 to 12) for Dhs1,195. Elevate your celebration by placing your order 48 hours in advance to enjoy a freshly roasted turkey with an array of delectable accompaniments. This culinary delight includes cranberry sauce, giblet gravy, bread sauce, chipolata sausage, turkey & sage stuffing, roasted potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, roasted parsnips and swede, Brussels sprouts, and green beans. For an indulgent upgrade of Dhs450, savor the exquisite black truffle stuffed turkey, complemented by truffle potato gratin, caramelized shallots, and a goat cheese tatin. Home delivery services will be available from December 24 to 26 for a hassle-free holiday experience.
    For more information visit  atlantis.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash  More

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    The most romantic restaurants in Dubai to celebrate your anniversary

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 11 IMAGES
    Thinking 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 Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @mimiarr More

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    8 coffee shops in Dubai for the minimalist

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    15 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 8 IMAGES
    We all need our daily dose of caffeine, so why not enjoy somewhere aesthetic?
    For a quick midday break or to simply catch up on some work, Dubai has a host of refined spots that are sure to cater to both your tastebuds and eye.
    From concrete interiors to a minimalist palette, Scandinavian interiors have gained huge traction over the years as spaces have sheltered away from the overcomplicated design.
    So, If you’re on the hunt for pared-back spaces with a clean design, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide on all the places to bookmark ASAP.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @whatgigiwears More

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    All the pieces to add to your home for a cosy winter

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    30 mins ago

    With the weather cooling down and all the holiday festivities around the corner, finding the right pieces can instantly elevates your home.
    Plush accents, heavier fabrics, and seasonal patterns all add an extra layer of comfort to your home during the warm winter months
    From faux foliage to Christmas wreaths, there’s a host of small touches to make your house feel like a home this season.
    So, if you want to revamp your space, try these decorating ideas to turn your home into a warm and welcoming space throughout the fall and winter.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Ounass & Feature Image: Unspash @genrusnac 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